Outside the main hall of the Imperial Preceptor's residence, two people sat upright, their eyes darting around, unable to hide their unease. The Imperial Preceptor's residence was warm and comfortable, tastefully and grandly decorated; even the tea stove on the table exuded refined taste.

There were side-burning incense sticks and incense, the smoke curling upwards in wisps.

Although the steward was very polite and courteous to the two of them, and showed them no disrespect, he congratulated them directly when he learned that they had taken down the "Craftsman" and "Reclaimer" lists respectively.

However, their series of actions left the two of them mostly bewildered, and now, sitting in the front hall, they felt as if they were sitting on pins and needles.

The two looked at each other, showing no joy whatsoever. If they hadn't known that the Imperial Preceptor's residence wasn't a place one could enter and leave at will, they probably would have already found an excuse to run away halfway there.

Then the steward of the mansion personally greeted them and told them that the Imperial Preceptor had left early that morning and had not yet returned, and earnestly requested that they stay.

Tang Dayu set out the meal, which consisted of rice, cakes, and plenty of vegetables and meat.

Fearing to frighten the two, a large banquet was not held, but the dishes were plentiful and the hospitality was lavish. From beginning to end, there was not a single fault to be found.

They waited for more than an hour. The two were bored, but they didn't dare to blame the Grand Preceptor. It was normal that he was busy with official duties and couldn't spare the time.

Given their status and position, they could wait even a month or two.

The hospitality had already delighted the two men, and in their spare time, they went to the front yard to watch Tang Dayu train his servants in martial arts.

The opening and closing of his palms were performed with skill and in an orderly manner. As noon approached, Xu Bing finally returned. Tang Dayu hurriedly went to greet him and reported the situation to Xu Bing.

First, there was that strange thing that happened in the early morning.

While patrolling outside the mansion, a servant was kicked unconscious. Tang Dayu reacted immediately, drawing servants to surround the mansion and dividing them into three teams.

First, patrols within the prefecture; second, patrols outside the prefecture; third, patrols of the back mountain.

Because of an order from Xu Bing that no one was allowed to enter the back courtyard, and since Gu had not yet entered the inner courtyard, Tang Dayu sent people to seal off all the entrances and exits of the inner courtyard.

They also sent people to patrol back and forth.

Tang Dayu felt guilty. He had injured someone in front of the mansion, but he had not caught the real culprit. He felt that he had failed the trust of the Imperial Preceptor.

After hearing the report, Xu Bing did not blame Ji Yuan. Ji Yuan was not someone to be trifled with.

It's understandable, it's understandable.

However, this can also be used to give the servants a good talking-to and inspire their enthusiasm. Xu Bing's conditions are excellent, and the household is harmonious and friendly. But this should not lead to laziness.

Laziness and complacency are the beginning of decline.

However, moderation is key. The purpose is not punishment, but encouragement. Xu Bing then told Tang Dayu that he would make arrangements for this matter tonight.

Tang Dayu pleaded for severe punishment, but Xu Bing told him not to rush, as he had his own plans.

Immediately afterwards, Tang Dayu reported the second important matter: early this morning, two people came to accept the notice.

The person who accepted the challenge had been waiting in the front hall for over an hour.

Xu Bing was overjoyed. Such talent was rare indeed, more valuable than a thousand pieces of gold, more valuable than ten thousand pieces of gold. Without hesitation, he rolled up his sleeves, strode forward, and went straight into the front hall.

Indeed, the two of them were seen.

They were all men.

A man dressed in coarse cloth, with dark skin, a square face, thick eyebrows, a height of nearly seven and a half feet, a large frame, and thick arms.

According to Tang Dayu's introduction, this person's name is Lao Xuehai. He took off the "Reclamation" paper and wanted to appoint a reclamation envoy.

The other person was tall and thin, with hair that reached his waist, prominent cheekbones, and thin, knife-cut lips. Although not good-looking, he was quite memorable.

Then there are his eyes, which have a sharp, restrained glint that is quite eye-catching. If you look down, you will be drawn to his hands, which are large and have long, slender fingers.

This is the work of a craftsman.

Moreover, he was not an ordinary craftsman, but a craftsman with extraordinary talent.

This man was named Bai Lu, and as his appearance suggested, the sign he posted was for "craftsmen".

Xu Bing pasted four recruitment coupons.

Now two have arrived, leaving only the "maid" and the "rice shop owner".

Upon seeing the two men, he was overjoyed and quickly walked up to them to shake their hands.

"Sir, this is..." The two looked at each other, then turned to look at Tang Dayu at the same time.

Tang Dayu smiled, "This is my master."

"what?"

The two were shocked and trembled all over, realizing that they had just committed a serious breach of etiquette.

This crime could be serious or minor, ranging from beheading to caning. The two men panicked instantly and knelt down with two thuds.

Who would have thought that the legendary imperial advisor, who was said to be as big as a pig and covered in sores, would actually have such good looks?

At first glance, the two mistook her for an immortal descended to earth, for her face and figure seemed to be straight out of a painting, and her lotus crown was fresh and refined.

When Xu Bing approached, he felt that Xu Bing was a powerful minister in the human world, and he was unsure whether to act on him or not. He thought that Xu Bing was a passing deity or a proud son of the superior country, so he did not think of Xu Bing as Xu Bing.

But it turned out to be Xu's illness.

That was a ruthless man who ordered the execution of immortals. The two of them were contemplating suicide. They wanted to find a job, but due to a moment of carelessness, they brought disaster upon themselves.

Rumors can be very harmful.

The two were inwardly groaning.

Unexpectedly, Xu Bing did not punish them, but instead helped the two up, showing no intention of pursuing the matter. His smile was genuine and without any pretense.

He then led the two to a seat and brewed them a cup of hot tea.

He didn't beat around the bush and went straight to the point, asking the two of them some basic information, such as how many people were in their families, whether they had any relatives, and what their situation was.

His voice was friendly, like chatting with a friend, and although he was exceptionally handsome, it even had a touch of aggressiveness that seemed to directly assault one's mind.

However, if you want to feel comfortable, it can also make people feel relaxed.

The three chatted very well, and the two of them told their stories in detail. Lao Xuehai was a bachelor, all alone, and had been a soldier and a vagrant in his early years, living a miserable life for half his life.

Hearing that the refugees outside Da Xi City were all under the care of the Imperial Advisor, and seeing the job posting in the vegetable market that roughly matched his own situation, he inexplicably took the job and came.

As for Bai Lu, he has a family, with two elderly parents and a younger brother and sister who are still young. Because the world is becoming increasingly chaotic, his craftsmanship is still quite impressive.

However, raising his younger siblings was still quite difficult, so he often went out to seek help. Seeing the vegetable stall, he felt it resonated with his own situation, so he took it down.

Xu Bing was overjoyed and valued the two men highly. He accepted their mission and allowed them to leave temporarily.

After the two men left, Xu Bing summoned Tang Dayu and instructed him to bring clothes and rice to visit the two men at their homes.

Tang Dayu asked, "Sir, why didn't you just give it to me directly?"

Xu Bing smiled but remained silent.

Bringing someone back home is one thing, but delivering it to their doorstep is another.

Winning people's hearts and minds... it's not just about throwing money at them.

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