After our homes were confiscated and we were exiled, the women in my clan and I raised a million sol

At this time, Yang Bao hurriedly crossed the courtyard, his hurried footsteps causing a gust of wind, and he ran straight to the study.

The moment he pushed open the door, he saw Yang Gaocheng sitting at the desk, holding a cup of hot tea in his hand, his expression as calm as water.

"Father, do you know about the temple incident?"

There was a hint of urgency in Yang Bao's voice, as if this matter was extremely important to him.

Yang Gaocheng raised his head, looked at his son with sharp eyes, and nodded.

He put down the teacup in his hand and gently placed it on the table, making a crisp sound.

"I already knew about this matter a long time ago, there's no need to panic."

Yang Gaocheng's voice was low and steady, as if everything was within his expectations.

Hearing this, Yang Bao was obviously relieved. He realized that his reaction might have been too nervous.

He tried to calm himself down and asked, "Father, what do you think?"

Yang Gaocheng didn't answer the question directly, but instead asked a question that surprised Yang Bao: "I remember you seemed to have made a friend at the poetry gathering, right?"

Yang Bao nodded and replied, "Yes, father, that's indeed the case."

"But we haven't been in touch since that poetry reading."

Yang Gaocheng nodded slightly, seemingly not surprised by the news.

His eyes became deep, as if he was thinking about some far-reaching plan.

Yang Bao frowned and after thinking for a moment, he found that he could not understand his father's intention of mentioning Zhang Liang.

Confused, he asked, "Father, why do you bring this up?"

Yang Gaocheng slowly closed his eyes, as if organizing his thoughts.

After a moment, he opened his eyes and said firmly, "I suspect that all of the Liu family's recent actions are related to this person."

This sentence was like a bolt from the blue, causing Yang Bao's eyes to widen instantly, his eyes filled with disbelief.

He stumbled in response, "Father, this...do you mean that the Liu family has taken refuge with that friend of mine? That shouldn't be possible, right?"

Yang Gaocheng shook his head slowly and looked at his son deeply, as if he wanted to see through his heart.

"nothing is impossible!"

He said calmly, "If you think about it, you'll understand. The Liu family has always been very low-key. How come so many things have suddenly happened since that person came? There must be a reason behind this."

After hearing this, Yang Bao's shock gradually turned into thought.

He began to recall the details of his interactions with Zhang Liang and the Liu family's recent unusual behavior.

Although he was reluctant to believe it, he had to admit that there was some truth in what his father said.

"Then what should we do now?"

There was a hint of uneasiness in Yang Bao's voice.

Yang Gaocheng's words revealed a deep conspiracy. He slowly said, "Didn't he ask us to pay back all the taxes we owed previously?"

"You can take this opportunity to take the tax money to the Liu family and hand it over to them, and catch up with your friend at the same time."

Having said that, Yang Gaocheng paused and his eyes became sharper.

"At the same time, you should take this opportunity to investigate the background of your friend."

Listening to Yang Gaocheng's words, Yang Bao felt a complex emotion in his heart.

He had an urge to refuse, after all, he didn't want to make friends with other purposes.

However, when he thought about the interests of his family, he knew he had no choice.

Yang Bao took a deep breath, suppressed his reluctance, nodded and responded: "I understand, father."

Yang Gaocheng nodded with satisfaction and waved his hand, indicating that the young master could set off.

"Go ahead, but remember not to let your friend realize that you are testing him."

Yang Bao nodded again, then slowly left the study.

After leaving the study, Yang Bao's steps were a little heavy.

He took a few steps, then suddenly stopped and sighed deeply.

He whispered to himself, "Brother Zhang, is it really like what my father said, that all of the recent actions of the Liu family were carried out under your instructions?"

The words were filled with worry and anxiety.

He recalled Zhang Liang's high-spirited and talented appearance at the poetry meeting that day, and a complex emotion surged in his heart.

At that time, they were talking happily, as if all the troubles had nothing to do with them.

