Wei reviewed the relay charts with capital engineer Qiao Wen at the western gate engineering table. The charts showed three cracks feeding repeated overloads. The central anchor could channel current through them, but could not repair the lines.
Qiao tapped the western joint. “The ceremonial walls received new stone. These relay joints are still waiting for replacements.”
“Will you sign that?” Wei asked.
“If Wuchen lets me inspect the full work order.”
Wuchen had authorized the review. He entered with Qinghe and Yan and placed the work order beside the chart. It listed the ceremonial walls, their crew allotments, and the older relays. The crew numbers did not match the original maintenance requests.
Yan asked what happened when a cracked relay failed under a surge.
“The connected district takes the pressure first,” Qiao said. “A central anchor can redirect part of it, not remove the damage already in the line.”
Yan studied the neighborhood marks. The network could hold overall while still harming individual districts. If he became the anchor, his strength might absorb repeated cycles. It would not mean the outer wards had no risk.
