Da Ming: I told you to die for your cause, why are you actually going to die?

Chapter 248 Zhang Biao: Behind the red gates, meat and wine go to waste; on the roads, frozen corpses lie! [Bonus Chapter 36 for Monthly Tickets]

Hearing the deafening roar outside, Pan Wenmao turned pale.

He knew he had to go out and face it.

Otherwise, the situation will completely spiral out of control.

He straightened his clothes, forced himself to remain calm, and, surrounded by his subordinates, opened the heavy doors of the Provincial Administration Commissioner's Office.

Outside the door, a dense crowd of people stood, their emotions running high.

Zhang Biao stood at the front, behind him were several pale-faced old officials, and behind them were countless pairs of eyes filled with expectation and anger.

"Lord Pan, you've finally come out."

Zhang Biao looked at him with a half-smile.

Pan Wenmao took a deep breath, suppressing his shock and anger, and said in a deep voice, "Lord Zhang, what do you mean by this? Gathering a crowd to besiege the Provincial Administration Office, do you know what kind of behavior this is?"

"Lord Pan is mistaken."

Zhang Biao said loudly:
"I am not here to gather a crowd, but at the request of these 'wise and righteous' senior officials and many fellow villagers, to inquire about an urgent matter concerning the livelihoods of tens of thousands of people and the safety of half the city!"

After saying that, he pointed to the old workshop official:

"This old man said that the irrigation canal in Taohuawan urgently needs to be repaired, otherwise tens of thousands of acres of fertile land will yield no harvest, but the government treasury is empty and there is no money to be made."

As he finished speaking, he pointed to the clerk in charge of household registration:
"This person said that the dangerous sections of the river embankment urgently need to be reinforced, otherwise the flood season is approaching and half of Wuchang will be in danger, and the funds will be nowhere to be found."

"Lord Pan!"

Zhang Biao's gaze was sharp as a knife, piercing straight at Pan Wenmao:

"I am puzzled! Please enlighten me, Lord Pan!"

"Huguang is a wealthy region, and the imperial court has allocated funds for it every year. Why is it that when it comes to major national projects like canal repair and dike reinforcement, the treasury is always empty and funds are nowhere to be found?!"

"Today, in front of all these fellow villagers, we urge Lord Pan to give us a clear answer! Did the imperial court fail to allocate this money? Or was it allocated but misappropriated or embezzled?!"

"If the imperial court fails to allocate funds, I will immediately submit a memorial to the emperor requesting funds for the people of Huguang! If anyone embezzles or misappropriates them..."

Zhang Biao snorted coldly, his voice echoing across the surrounding area: "Then I must say, I shall borrow the prison of the Provincial Surveillance Commissioner to have certain people go in and give them a proper explanation!"

Dead!

As soon as he finished speaking, the entire room fell silent!

All eyes were focused on Pan Wenmao's face.

Pan Wenmao felt a burning sensation on his face, as if he were being scorched by countless gazes.

He felt as if he had been stripped naked and thrown into the square, all his fig leaves ripped off by Zhang Biao.

What could he say? That the imperial court hadn't allocated the funds? That would be deceiving the emperor!
To say the money was embezzled? That's just asking for trouble!

"you you……"

Pan Wenmao pointed at Zhang Biao, his fingers trembling with anger, but he couldn't utter a single word.

He felt a sweet taste in his throat, followed by a metallic taste, and almost spat out blood.

Just then, Huang Yan and Wang Tong finally arrived in a hurry. When they saw the scene before them, they were also taken aback.

When Zhang Biao saw them, his smile widened even more:
"Prefect Huang, Vice Commissioner Wang, you've come at the right time! Lord Pan seems to be unwell, and there are some questions that you two might be able to answer for him?"

"For example, has the Provincial Surveillance Commission received any reports of embezzlement related to this project funding? Is Vice Commissioner Wang aware of the withholding of military pay from the garrison troops?"

