One day, Yang Kai was wielding a sword and a saber in the courtyard when the Captain of the private guards entered the place.
Upon hearing the noise, Yin Zhi Yong quickly got out of the room and asked passionately, “Big Brother Chu, why are you here?”
The Captain was surnamed Chu, so the private guards would call him Big Brother Chu in private.
Big Brother Chu replied with a smile, “What’s wrong? Can’t I visit you two without any important matter? Have you forgotten about us just because you’ve made some contributions now? Are you looking down on us?”
Yin Zhi Yong put on a bitter expression as he said, “What are you talking about, Big Brother Chu? It’s thanks to your guidance over the years that I’ve had a chance to make a contribution. I would never dare to look down on you all.”
Big Brother Chu extended his hand and poked him, “You’re such a smooth talker, aren’t you?” All of a sudden, he put on a solemn expression and changed the topic, “Anyways, there’s indeed an important matter now.”
Yin Zhi Yong quickly said, “Please tell us right away, Big Brother Chu.”
Big Brother Chu turned to look at Yang Kai, “How are you feeling?”
Yang Kai moved his shoulders a little, “I’m fine.”
“Good. I was worried that you wouldn’t be able to take on this task.”
Yin Zhi Yong asked with concern, “What kind of task is that?”
Big Brother Chu put on a mysterious smile, “It’s not bad news. Something good awaits you. Come with me.”
After exchanging glances with Yin Zhi Yong, Yang Kai sheathed his weapons as they followed the Captain.
As they navigated through the Meng Manor behind Big Brother Chu, they soon arrived at a Grand Hall. In front of the Grand Hall stood an old man with a goatee. He was the chief steward of the Meng Manor. Seeing Captain Chu, he nodded gently.
Yin Zhi Yong suddenly felt his legs trembling slightly, for he finally recognised this Grand Hall.
Although he had been working in the Meng Manor for more than ten years, he had never had the right to come to such an important place as he was just an outer court’s private guard.
“Captain…” Yin Zhi Yong looked inquisitively at the Captain in the hope that he would be given a hint.
Big Brother Chu muttered quietly, “Don’t say anything unnecessary after going in.”
Yin Zhi Yong nodded repeatedly.
After having a small talk with Big Brother Chu, the steward with a goatee turned to Yang Kai and Yin Zhi Yong, “Come with me.” Upon finishing his words, he shuffled into the Grand Hall.
Yin Zhi Yong stuck close to Yang Kai and said in a small voice, “Little Brother, I believe we’re going to meet the Patriarch. You have to be cautious.”
The Grand Hall was where the Patriarch dealt with his daily business. No one could go near this place without his permission.
Yang Kai nodded gently to show that he understood.
After entering the Grand Hall with the chief steward, Yang Kai looked up and saw a man who was going through some documents behind a desk.
There was nothing special about the man, who was about fifty years old. Nevertheless, since he had taken good care of himself, he looked slightly younger than his age.
He was supposed to be the Patriarch of the Meng Family, Meng De Ye.
The chief steward told the two of them to stop, then walked up to Meng De Ye in light steps and said, “Sir, I’ve brought them.”
Meng De Ye grunted and continued handling his business.
Since he never said anything, Yang Kai and Yin Zhi Yong could only remain standing there.
About a cup of tea later, Meng De Ye put the documents aside and stamped them with a seal before falling into his thoughts with a frown. He seemed to have finally recalled the presence of these two private guards as he looked up at them, “Who is Yang Kai?”
Yang Kai cupped his fist and said solemnly, “Yang Kai greets the Patriarch.”
Yin Zhi Yong saluted him as well, “Outer court guard Yin Zhi Yong greets the Patriarch.”
Meng De Ye stared fixedly at Yang Kai and said impassively, “I heard that you were badly injured.”
Yang Kai replied in a firm voice, “As a guard of the Meng Manor, it is my duty to ensure the Eldest Young Lady’s safety even if it costs me my life.”
Admiration was written all over Yin Zhi Yong’s face as he thought that Yang Kai was usually taciturn, but the latter could tactfully fawn over someone in power when it was necessary.
“Good.” There was no doubt that Meng De Ye was pleased with his reply. Others might not be sincere when they said such a thing, but Yang Kai had proven his loyalty in the previous incident as he was willing to protect the Eldest Young Lady even with his life on the line.
Meng De Ye had heard others talk about the incident, so he knew that Yang Kai really almost died that day.
Although he had no idea why this new private guard was so bold and loyal, he reckoned that no more tests were needed.
“The inner court is supposed to be the place where the security is the strictest in the Meng Manor, but Ru’er was almost harmed this time. It’s because of this incident that she doesn’t trust the personal bodyguards in the inner court anymore.” Meng De Ye didn’t intend to beat around the bush as it wasn’t necessary to do so in front of his own private guards. Therefore, he directly told them the reason he had summoned them, “However, since you’ve saved Ru’er’s life, she has total trust in you. It could be said that she only trusts you of all the private guards in the Meng Manor.”
Yang Kai hung his head low, “It is my honour to have gained the Eldest Young Lady’s trust.”
“I want you to go to Ru’er’s side and be her personal bodyguard. Are you willing to take on this task?” Meng De Ye asked.
Yang Kai became startled for a moment before cupping his fist, “Rest assured, Patriarch. I am willing to be punished if the Eldest Young Lady loses even a single strand of hair.”
Meng De Ye nodded, “I have faith in your loyalty and capabilities. I’ll not mistreat you if you work hard.” He paused for a moment, “Do you have any requests?”
[He can even make a request?] Yin Zhi Yong was shocked, thinking that the Patriarch truly regarded Yang Kai as important.
After giving it a thought, Yang Kai replied, “I want a good saber and sword.”
The sword previously given to him by those from the Meng Manor was mass-produced, so it couldn’t be considered a good weapon. It soon became bent and chipped, making it all but unusable. The saber he randomly took from a dead bandit from Hidden Treasure Peak was just an ordinary weapon as well.
In a world where the Martial Dao was so low, one’s power would be enhanced greatly by having a good weapon. If Yang Kai had an incredible weapon in his hands at that time, he wouldn’t have become so battered.
Meng De Ye nodded lightly, “You may leave now. Someone will get the weapons ready.”
“Many thanks, Patriarch.”
To the side, the steward with a goatee saluted Meng De Ye before leading Yang Kai and Yin Zhi Yong to leave the hall.