Han Yu actually directly tried to recruit Ning Yue?!
As soon as he said this, the hall instantly erupted.
That was a Qianhu, with a fief of a hundred acres, a thousand households, and his martial arts cultivation was even more unfathomable.
For a warrior to make a name for himself, especially in this talent-rich Gu City, it was almost impossible without a noble's support and promotion.
And a Qianhu's personal guard, while holding the same position as a Zongqi, had vastly different treatment!
Just in terms of salary, the difference was more than three to five times.
A Xiaoqi officer's monthly military pay was less than two taels, while a personal guard started at twenty taels!
From a Xiaoqi officer to a Qianhu's personal guard was a leap to the heavens; the resources and future connections differed vastly.
Ning Yue's painstaking efforts, splitting every penny in half, were far less substantial than a single reward from the Qianhu.
At this moment, even Xue Ren's face showed a hint of emotion upon hearing this, as he knew he couldn't offer more generous terms.
He had indeed thought highly of this young man before, but only admired his composed demeanor, diligence, and lack of oversight in his work.
He never expected that upon meeting him today, his martial arts foundation was also incredibly solid, and the Gold Jade Skin Grinding Art he had just given him had probably already been mastered by this kid!
Mo Yingshuo, however, was even more indignant.
It was just a half-hearted, half-acted dispute, so why did Han Qianhu suddenly take a liking to his talent?
But even if he truly appreciated talent, he should favor his own Lin Shanhe!
Huh? Lin Shanhe, where is he?
Mo Yingshuo looked left and right, and after a long while, he helplessly spotted his brother-in-law, wrapped in tattered sackcloth, quickly slipping out of the hall entrance and disappearing into the night.
Just then, Zhao Zhige stepped forward and immediately said, "Han Qianhu, this matter might not be appropriate—"
As the City Lord's son, Zhao Zhige was among the most distinguished guests in the hall.
However, Young Master Zhao had always been taciturn, preferring to plan before acting. It was unknown why he had stepped forward today.
Could it be that he also took a liking to this kid, Ning Yue?
Seeing Zhao Zhige speak, the murmurs in the hall gradually subsided, but everyone's ears perked up in unison.
Zhao Zhige continued, "As the sage said: 'Rewards should not be excessive, and punishments should not be arbitrary. Excessive rewards benefit the petty, and arbitrary punishments harm the noble.' While Ning Yue can certainly be considered a young hero, the reward should not be too heavy, otherwise it will harm him."
Han Yu raised an eyebrow, smiled indifferently, and said, "Commander Zhao makes a good point. It was I who was presumptuous."
"Not at all, I merely offered a suggestion. Han Qianhu can make his own decision on this matter," Zhao Zhige said, then turned and retreated.
But Zhao Zhige had started it, and a crowd of guests eager to curry favor with the Zhao Family also began to offer their advice.
"The position of personal guard requires extreme caution. Ning Yue is merely of ordinary bone, with limited martial arts prospects. Qianhu, this matter should be reconsidered."
"Yes, Qianhu, Ning Yue is known to be greedy for money. Keeping him by your side might tarnish your reputation, sir."
Listening to the clamor, Han Yu's smile gradually faded. He refocused his gaze on Ning Yue, who stood silently.
He spoke, "Ning Yue, you've heard Commander Zhao and everyone else's opinions. Logically, you've already received the precious saber, and this matter is complete. However, I still want to give you the choice. You decide."
"Do you wish to become my personal guard, or do you want some treasures and rewards, or perhaps martial arts techniques?"
"I want to hear your decision!"
As his words fell, everyone's expressions became solemn.
The guests, flushed from drink, once again fixed their intense gazes on Ning Yue, eager to see what choice this rising star would make.
Even Zhao Zhige's recent advice hadn't made Han Yu give up, which showed how highly Han Qianhu regarded him; his words about a personal guard were not spoken lightly.
If Ning Yue accepted the Qianhu's invitation and became a personal guard, he would immediately board the Han Family's grand ship, sailing through the winds and waves in the future, with his martial arts progress, status, and position all rising.
For a moment, everyone looked at Ning Yue as if he were a rising new star, their eyes filled with envy.
As for refusing, no one had considered that answer, not even Xue Ren, who was now a mix of joy and concern.
Ning Yue first glanced at his superior, his gaze firm, then raised his head and stated directly, "I refuse the position of personal guard—"
"Why?" Han Yu's face showed no discernible emotion.
Ning Yue's gaze swept around, taking in the astonished looks of the surrounding people, and then he said, "I refuse for two reasons."
"I have not yet achieved any merit; to be promoted rashly would leave me uneasy, and I fear that the generals and my colleagues would not be convinced, making it difficult to command respect. This is the first reason."
Han Yu chuckled upon hearing this, saying, "What does that matter? Continue."
Ning Yue bowed with cupped hands and then declared, "Secondly, as Qianhu, you command a thousand troops, and your word is law. However, if you open the door to undeserved promotions today, you might be criticized in the future. I do not wish to trouble you, sir, and I also wish to achieve my position honorably. After the grand military competition in the future, having defeated three thousand heroes, I will then serve you, Qianhu!"
"Hahahaha, good! Well said!" Han Yu seemed unable to suppress his joy, laughing heartily again. "'If one day I achieve my lofty ambition, I dare to mock Huang Chao for not being a true man!' I didn't expect you to have such aspirations."
"Very well, I shall grant your wish! Reward! Reward a thousand taels of silver to aid your cultivation!"
"Ning Xiaoqi has lofty ambitions and is young and promising. His future will surely be boundless."
"Han Qianhu's discerning eye for talent will also become a fine tale."
The flattery from the crowd surged like a tide, making the atmosphere in the hall immediately lively again.
However, most people's hearts carried a hint of disdain. Young people don't know the value of being a personal guard; such opportunities don't come every day.
When his cultivation is hindered in the future and his career stagnates, perhaps this impetuous young man will realize how sweet the pie that fell from the sky today truly was?!
Zhao Zhige's eyes flickered, and a hint of appreciation quietly appeared in their depths.
Not impetuous, not conforming, quite the gentleman, and even a little clever, but then his gaze turned to disdain.
Ning Yue first respectfully received the silver reward, carefully tucked the silver notes into his bosom, then turned and, with a burst of light footwork, used his qinggong. After two or three bounds, he blocked a young man at the hall entrance.
"Money!" Ning Yue extended his hand.
"Hehehe, I didn't expect Ning to be in such a hurry. I was just thinking—" The young man chuckled before speaking, annoyed that he had been so engrossed in watching the show that he had been a little slow to run.
"You were thinking of running away, weren't you? Give me the money!" Zhao Silu, who had approached at some point, said fiercely.
Ning Yue turned his head, his eyes met a pair of smiling large eyes, which were now narrowed into two crescent moons.
"Ning Xiaoqi, what a coincidence, we meet again," Zhao Silu said with a smile.
Ning Yue nodded, just about to reply, but in an instant, a figure beside him flashed and darted out the door.
"Damn it, you heartless bastard, how dare you steal my money!" Ning Yue roared in anger, throwing himself after him.
Zhao Silu was stunned by this sudden turn of events. Just as she was about to follow, a long and strong hand pressed down on her shoulder, rendering her unable to move.
"Don't panic, little sister, I'll go after him!" Zhao Zhige gently reassured her.