Zhang Gong's legs went weak at the killing intent in Xia Ting's eyes, and he nearly fell to his knees.
He was a technical-minded man. He had never seen anything like this.
Gu Shen frowned.
This Seventh Prince didn't seem very good at managing his subordinates. Threats alone wouldn't be enough to deal with a technical expert like Zhang Gong. He would need to offer incentives, too.
Just as Gu Shen was about to speak, Xia Ting seemed to see through his thoughts and changed tack.
"Of course, I won't leave you empty-handed, either." Xia Ting's tone softened again. "Once the work is done, I'll appoint you head of the Heavenly Crafts Institute and grant you the title of Marquis of Ten Thousand Households. I'll send people to bring your family to the Capital City at once and make proper arrangements for them. They'll have everything they need, and no one will harm them."
A carrot and a stick.
First, he used killing intent to cow him, then soothed him with fame, fortune, and promises about his family.
Zhang Gong's expression shifted again and again.
He knew there was no turning back now.
He could either work for the Seventh Prince or... die.
And on top of that, the other man was using his family to pressure him.
"This commoner... This commoner is willing to serve Your Highness with all his might!" Zhang Gong dropped to his knees with a thud and kowtowed heavily.
Xia Ting smiled with satisfaction.
He turned his gaze back to Gu Shen.
"Gu Shen, from today onward, you'll be the chief director of the Heavenly Crafts Institute, responsible for all security and coordination. Zhang Gong and his team will be under your command."
"I'm giving you the highest authority. If you need people, you'll get