C36

As Zhang Zhou became busy, the business of the Nine Regions became more and more standardized, and the rules and regulations became more and more strict and comprehensive. Many incompetent people were eliminated, and a large number of useful talents were also discovered. It was just as Zhang Zhou had said, only by repeatedly filtering the world's business could one truly become an elite group of people. Only then would one be considered truly strong. Right now, it was just like a machine undergoing trial and error, more and more robust as it operated. Zhang Zhou believed that before long, the entire world would hear its rumbling sound.

Guan Yu-niang looked at the sleeping Zhang Zhou leaning against the back of the chair, his feet resting on the edge of the table. In her eyes, he looked really cute! If only he were younger. Unfortunately, Shaohua was not here, so he was born with a bit of a sour feeling. How could she not know about Zhang Zhou's friendship, and his heart? It was a pity that they were destined to be separated by so many years, resulting in them losing the relationship of being officially married off! In the Tang Dynasty, there had always been women who married a few years older than men, but in wealthy families, this sort of marriage would always be laughed at by others!

A light knock on the door interrupted her train of thoughts. She quickly calmed herself down and opened the door. It was Erniu who knocked. Erniu said softly, "Madam, the Seventh Young Master of the Nan Family is here. He said he has urgent business with the Lord!"

Guan Yu-niang had already tacitly accepted Madam's address. She looked back and saw that Zhang Zhou had not woken up, so she couldn't bear to call out to him. She gestured Erniu to lead the way and quietly followed him out.

When Zhang Zhou was here, she could definitely be considered half a master. Erniu brought her to the outer court, while You Nan and You Qi waited there with a face full of sweat. Seeing that it was Guan Yuniang, they clasped their fists and greeted her, "Eldest Sister-in-law!"

Guan Yu-niang's face reddened, but she did not correct him. Instead, she asked, "Brother Nan Qi, your brother only slept for two hours last night. He still hasn't woken up after lunch. Can you tell me what is the matter?"

The seven of them naturally knew about Zhang Zhou's hardships and whispered, "Sister, someone from the capital has arrived!"

Of course Guan Yuniang was aware of the Ping Wang incident. Seeing You Nan was in such a hurry, she could not help but feel nervous.

"Oh, who is it?"

The seven of them told him what they knew.

"When the nine of them landed, they were noticed by our men. They did not contact anyone, nor did they enter the city. Instead, they took a detour to get to the Hero's Lodge!" The brother in charge felt that something was wrong and was afraid that it would harm him, so he spread the news. When I got the news, I brought some people to check on those people, but they were still quite polite and took out the medallion of the Prince's Mansion! I don't dare to make the decision, so I'll first come back and inform Big Brother! "

The word 'Prince Ping' made Guan Yuiniang's heart skip a beat as she quickly asked!

"Where is he?"

Guan Yuniang thought for a while and decisively ordered

"South Seven, invite the people to the houses in the west of the city. Do not neglect them! Erniu, go and tell Feizi to keep a close eye on the suspicious targets in the city. If he makes any movements, capture him on the spot! "

The two of them accepted the order and left. Guan Yuniang frowned as she felt sorry for Zhang Zhou, but she did not dare to delay this matter.

Although Zhang Zhou was tired, he did not get up. He only stretched his sore waist as he knew that Yu Niang must have called him out for something important. Looking at her apologetic look, he chuckled and joked, "There must be something important, otherwise, why would you want to call me out? Come on, tell me what is it? Is there a huge business deal worth more than a million yuan? "

"It's about the Ping King!"

"Oh!" Ah? Who? The Ping King? "

Zhang Zhou immediately became spirited. Guan Yuniang spoke very clearly, so of course he could hear her clearly. She repeated what he had said and told him what she had planned for him. Zhang Zhou took two steps back and forth. Then he said to Guan Yuniang, "Don't worry, there shouldn't be any serious matters. "I'll go take a look now. Just wait for me at home!"

After giving out the instructions, he thought for a moment and wrote another note for her to pass on to Lao Huang.

Zhang Zhou didn't even change his clothes as he went out the door and arrived at the west side of the city first.

