Li Shimin faked his death? Then I will be powerful enough to conquer the world!

Hearing Zhang An's words, Wang Wen frowned subconsciously. In his cognition which was influenced by the simple rural customs, an official was at least someone who worked in the government and ate public food. He was a very important figure in the village.

When people in their village mention someone who works for the government, aren’t their faces filled with envy and respect?

"Brother Zhang, isn't being an official pretty good? Why don't you dare go back? You're the first official in our village!"

His voice unconsciously rose a few degrees, with an anxious and questioning tone, trying to find a reasonable explanation for Zhang An's retreat.

When Zhang An heard this, he forced a wry smile on his face, which was full of bitterness and helplessness. Then he slowly shook his head, as if sighing over his past.

He raised his head slightly, his gaze drifting towards the endless street in the distance, his thoughts seemed to be pulled back to many years ago.

"Back when I was taking the imperial examination, I thought that if I could become an official, it meant my ancestors had accumulated great virtue, and their graves would be filled with smoke."

His voice was filled with the weariness of time. "I'm the first one in our Zhang family to have a share of this government-funded meal."

He sighed heavily, as if to let out all the depression that he had been holding in his heart for these years.

"What a pity, Awen, you don't understand. A small official is so insignificant in this huge official system."

"If you don't become an official, you will never have a real chance to climb up the ladder and will be stuck at the bottom of society your whole life."

A hint of resentment flashed in his eyes, a resentment towards his fate and dissatisfaction with his current situation. "My fellow villagers have such high expectations of me, but here in Chang'an, I'm struggling to make ends meet."

"If I go back like this, even though I'll have the title of an official and look glorious in the eyes of my fellow villagers, I won't be able to do anything for them. I really can't bear to see their disappointed eyes."

He paused, his eyes becoming somewhat empty.

"Awen, wait until you spend two days in Chang'an, and you'll understand. This place is full of powerful people. If you pick up a stone on the road and throw it, you might hit a fifth-rank official."

"As for you, Brother Zhang, all I want is a real official position and a safe life!"

Wang Wen, who had just left the village and had not yet experienced the complexity of officialdom and the fickleness of the world, was completely confused at the moment. He really could not understand what Zhang An said.

In his heart, Zhang An has always been the pride of the village, the smartest and most promising person, and the best among the villagers.

He couldn't understand why the once high-spirited Brother Zhang, the smart and praised Brother Zhang since childhood, became so depressed and decadent after coming to Chang'an.

Wang Wen opened his mouth, wanting to say something to comfort Zhang An, but his throat seemed to be blocked. Thousands of words surged in his heart, but when he came to his mouth, only a dry and slightly lame sentence remained: "Brother Zhang, thank you for your hard work."

When Zhang An heard this, he was stunned at first, as if these words had hit the softest part of his heart. Then a faint smile with a hint of relief appeared on his face.

He reached out and gently patted Wang Wen's shoulder. His palm was broad and warm, and his gesture carried a touch of brotherly care. He said, "Come on, Ah Wen, I'll take you in. You're new in Chang'an and you don't know the place well. Wait a minute. Your brother Zhang will find you a great spot. I guarantee you'll have a clear view of His Majesty."

There was a hint of confidence in his tone, which was the confidence accumulated over many years of hard work in Chang'an City. "Your brother Zhang still has this little bit of power."

When Wang Wen heard this, his eyes lit up instantly, "Really, Brother Zhang?" His voice trembled slightly with excitement.

Zhang An nodded affirmatively and said firmly, "Absolutely true!"

"Brother Zhang, you are so awesome!" Wang Wen couldn't help but admire him, his face filled with undisguised admiration.

When Zhang An heard this, he was stunned for a moment, as if he was a little overwhelmed by this long-lost compliment. Then, the corners of his mouth turned up, revealing a faint smile, and he said, "Let's go."

In Chang'an, a prosperous yet hardship-filled city, Zhang An's youthful spirit was gradually worn away.

Perhaps he himself did not even realize that those most precious and beautiful things had gradually disappeared in the trivialities and struggles of day after day since the moment he set foot in Chang'an.

Zhang An is now a little fatter than before, with a slightly bulging belly. He looks much more stable, with less agility and vigor than his youth, and more vicissitudes and heaviness of life.

The official uniform he was wearing seemed to fit his increasingly fat body well. In the eyes of others, he had made a name for himself in Chang'an City.

But Zhang An always looked at Wang Wen with envy from time to time. Zhang An was deeply touched by Wang Wen's joy as a newcomer, the vigor and youthful spirit that emanated from his body.

He seemed to see in Wang Wen the self who had gone to Tokyo to take the imperial examination with dreams in his heart and high spirits, the self who was full of infinite longing for the future.

But now, he will no longer have such unrealistic fantasies.

The conference hall was already crowded with people, and almost all the seats were occupied.

According to the original arrangement, Wang Wen might be arranged to attend the meeting in a small meeting hall.

But fortunately, with Zhang An's help, Wang Wen was arranged in an excellent position - in the middle of the third row.

This position is unique. Not only can you see every move on the stage clearly, but you can also hear every word clearly. When Your Majesty arrives, you can also be the first to see His Majesty's style.

"Ah Wen, I'll take you here. Brother Zhang still has some official business to attend to. When he's done, Brother Zhang will treat you to a meal. You've made it to Chang'an with great difficulty, so Brother Zhang will take you on a nice tour. When you go back, you can have a good chat with the folks!"

Zhang An said to Wang Wen with a smile.

After hearing this, Wang Wen nodded vigorously in gratitude and said, "Brother Zhang, I understand!"

Wang Wen, feeling excited, carefully touched the seat under his butt.

This was the first time in his life that he sat on such a soft and comfortable chair. The delicate touch made him a little overwhelmed, yet full of joy.

He looked around and found that everyone around him was as curious as he was about everything in the hall.

Everyone was whispering and discussing in low voices.

Just as everyone was immersed in this novel and exciting atmosphere, a clear and melodious bell sound suddenly rang out.

The Jinyiwei began to ring the bells. As the nine bells rang one after another, the sound echoed in the empty conference hall, and the lingering sound was lingering.

Then, Zhang Xianhuai's loud and clear shout echoed throughout the entire venue: "Your Majesty has arrived!"

The atmosphere in the entire venue was instantly ignited.