Volume One, Chapter Twelve: Recruiting Personnel

"Most of those people are wanderers of the martial world. Some are driven by hardship, others exiled for offending those in power," the young man dressed as a scholar explained.

"Yet among them, there are also those who possess extraordinary skills. If you do not mind, you might consider meeting them."

"I'll trouble you, then. Where might your friend be now? Could you introduce us?"

"That's not difficult, but lately, I've found myself a bit short on funds..." The scholar rubbed his fingers together.

Li Tianqing understood at once. He drew a silver ingot from his breast and handed it to the young man dressed as a scholar. "A small token of gratitude, I hope you'll accept it."

Having spoken, Li Tianqing beckoned a waiter. "Bring out one of every specialty your establishment boasts."

He then continued, "I've greatly enjoyed our conversation today, gentlemen. Allow me to host tonight's food and wine."

"You're most generous, brother! In that case, we won't stand on ceremony!" The group was delighted, raising their cups to toast Li Tianqing.

"Please, everyone," Li Tianqing said with a respectful gesture, then drained his teacup in one gulp.

The waiter hurried off to fulfill the order, and Li Tianqing resumed his casual chatter with the men. Throughout the meal, he subtly probed for information about the Imperial City. The men, in high spirits, answered every question without reservation, and the atmosphere was exceedingly harmonious.

Li Tianqing gathered the intelligence he had gleaned, contemplating inwardly. Lately, because of the turmoil of war, a great influx of refugees had poured into the capital. Among them, there were undoubtedly individuals of rare talent. As long as the price was right, recruiting them should not prove difficult.

Wine flowed, dishes came and went; soon, they were sated and content.

"Gentlemen, it has been a pleasure drinking with you tonight. If fate allows, I hope we may meet again, and I shall host you once more," Li Tianqing said, rising to take his leave.

"Hahaha! Absolutely! Safe travels, brother!" The others stood and saw him off with enthusiasm.

Li Tianqing returned their bows, then left the restaurant with Monk Yunkong and the scholar.

Outside, night had already fallen. Li Tianqing and Monk Yunkong followed the young scholar as he led them through a maze of winding alleys.

Monk Yunkong followed in silence, ever watchful of their surroundings.

Who would have thought that even in the heart of the bustling Imperial City, such dark, dilapidated, and secluded alleys could exist?

Li Tianqing observed his surroundings without betraying his thoughts, carefully committing the route to memory.

"We're here." The three arrived in front of a rundown courtyard, and the young scholar came to a halt.

Li Tianqing looked up and saw the courtyard was little more than a ruin; its walls mottled with age, weeds overrunning the grounds.

The scholar scratched his head awkwardly. "There were too many eyes and ears at the restaurant earlier—some things are best discussed here." This was, in fact, his own home.

Li Tianqing nodded. "No matter. Here, with no one about, we can speak freely." The three entered the courtyard.

Though worn and humble, the little house was nonetheless tidy. The scholar led them to the main hall.

He offered seats to Li Tianqing and Monk Yunkong before turning to prepare tea.

Li Tianqing surveyed the room. The furnishings were sparse and battered, clearly betraying the scholar's modest means.

"Pardon the humble surroundings," the scholar apologized as he brought two cups of tea for his guests.

"You may have already guessed—I concealed my identity at the table earlier for good reason. In truth, the friend I spoke of does not exist. I am that wandering swordsman."

"Allow me to introduce myself anew—my name is Moyang." With that, he clasped his hands in greeting.

Li Tianqing raised an eyebrow. A swordsman disguised as a scholar? Intriguing.

"Oh? Why go to such lengths, brother?"

"It's a long story. Please, don't take offense." Moyang sighed. "I had no other choice." He forced a wry smile. "To be blunt, I've offended someone powerful here in the capital."

Li Tianqing and Monk Yunkong exchanged a glance, thoughtful.

"Who might that be?" Li Tianqing asked.

Moyang shook his head helplessly. "The youngest son of Minister Qin of the Ministry of War—Qin Wenlong."

Qin Wenlong? Upon hearing the name, Li Tianqing nearly burst out laughing. Wasn't this the unlucky wretch he'd just thrashed recently?

"That man spends his days in debauchery, bullying the weak, committing all manner of evil, but with a father wielding enormous influence at court," Moyang said bitterly. "I could not stand his arrogance and decided to teach him a lesson."

"Serves him right!" Monk Yunkong exclaimed, slapping his hands in approval.

"You are truly a man of honor," Li Tianqing praised. "But I suppose Qin Wenlong will not let matters rest?"

Moyang gave a rueful smile. "As a result, I was proclaimed a wanted man. I've been forced to hide and run ever since."

"Fortunately, after years wandering the martial world, I've picked up a few tricks. Disguised as a scholar, I've managed to keep a low profile," Moyang admitted.

Hearing this, Li Tianqing felt a growing respect for Moyang. Though down on his luck, the man possessed a righteous spirit—a worthy companion.

"Then why remain here in the capital? With your skills, finding refuge elsewhere shouldn't be difficult," Li Tianqing wondered aloud.

At this, Moyang's expression turned somber. "To be honest, I was born here. There are things in this city I cannot abandon."

Li Tianqing wisely refrained from pressing further. Who among them did not harbor secrets?

"So what do you plan to do next, Moyang? Surely you can't hide forever?" he probed gently.

Moyang fell silent for a long moment before finally replying, "To tell the truth, I've been troubled over this. What you mentioned earlier—journeying to Northern Yan—it tempted me. If you wouldn't mind, I would go with you."

"There's no need for such formality, Moyang. I'm in need of capable hands. With your help, our chances will only improve," Li Tianqing said with a smile. "In fact, I might be able to resolve your predicament."

"Oh? How so?" Moyang looked up sharply, hope flickering in his eyes before quickly fading. "I thank you, brother, but Minister Qin's power is vast; the web of influence is wide. I would not wish to implicate you."

"You worry too much," Li Tianqing replied, waving a hand dismissively. "This is no great matter for me."

With a grand gesture, Li Tianqing produced an identity token.

"Let me introduce myself properly—my name is Li Tianqing, Prince Jing of Great Zhou. As for that Qin Wenlong, just days ago I nearly beat him to death at Prince Xuan's residence. In that sense, I suppose I've already avenged you."

Moyang was struck speechless. He stared blankly at the token in Li Tianqing’s hand, unable to believe that the young man who had just dined and drunk with him was, in fact, a Prince of the realm.