Chapter 91 No Feast is Good

Chen Mu's gaze narrowed instantly.

He lacked Cultivation Techniques, especially high-level ones that pointed directly to higher Realms. Although Qi Huan had promised to help, it was still an unknown. What Xu Changze was offering at this moment, however, was a tangible benefit within reach.

Cultivation Techniques bestowed through the official channels of the Imperial Court and the Demon Suppression Division were not only legitimate but also of a high grade.

To refuse would mean giving up the benefits right before him, and at the same time, it would once again slight Xu Changze's Face, completely burning bridges.

To accept, although it would mean being shackled and falling into a more complex situation, would at least provide tangible benefits in hand.

Chen Mu weighed the pros and cons in his mind rapidly. He saw through Xu Changze's schemes clearly, but this bait was too tempting; he had to consider swallowing it.

"In that case, many thanks, Magistrate."

Chen Mu nodded slowly, his voice calm, revealing neither joy nor anger.

A flash of smugness crossed Xu Changze's eyes, and he immediately clapped his hands and laughed.

"Good, straightforward!"

"From today on, our Yunmeng Demon Suppression Division will have two Squad Leaders, one civil and one martial, complementing each other, capable of protecting the borders and the people, and safeguarding the region."

A chorus of more complicated congratulations rose from the hall below.

Within a single day, two Squad Leaders had been promoted; one was a recognized Trash, and the other was a newcomer who had only arrived a few days ago.

The clerks sighed inwardly but dared not show it.

At this moment, Xu Changze's gaze finally fell upon Qi Huan, who was standing to the side with a still-unpleasant expression, carrying a hint of perfectly timed guilt.

"Banner Officer Qi, look, I have been so busy handling these mundane affairs that I have neglected an honored guest."

"You went through great danger last night and were severely injured. Today, Yunmeng City has a double celebration, so I have prepared a modest banquet at Yanbin Restaurant in the city. Firstly, to help you recover from the shock, and secondly, to celebrate the two new Squad Leaders."

"I ask that Banner Officer Qi do me the honor of joining me for a few cups, allowing me to fulfill my duties as a host."

Qi Huan looked at Xu Changze's Face, feeling utterly disgusted.

This banquet was clearly a trap, a means for Xu Changze to further probe, win over, or even sow discord.

But as a Prefecture Banner Officer, being severely injured and on the other's turf, refusing outright and burning bridges was not a wise move.

Thus, he merely snorted coldly, noncommittal, holding himself in a very high posture.

Xu Changze acted as if he didn't see the cold look on his Face, his smile undiminished. He immediately gave orders, and the group moved to Yanbin Restaurant.

...

A lavish banquet had already been set up at Yanbin Restaurant; the spread could be described as extravagant and indulgent, exceeding even the one where he had ruthlessly fleeced Xu Changze last time.

However, this time, there was not a trace of displeasure on Xu Changze's Face; instead, he chatted and laughed, frequently raising his glass.

He made no mention of the dangers of last night, speaking only of Yunmeng's scenery and customs, occasionally offering a few compliments on Chen Mu's martial prowess, Liu Ziming's steadiness, and Qi Huan's contributions.

It was an atmosphere of joy and harmony, as if they had survived a disaster and were celebrating peace together.

Liu Ziming sat at the table, feeling completely uncomfortable. Especially when Xu Changze frequently raised his glass to him, calling him "Squad Leader Liu," it made him feel like he was sitting on pins and needles.

He was anxious and dared not drink much, only burying his head to eat. Seeing this, Xu Changze personally picked up a piece of roast chicken with his chopsticks and placed it in Liu Ziming's bowl, saying warmly.

"Squad Leader Liu, where is your home? Who else is in your family? Now that you have been promoted to Squad Leader, there should be some subsidies in addition to your monthly salary. I will have the Registrar calculate it for you later; you must receive everything you are entitled to."

How could Liu Ziming have ever experienced such a scene? The Magistrate himself was serving food and asking about his family life. He was instantly dizzy and answered stumblingly.

