Chapter 449

Chapter 449: Can’t you just protect me?

Speaking with a smart person really does save effort.

Before I even said what the matter was, the other party had already guessed.

And upon hearing Ming’s invitation, Ping’an didn’t immediately agree but instead stroked his chin, looking deep in thought.

If the other side truly needed his help as a way for him to repay their kindness, Ping’an would definitely join the Jinyi Guard without hesitation.

But the issue was that while he himself wasn’t afraid of danger, he mainly worried about endangering those around him.

As the other side remained silent, Ming continued, “Although this position can be considered one of great power and influence, and it allows direct access to His Majesty’s attention, earning his favor.”

“But this position won’t be easy. On the contrary, it’s very easy to offend people.”

“After all, the things the Jinyi Guard does mostly involve offending others.”

“If there must be any benefits mentioned, if Brother Yu were to leave the Jinyi Bureau, it would likely greatly assist with future promotions.”

“Regardless, our Jinyi Guard reports directly to His Majesty.”

“His Majesty will surely see Brother Yu’s talents.”

“Even if you leave the Jinyi Guard in the future, His Majesty will certainly entrust you with important tasks.”

“So regarding my invitation, I hope Brother Yu will carefully consider it.”

Ping’an nodded.

Just as Ming said.

The deputy commander of the Jinyi Guard is a fourth-rank official position with real power.

In comparison, his role in the Hall of Worthies was merely an idle post.

Setting aside his desire to repay Brother Xu, objectively speaking,

If he accepted Brother Xu’s suggestion, he could leap from being an idle official in the Hall of Worthies to becoming a fourth-rank minister with actual authority.

One could say he’d save at least ten years of effort.

And ten years might even be an underestimate; how many officials haven’t reached the fourth rank after more than a decade?

Moreover, the Jinyi Guard is loyal only to His Majesty, so as long as he doesn’t show disloyalty, there’s a high probability he’ll become one of His Majesty’s trusted confidants.

As Brother Xu said, by then, even if he no longer serves in the Jinyi Bureau, he’ll still receive His Majesty’s favor.

Of course, one thing is certain: everything has two sides.

Now, if he enters the Jinyi Guard and moves into the Jinyi residence, he’ll inevitably be despised by the court ministers.

Moreover, the Jinyi Guard investigates both officials and nobles, making enemies along the way.

When you offend others, they will resent you.

When others resent you, you’re in danger.

So, should he follow the routine and continue as an idle official in the Hall of Worthies, waiting for an opening to fill a vacancy?

Or should he take a risk and climb the ladder directly?

“Brother Yu doesn’t need to give me an answer right away. Once you’ve thought it through, you can come to the Jinyi Guard Commander’s residence anytime.”

Seeing Ping’an’s hesitance, Xu Ming thought this was the normal reaction of a clever person.

If it were someone obsessed with power, they would have agreed immediately under his invitation.

Such people entering the Jinyi Guard would cause trouble. Although it’s unavoidable that some such people enter, and some may gradually be corrupted by power and profit once inside,

All he can do is minimize their numbers and slow down their corruption.

“Alright, Brother Xu.” Ping’an nodded, “I indeed need to think about this matter.”

“That’s natural,” Xu Ming nodded, indicating understanding, “I also hope Brother Yu makes a choice based on your own judgment. I have some matters to attend to, so I won’t disturb you further.”

“I’ll see you out, Brother Xu.”

Ping’an limped alongside Xu Ming as he exited the courtyard.

After Xu Ming disappeared around the street corner, Ping’an returned to the courtyard, sat on a stone bench, sipping hot tea while pondering.

Not long after, Chen Ping emerged from her room.

“Did that Xu young master leave?” Chen Ping asked.

Ping’an nodded: “He left.”

As she organized the tea set beside Ping’an, Chen Ping questioned, “What did you discuss with this Xu大人?”

Ping’an smiled: “I thanked that Xu大人. After all, he helped me get revenge. I will remember this favor.”

“Hmm,” Chen Ping nodded, “You should thank him. Otherwise, we wouldn’t know when we’d be able to avenge ourselves.”

Ping’an looked at the freckled girl who had grown up: “Pingping, what do you think of Commander Xu?”

“Zhuangyuan Lang ah…” Chen Ping thought for a moment, stretched her legs, rested her heels on the ground, and gently swung her toes, “I feel Zhuangyuan Lang is different from other officials.”

Ping’an laughed: “How so?”

Chen Ping shook her head: “Other officials give me a very unpleasant feeling, except for Chancellor Xiao. Most people make me feel like they’re above everyone else, just like the magistrate in the county where I used to live.”

“In their eyes, there’s only interest and their own positions, no common people. Nothing compares to their advancement.”

“But this Zhuangyuan Lang gives off a very gentle vibe, like a spring breeze.”

“And he seems very steady. When he stands there, he’s like a mountain.”

“Of course, Zhuangyuan Lang is handsome too.”

Ping’an tapped her forehead, laughing, “Is the last point the most important?”

Chen Ping stuck out her tongue, “Anyway, Zhuangyuan Lang is handsomer than you~”

“I never said I was handsomer than Brother Xu,” Ping’an shook his head, then a trace of sadness flickered in his eyes, “Yes, Zhuangyuan Lang is a very nice person. That’s why I don’t know if I should accept his offer or not.”

Chen Ping asked curiously: “Accept what?”

Ping’an took a sip of tea: “Brother Xu promised me an official position. It’s a significant one, but comes with some danger. Brother Xu told me not to consider gratitude, but to judge based on myself.”

Chen Ping tilted her head: “So what’s your judgment?”

“This position is indeed the fastest way for me to ascend to the imperial court, and the position carries great power and influence. However, there is some danger involved.” Ping’an looked at Chen Ping, “If only I were in danger, it wouldn’t matter, but I worry about you being in danger too.”

“Fool,” the girl stood up, “We’ve been through worse situations together~ If you want to do it, go ahead. As for me…”

The girl’s eyes curved into a smile: “Can’t you just protect me well?”

Ping’an paused, then smiled and said, “That’s true.”