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

"Here they are! Here are the snacks and wine you ordered. Please enjoy!"

After the waiter of the inn put down the food ordered by Zhang Liang and his friends, he left with a smile.

At Song Wen's strong request, Zhang Liang didn't order much, but because Song Wen was deeply loved by the people here, the amount of each portion was increased extra.

After the dishes arrived, Zhang Liang said to Song Wen, "Master Song, the dishes are all here. Hurry and eat! You've been on duty all day, and I think you're hungry."

After saying that, he picked up the wine jug and poured a glass of wine for Song Wen.

Watching Zhang Liang's actions, Song Wen waved his hand and said, "Little brother, you don't have to be so polite. I'm just an ordinary citizen.

"Hearing his words, Zhong Tian smiled, and then sighed: "If the people of Daqian were like Mr. Song, then we ordinary people would be able to live a good life."

Song Wen pursed his lips and didn't respond.

After three rounds of drinking, Zhang Liang put down his glass and said to Song Wen with a smile, "I have a few questions for you, Master Song. Is that convenient?"

Song Wen smiled slightly and nodded: "Just say it."

Zhang Liang cleared his throat and asked, "First question, what are your thoughts on the current emperor and the aristocratic families?"

Song Wen pondered for a moment, then slowly replied, "When Your Majesty was young, you had the ambition to revitalize the government. Initially, the country was indeed changing for the better."

"But later, in pursuit of immortality, His Majesty gradually became obsessed with spiritual cultivation and neglected state affairs. But where in this world is there such a thing as immortality? If it were, those emperors who took the elixir wouldn't have to die!"

"It is precisely because of Your Majesty's incompetence that the court has gradually been controlled by treacherous officials, and the people are living in misery."

"Those aristocratic families have developed over the years and have become deeply entrenched and powerful. If they are not checked and balanced, they will probably be unable to achieve anything."

Zhang Liang nodded and continued, "The second question is, how do you think we should change the current situation in our country?"

Song Wen's eyes flashed with determination: "First, we must weaken the power of the aristocratic families and strengthen central authority; second, implement new policies to reduce the burden on the people and encourage agricultural production; finally, select talented and capable people, regardless of their background, and only select them based on their merit."

Zhong Tian nodded, a gleam of brilliance flashing in his eyes.

As expected, he is a talented person and he answered several questions at once.

Zhang Liang agreed deeply and immediately asked his third question: "What do you think of the recent beheading of the Man family in the Duke of Wu's mansion, Lord Song?"

Song Wen's face darkened slightly, and he said slowly, "I don't think the Wuguogong Mansion would do anything like a rebellion. If it weren't for the Wuguogong family, perhaps those foreign tribes in the north would have invaded long ago."

"Your Majesty was indeed wrong in killing the Duke of Wu."

"Those who have made contributions are killed, while those who have no merits but flatter others are able to hold high positions. Everything is a mess!"

"After this incident at the Wuguo Mansion, who would dare to go to war in the future? If you lose, you'll lose your head, and if you win, you might also lose your head."

After saying this, Song Wen picked up the wine glass and took a sip, as if he wanted to use the wine to extinguish the sorrow in his heart.

When Zhang Liang saw that Song Wen's glass was empty, he immediately picked up the wine pot and filled it for him. Then he praised him, "Sir Song is indeed a man of great talent!"

But after hearing his words, Song Wen laughed at himself and said, "Little brother, don't praise me. I don't think I can stay in this position of prefect for much longer."

Song Wen had already felt this.

During the years he served as the prefect here, he tried his best to weaken the four aristocratic families here, but with little success.

Zhang Liang saw Song Wen's worried look and a smile appeared on his lips. He glanced at Zhong Tian beside him.

Noticing Zhang Liang's eyes and combining them with the content of the previous conversation, Zhong Tian seemed to have thought of something and frowned slightly.

After a moment, he nodded gently to Zhang Liang.

