Do Not Offend the Great Houses

Su Ziji listened quietly.

When Liu Zhan finished speaking, he studied the young man before him. Su Ziji's lowered eyes and attentive manner made him seem remarkably calm, yet he carried an air of someone who could stir up a storm at any moment.

Such a man had come from a humble family?

It was hard to believe.

The longer Liu Zhan studied Su Ziji's bearing, the more it seemed like a tangled skein with no loose end. I never studied the art of Heavenly Secrets. I can't see what lies beneath.

If only Hui Dao were here.

In truth, many people grew disheartened, and ninety-nine times out of a hundred, the response was simply: You're disheartened? I don't care.

Only someone special and irreplaceable could inspire such regret.

Liu Zhan could only return to their earlier topic. "You're acting commandery assistant now, and the prefectural treasury happens to fall under your charge. The shortfall was caused by your predecessor, so you bear no responsibility for it. But if you can make up even part of it, that would ease the immediate crisis."

After saying this, Liu Zhan shook his head again. "But it's a difficult matter. Even Qi Hongxin, with more than ten years as prefect and a deep network of connections, could do nothing about it. Don't force yourself. Just do what you can."

Su Ziji listened and nodded. "In one sense, it's very difficult. In another, it's very easy."

"Oh? How so?" Liu Zhan pressed at once.

Su Ziji shook his head. "I only have an idea for now. It would be premature to speak of it. Once it's done, Scholar Liu, you'll know."

"Very well." Since Su Ziji would say no more, Liu Zhan did not press him. Outside matters of slaying demons, he was not