Chapter 162 Imperial Edict

Upon hearing that the Three Heroes of Jibei were going to join the Fuwei Escort Agency, even Wang Yuanba and his family rushed over, unable to believe it. The Three Heroes of Jibei were renowned figures thirty years ago, daring to challenge the Sun Moon Cult; now they were willing to join the Fuwei Escort Agency.

However, Lin Zhennan hesitated, glancing at the three men and then at Shi Potian. Having worked as a镖局 (bodyguard agency) for many years, he knew all too well how unpredictable people's hearts were. These three were highly skilled in martial arts and had once been trusted lieutenants of the Songshan Sect. Now, their sudden defection—who knew if they were genuine? What if they were spies sent by the Songshan Sect, causing trouble within the镖局 later? The consequences would be unimaginable.

Madam Wang, however, was direct and cold, saying, "The three of you were threatening to kill us in Hengyang City, trying to steal my escort agency's sword manual and even attempting to silence us. Now that you're desperate, you've come to us for help? With your martial arts skills being so high, how can we trust you? If you turn against us one day, our Fuwei Escort Agency can't afford the consequences."

Zhao Lie's face darkened, and he clasped his hands in a fist and said, "Madam is right. We were indeed guilty of grave sins before, and dare not presume to ask for Madam's trust. We will forever remember the young镖头's life-saving grace."

Since Madam refuses to take us in, we dare not force her. We only hope that if the young镖头 (bodyguard/escort) ever needs our help, we will go through fire and water for him without hesitation.” Having said this, he turned to leave.

Zhang Biao and Sima Yong also looked disappointed and turned around.

Qu Feiyan suddenly spoke up: "Wait!"

The three of them stopped and turned to look at her.

Qu Feiyan walked to Shi Potian's side and whispered, "Little brother, Fuwei Escort Agency is in dire need of manpower right now. Sister Long said that in the future, the imperial court will give priority to Fuwei Escort Agency for escort missions. How can we take on these missions if we don't have enough manpower?"

The three of them are top-notch martial arts practitioners, familiar with the ways of the martial world—aren't they readily available manpower? Besides, while Uncle Lin's martial arts are not bad, they are far inferior to yours. If enemies come knocking while you're away, your parents and Sarutobi Hiyori alone might not be enough to handle the situation."

Shi Potian asked, "So what do you mean?"

Qu Feiyan said, "They can join if they want, but they must put us at ease. How do we put them at ease? Naturally, we'll use some methods on them. As long as they are sincere and pass the test, we'll release them later. This way, we can prevent any unforeseen circumstances while also fulfilling their wishes."

Shi Potian frowned: "What methods?"

Qu Feiyan laughed and said, "Didn't you learn the Life and Death Talisman from Hong Tai? Plant it on them, and as long as they don't harbor any disloyal thoughts, nothing will happen. Even if they turn against you, you'll have a way to control them."

Shi Potian said, "The Life and Death Talisman is too vicious; I don't want to use it."

She knew Shi Potian would refuse, and advised him, "Young man, we all know that you are kind-hearted and unwilling to harm others. The three of them are skilled in martial arts. If they are truly loyal, they will naturally be good helpers; if they are not, you will regret it later if something happens."

"With the Life-and-Death Talisman planted, they won't dare to act recklessly, so you can rest assured. Wait a year or two, until you see their true intentions, then remove the talisman."

Seeing that Shi Potian remained unmoved, Qu Feiyan continued:

"If you're unwilling, then I'll use my Black Blood Divine Needles. I'll give each of them one needle. The needles are poisoned, and they'll need to take the antidote regularly. But that stuff is even more troublesome than the Life and Death Talisman. If I'm not around and they miss the antidote, they'll really die."

Ignoring Shi Potian, he took out a needle and said to the three heroes of Jibei, "You want to join the Fuwei Escort Agency? Fine. But you must let my little brother place a restriction on you. As long as you are loyal, it will be lifted later. Are you willing?"

Zhao Lie was taken aback. He exchanged a glance with Zhang Biao and Sima Yong, and the three of them knelt down on one knee simultaneously. Zhao Lie clasped his hands in a fist and said:

"Young Master Escort, we are truly loyal and have no ulterior motives. Even if you were to take our lives, we would have no complaints, let alone any restrictions. Please, Young Master Escort, do as you command!"

