Chapter 20: Xie Gang, Commander of the Imperial Guards

Zhu Hao wanted to meet this elder brother of Wei Xiaobao precisely to win over the commander of the Imperial Guards, Xie Gang, who held the greatest military power within the palace. By doing so, he hoped to secure his own safety in the future. Wei Xiaobao, though unaware of his master’s true intentions, always regarded the master's words as absolute decree. Without hesitation or inquiry, he promptly accepted the order, turned to the doorway, and shouted, “You two, go find my elder brother and tell him my master wishes to see him!”

The two guards, knowing this inconspicuous little eunuch had recently become sworn brothers with their commander, accepted the task respectfully, despite some reluctance, and went off to search for Xie Gang.

Suppressing the pain from the whip marks on his body, Zhu Hao sat upright, waiting for the arrival of Xie Gang, the commander of the Imperial Guards. After about the time it takes to burn two sticks of incense, a robust man, over thirty years old and eight feet tall with a resolute face, entered the prince’s chamber. Zhu Hao instantly recognized him as Xie Gang.

Xie Gang stepped forward and knelt, declaring, “Your humble servant Xie Gang, Commander of the Imperial Guards, pays respects to the Fifth Prince!”

Zhu Hao replied with a warm smile, “Commander Xie, no need for formalities! Today’s events were thanks to you, and tomorrow I shall report to my father. The nation is in need of talent, and abilities like yours must be put to good use!”

Hearing this, Xie Gang was overjoyed. Everyone in the palace knew the emperor’s most favored son was Zhu Hao. Such words stirred Xie Gang’s heart, and he quickly knelt again, saying, “Your humble servant is grateful for Your Highness’s support. If I achieve anything in the future, I will never forget today’s kindness!”

Zhu Hao smiled once more. “Commander Xie, please rise quickly!” Turning to Wei Xiaobao, he said, “I am injured and cannot move easily. Go help your elder brother up for me.”

Wei Xiaobao obeyed and helped Xie Gang to his feet. At that moment, Xie Gang’s eyes were red, and shimmering tears glistened in his gaze, evidently moved by Zhu Hao’s graciousness.

Though Zhu Hao could not discern how much of Xie Gang’s emotion was genuine, he was sure his first impression upon Xie Gang was favorable.

As he pondered this, the system’s notification unexpectedly sounded:

“Ding!”

“Congratulations: Host has recruited Wei Xiaobao and developed talent Xie Gang!”

“Xie Gang’s system rating: two stars!”

“Congratulations: Host has recruited a two-star talent for the first time!”

“System reward: 500 summon points!”

The dizzying sound of the system left Zhu Hao somewhat stunned. He thought to himself, “What on earth is this? There’s even such an operation?”

Full of questions, Zhu Hao deeply missed the system sprite, Xiao Ling, who could answer his doubts, but now Xiao Ling was in a deep sleep because of Zhu Hao’s selfishness, filling him with self-reproach.

But those feelings lasted only a moment; Zhu Hao knew this was a critical time. He quickly accessed the system to check Xie Gang’s loyalty, as this was crucial—if Xie Gang’s loyalty was low, he could betray him at any moment, and certain tasks could not be entrusted to him.

Upon checking, Xie Gang’s loyalty was indeed pitifully low, only twenty points. This made Zhu Hao momentarily lose focus, determined to find a way to raise Xie Gang’s loyalty.

He stared at Xie Gang for a while, making Xie Gang uncomfortable enough to avert his gaze. Realizing this wouldn’t work, Zhu Hao feared that if he kept staring, even those twenty loyalty points might disappear.

With this in mind, Zhu Hao spoke, “Commander Xie, since you and Xiaobao are sworn brothers, we are family from now on. I will rely on you for my safety in the palace.”

Xie Gang clasped his fists and replied, “Rest assured, Your Highness. The security of the palace is my responsibility. I will fulfill my duty with utmost loyalty!”

Hearing this, Zhu Hao secretly curled his lip. “These twenty loyalty points are unreliable! Xie Gang isn’t taking the bait at all!”

Zhu Hao had intended for Xie Gang to pay special attention to his safety, but Xie Gang’s answer subtly implied he would not give Zhu Hao any special treatment, which left Zhu Hao uncomfortable. Clearly, raising Xie Gang’s loyalty was urgent.

Though dissatisfied, Zhu Hao, ever the consummate actor, showed no displeasure on his face, maintaining a gentle smile. “Then I must trouble you, Commander Xie! I heard you and Xiaobao met playing dice?”

