Early the next morning, news spread throughout Tianfeng City that the Water General had been demoted to the Imperial Secretariat.
"Have you heard? Early this morning, I saw the Water General heading to the Imperial Secretariat with literary items."
"Oh, this is quite a serious matter. Could it be that he offended the City Lord and was demoted as a result?"
"Recently, the Water General has been quite neglectful in his duties, which likely displeased the City Lord, prompting a need for reflection."
Some astute people had indeed guessed the Lord of Tianfeng City's intention—merely to make the Water General cool down and stay clear-headed.
Upon hearing the news, Ping Xiao smiled, thinking perhaps the Lord of Tianfeng City's actions weren't too big a mistake.
However, from Ping Xiao's perspective, this was a fatal move!
Ping Xiao turned to the Bei Family Head: "The opportunity has arrived. Family Head, I believe we can proceed to the next step of our plan."