Being an emperor is not something he can do, so he can only rely on his connections.

Chapter 320 I don’t even dare to go home.

In the afternoon, Huangfu Ling fell into endless contemplation as she looked at the words "Reform the old and establish the new" circled by Zhang Jingwei in the book. She did not tell anyone, but just prayed with all her heart that her husband would not do anything stupid!

……

Yunzhou Great Wall Pass.

Li Yi stood still, bowed to Wang Ergou beside him and said, "Brother Ergou, please send me here! Although the road ahead is long, with your support and trust, I will do my best to complete the mission."

Wang Ergou looked at Li Yi solemnly, handed him a small booklet, and said in a low voice, "Li Yi, this booklet contains everything the young master has instructed you to do. You must read it carefully and memorize it. Once you are done, burn it immediately to prevent any leaks. In addition, I have specially allocated twenty elite soldiers for your command. They are all capable people and I believe they will be of great help to you. I wish you all the best on your trip and hope you can help the young master achieve his great cause as soon as possible!"

Li Yi took the booklet with both hands, a hint of determination flashed in his eyes, and he nodded vigorously in response: "Yes! Please tell the young master to rest assured that I will definitely fulfill my mission!"

This pass was always heavily guarded, making it a difficult quest. However, Wang Ergou, with his extraordinary skill, managed to successfully escort Li Yi through the pass. Furthermore, the accompanying team also included several carriages filled with honey pots. These honey pots came from Zhang Jingwei's honey shop, and their exceptional quality was prohibitively expensive in Rongdi. Clearly, Zhang Jingwei had high hopes for Li Yi's trip and provided him with ample supplies to support his mission.

Moreover, all the way north from the Great Wall Pass is the Ulanqab tribe, a large tribe that has no intention of fighting against the Celestial Empire. Its predecessor was a tribe that migrated south from the northern desert. Although they are good at fighting, the Ukhan tribe admires the Central Plains culture and has always treated the Central Plains people with a friendly attitude, so this journey will be much safer.

But there might be bandits robbing, and looking at the departing team, Wang Ergou could only believe that his men and Li Yi could handle everything.

……

Wang Ergou returned to Yunzhou on the second day of the first lunar month. However, instead of returning to the Marquis' Mansion or the Zhang Mansion as usual, he headed straight to North City, the headquarters specially arranged for him by Zhang Jingwei.

A secret guard who was waiting here hurried forward and said, "Commander, the master is resting inside!"

Wang Ergou nodded slightly to indicate that he understood, and then walked towards the house with steady steps.

As soon as he stepped into the room, Zhang Jingwei, who was still lying on the bed, jumped down instantly. With a smile on his face, he quickly walked towards Wang Ergou and greeted him warmly, "Gouzi, you're finally back! Did you successfully send Li Yi away?"

Wang Ergou replied respectfully, "Master, I have escorted Li Yi out of the city safely."

Hearing this news, Zhang Jingwei nodded with satisfaction and praised: "Well, well done! This time it's all thanks to you, Gouzi."

Wang Ergou continued, "The young master's sudden disappearance has plunged the entire Yunzhou City into turmoil. Just yesterday, the young mistress was extremely anxious and went to report it to the authorities. As a result, the government immediately dispatched a large number of personnel to strictly guard all the city gates. If I hadn't acted quickly, I'm afraid I wouldn't have been able to leave even a day later!"

Zhang Jingwei smiled apologetically and explained, "I'm so sorry, Gouzi. This happened suddenly, and I was impulsive. I didn't discuss it with anyone beforehand."

Wang Ergou frowned and asked in confusion, "Young Master, why would you take such a risk by disappearing? Is there some hidden secret?"

Zhang Jingwei took a deep breath and lowered his voice, "People from the capital have come here to investigate whether there's any connection between me and the School of Mind. Therefore, I have no choice but to remain in hiding for the time being to avoid unnecessary trouble for us."

Wang Ergou suddenly realized and continued, "Then it must be someone from the School of Mind who informed you of this in advance."

Zhang Jingwei frowned slightly and spoke gravely, "Well, it's quite strange. Yesterday, while strolling through my garden, I stumbled upon a book on the study of the mind. I didn't think much of it at first, but the more I flipped through it, the more terrified I became. I couldn't sleep all night, and my hair stood on end."

Wang Ergou, who was standing by, was filled with surprise. He stammered, "You...you mean, is there actually..." He was interrupted by Zhang Jingwei before he could finish his words. "So, now I don't even dare to go home."

Wang Ergou was silent for a moment and said nothing more.

Zhang Jingwei's eyes were sharp as a torch. After a moment's contemplation, he continued, "However, the appearance of this book on the study of the mind is by no means accidental. In my opinion, the people of the School of Mind must have done it intentionally. What exactly is their purpose in doing this?"

Wang Ergou looked at Zhang Jingwei in confusion and asked cautiously, "How did you deduce that someone from the capital had come down based on just this one book?"

Zhang Jingwei sneered and explained confidently, "I've met scholars of the School of Mind several times before, and I have some understanding of their style of work. The sudden appearance of this book is incredibly coincidental, and it's undoubtedly a blatant warning!"

Wang Ergou nodded in sudden realization and then pressed on, "If that's the case, then may I ask what your plans are now, young master?"

A sly glint flashed in Zhang Jingwei's eyes as he replied decisively, "I want to lure the snake out of its hole and make that so-called imperial envoy surface on his own initiative!"

Wang Ergou couldn't help but look worried, and asked hesitantly, "But how long will it take for this to be effective? What if the imperial envoy remains inactive?"

Zhang Jingwei raised the corners of his mouth slightly, revealing a confident smile, and said comfortingly: "Don't worry too much, I believe it won't be long before the tail will show itself!"

……

The government office.

Liu Yanzhi held his forehead, his expression anxious but also slightly tired. He asked softly, "Hasn't it been found yet? What should we do?"

Captain Yang lowered his head and answered cautiously, "Sir, Zhang Xiaolian disappeared at night, and our street patrols haven't received any information about his whereabouts, so..."

Having said this, Captain Yang paused slightly, as if he found it difficult to speak.

Liu Yanzhi suddenly waved his hand, interrupting Captain Yang's words and shouting, "Tomorrow, we'll post notices all over the city. Anyone who can provide clues to Zhang Xiaolian's whereabouts will be rewarded with one copper coin!"

However, Captain Yang showed a worried look on his face and softly advised, "Sir, it's been quite some time since Zhang Xiaolian disappeared, and we still have no clue. In my opinion, we still have to prepare for the worst."

Liu Yanzhi frowned, his eyes fixed on the window, and he said slowly, "The Northern Marquis has personally led his troops to sweep the surrounding strongholds. With such a big commotion, I'm sure Taiyuan will get wind of it soon."

Captain Yang sighed and said worriedly, "But in a few days, Zhang Xiaolian's official certificate will be officially issued. If something like this happens now, I'm afraid it will have a significant impact on your achievements."

Upon hearing this, Liu Yanzhi slammed the table and shouted angrily, "I can't care less! What's the point of political achievements? The most urgent thing is to find him as soon as possible! No matter what the cost, I will spare no effort!"