Young Master Gao? Call me Little Grand Secretary!

Judging from your expression, it seems you haven't grasped my good intentions!

Gao Zhao sighed, stood up, walked closer to Yang Zhi, and looked him straight in the eyes, saying, "Old Yang, if I had told you my true identity when we first met, what would you have thought?"

Yang Zhi was taken aback. When he first met Gao Zhao, he had fallen so low that he was selling knives in the market because he had no way to get an official position. At that time, he blamed all his suffering on Gao Qiu’s deliberate harassment and hated Gao Qiu to the bone.

If they knew that the person in front of them was Gao Qiu's son, they would probably avoid him like the plague, or at least harbor resentment and suspect that he had ulterior motives!

"Do you remember what I told you before?" Gao Zhao said earnestly, "Your problem is serious. It's not that someone is targeting you, but that the higher-ups lack trust in you! Only by achieving results can you prove yourself and earn trust and respect!"

Yang Zhi's thoughts shifted, and his expression became complicated as he recalled his experiences following Gao Zhao these past few days.

Regardless of whether he had other motives, Gao Zhao extended a helping hand when he was in his most difficult time, not only treating him with courtesy but also helping him solve his troubles!

If he wants to use me, then what is he using me for?

I did help him deal with the den of iniquity at first, but I later learned that it wasn't his rival's business at all, but rather the territory of Wuyou Cave.

Gao Zhao's move is undoubtedly aimed at Wuyou Cave!

This is clearly a national feud, not a personal grudge!

His subsequent actions further confirm this! Yang Zhi wasn't stupid; he quickly figured things out!

The other party clearly wanted to rid the country of a scourge, and I just happened to be the one they chose!

But the question is, is Gao Yanei really indispensable to him?

The answer is obviously no!

Putting aside his background and status, which would allow him to find many experts among the Imperial Guards, the fat monk who accompanied him that day was no less skilled in martial arts than himself!

Now that he has made himself his personal guard, it goes without saying!

On his very first day, he confessed that he was there to get credit for his work!

And that is indeed the case!

Having figured all this out, Yang Zhi fell silent!

After a long silence, he finally raised his head to look at Gao Zhao and asked softly, "Why did you help me?"

This unexpected question stunned Gao Zhao. He was stunned for a moment before he realized that Yang Zhi had outmaneuvered himself!

"Ah, Old Yang! You've followed me for so long, you should know my character. I cherish talent the most, how could I bear to see such a hero like you buried in obscurity!"

Gao Zhao sighed, raised his hand and patted Yang Zhi's shoulder, saying with a sigh, "But my abilities are limited, and my voice carries little weight, so this is the only way I can help you!"

"That's why I approached you this way—to see what kind of person you are and whether you're capable of great things!"

Yang Zhi suddenly realized and exclaimed, "Is the Imperial Palace selecting talent for the country?"

Gao Zhao was stunned again, wondering how this guy's brain worked so well that he could bring this up. But since the other party had said so, wouldn't it be hurtful to deny it?

He looked up at the sky, his expression wistful, and sighed softly, "Those who worry about their country are always the ones who grieve throughout history! Alas, although our Great Song Dynasty may appear prosperous and peaceful now, it is actually fraught with crises!"

"The Western Xia harbors wolfish ambitions and has been eyeing us for a long time; we must be on guard! Although the Liao Kingdom claims to be a brother to our Great Song, its intentions are unpredictable, and it has repeatedly provoked us; a major war may break out any day! Furthermore, to the north, the Jurchens are rising, watching us with predatory eyes, and they have the potential to replace us!"

"And what about my Great Song Dynasty? It is still immersed in prosperity and pleasure, unaware of the impending crisis. It spends its days in debauchery, engaging in open and covert struggles, and has no ambition for progress. Its vast border defense can only be managed by that eunuch Tong Guan. How pathetic and lamentable!"

Yang Zhi straightened up slightly, his expression solemn, and a sense of respect welled up in his heart.

"Yang Zhi, do you know why I chose you?" Gao Zhao suddenly raised his voice, staring intently at Yang Zhi, and said in a deep voice, "The reason I chose you is firstly because I saw that you are highly skilled in martial arts, and possess both courage and wisdom!"

Yang Zhi wasn't surprised by the answer and was about to say something modest when Gao Zhao continued, "Secondly, it's about your background! I want to see if you, a descendant of the old General Yang, still possess the spirit and integrity of your ancestors!"

"Of course!" Yang Zhi answered without hesitation, his eyes as firm as iron, his voice as loud as a bell, his face flushed red with excitement, making the blue mark on his hand stand out even more.

"Very good, I do see the spirit of the Yang family generals in you!" Gao Zhao nodded in satisfaction and patted him on the shoulder again.

These few slaps made Yang Zhi's blood boil and his heart surge with heroic spirit.

"After this battle, I will recommend you for merit! The imperial court will surely reward you accordingly, and you will receive the reward you deserve. I hope that in your future post you will not tarnish the prestige of the Yang family generals!"

Yang Zhi loudly replied, "This humble servant will remember! I will certainly not fail your expectations!"

"Good!" Gao Zhao's eyes shone brightly, his tone resounding as he grabbed Yang Zhi's hand and shook it firmly: "Everything for the Great Song!"

Yang Zhi's blood surged, and he could hardly contain his excitement. Even the bruise on his face flushed slightly. He roared in a trembling voice, "All for the Great Song!"

Yang Zhi's chest heaved violently, as if all the grievances and resentment that had accumulated in his heart for many years were dissipating at this moment.

To be a wanderer, to sell one's sword and suffer humiliation—what a miserable existence! He thought he would never have another chance to return to officialdom and restore the Yang family's reputation, but now he has gained Gao Zhao's appreciation, and the opportunity to serve the country is right in front of him.

Although official careers were good in the past, they were still narrow compared to serving the country.

He clenched his fists, his knuckles turning white, and he had secretly made up his mind that he would definitely make a name for himself on the battlefield and restore the glory of the Yang family!

Gao Zhao was filled with satisfaction. He was indeed charismatic and had won over Yang Zhi with just a few words!

That was a really satisfying performance!

However, this is all thanks to his own strong sense of loyalty to the emperor and patriotism; otherwise, he really wouldn't have been able to portray this feeling!

Not to mention infecting Yang Zhi!

It is this sense of conviction that makes the performance feel natural and polished!

Just as he was about to continue acting, a guard outside the tent reported, "At the inner gate, someone requests an audience!"

Gao Zhao frowned, his expression displeased. "Can't you see I'm treating you with respect? Who's being so rude!"

"Who requests an audience?"

The guard paused, then said, "It's Xuan Zan, the ugly son-in-law of the Infantry Commandery!"

Gao Zhao suddenly recalled the scene when he had knocked the spear away with a single slash!

We had clearly agreed to spar, but he attacked me when I wasn't looking! What a disgrace!

I didn't even go to settle accounts with him, yet he still dared to walk right into my trap!

Come on! Gather two thousand soldiers, capture this scoundrel, and chop him into mincemeat!

Yang Zhi hurriedly said, "I have long heard of this Prince Xuan. His martial arts skills are not bad, but he has been delayed because he offended a nobleman. He must have heard of the reputation of the Imperial Clan and come here to seek refuge!"

"Oh!" Gao Zhao became interested. If that's what you're saying, then the young master might not be so lacking in magnanimity!