Xu Changze nodded repeatedly as he listened, his Face full of warmth and consideration for his subordinate. Suddenly, as if remembering something, he put down his chopsticks and pulled a bulging embroidered money pouch from his sleeve.

Then, he leaned slightly towards Liu Ziming and lowered his voice.

"Squad Leader Liu, you are taking on this heavy responsibility for the first time, and many of your subordinates are former followers of Wang Youde; I fear you may Face some difficulties."

"Take this money first to handle affairs and acquire some proper gear. It is just a small token of my appreciation; do not refuse."

After saying this, he quickly stuffed the heavy money pouch into Liu Ziming's arms from under the table.

Liu Ziming felt his hands sink; the pouch must have weighed at least a hundred taels. He shuddered in fright, and the pouch almost fell to the ground.

He hurriedly gripped it, the blood draining completely from his Face. He also lowered his voice, but spoke incoherently.

"Ma... Magistrate, this won't do, absolutely not!"

Xu Changze gently patted the back of his hand, his smile warm. Though his voice was low, it brooked no refusal.

"Keep it. You have rendered service to Yunmeng; this is what you deserve."

"Work hard. I will not mistreat those who serve loyally."

This scene happened extremely quickly, and Xu Changze's movements were subtle, but how could it escape the eyes of the other two at the table?

Chen Mu's hand holding the wine glass paused slightly, then returned to normal, as if he hadn't noticed.

Qi Huan stopped his glass, glanced coldly at Xu Changze, and then looked at Liu Ziming's flustered, overwhelmed expression, a cold smile curling the corner of his mouth.

Xu Changze was starting to bestow favors, using hard cash to buy people's hearts.

A hundred taels of silver was nothing to Magistrate Xu, but for Liu Ziming, it was enough to change a lot.

Having accepted this favor, could Liu Ziming still stand tall when facing Xu Changze in the future? When handling matters involving Xu Changze's interests, could he still remain impartial?

Qi Huan shook his head, thinking to himself that this meal was indeed not so simple.

The atmosphere of the banquet, under Xu Changze's enthusiastic and decent maneuvering, maintained a delicate balance.

Amidst the clinking of glasses, Chen Mu spoke little, Qi Huan watched coldly from the sidelines, and Liu Ziming sat on pins and needles.

He had to cope with Xu Changze's frequent gestures of goodwill while enduring the subtle, probing gazes of those around him. He ate the meal drenched in sweat, feeling even more exhausted than he had during the escape from the Yangu Pit.

After several rounds of drinks, Xu Changze seemed unable to hold his liquor, supporting his forehead with his hand, appearing slightly drunk.

"Today has been truly enjoyable. Banner Officer Qi is injured, and Squad Leader Chen has also fought hard all night; both of you need to rest well. I will not keep you any longer."

Xu Changze stood up but did not leave. Instead, he turned to Liu Ziming with a slight smile on his Face.

"Ziming, you stay behind. Now that you are a Squad Leader, I need to explain the routine administrative affairs, personnel scheduling, and the key points for the upcoming patrols of the yamen to you clearly, so you can get up to speed as quickly as possible."

Hearing this, Liu Ziming's heart tightened. He subconsciously wanted to decline, instinctively feeling that being alone with Xu Changze was not a good thing.

Especially since he was still carrying the silver the other party had just given him in his sleeve.

"Magistrate, it is getting late, and this subordinate has injured legs, plus these official duties..."

Xu Changze feigned displeasure and waved his hand to interrupt.

"How can official business be delayed? Do today's work today. You are now a Squad Leader with responsibilities on your shoulders; you cannot be like you were before."

Liu Ziming opened his mouth, looked at Xu Changze's displeased expression, then glanced at Chen Mu and Qi Huan, who had already stood up and were preparing to leave, struggling in his heart.

In the end, his awe of his superior prevailed. He had to lower his head and reply in a muffled voice.

"Yes, Magistrate."

Chen Mu and Qi Huan saw this, exchanged a glance, and said nothing more.

Giving a slight nod to Xu Changze, they turned and walked out of the restaurant.