The weak scholar in the end of ancient times

Chapter 118 Deputy Envoy
During the changing seasons, caravans and northward migration groups become more active.

Amidst the chaos and plague of the times, the two best times to travel each year are now in the first half of the year.

More people from outside Jingxingfang are coming and going every day, and the clerks in the ward and the people from Huwei Escort Agency have collected a lot of information during this period.

On the surface, Jingqing Guild and Huwei Escort Agency have no employment relationship and no exchange of money or food, but Jingqing Guild provides them with just as much convenience.

The higher-level information that Wen Gu obtained was provided by Madam Shen.

Every few days, Wen Gu would visit the Zhao residence to chat with his aunt and catch up on the latest news. Occasionally, he would run into his uncle and cousin, and if they were free, they could chat for a while, but most of the time the two of them were busy.

On this day, Wen Gu visited the Zhao residence again.

First, accompany Madam Shen to practice tea ceremony.

literal meaning.

In these chaotic times, material conditions have greatly declined. No matter how difficult life is for the lower classes, the powerful and wealthy still maintain their pursuit of a refined lifestyle. They may not be able to afford other luxuries, but they can still afford to enjoy tea.

This is an essential part of everyday social activities. You may not like it, but you can't be unfamiliar with it.

During their tea ceremony practice, the aunt and nephew would also chat about serious matters.

While they were enjoying their tea, Madam Shen said in a slightly somber tone, "Your uncle isn't in a good mood today."

To be precise, he was in a state of extreme rage.
"It seems that an important mission of the Patrol Division has failed. The person in charge of this matter is an adjutant of the Patrol Division, Cheng Xu."

The three highest-ranking officers in the Patrol Guard Command consist of one chief and two deputies. The chief officer is Pei Jun, and there are two deputies.

These three were all entrusted with important responsibilities by the Zhao family head.

Therefore, any task assigned to them must be closely related to the Zhao family head's plans.

When a crucial step goes wrong, anger is inevitable. Even the most composed person will find it difficult to remain calm in such a situation.

Uncle was in a bad mood, so Wen Gu certainly wouldn't go near him at that moment. Therefore, after leaving Madam Shen's place, he planned to go straight back.

As I was walking out, I saw a person standing in the connecting corridor ahead.

With his tall and upright figure, unique attire, and standard armor, he should have looked imposing and extraordinary, but instead exuded a somber aura.

Oh, that's the one—the deputy officer of the patrol department who just got a scolding from Boss Zhao.

"Chief Wen!" The other person approached Wen Gu.

"Vice Envoy Cheng," Wen Gu greeted politely.

Cheng Xu, the deputy patrol commander of the Patrol Division, was waiting here on purpose.

He messed up an important task and got a scolding. The scolding was secondary; what he feared most was losing his boss's trust.

He's definitely going to lose his position as adjutant in the patrol and guard command. That's for sure.

However, even if it's just a demotion, there's still a chance for promotion. He's resourceful and willing to take risks! But if trust in his abilities is lost, and he's kicked out of the inner circle of power, it will be extremely difficult for him to come back!
Cheng Xu felt heavy-hearted and the future seemed bleak.

At the same time, it was filled with intense resentment.

Nowadays, Xinzhou isn't lacking in talent; in fact, many people want to oust him!

We must find a solution as soon as possible!
What should I do?
How can I continue to be reused?

His steps were heavy, and his heart was even heavier. After much thought, his mind raced, and before leaving the mansion, he finally remembered something.

It just so happens that Wen Gu also came to the Zhao residence today, so he specially stood here to wait.

This young master is quite talented. The young master has also praised him for his rich study experience and erudition, saying that he is highly valued by the head of the family.

If he weren't in such a hurry to resolve his current predicament, he would definitely have prepared a gift and visited the person in person first.

But at this moment, there's no time to be so particular.

After a brief exchange of pleasantries, Vice Envoy Cheng got straight to the point.

He certainly didn't rashly admit to his poor performance or that he had just been criticized. Nor did he mention the tasks he had previously handled; he simply said that he might have more free time now and thought that he could perhaps contribute to the defense post project.

