Two Visitors

"Dongfang Shuo, the area where you live is really safe!"

After going through numerous inquiries, Gongsun Hong finally arrived at Zhang Xuezhou's residence with great difficulty.

He wanted to complain about the harsh search, something he had never experienced before; it practically ripped his underwear off.

If Dong Zhongshu hadn't mentioned that this was a good time to visit, Gongsun Hong felt he would have turned and left, lest he lose all the face he had left.

The good news is that Gongsun Hong has finally found Zhang Xuezhou at his residence.

He rarely complained, but he couldn't help wondering why this place was so heavily guarded compared to other parts of the Imperial City District, almost as heavily guarded as the palace.

"This place is alright!"

Zhang Xuezhou welcomed Gongsun Hong, who had come to visit, and found that Dong Zhongshu's way of stepping on key points was as always, seeking good fortune and avoiding misfortune.

Gongsun Hong's journey did not begin today; this arrangement was made at least ten days to half a month ago.

If Gongsun Hong had arrived half a day earlier, he wouldn't have seen him. If he had arrived half a day later, Gongsun Hong might have flown to Maoling under the cover of night, making it impossible to find him in Chang'an City.

This unpredictable ability truly amazed Zhang Xuezhou. Although Zhang Xuezhou noticed some flaws, they did not detract from its overall excellence.

"Several years have passed, and Master Gongsun's cultivation level has improved and stabilized!"

As Gongsun Hong looked around Zhang Xuezhou and the surroundings of the mansion, Zhang Xuezhou also looked at Gongsun Hong.

Dong Zhongshu served as the prime minister in Jiangdu and was not allowed to leave without being summoned by the court. Gongsun Hong became Dong Zhongshu's mouthpiece, responsible for communication between them.

Zhang Xuezhou was not surprised by Gongsun Hong's visit; he was quite hoping that Gongsun Hong could bring something.

"I'm so grateful to you for helping me with my cultivation level," Gongsun Hong said happily. "Zhongshu has helped me a lot these past few years, which has allowed my cultivation to stabilize!"

Gongsun Hong had not forgotten how he entered the Sole Self Realm, but his journey into the Realm of the Sole Self Realm was far from smooth, and it took him several years of ups and downs to stabilize.

He repeatedly thanked Zhang Xuezhou and also mentioned Dong Zhongshu's help.

"Congratulations!" Zhang Xuezhou congratulated him repeatedly, then inquired, "Sir, with your cultivation so solid, do you intend to stay in Chang'an City?"

"Zhongshu said that Chang'an, which is a sign that everything is in need of rebuilding." Gongsun Hong said, "If there are no unforeseen circumstances, I will stay in Chang'an City for a while to see if there are any opportunities for me to take up a position in the court!"

"That's excellent. Please let me know if you have any needs, sir," Zhang Xuezhou said.

"Every inch of land in Chang'an City is precious, and the Imperial City District is so densely populated that it's difficult to find a place to stay. I wonder if you could offer me lodging for a while?" Gongsun Hong asked, bowing respectfully.

"My residence is rather deserted," Zhang Xuezhou said with a smile. "Please feel free to stay here, sir!"

"That's wonderful!" Gongsun Hong exclaimed happily. "I won't stay for nothing. Zhongshu taught me some wonderful methods, saying they would be beneficial to you. We can study them together and perhaps both of us will benefit!"

"The memories of my academic discussions with Mr. Gongsun are still vivid in my mind. His willingness to lecture on the Dharma truly brings honor to my humble abode!"

Zhang Xuezhou took a deep breath.

Zhang Xuezhou was somewhat pleased by Gongsun Hong's arrival, especially since the other party brought Dong Zhongshu's Technique Method with him.

However, Zhang Xuezhou could also deduce from Gongsun Hong's words that Dong Zhongshu had not solved the problem of fusion and infancy transformation of Realm Technique, but still needed to study and share with others in order to find a new way out.

Zhang Xuezhou could even guess that Dong Zhongshu would most likely fail in his attempt to break through to the True Self Realm.

You always speak so considerately!

Gongsun Hong cupped his hands and sighed slightly.

Gongsun Hong did have a place to stay in Chang'an City. For example, he could stay at the Confucius Temple or stay temporarily in the homes of some Confucian School scholars, but nowhere was closer to the imperial court than Zhang Xuezhou's place.

This is not simply a difference in place of residence, but a completely different speed at which information about court politics is obtained.

