Chapter 91

After changing into clean clothes, he came to the courtyard where Jiang Xiaoyu was already practicing sword.

"Brother, you're awake!"

Jiang Xiaoyu saw Jiang Xiaomu, stopped practicing sword, and gave a sweet smile.

"Hmm."

Jiang Xiaomu nodded, looking at his sister, dispelling the gloom brought by the nightmare.

"Your sword practice is not bad; it seems this Golden Snake Sword suits you well."

"Thanks to Brother teaching me the new sword technique!"

Jiang Xiaoyu said happily, excitement flashing in her eyes.

"This sword technique is truly powerful; I feel my swordsmanship has improved a lot compared to before!"

Jiang Xiaomu walked to her side and said:

"This set of sword technique is called 'Spirit Snake Nine Transformations'; it is ever-changing and immensely powerful."

"But it requires diligent practice to unleash its true power."

"I will work hard!"

Jiang Xiaoyu gripped the Golden Snake Sword tightly in her hand.

After breakfast, Jiang Xiaomu went out.

He went to find Constable Captain Zhao to learn about the reconstruction situation of Wangjiang Cheng.

Arriving at the Xian Ya, Constable Captain Zhao was discussing matters with Tang Shiye.

"Mr. Jiang, you've come! Please have a seat quickly!"

Constable Captain Zhao greeted warmly.

"Constable Captain Zhao, I would like to learn about the reconstruction situation of Wangjiang Cheng."

Jiang Xiaomu got straight to the point.

"Mr. Jiang arrives just in time," Constable Captain Zhao said:

"Thanks to your extermination of the Blood Moon Sect, we were able to seize a large amount of gold and silver treasures from them."

"I have already had Tang Shiye properly handle these treasures, all used for the reconstruction of Wangjiang Cheng."

Tang Shiye hastily added:

"Sir, your wisdom is evident! Now the vagrants and beggars in the city gradually have income and can support themselves."

"The city walls have also been repaired, making the defenses stronger."

"I believe it won't be long before Wangjiang Cheng returns to its former prosperity!"

Jiang Xiaomu nodded in approval, feeling somewhat reassured; it seems things are moving in a good direction.

"By the way, how is Constable Captain Pei's injury?"

Jiang Xiaomu asked.

"Constable Captain Pei is mostly healed; he should be able to return to duty in a few days."

Constable Captain Zhao said with a smile.

Upon hearing this, Jiang Xiaomu completely set his mind at ease.

Leaving the Xian Ya, Jiang Xiaomu walked on the street, seeing the coming and going townsfolk, their faces all beaming with smiles, his heart

also felt relieved.

But Pei Dongyong's injury continually weighed on his mind.

If it weren't for Pei Dongyong blocking the hidden weapon for me back then, I'd probably already be pushing up daisies.

Turning into a medicine shop, he grabbed some fine tonics and bought some fresh fruit, then headed to Pei Dongyong's home.

The visit was genuine, but Jiang Xiaomu harbored another motive in his heart.

While browsing the files at the Xian Ya, he inadvertently discovered Pei Dongyong's dossier:

He had been an elite of the Imperial Guard, having carried out several secret missions, only demoted here after a mission failure.

This stirred Jiang Xiaomu's heart, and a bold idea arose spontaneously.

He knocked on the gate; shortly after, Pei Dongyong came to open the door.

His complexion was still somewhat pale, but his spirits were decent.

"Mr. Jiang! Please come in quickly!"

Pei Dongyong saw Jiang Xiaomu, his face showing surprise and delight.

"Constable Captain Pei, sorry to disturb you."

Jiang Xiaomu entered the courtyard and handed over the gift he was holding.

"A small token, not much of a courtesy; please accept it with a smile."

"Mr. Jiang is too polite; please come in and have a seat."

Pei Dongyong took the gift and ushered Jiang Xiaomu inside.

"How is Constable Captain Pei's injury?"

Jiang Xiaomu asked concernedly.

