Chapter 34

"Is this, is this the handwriting of Wang Huazhen, the great official?" Sun Youguang asked, his hands trembling, as if the small piece of calligraphy were a mountain, and the old man involuntarily bent his waist.

The common people present were all confused. The defense official was like the sky above them, and they couldn't understand how the sky had suddenly changed color!

Liu Shitou couldn't help but secretly pull Qiao Fu and ask, "Did you meet a great master who can subdue demons and teach Zhang Ke the skill of drawing talismans?"

"Of course not, but it's almost the same," Qiao Fu smiled. "Official Wang is the righteous deity of all the heavens, specifically for catching little devils!"

Zhang Ke smiled slightly at Sun Youguang. "Sir Sun, I met Official Wang by chance when I went to Guangning. He gave me this piece of calligraphy, it's nothing special!"

Zhang Ke spoke lightly, but Wan Baiquan, who heard it, felt wronged. It was just a few words; how could Wang Huazhen even look at a poor boy like Zhang Ke!

"Sir Sun, it was just a coincidence. I still think we should follow the law and investigate Zhang Ke's robbery. I..."

"Shut up!" Sun Youguang's eyes sparkled, as if he wanted to swallow Wan Baiquan alive.

When Wang Huazhen first arrived in Guangning, all the commanders, guards, and defense officials from Yizhou and Guangning went to welcome him. Sun Youguang could only stand at the back, far away, amazed by the grandeur and pomp.

At the welcoming banquet, he heard that a commander had prepared a fee to ask Wang Huazhen for a few words, but was publicly scolded and told to prioritize official duties.

If Zhang Ke could get what even a commander couldn't, it proved he had real talent. These people could bully the common folk, but they were always at a disadvantage when facing the literati.

If Zhang Ke said anything bad about him to Wang Huazhen, his official career would be over.

Thinking of this, Sun Youguang quickly dismounted, his face beaming with joy, and grabbed Zhang Ke's hand. "I've heard that Zhang Erlang is highly educated and talented in both literature and martial arts, a rare young hero."

"Sir, you flatter me. I just failed the examination, so I can't be considered a scholar."

"Ah? Hahaha, no problem. With Official Wang's favor, you will surely rise to prominence. Think of how many years it has been since our Qingcheng Fort produced a scholar. You truly bring glory to our hometown. I will host a banquet for you, let's talk more over a drink."

Zhang Ke smiled. "Sir, you are too kind. I just got home and want to report to my mother. Besides, you have official duties to attend to. Please handle them first!"

Zhang Ke took a step back, leaving the stage to Sun Youguang, smiling.

Can this matter still be resolved?

Sun Youguang awkwardly smiled, then suddenly turned to see Wan Baiquan, his face darkening. "Commander Wan, you started this. How do you plan to resolve it?"

"I..." Wan Baiquan realized he had kicked a hard stone. He had not acted with good intentions when requisitioning the land, but now Zhang Ke had turned the tables, and he had to admit defeat.

"Sir Sun, I just remembered that the eastern part of the city is too close to the graveyard, not suitable for living. We should move to the west gate!"

Finally, the people present couldn't help but cheer. They all looked at Zhang Ke with admiration and respect. Zhang Erlang was truly capable, solving the problem with just one appearance!

Qiao Tieshan, suppressing his excitement, loudly said, "Sir Sun, Zhang's house was also requisitioned by Commander Wan. What should we do?"

"Return it, quickly return it!" Sun Youguang stomped his feet.

"Commander Wan, you have disappointed me greatly!"

Old Sun didn't even look at Wan Baiquan, walking to Zhang Ke.

"Zhang Erlang, the subordinates acted recklessly. I will strictly discipline them. Please forgive me for any offense."

Zhang Ke hurriedly bowed and smiled. "Sir Sun, you are fair and just. I see everything clearly. If I need help in the future, I will seek your assistance."

"No problem, just come to me."

The defense official and his subordinates left in a hurry, and Wan Baiquan followed dejectedly. Zhang Ke was surrounded by the young people, laughing and talking as they entered the city.

Liu Shitou kept asking about Guangning and how the stoves were selling.

"Brother Shitou, go tell Uncle Liu quickly. You have a chance to get rich," Qiao Fu said excitedly.

Liu Shitou's eyes lit up, and he hurriedly asked, "How much did the stoves sell for?"

"Four and a half taels each! Plus several goats. Do you think it's profitable?"

Liu Shitou's mouth dropped open, big enough to fit two steamed buns. He looked at the fat goats and ran off without a second thought.

Zhang Ke finally reached his home and bowed to all the neighbors.

"Neighbors, I need to tell my mother about Guangning. I will treat you all to mutton tomorrow!"

"Great, Zhang Erlang is truly generous!" Everyone clapped and dispersed, excitedly discussing the events.

As everyone left, three figures appeared at the alley entrance.

"Brother!" Hui'er shouted, running into Zhang Ke's arms, tears streaming down her face.