Qu Feiyan said, "See? If you don't agree, I'll use a needle."

Shi Potian finally agreed and walked up to the three of them. He raised his right hand and activated the Yangchun Baixue technique of the Tianshan Six Yang Palm. Instantly, qi condensed in his palm, and the moisture in the air quickly condensed into three thin, cicada-wing-like ice shards that shimmered coldly in the sunlight.

Everyone, especially the Wang family, was astonished to see Shi Potian conjure ice out of thin air. The two cousins ​​were filled with admiration.

"Once the Life and Death Talisman is planted, it will cause unbearable itching when it takes effect, making you wish you were dead. But as long as you do no evil, it will be removed from your body and you will not feel anything," Shi Potian said.

Zhao Lie trusted Shi Potian and said fearlessly, "Young Master Escort, please."

With a wave of his right hand, Shi Potian sent three ice shards silently into the bodies of the three men, embedding themselves in their shoulder, back, and waist acupoints respectively. The three men felt only a slight chill, and then nothing more.

Qu Feiyan asked curiously, "Little brother, is that all? It didn't hurt or itch at all?"

Shi Potian said, "It doesn't hurt when it's implanted, but it's deadly when it flares up."

Qu Feiyan laughed and said, "Little brother, so this is how the Life and Death Talisman is made. I can't do it."

Shi Potian said, "Your skill is still shallow. With diligent cultivation, it will naturally improve."

She thought to herself, "Although I don't want to use this thing, Feifei is right. I can't lose my mother again. I absolutely can't afford to make any mistakes."

The three heroes of Jibei stood up, stretched their limbs, and showed no signs of discomfort. Zhao Lie clasped his hands and said, "Young Master Escort, we are willing to serve the Fuwei Escort Agency with utmost loyalty. May we be struck down by heaven and earth if we are disloyal!"

Zhang Biao exclaimed, "Young Master Escort is truly a master of magic, able to conjure ice with his bare hands; such skill is rare indeed."

Shi Potian nodded and turned to Lin Zhennan: "Father, since they are willing to join, and the escort agency is short-handed, why not accept them?"

Seeing that his son had already been given the Life and Death Talisman, Lin Zhennan no longer hesitated and said, "Very well. Since the three of you are willing to join the Fuwei Escort Agency, I would be more than happy to oblige. However, the agency has just suffered a great calamity, and the branches in various places are in dire need of rebuilding. We are in dire need of manpower at this time. I would like to ask the three of you to go to Nanchang, Hangzhou, and Changsha respectively to rebuild the branches. You can recruit your own men, and I will also send escorts from Fuzhou to assist you. What do you three think?"

Zhao Lie was overjoyed: "With such trust from the Chief Escort, how could we dare not serve!"

Zhang Biao said, "I know Nanchang well, I'll go to Nanchang!"

Sima Yong said, "I'm going to Changsha."

Zhao Lie said, "Then I'll go to Hangzhou."

Lin Zhennan took out three silver notes from his sleeve and handed one to each person: "This is the money for rebuilding the branch office. Keep it safe. When you arrive, first tidy up the premises and put up the Fuwei Escort Agency's banner. I will arrange for more people from headquarters to help you."

The three men accepted the silver notes, expressing their deepest gratitude. Zhao Lie said, "Rest assured, Chief Escort, we will definitely make this branch office a resounding success and live up to the reputation of the Fuwei Escort Agency!"

Madam Wang said, "You should pack your things and set off immediately. Be careful on the road."

The three men clasped their hands in farewell and were about to turn and leave.

Qu Feiyan chuckled and was about to speak when suddenly a commotion erupted outside the door, with gongs, drums, and firecrackers exploding in unison.

The doorman strode in, shouting, "Master, a lot of officials have arrived outside, saying they've come to deliver an imperial edict! They want the Fuwei Escort Agency to receive it!"

Everyone was shocked. Lin Zhennan said, "An imperial edict? What's going on...?"

Wang Yuanba exclaimed in surprise, "How could we, the people of the martial world, receive an imperial edict? Zhennan, has your Fuwei Escort Agency committed a crime?"

Madam Wang said, "Father, what nonsense are you talking about? We run a security escort agency, not highway robbery."

Shi Potian was even more confused, but Qu Feiyan's eyes darted around and she said, "It's probably a great thing, no need to worry."

