The Wild Daoist listened with a frown, deeply alarmed. Keeping watch on Prince Qi's Residence was one thing, but the men his lord had named were almost all pillars of the household, with promising futures. Why would such men betray his lord?
If they sought power and wealth, could serving another prince really offer them more than serving his lord?
His lord had now been invested as a prince, too, and his prospects were bright. If they changed masters, they would not count as early followers. Even if they were employed, there would likely be a ceiling on their advancement. How could that compare to continuing to serve Prince Dai?
Besides, traitors were usually discarded once their usefulness was spent-the bridge torn down after the river was crossed. Few met a good end.
Yet his lord was never one to chase shadows on the wind. Once he issued an order, he almost always had evidence. Since he had told the Wild Daoist to have these men watched, it not only suggested that something might be wrong with them, but perhaps that others within Prince Dai's Residence were not necessarily loyal either.
The moment that thought arose, a chill settled in the Wild Daoist's heart.
"Could it be...?"
Like Su Ziji, the Wild Daoist involuntarily glanced at the dark, overcast sky. He wished he could rush out at once and find martial-world men he trusted to watch these people and uncover the problem as quickly as possible.
But then Su Ziji continued, "Also, all the newcomers who agree to join are to enter my personal guard directly and accompany me. They must not act on their own authority."
"Make it clear to them: if they cannot obey my rules, they may leave now. Not only will they face no punishment, they