The First National Preceptor of the Tang Dynasty

Chapter 437

Perhaps knowing Xu Tian's concerns, Zhang Yao took the initiative to tell Xu Tian his story.

"You have a bright future!"

After hearing Zhang Yao's story, Xu Tian patted Zhang Yao on the shoulder with satisfaction and said, "Since we're all in the same boat now, you can stay here and serve me. It just so happens that the Minister of Works has a certain temperament. If you and I discuss it a little, we can avoid countless troubles. I won't ask for more. You do my work, and I'll protect your family."

"Okay!" Zhang Yao agreed without hesitation.

In his view, the safety of his family is always the top priority.

With Zhang Yao's help, Xu Tian's subsequent actions became much easier.

Zhang Yao was in charge of the vanguard and dealt with the people of the Minister of Works. Because the Minister of Works was concerned about his reputation, the people in his residence did not know that Zhang Yao had left the Ministry of Works. Therefore, based on Zhang Yao's previous success, many people had to give him face.

Xu Tian was in charge of the economy. He sent Zhang Yao with money to bribe the Minister of Works' people in order to obtain letters from the Minister of Works authorizing him to communicate with others.

Meanwhile, Cheng Yaojin was also ordered to arrive in Xijian two days later.

Following Li Er's instructions, Cheng Yaojin first went to the residence of the Minister of Works.

The imposing procession caused those around them to back off, and the people from the Minister of Works' residence went to report to their master.

Therefore, before Cheng Yaojin even arrived, the Minister of Works personally led a group of people to greet this important figure at the gate.

"This humble servant greets Your Excellency." Upon seeing Cheng Yaojin's face, the Minister of Works immediately softened.

No way! This guy in front of me is Lord Li Er's right-hand man. If he offends him, even if he had ten heads, it wouldn't be enough for him to chop them off.

Thinking of this, the Minister of Works immediately put on a shameless face and approached Cheng Yaojin.

"Sir, what brings you to Xijian?"

"Oh? You don't know?"

Cheng Yaojin was somewhat surprised by the Minister of Works' words. Along the way, he had heard many glorious stories about this Minister of Works, so how come this all-powerful man himself didn't know them?

"This humble servant is unaware; please inform me, Your Excellency." As he spoke, the Minister of Works lowered his head again.

He harbored a deep hatred for Zhang Yao, who was in charge of gathering intelligence.

"Since you don't know, then I won't say." Cheng Yaojin kept everyone in suspense, but when he glanced at the people in the Minister of Works' residence, his face suddenly darkened again: "Go and bring Xu Tian to me."

"Xu Tian?"

Upon hearing that Cheng Yaojin was looking for Xu Tian, ​​the Minister of Works exclaimed in surprise, then lowered his head and began a vivid performance: "My lord, you are unaware that Xu Tian embezzled disaster relief funds and absconded with the money not long ago. I have already sent several people out to search for him, but there has been no trace of him. It is clear that Xu Tian must have accomplices."

The Minister of Works, who had long disliked Qin Xian, who was close to Xu Tian, ​​now wished he could drag out all those who were close to Xu Tian and trample on them, accusing them of crimes. However, since only Xu Tian had escaped, he couldn't do that, otherwise it would arouse suspicion.

"Do you have any evidence?" Cheng Yaojin asked. He said, "If your own subordinates can't find it, it's because they're useless. Don't blame others. As the Minister of Works, you should not only take the lead but also set an example."

"Alright, now take my men to find Xu Tian. I need results today."

It wasn't that Cheng Yaojin looked down on the Minister of Works, but rather that the people this man brought along were either skinny as a rake or had shifty eyes. The few he did manage to find agreeable were all just doormen. How could Cheng Yaojin, who always valued talent, possibly feel about this?

"Yes."