Upon hearing this, Huang Yan and Wang Tong turned ashen-faced, cursing Pan Wenmao and those incompetent and useless old officials a thousand times over in their hearts.

Is this a trap? It's clearly inviting trouble! They've gotten themselves completely trapped!

Looking at the indignant crowd and at Zhang Biao, who was closing in step by step with a smile that concealed a knife, Pan Wenmao, Huang Yan, and Wang Tong felt a great chill and a sense of powerlessness.

They discovered that their carefully designed trap not only failed to ensnare the enemy, but instead became a tool for the enemy to use their strength against them and strike at their heart.

This Zhang Biao is not only ruthless, but also as cunning as a fox.

Huang Yan also knew that he could no longer let Pan Wenmao hold on alone, otherwise there would probably be bloodshed in the Provincial Administration Office today.

He took a deep breath, stepped forward, and forced a relatively calm smile in an attempt to ease the tension:
"Lord Zhang, please calm down. Lord Pan acted rashly in the heat of the moment."

Having said that, he immediately turned to the indignant crowd, cupped his hands, and said:

"Fellow villagers, please be patient!"

“Repairing canals and reinforcing dikes is a crucial local task, and the Provincial Administration Commission and the Prefectural Government have never neglected it!”

"There may be some misunderstandings, or delays in fund disbursement or project progress. We will definitely investigate thoroughly!"

He attempted to distort the concept of 'embezzlement' into 'delay' and 'misunderstanding'.

However, Zhang Biao was not buying it at all.

"Delay? Misunderstanding?"

Zhang Biao let out a cold laugh, his voice clearly reaching everyone's ears:

"In Huang Nietai, tens of thousands of acres of fertile land are on the verge of total crop failure. Can this be explained by the word 'delay'? The lives and livelihoods of half the city's residents are tied to the river embankment. Can this be excused by 'misunderstanding'?"

After saying this, he no longer looked at Huang Yan, but turned to face the people again, raising his arm high:
"Fellow villagers! Lord Pan and Lord Huang are very busy and may not remember the details of the payments for the moment! We understand!"

"but!"

He abruptly changed the subject, turning around sharply and pointing to the imposing gates of the Provincial Administration Commissioner's office:
"The ledgers! The files! They're right here in this government office! Recorded clearly in black and white!"

"I propose that Lord Pan and Lord Huang bring out the relevant files in front of everyone so that we can verify them on the spot!"

"Let's see how much money the imperial court allocated, and where that money was actually used."

"If the funds have indeed not been allocated, it is a problem of the imperial court. I will immediately submit a memorial to Your Majesty, requesting that the funds be allocated in a timely manner to relieve the people's suffering!"

"If the funds have been allocated but not used, it is a problem of the government's efficiency. I will urge Lord Pan to give a deadline and resolve this as soon as possible!"

"If the funds have been used but the project has not started..."

As Zhang Biao spoke, his gaze swept over Pan Wenmao and Huang Yan, and he said, enunciating each word clearly:

"Then we must ask the Provincial Surveillance Commissioner Huang to thoroughly investigate where this money ended up!"

"it is good--!"

"Zhang Qingtian is right!"

"Inspect the accounts! Inspect the accounts on-site!"

The people's cries were like a tsunami, one wave higher than the next.

An on-site audit? This was something they had never heard of before.

At least in the Huguang region, Zhang Biao's deeds have not yet been fully spread.

If they knew that Zhang Biao's on-site audit of Qingliu had driven Lao Zhu crazy, they probably wouldn't be so excited.

Upon hearing Zhang Biao's words, Pan Wenmao felt a wave of dizziness and nearly fainted.

A live audit? In front of so many troublemakers? Can those accounts withstand scrutiny?! Absolutely not!
"Nonsense! This is a sacred place, with confidential files; how can it be treated so lightly?!"

Pan Wenmao roared, his voice stern but his heart filled with fear.

