Chapter 30: A Wise Man Submits to Circumstances
A soft questioning voice came from Xiao Wen’s mouth.
When those words fell into Zhang Song’s ears, the corners of his mouth could not help but twitch.
At that very moment, Zhang Song felt an extremely powerful sense of pressure.
It came from Xiao Wen.
More precisely, it came from the Python-Head Moon-Sundering Spear resting on his shoulder.
Facing the spear placed on his shoulder, Zhang Song could not help but shiver.
Although his level was higher than Xiao Wen’s, he was still a physically frail strategist.
At such a close distance, if this fellow stabbed him with the spear in his hand, triggering a fatal strike should not be difficult.
So...
A wise man submits to circumstances!
A true man knows when to bend and when to stand tall!
Zhang Song quickly put on a smiling face and said, “My lord must be joking. Your governance is clear and just, so naturally, you are worthy of the words ‘wise lord.’”
“Is that so? In that case, it seems Lord Zhang definitely came to serve me, right?” Xiao Wen asked with a smile.
As he asked this, the hand pressing the spear onto Zhang Song’s shoulder exerted slightly more force, pushing Zhang Song’s body down another notch.
Zhang Song: (ꐦಠಠ)
Damn it!
Powerless rage!
But the anger only lasted for a moment. After that brief instant of fury, he immediately put on a smiling face and said, “My lord is correct.”
“To be accepted by my lord despite my humble self fills me with deep gratitude! From now on, I shall follow only my lord’s lead!”
Ding! Congratulations to player Half-Journey Through the Mortal World for successfully recruiting fourth-rank strategist Zhang Song. Current loyalty: 5/100.
Notice: This NPC’s current loyalty is low. Loyalty obtained through military coercion may be lost at any time!
The crisp notification rang beside Xiao Wen’s ears, but Xiao Wen did not particularly care.
Could a cooked duck still fly away?
“Sir is willing to serve me, so naturally, I am delighted. However, how can you guarantee that from now on, you will serve only me?”
“If Sir were to develop rebellious thoughts in the future and wish to leave me, then what should be done?” Xiao Wen looked at Zhang Song and said.
Although Xiao Wen had lowered the Python-Head Moon-Sundering Spear from Zhang Song’s shoulder, the pressure brought by that man and that spear had not weakened in the slightest.
Xiao Wen stood before Zhang Song with the spear in hand, like an iron tower.
“M-My lord, rest assured. Zhang Song would never do such an ungrateful thing!”
“Is that so? In that case, I can trust you?”
“Naturally,” Zhang Song said, his expression as sincere as could be.
“In that case, this king is about to establish a city. After the city is built, I am willing to entrust the position of deputy city lord to you and place the city’s internal affairs in your hands. Would you be willing to accept?” Xiao Wen said.
Those words exploded beside Zhang Song’s ears like a heavy bomb.
The instant he heard them, Zhang Song froze, astonishment appearing on his face.
Deputy... deputy city lord?
A position beneath one person and above ten thousand!
This...
This lord actually entrusted me with such an important position the moment we met?
At that moment, Zhang Song’s face showed a stunned expression. The way he looked at Xiao Wen changed slightly in that instant.
He treats me with sincerity, yet I was still suspecting whether this lord had other intentions toward me?
That was truly improper!
This thought flashed through Zhang Song’s mind, and he revealed a look of self-reproach. He lowered his head, his face dark, and did not want to say anything. He only wanted to remain silent.
Ding! Congratulations, player Half-Journey Through the Mortal World. Strategist Zhang Song’s loyalty has increased. Current loyalty: 20/100.
The crisp notification sounded beside his ears.
Xiao Wen narrowed his eyes slightly, and the corners of his mouth rose faintly.
His loyalty increased?
That was a good thing!
At the very least, this sudden increase in loyalty meant this fellow could remain in the city, and there should not be any risk of him defecting in the short term.
Moreover, reality also proved one thing.
For those whose virtue and loyalty were not yet full, being entrusted with important duties was extremely important.
Because once you placed him in an important position, he would be moved to tears and feel as though a high mountain had met flowing water, as though Bo Ya had met his soulmate.
The current Zhang Song was exactly like that. His eyes burned brightly as he stared at Xiao Wen, his brow carrying a hint of astonishment.
He hurriedly cupped his fists and said, “What virtue or ability does Zhang Song possess to receive such regard from my lord?”
These words seemed modest, yet without realizing it, even the way he addressed Xiao Wen had changed.
Hearing this, Xiao Wen felt quite comfortable.
He lowered his head and glanced at Zhang Song, then said, “Sir, there is no need to be modest. I believe Sir is an extraordinary talent, and I am willing to entrust you with great responsibility. I only hope Sir will not disappoint me.”
“Zhang Song will certainly not betray my lord’s trust.”
Zhang Song straightened his back and adjusted his clothes before solemnly cupping his fists and bowing to Xiao Wen.
“Sir, please rise quickly. After traveling all this way, you must be tired. Go and rest first. Later tonight, I shall hold a banquet to welcome you,” Xiao Wen quickly reached out, helped Zhang Song up, and said.
Zhang Song cupped his fists in thanks, then turned and left.
After Zhang Song departed, Xiao Wen raised an eyebrow and looked toward the soldier beside him. He summoned him over, then ordered him to invite Ma Chao.
Not long after the soldier left, Ma Chao hurried over. Arriving before Xiao Wen, he asked what orders his lord had.
Xiao Wen smiled faintly and told Ma Chao everything that had just happened. Then, at the end, he added, “I wonder, General, what do you think of this matter?”
When he said this, Xiao Wen silently watched Ma Chao without speaking. His gaze locked onto Ma Chao’s expression, observing the look on his face.
When Ma Chao first heard Xiao Wen’s words, he was stunned. Then a thoughtful look appeared on his face. After pondering for a moment, he finally spoke.
“My lord, if this man possesses genuine talent and practical ability and is willing to handle political affairs for us, then that is naturally for the best. After all, many areas within the territory are currently being left to develop freely. Having one more person to manage them is naturally good.”
“However, people’s hearts are difficult to predict. Strategists have frail bodies, making them especially vulnerable in this chaotic age of constant war.”
“This subordinate dares to request that my lord assign ten White Dragon Cavalry soldiers to this gentleman as guards, to protect his safety,” Ma Chao said.
Hearing this, Xiao Wen nodded and said, “Since that is the case, we shall do as you suggest.”
“Also, General, tonight there will be a banquet at the Lord’s Manor to welcome Zhang Song, the deputy city lord. Bring Lu Cheng along as well, so everyone can get acquainted.”
“This subordinate accepts the order,” Ma Chao said, cupping his fists. Then he turned and left.
Watching Ma Chao’s departing figure, Xiao Wen remained silent for a long time.
Only after a while did a faint smile flash across his lips.
“It seems that incident truly brought great changes to these NPCs. They have already begun to develop their own initial thoughts.”
“Very good...”
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