Then, Zhong Tian turned to look at Song Wen and said in a relaxed yet slightly concerned tone: "Sir Song, forgive me for saying something that may be a bit presumptuous, but if one day you can no longer do this, what are you going to do?"

Hearing this question, Song Wen was stunned for a moment, then he picked up the wine glass and took a sip, with a relieved smile on his face.

He slowly said, "If it really comes to that, I might choose to return to my hometown, farm and grow flowers there, and live a simple and peaceful life."

Zhong Tian, ​​who was standing by, shook his head upon hearing this, his tone lamenting, "If that's the case, wouldn't that be such a shame?"

After Song Wen heard Zhong Tian's words, his originally blurred eyes suddenly became clear and sharp.

He smiled slightly, then spoke slowly, with a hint of probing in his tone: "Okay, Zhong Tian, ​​don't test me anymore."

"And the person next to him, should he be the young master Zhang Liang of the Duke of Wu?"

A hint of surprise flashed across Zhang Liang and Zhong Tian's eyes at the same time, and then they became alert, their bodies slightly tensed, as if they were ready to deal with any possible emergency at any time.

Noticing the change in their eyes, Song Wen waved his hand, indicating that he meant no harm, and then said, "You two don't need to be so nervous, I don't mean anything else."

After hearing Song Wen's explanation, Zhang Liang relaxed a little, but still remained vigilant.

He smiled, trying to lighten the mood, and asked, "Logically speaking, I look like a different person now. Lord Song, when did you discover my identity?"

Song Wen said slowly: "Yes, you did disguise yourself very well, but your words and actions betrayed you."

He paused, his eyes sweeping sharply over Zhang Liang and Zhong Tian, ​​as if trying to see through their hearts.

"Most people, even if they haven't committed any crime, are always afraid when facing yamen runners. But you, Zhang Liang, dared to refute them. This is very unusual."

He then continued, "Also, the questions you just asked are sensitive topics that cannot be discussed right now."

"Since you were last seen in Jiangnan, I guess your destination should be Nanman. If we travel a few more days from here, we will reach the Nanman territory."

Hearing this, Zhang Liang couldn't help but clap his hands and exclaimed in admiration, "You are indeed worthy of being called Lord Song. Since you already know our identities, are you planning to arrest us?"

After hearing Zhang Liang's words, Song Wen had a blank expression on his face and remained silent for a moment like a statue.

Then, he spoke slowly, his tone carrying an indescribable depth: "I hope your presence can bring new changes to this country! I won't attack you today, but tomorrow I will send people to arrest you. You'll have to take care of yourself!"

After saying this, Song Wen picked up the wine glass and drank the wine in it in one gulp. His movements were quick and decisive, without a trace of hesitation.

He put down his wine glass and stood up. His figure stretched out in the candlelight, appearing particularly lonely and determined.

Then he turned around and prepared to leave this room filled with complicated emotions.

However, just as Song Wen was about to take a step forward, Zhang Liang suddenly spoke, his voice filled with undeniable sincerity and enthusiasm: "Sir Song, I would like you to join me! Your talent should not be buried like this!"

Song Wen paused slightly. He didn't look back, but the shaking of his shoulders revealed his inner turmoil.

"I was promoted by His Majesty! So I won't do anything to betray him! Pretending not to know you today is already my greatest concession! You guys take care of yourselves!"

Although he already knew that this might be the result, a trace of regret still flashed through Zhang Liang's heart when he heard it.

With talents like Song Wen assisting him, he would be one step closer to overthrowing the Daqian Empire.

"By the way! I want to thank my mother and daughter for your help at the city gate."

Hearing Song Wen's words, Zhang Liang thought of the grandfather and grandson, and he didn't expect that they were Song Wen's family.

Watching Song Wen disappear, Zhang Liang immediately said, "Sir Song! If I can help the people live a peaceful and prosperous life, I hope you can come and assist me!"

After he finished speaking, the scene instantly became quiet. After a while, Song Wen raised his foot and walked out of the inn.

"Wait until you actually do it!"