From a tuberculosis patient to a martial arts master

"Is there anything urgent?"

Cao Wanhai glanced sideways at Lin Jizhi, a hint of mockery in his eyes, and said, "Of course there is. But..." He paused, deliberately drawing out his words, "What does such a major matter have to do with a lowly servant like you? Even if you knew the details, what use would it be?"

"Ha!" Lin Jizhi slammed his hand on the table and challenged.

"Cao Heizi, what kind of airs are you putting on with your nose in your head?" he retorted, not to be outdone. "You've only been in the government for a few years longer, what's so great about your pathetic seniority?"

The two started arguing over a single word.

Incessant noise.

Zhu Hong was already used to this, and simply smiled and shook his head. Since he entered the government office, Cao and Lin had been arguing every day, their quarrels never ceasing. They were like two sworn brothers, who still looked decent when they were apart.

When they get together, they become two mischievous monkeys.

That's enough.

At this moment, Wang Zhenshan, who had been silent until now, spoke up.

He couldn't help but continue his commotion, his gaze sweeping indifferently over Lin Jizhi before he frowned and asked, "You're off duty today, what brings you back in such a hurry?"

Lin Jizhi and Cao Wanhai were joking and bantering.

One looked thin and haggard, the other smiled and looked plump and well-off.

He spoke with great enthusiasm.

Although Wang Zhenshan's voice was not loud, it instantly cut off the conversation between the two.

Lin Jizhi paused, looked up at Wang Zhenshan, then glanced at Zhu Hong, suddenly slapped the back of his head, and exclaimed:

"Ouch!"

The slap was loud enough to startle Cao Wanhai.

"Look at my memory!" He hurriedly stepped forward, his face beaming with joy, and said, "Boss, good news! Huge good news!"

Wang Zhenshan raised his eyebrows slightly:

"Just say what you mean, why all the mystification?"

"Boss, guess who's here?" Lin Jizhi chuckled, rubbing his hands together as he shouted, "It's that Second Master Jiang Cong, escorting dozens of cartloads of gifts to the yamen! Now, the whole city knows!"

"Jiang Cong..."

Upon hearing this, Zhu Hong slowly raised his head. "They've already arrived?"

"That's right, that's right!"

Lin Jizhi slapped his thigh and said excitedly, "Jiang Cong went to the study hall to see Manager Gu, but he was stopped. They said that for all matters concerning Jiang Feng, the Jiang family no longer needed to seek out Manager Gu. They should all come to the Second Class to discuss with Lord Zhu."

Having said that, he patted Zhu Hong heavily on the shoulder and laughed loudly:

To put it bluntly...

"I'll obey your orders, Master Hong!"

Zhu Hong's lips curled up almost imperceptibly, a faint smile flashing in his eyes, and he said softly, "You're quite quick." Then, he looked up at Wang Zhenshan, and their eyes met in mid-air, instantly understanding each other.

Wang Zhenshan then asked:

"Where are Jiang Cong and his group?"

Lin Jizhi pointed towards the door and said, "I reckon we should be at the courtyard gate by now."

Wang Zhenshan nodded, hung the black knife at his waist, and said calmly, "Go! Open the door wide and welcome the guests."

"Okay!"

Lin Jizhi responded and hurriedly ran to open the door.

Seeing this scene, Cao Wanhai couldn't help but scratch his head and mutter to himself, "This is really interesting. There's already a good show to watch as soon as we get back to the yamen."

……

Before long, a flurry of footsteps could be heard outside the courtyard.

Cao Wanhai peeked out and exclaimed, "Hiss~ Damn it, did they bring up the Jiang family's entire secrets?"

At the other end of the passageway.

A mule cart turned the corner, with seven or eight black lacquered boxes neatly stacked on the cart's side, bound tightly with thick hemp ropes, the ends of which dangled under the cart and swayed with the wheels.

This is only the first one.

Several mule carts followed closely behind, one after another, filing in and blocking the wide passageway, leaving barely any space for people to step.

"Keep everything quiet."

At this moment, a clear and steady voice rang out softly.

The managers dared not delay and hurriedly ran to the luxurious vehicle, bowing and lifting the curtain.

The person who arrived was none other than Jiang Cong.

He leaned out of the carriage, his dark blue brocade robe accentuating his tall and straight figure. He looked calm and composed, but there was a hint of lingering melancholy in his eyes. After all, the thought that he had come to ask for help from a young constable made him feel inferior.

"Um……"

Jiang Cong's gaze lingered for a moment on the plaque reading "Class Two" in front of the dormitory, then he looked away and steadily got out of the car.

"Excuse me, sir/madam..."

He turned to Lin Jizhi, who had been waiting at the door, his brows furrowing slightly, and began to ask.

But he hadn't finished speaking.

Then Lin Jizhi seemed to deliberately ignore him, and suddenly turned around and shouted into the door, "Lord Zhu, Second Master Jiang has arrived!"

"Well……"

Jiang Cong's words caught in his throat, and his composure froze for a moment.

He had some influence over this minor servant; he was the fiercest barking dog by Zhu Hong's side, incapable of showing any respect and only knowing how to obey. Unfortunately, he needed Zhu Hong's help at this moment and couldn't retaliate, so he could only make a mental note of it.

Just then.

Zhu Hong's calm voice came through: "Please."

Lin Jizhi stepped aside and gestured for him to enter: "Please, Second Master Jiang."

Jiang Cong frowned slightly, let out a long sigh, and then stepped into the classroom.

"Lord Zhu, Lord Wang."

Having just been humiliated in the study hall and looked down upon by Lin Jizhi, the anger in his chest was still burning. However, since the matter was of great importance, he forced a smile and bowed respectfully to Zhu Hong, saying, "I apologize for my intrusion today, and hope that you gentlemen will not take offense."

Wang Zhenshan did not answer, which clearly indicates that he has delegated all power.

"You're too kind, Second Master Jiang."

Zhu Hong casually pointed and said, "Please sit down."

Jiang Cong lifted his robe and sat down.

"Lord Zhu." He composed himself slightly, his tone calm and composed, "I, Jiang, have come to apologize today." After speaking, he gestured slightly towards the door, and several stewards carefully carried in two ebony chests, placed them steadily on the ground, and then bowed and withdrew.

"The box contains a thousand Yang stones, a small token of the Jiang family's generosity."

Jiang Cong raised his hand in a gesture of respect, his expression earnest. "There is another 100,000 taels of silver on the mule cart outside the door. I would like to present it to you as well, and hope that Lord Zhu will accept it."

"Thank you for your trouble, Second Master Jiang."

Zhu Hong only glanced at the wooden box indifferently.

"That……"

Jiang Cong leaned forward slightly and tentatively began to speak, "Regarding my nephew Jiang Feng."

Jiang Feng is still in prison.

Zhu Hong picked up his teacup and took a sip, his tone calm and even, "The case is still unclear, so the person cannot be released."

"Why must Lord Zhu be so resolute?"

Jiang Cong's smile froze abruptly, then he forced a smile of gentleness: "This small gift is insignificant, but I hope you will understand the Jiang family's sincerity." His eyes flickered slightly, his words carrying a subtle hint, as he slowly said:

"If Lord Zhu would be so lenient and spare my nephew..."

Mr. Jiang will offer further thanks later.