Chapter 80: So Valuable?!

The room was silent.

The master of this place seemed too shocked to know how to express himself in words.

But his eyes and facial expressions shifted vividly, conveying intense emotional fluctuations.

Pei Jun, sitting not far away, was currently somewhat troubled by his own excessive proficiency in interpreting expressions; he seemed to read from Wen Gu's face—

"What the hell," "Brother, are you okay," "Why the sudden ambush," "You're not being very kind," "How could you have the nerve to ask me this," "I have never seen such a thick-skinned and unreasonable person"…

The usually refined and gentle Ward Chief Wen seemed to have been provoked.

But Pei Jun's determination to poach the talent was very firm.

The Patrol Guard Division had been established for less than two years and was in dire need of talent, especially someone like Xiao Liu who possessed a specialized skill; in the current state of affairs, he was particularly useful.

Young, skilled with an Arrow, highly adaptable, and having traveled all the way from the south to the north, it proved he had sufficient self-preservation ability and awareness of protection—this already surpassed many people, and he could even tame birds!

Pei Jun was always decisive; it would have been fine if he hadn't seen him, but having seen him and taken a liking to the talent, of course, he had to recruit him into the Patrol Guard Division as soon as possible!

Returning yesterday was only to re-verify Xiao Liu's identity information, which had no issues, so today he came to Jingxing Fang to ask Wen Gu for the person.

After the silence, Wen Gu finally took action.

He raised his hand, traced a circle in the air, and said to Pei Jun:

"You saw what my Jingxing Fang is like on your way here. Everything around is under construction, a pile of things to do, and Xiao Liu is responsible for the important fire prevention patrols and monitoring of unusual conditions within the ward."

Pei Jun said calmly: "You can find someone to replace him."

Wen Gu questioned sharply: "I only have a few people I can use here, how can you have the nerve to snatch people from us poor households?!"

The phrase "poor households" almost caused Pei Jun's serious and steady facial expression to crack.

He really wanted to throw back a sentence: "How do you have the face to say that!"

No other Ward Chief would dare to curse directly to the face of the chief officer of the Patrol Guard Division, which was founded by the Zhao Family.

Even those with connections wouldn't dare.

But Wen Gu's status was too special; he was a well-connected person who also had real ability.

Pei Jun took a breath.

He calmed down.

He understood Wen Gu's main point.

He was short of people.

Xiao Liu was also personally trained by Wen Gu, a brother and friend who had shared hardships, a trusted person whom Wen Gu did not want to let go.

Pei Jun tapped his fingers on the table, his voice still calm: "But it is a waste of talent to keep him in this small Jingxing Fang; his abilities cannot be fully utilized. If you want what is best for him..."

Wen Gu interrupted: "I also hope he has a better future, but I am truly short of people here!"

"I can transfer two retired Patrol Guard Division personnel to your Jingxing Fang. Although they cannot remain in the Patrol Guard Division due to injuries, they are incomparable to ordinary people in terms of defense and vigilance, and they are more than capable of handling ward affairs. Other wards have them too; if you don't believe me, you can go ask."

When the Patrol Guard Division was established, they selected elite soldiers from the Border Army, either with outstanding martial prowess or expertise in other areas.

Some of these people retired because they were disabled and could no longer perform the tasks of the Patrol Guard Division.

The retired personnel of the Patrol Guard Division were originally placed in various wards to assist with security matters, or arranged by the Zhao Family to serve as managers in important workshops.

The retired members entering the wards could also allow the Patrol Guard Division to grasp any unusual movements in each ward at the first opportunity.

Originally, the two newly opened wards, Jingxing Fang and Qingyun Fang, should have had people transferred over, but these two wards were quite special and no transfers were made immediately.

Right now, it was a good opportunity.

As Pei Jing thought this, he heard Wen Gu opposite him give a light scoff:

"Two people are the basic configuration for each ward, and besides, what can two people do?"

"Xiao Liu is only one person."

"Did you forget there is still a bird in the sky?"

"…Then we shall add one more."

"Since you lack sincerity, please return!"

It was another round of back-and-forth.

Pei Jun increased the offer to five people.