The prefectural city of Hezhou was a place where the city's masters were few and far between. Especially in the west of the city, far from the bustling area, where the land was cheap, a lot of land and properties had been bought by the businesses of the Nine Prefectures. The house's size was not very big, but its former owner had spent a lot of effort and the environment was not bad.

Ping Wang's men directly went to the Hero's Hall to investigate themselves, revealing the worry that Zhang Zhou was unwilling to mention! He knew that with the Ping Wang's ability and methods, as well as the support of the Wealth Hall, it was not difficult to "dig" himself out! He didn't say it out loud, but the worry in his heart increased. He had been secretly thinking about it these past few days. Even though he had the help of Lucky, his heart had always been hanging by a thread. What should come will eventually come. There was no way to avoid it! He didn't know how much the matter with Fu Xiang had been resolved, but this matter had finally been brought to the fore.

The matter of him being a member of the Beast Hall was recorded in his records, so it wasn't strange for the other party to know of it. But what did the other party want to investigate? This was because he and his seventh grandfather had already warned him that the Heroes' Hall wouldn't easily let the news of him being struck by lightning spread. Apart from that, his record could be said to be clean and untainted.

If the Ping Wang was going to deal with him, why would he go through so much trouble? What was the Ping Wang planning to do as he swaggered to the Horse Lodge? In that moment, all sorts of thoughts ran through his mind, but he could not think of any reason.

The houses on the west side of the city had been emptied of all random people and the guards had been strengthened. Zhang Zhou did not know what was going to happen, but he had already made up his mind. Rebel? That was nonsense, but it was absolutely impossible to surrender. If he really couldn't do it, he would immediately flee Hezhou with his close friends.

Zhang Zhou stood alone in the middle of the yard, watching You Nan and the others enter. He exchanged a glance with You Nan Seven, who nodded and backed out. Zhang Zhou carefully sized up these eight or nine people, his gaze naturally drawn to the person in the lead. This was a dashing young man in his twenties. His face was like a crown jade, and his noble aura was oppressing. His temperament and demeanor were incomparable to those behind him. The young man actually waved his hand as well, ordering the people behind him to leave the courtyard.

There were only two people left in the courtyard, two Zhang apart. They looked at each other. Zhang Zhou didn't say anything. He slowly took a few steps forward and fell to one knee.

"Your humble servant pays his respects to Your highness, Ping Wang!"

The man gawked and then burst into laughter

"Is your eyesight good? "How did you know?"

Zhang Zhou had asked Prince Fu Xiang about some matters regarding his appearance and general details. When he had sized up the noble bearing of the man just now, Zhang Zhou had guessed that the man before him was the Duke of Ping that he had been yearning for.

"Your Highness is extraordinary, definitely not something the common people in the world can compare with. Even though I have never seen such a thing, I can guess that there's no mistake about it!"

This man was the Ping Wang, Zhao Qisheng.

Zhao Qisheng didn't let him get up. Instead, he slowly paced around him, looking around the courtyard.

"Zhang Zhou, ah Zhang Zhou, in a year, you've developed so much!" He really had some tricks up his sleeves! "I heard that you were the one who made Zerg's Fragrance?"

"This lowly position was just a coincidence. I just got lucky. In front of the Ping Wang, Zhang Zhou is nothing special in his life! "

"Hur hur, you're quite modest. Stand up and speak!"

Zhang Zhou stood up, maintaining a respectful attitude. Although his expression was calm, his heart was uneasy. He had not expected that the Ping Wang would come in person. What did this mean? Was it a game of cat and mouse? Or was it out of goodwill? Or was it for the incense? In short, his mind was muddled. The only thing he was sure of was that it was time for the showdown!

Ping Wang said familiarly, "How about we talk inside?" "The spring wind in Hezhou is still cold here. It's a bit cold outside, so it's not comfortable!" "… … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … ….

When Ping Wang entered the room, he saw a chair with a curved base. He pressed it with great interest, causing the chair to sway from side to side.

"Is this the rocking chair you gave your mother? However, from what people have said, Mother's one is much more valuable than yours! Not bad, you still know how to respect others! "

After he finished speaking, he actually sat on it and started rocking on the bed.

"Zhang Zhou, do you know my purpose?"

