Ten Years

The sound of galloping hooves echoed in the street. A pair of brown horses pulled up a carriage before coming to a stop in front of a grand pavilion.

A young man stepped out of his sleek sedan, lifting his eyes and drawn irresistibly toward the sprawling expanse that unfolded before him. The young man possessed a pair of deep black eyes that seemed to conceal entire worlds within them. Like a gentle breeze, his aura exuded elegance and calmness, attracting those around him. His smile was reminiscent of a moonless night, where nothing could be seen without the light from the moon.

As he moved, a cascade of raven-black hair followed, falling like a waterfall onto his forehead. He was clad in attire that combined elegance with practicality—a tailored coat that draped his form like a second skin, adorned with intricate embroidery that spoke of refined taste.

His movements were deliberate, each step taken with purpose, radiating confidence. The air seemed to shift around him, as if the world itself recognized his presence. It was hard to believe that he had been an orphan who couldn't even take care of himself a few years ago.

He raised his eyes to gaze at the city. Towers stood tall in various spots, contrasting with traditional pagodas that peeked out from between them.

However, what captivated him the most was the people. They bustled about, each with their own stories. Scholars hurried to libraries, merchants bartered in marketplaces, and artists immortalized the world with strokes of paint and words.

"Sir, we have reached our destination," a middle-aged man said as he approached, his head bowed. He held two wooden cases that belonged to the young man, Hao Yu, who had just arrived.

Hao Yu offered a gentle smile in acknowledgment. "Thank you. Please place my luggage against the wall."

"Yes, Sir."

While the middle-aged man attended to his request, Hao Yu gazed at the clear blue sky and muttered, "It has been ten years. I have been waiting for too long."

A young man with pure black eyes approached him politely. "Sir Administrator, I have been waiting for you," he said, his breath slightly labored.

"I'm just an Assistant District Administrator. Who are you?"

"My name is An Lei. I'm a public servant here to assist you in your duties."

"In that case, let's meet with the Administrator first."

"Actually," An Lei began with a wry smile, rubbing his cheek, "the Magistrate is requesting your presence."

"The Magistrate?" Hao Yu raised an eyebrow before extending his hand as if to maintain his composure. "Please lead the way."

"Please follow me," An Lei replied and hurriedly guided him into the pavilion.

The grand pavilion covered a vast area of the city and housed the entire city administration, from guards to high-level officials. There were several offices, and An Lei led him to the central one, where the Magistrate oversaw everything.

Many people rushed about, carrying numerous documents. An Lei and Hao Yu carefully made their way to the third floor, where An Lei stopped in front of a double door on the east side of the building.

He knocked on the door and announced, "Magistrate Han, I have brought Sir Hao with me."

"Tell him to come in," came a coarse voice from inside.

Even Hao Yu slightly furrowed his eyebrows as if he felt the voice was a bit familiar. As Hao Yu entered the room, he noticed a middle-aged man sitting in front of him. The man had long white hair and a calm, collected smile. His body might not have appeared robust, but his eyes exuded wisdom.

"Assistant District Administrator Hao Yu has seen the Magistrate," Hao Yu politely greeted him with a bow.

After the door was closed, the Magistrate chuckled and spoke in a friendly tone. "As expected, it's you, little Yu. It seems that you have completed your studies."

"I may still have much to learn in your eyes, but I will do my best," Hao Yu replied politely.

"That's fine. You don't need to be so formal with me. Your Teacher is a friend of mine, so I will naturally look after you. How is he?"

"Actually, Teacher has asked me to deliver this to you," Hao Yu said, making a wry smile as he raised the case in his right hand.

"Is that so? You can simply leave it there." Seeing that the case was sealed and there was no damage to it, The Magistrate knew Hao Yu hadn't seen the content. So, he chuckled and stood up, approaching Hao Yu. "Considering he is your teacher, I assume you will be equally formal. So, let me get straight to the point. There are four administrators in this district. You will be working under Administrator Gao in the southern district. He is a good man, so learn from him."

"Yes, Sir," Hao Yu nodded with a serious expression.

"Alright. An Lei will guide you to your lodgings, and Gao Ke will be back in his office in an hour, so you can meet him then." The Magistrate waved his hand, dismissing him.

Hao Yu politely bowed and left the room with a single case. However, before he could open the door, the Magistrate's voice echoed again as he said, "Little Yu, you're being too rigid. Learn to relax, or you won't be able to perform well."

Hao Yu's body trembled. Although he maintained a calm expression, it seemed the Magistrate had sensed his tension. All he could manage was a wry smile before giving one last bow and exiting the room.

There was a strange feeling about that last piece of advice. It appeared to be directed at him, but it carried a deeper meaning.

While pondering it, An Lei continued to guide him to his room in another building.

"Please take some rest before meeting Administrator Gao," An Lei said, parting with Hao Yu and leaving him alone in the room.

Hao Yu couldn't help but glance around the empty room and shake off his thoughts. "In any case, it has been ten years since my sister's passing. I have been waiting for this moment. Just wait for me, Father, Mother, Sister... I will surely avenge all of you."