But now, all of this seems to be overshadowed.

Yang Bao shook his head, trying to get rid of the doubts and uneasiness in his heart.

He continued, "I hope this incident won't affect our friendship."

After saying this, he lifted his foot and walked outside.

After leaving the mansion, Yang Bao took a carriage and headed towards Ning Gucheng.

The early morning sun shone on the road, and the carriage moved slowly forward amidst the bumps.

After a day's journey, when the carriage approached the outskirts of Ningbo City, the sky had gradually darkened and it was approaching dusk.

The carriage slowly stopped, Yang Bao got off the carriage and stood at the door of Zhang Liang's mansion.

He straightened his clothes and walked to the servant at the door.

He bowed and said politely, "Please go in and tell them that an old friend is visiting and would like to meet your son."

The servants looked at the young master in front of them who was well-dressed and well-mannered, and did not dare to neglect him.

One of them immediately turned around and ran into the mansion, intending to inform Zhang Liang about the matter.

The other servants stood respectfully by, waiting for the man to bring back the news.

The servant hurried into the mansion, walked through the courtyard and corridor, and finally found Zhang Liang.

He panted and said, "Master, there's a young man outside who says he's your friend and is here to visit you. Do you want to see him?"

Zhang Liang narrowed his eyes, feeling somewhat puzzled.

After all, he hadn't made any friends since he came to this place, except for the one person he met at the poetry meeting.

But they haven't met since then.

"What does that person look like?"

Zhang Liang asked.

The servant respectfully described Yang Bao's appearance.

After hearing the description, Zhang Liang confirmed the identity of the visitor.

He couldn't help but wonder: Why did this guy suddenly come here? Could it be that something happened?

Although full of doubts in his mind, Zhang Liang decided to meet this uninvited guest.

He looked at the servant and said calmly, "Bring him in."

The servant nodded in agreement, turned around and walked quickly out of the room to greet the young man who claimed to be his friend.

Zhang Liang sat there, waiting for the upcoming meeting, secretly guessing the purpose of the other party's visit.

The servant nodded slightly, his eyes respectful and obedient, then slowly turned around and walked steadily in the direction he came from.

When he arrived at the gate of the mansion, he paused, and with a humble look on his face, he said to Yang Bao who was standing in front of the door: "Sir, our young master respectfully invites you to move into the inner hall."

The words not only reveal respect for the guests, but also demonstrate the host's hospitality.

Upon hearing this, Yang Bao nodded slightly, a hint of understanding flashing in his eyes. He then turned to the several attendants accompanying him and whispered, "Present the gifts I brought."

The attendants moved at the command, nodded in agreement, and swiftly unloaded a wide variety of gift boxes from the carriage. Each one looked exquisite and had obviously been carefully selected.

After a while, these gifts full of sincerity were safely delivered to the hands of the servants.

After receiving the heavy gift, the servant did not dare to delay and quickly led Yang Bao into the mansion, along the winding corridor, and finally arrived at the elegantly decorated living room.

At this moment, Zhang Liang was sitting in the hall with a smile on his face, and his eyes showed a bit of anticipation and joy.

However, there is some sophistication hidden in his eyes.

Seeing Yang Bao step through the threshold, he immediately stood up to greet him, laughing heartily and saying, "Hahaha, Brother Yang, long time no see! I never thought I would be able to welcome you today. It really makes my humble abode shine!"

The young man returned Zhang Liang's enthusiasm with courtesy, smiling broadly and bowing. He said, "Brother Zhang, you are too kind. I am a humble man, but I appreciate your concern and have come to visit. Please forgive my abruptness."

The two exchanged pleasantries, their words filled with the joy of reunion and the tacit understanding between friends.

Afterwards, the two returned to their seats, and the atmosphere was warm and harmonious.

Zhang Liang quietly called over the servant standing beside him and asked him to prepare tea.

The servant received the order and retreated quickly and politely. After a while, he returned with a steaming and fragrant teacup and placed it respectfully in front of the two men.