I invoke the Pact!

"Since when did my father become the Second Commander?"

In the Pavilion allocated to the City Lord, Xin Ruo whispered in Ikasa's ear. She was shocked by the City Lord's announcement. 

"Since the third month of last year," Ikasa whispered back while keeping his eyes on the three heads gathered near the Crystals. 

"What?"

She blurted out loud, confused by his reply. In the third month of last year, her father didn't even know who Zhen Wu of Birch City was, let alone agree to become his commander. 

Ikasa hurriedly shushed her and explained in a low voice. 

"City Lord Zhen kept the post of Second Commander vacant for a year, so he could promote Vice Commander Zhou when he advanced to Sense Realm. But Zhou Ruan didn't advance in time." 

"So when we agreed to cooperate, he appointed Feng Yan as the nominal Second Commander to make him a legitimate contender. He backdated his appointment to prevent such allegations."