But Wen Gu indicated that since he had two wards, it must be doubled!

Pei Jun: There aren't that many people.

Wen Gu: Please return!

In the end, Pei Jun agreed to transfer ten people to Wen Gu, six of whom were retired Patrol Guard Division personnel, and four were retired personnel from the Xianshou Army and the City Defense Army.

"Patrol Officer Pei, please head back first. I will talk to him. Whether he goes to the Patrol Guard Division depends on his own wishes," Wen Gu said.

Pei Jun glanced over.

Wen Gu rubbed his forehead as if he had a headache: "I know Patrol Officer Pei is a prompt person and won't waste too much of your time; I will definitely have it decided before the ward gates close this evening!"

Hearing this, Pei Jun did not stay any longer; he had other matters to attend to and left quickly.

Only Wen Gu remained in the room.

"Tsk."

Pei Jun was indeed prompt; they met yesterday, and he came to ask for the person today.

Things were proceeding smoothly in the direction Wen Gu had envisioned.

Zhou Shan had served as a County Lieutenant, but after encountering setbacks, he now valued his family more, hoped for a stable life, and was more willing to stay within the ward.

As for Xiao Liu, he had come for the sake of a future, and he still had ambition now; he couldn't be contained. It was just that neither the City Defense Army nor the Xianshou Army could utilize his strengths.

The Patrol Guard Division was still the best.

As for the retired personnel Pei Jun transferred over.

Others might feel it was surveillance or an offense. But Wen Gu didn't care; if used well, it could also save a lot of trouble.

For people who have retired from the Patrol Guard Division, their strength is one aspect, but their connections and network are what truly remain; one must not underestimate the influence of the elite soldiers from the founding period!

Once Wanfu Garden is built and becomes bustling in the future, anyone who relies on their status to stir up trouble will have to be much more cautious.

At this moment, at the entrance of Jingqing Lane.

Xiao Liu and the members who maintain order in the ward finished their patrol and gathered together to brag and chat.

"I heard a leader in the City Defense Army took leave recently and bought a jar of wine to savor at home!"

It made those who craved alcohol incredibly envious.

Nowadays, using grain to brew wine is prohibited; the wine one can buy is either old stock, fruit wine, or... illicit goods from the shadows. Regardless of the type, the price is extremely high.

Ordinary soldiers cannot afford it, and they can afford it even less.

"However, if we wait until Wanfu Garden is built, there will be many noble people entering the ward, and we will receive more rewards; perhaps then we will have the money to buy wine!" someone said.

"Bah, even if we have money then, we should build houses first. It's uncomfortable not to drink wine, but it's even more unsettling not to have one's own house!"

Xiao Liu is not obsessed with wine, but he envied the City Defense Army leader they were talking about.

That is also an official; having a salary and status is the goal he is striving for!

However, he is still young, and just as He Da said, following Ward Chief Wen will always bring opportunities.

Now that Jingxing Fang changes with each passing day, if he performs more meritorious deeds when the weather warms up next year, perhaps Ward Chief Wen could secure an opportunity for him to enter the City Defense Army as a minor leader...

Xiao Liu couldn't help but grin broadly.

"What are you thinking about? Why are you smiling so foolishly?" Someone next to him nudged him with an elbow.

"Hehe, dreaming, having a beautiful dream!"

Just as Xiao Liu was about to continue, he heard someone shout: "Xiao Liu! The Ward Chief is calling for you!"

Xiao Liu couldn't bother with chatting anymore; he acknowledged the call and ran toward the ward office.

No one paid it any mind; the Ward Chief often called people over to give instructions.

Xiao Liu walked quickly to the office.

"Ward Chief, did you call me?"

"Yes, I have something to ask you. How is your literacy lately?" Wen Gu asked.

"I can recognize all the characters in the newspaper!" Xiao Liu answered cautiously.

After all, he has a foundation; he learned to read more easily than He Da, but there is a lot of content in the newspaper where he recognizes the characters but cannot understand them when they are put together.

Wen Gu did not press further; he said directly: "Patrol Guard Pei came by just a moment ago."

Xiao Liu knows this; he ran into them yesterday, too. They seemed like a very serious person.

