Who Was Afraid of Being Implicated by Whom

Having hastily concluded his trip to Maoling, Zhang Xuezhou postponed his task of surveying the terrain and seeking to set up an array, and borrowed other officials' mounts to ride back to Chang'an City.

In terms of technique, riding a horse is far less simple and convenient than the leaping and bounding of Zhang Xuezhou and others.

However, judging from the outward expression, only the hurried galloping of the horse could convey the anxious mood after the theft of the mansion.

"Dongfang Shuo, you've been an official for so many years, how come you even have to borrow a horse? Look at my 'Lucky Horse'! This fellow has a bad temper, but its yellow fur is pleasing, as if it's congratulating me on my fortune!"

The horse Zhang Xuezhou borrowed was of average quality, while Zhufu Yan was praising his newly bought yellow horse.

After only three months in office, Zhufu Yan was already able to buy horses in Chang'an City, showing that he had managed his position quite well and had used his power to make a lot of money.

"Then... you'd better be careful when you're in office, don't be corrupt or break the law, otherwise His Majesty won't be able to protect you!"

Zhang Xuezhou galloped ahead on his horse. He had originally intended to congratulate Zhufu Yan on his promotion and wealth, but upon reflection, he realized he couldn't be ranked alongside a horse. This prompted him to change his mind and advise Zhufu Yan to tone it down to avoid violating the laws of the court.

"What corruption and bribery? What's my little bit of money? Prime Minister Tian's hands are pounding from collecting money every day. His eastern residence was only finished a few days ago, and he already demolished and rebuilt the western main hall, which was only two years old. The retainers in his mansion are paid more than the officials' salaries!" Zhufu Yan Fu Yan shouted. "His wealth is enormous and obtained through illicit means. If anyone's going to investigate, they should investigate these people first. Who would investigate our little bit of money!"

"Your talent is considerable; you will surely rise to a position of real power in the future," Zhang Xuezhou advised. "It's easy to grow from small to large, but difficult to grow from large to small. It's better to restrain your temper while you're still young, so as to avoid being resented and impeached in court later!"

"I am not afraid of being hated, but I am afraid that others will forget me," said Zhufu Yan. "I have been studying diligently for over forty years, but my ambitions have not been realized. My parents do not regard me as their son, my brothers do not take me in, and my guests have abandoned me. I have been poor for a long time. If I cannot live a life of luxury in this life, then I will be boiled alive in five tripods after I die!"

"You're quite the one who knows how to slack off," Zhang Xuezhou retorted.

"I am not like you," the Zhufu Yan, shaking his head. "I am nearing the end of my life. If I cannot make up for the losses of these past years with decisive action, I will only be able to watch your backs from now on!"

"Your Divine Ability abilities are already quite advanced!"

"Only after entering the imperial court did I realize that people like me were countless, and my Divine Ability were merely a facade for those without powerful backing from the court officials!"

The Zhufu Yan spurred his horse behind him, his neck held Gaogao, looking nothing like a normal horseman.

He looked at Zhang Xuezhou ahead, a look of envy in his eyes.

In Zhufu Yan's eyes, the reason why Zhang Xuezhou did not make enemies or compete with others in the court was very simple: Zhang Xuezhou had the confidence to be honest and did not need to rely on power to obtain resources.

If someone like him lacks substance and doesn't use his power to get what he needs, wouldn't his official position be wasted?

Officials who embezzle money are not scary; what's scary is those who lack values.

As long as he has enough value to the new emperor, it doesn't matter how much money he makes or how big a mistake he makes.

Just like when Zhang Xuezhou's residence was burglarized and his privately kept Red Empyrean Sword was stolen, the new emperor looked anxious but was not furious at all, and did not mention wanting to kill Zhang Xuezhou.

Zhufu Yan felt this confirmed the principle of value, and he also longed to have that value.

He needs to reach a higher level of cultivation, then create the close-combat techniques required for that higher level, and then do more things for the new emperor to reap more benefits.

"I heard Prime Minister Tian say that the Sole Self Realm' requires a 'Only Me Mindset,' and that's exactly what I am with—a utilitarian Only Me Mindset.' Only with the most utilitarian ' Only Me' can I choose to achieve the greatest things at the lowest cost!" Zhufu Yan grinned.