"Child's play?"

Zhang Biao took a step closer, his voice not loud, but carrying a chilling edge: "Lord Pan, is the livelihood of tens of thousands of people a game, or the safety of half the city's inhabitants?"

"Or perhaps, these accounts are something that can't be made public, so they're afraid the people will see them?!"

"You...you are so slanderous!"

Pan Wenmao was so angry that he trembled all over.

"Whether it's slander or not, an investigation will tell!"

Zhang Biao pressed on, not giving an inch:

"Or does Lord Pan want me to write a memorial right now, reporting to the Emperor that Pan Wenmao, the Provincial Governor of Huguang, is obstructing the Imperial Envoy's investigation of funds for the people's livelihood, and is suspected of serious embezzlement, requesting an imperial decree for a thorough investigation?!"

"You, you, you cough cough cough."

Pan Wenmao pointed at Zhang Biao, then, unable to catch his breath, he coughed violently, his face turning bright red.

He knew that Zhang Biao's words were a blatant threat, and that he was powerless to resist.

Once this memorial is submitted, he will be severely injured, even if he doesn't die.

Huang Yan was also in a state of shock; he knew he wouldn't be able to get through this today.

If we stubbornly resist, the conflict will escalate, and the consequences will be unimaginable.

The only option now is to cut our losses and try to save ourselves, and first stabilize Zhang Biao and the mob.

He quickly stepped forward to support the swaying Pan Wenmao, and at the same time said to Zhang Biao:

"Lord Zhang! Please don't be angry! Lord Pan didn't mean it that way! It's just that this matter is of great importance and there are many files, so it can't be sorted out in a short time."

"How about this: we will immediately issue an order to gather the relevant files, and within three days we will definitely give Lord Zhang and the villagers a clear explanation!"

"Allocate funds where needed, and start construction where needed! How about that?"

He wanted to use delaying tactics to first disperse the crowd and then make a long-term plan.

Unfortunately, Zhang Biao remained unmoved.

"Three days? The daylily will be too cold by then!"

Zhang Biao waved his hand and said, "The rice seedlings in Taohuawan can't wait three days! The danger on the river embankment can't wait three days! And the people's hearts can't wait three days either!"

Having said this, he ignored Huang Yan and directly gave an order to Old Zhao behind him:

"Commander Zhao! Take this imperial envoy's token and a few representatives of the villagers. Go to the Provincial Administration Commission and the Wuchang Treasury now to retrieve all the income and expenditure records, appropriation documents, and project contracts related to water conservancy, relief, and military pay from the past five years!"

"Anyone who dares to obstruct this will be punished for disobeying an imperial decree!"

"Yes!"

Old Zhao readily agreed, feeling a surge of excitement rush to his head. Working under such a superior was truly exhilarating.

"No—!"

Pan Wenmao and Huang Yan exclaimed in surprise at the same time.

"Why not?!"

Zhang Biao's gaze was sharp as lightning as he coldly said, "As an imperial envoy, I have the power to supervise local affairs! Checking the accounts is within my authority!"

"Your repeated obstruction, do you really want me to suspect that the officialdom of Huguang, from top to bottom, is completely rotten?!"

That's what they say again!

Pan Wenmao and Huang Yan were furious, but neither dared to say another word.

Seeing that Lao Zhao was about to lead a few bold representatives of the people to rush into the government office, Pan Wenmao knew that the last line of defense was about to be breached.

He grabbed Huang Yan's arm suddenly, his nails digging almost into his flesh, and squeezed out a few words through gritted teeth: "Quick...quick, think of something...we can't let him check the accounts..."

Huang Yan's face was deathly pale, and his official robes were soaked with sweat.

His eyes swept frantically across the room, finally settling on the few old officials whose faces were ashen.

Abandon the car to save the handsome man!