As matters stood, Zhang Zhou knew there was no need to hide anything. He once again knelt down on one knee, and said: "This humble servant does not know the seriousness of the situation. I acted impulsively, offending Your Highness! Please forgive me, Your Highness! "

"Hehe, you want to make things worse with a few words of recklessness and impulsiveness? Then tell me, what crime should I forgive you for? "

Zhao Qizhen shook his head comfortably. However, his tone clearly showed that he was dissatisfied, but he was not too angry!

"Forgive, forgive your lowly duty …!"

It wasn't that Zhang Zhou didn't know what the crime was, but the result of all of these crimes was death!

"Hehe, why can't you say it out? Surely they knew what the consequences would be? Alright, let's get up and talk. Fu Xiang said that you were very interesting, but This King did not see it at all! "

When Zhang Zhou heard Ping Wang mention Fu Xiang, he finally had some confidence and stood up.

"In front of Your Highness, I really don't dare to be rash!"

"You sent people into my manor and injured so many people. What were you thinking about then? Could it be that I've only just learned the word 'rash' today? "

Although he was mentally prepared, Zhang Zhou still felt a chill on his back.

"At that time, this lowly subordinate really didn't know that it was His Highness's manor, so …"

"No matter if you know or not, that is my manor, a land under the rule of kings, either rich or noble, you dare to act so recklessly! "It can be seen that you are very arrogant."

Zhang Zhou kneeled down once again, not daring to respond. He remained silent! Prince Ping, Zhao Qisheng, continued to speak slowly, "Although Fu Xiang didn't say it explicitly, but when he gave the Zai Xiang's bonus to This King, This King knew that his relationship with you wasn't ordinary. Furthermore, from time to time, I've been speaking good words for you."

When Zhang Zhou heard this, he was moved beyond words. He had only interacted with Fu Xiang two or three times, and he had really put his full effort into doing so. This debt of gratitude made Zhang Zhou feel as if he was unable to repay him!

"Fu Xiang is an old man by the Queen's side who watched Ben Wang grow up. He is also very good to Ben Wang. As for why I didn't deal with you directly, it can be counted as Ben Wang giving him face!"

"Thank you for your tolerance, Your Highness. Thank you for your protection, Uncle Fu Xiang!"

Zhao Qishui sat up, looking at Zhang Zhou kneeling in front of him as he said playfully, "You only need to thank me?"

At this point, Zhang Zhou could tell that Ping Wang's goal was not to kill him, but what was his goal? He couldn't figure it out, so he didn't know how to answer. Zhao Qieshen saw him keep his head down and didn't say anything, so he said indifferently, "This is boring. I thought I would meet an interesting person. Fortune has praised you to the heavens, but this King did not discover any difference in you! If This King knew that you were like this, there would have been no need for This King to personally come here! " His tone was extremely disappointed.

To be fair, the Ping Wang gave Zhang Zhou a good impression. At least, it wasn't as arrogant and aloof as he had imagined. However, his guilty conscience, along with the great disparity in status, as well as the imprint of his previous life 'companion, Jun Ruoruo, gave Zhang Zhou a way to avoid thinking about these people who wielded great power over life and death! However, he had already reached this step, so he could not help but look around fearfully. After all, the fact that the Ping Wang was able to personally come here meant that there had to be a discussion.

If you want to argue, you might as well say the truth. Putting aside the random thoughts in his mind, he replied, "Your Highness, this lowly servant knows that he is guilty, and even pleads guilty to the crime. How can I act so relaxed in front of Your Highness? This lowly official was born in a remote place and grew up in the common people. How many important figures had he seen? Let alone a lofty existence like you, Your Highness, this humble servant tells Your Highness that just now, this humble servant was in a numb, unreal and dream-like state, would Your Highness believe me? "

Ping Wang seemed to be deep in thought and didn't answer. Zhang Zhou continued, "This lowly subordinate has not read any books, and knows that he is loyal. Since brother's family is in trouble, I naturally cannot stand by and watch. It wasn't easy for me to meet a lady I like and was taken away by her, so how can I remain indifferent to it? With a burst of heat in his brain, he did a great act. However, after this lowly subordinate found out that the manor belonged to His Highness, he immediately ran back, trembling with fear, unable to sleep at night and could only walk on thin ice with his tail tucked between his legs! I also heard from Uncle Fu Xiang that His Highness isn't the kind of person to bully the common people, so I became more and more uneasy. However, how could this lowly subordinate have the guts to say such a thing? This lowly subordinate is truly afraid, when His Highness becomes angry, this lowly subordinate will have his head drop to the ground! Furthermore, if this matter were to be found out by an outsider, even if His Highness can allow me, the officials would definitely not let this lowly subordinate go! At that time, this lowly official would not even be left with anything! It's fine if you say it now, Your Highness, if you want to kill me, just say so. I just hope that you will stop tormenting me, Your Highness, the more unclear your attitude is, the more anxious I feel, this kind of tormenting, lowly job is really unbearable! "

