Paving the Way with Money

"I am skilled in armor-piercing techniques and possess some escape skills. While I may lack in physical combat abilities, it won't be so easy for me to die!"

Zhang Xuezhou had figured out Han Anguo's background, while Han Anguo's understanding of Zhang Xuezhou was still lacking.

When the two interacted, Zhang Xuezhou was more likely to take the initiative in guiding the conversation.

This inevitably brings up the magical Technique Method that cultivators excel at.

Han Anguo didn't hide anything and openly described his skills.

"You heard me at Liang Garden, what did those gossipy people say about my abilities?" Han Anguo asked with a smile.

Zhang Xuezhou probed into Han Anguo's background, and Han Anguo would occasionally inquire about it in return.

"I heard you speak so eloquently in the royal court from Liangyuan," Zhang Xuezhou pointed out Han Anguo's strengths, "And you are calm and composed in your dealings, possessing the steadfast demeanor of a great general. If it weren't for your expertise in Technique Method, you might be the second Cheng Bushi, or even Cheng Bushi!"

That's an exaggeration!

Han Anguo was flattered by Zhang Xuezhou, and he couldn't help but stroke his beard repeatedly, appearing extremely pleased.

His situation in State of Liang was indeed as Zhang Xuezhou had described, but few people praised him to his face like this. Now, after Zhang Xuezhou's words, even comparing Cheng Bushi, Han Anguo felt extremely pleased.

"If you enter the court as an official, you will surely be highly valued, and it will not be a problem for you to become one of the Three Dukes and Nine Ministers in the future," Zhang Xuezhou said with a smile.

"It's difficult, very difficult!" Han Anguo waved his hands repeatedly, saying, "Chang'an City is full of hidden talents. In martial arts, there are Li Guang, Cheng Bushi, Zhuang Zhu, Guan Fu, and others; in literature, there are Xu Chang, Zhuang Qingdi, Dou Ying, and others. I am nothing among them. It is too difficult to rise to a high position. I would be satisfied with just a place below the Nine Ministers!"

Han Anguo was skilled in self-preservation and had a rather conservative personality.

He can accept Zhang Xuezhou's flattery, but if Zhang Xuezhou goes too far in flattery, he feels he can't stand it.

Although he was a high-ranking cultivator, Han Anguo was clearly inferior to the person he mentioned.

If he were to enter the imperial court, Han Anguo felt that even with merit, it would be difficult for him to rise to the rank of one of the Three Dukes or Nine Ministers. His most likely limit would be becoming a deputy in one of the departments.

"You Not Short of Money and your cultivation is extremely high, so why did you come to Chang'an City?" Zhang Xuezhou asked, puzzled.

"In this world, wealth and cultivation alone are not enough to ensure An Ran survival," Han Anguo said. "I came to Chang'an City for two reasons: firstly, to seek official positions and access to higher levels of society, to see if there's any hope of advancing my cultivation; and secondly, to seek joining the imperial court and gain its protection, so I won't be targeted by others when I'm alone!"

"Even a hero can't fight off four hands with two fists. Your decision to plan ahead is very farsighted. I've learned a lot," Zhang Xuezhou nodded repeatedly.

"Just some survival tips," Han Anguo said happily. "I've been in Chang'an City for almost a month, and this is the first time I've met someone as compatible as Brother Dongfang. May I ask what important position Brother Dongfang holds in the court?"

"His Majesty discussed official positions with me yesterday," Zhang Xuezhou said with a smile. "My abilities are too weak; a high position wouldn't be suitable, but a low one wouldn't meet His Majesty's training requirements. My official position is still undecided; I'm currently a Jinma Gate Attendant Scholar!"

"It's truly an extraordinary occasion that you're able to see His Majesty again!"

Han Anguo never expected to stumble upon someone who actually had access to the palace.

This is something that even Han Anguo, with his cultivation and wealth, would find difficult to achieve. He has yet to meet the new emperor, and despite possessing great abilities, he cannot make the new emperor aware of them.

"Brother Dongfang, if you can get an audience with His Majesty, I hope you will lend me a hand," Han Anguo pleaded. "I would be eternally grateful for any recommendation you may make!"