This is currently the only way to temporarily quell the situation and protect themselves!
Huang Yan steeled his resolve, pointed sharply at the old workshop clerk, and shouted sternly:
"Lord Zhang, you are wise! I have just thought about it and suddenly remembered that the Provincial Surveillance Commissioner's Office seemed to have received a suspicious report about the Peach Blossom Ditch irrigation fund a month ago!"

"Suspected...suspected to be related to embezzlement by workshop clerks and collusion with the contractors! It was this person who handled it!"

As he spoke, he pointed to the clerk in charge of the household: "There are similar rumors about the funds for the river embankment!"

"I was busy with official duties before and was unable to investigate in detail. Today, seeing their suspicious behavior and instigation of public opinion, I have finally become alert!"

"This matter is my responsibility as the Provincial Surveillance Commissioner!"

After saying this, he immediately shouted at the constables of the Provincial Surveillance Commission behind him:
"Guards! Seize these clerks suspected of embezzling project funds, deceiving their superiors, and inciting a popular uprising! Interrogate them thoroughly!"

boom!
This time, the plot took another turn.

Those old officials were completely dumbfounded.

They never imagined that their loyalty in serving their master would be turned into expendable pawns in the blink of an eye.

"Lord Huang! Lord Pan! You can't..."

The old official in charge of the workshop tried to explain himself in a panic.

"Gag them! Take them away!"

Huang Yan dared not let them say any more.

The constables of the Provincial Surveillance Commission pounced on them like wolves and tigers, roughly dragging the old officials away.

Huang Yan then turned to Zhang Biao and the common people, his face filled with sorrow and unwavering integrity:

"Lord Zhang, fellow villagers! It was my oversight that allowed such parasites to lurk until now, almost causing a great disaster, and nearly wronging Lord Pan!"

"Please rest assured, Lord Zhang and fellow villagers, I will investigate this matter thoroughly, recover the embezzled funds, and repair the irrigation canals and reinforce the river embankment as soon as possible! I will give the people an explanation!"

Pan Wenmao also realized what was happening, and quickly went along with it, clutching his chest and saying weakly:
"I...I was also deceived by him...Thank you, Magistrate Huang, for your clear understanding..."

"The Provincial Administration Commission will fully cooperate with the Provincial Surveillance Commission in investigating this matter... Funds... If there is a shortage of funds, I... I will sell everything I own to ensure the project is completed first..." Watching the two of them sing in unison, putting on a show of sacrificing pawns to save the king and feigning heartache, Zhang Biao sneered inwardly.

[Their reaction wasn't slow; they knew how to cut their losses and survive.]

He knew that his goal of directly checking the provincial administration's general accounts today was temporarily thwarted by the other party's decisive "cutting off his own flesh."

After all, he couldn't just storm the government office to check the general accounts without any evidence; that would be a poor procedural maneuver.

However, he has already partially achieved his goal.

First, he successfully directed public resentment towards the government, tearing away the facade of harmony in the officialdom of Huguang.

Secondly, he forced Pan Wenmao and Huang Yan to publicly promise to solve people's livelihood problems and to "sell everything they own" to contribute money. These words were spoken in front of tens of thousands of people, making it difficult for them to go back on their word later.

Third, he forced them to deal with their own henchmen, which inevitably created internal rifts and suspicions.

Fourth, and most importantly, he established his absolute authority as someone who "keeps his word" and "acts in the people's interest," demonstrating this principle to all the officials and common people in Huguang.

[By following the imperial envoy and presenting sound reasoning and evidence, you can force high-ranking officials to concede!]

This laid a crucial foundation for him to gather more clues later on.

"it is good!"

Zhang Biao, knowing when to stop, said loudly:

"Since Judicial Commissioner Huang and Lord Pan have expressed such opinions, I will tentatively believe them!"

"We also hope that you two gentlemen will remember the promise you made today, and not disappoint the people of Huguang again!"

After saying that, he turned to the people and said, "Fellow villagers! We all heard you!"

