Chapter 103: "White Gloves"?

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Having completed the “oath of allegiance” to Zhang Zhiji on behalf of the Liu family trading company, and further deepened his intimacy with Zhang Zhiji through another round of deft maneuvering, Li Yuanjing finally felt a great weight lifted from his heart.

However, fate operates in cycles—gains inevitably come with losses.

When Li Yuanjing drew upon Zhang Zhiji's formidable influence for his benefit, he was destined also to shoulder certain obligations.

Foremost among these was Zhang Zhiji’s request for Li Yuanjing to assist him here for a few days.

This was a request Li Yuanjing could hardly refuse.

After all, Zhang Zhiji’s official status at the time was military governor of Qizhou, commanding the troops across central, northern, and northeastern prefectures of Qizhou, covering nearly ten counties.

Moreover, with Zhang Zhiji's position, the number of territories and soldiers under his command was likely to continue growing.

It would not be surprising if the imperial troops from the Western Mountain camp in the capital were directly dispatched here.

At this juncture in the political landscape, even a political novice like Li Yuanjing had begun to discern the emperor Longtai’s stratagem.

He had become wary of the Prince of Qi.

And this wariness was profound.

Zhang Zhiji was the key piece manipulating the situation in Qizhou.

While the northern and northeastern coastal regions of Qizhou were barren, the mountainous central regions had long been the Prince of Qi’s stronghold.

Zhang Zhiji’s role as this “anchor” was akin to grabbing a hot coal with one’s bare hands.

As for Li Yuanjing himself, having chosen to align with Zhang Zhiji, he naturally did not wish to see him fail miserably.

Otherwise, if the Prince of Qi launched a counterattack, running away would be Li Yuanjing’s only option.

Therefore, although Li Yuanjing could not aid much in places like Yicheng County or Boshan County, he was determined to help Zhang Zhiji secure even this small patch of Fengcheng County.

Since he had to stay in the city of Fengcheng for a while, Li Yuanjing was not overly concerned for his own safety, but the nearby Quanzi Village required vigilance, for it lay far in the mountains, beyond the emperor’s reach.

Leaving Zhang Zhiji’s side, Li Yuanjing summoned Zhang Kun and Chen Chuxue to procure nearly twenty carts of grain. With more than thirty men, they returned to Quanzi Village, while Li Yuanjing kept only ten men by his side, including Zhuzi and Kuizi, and also recalled Xiangzi from Tieniu Town.

This not only reduced expenses and streamlined his target but also maintained solid defensive capabilities.

Zhuzi and Kuizi carried over a dozen hand grenades, enough to handle sudden incidents within the county.

Xiangzi, already experienced in intelligence, could provide valuable support.

Originally, Li Yuanjing wanted to inform Liu Yun to take good care of Xiugu’s daughter Yaar, but after careful thought, he decided to hold back for now.

Mainly because he had learned that conditions in Liu Yun’s household were quite good.

If Li Yuanjing informed Liu Yun now, Yaar's treatment would undoubtedly improve, but who could guarantee that Li Yuanjing would remain in favor?

What if he lost power?

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It was better to let things take their natural course for the time being.

After finishing his tasks and sending Zhang Kun and the others off to Quanzi Village overnight, night had already fallen.

As Li Yuanjing prepared to return and read, Zhang Zhiji sent for him, inviting him to a banquet.

Li Yuanjing sighed quietly within.

Luckily, he had been cautious earlier and declined Zhang Zhiji’s invitation to move in with him.

Otherwise, entanglement with Zhang Zhiji would have been too deep, making any later separation difficult.

At the inn where Zhang Zhiji was staying, many guests had already arrived, all impeccably dressed—not only soldiers in military robes but also many gentry and influential figures, including Liu Yun and benevolent Xue.

The group was gathered in the main hall, laughing and chatting.

Upon seeing Li Yuanjing arrive, all turned their gazes toward him.

Zhang Zhiji’s guards were already familiar with Li Yuanjing and knew his unusual status, eagerly fawning over him and ushering him inside.

This left the assembled local elites somewhat dumbfounded.

Who would have thought this young man, clad only in a sheepskin coat and a scholar’s robe, would receive such honors at Zhang Zhiji’s side—something even the Fengcheng aristocrats could not claim.