Moreover, living in the Imperial City District for a long time would allow one to clearly assess the situation of the court, preventing one from rushing in recklessly and suffering serious injury.

He came to Chang'an City seeking an official position in a somewhat dejected manner, while Zhang Xuezhou was extremely polite, which warmed Gongsun Hong's heart.

"You old scholar, you really aren't afraid of death! Dongfang Shuo, another fearless fellow has come to your residence!"

Only when a voice called out from mid-air above the mansion did Gongsun Hong feel a subtle sense of vigilance.

"What do you mean you're not afraid of death? If you have nothing better to do, you can study the heavens. What kind of nonsense is this, making a scene in my residence?" Zhang Xuezhou shouted.

"Dongfang Shuo, I've brought a pot of wine to congratulate you on the return of your lost sword!"

A greeting outside the mansion signaled to Zhang Xuezhou which fearless individual had come to visit.

Zhufu Yan received the new emperor's order to go to Maoling to deliver a message to Zhang Xuezhou, but this guy deliberately slowed down his horse when entering the city to avoid suspicion. Now that he has learned that the Red Empyrean Sword has returned, he has eagerly come to the door again.

After entering the court, Zhu Zhufu Yan will either take a risky path and die, or seize an fortuitous opportunity and fight hard to succeed. There are only two possible outcomes. If it is the former, then so be it. If it is the latter, then he will definitely be transformed. The enmity between them will inevitably bring trouble, especially since Zhang Xuezhou wants to use Zhufu Yan.

Zhang Xuezhou had already hosted the mature and accomplished Gongsun Hong, so he wouldn't mind hosting a dangerous and extremely fanatical figure like Zhufu Yan.

"Your Excellency's grace has truly made my humble abode shine!"

The words he had just used to flatter Gongsun Hong were thrown out again, and Zhang Xuezhou personally greeted him.

"Who is this Lord Father?"

Gongsun Hong, who was accompanying Zhang Xuezhou, quickly straightened his old clothes and asked Zhang Xuezhou for his opinion.

"A very capable person!"

Zhang Xuezhou thought for a moment and replied.

Zhang Xuezhou didn't have much contact with Zhufu Yan, but he could see his own reflection in Zhufu Yan, as well as the same kind of striving that Ning Que had when pursuing upward mobility.

Those who can break through from humble beginnings emphasize practical experience and tangible results. These people are very resilient; they only need one fortuitous opportunity to seize it and steadily rise to the top, even leading the way after reaching a new platform.

Seven days ago, Zhang Xuezhou's assessment of Zhufu Yan wouldn't have been so high.

However, upon hearing the new emperor mention Zhufu Yan's strategy to suppress the vassal kings, Zhang Xuezhou vaguely sensed the direction in which Zhufu Yan was focusing his efforts.

Just like Dong Zhongshu's choice of the King of Jiangdu, Zhufu Yan also seemed to be placing his hopes on the feudal lords, preparing to rely on the power of the court to exploit them.

The competition for resources in the imperial court in Chang'an City was extremely difficult, involving the three palaces of Weiyang, Changxin, and Anle, as well as the Three Dukes and Nine Ministers, and only then did it come to the turn of many officials of all ranks. It was very difficult to get a share of the pie, even for the close advisors of the new emperor.

Targeting a feudal lord is very risky, but it's definitely a good option with the chance to monopolize the spoils.

Zhang Xuezhou's praise was absolutely genuine.

He opened the mansion gate, and saw Zhufu Yan rush over to embrace him.

"Brother Dongfang, I knew you were a capable man. I never misjudged you. You recovered the lost sword in just a few days—amazing!"

Zhang Xuezhou praised Zhufu Yan, Zhufu Yan, upon entering the mansion, also showered him with flattery.

Thinking about how he deliberately left Zhang Xuezhou behind before entering Chang'an City, Zhufu Yan wanted to slap himself a few times. He felt that he had lost a great opportunity to show off.

If he had followed Zhang Xuezhou for just a few days, he could have gotten involved in the Red Empyrean Sword incident.

Once this theft case is resolved, many people eager to know the inside story will flock to it.

Zhang Xuezhou disliked showing off in front of others, but Zhufu Yan did. He could even guess that many people would invite him to banquets, and that he could get good benefits from the banquets just by casually saying a few innocuous words.

To the dismay of the Zhufu Yan, he squandered this opportunity.

Thinking about his foolish and disastrous actions, Zhufu Yan, who prided himself on his ability to seize opportunities, couldn't help but feel extremely regretful.