Zhao Ya nodded, "Don't worry, I'm not foolish enough to attempt to assassinate Wei Hongbin alone."
He didn't say the following part, which was that even if he wanted to assassinate Wei Hongbin, it shouldn't be in his own territory; he needed to find a way to lure him out first.
Shang Luoluo chuckled lightly and spread her hands.
"To be honest, I'm just delivering a message on my father's request. I'm not worried about you at all. Based on your actions, you never put yourself in unsolvable predicaments. You're much more cautious than the average Martial Artist."
Zhao Ya was a bit at a loss whether to laugh or cry, but he didn't refute.
Because what Shang Luoluo said was indeed true.
Even during the Beast Tide's siege, Zhao Ya was confident he could retreat unscathed.
For that purpose, he had even entrusted Zui'Er to Shang Luoluo beforehand, to ease his worries.
It's the same now. Despite Wei Hongbin's aggressive approach, Zhao Ya never considered him a formidable enemy.
At worst, he could escape with Zui'Er and his master, then move at his own convenience.
Although Wei Hongbin was heavily guarded, Zhao Ya didn't believe he would stay in the official residence indefinitely.
As soon as he let his guard down, Zhao Ya was confident he could take him out.
After all, aside from his grueling practice, Zhao Ya had also gained some insights into the Poison Dao and was planning to test them out.
While they were chatting, Zhu Family's Eldest Young Master, Zhu Chengwan, arrived.
He was led into the courtyard by Gu Mingdong, and immediately spotted Shang Luoluo talking to Zhao Ya, which caught him by surprise.
"Lu... Miss Shang, what brings you here?"
Of course, he recognized Shang Luoluo.
Back when the Zhu Family was thriving, Zhu Chengwan was a top-tier affluent youth in the Commandery, naturally attending the Shang Mansion banquets.
Moreover, Zhu Chengwan had pursued Shang Luoluo for a while until he realized he wasn't a match for this exceptionally intelligent girl, then he gave up.
"Oh, I came over to discuss some matters with Young Hero Zhao. But what brings you here, Eldest Young Master Zhu?"
Zhu Chengwan hesitated.
Being as astute as she was, Shang Luoluo smiled slightly at this, then stood up and said,
"Young Master Zhao, I'm done with my matters, so I'll take my leave now. If you're free, let Zui'Er come find me to play."
With that, she bid farewell and left.
After she left, Zhao Ya looked at Zhu Chengwan.
"What can I do for you, Young Master Zhu?"
"Please, no need for such titles. You can just call me Chengwan or Little Zhu. Our Zhu Family is now impoverished and doesn't deserve such formal addresses."
As he spoke, Zhu Chengwan took out a bundle of gold notes from his chest and handed them over to Zhao Ya with care.
"What's this for?" Zhao Ya was a bit surprised.
Zhu Chengwan looked around to make sure no one else was there, then he lowered his voice and said,
"My father heard you killed a miscreant cavalryman in the street today, and he's quite pleased. He knows you'll soon be up against that rogue Wei Hongbin, so he sent me to give you some gold as a token of support."
Zhao Ya instantly understood the Zhu Family's intentions.
They had been pushed too far by Wei Hongbin and decided to put everything on the line, betting on him.
And one must admit, the Zhu Family had quite the foresight and courage.
Not only did they see the situation clearly, but they also dared to bet on him before anything was certain.
However, Zhao Ya didn't immediately accept the gold notes but instead looked at Zhu Chengwan with a knowing smile.
Zhu Chengwan felt a chill run down his spine under Zhao Ya's gaze but could only smile compliantly.
"I recall you mentioned earlier that your family is penniless. So where did this money come from?"
Upon hearing Zhao Ya address him as 'Zhu Brother,' Zhu Chengwan sighed in relief, then chuckled sheepishly.
"A centipede dies but never falls. Although my family has indeed fallen, we still have some capital."
Zhao Ya nodded, not standing on ceremony, and reached out to accept the gold notes.
"Alright, I, Zhao, will remember the Zhu Family's generosity."
Zhu Chengwan was delighted at these words.
Before he came, his father, Zhu Zihao, had specifically instructed him; even the words he had just said were taught by his father.
At the time, Zhu Zihao had made it clear not to expect any promises, even if they were given, they shouldn't be taken seriously.
Since the situation was still uncertain, any promise made now would be invalid.
All they wanted was an indication of goodwill from Zhao Ya. If he expressed any gratitude, that would be the best outcome.
Now that Zhu Chengwan heard the words he longed for from Zhao Ya, he left quite satisfied.
After he left, Meng Shiwen came out from the house, looking at the bundle of gold notes in Zhao Ya's hand in astonishment.
She had overheard the conversation between Zhu Chengwan and Zhao Ya from inside the house.
So she was quite surprised at the moment.
"Who would've thought the once stingy and harsh Zhu Family has become so generous now?"
"Generous? It's merely an investment, betting on the Zhu Family's future prospects. This sum of money is really not much."
Zhao Ya explained, then promptly called the disciple in charge of purchasing and the accountant from the Martial Arts Hall, handing over the gold notes to them.
"The city is tense now. While things can still be bought, stock up on supplies urgently, especially all kinds of healing medicine and dried meat. Get as much as you can, no matter the price."
"Understood!"
Currently, Zhao Ya's prestige among the disciples of the Martial Arts Hall was extremely high, so they naturally obeyed his instructions without question.