After saying that, he laid his butt on the ground and stopped talking. Zhao Qishen seriously looked at Zhang Zhou and pondered over his words. After a long while, the corner of his mouth curled up into a smile.

"You went to the manor yourself?"

"En!"

"I didn't expect you to be a man? This King has always thought that you were sending people! "

Zhang Zhou could not answer! Zhao Qishui didn't continue the topic. He stood up and took two steps back and forth, saying, "Zhang Zhou, what you said makes a lot of sense! However, they were not the reason for him to hurt her! Those guards could not die in vain! You must let This King see that your value can cancel out those lives! Don't worry, I won't take your life or your silver, as long as you do two things for me! Once it's done, let bygones be bygones, I will return you the beauty! If you do not do it well, when This King is disappointed, it will be the day your head falls to the ground! "

Zhang Zhou finally felt the stone in his heart hit the ground. He lowered his head and whispered, "Your Highness, if I had tried my best and failed, would my head fall to the ground as well?"

Zhao Qishui was a little annoyed by his question.

"This King can naturally differentiate between right from wrong, so why waste your words!"

"Then, Your Highness, please instruct me that I will do my best!"

"Watch He Zhou. I want the government of He Zhou Prefecture to apprehend those officials of the yamen and know who they should listen to. Secondly, watch the people of Long Prefecture and watch the movements of the border army, Zhang Shuhe!" Don't tell This King that you can't do it! "

Zhang Zhou answered without hesitation, "This lowly one will do his best! With redemption as punishment! "

"You are indeed guilty. The reason why I let you off is because of Lucky's face. Secondly, This King has investigated and confirmed that your background is indeed clean and you are not being ordered around. Thirdly, it is truly impulsive!" The law could not tolerate this, but it was reasonable! Fourth, you can be considered a useful talent in all sorts of observations! If you are loyal, I will definitely not treat you unfairly! I also hope that you will cherish this opportunity! "

Finished, she handed a piece of jade to Zhang Zhou and said, "With this, you can go to the Ping Wang Mansion to see me anytime! You don't have to worry about the Rich Hall. This King has already informed them, so I won't make things difficult for you. "

"Thank you for your grace, Your Highness!"

"No need to thank me. Do your duty and don't disappoint This King!"

… ….

When Ping Wang left, he glanced at the rocking chair. These new furniture that had not been put on the market, it seemed Ping Wang liked it very much, how could Zhang Zhou pretend not to know about it? Only after promising to make a set of fine items and deliver it to the manor did the Ping Wang leave with satisfaction.

Zhang Zhou followed Ping Wang's orders and didn't send him off. As he watched his back disappear into the distance, his heart was filled with endless thoughts!

Zhang Zhou knew that he could pass this trial safely. It wasn't because of his luck, but rather, it was because of the help of Lucky's luck that had played a crucial role! He did not dare to forget this favor!

The price he had to pay was that he was now a pawn in the hands of these noble men. Even if he did not have a personality and was unwilling, his inability to do so could only be manipulated by others! So what if he didn't like it? Currently, he was still too weak to be a chess player. The only thing he could do was try his best to be a useful chess piece in the game and not be treated as an abandoned chess piece.

With the close collaboration of Old Yellow and Feizi, during the period that the Ping Wang stayed in Hezhou, he discovered more than ten suspicious figures with targeted actions. These people's targets were not Zhang Zhou, but the Ping Wang! Although he wasn't sure who exactly they belonged to, they were absolutely not the Ping Wang's men. Other than two people who were caught red-handed due to their aggressive actions, Zhang Zhou did not take any action with the other targets. Instead, he increased the surveillance and kept them safe!