Chapter Sixty-Four: Truly Within Reach

Now that the men of the wanted criminal have been wiped out, the traitor himself has slipped away. This person is deeply cunning, repeatedly opposing the imperial court. I have foiled his schemes several times, and surely he now regards me as a thorn in his side.

Seeing that Liu Qingfeng’s patience was waning, Ji Wu no longer beat around the bush and spoke plainly: “Aside from the fact that the wanted criminal is highly likely to rally forces and stir up trouble again, there are several other rebel groups causing unrest in Xishan Prefecture.

My family and friends are all in Xishan Prefecture, and I wish to stay here, whether it’s to suppress bandits or to hunt down the wanted criminal. I hope, Lord Liu, you will see the merit in this.”

“That’s all?”

Liu Qingfeng had endured his long-winded speech, and this final request was not what he expected.

High office, wealth, silver, land, beauties… not a single thing mentioned, just this modest request?

“I’ve heard that those who rise with the wind often fall into the abyss.”

Ji Wu said, “Many of my achievements are owed to cleverness, and without Xiong Ba’s help, I would never have succeeded. Now, everyone knows Xiong Ba is no ordinary creature, and there’s no lack of rumors.

But Xiong Ba has been raised in my family since childhood, and I cannot bear to part with him. I beg you, Lord Liu, let him remain by my side.”

In short, he could do without high office or riches, but Xiong Ba must stay.

Everyone with discerning eyes knows who has made the difference in these victories—Xiong Ba’s contribution is undeniable!

Such a rare beast is wasted if unused, but when used, it’s inevitably revealed before others.

The very first time they escorted the convoy, the officials already had designs on him, but fortunately, Xiong Ba paid them no mind, and he managed to bring him back by luck.

This time, Xiong Ba’s deeds reached the emperor’s ears directly.

Coincidentally, the Emperor Qi is especially fond of auspicious signs.

What counts as an auspicious sign? Anything could be!

Beautiful, entertaining, delicious, precious, rare…

Whether it flies in the sky, walks on the earth, or swims in the water, as long as it’s novel, Emperor Qi is interested.

Xiong Ba undoubtedly fits every characteristic of an auspicious sign.

If the emperor himself asks for it, it will be impossible to keep him.

As for high office and riches?

He had already discussed in detail with the wanted criminal; someone like him with no foundation in the court, should he receive a position for his merits, would people really think he’d be on the fast track to success?

Never mind he had no such ambitions—if he did take the post, he would be made a fool, with no support, utterly sidelined, forced to watch others’ faces everywhere.

Rather than shamelessly seeking rewards, it’s better to forestall future troubles, insist on staying in Xishan Prefecture, and settle the issue of Xiong Ba once and for all, so no one, especially the emperor, would covet him.

This was absolutely unacceptable, and it concerned the wanted criminal’s future plans.

For this reason, aside from Xiong Ba’s initial display of strength, Ji Wu always claimed Xiong Ba was merely a guide, rarely showing his brute force.

When they were surrounded and in grave danger, Ji Wu restrained himself, never letting Xiong Ba take action, only having him carry him away at the last moment.

“What are you saying? That black bear only listens to you—do you really fear someone would forcibly take him?”

Liu Qingfeng frowned slightly.

But then he recalled the emperor’s near-fanatical attitude toward auspicious signs—even the imperial edict addressed his curiosity about the black bear at Ji Wu’s side.

If not for needing him in battle, the emperor might have already summoned Ji Wu to the capital with the bear.

The lad’s worries were not unfounded!

“I ask Lord Liu to take extra care!”

Ji Wu struggled to sit up, his body wrapped in bandages, grinning painfully as he clasped his hands in salute.

“Lie down, quickly. That black bear is yours, no one will take him. You needn’t worry.”

Liu Qingfeng pressed him back onto the bed, then said, “But your request is truly modest. Those who don’t know might think the court neglects those who serve, or that I am intolerant.”

To stay in Xishan Prefecture and seek a leisurely post?

Such a request, compared to Ji Wu’s achievements, was negligible.

As for Xiong Ba, whom Ji Wu valued so highly, to Liu Qingfeng it was merely his own possession, nothing to do with reward.

“Heh heh.”

Ji Wu smiled. “If Lord Liu thinks it lacking, I do have one presumptuous request.”

“Oh?”

Liu Qingfeng raised his eyebrows. “You don’t want office or riches, what else could you ask for?”

“I have yet to marry, and I hear Lord Liu has a younger sister still in her chamber…”

Ji Wu watched Liu Qingfeng’s expression carefully as he spoke.

This idea was not his own.

The wanted criminal had insisted: if you aim for great deeds, whether or not you have a mandate from immortals, joining the court is pointless now; dragging others into the water is the best approach.

The simplest, most effective, and direct method is undoubtedly marriage.

Choose the right match, and when the banner is raised, they will have no choice but to follow.

Since ancient times, this has always worked.

“You rascal!”

Ji Wu hadn’t even finished before Liu Qingfeng’s face changed suddenly, clearly angered.

Damn it, I skipped the celebration feast just to promote you, and now you want to be my brother-in-law?!

In an instant, Liu Qingfeng’s gaze toward Ji Wu became much less friendly.

You don’t want a government post—so you’re aiming to attach yourself to the Liu family, eh?

Thinking about it, if he really did, that would be far better than a mere official position.

Facing Liu Qingfeng’s unfriendly look, Ji Wu braced himself: “My family is not illustrious, but I dare say I am a true man, my conduct clean…”

The Ji family escort agency has some standing in Qingshan County, but in Xishan Prefecture, it’s hardly worth mentioning. Only in the past two years have they attracted any attention. Compared to the Liu family, they’re not just unremarkable—they might as well not exist.

To raise the matter himself risked humiliation, but the wanted criminal insisted.

It was because Liu’s younger sister was quite a character—at eighteen, the perfect age, but with a heroic temperament. She once dressed as a man, rode horseback, and slew several wicked noblemen, causing a sensation.

As a result, she’s not easy to marry off… otherwise, the match would have been settled long ago.

In any case, there’s no harm in trying; if it works, wonderful, if not, so be it.

“You…”

Liu Qingfeng was about to scold him, but seeing Ji Wu’s bandaged state, he refrained from harsh words. He stared at Ji Wu’s face for a few moments; indeed, he was a fine-looking youth.

In terms of family, the Ji family escort agency and the Liu family were worlds apart.

But Ji Wu was certainly a good man—skilled, loyal, and courageous, a talent worth cultivating.

He had worried about his sister’s marriage. With the Liu family’s power, finding a match should not be difficult.

Yet his sister was spoiled, headstrong, and skilled in martial arts. Though a woman, she had a man’s spirit, and had even hacked someone in the street, utterly ruining her reputation among the noble families.

Any eligible young man who heard her name fled as fast as possible.

If they truly wanted a match, there were other choices—why pick such a dangerous wife?

As for those seeking to marry for ulterior motives, his sister had no interest.

“We’ll discuss this matter later.”

Liu Qingfeng snorted and swept out.

Watching Liu Qingfeng leave, Ji Wu was momentarily stunned.

He hadn’t refused outright?

Could it be that the wanted criminal was right after all?

Then his plan…