Volume Two: Naked Primitive Accumulation of Capital - Don't Treat a First-Rank Clerk Like He's No Official (Part Two)

Luo Qian froze, then gave a bitter smile. "My lord, you think far too highly of me. I'm only a Tribulation Immortal. I can't lift a thing or carry a load; I'm more of a scholar than a scholar. What use would I be to you?"

Zheng Daoguang shook his head. "I disagree. None of my advisers can match your intelligence. We've had little contact, but the way you cut straight to the heart of the matter last time left a deep impression on me. One day, you won't remain a fish in a pond!"

Luo Qian still shook his head. "My lord, it isn't that I don't appreciate the honor. I have a business to run, you see..." "That's no obstacle. A Secret Stinger is a Secret Investigation Bureau agent in the Immortal Realm. The position requires you to blend into everyday life. You can carry on with your business while serving the Immortal Court."

Put that way, Luo Qian was rather tempted. It might be only a first-rank clerkship, the lowest rank, but a minor official was still an official. Wouldn't the Immortal Apprehension Office have to think twice before making a move against him?

Seeing his interest, Zheng Daoguang struck while the iron was hot. "The Secret Investigation Bureau is nothing like the Imperial Constabulary. Every one of our Constabulary Directors reports directly to the Hall Steward, and we may even gain the emperor's ear. Our authority is far greater than you imagine. This identity would also give your shop another layer of protection."

At last, Luo Qian was persuaded. "All right. Since you think so highly of me, my lord, if I keep refusing, I'll be like a dog riding in a sedan chair, too foolish to appreciate being lifted up."

Zheng Daoguang was delighted. "Good!