Soon, the group began quietly speculating about Li Yuanjing’s identity.

Liu Yun, who had previously made private dealings with Li Yuanjing, pretended not to recognize him, carefully observing without a hint.

Benevolent Xue, however, was different.

Rarely attending such high-level gatherings, he eagerly took the opportunity to show off, gradually introducing Li Yuanjing’s biography and eliciting astonishment from all present.

Watching Xue’s grandstanding, a cold smile involuntarily curled at the corner of Liu Yun’s mouth.

He had once thought Xue was capable, but now saw him as nothing more than a clown.

At this moment, Li Yuanjing had no time to mind the crowd’s commotion.

Upon meeting Zhang Zhiji, Zhang smiled slyly and revealed his plan.

Li Yuanjing’s heart surged with excitement, though he feigned surprise.

He hurriedly said, “Young lord, you mean I am like your shadow—seemingly in the open, yet actually concealed in the dark?”

Zhang Zhiji gave him a thumbs-up: “Exactly so! You are indeed extraordinarily astute!”

His expression grew serious.

“Sir, now that we are aligned, there are some things I no longer wish to hide. My main purpose in coming here is to train troops, but I must raise my own funds.”

“You can see for yourself that I have too few capable men at the moment. I can’t afford to be careless.”

“And you, sir, are a renowned gentleman of Fengcheng. Our previous dealings make it easy to cover for you. Tonight, I want to use this opportunity to establish your reputation!”

“You needn’t do anything tonight; just let me arrange everything. But in the future, if any of these people want to find me, you will be the first they think of.”

Li Yuanjing understood Zhang Zhiji’s intentions perfectly and couldn’t help but admire him.

Though still young, Zhang was surprisingly adept at playing the official-business game. Was he aiming to make Li Yuanjing his “white glove”?

This made Li Yuanjing all the more wary of these ancient players.

They had simply not experienced the explosion of knowledge in later generations.

If they lived in the future, ordinary people would still be lightyears away from them.

“Young lord, I am but a dull student and have yet to fully grasp your meaning. But whatever you say, I shall follow.”

Li Yuanjing was clever enough to know how to respond and bowed deeply.

Zhang Zhiji laughed heartily, fully in control.

“No worries. Tonight, just eat, drink, and enjoy yourself!”

Shortly after their exchange, the banquet officially began.

It was the traditional small-table, individual serving style.

Zhang Zhiji had clearly spared no expense—each dish was exquisite, evidently prepared by a master chef.

He had also brought dozens of graceful dancers, whose lively presence quickly set the tone for the evening.

Before long, everyone had drunk several cups, and the atmosphere relaxed.

Zhang Zhiji smiled and stood.

“Ladies and gentlemen,” he began.

“I am honored that you have come to drink with me today, giving me this face.”

Seeing everyone fawning and flattering him, Zhang pressed his hands down, instantly regaining control of the atmosphere.

He then smiled, pointing to Li Yuanjing in the front row on his right.

“I have long heard that Fengcheng is a land of outstanding talent—not only producing top prodigies like Lord Murong Mubai but also countless gifted individuals.”

“I once doubted it, but after personally visiting Mr. Li Yuanjing, I realized how terribly wrong I was.”

“Bring out the calligraphy Mr. Li gifted me—let everyone appreciate it!”

“Yes, sir!”

Zhang’s guards promptly brought forth the piece Li Yuanjing had written for Zhang in Quanzi Village and displayed it for all.

“‘With strong ambition, I feast on the flesh of the barbarian; in jest, I drink the blood of the Xiongnu.’”

“My heavens, what grandeur!”

“What a fine poem—and such beautiful calligraphy! I had heard Mr. Li Yuanjing was an excellent calligrapher but hadn’t seen it for myself. Who would have expected his writing to be so superb and the poem so spirited?”

“Ha! Fengcheng truly is a treasure land, full of gifted souls!”

The crowd buzzed with lively discussion, the mood seemingly harmonious.

Yet, beneath his smile, Li Yuanjing felt a subtle unease.

Suddenly, a flash of insight struck him like lightning, cold sweat beginning to seep down his back.

Despite his experience and cunning, only now did he fully comprehend the true nature of Zhang Zhiji’s scheme—what exactly lay hidden in that man’s heart.