Chapter 17: A Small Request

Ning Ye was, without a doubt, successful in this matter—at the very least, everyone was now talking about it.

When Ning Ye arrived at the county government office, full of vigor and accompanied by his group, Xu Sanguan had already been waiting there for quite some time, flanked by two squads of constables.

Xu Sanguan’s gaze was complicated. The words he and Ning Ye had exchanged earlier that day still echoed in his ears, yet he hadn’t anticipated such a swift reversal.

“Congratulations. I didn’t expect this to be so effortless,” Xu said warmly.

Ning Ye replied modestly, “It was just good fortune. Please, counselor, inform Lord Wang—I hope to meet with him.”

“Don’t worry, even if you hadn’t requested it, the lord has been waiting inside. As for the others, I’ll find quarters for them, and no one will touch their belongings.”

“Thank you for your efforts, counselor. May I enter now?”

Xu Sanguan gestured invitingly, and Ning Ye promptly dismounted and entered the county office.

They arrived once again at the small garden from that day. Lord Wang Mingyuan was already there, smiling broadly. “Ah, our great hero returns!”

Ning Ye approached and said, “Lord Wang, you flatter me. It was merely a stroke of luck. Still, I’m glad to have resolved the matter troubling you.”

Wang Mingyuan chuckled. “To be honest, when I entrusted you with those men, I never imagined you’d capture over a hundred horse bandits in just half a month.”

“That’s why I say it was just luck. Otherwise, how could someone like me have taken down so many vicious criminals?”

“After such a great achievement, are you still not satisfied? Must you put on airs before me to feel content?”

Ning Ye shook his head. “Half of my men were injured, and the rest gravely wounded. How could I possibly be happy when the outcome remains uncertain?”

Wang Mingyuan’s smile faded. “Enough with the formalities. You’ve done me a great favor this time. You deserve a reward; otherwise, no one will be willing to serve me in the future.”

Ning Ye had already considered what he wanted long before this day.

In these turbulent times, it was not enough to have men; one also needed money and grain. Land was equally vital—only with one’s own territory could one truly be in command.

Seeing that Ning Ye did not immediately voice his request, Wang Mingyuan added, “Make your request, but don’t be unreasonable.”

In a solemn tone, Ning Ye said, “My lord, I ask for nothing but a hundred acres of fertile land. I trust this request is not too great for you.”

Wang Mingyuan looked at him in surprise. “This is indeed unexpected. A hundred acres is not much, but are you certain this is the only reward you desire?”

“My lord, a hundred acres suffices. Of course, if you would grant me a residence, I would gladly accept.”

Wang Mingyuan laughed. “I’ve heard you brought back two cartloads of spoils. Surely you’re not so benevolent as to return them all? Such wealth, and yet you ask me for a house?”

Ning Ye scratched his head. “One ought to be shrewd. Besides, I don’t think my request is excessive, and you, my lord, are not lacking in such things.”

“Very well. Since you ask, I cannot refuse. There is a place in the eastern part of the city, once owned by a landlord devastated by these horse bandits—his entire family slaughtered without a trace. That place will be yours.”

“Thank you for your generosity, my lord. If there is nothing else, I shall go see my new home.”

Wang Mingyuan waved his hand. “Go ahead, but leave the antiques and calligraphy with me. I have no need for the rest.”

Ning Ye nodded. “Even if you had not mentioned it, those items were meant to be offered to you.”

Wang Mingyuan smiled knowingly. He understood well that if he had not spoken, Ning Ye would have swallowed everything whole.

This young man acted with a maturity beyond his years. Even the scions of noble families required lifelong cultivation to possess such demeanor.

One could only wonder if the ancestral tombs of the Ning family had somehow been blessed, producing such a talent.

As soon as Ning Ye stepped out of the government office, he found his men still standing rigidly, unmoving. Xu Sanguan’s face was clouded with displeasure.

“Your lord hasn’t ordered you to follow me, have they? Has the county office’s word lost all authority?”

Wang Wu wore a stern expression. “Our lord gave no instructions to move before entering. We must stay here, and we ask your forgiveness.”

Ning Ye quickened his pace. “Counselor Xu, there’s no need to argue with these obstinate fools. Today is a day of joy for me. Why not join me for a drink?”

Xu Sanguan replied sarcastically, “Oh? So young Master Ning has finally stood tall. May I be honored to drink with you?”

“Counselor Xu, how can you say such things? We will have many dealings in the future. Come on, you decide where we go.”

Xu Sanguan was tempted but ultimately declined. “No, you celebrate on your own. I have other matters.”

Ning Ye nodded. “Very well. Then I will leave these items with you for the time being. You can select the antiques and calligraphy to keep for Lord Wang; we will take the rest.”

Xu Sanguan’s temper flared. “So, just after your success, you plan to boss me around?”

Ning Ye whispered, putting an arm around Xu’s neck, “Counselor, you orchestrated this all. Just leave me a little compensation, and I will consider the rest my gift to you.”

Xu Sanguan looked disgusted. “Get away from me. You think I care about your money?”

“I’ve told you what I must. If you still refuse, there’s nothing I can do.”

With that, Ning Ye prepared to take his men to the clinic for treatment. As for celebrations, those would come later.

Xu Sanguan remained behind, clearly unsettled, unsure how to assess Ning Ye.

Looking at the items left behind, he knew his lord must have demands; otherwise, Ning Ye would not have spoken so.

Thus, the matter stood for now.