Strict rules governed the royal household, and the Imperial Guards were held to even stricter standards. Gambling was strictly forbidden, especially within the palace—it was a capital offense that could implicate one’s family.

Hearing Zhu Hao’s question, Xie Gang feared it was retribution for not picking up Zhu Hao’s earlier hint. His large frame trembled, sweat beading on his forehead, and he replied nervously, “Your humble servant knows his offense. Please, Your Highness, have mercy for today’s rescue and spare me this once!”

Zhu Hao realized Xie Gang had misunderstood, so he clarified, “Commander, you’ve misunderstood my meaning. I am actually interested in dice as well. Would you care to play a few rounds with me tonight?”

Xie Gang was stunned, unable to believe Zhu Hao would say such a thing, and for a moment he didn’t know how to respond.

Seeing Xie Gang’s bewildered expression, Zhu Hao feigned annoyance. “Is Commander Xie looking down on me as merely a child, unwilling to play a few rounds with me?”

Xie Gang quickly explained, “Your Highness, you misunderstand. I simply came in haste and did not bring any equipment. I cannot play dice with Your Highness now. Please pardon me! Next time, I will bring the necessary items and seek Your Highness’s guidance!”

Zhu Hao smiled at Xie Gang, “Why wait? Let’s do it now!” Turning to Wei Xiaobao, he said, “Xiaobao, hurry and bring out the dice!”

Wei Xiaobao asked, “How did Your Highness know I have dice?”

Zhu Hao secretly laughed. Anyone who’d read the story knew Wei Xiaobao never parted with his dice—but he couldn’t explain that to anyone else.

He simply gave Wei Xiaobao a knowing smile. “Stop dawdling! Bring them out for me!”

Wei Xiaobao then carefully took several dice from his pocket as though handling treasures, and respectfully placed them before Zhu Hao.

Zhu Hao picked up a bronze incense burner, dumped its ashes and grains onto the floor, and said, “Commander Xie, let’s each roll once and compare the results. One tael of silver per round—what do you say?”

Unable to refuse, Xie Gang agreed and began playing dice with Zhu Hao, while Wei Xiaobao watched from the side. Zhu Hao, a novice, was no match for Xie Gang, a seasoned hand—out of ten games, Zhu Hao lost nine. In less than an hour, he had lost over a hundred taels, and dawn was already breaking.

Stretching, Zhu Hao said, “Let’s stop here for today; I’m a bit tired. I’ll seek your guidance again when I find the time.”

Xie Gang bowed, “Then I shall take my leave, Your Highness.” He stood and prepared to depart, but the hundred taels he’d won remained on the table, untouched.

Zhu Hao called out, “Commander, wait—your spoils are still here,” pointing to the silver on the table.

Xie Gang turned, bowed again, and said, “This belongs to Your Highness. Even if I had ten times the courage, I would not dare take your silver.”

Zhu Hao smiled. “There are no fathers or sons in gambling. A win is a win, a loss is a loss. Why not take it? Or do you think I’m the sort who refuses to pay up after losing?”

Originally a military man, Xie Gang took Zhu Hao’s words to heart. No longer hesitating, he scooped up the silver with a laugh, “Thank you, Your Highness. I’ll gladly accept!”

Zhu Hao smiled, nodded, and waved Xie Gang out.

At that moment, the system notification sounded again:

“Ding!”

“Congratulations: Host has completed Xie Gang’s hidden task ‘Character and Gambling Conduct’!”

“Xie Gang’s favorability towards host has greatly increased!”

“Xie Gang’s loyalty rises by thirty points!”

Hearing this, Zhu Hao breathed a sigh of relief. The night had not been wasted. In truth, Zhu Hao had hoped to use dice to foster closeness with Xie Gang and increase his loyalty, but after nearly an hour and losing all his savings, he could no longer continue, ending the night with some regret. Yet, unexpectedly, a turning point came as Xie Gang was about to leave—truly, “The flowers you tend may not bloom; the willows you plant by chance may flourish.” It was a delightful surprise!

After the system notification, Xie Gang suddenly turned and knelt, declaring, “Rest assured, Your Highness. Anyone in the palace who poses a threat to you, I will do my utmost to protect you!”

With that, Xie Gang strode out of Zhu Hao’s chamber. Zhu Hao stood, watching the commander’s departing figure, thinking, “These thirty loyalty points make a real difference. Though Xie Gang’s loyalty is now only fifty, he is finally someone I can trust.”