Seeing the solemn expression on Zhong Shidao's face, Zhao Zhen's eyes turned red.
At this time, to still be by his side was to risk being dismissed from office!
"Your Highness, Prime Minister Fan's character is trustworthy. I believe he will not betray Your Highness at this hour tonight."
Glancing at the grateful expression on Zhao Zhen's face, Wang Xiang also spoke.
"That's right. He comes from a reputable family. At a time like this, he won't betray Your Highness!"
Since Wang Xiang had already said so, after exchanging a glance with him, Zhong Shidao quickly added.
Although they both knew that at this critical juncture, people's hearts were unpredictable, they both simultaneously told a well-intentioned lie.
After all, if Zhao Zhen could not remain calm at this moment, it would be more likely to bring about many unnecessary variables!
"Sir, you were looking for me?"
Just as Zhao Zhen and the others were filled with worry and unease, Zhang Shaoyou did not enter Bianliang City directly. Instead, he quietly called Wang Tiezhu aside.
"Tiezhu, how have I treated you usually?"
Looking at the shadowy soldiers on the city wall, Zhang Shaoyou looked back at Wang Tiezhu.
"Sir, what are you saying? If it weren't for you, I'd probably still be an unknown nobody right now!"
Hearing his question, Wang Tiezhu immediately knelt before him.
Although he had indeed taken some risks helping Zhang Shaoyou, ever since Zhang Shaoyou was promoted, he had also risen steadily.
Even though he was now just a minor patrol inspector, who in Kaifeng Prefecture didn't know that he was Zhang Shaoyou's trusted confidant?
Relying on this reputation alone, in just a few months, his household had bought a large mansion, set up three shops, and purchased over three hundred mu of land outside the city.
Zhang Shaoyou had heard some rumors about these matters, but ultimately said nothing.
Implicitly, this was the benefit Zhang Shaoyou had bestowed upon him!
"Very good. I have seen all the things you have done these past few days. Now, an opportunity for great success is right before you. If you can truly seize this opportunity, you will no longer have to do these trivial matters. I can't guarantee anything else, but at least a position as a border prefecture defense envoy is achievable!"
"Defense envoy?"
Hearing this, Wang Tiezhu's eyes suddenly reddened.
Although he was now well-off, he knew that further advancement in his official career was almost impossible.
After all, without a strong backing, relying solely on Zhang Shaoyou's connections, he would at best only reach the rank of county lieutenant in his lifetime!
Now, upon hearing of a defense envoy position within reach, how could he possibly care about anything else?
"That's right, but I must be upfront. This matter carries the risk of losing your head! If you dare to do it, even if you die, your son, even if he's a fool, can safely serve as a defense envoy for a lifetime!"
"Sir, please just give me your orders!"
Having received Zhang Shaoyou's promise, Wang Tiezhu now wished he could cut himself to let his foolish son have a lifetime of smooth sailing.
"I have a token here. I need you to find a way to personally deliver this to His Highness Prince Xin before dawn!"
"His Highness Prince Xin?"
After hearing Zhang Shaoyou's words, Wang Tiezhu was taken aback.
Being a patrol inspector in Kaifeng Prefecture, being well-informed was the first step.
After all, he spent his days wandering the streets of Kaifeng Prefecture. It was an open secret that Prince Xin had been having a difficult time lately.
He even had a vague guess about the activities of the extra people around Prince Xin's manor.
"Think carefully. If you are unwilling to do this, I will find someone else for this task! A border defense envoy, if your foolish son shows even a little improvement, your Wang family will become an official family in the future!"
Seeing the hesitation on his face, Zhang Shaoyou added fuel to the fire.
"Sir, you are right. My life is worthless. It's worth it to take this chance! If I do not return, I hope you will not forget today's promise!"
"Don't worry. Since I dared to say these words, I am confident in helping you achieve this! If you do not return, your son will become my personal disciple!"
"Thank you, sir!"
After bowing deeply to Zhang Shaoyou three times, Wang Tiezhu finally took the token from his hands.
"I'm counting on you!"
Zhang Shaoyou said, bowing to him as well.
"Don't worry, sir. I'll be back soon!"
Taking a deep breath, Wang Tiezhu turned and headed towards the dark Bianliang City.
Although he didn't know what the token in his hand was for, Zhang Shaoyou's entrustment alone made him understand its importance.
To ensure secrecy, he even blew out the candle in his lantern.
Only when he reached a deserted spot did he quietly take off his boots, unwrap his leg bindings, and wrap the token directly under his left foot.
After re-tying his boots, he walked a few steps in place and frowned again.
Although the item was hidden under his sole and presumably no one would check, it was better to be safe than sorry!
Thinking of Zhang Shaoyou's promise, he hardened his resolve. Using the starlight, he looked around, finally spotting a large rock by the roadside.
Finding the right angle, he took a deep breath, exerted force with both legs, and rammed directly into the sharp edge of the rock.
With a piercing pain, the trouser leg of his left leg was torn to shreds by the sharp edge of the rock, and his wheat-colored skin was now bloody and mangled.
After carefully examining his current state, he nodded with satisfaction and walked directly towards the city gate.
Although Bianliang City had no curfew, the number of people entering and leaving the city gates was already very small at this hour. The soldiers guarding the gates had long since gone to find places to doze off.
But tonight was different. All the night-shift soldiers around the city gate stood at attention. He had already noticed when he went out earlier that among the night-shift soldiers, apart from one or two familiar faces, the rest were all new ones.
These soldiers had stiff movements, and their height was at least a head taller than ordinary soldiers.
While others might not recognize their origins, Wang Tiezhu had a vague suspicion.
"Who goes there? Halt!"
As soon as Wang Tiezhu reached the city gate, a guard soldier immediately blocked his path.