Wang Yuanba hurriedly said, "Quickly, go out and greet them! Whether it's good news or bad news, keeping the angels waiting will turn a good thing into a bad one!"

Everyone hurriedly straightened their clothes and went out to greet them. Outside the Golden Knife Gate, a large group of Imperial Guards stood in the dark, led by a middle-aged eunuch with a white face and no beard, wearing a python robe. Behind him were several junior eunuchs, holding a yellow silk imperial edict, standing solemnly.

When the eunuch saw the Wang family members come out, he didn't recognize anyone and just said in a shrill voice, "All members of the Fuwei Escort Agency, receive the imperial decree."

Shi Potian didn't know how to accept the imperial decree. Although he had seen Liu Zhengfeng kneel and kowtow to receive the decree at the Liu residence in Hengshan City, he didn't know if it would be the same as what was happening now, and he didn't want to kneel down.

Lin Zhennan, Madam Wang, Wang Yuanba, and other members of the Wang family knew the rules and all knelt down, while only Shi Potian and Qu Feiyan remained standing.

Seeing a large group of people kneeling on the ground before him, the eunuch disregarded who was still standing, unfolded the imperial edict, and loudly proclaimed:

By the mandate of Heaven, the Emperor decrees:

The Fuwei Escort Agency, with generations of loyalty and chivalry, has always been committed to protecting the territory and its people. Now, with Japanese pirates invading and besieging Nanjing, the entire agency, united in hatred against the enemy, has fought bravely and achieved remarkable feats.

Lin Pingzhi, the young head镖师 (bodyguard/escort), is commendably loyal and brave, surpassing all others in the army. He single-handedly killed hundreds of Japanese pirates, striking fear into the enemy's heart. He then lifted the siege of Nanjing, saving the people from suffering. Furthermore, he was meritorious in protecting the emperor and ensuring the safety of the princess. I am very pleased.

Lin Pingzhi was specially granted the title of Earl of Loyalty and Bravery and appointed General of Zhaowu as a sign of commendation. His mother, Lady Wang, was virtuous and kind, and was skilled in educating her son; she was granted the title of Lady of the Third Rank.

He also bestowed upon the Fuwei Escort Agency an imperial plaque, a hundred bolts of yellow silk, and a thousand taels of silver to honor its gates and to commend its loyalty and righteousness.

So be it!

After the imperial edict was read, everyone in the hall was astonished.

After kowtowing, Wang Yuanba stood up, his eyes still wide open, as if in a dream. He had thought he had committed a crime, but it turned out to be a good thing, much better than anything he had imagined.

He's lived to such an old age, and the Golden Saber Sect has been operating in Luoyang for generations, yet he's just a local tycoon who spent a fortune to get an inscription from the governor.

Now, my grandson, fresh out of school, has soared to great heights, and the emperor has issued an edict directly bestowing upon him the title of Earl, making him a powerful figure in the court! This honor is something that the entire Golden Saber Sect could not earn in several generations.

This startled him greatly. He pinched his thigh hard and cried out in pain, realizing he wasn't dreaming.

Wang Jiaju shook his grandfather's arm vigorously and said, "Grandpa, is my cousin's title of Earl really that big? Why are you so surprised?"

Wang Yuanba said domineeringly, "It's not just big, it's absolutely enormous! Does Liu Bowen know this? He made such a great contribution, yet he was only granted the title of Earl. Don't you think that's big or not?"

The Wang family members all gaped open, their mouths agape enough to fit large eggs. Was Young Master Lin on par with Liu Bowen?

The younger generation was even more surprised and envious, and their eyes changed completely when they looked at Shi Potian—this was no cousin, but a living ancestor and a great benefactor!

The three heroes of northern Hebei hadn't gone far when they heard the news and turned back to stand aside and watch.

Zhao Lie murmured, "Earl... General... Young镖头 (镖头 is a term for a镖头, meaning镖头 is a type of镖头 in Chinese, and doesn't necessarily mean the head镖头 is a镖头) will continue to be called General?"

Zhang Biao's face was flushed, and he looked at Shi Potian with a strange light in his eyes, as if he himself had been granted the title.

He said to Sima Yong, "Third brother, what did I tell you? The young镖头 (bodyguard) is a rare commodity. The sooner you join him, the more limitless his future will be. In just one day, he has become an earl and a general."

