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

As the teacup was placed steadily on the table, steam rising slowly with a faint tea fragrance, Zhang Liang said to Yang Bao with a smile: "Brother Yang, try it quickly, this is one of my favorite teas.

"I wonder if it suits your taste?"

Hearing this, Yang Bao's face showed a hint of curiosity and anticipation. He then nodded slightly and elegantly picked up the teacup in front of him.

He took a sip cautiously, as if savoring the stories and customs contained in the tea.

The moment he put down the teacup, his eyes sparkled with approval, and he couldn't help but exclaim, "It's truly extraordinary. This tea is truly top-grade, with a rich aroma that's not greasy, and a long aftertaste."

After hearing this, Zhang Liang's smile deepened, as if he had gained great satisfaction and recognition.

He also gently picked up his teacup and took a sip.

After taking a few sips of tea, Yang Bao slowly put down the teacup in his hand and turned his gaze to Zhang Liang opposite him, with a look of solemnity and expectation in his eyes.

He seemed to be organizing his thoughts and laying the groundwork for the next conversation.

Zhang Liang keenly caught this subtle change and thought to himself that the other party's behavior at this moment clearly indicated that something important was about to be mentioned. A trace of deep thought flashed across his eyes.

However, his friend didn't notice Zhang Liang's subtle mood swings. He took a deep breath and spoke in a calm yet serious tone, "Brother Wang, have there been any unusual developments recently?"

Zhang Liang paused slightly for a moment when he heard this, then put the teacup back on the table as if nothing had happened.

He pretended to be surprised and puzzled, and asked in a puzzled manner, "Oh? What are you referring to, Brother Yang?"

"I have indeed never heard of what Brother Yang is talking about. What could have caused such a sensation that even you and I were not spared from the news?"

Seeing this, the friend frowned slightly, and a subtle complex emotion flashed in his eyes - there was both confusion about Zhang Liang's seeming indifference to the matter, and helplessness in having to uncover the scars for the sake of family interests.

He hesitated for a moment, then decided to speak frankly: "It is precisely the sudden and strict inspection of temples all over the country that has caused an uproar."

"I thought that since Brother Wang is so well-informed, he would have heard something about it, but unexpectedly..."

Before he finished speaking, a subtle tension filled the air. The conversation between the two seemed to be quietly leading the topic to a more sensitive and core area.

As soon as Yang Bao finished speaking, Zhang Liang quickly adjusted his expression, showing a look of sudden enlightenment, as if he had just realized the seriousness of the matter.

He responded casually, "So this is what Brother Yang is referring to. I have indeed heard of it, but I don't know the details."

"Why, is your family also involved in this matter?"

After saying this, he inadvertently cast an inquiring look at his friend, as if looking for more unspoken words.

Receiving Zhang Liang's gaze, he curled up the corners of his mouth into a bitter smile, and said with a hint of helplessness: "Alas, Brother Wang, you don't know that this incident has far-reaching consequences, affecting almost all the families involved."

"To be honest, even my family is no exception. Many of our lands are nominally attached to those temples to avoid taxes or seek protection. This incident undoubtedly affects the entire family."

At this point, he paused briefly, as if to collect his thoughts, and then added, "Actually, I came here today to pay last year's taxes, and I stopped by to see you on the way."

After hearing this, Zhang Liang nodded slightly to show his understanding, then picked up the teacup, raised it slightly and took a sip.

Looking at Zhang Liang, he smiled and continued, "Brother Wang, I heard a piece of news when I came here. I think you might be very interested."

After hearing his words, Zhang Liang's attention was indeed drawn to him.

Then he said, "Oh! What's the matter?"

Yang Bao smiled and said, "You should still remember that man from last time, right?"

As soon as these words came out, Zhang Liang immediately recalled the man who coveted his sisters-in-law at the poetry gathering last time, and said, "How could I possibly forget this guy?"

"You know, his family heirloom sword is still with me. What's going on? What is this guy planning to do?"

Seeing Zhang Liang asking this question, his friend immediately answered: "This guy seems to be a little dissatisfied with this matter and wants to come here to cause trouble."

