His former subordinate's heart trembled, and he was overcome with shame.
He sprang to his feet and bowed deeply to Fang Yan, but just as he was about to bend down, Fang Yan reached out and caught him.
Fang Yan asked, confused, "What are you doing?"
The former subordinate flushed red with embarrassment and lowered his head, not daring to meet Fang Yan's eyes. "I misunderstood your intentions, sir. I'm deeply ashamed."
With the abilities of the three Fang brothers, if not for those concerns that had made them willingly tie their own hands, it wouldn't have been difficult for them to rise above the rest! High office and generous pay might not have been theirs for the taking, but at the very least they wouldn't have had to humble themselves by starting out as ordinary soldiers.
Fang Yan only had to think briefly to understand what the other man had mistaken.
"Be careful what you say!" His expression was gentle, yet carried a note of gravity as he patiently advised his former subordinate, "I'm still a commoner. You're an important officer in the Kang State army. How can you call yourself 'your subordinate' in front of me? If this reaches the ears of anyone with ulterior motives, it could invite needless suspicion. As for your misunderstanding, if I were in your shoes, I would have thought the same. It's only human nature, so you needn't blame yourself."
The former subordinate felt even more guilty.
He hadn't expected Fang Yan to be so considerate of him.
"Your sub—" The form of address slipped out before he could stop himself. He lowered his voice and leaned close to Fang Yan's ear. "I've built up a bit of influence over the years with a few good friends. Mr. Fang and General Chao,