"How could we? We would never let Your Highness fall into danger alone!" Yan Chuanzhi dropped to his knees with a thud.
"Alright, get up," Xiao Shaojin waved his hand. "We haven't talked about Han Zhong's reward yet. Besides the Rank 5 Capital position, I have a special gift."
"I sent men to the Northwest border to find a set of ruthless martial arts manuals. Eight sets in total—Sabers, Spears, Twin Blades. Your style is bold and powerful, perfect for this. I've sent them to your home. It might take thirty years to master, but a few years will give you a solid foundation."
Xiao took a sip of tea. "Also, your son is three, right? I found a few tutors. They will go to your house tomorrow. Let the boy choose whoever he likes."
Han Zhong was speechless. He choked up, "Thank you, Your Highness! I... Your Highness..."
"Enough," Xiao smiled. "I treat you well, you treat me well. That's all that matters."
He turned to Yan Chuanzhi. "Do you remember that girl?"
Yan Chuanzhi's rugged face turned beet red. "What girl? What is Your Highness saying?"
"Don't play dumb. You're twenty-five. You can't expect a girl to wait forever," Xiao grinned like a gossiping auntie.
Han Zhong nudged Yan. "Isn't it the eldest daughter of the Yuan family who runs the eatery in South City? You two have been eyeing each other for ages. Why haven't you proposed?"
Yan smiled bitterly. "My parents died early. My only relative is the Yang Family in the East Sea. I have no support in Jicheng. What do I have to offer Miss Yuan?"
Xiao Shaojin shook his head and pulled out a stack of papers from his robe, waving them in front of Yan's face.
"I've arranged everything. Betrothal Gifts: One hundred items, large and small, plus one thousand taels of silver."
He slapped the first few papers on the table.
"Assets: Five hundred acres of farmland. Three shops—a noodle shop, a rice shop, and an oil shop. Her family won't need to buy supplies ever again."
He slapped down the last paper.
"Housing: A five-courtyard mansion in South City. The seller is the father of one of my silk-pants friends; he gave me a thirty percent discount."
Xiao looked at Yan. "Well? Are you satisfied with this Prince's arrangement?"
Han Zhong chimed in playfully, "Satisfied! Very satisfied! Chuanzhi, go propose so I can drink at your wedding!"
Yan Chuanzhi lowered his head, sobbing. "Your Highness... I... I don't know what to say. I'm too happy..."
Xiao stood up and patted his shoulder. "If you don't know what to say, just laugh. Laugh hard. Then I'll go with you to propose. I've never seen a proposal before. Han Zhong, come along if you're free?"
"Coming! Hahahaha!" Han laughed foolishly.
"Okay, clean up your faces," Xiao's tone turned serious. "First matter done. Now the second."
The two generals sat up straight.
"You know the Border Army has 500,000 men, but I can trust very few. How goes the recruitment of loyal officers?"
"I recommend two men," Yan reported. "Fu Qingshan and Xu Yan. They are my deputies, carefully selected. Both are willing to be Your Highness's confidants. Especially Xu Yan—his family was killed by Barbarians six years ago. He is absolutely loyal."
"Good. Han Zhong?"
"Your Highness, I found three from the Drill Battalion. Wang Keren from Youzhou, Zhang Heng and Li Yuan from Yanyun. All clean backgrounds. They infiltrated the North with me for three years. I've been generous with rewards on your behalf."
Xiao nodded with satisfaction. "Third matter. I captured 40,000 Wu elite soldiers. They need training. Treat them like the Red Rust Army for a year, then like the Iron Pagoda. Send your best men. Oh, send that Xu Yan. We'll see if he's general material in two years."
"Understood!" both generals replied in unison.
"Treat the soldiers well. My foundation is thin right now. Whether these 40,000 Barbarians become useful depends on you."
Xiao stood up to leave, then turned back to Yan. "Business is done. Let's go propose!"
Soon, the three were in a carriage heading to the outskirts of Jicheng.
Xiao Shaojin was more excited than the groom. "Chuanzhi, don't be nervous. I hired the most famous matchmaker in the city, Matchmaker Luo. Plus, I'm here to back you up. How can it fail?"
Yan scratched his head awkwardly. "Your Highness, I've actually only met Miss Yuan a few times. A few years ago, some thugs were causing trouble at her eatery. I drove them away. That's how we met."
"Did you beat them up?" Xiao asked. "As my General, your style should match mine."
"I would never forget Your Highness's teachings," Yan said seriously. "My men and I beat them up before chasing them off."
Xiao nodded. "Remember one rule: Eliminate evil completely. In the Capital, be careful. But if you must strike... either don't do it, or do it absolutely."
The generals bowed solemnly.