"Much better, thank you for your concern, Mr. Jiang; the doctor says he should be fully recovered in a few days."

Pei Dongyong said with a smile, but a fleeting gloom passed unnoticed in his eyes.

Jiang Xiaomu naturally caught that hint of gloom, further confirming his suspicion in his heart.

After the pleasantries, he decided to get straight to the point.

"Constable Captain Pei, actually I came today not only to inquire about your injury but also to make a request."

Jiang Xiaomu spoke sincerely.

Pei Dongyong was slightly startled, then said:

"Mr. Jiang, just speak freely."

"I now have a group of private troops under my command; I wonder if Constable Captain Pei would be willing to lend me a hand?"

Jiang Xiaomu stared directly at Pei Dongyong, his eyes filled with anticipation.

Upon hearing this, Pei Dongyong's expression changed slightly; after a moment of silence, he asked:

"Mr. Jiang, what is the purpose of recruiting these private troops?"

"In these troubled times, even protecting oneself is difficult."

"I need a reliable force to protect myself and my family."

"And also so that I can make a difference in this chaotic era."

Jiang Xiaomu's tone was low.

Pei Dongyong fell into contemplation.

"Now that I have been demoted to this place, my future looks bleak; if I could assist Jiang Xiaomu, perhaps I could regain my former glory."

"But the matter of private troops is no trivial affair; a slight mistake could lead to utter ruin."

"Mr. Jiang, are you aware that if the private troops' existence is exposed, the consequences would be unimaginable?"

Pei Dongyong's tone was grave.

"I naturally understand, but in these troubled times, only strength can ensure self-preservation."

"Constable Captain Pei, coming from the Imperial Guard, is versed in military strategy and tactics—exactly the person I need."

Jiang Xiaomu spoke firmly; Pei Dongyong would not easily agree, but he must strive to win him over.

Pei Dongyong looked at Jiang Xiaomu, a flicker of conflict crossing his eyes.

"He once longed to achieve great deeds, to prove himself anew."

"But he also feared failure, feared repeating past mistakes."

"Constable Captain Pei, I know you have reservations."

"But please trust me; I will never let you take a risk for nothing."

"I promise that if you are willing to help me train the private troops, I will certainly give you due reward."

Jiang Xiaomu's attitude was sincere; only by giving Pei Dongyong sufficient benefit could his concerns be dispelled.

"Reward? What reward can Mr. Jiang give me?"

Pei Dongyong asked, his tone probing.

Jiang Xiaomu smiled slightly, took out a jade pendant from his bosom, and handed it to Pei Dongyong.

"This jade pendant has been passed down from my ancestors; it is worth a fortune."

"If you are willing to help me, it will be yours."

Pei Dongyong received the jade pendant, examined it carefully, and could tell at a glance that it was a valuable item.

His heart stirred; this jade pendant was enough to guarantee him food and clothing for the rest of his life.

"Fine! I agree!"

Pei Dongyong clenched the jade pendant tightly in his hand, his eyes gleaming with excitement.

He had finally made his decision, deciding to take a gamble.

Jiang Xiaomu felt a surge of joy:

"What ancestral heirloom? That was actually a batch of high-quality imitation jade smuggled with the underworld before I transmigrated, worth millions."

"Constable Captain Pei, you will not regret today's decision."

Jiang Xiaomu pretended to pat his shoulder, and with Pei Dongyong's help, his plan would proceed more smoothly.

"Hopefully so."

Pei Dongyong said, his tone complex.

"Besides, I hope today's matter remains known only to the two of us."

"Mr. Jiang, rest assured, that goes without saying!"

Pei Dongyong is no fool; Jiang Xiaomu is hinting that he should not invite complications.

"But having accepted someone's favor, one naturally ought to repay it with service."

Pei Dongyong's injury healed astonishingly well; he would be able to get up and walk in just a few days.

Jiang Xiaomu secretly speculated, wondering if this old fellow was feigning it.