Ji Chang Pulls the Cart

When Jiang Ziya saw Ji Chang's tense expression and heartfelt sincerity, he could not help but reveal a gentle smile. Slowly, he said, "My lord need not be nervous. This Poor Daoist has no other demands. If my lord truly wishes to employ me and trusts me, there is no need to honor me with a carriage. My lord need only pull the carriage for this old man for a stretch of the road, and I will willingly return to Western Qi with you and assist you in accomplishing your great undertaking."

These words struck like thunder, leaving everyone present dumbfounded and scarcely daring to breathe.

Quite a few even looked at Jiang Ziya with anger in their eyes.

Ji Chang was the Lord of the West, the ruler of Western Qi. Jiang Ziya's demand was nothing less than an insult to Ji Chang—and, at the same time, an insult to all of them.

Sanyi Sheng hurried forward and advised him in a low voice, "My lord, you must not! You are the ruler of Western Qi. How can you lower yourself to pull a carriage for a mere old man? It violates proper rites and damages your dignity!" Nangong Shi likewise joined in, earnestly urging Ji Chang to reconsider.

Yet Ji Chang did not hesitate in the slightest. The unease in his eyes instantly vanished, replaced by resolve.

He looked at those urging him otherwise and shook his head. "You are mistaken, my ministers. Sir is the great worthy Heaven has bestowed upon Western Qi, one fit to establish the realm. To receive Sir's aid is Ji Chang's fortune, and Western Qi's fortune as well. Not to mention pulling a carriage for Sir for one stretch of road—even if I had to pull it a thousand miles, ten thousand