Sima Yong, not quite understanding, excitedly said, "The young镖头 (bodyguard/escort) is so young, won't he be made a king someday? Then we'll all go from chickens to phoenixes and become generals!"

Zhang Biao was dumbfounded; ignorance is bliss.

Mr. and Mrs. Lin were both surprised and delighted, and Mrs. Wang's eyes even reddened. She never dreamed that she would one day become a Lady of Imperial Decree.

Behind Shi Potian, Qu Feiyan whispered, "Little brother, this must have been arranged by Sister Long. You haven't even arrived in the capital yet, and the reward has already come—a count general! She really keeps her word. She said she'd make you a general, and she did. Should I call you Lord Lin from now on?"

Shi Potian said, "I don't understand what an earl is, but I still want to thank Sister Long."

The eunuch handed the imperial edict to Lin Zhennan, smiling, "You must be Lin Zhennan, the chief镖师 (bodyguard/escort) of the Fuwei镖局 (escort agency)? Congratulations! The chief镖师 has a fine son. And who is Young Master Lin?"

Qu Feiyan pushed Shi Potian forward, and Shi Potian stared blankly at the eunuch in front of him.

Lin Zhennan said, "Father-in-law, this is my son, Lin Pingzhi."

The eunuch looked Shi Potian up and down and exclaimed, "Young Master Shi is truly a dragon among men! Tsk tsk tsk, such an elegant demeanor and such a handsome appearance, I have never seen anything like it before. Even the top scholar cannot compare. No wonder, no wonder."

As he spoke, he affectionately took Shi Potian's hand and patted it, saying, "Our young master Cao Shaoqing, the young镖头 (bodyguard/escort) will also be a member of the court in the future, so you should get closer to him. The Emperor said that since you don't want to be an official, this general title is just an honorary one. You don't need to attend court or handle affairs, but you will still receive the same salary and benefits as an earl. The Emperor also said that you should come to the capital for a visit when you have time. He really wants to see you and see your demeanor."

The words were full of meaning, but Shi Potian couldn't understand a word of them, so it was a complete waste of his energy.

Qu Feiyan and Madam Wang seemed to be deep in thought.

Shi Potian didn't know what to say, only saying, "Thank you, sir. You've had a hard journey."

The eunuch leaned closer and lowered his voice, saying, "Young Master Lin, Eunuch Liu asked me to pass on a message—he asked you to put in a good word for the princess."

Shi Potian naturally knew that Eunuch Liu was Liu Chaoyong, the eunuch in charge of Nanjing, but he didn't quite understand the flattery he was hearing.

Shi Potian nodded in agreement.

The eunuch nodded, having said all that needed to be said, and then turned to leave with the Imperial Guards and eunuchs.

Lin Zhennan pulled on Eunuch Cao's arm and pulled out several gold ingots from his pocket. Eunuch Cao was startled and said angrily, "Chief镖头 Lin, what do you take us for? Take them back immediately."

Lin Zhennan was taken aback. It was as if the sun had risen in the west; even the eunuchs weren't greedy anymore.

Eunuch Cao bowed to Shi Potian, then turned and left.

Qu Feiyan laughed and said, "Sister Long, this Embroidered-Clad General has the power to oversee the entire world, how could he dare to accept gifts?"

Lin Zhennan then understood.

Wang Yuanba then stood up, tears streaming down his face. He grasped Shi Potian's hand and said in a trembling voice, "Ping'er, my good grandson! You...you have truly made your grandfather proud! Earl! Our Wang family has been nothing more than江湖草莽 (jianghu cao, meaning outlaws and scoundrels) for generations, but I never imagined that under your tutelage, our Wang family could rise to prominence!"

Wang Bofen and Wang Zhongqiang also gathered around, their faces beaming: "Ping'er, congratulations! From now on, the Golden Saber Sect in Luoyang will benefit greatly from your success!"

Several cousins ​​rushed up to him to curry favor, calling him "cousin" over and over, as if they were closer than blood brothers.

The three heroes of Jibei also squeezed in. Zhao Lie clasped his hands and said, "Young Master Escort, congratulations! It is truly an honor for us three brothers to follow you!"

Zhang Biao said, "The young master of the escort agency has been granted a title and appointed a general, restoring the prestige of the Fuwei Escort Agency. Congratulations!"

Sima Yong nodded repeatedly, feeling that his second brother was absolutely right.