Rebirth: The flatterer prince I raised couldn't be so clingy

As dusk fell, the courtyard of the secret guards was bathed in a warm golden light, where everyone rested and waited for Gu Qingzhi to come and assign rooms.

Pei Xie, dressed in a dark blue outfit with a rope necklace around his neck, leaned against the corridor and dozed off, a casual smile on his face.

Tang Yinyin's eyes darted around, and she put down her precious toad and went over.

"Senior brother," she poked him with her short black fingernails, her face full of curiosity, "can you give me a sneak peek? What kind of person is that Prince Duan Feng... or whatever? Is he really like the rumors say, a ruthless devil, unpredictable and quick to kill?"

Today, she tied her braids into playful buns, the ends of her hair bursting out from the two buns, fluttering in the sunset, making Pei Xie keep opening his eyes in annoyance.

He didn't bother to lift his eyelids, and closed them again as if to sleep, speaking leisurely: "Rumors are three parts true and seven parts false, just like the lucky charms sold outside gambling dens. Just listen to the sound and that's it. Anyone who actually buys them is a fool."

"He's already a hundred times better than most employers because he pays promptly and explains things clearly. As for his temper..." He paused, squinted at Tang Yinyin, and said, "He's more reasonable than some girls who would poison their senior brother at the slightest disagreement."

Tang Yinyin understood the meaning behind his words and pouted, "You stingy guy! Who told you to be so guarded and not even let your own junior sister in? I gave you the antidote too!"

The commotion was also heard by the others in the courtyard. Nan Tianzhu had already taken off her costume and was now wearing a white robe. She and Zang Hongxiao exchanged a glance.

One of them sat under the shade of a tree, sipping tea, while the other shook the wooden dummy placed to the side, showing a satisfied smile at its sturdiness, before finding an open space to stand.

Mu Ying, sitting in the corner, was even less likely to talk to these strangers. He simply held the box containing his precious items and leaned against the wall in silence.

These people didn't care what kind of person their employer was; they were only here because of Gu Qingzhi.

The quiet atmosphere was broken by Wu Fang's arrival. He jogged and pushed open the courtyard gate, the sudden noise startling Mu Ying who was standing next to him.

"Hey! You finally got taken down by Brother Gu!"

Wu Fang, who was quite familiar with Mu Ying, put his arm around him and tucked Mu Ying under his arm like a little chick. He hooked his arm around Mu Ying's shoulder and led him to the middle of the courtyard, regardless of whether Mu Ying liked it or not.

"Aren't you tired standing here carrying such a big box? It would be much better if you sat down there."

Wu Fang has a loud voice, and as soon as he speaks, the eyes of the others all focus on him.

Completely unaware that he had disturbed others' peace, he waved to the group and grinned broadly.

"Hello everyone! You all look unfamiliar. I'm practically a personal guard in the Prince's mansion, so I'm quite familiar with everyone here. If you ever have any difficulties in the future, just let me know, and we'll look out for each other!"

In gambling dens, people who approach you with such enthusiasm are mostly there to take your life.

None of the four answered, and Mu Ying was completely speechless. Wu Fang could only manage a couple of dry laughs to ease the awkwardness.

Fortunately, the courtyard gate was pushed open again at this moment, and Gu Qingzhi stood at the door.

"Everyone is here."

She glanced around and then pushed the door open.

"His Highness Prince Duan has something to say to us."

The courtyard gate was wide open, and Feng Zhanye, bathed in the afterglow of the setting sun, stepped into the courtyard. He was dressed in black casual clothes, his hair tied up with a jade crown, and his face did not have a trace of the fierce and violent aura that had been rumored. Instead, he was handsome and had a calm and prudence that should not belong to his age.

His gaze calmly swept over the six faces in the courtyard, finally landing on Gu Qingzhi, before turning to the others.

"Thank you for waiting for so long."

He was courteous, spoke clearly, and was humble.