"Lord Pan and Lord Huang promised to resolve the issues with the irrigation canals and river embankments as soon as possible!"

"We'll give them some time! But we'll keep an eye on them! If they go back on their word..."

Zhang Biao didn't finish his sentence, but his cold gaze and unfinished words sent chills down Pan Wenmao and Huang Yan's spines.

"We believe in Zhang Qingtian!"

"We'll keep an eye on it!"

The common people felt that it wasn't enough to make those few clerks take the blame.

But seeing the usually high-ranking provincial governor and provincial judge in such a sorry state, and their public promises, which were an unprecedented victory, his emotions gradually calmed down.

However, just when they thought the matter was over and they had to part ways with lingering feelings,

Zhang Biao suddenly spoke again, his voice rising eight octaves higher than before:

"Now that Lord Pan and Lord Huang have promised to resolve the issue of the Peach Blossom Ditch, we should now address the problem of military pay!"

"I want to see what the reason is for the garrison to withhold the soldiers' pay, which has been delayed for three months!"

Wow!
The whole place was in an uproar!

The people, who had thought Zhang Biao would back down, as well as Pan Wenmao and Huang Yan, were struck dumb.

They never imagined that Zhang Biao would "expand and strengthen his business, creating new glories".

"Yes! And military pay too!"

"If soldiers can't even get enough to eat, who will protect our country?!"

"Go to the sanatorium! We demand an explanation!"

The crowd's anger, which had just subsided, instantly turned to Wang Tong, who stood beside Pan Wenmao, his face deathly pale.

Wang Tong's mind went blank.

He was just feeling fortunate that he was mainly in charge of military affairs and that the problems with the irrigation canals and river embankments wouldn't affect him; at most, he would just be able to watch Pan and Huang make fools of themselves.

Unexpectedly, Zhang Biao, that murderous scoundrel, has turned his attention to the garrison so quickly.

"Lord Zhang... Lord Zhang!"

Wang Tong was both shocked and furious.

As a military officer, he was far less eloquent than Pan and Huang, and in his desperation, he could only stubbornly insist:
"Military affairs in the garrison have their own regulations! How dare you... how dare you incite such activities here..."

"incite?"

Zhang Biao interrupted him, his tone sarcastic:

"Wang Qianshi, you embezzled military pay and delayed it for three months, causing the brothers and their families in the garrison to suffer from hunger and cold. This was said by one of your old officers in full view of everyone. How could this be considered incitement?"

He didn't give Wang Tong a chance to explain, and shouted directly at the crowd, especially those dressed in tattered uniforms or military household attire:
"Brothers of the garrison! Are there any among you whose pay has been withheld? Are there any families with hungry members? Today, Zhang Biao is here to stand up for you!"

“Anyone with guts, step forward! Let this Vice Commander Wang see what kind of life his soldiers lead!”

silence.

After a brief silence, several emaciated soldiers emerged from the crowd.

They wore patched, mismatched battle jackets, their faces bearing the weariness characteristic of military households and a hint of resolute determination.

"Your Excellency, the Imperial Envoy!"

An older soldier knelt down with a thud, his voice hoarse:

"I...I've been working at the Left Guard Post for three months and haven't received my full pay! My wife and kids at home...we're almost starving!"

"Me too!"

"And us!"

With one of them taking the lead, seven or eight more soldiers stepped forward, each with a pale face and a look of grief and indignation.

They are exploited every day, but dare not speak out against it.

Seeing that "Zhang Qingtian" dared to stand up to even the Provincial Governor and the Provincial Surveillance Commissioner and even forced them to make concessions, a flame of hope had already been ignited in my heart.

Wang Tong was so angry that his eyes almost popped out of their sockets when he saw the soldiers who had stepped forward. He wished he could arrest them and behead them on the spot for 'disrupting morale'.

But he didn't dare.

Zhang Biao and tens of thousands of ordinary people were watching him.

