Chapter 20

As the willow branches swayed in the wind, the street adjacent to the river was refreshed by the moist air, making it feel very cool.

Zhang Hao had just returned from Zhang Rang's residence, and his expression was somewhat peculiar. This time, Zhang Rang had summoned Zhang Hao to discuss giving him a higher official position, but it did not go as planned. Zhang Rang expressed his apologies.

In the end, Zhang Rang asked when Zhang Hao planned to leave Luoyang and even warned him about potential dangers. If needed, he could arrange for Zhang Hao and his companions to leave the city safely.

It must be said that despite his greed, Zhang Rang was not a good person. However, as long as you paid, his service was absolutely thorough.

What a speechless reality.

Zhang Hao surveyed the bustling city, where carriages rolled along the streets, and the river, bridges, and surrounding exquisite houses formed a very beautiful ancient cityscape, full of charm.

"Stop the carriage!" Not far away, a luxurious and large carriage stopped. It was surrounded by over twenty cavalrymen, a display of grandeur that was not something ordinary people could show in Luoyang.

Zhang Hao looked over with some curiosity, even though he had seen similar scenes in Luoyang over the past few days, he was still curious about these ancient nobles.

The carriage window opened, revealing a man with a handsome and refined appearance. Although he looked to be in his thirties, he exuded a dignified and charming presence.

Zhang Hao secretly sneered, another handsome guy. He really disliked these people who could live off their looks.

"Are you the so-called overseas righteous man, Zhang Hao, also known as Zhang Zigao?" The handsome man raised his chin slightly and asked with a haughty expression.

Zhang Hao raised an eyebrow. He disliked the condescending attitude of the man opposite him, who seemed to think it was an honor just to speak to him. Despite being in ancient times and knowing that the hierarchy between superiors and inferiors was very clear, Zhang Hao was not one to tolerate such arrogance.

He ignored the man and walked forward.

"Bold! Lord Yuan Shu, the General of the Tiger Guards, is asking you a question, and you dare to ignore it and flee in panic. You must be a wicked person!" A fully armored knight beside the carriage shouted angrily, then bowed and said, "My lord, should we directly apprehend them and send them to the Governor of Henan or the Inspector of the Imperial Capital for review? I suspect they may be associated with rebels."

"Ridiculous!" Huang Zhong glared, his hand already on the hilt of his sword.

But the private guards and soldiers of the Yuan family were not afraid. They were eager to engage, not seeing Huang Zhong's strength.

This kind of false accusation was too familiar, as if it had been used countless times. Zhang Hao stopped, patted Huang Zhong's arm, and signaled him to calm down. In Luoyang, no matter who was right, arguing with such nobles would inevitably lead to a disadvantage.

Zhang Hao was also annoyed but could still control himself. A small loss could lead to a bigger one. A conflict with Yuan Shu here could bring significant trouble later. The reputation of the Yuan family, with its disciples spread throughout the land, was not exaggerated.

Of course, even now, the Yuan family would not favor Zhang Hao. After all, Zhang Hao was associated with the eunuchs. However, they would not act rashly, as Zhang Rang still had considerable influence. If a conflict arose here with Yuan Shu, the situation could be different.

The elders of the Yuan family might be patient, but Yuan Shu was not. As a direct descendant of the Yuan family, if he wanted to cause trouble for Zhang Hao, it would not be difficult.

Damn, it felt like dealing with a stubborn leech. Zhang Hao found it difficult to handle. Submitting would be no good, as it would please neither side. Being tough, however, worried him that this bastard might cause trouble while Zhang Hao was developing his land and advancing technology.

Zhang Hao's eyes flickered. He was considering whether to find a way to get rid of Yuan Shu. He sized up Yuan Shu, noting that the Yuan family's genes were indeed good, but Yuan Shu was just a pretty face with no substance. Yuan Shao was a bit better, but not much.

"What advice do you have, General Yuan?" Zhang Hao asked directly.

Zhang Hao's actions and gaze showed no politeness, though he did not see it that way. He believed in mutual respect. He had already tried to suppress his feelings.

In the end, although Zhang Hao was trying to be patient, his self-control was not strong enough to keep him from hanging his head and groveling.

"Hmph, truly a barbarian, completely lacking in manners. A person like you wants to hold a high position in the imperial court, what a delusion."

