Tang Dynasty: Father, if you don't rebel, I will!

The Tang Dynasty was originally in a state of great enthusiasm for development.

As more and more people learned about what had happened in the Jiangnan and Huainan regions, a sense of unease began to creep in.

Some wealthy merchants who owned businesses in the two areas immediately set off with their people to leave through the two roads upon receiving the news.

In an instant, the official roads and waterways connecting Jiangnan Road and Huainan Road to the surrounding areas were filled with carriages and boats.

Has the imperial court sent an imperial envoy?!

In Hongzhou, Zhang Zhenzhou climbed the city wall again with a solemn expression. Looking at the people who kept walking out of the city gate, dragging their families along and looking like they were fleeing famine, his face grew increasingly grim.

Beside him, the adjutant shook his head: "I had someone waiting at the entrance to the official road, but no news has come."

He hesitated for a moment, his eyes filled with the unease and fear that could be seen on almost everyone's face at that moment.

"Governor..."

Zhang Zhenzhou turned to look at him.

"General, are you... really going to rebel?"

All eyes were fixed on Zhang Zhenzhou. Although these people were his old subordinates who had followed him in the past, or the sons and nephews of his old subordinates who had died in battle, they were all deeply moved by the thought of rebelling against the Tang Dynasty.

No one felt confident.

Zhang Zhenzhou was taken aback, then glared at him irritably: "Do you think I'm tired of living?!"

As they were talking, a soldier in armor suddenly strode over.

"Governor, the head of the Chen family has arrived with many people. They say they want to see you."

Upon hearing the name Chen, Zhang Zhenzhou's expression darkened. He gave a signal to his men to keep a close watch on the city's defenses before leading a few guards toward the mansion.

"The court is making a big show of things now, and it looks like it's coming on strong, but there's no need to worry. The current emperor values ​​public opinion more than anything else. Hahaha, we now control the livelihoods of so many people. If they want to eat, they'll definitely have to listen to us."

"When the imperial court arrives, we'll just put on a show, offer some silver as a tribute, and that'll be the end of it. However, you all should keep your tails hidden. If you're caught by those Jinyiwei henchmen, then I, Chen, will be powerless to help you."

Amidst a flurry of friendly compliments and laughter.

When Zhang Zhenzhou led his men into the governor's mansion, he saw dozens of wealthy merchants, dressed in shabby clothes but with an extraordinary air, sitting together.

Upon seeing him return, Chen Congyun, the head of the Chen Clan Chamber of Commerce, stood up and bowed respectfully.

"Greetings, Governor Zhang. We apologize for our intrusion and fear we may have delayed your business."

Zhang Zhenzhou gave him a complicated look, took a deep breath, and sat down in the head seat.

"Speak, what brings you here? If you've come to ask me to plead for you, then there's no need to waste my breath. I'm in dire straits myself because of your reckless behavior!"

At this point, Zhang Zhenzhou's expression grew increasingly grim.

These bookworms!

They are truly skilled at buying off and corrupting people's hearts.

The smiles froze for a moment, but only for a second, before they returned to their previous expressions.

Chen Congyun smiled and cupped his hands in greeting again.

"Governor, I do not understand what you mean by 'pleading for mercy.' We have always conducted legitimate business, and the government has always paid our taxes without any shortfall..."

"Alright! Save this nonsense for when you're in the Imperial Prison, arguing with the Imperial Guards' instruments of torture! Let's get down to business, or you'll all be sent back to where you came from!"

Upon hearing this, even Chen Congyun couldn't help but let a shadow of gloom cross his eyes.

This Zhang Zhenzhou is truly incorrigible and stubborn. If it weren't for his own abilities, he would probably have already captured him and claimed credit for it back then...

"Hehe, Commander Zhang is indeed straightforward. Very well, I won't beat around the bush either... We wish to invite Commander Zhang to invest in our business. Commander Zhang, you don't need to participate personally; you can invite some of your brothers or nephews to participate as well. We..."

Zhang Zhenzhou stood up and let out a cold laugh.

"roll!"

Chen Congyun took a deep breath and smiled faintly: "Governor Zhang, you have indeed rendered meritorious service. Even if some situations have arisen that the court does not want to see, at most you will be stripped of your honors. However... you also have family and relatives."

"Dynasty changes, and the current crown prince says he wants to eliminate powerful clans, but aren't the Wang family of Taiyuan and the Zheng family of Xingyang still doing just fine? Even the Lu family of Fanyang is now in Pyongyang. This is a rare opportunity. Don't you hope that your clan will become a powerful clan that can last for thousands of years in the future?"

"you......"

"roll!!!"

Enraged, Zhang Zhenzhou slammed the teacup in front of him down at Chen Congyun.

With a "smack," the group of wealthy merchants from Jiangnan who had come to support him all turned dark and sinister, and stood up to stand up and come to Chen Congyun's side.

Several wealthy businessmen immediately revealed a vicious look in their eyes, like those of bandits, and were about to shout at the other party.

But Chen Congyun raised his hand to stop him.

He smiled faintly, patted the tea off his robes, and bowed to Zhang Zhenzhou without any concern.

"Since the Commander is in a bad mood today, I will return in a month. However, I don't know if I will live to see that day. If I lose my head by then, what about the Madam... sigh..."

He let out a long, feigned sigh of regret, then turned and walked outside with his hands behind his back.

Zhang Zhenzhou's eyes twitched, and the veins on the back of his hand, gripping the armrest of the armchair, throbbed wildly.

Just as Chen Congyun was about to leave, thinking of his wife, he couldn't help but call out to him.

"Wait!"

Chen Congyun paused, a victor's smile curving his lips.

Looking back at Zhang Zhenzhou, who dared not speak his anger, he felt a sense of pride and arrogance. No matter how powerful you are, no matter how well you have carved out your own path during the chaos of the previous dynasty, what does it matter if you hold a high position and great power?

In the end, won't I just become a puppet in the hands of a mere merchant like myself?

He didn't say anything about a petty person getting ahead; he remained humble and kind, walked back to Zhang Zhenzhou, bowed, and sat down.

Under the other party's fierce gaze, he began to explain his and his group's upcoming business plans.

"Since the imperial court wants us to develop maritime trade and shipbuilding, then we will go with the flow. Our accumulated wealth over the years is sufficient to build and acquire quite a few ships. We can then either sail to Southeast Asia or trade with the Arabs..."

He spoke eloquently, appearing to be a visionary.

However, Zhang Zhenzhou didn't listen to a single word from beginning to end, and just stared at the other party with eyes that looked like he wanted to devour him alive.

It wasn't until Chen Congyun finished speaking and received the necessary documents that he got up to leave.

After everyone left, Chen Congyun took out a small brocade box, about the size of a palm, from his pocket and handed it to Zhang Zhenzhou with a smile.

"Governor, this is my gift to Madam for this month. It's a limited-edition, top-quality item, and I guarantee she'll like it..."