"It seems that if the Liu family doesn't agree to their demands, then he will unite with other landlords to put pressure on the Liu family."

Zhang Liang narrowed his eyes, his face expressionless, and it was impossible to tell what he was thinking.

Seeing that Zhang Liang was still as calm as ever, Yang Bao narrowed his eyes, and finally didn't want to hide it anymore.

He took a deep breath and finally mustered up the courage to ask, "Brother Wang, since we're all friends, I don't want to be secretive anymore."

At this point, the friend sighed and continued, "Are you behind the Liu family's recent actions? Or has the Liu family become your power?"

After saying this, the friend stared at Zhang Liang, obviously eager to know the answer.

There seemed to be a tense atmosphere in the air, as if time had stopped at this moment.

After hearing what Yang Bao said, Zhang Liang narrowed his eyes and did not answer immediately.

A complex emotion flashed in his eyes, as if he was weighing whether he should tell the other party the truth.

He knew that once the truth was revealed, it might have unpredictable effects on the relationship between them.

Therefore, he needs to consider carefully.

Yang Bao looked at him like this and did not urge him, but waited quietly by the side.

He believed that Zhang Liang would eventually tell him the real answer, because their friendship was based on trust and understanding.

After a while, a smile appeared on Zhang Liang's face, as if he had made some decision.

He sighed softly, and then said: "Now the Liu family has indeed become my power."

As soon as these words came out, the air seemed to freeze for a moment.

Just as Zhang Liang was about to continue speaking, Yang Bao raised his hand and immediately stopped him, preventing him from continuing.

"Well, that's all I want to know. I don't want to ask about anything else."

Yang Bao's voice was calm and firm.

"Also, this is the information my family wants to know. I hope this questioning will not affect our friendship."

Hearing this, Zhang Liang smiled slightly and nodded to show his understanding.

"It's natural."

As he spoke, he picked up the teacup and took a sip of tea.

Seeing this, Yang Bao nodded and picked up his teacup. The two of them sat quietly, enjoying this rare moment of tranquility.

Just as Zhang Liang and Yang Bao were talking, the sky outside gradually darkened and night fell quietly.

Zhang Liang noticed the changes outside the window and smiled slightly. Then he put down his teacup and turned to his friend and suggested, "Brother Yang, why don't you stay at my residence tonight and have a simple meal together?"

Yang Bao was slightly stunned when he heard this, but he quickly reacted and nodded in agreement without hesitation: "If that's the case, then I won't be polite."

"How about I try out the cooking skills of the chef in your mansion tonight?"

Zhang Liang laughed heartily, patted Yang Bao on the shoulder, and said, "We are all friends, why should we be polite? As for the cooking skills of my chef, I guarantee that you will be satisfied."

"I won't say more. You'll know when you try it tonight. Come, let's continue drinking tea."

After saying that, he waved to the maid next to him.

The maid saw Zhang Liang's actions and immediately stepped forward and asked respectfully, "Master, what can I do for you?"

Zhang Liang said to her, "Tell the kitchen that I have guests coming tonight and ask them to prepare a few of their signature dishes."

The maid nodded and replied, "I understand, Master. I will go and give the order right away."

After saying that, she quickly retreated to convey Zhang Liang's orders.

After the maid left, Zhang Liang turned to Yang Bao and said with a smile, "Then let's continue to enjoy this peaceful time."

Yang Bao also smiled and nodded, and the two of them picked up the teacups again and continued to savor the fragrance of the tea.

Just as the maid was hurriedly walking towards the kitchen, Zhong Shu happened to come towards her from another corridor.

Seeing the maid's hurried appearance, she frowned slightly, stepped forward to stop her, and asked, "What's wrong with you? Why are you so flustered?"

The maid took a breath, and seeing that it was Zhong Shu asking, she quickly replied, "The young master asked me to instruct the kitchen to prepare a few of his specialties to entertain his friends today."

Zhong Shu nodded after hearing this, a look of understanding on her face, and then said, "Since it is the young master's order, then you should go quickly and don't keep the guests waiting for too long."

After getting permission, the maid bowed to Zhong Shu, then turned around and quickly walked away towards the kitchen.