"Wang Qianshi, look!"

Zhang Biao pointed at the soldiers:
"The witnesses are here! What else do you have to say? Did the imperial court fail to pay the full amount of wages? Or was there a 'delay' or 'misunderstanding' at some stage regarding the payment?"

"Or perhaps, it was embezzled by some corrupt officials?!"

Wang Tong's forehead veins bulged, and he stammered, "The salary... the allocation of the salary... it needs to... it needs to follow the procedures..."

"process?"

Zhang Biao scoffed and said, "The soldiers who are protecting our country are starving to death, and you're still trying to explain procedures to me?!"

Having said this, he ignored Wang Tong and instead addressed Pan and Huang:
"Prefect Pan, Provincial Governor Huang, since you two have promised to thoroughly investigate the corruption of clerks and give an explanation to the people, why not investigate the matter of military pay as well?"

Pan Wenmao had just caught his breath when he heard this, and his heart tightened again. He forced a smile and said, "Lord Zhang, military affairs are under the jurisdiction of the Regional Military Commission. The Provincial Administration Commission cannot overstep its authority..."

"It doesn't matter."

Zhang Biao waved his hand, his smile seemingly harmless:

"As an imperial envoy, I have the right to inquire. Since it is inconvenient for the Provincial Administration Commission, we can go to the Military Command, or we can go directly to the Wuchang Garrison to inquire."

"Perfect timing. I also have some questions about the arms case, which may be helpful to verify."

See you in the picture!

Zhang Biao finally revealed his true purpose.

Investigate Wuchangwei!

All his previous groundwork—building momentum, winning over the people, and inciting public resentment to storm the Provincial Administration Office—was for this moment to legitimately and with the backing of 'public opinion' and 'righteousness' to touch the core of the arms case.

[Wuchangwei!]

Huang Yan's expression changed slightly; he immediately understood Zhang Biao's intention.

This kid went through all that trouble, but his ultimate goal was still the armory.

Although he had previously agreed to assist Zhang Biao in investigating Wuchangwei, he did not want Zhang Biao to investigate in such an uncontrollable way, but rather to investigate within the scope of his control.

"Lord Zhang, the arms case is being investigated by the Provincial Surveillance Commission and officials dispatched by the Imperial Court, and the garrison pay is also an internal matter of the Military Command..."

Huang Yan tried to stop him: "Isn't it inappropriate for you to interfere like this?"

"inappropriate?"

Zhang Biao's smile vanished instantly, replaced by an extremely serious expression: "Minister Huang! Military pay is the reward for soldiers risking their lives; embezzling military pay is a grave crime that shakes the very foundation of the nation!"

"As an imperial envoy, it would be inappropriate for me to stand idly by in the face of such a predicament!"

Having said that, he stepped forward, his gaze sweeping over Pan Wenmao and Huang Yan, his tone carrying an undeniable pressure:
"Two paths, gentlemen, choose one."

"First, I will remain in the Provincial Administration Office now, together with Lord Pan, to thoroughly check all the accounts for the promised funds for irrigation canals, river embankments, orphans and widows, and military pay. I will not leave the office until everything is clear!"

"Let's also see just how empty the Provincial Administration Commission's treasury is!"

Upon hearing this, Pan Wenmao nearly fainted.

Investigate the provincial administration's general accounts? That's worse than just killing him!

"two!"

Zhang Biao's voice softened, but carried an even deeper chill:
"I request that Provincial Judge Huang, in his capacity as Provincial Surveillance Commissioner, and Lord Pan, in his capacity as Provincial Administration Commissioner, issue a document supporting my trip to Wuchang Garrison to verify the distribution of military pay and inquire about matters related to the armory."

"I guarantee that I will only investigate the part of the military pay and armory case that is directly related to it, and I will not expand the investigation. I will leave once the investigation is completed."

This is blatant threat and exchange.

