fifth form

Chapter 3084 Who's Afraid of Getting Involved?
Having hastily concluded his trip to Maoling, Zhang Xuezhou postponed his task of surveying the terrain and seeking to set up an array, and borrowed other officials' mounts to ride back to Chang'an.

In terms of methods, riding a horse is far less simple and convenient than Zhang Xuezhou and others leaping and bounding.

However, judging from the outward expression, only the hurried galloping of the horse could express the anxious mood after the theft in the mansion.

"Dongfang Shuo, you've been an official for so many years, how come you even have to borrow a horse? Look at my 'Fa Cai' (meaning 'prosperity') between my legs. This guy has a bad temper, but his yellow fur is pleasing, as if it's congratulating me on getting rich!"

The horse Zhang Xuezhou borrowed was of average quality, while Zhu Fuyan was praising his newly bought yellow horse.

After only three months in office, Zhu Fuyan was already able to buy horses in Chang'an, showing that he had managed his position quite well and had used his power to make a lot of money.

"Then... you should be careful when you're in office, don't be corrupt or break the law, otherwise His Majesty won't be able to protect you!"

Zhang Xuezhou galloped ahead on his horse. He had originally intended to congratulate Zhu Fuyan on his promotion and wealth, but upon reflection, he realized he couldn't be ranked alongside a horse. This prompted him to change his mind and advise Zhu Fuyan to tone it down to avoid violating the laws of the court.

"What corruption and bribery? What's this little bit of money to me? Prime Minister Tian collects so much money every day that his hands are sore from giving gifts. He demolished and rebuilt the main hall in the west, which had only been completed two years ago, just a few days after the eastern house was finished. The retainers in his mansion are paid more than the officials' salaries!" Master Fu Yan said loudly, "His wealth is huge and comes from illegitimate sources. If anyone is to investigate, they should be investigated first. Who can investigate our little bit of money!"

“Your talent is not low, and you will surely be promoted to a position of real power in the future,” Zhang Xuezhou advised. “It is easy to go from small to big, but difficult to go from big to small. It is better to restrain your temper while you are still small, so as to avoid being resented by others and impeached in court in the future!”

"I am not afraid of being hated, but I am afraid that others will not remember me," said the Master Father Yan. "I have been studying hard for more than forty years, but my ambitions have not been realized. My parents do not regard me as their son, my brothers do not take me in, and my guests have abandoned me. I have been poor for a long time. If I cannot eat from five tripods in this life, then I will suffer the punishment of being boiled in five tripods after I die!"

"You're quite the one who knows how to slack off," Zhang Xuezhou retorted.

“I am not like you,” the Lord Father said, shaking his head. “I am nearing the end of my life. If I cannot make up for the losses of these past years with drastic measures, I will only be able to watch your backs from now on!”

"Your supernatural abilities are already quite advanced!"

"Only after I entered the imperial court did I realize that there are countless people like me in the court, and my supernatural abilities are only based on the lack of a powerful official backer!"

The master spurred his horse behind him, his neck held high, looking nothing like a normal horseman.

He looked at Zhang Xuezhou riding ahead, a look of envy in his eyes.

In Zhu Fuyan's eyes, the reason why Zhang Xuezhou did not make enemies or compete with others in the court was very simple: Zhang Xuezhou had the confidence to be honest and did not need to rely on power to obtain resources.

If someone like him lacks substance and doesn't use his power to get what he needs, wouldn't his official position be wasted?

Officials who embezzle money are not scary; what is scary is those who lack values.

As long as he has enough value to the new emperor, it doesn't matter how much money he makes or how big a mistake he makes.

Just like when Zhang Xuezhou's residence was burglarized and his privately kept Chixiao Sword was stolen, the new emperor looked anxious but was not furious at all, and did not mention that he wanted to kill Zhang Xuezhou.

Zhu Fuyan felt that this confirmed the principle of value, and he also longed to have this value.

He needs to reach a higher cultivation level, then create the close combat techniques required for that higher level, and then do more things for the new emperor in order to gain more benefits.

"I heard Prime Minister Tian say that the Realm of Self-Centeredness requires a self-centered mentality, and that's exactly the kind of pragmatic self-centered mentality I have," Master Fu Yan grinned and said, "Only with the most pragmatic self-centeredness can I choose to achieve the greatest things at the lowest cost!"

