HBWnovel Chapter 359 Token
Chapter 359 Token
Chapter 359 Token
When the two heard the words "Zhang Shangshu," their eyes met, as if they were silently communicating something. Then, they cautiously looked Zhang Hengrui up and down. One of them frowned and replied expressionlessly, "I don't know what you're talking about. What Shangshu Zhang? You've come to the wrong place. Leave immediately." His words were short and cold, with an unquestionable tone.
Zhang Hengrui's suspicions receded after hearing this response and observing the two men's cautious demeanor. If they simply believed him, that would be a serious problem. When Zhang Zhenyuan and Zhang Laowu were assigned to establish these strongholds, their first order was not to expose the Zhang family. Therefore, these people had no way of knowing their actions were connected to Minister Zhang or Grand Tutor Zhang. For such confidential matters, they had already agreed to use a jade buckle as a token of trust when they were notified to enter the capital. Therefore, the subordinates only recognized the token and had no idea which figures in the capital were connected.
Zhang Hengrui also had a tentative mentality, so he only took out a letter instead of a token, just to see their reaction. Now, after hearing what the two said, his eyes rolled, his face still with an anxious look, and he spoke again: "Young man, you two should think about it carefully. My master specifically instructed that this letter should be handed to Master Wang in person, saying that he is at the farm here. I have been running all the way, hoping to complete the task quickly. Otherwise, can you two help me inform and see if there is anyone in the farm who knows the whereabouts of Master Wang? Even if you can give a clue that can help find him, I will definitely reward you handsomely." As he said, he quietly took out a silver ingot from his sleeve and presented it to the two.
The two servants saw this, their expressions remained stern. After looking at each other, the one who had answered earlier snorted coldly: "Hmph, don't try to tempt us with silver. We work in this farm and only obey the orders of our master. We know nothing else. If you pester us again, don't blame us for being rude!" After that, the two of them folded their hands over their chests and took a step forward, as if they were going to drive Zhang Hengrui away if he made any more unusual moves.
Zhang Hengrui's thick eyebrows raised slightly, a fleeting movement. Then, his expression suddenly straightened, and he stood as straight as a pine tree, his hands clasped behind his back. In an instant, his aura became fierce, and his eyes, filled with a superior disdain, stared directly at the two men across from him. His gaze was filled with disdain and arrogance.
Seeing this, the two men on the opposite side immediately assumed offensive and defensive positions, as if facing a formidable enemy. They stood with their feet apart, crouching slightly, their bodies tense, muscles bulging, and their fists clenched in front of them. Their eyes were filled with vigilance as they stared intently at Zhang Hengrui.
At that moment, Zhang Hengrui, standing across from them, slowly reached for his waist, as if to pull something out. Thinking he was about to draw a weapon, the two men tensed up, shouting in unison, "What do you want to do?" Their voices tinged with tension and anger, while they tapped their feet, ready to attack him at any moment.
However, just as they were ready to attack, they saw Zhang Hengrui take out not a weapon but a warm jade button from his waist.
The jade buckle shimmered softly in the sunlight, swaying gently in front of the two men. When they saw the pattern on the jade buckle, the alertness on their faces instantly turned into shock and awe. They quickly withdrew their hands and feet, their movements as orderly as those of well-trained soldiers.
One of them, with a look of respect on his face, carefully took the jade buckle. He first examined it carefully, then looked up at Zhang Hengrui with humility in his eyes. He bowed and said with a flattering tone, "May I know your name, sir? I'll go in and report it."
Zhang Hengrui glanced at the man sideways, his eyes full of disdain. He opened his thin lips slightly and uttered only one word briefly: "Zhang!" His voice was low and cold, without any warmth, and he did not give any further explanation.
The two men at the doorway showed no sign of displeasure at his demeanor. The man who accepted the jade button, still smiling, bowed, his manner increasingly respectful. "Then, Master Zhang, please wait a moment while I go in and report." With that, he hurried through the door, clutching the jade button. The other man remained at the doorway, standing respectfully beside Zhang Hengrui, his posture erect and erect, not daring to slack off in the slightest.
After a while, hurried footsteps could be heard from inside the manor. Zhang Hengrui stood straight with his hands behind his back. He tilted his head slightly, his eyes sharp as a torch, peering into the doorway, a look of scrutiny and anticipation in his eyes.
At this time, three people walked out of the door. One of them was the person who had gone to report before, and the other two were Master Wang and Zhong Chuzhou in disguise.
Master Wang's face was full of smiles, but there was a barely perceptible nervousness in his eyes. He walked hurriedly, as if he was afraid of being a step slower.
Zhong Chuzhou's expression was calm, but there was a hint of vigilance in his eyes. His steps were steady and firm, giving him the image of a diligent guard.
When Master Wang saw Zhang Hengrui, he hurried forward and saluted, "Master, why did you come here in person? I am really flattered! Come in!" His words were full of humility and respect.
As they emerged, Zhang Hengrui's brow furrowed slightly, as if a subtle gloom had quietly descended upon him. His gaze, sharp as a torch, directed directly at Master Wang, or Wang Chao. He saw that Master Wang was still submissive and submissive, nodding and bowing as before.
Then, Zhang Hengrui glanced discreetly at the guard following Wang Chao. He had an ordinary face and, aside from a decent build, his gestures were unremarkable; he looked like an ordinary guard. Zhang Hengrui nodded slightly, uttered a soft "hmm" through his nose, and said in a low, curt voice, "Lead the way!"
Upon receiving the order, Master Wang quickly bowed, extended his right hand, and made a perfect gesture of invitation. His smile grew even wider, almost reaching his ears. "Master Zhang, please come this way. I will show you the way. We have tea and snacks ready in the manor, awaiting your arrival."
After saying that, he led the way carefully in front, deliberately lightening his steps, and looked back at Zhang Hengrui from time to time, fearing that he had not entertained him well enough.
Zhong Chuzhou followed slowly behind with a calm expression, but his eyes were secretly watching Zhang Hengrui's every move. His eyes were like a bottomless cold pond, hiding endless thoughts.
Zhang Hengrui said nothing along the way, simply observing the goings-on in the manor. He saw that it was indeed different from the outside. He could sense secret guards everywhere. The servants were no ordinary servants either; they all had considerable skills, their manners revealing a trained eye. Upon seeing them, they saluted respectfully.
Zhang Hengrui knew that this was a salute to Wang Chao, so this was the right thing to do, as it meant they were all Wang Chao's subordinates. He nodded slightly, feeling a sigh of relief.