A kiss, and I'll live another day; they begged me not to go crazy.

The Uncle Wang in front of me looked very humble and polite, and his attitude was kind and approachable.

He was not wearing armor at this time.

He doesn't seem like a commander who leads troops into battle at all.

He's more like a gentle and refined civil official, a dashing and handsome middle-aged man.

......

He smiled and said to everyone:

“I have read Xiao Er’s letter. I have heard about some of the things you mentioned.”

Even Commander Zhou of the Military Command can only feign illness and refuse to appear now, so what can I do?

His voice was gentle yet magnetic, making everyone feel as if they were bathed in a spring breeze.

But the content of his words sent a chill down one's spine.

......

Although this statement may seem somewhat helpless and pessimistic on the surface, it actually contains a great deal of information.

First, it shows that Lord Zhou was not actually bedridden for several years and unable to handle affairs.

Rather, it seems that for some reason, they chose to avoid a direct confrontation with the prefect in this way;

Secondly, it's not hard to tell from Uncle Wang's tone that...

Lord Zhou was also quite dissatisfied with and disdainful of the prefect's actions.

......

After everyone figured it out, they suddenly felt enlightened.

Therefore, as long as we can find a way to get Lord Zhou to step in and help,

Then it might become much easier to bring down the prefect.

After all, Lord Zhou claimed to be ill and did not leave his residence.

They could only think of one reason: the other party's background was terrifyingly powerful.

but!

In terms of background, who can compare to Wang Er and Sun Shan?

As long as Wang Er and Sun Shan are truly willing to do this.

With the imperial sword bestowed upon him by Su Aige, this matter is not impossible!

......

Thinking of this, Sun Shan quickly asked in a gentle tone:

"Lord Wang, would you be so kind as to introduce us to Lord Zhou?"

Upon hearing this, Uncle Wang showed no hesitation or embarrassment.

He nodded very readily in response:

"No problem at all."

......

So Uncle Wang mounted his horse.

They followed closely in the footsteps of the others, heading towards the address of the military command they had just obtained.

When they finally arrived at their destination,

What appeared before them was a secluded and quiet little courtyard.

......

The villa is surrounded by a quiet and secluded environment, far from the hustle and bustle of the world, as if it were isolated from the outside world.

Standing outside the courtyard, everyone could clearly feel the deathly silence inside.

On a cold winter day, the howling wind was the only sound that broke the silence.

By this time, it was already dark, and everyone could only see a faint glimmer of light in the darkness.

Apart from that, there was no other activity.

......

Upon seeing Uncle Wang's gesture, Sun Shan quickly stepped forward and gently knocked on the courtyard gate.

However, time passed second by second.

After a long while, a slow and heavy footstep could be heard coming from inside.

Finally, the courtyard gate slowly opened, and a weathered-looking man carrying a lantern appeared before everyone.

......

Sun Shan politely asked, "May I ask if Commander Zhou is here?"

The middle-aged man replied expressionlessly, "Not here."

Before he finished speaking, he made a move to close the courtyard gate.

Just then, Uncle Wang, who had been standing silently to the side, leaned forward and revealed his face.

Getting closer,

With the help of the light, the doorman could see Uncle Wang's face clearly.

The cold expression on his face changed slightly in an instant, clearly indicating that he looked somewhat familiar.

......

And so, after some twists and turns, the group was finally able to enter the courtyard.

Everyone couldn't help but feel secretly glad that they had come with Uncle Wang; otherwise, they probably wouldn't have been able to even step through the gate of this courtyard.

......

After entering the courtyard, Sun Shan asked again:

"How has Lord Zhou been lately?"

The gatekeeper glanced at Sun Shan sideways and said irritably:

"Good, it would be even better if you didn't come!"

......

Everyone was taken aback by these words, thinking to themselves that this gatekeeper must be no ordinary person, for he had the confidence to speak like that.

Sure enough, Uncle Wang whispered a few words in Sun Shan's ear, confirming Sun Shan's guess.

It turns out that this seemingly ordinary doorman was actually Lord Zhou's strategist in his youth.

This man was loyal throughout his life, obeying only the orders of Lord Zhou.

Moreover, he never married and never settled down in his old age.

Now, he stays at Lord Zhou's house, keeping him company.

Lord Zhou even specifically instructed his descendants to take care of this strategist in his old age and see him to his death.

......

Looking at the unassuming and ordinary-looking gatekeeper in front of him, Sun Shan couldn't help but feel a surge of respect.

He never expected that...

Such a seemingly ordinary person actually possesses such extraordinary qualities.

......

After the group followed the gatekeeper into the spacious hall, they waited quietly.

Time passed slowly, and after a long while, a faint sound of footsteps finally came.

Everyone was overjoyed, thinking that Lord Zhou had arrived.

But upon closer inspection, it turned out that the person who had just greeted them at the door was the doorman.

At this moment, he was carefully carrying a pot of steaming hot tea.

......

The group exchanged glances, secretly thinking to themselves:

"This tea isn't something you absolutely have to drink!"

"With the time it takes to brew tea, Lord Zhou would probably have been summoned long ago..."

......

However, the doorman did not seem to think so.

He smiled and said politely:

"It is truly an honor to have you all here, especially if you have come specifically to visit us."

Although my humble abode is small, it is still equipped with a cup of hot tea.

But if you want to talk about other things, then I'm sorry.

Lord Zhou has been feeling slightly unwell lately and is therefore unable to meet with me.

......

These words were tantamount to issuing an order to leave.

Upon hearing this, everyone's expressions instantly turned somewhat grim.

Just then, Uncle Wang, who had been silent all along, slowly stood up and said in a deep voice:

"In that case, I shall go and pay my respects to Lord Zhou first."

After saying that, he looked firmly at the gatekeeper.

......

The gatekeeper glanced at everyone without making a sound.

After a moment's hesitation, he finally nodded in agreement.

......

After watching them leave, Sun Shan lowered his voice and said:

Uncle Wang just whispered to me...

Previously, some people had claimed to want Lord Zhou's help in resolving the refugee problem.

But who could have foreseen that Lord Zhou would be ambushed by unknown assailants on his way to the countryside?

He paused here, then continued thoughtfully:

"Moreover, judging from the tone of Uncle Wang's voice just now, this matter is probably not as simple as it seems on the surface."

There might be more to the story behind those so-called 'refugee' statuses.

Everyone nodded,

Regarding the strategist's previous cold attitude,

At this moment, I felt more understanding and empathy, and my mood improved somewhat.

......

The group sat around in the spacious, bright hall, each holding a steaming cup of fragrant tea.

Savoring it slowly while waiting anxiously.

Time passed second by second, but this place seemed to freeze at this moment.