"I thought you were just giving up, but I didn't expect you to be so insightful, and so insightful!"

Zhang Xuezhou shook his head, indicating that he understood Zhu Fuyan.

Like a ruthless warlord, Zhu Fuyan did not follow the path of a king, but rather adopted a more extreme method to rise. Zhang Xuezhou had been the same way in the past; he would never think of retreating once he could take a step forward, and thus he rose step by step. As for what price he would pay, that was not within Zhang Xuezhou's consideration.

Whether the criticism is short-sighted or how many rare and precious materials were wasted, Zhang Xuezhou doesn't care, because he ultimately achieved his separation from Donghua University.

Standing on the shore at this moment, Zhang Xuezhou would not laugh at Zhu Fuyan, who was still wading through the water.

As for who will bear the cost and what consequences will Zhu Fuyan suffer when he strives for advancement, Zhu Fuyan must bear the consequences of choosing this path.

He rarely praised Zhu Fuyan, which surprised Zhu Fuyan.

"Do you really not look down on someone like me?" Master Yan asked.

“I genuinely don’t mind,” Zhang Xuezhou said, “but I don’t have your utilitarian and self-centered mentality. Do you understand what I mean?”

"You're just afraid I'll get implicated for embezzlement and bribery!"

Zhu Fuyan laughed heartily, realizing that he understood Zhang Xuezhou's mindset and that he and Zhang Xuezhou were not the same kind of people. Zhang Xuezhou could understand him but would not support him, much less form a faction with him.

“If you’re not afraid of getting involved with me, you can try joining forces with me right now,” Zhang Xuezhou said.

"I'll join forces with you... I'll try harder to get closer to you, and then seek to join forces with you!"

Zhu Fuyan had previously thought that Zhang Xuezhou disliked him, but after Zhang Xuezhou explained a few more words, he immediately realized what was going on.

While Zhu Fuyan only embezzled some gold and silver, Zhang Xuezhou was already recklessly using the Chixiao Sword of the Han royal family.

If the Crimson Sky Sword cannot be recovered, someone will definitely have to take responsibility. At this moment, how could he dare to join forces with a troublemaker like Zhang Xuezhou? If he were to be used as a scapegoat in this matter, it would be a matter of life and death.

Zhang Xuezhou might have some value that would spare him his head, having served as an official for many years and having some cronies who would plead for him, but he certainly doesn't have that right now.

Zhu Fuyan said politely, and then, as he always let his horse run free, he pulled on the reins slightly to keep his mount a little distance from Zhang Xuezhou, so that they wouldn't be mistaken for a group.

"This guy is really pragmatic; he understands everything perfectly. If given the opportunity, it won't be too difficult for him to reach the Realm of Selflessness in the future!"

When a belief reaches its extreme, it becomes a catalyst, which is actually a manifestation of a powerful spirit.

Zhang Xuezhou used to think that personality and temperament had a limited influence, but the cultivation method and the imprinting of divine marks changed his views. Strong beliefs can indeed bring a boost, and even help to advance one's realm.

Human beings ultimately need desires to drive them, rather than sitting in the deep mountains and forests in a state of tranquility and detachment to continuously cultivate themselves and improve.

Galloping ahead on horseback, Zhang Xuezhou glanced at Zhu Fuyan, who had previously been eager to keep up with him. Although Zhu Fuyan seemed to be constantly chasing after him, the distance between them was actually growing further and further, clearly indicating that he was very reluctant to get involved in the theft of the Crimson Cloud Sword.

Zhang Xuezhou made a complaint and couldn't help but comment on Zhu Fuyan.

As long as he could stay in Chang'an, Zhang Xuezhou really hoped to join forces with Zhu Fuyan. After all, the other party focused on practical combat ability, and his lower limit was even lower than Wei Shao'er's. Such a person had a strong impact and deterrent effect.

Moreover, the extremely pragmatic Master Fu Yan didn't need to go to great lengths; as long as there were suitable benefits, the other party would definitely lend a helping hand.

Zhang Xuezhou felt it necessary to see if there was a suitable opportunity to reach a temporary agreement of mutual assistance with the other party.