"I thought you were just giving up, but I didn't expect you to be so insightful, and so incredibly insightful!"

Zhang Xuezhou shook his head, indicating that he understood Zhufu Yan.

Like a ruthless warlord, Zhufu Yan did not follow the path of a king, but rather adopted a more extreme approach to rise to power.

Zhang Xuezhou has always been like this; he never thinks about taking a step back once he can take a step forward, which is why he has been able to move forward step by step. As for what price he might have to pay, that is not within Zhang Xuezhou's consideration.

Whether the criticisms were short-sighted or that countless heavenly materials and earthly treasures were wasted, Zhang Xuezhou didn't care, because he ultimately achieved his separation from Donghua University.

Standing on the shore at this moment, Zhang Xuezhou would not laugh at Zhufu Yan was still wading through the water.

As for who will bear the cost and what consequences will Zhufu Yan face when he strives for advancement, Zhufu Yan must bear the consequences of choosing this path.

He rarely praised Zhufu Yan, which surprised Zhufu Yan.

"Are you really not ashamed of someone like me?" Zhufu Yan asked.

"I genuinely don't mind," Zhang Xuezhou said, "But I don't have your utilitarian, Only Me mentality. Do you understand what I mean?"

"You're just afraid I'll get implicated for embezzlement and bribery, aren't you!"

Zhufu Yan Fuyan laughed heartily, finally understanding Zhang Xuezhou's mindset and realizing that he and Zhang Xuezhou were not of the same kind. The other party could understand him but would not support him, much less form a faction with him.

"If you're not afraid of getting involved with me, you can try joining forces with me right now," Zhang Xuezhou said.

"I'll join forces with you... I'll try harder to get closer to you, and then seek to join forces with you!"

Zhufu Yan had previously thought that Zhang Xuezhou disliked him, but after Zhang Xuezhou explained a few more words, he immediately realized what was going on.

While Zhufu Yan only embezzled some gold and silver, Zhang Xuezhou was already recklessly using the Red Empyrean Sword of the Great Han royal family.

If the Red Empyrean Sword cannot be recovered, someone will definitely have to take responsibility. At this moment, how could he dare to join forces with a troublemaker like Zhang Xuezhou? If he were to be used as a scapegoat in this matter, it would be a matter of life and death.

Zhang Xuezhou might have some value that would spare him his head; after years in office, he had some cronies who pleaded for his life. But he certainly didn't have that right now.

Zhufu Yan said politely, and then, as always, he let his horse run free and pulled on the reins slightly, keeping his Zhang Xuezhou so that they wouldn't be mistaken for a group.

"This guy is really pragmatic; he understands everything so quickly. If given the opportunity, it won't be too difficult for him to reach the Sole Self Realm in the future!"

When a belief reaches its extreme, it becomes a catalyst, which is actually a manifestation of a powerful spirit.

Zhang Xuezhou used to think that personality and temperament had a limited influence, but the cultivation method and the imprinting of divine marks changed his view. Strong belief can indeed bring a boost, and even help to advance one's realm.

Human beings are ultimately driven by desires, rather than simply sitting in the deep mountains and forests, cultivating themselves and attaining enlightenment by being detached from worldly desires.

Galloping ahead on horseback, Zhang Xuezhou glanced at Zhufu Yan, who had previously been practically shoulder to shoulder with him. Now, although Zhu Fuyan seemed to be constantly chasing after him, the distance between them was actually growing further and further, clearly indicating that he really did not want to get involved in the theft of the Red Empyrean Sword.

Zhang Xuezhou made a comment, and couldn't help but also comment on Zhufu Yan.

As long as he could stay in Chang'an City, Zhang Xuezhou really hoped to join forces with Zhufu Yan. After all, the latter focused on practical combat ability, and his lower limit was even lower than Wei Shao'er's. Such a person would bring a strong sense of impact and deterrence.

Moreover, the extremely pragmatic Zhufu Yan didn't need to go to great lengths; as long as there were suitable benefits, the other party would definitely lend a helping hand.

Zhang Xuezhou felt it necessary to see if there was a suitable opportunity to reach a temporary agreement of mutual assistance with the other party.