Huangfu Yuxuan said with a joyful face, "Thank you, Father-in-law!"

This address as Father-in-law made Xia Wanqing feel very comfortable. When he first came to the mountain, this was how Huangfu Yuxuan called him.

Since the day he met Xia Wenjin and learned of Xia Wenjin’s intentions, after proposing to annul the marriage to Huangfu Yuxuan, Huangfu Yuxuan only referred to him as Chief Xia.

Everything seems to have returned to the past.

Huangfu Yuxuan said more sincerely, "Father-in-law, rest assured, if in two years Wenjin still has no feelings for me, I will never pester her. At that time, I will definitely take the initiative to propose withdrawing the engagement and wish her true happiness!"

Two years, does it really need two years?

In this Capital City, there are plenty of people he can use. As long as Xia Wenjin is here, she can’t escape from his grasp.

If it doesn’t work out, can’t he also use force? Once the raw rice is cooked, who else can she marry?

Of course, this is the last resort. Huangfu Yuxuan prides himself on being charming, and in the Capital City, countless noblewomen desire to marry him. As long as Xia Wenjin isn’t blind, she will naturally see his advantages.

Unless absolutely necessary, he would not take that step.

Xia Wanqing felt more at ease and said, "Dear son-in-law, earlier you mentioned inviting us to the capital to find an official position for us. I’ve thought about it and find it inappropriate!"

"Father-in-law, what’s inappropriate?" Huangfu Yuxuan asked in surprise.

Xia Wanqing said, "We are people of the Jianghu, used to being free. This time, coming to the capital at your invitation, everything in terms of food and accommodation has naturally been excellent. The Capital City is indeed as prosperous and splendid as you described. But we have been in the Jianghu for a long time and have lost the ambition for victory. This bustling place isn’t quite suitable for me!"

Huangfu Yuxuan laughed and said, "Father-in-law, that’s not right. This isn’t about ambition for victory. Holding an official position is more than just personal wealth and glory. More importantly, it blesses the wife and brings honor to the ancestors. This is the responsibility and duty a man should have in the world!"

"I’m just a rough man. I’m good at fighting and killing, but I’m afraid I couldn’t handle an official position!"

"Father-in-law, you needn’t worry about that. Court positions include both civil servants and military officers. As a civil servant, I’m afraid you couldn’t manage, but as a military officer, you are more than capable. With your skills, you could be a Great General on the battlefield!"

Such words are pleasing to the ear, and Xia Wanqing shook his head with a smile, "Xuan’er, don’t humor me. I may not have much experience with Court affairs, but I’ve seen it if not done it myself. It’s not that easy!"

Pig run?

Huangfu Yuxuan felt a bit disgruntled. Indeed, the rough Jianghu man used such a metaphor. Who’s the pig here?

Suppressing his displeasure, Huangfu Yuxuan patiently said, "Father-in-law, you overthink it. Since I’ve arranged this for you, I will make sure it’s thoroughly sorted. We’ll start with a low-ranking military position and take it step by step. This way, you’ll feel assured and not worry about not managing it!"

Xia Wanqing was about to speak when Huangfu Yuxuan added, "I know starting from a low-rank military officer might be beneath you. With your skills, Father-in-law, you shouldn’t be treated so unfairly. Why don’t you assist me for now? When an opportunity arises, let’s at least secure a Fifth Rank Official position for you!"

Xia Wanqing drank a cup of wine with a smile and said, "Xuan’er, I appreciate your intention, but I truly don’t wish to be an official. Being an official can’t compare to the freedom in the Jianghu!"

Huangfu Yuxuan said seriously, "Father-in-law, that’s not right. What man doesn’t want to elevate his family and bring honor to his ancestors? Those who pride themselves on the high realms of the Jianghu and freedom merely haven’t had such opportunities! Now the opportunity is before us; doesn’t father-in-law want the Xia family to be prestigious, for the brothers of Haotian Village to enjoy wealth and glory, and centuries of prosperity? People of the Jianghu prioritize righteousness! Father-in-law, you care about your brothers and Haotian Village, using another method to bring more renown and glory to Haotian Village, you shouldn’t refuse!"

Huangfu Yuxuan’s passionate words moved Xia Wanqing, but despite being tempted, he hesitated. The Jianghu and the Court had always been separate, and bringing Haotian Village to help Huangfu Yuxuan would mean fully stepping into the Court, transforming from Jianghu people to neither Jianghu nor court officials.

Seeing he hadn’t given a definite answer yet but clearly showed signs of being persuaded, Huangfu Yuxuan pressed on, "Father-in-law, there’s no rush to decide. Aren’t there uncles from Haotian Village here? Why not ask for their opinions and see how they think!"

This truly struck a chord with Xia Wanqing. He felt tempted but hesitant; better to listen to the brothers’ opinions. If they wished to rise to honor, Haotian Village would follow Young Master Xuan; if they wanted to return to the Jianghu for freedom, Haotian Village would stay out of these waters!

Huangfu Yuxuan was adept at observing expressions and knew Xia Wanqing’s thinking. He felt halfway reassured, convinced that no man would be unmoved by power, status, and wealth!

Following that, he started earnestly persuading with wine. Xia Wanqing, feeling trust and favor towards him, drank with delight, emptying one cup after another.

During the banquet, Huangfu Yuxuan described a future vision to Xia Wanqing: the wealth and glory, the family honor, the prestige of clan members, and the grand prosperity a hundred years from now...

He guessed correctly, what man doesn’t want to achieve great things and secure a name for posterity?

Xia Wanqing wanted that too.

If someday, the Xia family could also become a vital wealthy family, and his descendants wouldn’t need to live life licking the knife’s edge in the Jianghu, having the wealth and honor earned by ancestors, it seemed quite appealing!

The initial spark of interest grew stronger!

Huangfu Yuxuan poured a cup of wine, handed it to Xia Wanqing with both hands, his tone more sincere and heartfelt, "Father-in-law, I don’t wish for a muddled life, especially since meeting Wenjin, I hope to strive, to give the woman I love a happy life. I admire Wenjin, and for the rest of my life, I’ll treat her well; she’ll be my only wife! All I’m doing now is for Wenjin! Let us work together so Wenjin can have a good life!"

Xia Wanqing nodded, full of comfort.

With this promise, he felt reassured.

Due to the assassination of Prince Cheng’s Heir, the capital was under tight security, with intensified searches by the Capital Guard and constables from the Capital Governor’s office, scouring even rat holes thoroughly. For a time, those who engaged in illicit deeds felt extremely uneasy, and even ordinary citizens sensed the oppressive tension.