The people sitting in front of him quickly stood up, after all, he was a prince and should pay his respects.

Before the group could kneel down, Feng Zhanye waved his hand and said, "No need for formalities. You don't need to kneel when you see me in informal settings in the future."

Apart from Wu Fang and Gu Qingzhi, the others looked somewhat surprised. Nobles and powerful figures always placed great importance on etiquette, but their employer was different in this respect.

"I have invited you all here not for mere formalities." The young man got straight to the point, his tone sincere. "The world of martial arts is turbulent, and the imperial court is full of intrigue. Since I was driven out of the palace, I have come to know that if the royal bloodline has no support, it is a crime to possess a treasure. Commander Gu has a discerning eye and is fortunate to have been able to gather you all here."

He paused briefly, then continued, "I'm here today to discuss a business deal with you all."

"The secret guards charge into battle, risking their lives to protect others; it's a life on the edge of a knife."

"Each person's annual salary is three hundred taels. It is pure silver and will be paid monthly."

"For other tasks, the reward will be calculated separately, depending on the difficulty, with no upper limit, depending on each person's ability."

"In case of any unforeseen circumstances, a compensation of one thousand taels will be provided, and the future of relatives and children will be secured, eliminating any worries about the future."

With the real money being poured in, even the breathing in the courtyard became a little quieter.

Gu Qingzhi was stunned. This child had never discussed these things with her before.

Wu Fang listened with wide eyes, secretly counting on his fingers how much money he could have pocketed over the past year and a half. With that, he would have enough money for his daily meals at restaurants and drinks!

Nantianzhu and Cang Hongxiao also opened their eyes slightly, almost imperceptibly.

Tang Yinyin and Pei Xie exchanged a glance. Pei Xie shrugged, with an expression that said, "Am I right?"

This isn't just about being quick to pay; it's about using one's high status to throw money at others.

The young girl put her hands on her hips and sneered, "Your Highness is so willing to spend so much, does that mean you want us to do all sorts of unscrupulous things?"

Although the words were blunt and unreasonable, they brought out the doubts in everyone's hearts.

Gu Qingzhi stood to the side with her hands in her pockets, not stopping them.

She knew that, thanks to the Left Prime Minister and his son, Feng Zhanye's reputation outside the country had always been very bad. This was a concern that needed to be dispelled, and asking about it now was actually a good thing.

Feng Zhanye seemed oblivious to her deliberate provocation, and addressed the crowd directly: "The daily duty of the Dark Guards is only to protect my life. As for the 'other tasks' I mentioned, you may consider them before deciding whether to accept them or not."

Wu Fang chimed in from the side, "Oh, young lady, if His Highness were that kind of person, I, Wu Fang, would have been dead back in the villa long ago. How could I be here having a proper conversation with you all? You can all put your minds at ease!"

Tang Yinyin wanted to say something more, but her words were cut off. She glared at Wu Fang, pouted, but still held reservations about Feng Zhanye.

Mu Ying opened his mouth, having entered the manor earlier than the others and thus knowing more about the situation. He was surprised that the lord, whom the Imperial Guards disregarded, was surprisingly easy to talk to.

"Alright, since trust cannot be established in a short time, and the cooperation of the Dark Guard cannot be achieved overnight, why don't we get to know each other first? We'll give you a month to decide whether to stay or leave after a month, how about that?"

Gu Qingzhi knew very well that with Tang Yinyin's personality, continuing would just lead to arguing. She felt that she had said everything she needed to say, so she took two steps forward and ended the topic.

No one objected to her decision.

She turned around and said, "Ah Ye, you still need to study. Leave this to me."

The boy's gaze lingered on her for a moment, then he nodded slightly and softly said, "Okay."

After Feng Zhanye left, Granny Liu sent Qiu Jiang to announce that His Highness had arranged for a feast to be set up in the dining hall of the courtyard.

Gu Qingzhi smiled gently and said to everyone, "Let's go eat, as a way of welcoming you."