Sometimes, some things really shouldn’t be mentioned.
The next day, when Zhou Shuren was on his way home, his carriage was stopped, his eyes narrowing, a brazen act indeed.
The curtain of the carriage was pulled aside, and Zhou Shuren scrutinized the individual boarding, a man in his thirties, lavishly dressed. Zhou Shuren sneered inwardly, "What does Sir intend?"
The man bowed in greeting, "My surname is Bai, a Graduate, who has had the pleasure of meeting Great Official Zhou."
Zhou Shuren fiddled with the Jade Pendant in his hand, "To dare stop an official’s carriage , there’s no need for pleasantries, I really can’t accept them."
Graduate Bai gathered his cloak, "I was hoping to invite Great Official Zhou to a tavern, but since Great Official Zhou doesn’t play by the rules, I’m a bit apprehensive."
Zhou Shuren set down the Jade Pendant, "I fail to see your apprehension, Graduate Bai. Right now, it should be me who is apprehensive. In the Prefecture City of Prefect Lizhou Residence, under the broad daylight – oh, that’s right, it’s dark now. No wonder you are so bold."
These people were infuriating, showing him no respect at all. Good, now that my influence is limited, I remember everything. The old man will surely sharpen his knife for the Emperor to chop off your heads. And if he doesn’t kill you, wait till I rise and deal with you all.
Zhou Shuren was genuinely furious. He had considered various possibilities but hadn’t anticipated someone daring to brazenly enter his carriage. People are too arrogant for their own good.
Graduate Bai watched as the smile on Great Official Zhou’s face grew deeper and involuntary shivers ran down his spine, but then he remembered he had the support of the Second Prince, whose power was currently the greatest. He had nothing to fear, even with the Emperor’s backing – after all, he hadn’t entered the capital yet!
Graduate Bai smiled, "Great Official Zhou is a wise man. I’ve sent people to make contact before, but Great Official Zhou is always elusive, which has greatly vexed my Family Head, hence my being dispatched."
If Great Official Zhou did not accept the overtures, there was no need for him to return to the capital, and he would have nothing to fear.
Zhou Shuren laughed, "Your Family Head – isn’t the Lord of All under Heaven the Emperor?"
Graduate Bai narrowed his eyes, "Let’s not speak in riddles."
As he spoke, Graduate Bai extended two fingers, then added, "Great Official Zhou is a man of intelligence and capacity, and my Family Head holds you in high esteem."
Zhou Shuren focused on the two fingers – the Second Prince, indeed. To tell him so directly was actually a threat – agree or be silenced forever.
Zhou Shuren laughed, a radiant laugh.
Graduate Bai furrowed his brow, "Why does Great Official Zhou laugh?"
Zhou Shuren pointed to the coachman outside, "The Emperor’s man, a real master. Is Graduate Bai interested in meeting him?"
Ever since he began to frequently receive offers, he had dispensed with using Wan Jiu to drive the carriage. His coachman now was from the government office, someone he had observed for a long time and confirmed as one of the Emperor’s men. Though not a martial artist, he knew how to test a person. Carrying things seemed effortless for him, evident of a master. Once, Zhou Shuren intentionally bought a load of heavy goods, all carried by the coachman.
Graduate Bai’s face stiffened, his hand shook, and then his face paled, yet he managed to say with composed air, "Why would Great Official Zhou need to scare me?"
The smile faded from Zhou Shuren’s face, "You think only Graduate Bai is allowed to intimidate this official? You rely on your master’s power; I am an official of the Emperor and naturally rely on the Emperor’s."
A chill settled in Graduate Bai’s heart. From the moment he boarded the carriage, Great Official Zhou had been surprisingly composed. Great Official Zhou was known for running Lizhou Province skillfully, and he was never to be underestimated. Originally, Graduate Bai thought Zhou was just pretending to be calm, but now it seemed that Great Official Zhou had anticipated the constant offers and threats. Could it mean the Emperor anticipated this, too?
Graduate Bai was drenched in cold sweat. It had been easy to board the carriage, but now it seemed difficult to leave.
Zhou Shuren said cooly, "Why is Graduate Bai trembling?"