They would use the consequences of investigating the General Accounts of the Provincial Administration Commission—consequences they absolutely could not bear—to exchange for his support in investigating Wuchang Guard.

Pan Wenmao and Huang Yan were both ashen-faced, their minds in turmoil.

Letting them personally send Zhang Biao into Wuchangwei is tantamount to inviting a wolf into the house, which will lead to endless troubles.

What if we don't agree? If that madman Zhang Biao really does something like stubbornly staying at the Provincial Administration Commission to investigate the general accounts, then we're doomed!

"I agree!"

Pan Wenmao almost gritted his teeth as he said, "We'll follow Lord Zhang's second condition! Magistrate Huang, issue the document immediately!"

Between two evils, he had to choose the lesser one; he could only try to save the Provincial Administration Commission first.

"Pan Wenmao! You!"

When Wang Tong heard that Pan Wenmao had actually agreed to let Zhang Biao investigate Wuchangwei, his eyes turned red.

"Are you crazy?! Do you think he can just investigate Wuchangwei like that?!"

"Wang, the Vice Minister!"

Huang Yan quickly grabbed him and whispered, "A small act of impatience can ruin a great plan! Let him investigate!"

"Investigate your mother's ass!"

Wang Tong shoved Huang Yan away.

He was just a military man and couldn't think that far ahead. He only knew that letting Zhang Biao into Wuchangwei was a great disgrace with endless consequences.

"I think you're just afraid he'll investigate your own accounts! You want to sell me out and take the fall? No way!"

"Whoever dares to let this madman into Wuchangwei today, I'll make sure he pays the price!"

These words immediately created a stalemate.

Pan Wenmao and Huang Yan wanted to sacrifice a pawn to save the king, but Wang Tong resolutely refused to be the 'pawn' to be sacrificed. The conflict between the three suddenly became public, and they couldn't help but have a fierce argument.

Zhang Biao watched the show with amusement, even whispering to Lao Zhao beside him with great interest: "See? The little boat of friendship capsizes so easily."

However, just as Pan, Huang, and Wang were arguing fiercely and almost came to blows, a sudden voice came from outside the yamen:
"My lords, what is the matter causing this dispute? His Highness heard that there was some commotion in front of the yamen and specially ordered me to come and investigate!"

Everyone looked in the direction of the sound and saw Zhou Wenyuan, the chief secretary of the Chu Prince's mansion, walking in with several guards from the mansion.

He first glanced at the messy scene and the grim-faced Pan Wenmao and his two companions, and finally fixed his gaze on Zhang Biao.

"Lord Zhang is indeed worthy of his reputation. He has only been in Wuchang for two days and has already caused such a commotion. No wonder the Emperor values ​​him and has appointed him as an imperial envoy."

Zhou Wenyuan cupped his hands in a respectful gesture, making a very proper bow.
"His Highness has long admired Lord Zhang's talent and has specially ordered me to send an invitation to Lord Zhang to his residence for a chat, so that I, from Chu, can fulfill my duty as a host."

As he spoke, a guard behind him respectfully handed him a gold-embossed invitation.

[His Highness the King of Chu personally extended the invitation!]

Pan Wenmao, Huang Yan, and Wang Tong breathed a sigh of relief, as if they had found their pillar of support.

With the prince stepping in to mediate, Zhang Biao should surely give him face, right?
Once he goes to the Prince's residence, there will be time to bridge the differences and discuss countermeasures!
However, Zhang Biao took the invitation from King Zhu Zhen of Chu, glanced at it, and then casually threw it away.

"If Your Highness is truly sincere, you should come and plead for the people with me! Instead of inviting me to some kind of treacherous banquet!"

"Does this really mean that while the rich feast on meat and wine, the poor freeze to death on the streets?!"

Upon hearing this, Zhou Wenyuan and the others' expressions changed drastically, their eyes filled with disbelief.

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(End of this chapter)