fifth form

Chapter 3096 Two Visitors

"Dongfang Shuo, the area where you live is really safe!"

After going through numerous inquiries, Gongsun Hong finally arrived at Zhang Xuezhou's residence with great difficulty.

He wanted to complain about the harsh search, which was something he had never experienced before, and it almost ripped his underwear off.

If Dong Zhongshu hadn't mentioned that this was a good time to visit, Gongsun Hong felt he would have turned and left, lest he lose all the face he had left.

The good news is that Zhang Xuezhou is in the mansion, and Gongsun Hong has finally found someone.

He rarely complained, but he couldn't help but wonder why this place was so heavily guarded compared to other parts of the imperial city, almost as heavily guarded as the palace.

"This place is alright!"

Zhang Xuezhou welcomed Gongsun Hong, who had come to visit, and found that Dong Zhongshu's way of stepping on key points was as always, seeking good fortune and avoiding misfortune.

Gongsun Hong's journey did not begin today; this arrangement was made at least ten days to half a month ago.

If Gongsun Hong had arrived half a day earlier, he wouldn't have seen him. If he had arrived half a day later, Gongsun Hong might have flown to Maoling under the cover of night, making it impossible to find him in Chang'an.

This incredible ability truly amazed Zhang Xuezhou. Although Zhang Xuezhou noticed some flaws, they did not detract from its overall excellence.

"It has been several years since I last saw you, Master Gongsun. Your cultivation level has improved and stabilized!"

As Gongsun Hong looked around Zhang Xuezhou and the surroundings of the mansion, Zhang Xuezhou also looked at Gongsun Hong.

Dong Zhongshu served as the prime minister in Jiangdu and was not allowed to leave without being summoned by the court. Gongsun Hong became Dong Zhongshu's mouthpiece, responsible for communication between them.

Zhang Xuezhou was not surprised by Gongsun Hong's visit; he was quite looking forward to seeing what Gongsun Hong might bring.

"I'm so grateful to you for helping me with my cultivation level," Gongsun Hong said happily. "Zhongshu has helped me a lot these past few years, which has allowed my cultivation level to stabilize!"

Gongsun Hong had not forgotten how he entered the Realm of Sovereignty, but his journey into the Realm of Sovereignty was not smooth sailing, and it took him several years of ups and downs to stabilize.

He repeatedly thanked Zhang Xuezhou and also mentioned Dong Zhongshu's help.

"Congratulations!" Zhang Xuezhou congratulated him repeatedly, then asked, "With your cultivation so solid, do you intend to stay in Chang'an?"

“Zhongshu said that auspicious light appeared over Chang’an, which is a sign that everything is in need of rebuilding.” Gongsun Hong said, “If there are no special changes, I will stay in Chang’an for a while to see if there are any opportunities to take up a post in the court!”

“That’s very good. If you have any needs, please feel free to tell me,” Zhang Xuezhou said.

"Every inch of land in Chang'an is precious, and the Imperial City is so densely populated that it's difficult to find a place to stay. I wonder if you could offer me lodging for a while?" Gongsun Hong asked, cupping his hands in a gesture of supplication.

"My residence is rather deserted," Zhang Xuezhou said with a smile. "Please feel free to stay here, sir!"

"That's wonderful!" Gongsun Hong said happily. "I won't stay for nothing. Zhongshu taught me some wonderful methods, saying they would be beneficial to you. We can study them together and perhaps both of us will benefit!"

"The memories of my academic pursuits with Mr. Gongsun are still vivid in my mind. His willingness to preach the Dharma truly brings honor to my humble abode!"

Zhang Xuezhou took a deep breath.

Zhang Xuezhou was somewhat pleased by Gongsun Hong's arrival, especially since the other party brought Dong Zhongshu's magic techniques with him.

However, Zhang Xuezhou could also make a judgment from Gongsun Hong's words: Dong Zhongshu had not solved the problem of the fusion and infancy transformation of the realm technique, but still needed to study and share it in order to find a new way out.

Zhang Xuezhou could even guess that Dong Zhongshu would most likely fail in his attempt to break through to the True Self Realm.

You always speak so considerately!

Gongsun Hong cupped his hands and sighed slightly.

Gongsun Hong did have a place to stay in Chang'an. For example, he could stay at the Confucius Temple or stay temporarily in the homes of some Confucian scholars, but nowhere was closer to the imperial court than Zhang Xuezhou's place.

This is not simply a difference in place of residence, but a completely different speed at which information about the court is obtained.

