8: Visitors

"I don't know either, Xu Qing. I was practicing martial arts at home when people from the City Lord's Mansion suddenly came to invite me over."

"The reason we're here together now is probably because of that fierce tiger."

Xu Qing said to Yang Long.

That fierce tiger had already been dealt with. The tiger meat was divided and eaten by the Xu Family and Yang Family, and some was even sent to the Wang Family.

The tiger meat was a bit tough and chewy, and even a little sour.

Xu Qing felt it was just for the novelty; it wasn't even as tasty as beef.

Of course, oxen were used for farm work, and there was a law against eating them.

However, oxen that "died from illness or exhaustion" could still be tasted.

As for the tiger penis, Aunt Yi Rong took it to steep in wine, preparing it for Xu Qing's future use.

Even the tiger skin was peeled off and made into a cloak, which was hung in Xu Qing's room.

Xu Qing and Yang Long had just chatted for a couple of sentences at the City Lord's Mansion entrance.

Then a servant came out from inside, with a fawning smile, and quickly walked over,

"Two Young Masters, several messengers from the Linzhou Capital have arrived, and they are all waiting inside!"

Yang Long's eyes lit up.

He thought to himself, messengers from a General, could they be here to recruit me into the army? How can Father stop me now?

Yang Long excitedly swung his fist and said,

"Then lead the way quickly, don't waste any time."

"Please follow me, two Young Masters."

The servant in front was bowed, his head slightly lowered, his steps not large, but his pace was not slow.

Xu Qing looked at the servant's demeanor and secretly thought, the rules of this City Lord's Mansion seem to be quite strict.

Soon, the servant led Xu Qing and Yang Long to a room.

Inside, several chairs were placed on either side.

In the middle hung a calligraphy painting.

A middle-aged man sat upright in the main seat, his expression stern, leisurely sipping tea.

The chairs on both sides were empty, unoccupied.

In the middle were several soldiers dressed in light armor and helmets, staring at each other, their expressions seemingly resentful.

Xu Qing saw the imposing appearance of the middle-aged man and guessed that this might be the Lord City Master.

The Lord City Master of Yuan City is named Hu Xing, and he has been in office for many years.

The position of Lord City Master has always been appointed by the Lord above, usually transferred from elsewhere, and not chosen from the local area.

This was also to prevent local power from becoming too strong and unmanageable.

The servant went directly to the middle-aged man, bowed, and said,

"My Lord, the people have been brought."

Then he said to Xu Qing and Yang Long,

"This is the Lord City Master of Yuan City, hurry and pay your respects."

Xu Qing saw Yang Long looking a bit stunned, staring intently at the soldiers, and pulled him.

Yang Long then came back to his senses and bowed with Xu Qing.

Hu Xing smiled, raised his hand to signal them to dispense with the formalities, and said,

"You two must be Xu Qing and Yang Long, right? I heard about your tiger hunting, truly heroes emerge from the young!"

"These are the messengers from several Deputy Generals from the Capital. They specifically asked for you two, saying they want to invite you to the Capital to join the army and become officials."

Xu Qing was startled. Wasn't it a General? A Deputy General also counts as a General.

What the servant said was quite pleasant, he was good at dealing with people.

At this time, one of the messengers said,

"I am the messenger of Deputy General Chen Wu. Deputy General Chen Wu greatly admires you two. If you are willing to join the army, he can give you the position of Captain, so you don't have to start as a common soldier."

Before the two could react, another messenger interjected,

"I am the messenger of Deputy General Zhao Long. Our Lord also greatly admires you two. If you are willing, you can start as a Captain."

The remaining messengers all had roughly the same tone, coming from different Generals, all for the purpose of recruitment.

However, the promised official positions were all the same: Captain.

The rank of Captain was not high, but one could command soldiers under them.

Yang Long was a bit excited, but then fell into hesitation, unsure which Family to agree to.

Far away in the Capital, the characters of those Generals were unknown.

If they didn't get along in the future, it would inevitably cause more trouble, so Yang Long dared not make a hasty decision.

Yang Long looked at Xu Qing, wondering what decision Xu Qing would make.

Xu Qing was his boss; whoever Xu Qing chose, Yang Long would choose.

But Yang Long didn't know that Xu Qing would not join the army.

Let alone a Captain, even if he was given the rank of General, Xu Qing would not go.

Are you kidding? Although my martial prowess is already very strong now.

But going to the battlefield is still somewhat dangerous. I will not put myself in a dangerous situation and take risks.

If in the future, one person could stand against ten thousand enemies...

I still wouldn't go. I don't want to be a General and achieve great deeds.

I just want to live my own small life, peacefully and happily, that's enough.

Xu Qing thought to himself.

But Xu Qing saw Yang Long's hopeful gaze and felt a little reluctant.

However, Xu Qing knew that even so...

He would not go.

Having lived another life, Xu Qing cherished his life immensely.

Although his friendship with Yang Long was good, it hadn't reached the point of risking his life.

But Xu Qing still decided to help Yang Long.

Using his magical power to permeate Yang Long's entire body would surely greatly enhance Yang Long's strength.

Xu Qing also didn't want to see Yang Long die. Although he understood Yang Long and supported Yang Long's aspirations.

But it's best for people to be alive.

So Xu Qing said,

"Several big brothers, we don't understand the situation well right now.

Why not give us a few days? We will definitely give you an answer then."

Yang Long saw Xu Qing say this and felt it was a good idea, so he also echoed Xu Qing.

City Lord Hu Xing then also said,

"That's right, joining the army is a major matter and should be decided carefully."

"You all can rest at my mansion. Once they both make up their minds, then you can return to report."

As soon as Hu Xing spoke, the matter was settled.

Although the messengers were a bit anxious, they couldn't say much more.

Hu Xing was helping Xu Qing and Yang Long, giving them support.

To prevent them from being young and easily deceived, carelessly choosing the wrong person.

Hu Xing motioned for the messengers to leave, leaving the two of them.

Then he walked down, reached out and patted Xu Qing and Yang Long on the shoulders, and said to them with a smile,

"You two are truly brave, to actually hunt a tiger!

You truly bring glory to our Yuan City!"

"I see you are not familiar with those Generals. Now I will tell you about them.

You are also from influential Families; you can also investigate when you go back.

Of course, if you don't want to, you can also stay in Yuan City. With me here, they cannot do anything to you."

"This Deputy General Chen Hu is a generous person, very good to his soldiers, and his subordinates all greatly trust him."

"Deputy General Zhao Long is said to be a bit petty and vengeful, often hitting or scolding his subordinates.

But relying on his strong physique and some combat experience, he could have been promoted, but his reputation is not good, so he has remained a Deputy General.

You must choose carefully."

"And this one..."

"Alright, I've said enough. Go back and think about it carefully."

Hu Xing took a sip of tea and said to the two.