The evil forces roaming the heavens

Chapter 1766 If there are no difficulties, create them!
Under a clear sky, in the imperial city of Bianliang...
Zhang Cheng, dressed in the attire of the Palace Guard, was waiting for his inspection.

Appearing with measured steps, Shen Gao looked at the newly selected guards before him and immediately turned around, saying, "Follow me! Don't look around, or you'll lose your head!"

"Yes, Prime Minister!"

With clasped hands in agreement, the crowd obediently followed behind Shen Gao, heading towards the imperial city.
Walking ahead, Shen Gao stroked his beard and said, "I joined the army at fifteen and had survived a hundred battles by forty. I've walked all the way from Hexi to Bianliang for most of my life. I hope you remember that the Emperor is the heaven of the Song Dynasty. Even if it costs you your life, you must protect the Emperor's safety. Do you understand?"

"Yes, Prime Minister!"

Upon hearing Shen Gao's words, everyone responded in unison.
However, Zhang Cheng's gaze shifted as he stood behind Shen Gao.

Because in his previous life, he truly walked on thin ice!

Arriving at the Palace Guard Office, located on the left side of the palace, one finds many people practicing.
Just as everyone was receiving their official robes and weapons, a eunuch walked in and asked, "Where is the person who was appointed Imperial Guard Commander yesterday?"

"Reporting to the eunuch, it is indeed me!"

Addressing the young eunuch before him, Zhang Cheng quickly cupped his hands in greeting.
After glancing at Zhang Cheng, the eunuch sized him up and said, "Come with me, the Emperor summons you!"

"Yes!"

Upon hearing his words, Zhang Cheng quickly followed.

However, after Zhang Cheng left, many people were taken aback, because this person seemed to have just entered the Palace Guard, and the Emperor had already taken a liking to him.

Walking through the palace, Zhang Cheng could be said to be more familiar with the place than the eunuchs in front of him.

Glancing at Zhang Cheng behind him, the eunuch chuckled and said, "You're not nervous at all!"

"The Emperor must be lenient with people, otherwise how could the eunuchs be so relaxed!"

As he spoke, Zhang Cheng took out a gold ingot from his sleeve and said, "It's a pleasure to meet you. I only have a small gift to offer, and I hope you won't mind, young sir!"

Staring blankly at Zhang Cheng, the little eunuch asked in surprise, "What did you call me?"

"My young husband!"

Looking calmly at the eunuch, Zhang Cheng smiled.
Silently looking at Zhang Cheng, the little eunuch grasped Zhang Cheng's hand and said, "I've been in the palace for ten years, a full ten years, but you are the first person to call me 'little husband'!"

"If it weren't for the family's financial difficulties, who would want to enter the palace! Isn't that right, young master!"

Patting the eunuch on the shoulder, Zhang Cheng spoke calmly, without a trace of disdain on his face.
Upon hearing Zhang Cheng's words, the young eunuch spoke up: "My name is Liang An. If you have any trouble in the future, come to me! My godfather is Liang Shicheng!"

Hesitantly looking at Liang An, Zhang Cheng stuffed the gold ingot into his hand and said, "I just want to have a full meal! If you need anything, young master, I, Zhang Cheng, will do my best to help you!"

Looking at Zhang Cheng, Liang An smiled and said, "Okay! We believe you!"

As they walked towards the palace, Liang An told Zhang Cheng many questions about the meeting.
Hearing Liang An's reminder, Zhang Cheng really wanted to say that he had been emperor here for many years, but he still seemed very grateful.

"Your Majesty, the Imperial Guard Commander has arrived!"

After announcing the news outside, Liang An nodded to Zhang Cheng beside him.
A short while later, a rough voice came from inside: "Come in!"

Upon entering the hall, a man in a red robe was sketching at a table, with a rather "manly" person standing beside him. The one grinding ink for the man in the red robe was most likely Liang Shicheng!

"Come closer!" Setting down his pen, Zhao Ji looked at Zhang Cheng with curiosity.

Zhang Cheng stepped forward slowly, maintaining an optimal distance, and then cupped his hands in greeting, saying, "Your subject Zhang Xinzhi greets Your Majesty!"