As the one who proposed the idea of ​​defensive post stations, Wen Gu certainly knew more about them than others, and he waited again specifically to ask him about it. "Defensive post stations?"

Wen Gu was surprised, but quickly understood that Vice Envoy Cheng wanted to redeem himself as soon as possible, rather than passively waiting for punishment.

At this time of year, things are changing too rapidly, and more and more elite talents are coming to Xinzhou. If we passively wait, we risk being kicked out.

He didn't ask any further questions. Since the other party only wanted to know about the defensive post stations, he would only answer their questions.

"A defensive post may not seem difficult to build, but many details require careful consideration..."

Building a defensive outpost isn't just about building it as quickly as possible; it also requires defense, ideally with someone stationed there to withstand a monster horde attack.

This is life-threatening!

But crises also bring opportunities. For Vice Envoy Cheng, who is in his current situation, he is not afraid of danger, but he is afraid of not having opportunities!

The two chatted under the eaves for about half an hour. This wasn't a place for casual conversation, so they arranged a time to discuss it in detail.

Vice Envoy Cheng thanked him sincerely, then turned and walked resolutely toward the Zhao family head's courtyard.

Wen Gu then continued to leave the mansion.

With his ambition and drive, Deputy Envoy Cheng would never be careless when it came to matters concerning his future.

If this person truly oversaw the project personally in the past, it's highly unlikely that he would have cut corners or altered the structure without authorization. The first defensive post might even exceed expectations.

Outside the Zhao residence, several newly built government buildings have appeared, and some new faces have also been appointed to various positions in Xinzhou City.

Wen Gu would visit the Zhao residence every few days, and each time he came, he would see new faces.

Before the Lunar New Year, you could see scholars strolling leisurely here, but now, not long after the New Year, everyone is rushing around.

It's rolled up!

No wonder the deputy envoy was on edge, not daring to delay even a moment. Perhaps if he hesitated even a step too long, he would be replaced.

Deputy Envoy Cheng was indeed efficient. He turned around and went to the head of the family to express his loyalty and ask for an opportunity, and he actually succeeded!
Zhao Laoda was more tolerant of this subordinate. He might not be willing to entrust him with other important matters involving secrets for the time being, but he could consider the matter of the defense post station.

After returning home, Vice Envoy Cheng pondered the matter all night. The next day, he first prepared generous gifts and visited Wen Gu in Jingxingfang to ask for his advice. He also requested a small notebook and charcoal pencil to record key points, which he carried with him at all times.

After regaining his composure, he went to the Zhao residence again and had a private conversation with the head of the family for nearly an hour.

A group of people who had received the news and were originally observing, hoping to take this opportunity to oust Cheng Xu, were quite disappointed to see this situation.

"It seems we can't kick him out after this defeat."

A few days later, Cheng Xu led a group of people away from Xinzhou City and headed to the defense post station.

The first defensive post in Xinzhou may become a crucial node in the Zhao family's strategy for Xinzhou. This time, Cheng Xu is risking his life and future!

There can be no room for error, and no one is allowed to interfere!

On the day Vice Envoy Cheng left Xinzhou City, Wen Gu went to see him off. There was no need for him to avoid suspicion.

I just thought of a few additional questions and gave a few more instructions.

Even as the originator of the idea of ​​defensive post stations, Wen Gu could not guarantee that the actual items would be as effective as expected.

After Vice Envoy Cheng's departure, no one knows if they will ever have the chance to meet again.

At the city gate, traffic was heavy.

The newly arrived groups fleeing north were filled with a mix of emotions: joy, sorrow, and numbness, all focused on the city. Vice Envoy Cheng's group, however, did not attract much attention among them.

Wen Gu watched as Vice Envoy Cheng led his men away into the distance, then turned and returned to the city.

He planned to go to Qingyunfang to give the Taoist priest a spur.

Recently, the Taoist priest has been flattered by the caravans and powerful families entering the city, and he's probably gotten a bit carried away again, probably because he's had too much free time.

(End of this chapter)