Han Anguo stood up and bowed respectfully.

He paced back and forth in the side room, and a moment later he came back carrying a box.

"This is just a small gift, please accept it!"

When he placed the suitcase he was carrying on the tea table in the room, the table creaked noticeably, indicating that it was quite heavy.

"Brother Anguo, there's no need for such politeness. You are a capable man. If you are interested in the court, you can simply spread the word, and everyone will help you convey it to His Majesty," Zhang Xuezhou said.

"It's so difficult!"

Han Anguo shook his head repeatedly.

"In my previous years, I served as a high-ranking official in the State of Liang, offering many strategies to the King of Liang, and incurring the enmity of some people in Chang'an City," Han Anguo said helplessly. "If I were to arrive with great fanfare, it would be quite polite of them not to kick me while I'm down!"

"I see!"

Zhang Xuezhou nodded, barely guessing the difficulties Han Anguo faced in becoming an official.

If Han Anguo works for the Prince of Liang and devises strategies to make enemies of the people of Chang'an City, then the targets of Han Anguo's enemies are very likely to include Emperor Jing and his close ministers.

The new emperor already holds the most legitimate throne, so it's impossible for Han Anguo to join the Empress Dowager's camp. In other words, Han Anguo has chosen the new emperor's camp for long-term planning.

However, the new emperor is Emperor Jing's son, and he is likely aware of some of Han Anguo's past.

If no one speaks up for Han Anguo, it will be very difficult for him to enter the court and become a core official around the new emperor.

Given their past, it's no wonder they didn't consider positions like the Three Dukes and Nine Ministers.

"His Majesty Sagacity. As long as Brother Anguo is willing to sincerely become a pillar of the court, His Majesty will not only forgive his past transgressions but also entrust him with important responsibilities," Zhang Xuezhou said.

"That would be wonderful if it could be so," Han Anguo said. "I hope Brother Dongfang won't find this too small a token of my appreciation. Once I've settled down in the future, I will certainly repay you in another way!"

"Brother Anguo, you're too kind!"

Han Anguo pushed the wooden box over, and when Zhang Xuezhou reached out to block it, he felt that the box was heavy, weighing at least several tens of kilograms.

When Han Anguo flicked his finger slightly, the wooden box lid lifted halfway, revealing a golden luster inside.

"Our State of Liang's wealth doesn't conform to the regulations of Chang'an City; only these gold items are still acceptable," Han Anguo said. "I hope Brother Dongfang will accept them!"

Brother Anguo is truly magnanimous!

Zhang Xuezhou never expected that a casual trip, even if he went to the wrong place, would result in money coming in.

Those who cultivate the art of manipulating energy do indeed have quite good luck.

If Zhang Xuezhou could encounter ten Han Anguos, he felt the people of Zhang Household Village could practically lie low for ten years.

This sum of money was not as valuable as the thousand taels of gold bestowed upon Zhang Xuezhou by the King of Jiangdu, but it was still the second great fortune he had ever received in his life.

Han Anguo was sincere, and Zhang Xuezhou didn't offer any empty pleasantries.

"Speaking of which, His Majesty is currently in need of someone to share his burdens. If Brother Anguo is not in a hurry, I will meet with His Majesty again in half a month, and I will definitely recommend Brother Anguo then. As for what His Majesty will say, I cannot guarantee it, but I will certainly ensure that your name reaches His Majesty's ears," Zhang Xuezhou said, lifting the box.

"That's wonderful!"

Han Anguo nodded repeatedly.

His roots were in the State of Liang, and he lacked connections in Chang'an City. Han Anguo used money to pave the way.

He visited several people, but some refused to meet him to avoid involvement, some refused to accept gifts, and some accepted gifts but did not do anything for him.

After a month, Han Anguo had spent a lot of money but hadn't accomplished anything.

He never expected that someone would stumble upon his door by chance and be willing to help him with something.

Looking at Zhang Xuezhou's sincere expression, Han Anguo felt that the money wouldn't be wasted.

Even if the current emperor doesn't employ him, just hearing his name and having the corresponding desire to seek an official position is enough.

Perhaps at some point, the emperor will recruit him, thus officially bringing Han Anguo into the imperial court.