"Hmm, not bad. So handsome, yet you possess remarkable martial arts skills. I heard you used to be a constable?"

Looking at Zhang Cheng with curiosity, Zhao Ji couldn't help but ask,

"Your Majesty, I was originally a constable from Qinghe County, and I came to the capital to participate in the examination of the Six Doors!"

Looking at Zhao Ji with slight embarrassment, Zhang Cheng smiled, but it seemed very forced.

"Hahaha!"

Laughing loudly, Zhao Ji couldn't help but say after hearing Zhang Cheng's words, "You're quite foolish, aren't you? You actually went to the selection of guards for the Palace Guard!"

"I believe this is Your Majesty's guidance from beyond! Otherwise, how could I have come here to protect you!"

Zhang Cheng smiled broadly at Zhao Ji, but inwardly he felt a surge of mockery.
If he hadn't come to serve as a bodyguard, how would Zhao Ji have known that the most dangerous people often come from among his closest confidants?

"Damn, this kid's got some skills!" Liang Shicheng exclaimed.

"Keeping him here might be troublesome!" Tong Guan said.
Just as Zhang Cheng's words were making Zhao Ji very happy, Liang Shicheng and Tong Guan exchanged a glance, because they saw the shadow of a "sycophant" in Zhang Cheng.

Don't ask them how they figured it out; the answer is always the same: everyone did!
"I'm not painting today, I'm going for a stroll outside the palace!"

He put down his pen and casually walked outside.

Seeing this scene, Liang Shicheng quickly said, "Your Majesty, Prime Minister Zhao wanted to have a dialogue with you this afternoon."

"I don't have time to talk to him about these things. I'll leave the matter to Cai Jing to handle!"

With that, Zhao Ji walked outside without paying any attention.

As he passed Zhang Cheng, Zhao Ji smiled and said, "Follow me, my safety is in your hands!"

"Your Majesty, I will protect you with my life!"

While intently observing Zhao Ji, Zhang Cheng's mind began to race.

Because this is a golden opportunity. It's his first time by Zhao Ji's side, and no one would expect that he would be the one to take his life.
Or how about we put on a show?
Just as Zhang Cheng thought of this, his smile gradually turned ferocious, like that of Tom the cat!
Being an official is like being a person: either you strike first, or you'll be in trouble!

The best way to climb up the ladder is to take care of all your "competitors"!
Don't believe that nonsense about gold always shining. The live stream has already made it very clear that you are all "bros"!
If there are difficulties, we must overcome them; if there are no difficulties, we will create difficulties to overcome them. This is the spirit of civil service exam takers in Shandong!
Looking at Tong Guan and Liang Shicheng, Zhang Cheng decided to kill one of them first. After all, it would be too fake if no blood was shed.
Tong Guan: Listen to the hell, are you even speaking human language?

Liang Shicheng: Brother, calm down. My godson even accepted gold ingots from you!

Outside the palace, the guards, dressed in simple clothes, followed behind.
Emperor Huizong was accompanied by Liang Shicheng and Tong Guan, though previously it had been Yang Jian.
Of course, this Yang Jian is not the one with three eyes and a dog.
Otherwise, Zhang Cheng would have to call on the Zhang family!

In the bustling city of Bianliang, Zhang Cheng remained silent for a long time as he watched Zhao Ji enter the brothel.
Because he finally understood why this unlucky guy had ruined such a good hand: the biggest difference between him and Wanyan Jiu Mei was that they were both utterly useless!
Looking at the palace guards around him, Zhang Cheng's lips twitched.
Because their expressions showed that Zhao Ji had been playing this game for quite some time!
Just think of the vast Northern Song Dynasty, which was still peaceful and prosperous at this moment, but in just twenty years it has turned into a living hell. Zhang Cheng was furious. After all, with such a Zhao Song emperor, even if you gave him a Zhuge Liang, let alone Yue Fei, it would be useless!
Zhang Cheng tapped his fingers on the hilt of his sword, his icy gaze fixed on the brothel, a sinister smile playing on his lips. "Indeed," he said, "the Song Dynasty is unworthy of a hero."

"Stand up, Krieg!"

(End of this chapter)