If you traveled back to ancient times, while others ate Guanyin clay, you would actually have giant

Things seemed to be getting more complicated. Chen Dasanren, who was under surveillance, made no unusual moves. When they spotted someone acting suspiciously, they didn't contact Chen Dasanren but went straight out to sea. This left everyone bewildered. Zhou Wu was also at a loss for what to do and could only continue as usual.

"My lord, my lord."

Just when everyone was at a loss, Ji Yongfeng arrived, his face beaming with joy.

"Old Ji, what's the matter? Why are you so happy?"

"Sir, this is great news! The philanthropist Chen has purchased a batch of grain to support the reconstruction of Qingzhou, and the ship has arrived today."

"Oh."

Zhou Wu wondered if he had really wronged this philanthropist, Chen.

Although the dock was not yet fully repaired, it was already able to temporarily berth ships. When Zhou Wu arrived, the dock was already crowded with onlookers, and people were continuously carrying sacks of grain off the ships.

"My lord, let me introduce you. This is Chen Xinrong from Qingzhou, the great philanthropist Chen. And this is the imperial envoy, Lord Zhou Wu."

Ji Yongfeng led Zhou Wu to Chen Xinrong, and they introduced themselves.

"Everyone in Qingzhou City knows the name of the great philanthropist Chen. I have long admired him."

Although Zhou Wu suspected the other party, there was no need to break off relations since there was no evidence at the moment.

"Your Excellency, please forgive me. I should have visited you long ago, but I have been too busy to arrange for the purchase of grain to help the people of Qingzhou overcome their difficulties. Please understand."

To be honest, Chen the Great Philanthropist's appearance really does live up to his name. He has a kind face and gentle manners, and his every move and speech is elegant and refined.

Look at what they're saying, and you can't find a single valid point.

“Master Chen, we are both doing this for the people of Qingzhou. What crime have we committed? I am the one who should thank you on behalf of the people of Qingzhou and the imperial court.”

Zhou Wu's words made Ji Yongfeng, who was standing to the side, look at him in a different light, thinking that Zhou Wu had completely believed in Chen Dashanren, and a happy smile immediately appeared on his face.

"You're too kind, sir. Now that we've met, let me treat you to a meal. Please do me the honor."

"Alright, then thank you, Mr. Chen."

Chen Xinrong was just being polite, because he was just an ordinary citizen and the other party was an imperial envoy. According to etiquette, he should take the initiative to extend an invitation. Usually, the other party would just be polite and then refuse. He did not expect that this imperial envoy was not a person who played by the rules.

However, since the invitation had already been accepted, Chen Xinrong could only quietly instruct his servant, who then left.

"My lord please."

"Please, Mr. Chen."

. . . . . .

Chen Mansion.

The Chen family was different from other wealthy people. While other wealthy people's mansions were always located in the most prosperous places, the Chen family's mansion was located in a remote corner of Qingzhou City, right next to the city gate. Generally speaking, such a place would only be a slum.

"Master Chen, why did you build this mansion here?"

Even before entering, something strange was about it, so Zhou Wu casually asked about it.

"Your Excellency, I was born into poverty when I was young. Even though I am rich now, I prefer to live among ordinary people. As long as I have food to eat and a roof over my head, that is enough. Although the city center is bustling, it is not what I yearn for."

This answer made others think more highly of Chen Xinrong, believing that he was of noble character and did not forget his roots.

However, Zhou Wu always felt there was a problem, but he couldn't figure out what it was for the time being.

The gate and outer walls of the Chen residence looked unremarkable, but once inside, Zhou Wu was amazed. The house, which appeared simple on the outside, contained a hidden world inside, with a spiritual platform, pavilions, fish ponds, and rockeries, all of which showed the extravagance of the courtyard.

But just before entering, Chen Xinrong was still saying "a house with a tile" (居有片瓦). Does everyone have a different understanding of the phrase "a house with a tile"?

"My lord please."

Chen Xinrong made a gesture of invitation.

In the center of the large courtyard, there is a pavilion. Although it is now winter, charcoal braziers are placed in the four corners of the pavilion, so you don't feel cold at all.

"Someone come here, bring the food."

"Yes, sir."

When the servants served the dishes, Zhou Wu was even more stunned. In the remote Qingzhou, the people outside were so poor that they couldn't even get enough to eat, but in the courtyard just a wall away, there were all the most popular dishes in the capital. Zhou Wu even saw a few dishes from the Gu Family Restaurant. Although they might not be authentic, it was enough to prove that Chen Xinrong was not the person he claimed to be.

The house's decorations and the extravagance of its dishes far surpassed those of many powerful and wealthy families in the capital.

"Lord Zhou, Lord Ji, please."

"Thank you, Mr. Chen."

Zhou Wu quietly observed Ji Yongfeng, who looked excited and naive, and knew that this was probably his first time being invited.

The entire Qingzhou is currently experiencing a shortage of supplies, yet chicken, duck, fish, meat, and even vegetables rarely seen in the capital are all on this table. This shows that Chen Xinrong is simply a person who craves enjoyment. Zhou Wu is not actually disgusted by this kind of person, because if they have the ability to make money, they should enjoy it. However, Zhou Wu is now almost certain that Chen Xinrong is the mastermind behind this week's sabotage.

"I would like to offer a toast to you both."

Chen Xinrong noticed nothing amiss and continued drinking with Zhou Wu and Ji Yongfeng at the table.

Before long, Ji Yongfeng was already drunk. It is estimated that he does not drink much because he is poor, so he has a low alcohol tolerance.

"My lord, you have worked tirelessly to rebuild Qingzhou. This is just a small token of my appreciation."

While Ji Yongfeng was unconscious, Chen Xinrong had his servants help him to a guest room to rest. Then, he took out a gift that he had prepared in advance and placed it in front of Zhou Wu. This action surprised Zhou Wu.

Zhou Wu slightly opened the small box in front of him, and a glint of panic shone through—gold.

"What do you mean by this, Master Chen? Although I, Zhou Wu, am young, I am someone who genuinely wants to serve the people. Do you think I'm a corrupt official?"

Zhou Wu looked righteous and indignant, and Chen Xinrong's heart skipped a beat. Had he met a tough opponent?

"It won't happen next time."

As Zhou Wu spoke, he hugged the small box to his chest. This contrast left Chen Xinrong speechless for a while before he raised his glass and laughed.

"Yes, yes, yes, what you said was presumptuous of me. You have worked hard, and I would like to offer you a toast."

Regardless, seeing that Zhou Wu had accepted it, Chen Xinrong felt relieved, and the atmosphere became even more harmonious.

After a hearty meal, Chen Xinrong arranged two carriages to take Zhou Wu and Ji Yongfeng back home.

"No need to see me off, Mr. Chen. Please go back."

"Please take care, sir."

Ji Yongfeng slept like a log, and Zhou Wu was so drunk he could barely speak. Only Chen Xinrong had a fake smile on his face as he waved goodbye to Zhou Wu. By the time Zhou Wu got into the carriage and the curtain was lowered, there was no trace of drunkenness on his face.