They arrived at the Yuan Family Eatery in South City at 5:45 PM. Matchmaker Luo was already waiting at the back door.
Xiao Shaojin and Han Zhong's stomachs growled.
"I should have eaten," Xiao complained, squatting on the ground. "I'm dizzy with hunger."
"Me too," Han agreed. "Drank all night, didn't eat much."
"Why don't Your Highness and Brother Han find a place to eat?" Yan felt guilty. "Matchmaker Luo and I can handle this."
"No way," Xiao shook his head. "This is a big life event. We have to participate."
"Wait," Xiao stood up. "The Yuan family runs an eatery. Why look elsewhere? Chuanzhi, you wait here with the Matchmaker. Han Zhong and I will go inside to eat. I can check out the bride-to-be."
He pulled Han toward the front door. "Oh, I told Uncle Wang to call some people from the Mansion to support you. They'll be here soon with my hunting entourage. Don't think it's exaggerated—we need to show her family your sincerity!"
The eatery was busy. Xiao and Han walked in and immediately got into a dispute over seats with two men.
Since Xiao wasn't wearing his Python robe, most people didn't recognize him. Usually, people fled a mile away when they saw the Python robe.
"Look at you two poor bastards," one of the men sneered. "Must be a rare treat to eat here. Beg this Young Master, and maybe I'll pay your bill."
Xiao was about to explode, but Han stopped him. "Your Highness, we're here for Chuanzhi's proposal. Don't cause trouble."
Xiao calmed down. "I have important business today, so I won't argue with two dogs. State your names. Prepare for your house to be raided tomorrow."
The men laughed, holding their bellies. "I am the son of Magistrate Luo of Youzhou! You raid my house? I'll raid yours!"
"Magistrate Luo has a good reputation," Xiao shook his head in mock pity. "Pity he spawned a fool. I quite like his collection of antiques. Since you offered, they'll be mine by tomorrow."
The man in fine robes flew into a rage. "You milk-drinking brat! I'll teach you a lesson on behalf of your parents!"
He kicked at Xiao.
Han Zhong, a giant of a man, grabbed the leg and tossed the man out the door like a sack of potatoes.
"You said don't cause trouble!" Xiao scolded. "What are you doing?"
"He dared to kick Your Highness," Han scratched his head. "How could I not throw him? If he kicks you today, he'll hit the Prince tomorrow, and rebel the day after!"
Xiao patted Han's shoulder. "Old Han, you're getting good at this."
He shouted to a patrolling constable outside. "Someone arrest this traitor! He intends to rebel!"
The man saw the constable—an old acquaintance—and grabbed him. "Brother Yu! That kid insulted me, and that brute hurt me! Arrest them!"
But when Constable Yu saw Xiao Shaojin and Han Zhong, he drew his sword and pinned the man to the ground.
"Attempted regicide and rebellion! Arrest him! Citizens, do not fear!"
The man collapsed in shock. Regicide? Who is the King?
"Are you blind?" Constable Yu slapped him unconscious. "You don't recognize the Heir of Dongqi? The Luo family is finished!"
"Do you know me?" Xiao asked the constable.
Constable Yu knelt and kowtowed. "This lowly official is Yu Dashan, Head Constable of Jicheng. Greetings to Your Highness! I was on guard duty outside the city when you returned two years ago."
"I don't remember," Xiao leaned against a pillar. "But you know this traitor?"
"He is the son of Magistrate Luo," Yu admitted, head still on the ground. "Our fathers had some dealings."
"Don't be scared," Xiao smiled. "I remember your grandfather was a Military Judge? How did you end up a constable?"
"I wasn't cut out for books," Yu replied humbly. "I practiced martial arts from a young age and have some strength, so I took a job as a constable."
"Some strength?" Xiao's eyes lit up. "Spar with my General. If you last ten moves, report to General Han's unit. You can start as a Captain."
Han Zhong cracked his knuckles, eager for a fight.
Yu Dashan looked at Han's bandages. "The General is injured. I fear..."
"Looking down on my General?" Xiao goaded him. "This is Han Zhong. He single-handedly captured the Wu Grand Preceptor days ago. If you last, you can join the army and show your talent. Isn't that better than being a constable in this small city? Of course, if you're a useless sack of wine and rice, roll away now."
Xiao stared at the prostrate man. "The chance to change your fate is right in front of you. Are you a mule or a horse? A dog or a wolf? One touch will tell."
Yu Dashan trembled. He remembered Prince Xiao Hong's words from five years ago: A true man should wield a three-foot sword and achieve unworldly merit!
He didn't want to live in the shadow of his ancestors forever.
He stood up, took off his hat, and unbuckled his sword. He bowed to Han Zhong, assuming a fighting stance.
"General, please teach me!"