Wen Gu looked at him: "Patrol Guard Pei intends to recruit you into the Patrol Guard Division. What is your intention?"

Xiao Liu: "... Ah?!"

His eyes went blank, as if he had been stunned.

Wen Gu patiently said it again.

Xiao Liu shouted in shock: "Am I even worthy?!"

"..."

Wen Gu's train of thought was almost interrupted by this sentence.

He looked at him speechlessly.

"Why wouldn't you be worthy?" Wen Gu asked.

"This..."

Xiao Liu opened his mouth, not knowing what to say.

He had just been bragging to others, and he only dared to fantasize about the City Defense Army; how could he dare to fantasize about the Patrol Guard Division!

What kind of place is the Patrol Guard Division?

It was founded by the Head of the Family of the Zhao Family, and everyone there is a trusted confidant! They have special privileges when handling cases!

If this hadn't come from Wen Gu, he would have definitely thought someone was joking with him or playing a trick on him.

But Wen Gu would not lie about such things, and that Patrol Guard Pei had indeed come by just now...

Xiao Liu only felt his blood boiling as if it were steaming.

If it weren't inappropriate, he would want to go outside and run a few laps to calm down right now.

He stammered as he sought confirmation from Wen Gu: "So, am I really going to become an official?"

"There is no official position for now; you will just be working alongside Patrol Guard Pei first. But as long as you perform well, it is only a matter of time," Wen Gu said.

Xiao Liu is not ignorant now; of course, he understands the status of the main officer of the Patrol Guard Division. Working alongside such a person is better than being an official himself!

He had heard He Da say that for people like them with low origins and no background, even if they want to become officials, what matters is not how high the position is, but who they are working for!

Wen Gu said to him: "Entering now is equivalent to being an auxiliary staff member; it is not a formal appointment, and there is still an observation period..."

Which is to say, a probationary period.

Wen Gu also mentioned the benefits and allowances of the Patrol Guard Division. These were concrete things, and he had specifically asked Pei Jun about them.

After becoming a regular, two meals are provided; the Patrol Guard Division has a dedicated canteen, and they provide clothing, armor, and a horse.

Accommodation is not provided, but the salary is high. One can choose to rent a room at the guard station, which is more convenient and affordable. If one does not want to live at the guard station, one can also use the monthly salary to rent a house.

"Do you have the intention to do this?"

"Yes! I am willing to go!" Xiao Liu was afraid that if he spoke too slowly, he would miss the opportunity.

However, he thought about the affairs in the ward after he left.

"The patrols in the ward..."

"I have explained the difficulties here to Patrol Guard Pei. You and Matuan have taken on important tasks in our Jingqing Two Wards," Wen Gu said.

Xiao Liu lowered his head in embarrassment.

"Patrol Guard Pei thinks very highly of you as an outstanding talent, and believes that your talents would have a broader space to be displayed in their Patrol Guard Division. I think so too."

Xiao Liu continued to hang his head, his ears flushed red.

"But after recruiting you over there, considering the vacancy in affairs here, Patrol Guard Pei will send ten people to fill the gap."

Xiao Liu suddenly raised his head, his pupils filled with shock: "Ten?!"

Am I worth that much?!!

"Among them, six are retired personnel from the Patrol Guard Division due to injury, and four are from the Xianshou Army and the City Defense Army."

Regardless of whether they are retired due to injury, they were still officially enlisted before!

They are all elite soldiers!

A massive storm raged in Xiao Liu's mind: What virtue or ability do I have to be able to be exchanged for ten elite soldiers!

"Someone as formidable as Patrol Guard Pei recognizes your skills." Wen Gu patted his shoulder and said earnestly, "So, Xiao Liu, do not look down on yourself!"

Xiao Liu was excited and moved beyond measure.

But thinking about leaving here to go to the Patrol Guard Division, he felt a bit reluctant, and was just about to say something.

Wen Gu said: "But your home in Xinzhou is still here; the house is kept for you, and you can come back when you are on leave."

Xiao Liu: Oh, that's right, it's not like moving house.

"Jingxing Fang is still my home in Xinzhou!"

(End of this chapter)