Moreover, living in the imperial city for a long time would allow him to clearly assess the political situation, preventing him from recklessly rushing in and getting hurt. He came to Chang'an seeking an official position somewhat dejected, while Zhang Xuezhou was extremely courteous, which warmed Gongsun Hong's heart.

"You old scholar, you really aren't afraid of death! Dongfang Shuo, another fearless person has come to your mansion!"

Only when a voice called out from mid-air above the mansion did Gongsun Hong feel a subtle sense of vigilance.

“What do you mean you’re not afraid of death? If you have nothing better to do, you can study the heavens. What’s the point of making a scene in my residence?” Zhang Xuezhou shouted.

"Dongfang Shuo, I've brought a pot of wine to congratulate you on the return of your lost sword!"

A greeting outside the mansion signaled to Zhang Xuezhou which fearless individual had come to visit.

Zhu Fuyan received the new emperor's order to go to Maoling to deliver a message to Zhang Xuezhou, but this guy deliberately slowed down his horse when entering the city to avoid suspicion. Now that he has learned that the Chixiao Sword has returned, he has eagerly come to the door again.

After entering the court, Zhu Fuyan will either take a risky path and die, or seize an opportunity and fight hard to succeed. There are only two possible outcomes. If it is the former, then so be it. If it is the latter, then he will definitely be transformed. The enmity between them will inevitably bring trouble, especially since Zhang Xuezhou wants to use Zhu Fuyan.

Zhang Xuezhou had already hosted the mature and accomplished Gongsun Hong, so he wouldn't mind hosting a dangerous and extremely fanatical figure like Zhu Fuyan.

"Your Excellency's grace has truly made my humble abode shine!"

The words he had just used to flatter Gongsun Hong were thrown out again, and Zhang Xuezhou personally greeted him.

"Who is this Lord Father?"

Gongsun Hong, who was accompanying Zhang Xuezhou, quickly straightened his old clothes and asked Zhang Xuezhou for his opinion.

"A very capable person!"

Zhang Xuezhou thought for a moment and replied.

Zhang Xuezhou didn't have much contact with Zhu Fuyan, but he could see his own reflection in Zhu Fuyan, as well as the same kind of effort Ning Que put into pursuing his goals.

Those who can break through from humble beginnings focus on practical experience and tangible results. Such people are very resilient; they only need one opportunity to seize it and steadily rise to the top, even leading the way after reaching a new platform.

Seven days ago, Zhang Xuezhou's assessment of Zhu Fuyan wouldn't have been so high.

But when the new emperor mentioned Zhu Fuyan's strategy to attack the vassal kings, Zhang Xuezhou vaguely realized the direction in which Zhu Fuyan was focusing his efforts.

Just like Dong Zhongshu's choice of the King of Jiangdu, Zhu Fuyan also seemed to be placing his hopes on the feudal lords, preparing to rely on the power of the court to exploit them.

The competition for resources in the imperial court in Chang'an was extremely difficult, involving the three palaces of Weiyang, Changxin, and Anle, as well as the Three Dukes and Nine Ministers, and only then did it come to the turn of many officials of all ranks. It was very difficult to get a share of the pie, even for the close advisors of the new emperor.

Targeting a feudal lord is very risky, but it is definitely a good option with the chance to monopolize the spoils.

Zhang Xuezhou's praise was absolutely genuine.

He opened the mansion gate, and saw Master Yan rush over to embrace him.

"Brother Dongfang, I knew you were a capable person. I would never have misjudged you. You managed to recover the lost sword in just a few days. Amazing!"

Zhang Xuezhou praised Zhu Fuyan, and Zhu Fuyan, upon entering the mansion, also showered him with flattery.

Thinking about how he deliberately left Zhang Xuezhou behind before entering Chang'an, Zhu Fuyan wished he could slap himself a few times. He felt that he had lost a great opportunity to show off.

If he had followed Zhang Xuezhou for just a few days, he could have gotten involved in the Crimson Sword incident.

Once this theft case is settled, many people eager to know the inside story will flock to it.

Zhang Xuezhou disliked showing off in front of the public, but Zhu Fuyan did. He could even guess that many people would invite him to banquets, and as long as he said a few casual, innocuous words, he could get good benefits at the banquet.

Unfortunately for the master, he squandered this opportunity.

Thinking about his foolish and disastrous behavior, Zhu Fuyan, who prided himself on his ability to seize opportunities, couldn't help but feel extremely regretful.