Xia Wanqing recalled the events of that time, and it was indeed the situation.

Although he had the idea of securing a Village Chief for Wenjin, he was ultimately a Jianghu hero, not a real bandit.

Rather than saying he seized, it was more appropriate to say he enticed with silver and prospects. Otherwise, there wouldn’t be so many young men happily following up the mountain, even if not chosen, they happily went back down.

When encountering Huangfu Yuxuan, they didn’t put him in their plans, as after all, Huangfu Yuxuan didn’t seem to be lacking in silver.

It was Huangfu Yuxuan who, seeing the bustling scene, inquired and then proactively requested.

Xia Wanqing saw he was good-looking, estimating that Wenjin would be willing, thus asked for his birth details, and found it was a heavenly match, which naturally was delightful for all!

However, the people of Haotian Village valued face, hence spread the word that he was seized.

Xia Wanqing remarked emotionally, "Heard it was saving a life, Young Master Xuan proactively came, which indeed can be considered loyal and righteous!"

Hua Yuanming added, "It’s rare for such a noble-born Young Master Xuan to be unassuming and courteous, Wenjin running away from marriage makes us Haotian Village in the wrong, yet he showed no anger and continued to acknowledge the Village Chief as his father-in-law! Such broad-mindedness is truly remarkable! In my view, he’s destined to be an Emperor!"

"Quiet!" Xia Wanqing and Gu Hongxin quickly stopped him: "Old Second, we are in the Capital City, unlike our village where one can speak freely, one must guard against eavesdroppers, such words should not be spoken! They could bring disaster to Young Master Xuan, and we too would be sentenced to death!"

Hua Yuanming disregarded, "Only family around here, no big deal!"

However, he didn’t continue the topic, turning to Xia Wanqing: "Big Brother, do you think the girl Wenjin returned to the village? Shouldn’t we reason with her properly, this Young Master Xuan is indeed a rare good choice, once this opportunity is lost, it’s gone forever! Having such a son-in-law is Big Brother’s fortune!"

Gu Hongxin also added: "Young Master Xuan is indeed excellent! We’ve heard many things outside, and heard there are many young ladies in the Capital City wanting to marry Young Master Xuan!"

Hua Yuanming remarked enthusiastically, "Indeed, even the storytellers in tea houses have specially compiled tales using rare words."

Xia Wanqing didn’t know what to say, as he hadn’t told his brothers about Wenjin’s adamant refusal of the marriage.

At the mountain village, Huangfu Yuxuan won the hearts of most brothers, everyone welcomed the idea of Wenjin marrying him. If Wenjin were to call off the marriage, it seemed these uncles would all be on Huangfu Yuxuan’s side, persuading her.

Xia Wanqing felt he was already on Huangfu Yuxuan’s side, so naturally others would be too! 𝕗𝚛𝚎𝚎𝐰𝗲𝗯𝗻𝚘𝚟𝚎𝗹.𝕔𝐨𝕞

If Old Fifth were here, he would certainly understand his hesitation and dilemma. Initially, when Huangfu Yuxuan invited him, all the brothers had their own matters, only Old Second and Old Third came along to the Capital.

Recalling today’s purpose, he finally asked: "If you were advised not to return to Haotian Village, but to seek a position in the Capital City and work for Young Master Xuan, would you be willing?"

Hua Yuanming asked: "How exactly would we work for him?"

Gu Hongxin hesitated: "Technically, we are his uncles, so working for him would mean becoming his subordinates?"

Hua Yuanming said: "Indeed, that’s somewhat inappropriate!"

A voice laughed: "Father-in-law, Uncle Hua, Uncle Gu, you’re already drinking? I’ve brought good wine, let’s all have a drink together!"

Hearing the mention of good wine, the three were very interested.

Huangfu Yuxuan walked over, carrying a jug of wine in one hand, looking quite carefree and unrestrained.

He filled their cups, the wine fragrant and golden yellow, truly top-notch.

The three were well tempted.

Huangfu Yuxuan raised his cup, saying: "I toast to Father-in-law and you two uncles!"

Everyone raised their cups and drank heartily, forgetting what they were talking about.

They forgot, but Huangfu Yuxuan didn’t, he proactively brought up the topic saying: "When I came in earlier, I seemed to hear the uncles discussing working for me in the Capital. This isn’t right!"

Hua Yuanming asked: "How is it not right?"

Huangfu Yuxuan smiled: "Father-in-law misunderstood my intention. What I proposed to Father-in-law was, if the uncles were interested in developing in the Capital, I could help by seeking a position. All officials are the Emperor’s subjects, as am I! So uncles are still uncles, not my subordinates!"

Hearing this, Hua Yuanming smiled broadly: "Young Master Xuan’s intention is pure, even serving you is fine, things are easier among family!"

Huangfu Yuxuan earnestly said: "The uncles in the village have taken good care of me, it’s clear to me, hence naturally I consider them when there’s advantage. Uncle Hua is right, family should support each other, sharing honor and disgrace, that’s what being family is about!"

Gu Hongxin asked: "Young Master Xuan, how exactly do you plan to secure a position? We’re just rough men, apart from fighting, we know nothing else!"

This topic Xia Wanqing had asked, but Huangfu Yuxuan wasn’t at all impatient, patiently explained again.

Of course, he said similar things to Hua Yuanming and Gu Hongxin, in different words.

Promises of prestige and glory were very appealing to these simple, passionate Jianghu men! Which man doesn’t dream of rising and prospering?

Hua Yuanming was almost immediately persuaded, Gu Hongxin hesitated a bit but soon found it compelling.

After a few cups of wine, visions of wealth and splendor appeared, stirring their passions.

Huangfu Yuxuan was pleased while also feeling disdain, a bunch of simpletons easily manipulated once thought is applied!

Huangfu Yuxuan reached an agreement with the three, besides Xia Wanqing not wanting to join officialdom for now, he would first find a junior officer position for Hua Yuanming and Gu Hongxin.

Although junior officer of eighth rank is not notable, one still manages over two hundred soldiers.

Huangfu Yuxuan repeatedly assured them, though with their skills a junior officer role was underutilizing them, every path has a process, like a brick to knock doors. Once others recognize their capabilities, they can climb higher step by step, for now, don’t mind the position’s status.

Actually, Huangfu Yuxuan most wanted Xia Wanqing to enter officialdom, being the Haotian Village Chief, skilled in martial arts and holding notable Jianghu status, moreover, only by his official role could Xia Wenjin be better persuaded to comply.

Though he knew if Xia Wanqing was unwilling, forcing persuasion would backfire, hence he focused more on winning over Hua Yuanming and Gu Hongxin.

Some flattery made them beam with joy.