Peasant Woman's Decreed Life as a Wife

Chapter 2281: Chapter 2278: Departure

It’s quite suitable to set off now; after more than a month when it snows, then transportation will be inconvenient.

Before Zhang Zhi’s departure.

He privately met with Chu Heng.

Chu Heng gave him Xie Yu’s recommendation letter. Although Xie Yu is not in Jiangnan, it’s not too far, and the administration in Yuzhou is indeed clearer than in Jiangnan.

The fief of King Qi is right in Jiangnan.

Minister Qi going this time is almost like returning to his nest.

Clearly, Emperor Xuanming is openly testing him.

As for Zhang Zhi, who was also sent, he could easily be seen as the pawn in the competition between the two.

"I can mostly guess the Emperor’s thoughts; I reckon he wants to see my abilities. If I can perfectly complete this task, only then can he use me. After all, I haven’t accomplished any major tasks alone before; it’s normal not being considered important. As for Minister Qi, although he’s a cunning old fox, with the Emperor still being healthy, even if he wants to plan for King Qi’s position, he wouldn’t dare act rashly. At most, he would just hide some interests. These things, I need to think carefully about how to deal with when I go."

"Safety is important. The Emperor giving the fief to King Qi, he may not be entirely pleased with him in his heart."

Upon hearing this, Zhang Zhi understood immediately; this was advising him not to let himself be used by the Emperor, and end up pleasing neither side.

Although knowing Lord Chu was always well-favored, Zhang Zhi was nonetheless shocked by the keen attention of the opposite party.

It seems pleasing the Emperor is indeed no easy task.

"Thank you for your guidance, my lord."

"Hmm, I’ve prepared two guards for you on my side. You can keep them by your side or arrange them yourself." In his past life, Zhang Zhi was a talent but never managed to stand out. It wasn’t until a few years after Prince Rong took position, when he was not young anymore, that he gradually shone in the official circle.

Such an official, Chu Heng was happy to lift a hand for, which also adds a friend.

After all, one more friend means another retreat; Chu Heng also wants some ease.

Moreover, paving the way for his children.

Doing what is within his power, then in the future, he can travel the nations with Ah Yu at ease, without worrying about being schemed against by people in the Imperial Court.

"My lord, this..." Zhang Zhi was now thoroughly surprised and quickly stood up: "I..."

"These are their contracts, keep them nearby as servants to do rough work, and it provides more security. Jiangnan is so far away, if anything truly happens, we can’t do much from the capital."

"Of course, the people have been sent to you; how you arrange them is up to you. How to make them loyal depends on your own skills." Chu Heng spoke openly and straightforwardly.

Zhang Zhi hesitated for a moment, ultimately nodding to accept: "Thank you, my lord."

Though he has trained guards by his side.

But surely not as skilled as those sent by Chu Heng.

Going to Jiangnan, he must bring his own personnel for close protection.

He did trust Chu Heng wouldn’t harm him, as there’s no reason to, but wouldn’t be naive to think Chu Heng helps him without expecting anything in return.

Upon hearing his last sentence, Zhang Zhi slowly realized that Chu Heng meant to make friends with him, also reminding him not to easily trust others, and even hinted that even the people he sent must be completely made his own, to prevent them from being used by others to harm him.

Honestly, if such a situation really occurred, by then he wouldn’t even know whether to trust Chu Heng or suspect someone else acted.

So his most clear course now is actually to bring his own people.