Secret Passage, Testing at the Banquet

At night, the governor's residence was completely quiet.

Under Li Xiao's protection, Zhang Laosi was secretly brought into the governor's residence. With the cultivation of a grandmaster, he easily evaded the night patrols.

In a side room, Di Renjie secretly met Zhang Laosi alone.

Di Renjie said, "Old sir, we meet again."

The moment Zhang Laosi saw Di Renjie, he immediately knelt and saluted him. "My lord."

Di Renjie hurriedly helped Zhang Laosi up in person and invited him to sit.

Zhang Laosi asked in confusion, "My lord, this is..."

Di Renjie said kindly, "Old sir, there is something I would like to ask you."

Zhang Laosi said, "What is it?"

Di Renjie asked seriously, "Who exactly threatened you and made you recant your testimony in court?"

Zhang Laosi said with difficulty, "My lord, I... I cannot say."

Di Renjie urged, "I know. You are afraid that he will continue to harm you, aren't you?"

Zhang Laosi said with terror on his face, "For someone like him, killing a commoner like me would be as easy as crushing a bug."

Di Renjie said, "I understand. Some time ago, Youzhou was in turmoil, and I had no way to guarantee your safety. That was why I endured in silence and never questioned you about anything. But now everything has settled down. You no longer need to fear anyone. Do you believe me?"

Zhang Laosi's expression changed repeatedly. He was both frightened and grateful for all Di Renjie had done. After struggling for a long while, and considering Di Renjie's safety, he finally decided to speak.

Zhang Laosi said, "I believe you, my lord. The person who threatened me was the general at your side."

Di Renjie stared at him in disbelief. "Hu Jinghui?"

Zhang Laosi said, "Yes, him. Before I went