Yuan Shu was somewhat angry and directly retorted. Initially, he was merely curious and disdainful of a commoner like Zhang Hao wanting to buy a high position. Now, Zhang Hao's reaction made him feel embarrassed. To him, even a lack of respect was an insult.

Yuan Shu was quite fond of Zhang Hao's rare treasures. He had stopped the carriage because he heard that Zhang Hao was around and wondered if he could get some treasures from him. In Yuan Shu's mind, it was an honor for Zhang Hao to offer him treasures.

The Yuan family was a high-ranking family with four generations of high officials, far more prestigious than a eunuch like Zhang Rang. Of course, Yuan Shu did not intend to give Zhang Hao any return for the treasures. In his mind, it was an honor to be associated with the Yuan family, and to ask for more was greedy.

"Do you think you are polite, General Yuan? The Yuan family, with its four generations of high officials, only taught you this level of manners?"

Zhang Hao retorted. At this point, he was really unwilling to hold back. Or rather, Zhang Hao was not the type to tolerate such behavior. Having come through the time portal, regardless of the current situation, Zhang Hao had a subtle sense of superiority. He did not consider himself inferior to anyone.

If it were just a matter of attitude, it would be fine, but Zhang Hao could see that Yuan Shu had a persistent and troublesome nature.

Yuan Shu, the more you give him face, the more he takes it. Zhang Hao realized that even if it caused some trouble, he could not let Yuan Shu insult him. How much trouble could it really cause? With Zhang Rang's support, Yuan Shu would not dare to do much in Luoyang. Once out of Luoyang and in Wu Commandery, what could Yuan Shu do?

Even if there were Yuan family disciples in Wu Commandery, they could only cause minor trouble. They could not directly attack Zhang Hao. The Han court, no matter how corrupt, still had rules. Besides, Zhang Hao had given Zhang Rang a lot of money, so Zhang Rang would have to do something for him.

Yuan Shu's eyes widened in shock, first thinking he had heard wrong, then becoming furious.

But Zhang Hao continued, "I never understood why a legitimate son of the Yuan family had less prestige than a bastard son. Now I understand. Apart from the Yuan family name, what do you have? What's wrong with me buying an official position? At least I'm willing to pay real money. What about you? Just because you have the Yuan family name, you can hold an official position. Even a pig, if it had the Yuan family name, could probably be a General of the Tiger Guards!

If I were you, I would have long thought about how to get rid of that bastard son. If things continue like this, the heir of the Yuan family will be that bastard son, and you, who cannot inherit the Yuan family, will be nothing! Yet you still have the leisure to offend people outside. You really don't know what's important. No wonder the elders of the Yuan family have given up on you!"

Since he had started, Zhang Hao decided to hit where it hurt. The enmity between the two Yuan brothers was undoubtedly a sore spot for Yuan Shu.

Zhang Hao watched Yuan Shu's face turn ashen, stepped forward, and Huang Zhong easily pushed aside the surrounding guards, causing a commotion. Seeing this, Yuan Shu's face turned pale, and he said with a false bravado, "What are you doing? Do you know where you are? I am the legitimate son of the Yuan family!"

Yuan Shu's performance fully revealed what a coward he was. With the Yuan family's name, he might do well, but without it, his true nature was exposed.

Zhang Hao's hand reached into the window and slapped Yuan Shu's face. He sneered, "Don't worry, I know where I am and who you are. I won't kill you. I'm just giving you some advice. Your family of pretty boys might consider that when Yuan Shao becomes the heir, you can lead his horse during the day and serve him at night. Perhaps he will allow you to continue using the Yuan family name!"

"Are you angry? What can you do? I didn't get the official position I wanted and will soon leave. I'll do some business and live a carefree life. Want to ruin my business? Can you do it? It involves Zhang Rang's share. Want to deal with me outside? Will the Yuan family disciples listen to you? I really feel sorry for your parents, how could they have a son like you who doesn't know what's important. Yuan Shao is lucky to have such an idiot as a legitimate son!"

"Enjoy the prestige of being a legitimate son of the Yuan family while you can, because you don't know how long it will last!" Zhang Hao withdrew his hand, took out a handkerchief to wipe it, then threw the handkerchief on the ground. With a flick of his sleeve, he left with Huang Zhong and the others.

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