"Brother, why did you come back so late? Those bad people bullied Mother and drove us away. You have to help Hui'er!"

Zhang Ke patted his sister's head, his heart aching. "Hui'er, don't cry. Brother is back, everything is fine now. No one will bully you again!"

At this moment, Shen Shi and Xiao Xue hurried over. Shen Shi looked at Zhang Ke with tears in her eyes.

"You're thinner! Your face is chapped. You must have suffered on the journey. Come inside and warm up!"

Her rough hands tightly held Zhang Ke's, while Hui'er bounced ahead, and Xiao Xue quietly leaned on his shoulder, feeling the warmth of home, all his fatigue seemed to vanish.

Actually, Zhang Ke had suffered a lot on the journey. His face was chapped from the wind and snow, and his legs were raw from riding for so long, the blood soaking through his cotton pants, mixing with sweat to form a hard crust.

Xiao Xue, with tears in her eyes, used scissors to cut open his pants. Zhang Ke winced in pain. By then, hot water was already boiling on the stove. Xiao Xue brought a large basin of warm water.

Zhang Ke felt a bit embarrassed. "I can do it myself!"

"No!" Xiao Xue said bravely. "I am your wife, I should take care of you!"

After a few days apart, Xiao Xue seemed bolder. She used a warm cloth to carefully clean Zhang Ke's wounds.

After tending to his legs, Xiao Xue blushed and took off Zhang Ke's shirt. Suddenly, she was shocked, covering her mouth, tears streaming down her face as her cold hands touched the scars on Zhang Ke's chest.

His once smooth skin was now like the bark of an old tree, covered in scars. The wound under his ribs was even longer and more terrifying than before, with some areas still oozing pus. Fortunately, it was winter, or the consequences would have been dire.

"Ke, what happened?" Xiao Xue's heart was broken.

Zhang Ke quickly made a shushing gesture and whispered, "Don't let Mother know. We encountered a wolf pack, but we're all fine now!"

Xiao Xue, suppressing her grief, fetched the wound medicine and carefully bandaged Zhang Ke's wounds.

Seeing Xiao Xue's gentle actions, Zhang Ke's heart was moved, and Shen Qingyan's figure flashed in his mind.

"What are you thinking about? Your wife is the best!" Zhang Ke shook his head.

Finally, dressed again, Zhang Ke smiled. "Xiao Xue, we bought twenty taels of silver worth of New Year's goods. There are many things to eat and use. Go take a look!"

"Okay!" Xiao Xue nodded obediently.

They walked out of the house, and Qiao Tieshan and his wife had also arrived. Qiao Fu, Qiao Gui, and Hu Zi were all there, two large tables filled with delicious food. Hui'er was holding a honey jar, eating without any decorum.

Qiao Fu was vividly recounting their journey, from encountering the wolf pack and saving Shen Qingyan, to dealing with Wang Huazhen and making a fortune at the horse market, and then rescuing hostages from the Mongols, all thanks to Zhang Ke's wisdom.

Each story made Zhang Ke seem like a combination of Zhao Zilong and Zhuge Liang, invincible and wise, almost able to control the weather and summon soldiers!

Hui'er's mouth was wide open, honey forgotten.

Shen Shi's brows were furrowed, tears streaming down her face as she listened to the tense parts.

"Ke, Mother doesn't want you to take risks anymore. Promise Mother, once the debts are paid, don't go again!"

No matter what, Shen Shi always put her son's safety first.

Zhang Ke smiled and held his mother's hand. "Mother, Qiao Fu is almost a storyteller. It wasn't that dangerous. Besides, I now have horses, a carriage, and Official Wang Huazhen as my backer. Who would dare to offend me?"

Qiao Tieshan also laughed. "Sister-in-law, you didn't see how Sun the defense official became a meek little boy when he saw the calligraphy on Zhang Ke's hand!"

Qiao Fu patted his chest. "Father, that's not all. Zhang Ke has even more powerful things he hasn't shown. If he reveals them, Sun Youguang will wet his pants!"

This shocked Qiao Tieshan. Getting Wang Huazhen's calligraphy was impressive, but could there be something even more significant?

Zhang Ke smiled. "Uncle Qiao, I do have something, but everyone must keep it a secret."

Qiao Tieshan was taken aback, then sighed. "I understand. Qiao Gui, Qiao Fu, especially Qiao Fu! Listen to me, don't ask what you shouldn't, and don't say what you shouldn't. Don't be like a dog that can't hold two ounces of butter. In these times, you need to keep your cards close to your chest, or you might lose everything."

His words were sincere. If not for Zhang Ke, they might have lost their house and land. Shen Shi nodded in agreement.

Qiao's wife smiled. "Don't just talk. There's so much good food. I'll cook with Sister-in-law, and we can eat and chat."

Just then, a sharp voice came from outside.

"Zhang Erlang, you come out! What did I do to you to deserve this? Why did you take my house? We have no grudges, why are you so heartless? How can I live now?"