Duke Li was somewhat displeased in his heart. This daughter was overly free-spirited and fierce by nature, yet she didn’t help him. Instead, she sided with an outsider. He sipped his wine slowly, and although displeased, he knew that this was a time when manpower was most needed, and he couldn’t be stingy, so he decisively said: "In that case, why not add a little extra? Tens of thousands of silver are not a problem. I will give you the prize as if our army had won a great victory. This time, upon defeating the 100,000 Western Regions coalition, the court will surely bestow a reward. No matter how much gold and silver our Daying Kingdom’s Majesty grants." "Whether it be 100,000 taels, 1,000,000 taels, or even 10,000,000 taels." "Between you and me, it’s a seventy-thirty split!" These nobles and generals around turned pale: "Lord!" Li Guanyi was also somewhat surprised. He pondered the atmosphere, raised his eyebrows, and said: "Thirty percent of the reward to me?" Duke Li’s boldness was greater than what Li Guanyi perceived. He calmly said, "No, seventy percent." "You seventy, me thirty." Check latest chapters at novel-fire.ɴet "That thirty percent, it’s not for myself either." "Thirty percent shall be shared with my great army’s soldiers. Though they suffered a defeat because of me, we shared weal and woe, charged through the array, and they deserve some reward. Those remaining—" "As for the compensation of thirty percent, I can also allow you into my family’s treasury. You can take away as much as you want, and that counts as however much there is. How about it?" Li Guanyi looked at Duke Li. Duke Li smiled calmly, which naturally showed his ’sincerity’—there were many benefits in the treasury. The rest depended on Li Guanyi’s eyesight and luck; no one could say he was wrong. However, Li Guanyi, after all, was just one person; how much could he take away? Li Guanyi thought of the big bag the Whale Hunter had prepared for Shaking Light. Li Guanyi said: "Then, once a word is given." Duke Li laughed loudly: "A team of four horses can’t overtake it!" Both host and guest were delighted. Both felt very satisfied. Although Duke Li’s heart ached greatly, he actually did not want to give away so much reward in gold and silver, but he was a rational person. He knew that this was definitely not the time to be stingy. Therefore, he acted, disguising himself to be extremely magnanimous. As if that young ranger wielding a sword from years ago was still living in this shell. Duke Li said again: "I see young nephew wearing this armor, and it fits well. This is an item passed down from generation to generation in my family, and since ancient times, a precious sword is given to heroes. This set of Mountain Armor, along with mystical weapon spear, I now give to you, young nephew." "Afterward, you may use them. I hope you can sweep across the battlefield, strategically and peerlessly." "If young nephew is willing." "After returning this time, I will report to His Majesty myself and seek an official post for you, so you can also ’bestow a wife, protect a son,’ and live up to our ancestors. How about it?" Li Guanyi was not the little pharmacist from back then; he knew this was the Duke wanting to take the opportunity to fully integrate him into his faction—after the great victory in the Western Regions, he could personally submit a memorial of achievements to seek reward and official positions. In the eyes of people under the sky, Tian Ge’er of Anxi City was a lineage of the Duke Mansion. Li Guanyi said: "There’s no need to trouble yourself." He wiped his mouth, this Central Plains merchant had a light-hearted, cunning smile on his face: "Of course, if the Duke is willing, converting this official post into money and grain for me would be the best." "If any of you want this credit." "You can speak with me privately, after all, we are allies; we can make good deals." "I’m not stingy in sharing this official post and credit with you, so when the time comes to submit the memorial, I’ll just divide my merits among you. How about it?" "I can give you a discount." Upon hearing this, everyone present had odd expressions on their faces. Duke Li was almost amused with anger, not quite furious, more of exasperated amusement. The rest of the generals and officials were slightly moved and somewhat intrigued. Originally facing a great defeat, they were at risk of losing their merits, but if Li Guanyi came this time and subsequently led them out in a breakout, even ’repelling’ the 100,000 coalition of the seven Western tribes. That would indeed be no small achievement. Could such a thing be bought with silver money, without more to say? Such a good thing, truly?! They had a mix of hidden enthusiasm and a bit of contempt in their eyes. Really a ranger, skillful in martial arts, yet unaware of the benefits of official rank and power. This time, during this wartime, he could easily be granted a fifth-ranking military officer, or even a fourth-ranking one, if he wanted. This isn’t something silver can buy. What a good merchant! Duke Li was also somewhat stunned, helplessly said: "A real money-grubber!" "However, since today is a family feast, the old man has something to tell you." "I’ve observed that you’re about the same age as Zhaowen, and you’re exceptionally handsome with extraordinary martial skills and courage, truly a dragon among men." "Would you be willing to become a member of my family?" Li Guanyi looked at Duke Li, frozen: "???" The calculations in his heart came to a halt. Duke Li’s expression was gentle as he looked at Li Guanyi, saying: "I see you so valiant, with no aristocratic family behind you, it’s quite difficult to traverse these troubled times. If you’re willing, why not recognize me as a foster father, how about it?" "Once returning to the city someday, the genealogy will be updated, with your name recorded in it." Li Guanyi barely kept himself together, but then heard laughter from the side. Li Zhaowen stood up, gently refusing on Li Guanyi’s behalf, saying: "Father, he is a free-spirited and easy-going person, I fear he is not one to become an adopted son, your proposal might not be proper, better to follow your son’s idea."