The rise of the poor

"Zihou, Meilin, now that I've brought down Zhou Chong, I'll reluctantly take on the responsibility of governor. You two must do your best to help me."

Zhao Wenhua had already begun to enjoy the life of a governor. After taking a bite of sashimi, he squinted his eyes in satisfaction and said to Zhu Pingan and Hu Zongxian.

In fact, these words were meant for Zhu Ping'an. Hu Zongxian had already pledged allegiance to him. As soon as Zhao Wenhua finished speaking, Hu Zongxian declared that he was willing to serve Zhao Wenhua with utmost loyalty and devotion until his dying breath.

"Master Zhao, of course. If Zhou Chong steps down and you succeed him, I will fully support you. During this period, I have ordered the Zhejiang Army to prepare military supplies. When the time comes, as long as you give the order, the Zhejiang Army and the navy will go through fire and water without hesitation." Zhu Ping'an gave Zhao Wenhua an affirmative answer under his expectant gaze, clearly stating that he would fully support Zhao Wenhua's work in suppressing the Japanese pirates.

As long as it's about suppressing the Japanese pirates, I will definitely support you with all my might. Zhu Ping'an made this promise without any hesitation.

Furthermore, Zhu Ping'an knew that Zhao Wenhua would not be able to succeed Zhou Chong after Zhou Chong's downfall. Zhao Wenhua was very confident, believing that he could become governor-general after bringing down Zhou Chong. However, Zhu Ping'an knew this history: after Zhou Chong was impeached and brought down by Zhao Wenhua, someone else took over as governor-general, not Zhao Wenhua.

Since the preconditions are not met, my promises are meaningless, and Zhu Pingan has no qualms about making promises.

Hearing Zhu Pingan's statement, Zhao Wenhua nodded in satisfaction. He then promised Zhu Pingan and Hu Zongxian, "Don't worry, you two. I won't treat you unfairly for your help. Take Meilin for example, you support me, and I'll help you get promoted! Meilin, you've been accumulating experience for a long time. Working with me, becoming a high-ranking official isn't your final goal! You can go much higher and further! Zihou, the same goes for you. You help me achieve my goals, and I'll help you get what you want. Whether you want to be transferred back to the capital or take another step forward, I can help you! As for the misunderstanding between you, your adoptive father Yan Song, and Donglou, don't worry. I'll speak on your behalf, and clearing up the misunderstanding won't be difficult. I'll also put in a good word for everyone to ensure that no one will deliberately cause you trouble again. Zihou, go all out, I'll support you!"

Zhao Wenhua painted a rosy picture of Hu Zongxian and Zhu Pingan's bright futures.

"The Japanese pirates are causing increasing harm, and Lord Zhao is the key figure in ending this problem. I, Zongxian, will naturally follow Lord Zhao to the death and fully support him in order to end this devastating problem and restore a prosperous and peaceful Jiangnan for His Majesty and the people." Hu Zongxian immediately expressed his loyalty to Zhao Wenhua, saying that Zhao Wenhua was a hero sent from heaven to end the Japanese pirates and that he would follow him to the death and fully support him.

Hearing Hu Zongxian's words of loyalty, Zhao Wenhua's smile was even wider than an AK, he was beaming from ear to ear.

Then, Zhao Wenhua looked at Zhu Pingan, as if to say, "It's your turn."

Under Zhao Wenhua's watchful gaze, Zhu Pingan cupped his hands in a gesture of support, declaring, "This student fully supports Commander Zhao's great cause of suppressing the Japanese pirates!"

"Hahaha, good. In ancient times, Cao Cao discussed heroes over green plums and wine, saying, 'The only heroes in the world are you and me.' I think that in Jiangnan, the only heroes are the three of us sitting at this table. You two are like the Crouching Dragon and the Young Phoenix. With your full assistance, destroying the Japanese pirates will be as easy as extinguishing a lamp."

Zhao Wenhua laughed heartily, looking at Hu Zongxian and Zhu Pingan, feeling as smug as Liu Bei, who had Zhuge Liang and Pang Tong by his side.

"You flatter me, Lord Zhao. You and Zihou are true heroes; I am but a supporting character," Hu Zongxian said modestly.

"Not at all, I'm still too young and my experience is far inferior to that of Master Zhao and Lord Hu. You are truly deserving of the title of heroes. I am a novice and have much to learn from you." Zhu Ping'an naturally echoed this modesty.

"Hahaha, you two, stop being modest. If neither of you can be called heroes, then no one in Jiangnan can be. Or are you saying you don't believe my eyes, Zhao Wenhua's eyes?!"

Zhao Wenhua laughed heartily as he spoke.

Hu Zongxian and Zhu Pingan exchanged a glance and then bowed to Zhao Wenhua, saying, "Thank you for your kindness, Master Zhao."

"Alright, you just wait and see. In less than a month, Zhou Chong will be out of here," Zhao Wenhua said confidently.

"I believe that Master Zhao can definitely do it." Zhu Ping'an expressed his approval and understanding of Zhao Wenhua's confidence.

Zhao Wenhua is undoubtedly a top-tier figure when it comes to scheming and plotting; there are very few people who surpass him.

History has proven this to be true; Zhou Chong was ousted by Zhao Wenhua through intrigue and trickery after only a little over a month as governor.

"Great! Zhou Chong is a mediocre talent. The sooner he gets out, the better." Hu Zongxian was a beat late this time; Zhu Pingan had almost finished speaking before he finally spoke.

"You've heard Zhou Chong's strategy for destroying the Japanese pirates today, and it's nothing special. In your opinion, how can you possibly destroy them?"

Zhao Wenhua looked at the two of them and asked.

Once I oust Zhou Chong, it will be my turn to take power. I can't possibly come up with such a ridiculous and absurd strategy for destroying the Japanese pirates as Zhou Chong has done today.

You are all heroes of your time. Let me see your strategies. If they are good, then we are of the same mind.

"Ahem, Zihou, you go first. Zihou has won many victories in the war against the Japanese, so he must have some profound insights. Let's hear Zihou's opinion first."

Hu Zongxian coughed, indicating that Zhu Pingan should speak first, while he listened and organized his thoughts.

Zhu Ping'an was well aware of Zhao Wenhua's intentions: to steal the strategy for destroying the Japanese pirates in preparation for his appointment as governor.

Zhu Pingan didn't care about this at all. In fact, he was very happy to see it happen. The more people his strategy for eliminating the Japanese pirates influenced, the better. This would speed up the process of pacifying the Jiangnan region and free the people from their suffering sooner. Why not do it?

Therefore, Zhu Ping'an did not refuse again. "I am a student with limited talent. Please correct me if I am wrong."

"Master Zhao, Lord Hu, the Japanese pirate problem in Jiangnan is getting worse and worse. There are real Japanese pirates, fake Japanese pirates, as well as foreign barbarians such as Portuguese and red-haired barbarians. They are all large and small, competing with each other and working hard to attack cities and territories, burning, killing and looting. There is hardly any peace. But I believe that behind these numerous Japanese pirates, there are two real enemies. As long as we get rid of them, this endless Japanese pirate problem can be solved with a wave of our hand!"

Zhu Pingan looked at the two of them, held up two fingers, waved them in front of them, and then slammed them heavily on the table.

"Two real adversaries?! Eliminate them, and the Japanese invasion can be quelled with a wave of the hand?! Those two adversaries have such a huge influence?!"

Zhao Wenhua leaned forward.

"Two real rivals? Who are they?" Hu Zongxian couldn't help but lean towards Zhu Ping'an's side.

The two looked on with curiosity and inquiry. (End of Chapter)