Chapter 4, The Young Man's Initial Display of Talent

Like autumn winds sweeping away fallen leaves, only the two pairs of fathers and sons from the Zhao family remain in the hall

Zhao Hao had just wanted to dodge when he suddenly saw a figure swiftly blocking his way. It was Zhao Shouzheng who raised his hand to stop his elder brother.

The three exchanged glances, and then Ji Langzhong stood up in anger, coldly saying: "It is truly a case of good intentions being mistaken for malice!"

At this moment, Zhao Shouye was feeling anxious and uncertain, not knowing what consequences this would bring to the Zhao family. He pointed at Zhao Hao, glared at Zhao Shouzheng, who was overly protective, and spat, "Ask your good son! If anything happens to the old man, I won't spare you two!"

"If they hadn't told me, how would I know?" Zhao Shouye was also somewhat bewildered, looking towards the two officials as if seeking confirmation.

Once the matter was initiated, Zhao Hao had no further reservations. He spread his hands and said: "This is strange; if the officials from the Censorate can come to our home to demand money, why can’t we meet our grandfather?"

The censor, who had always been unaware of his surname, let out a long sigh at this moment and earnestly said to Zhao Shouye:

It is truly like a dog biting Lü Dongbin, just wait and see!

For the sake of his own future, he must do everything possible to prevent these two brothers from jumping into the fire pit. He had no choice but to confront Zhao Shouye, whose eyes were blazing with fury.

Having finished speaking, he took the still stunned Zhao Xian and angrily headed to the back

Zhao Shouzheng was somewhat afraid of his elder brother. After Zhao Shouye and his son left, he finally spoke to comfort him: "My child, your uncle is just speaking casually; do not take it to heart."

Zhao Hao, what nonsense are you up to? Upon seeing this, the uncle became furious

After speaking, the two once again pretended to leave

Zhao Hao could only manage a bitter smile

Haha, it turns out that Gao Xinzhen is still unaware of this matter!

Zhao Shouzheng tightly embraced his elder brother's waist, insisting with conviction:

Moreover, I believe what my son said makes sense. From beginning to end, they have not allowed us to see our father, which always leaves one feeling uneasy

You may leave; the deficit was created by everyone. It is unreasonable for our family to bear the burden alone, no matter how much you argue.

Seeing that even Lian Zhao Shouye has changed his stance, the two officials realized that the situation was dire. They could not help but feel a surge of frustration, their expressions changing as they left with a harsh remark

"Lord Zhao, will you still lend this money? If not, we will take our leave!" The pawnbroker, Zhang, did not hold back either

Seeing this young man directing the spearhead towards himself, the Inspector of the Nanjing Duzhiyuan could not help but turn pale with anger and abruptly waved his hand, saying:

If you continue to speak nonsense, you will endanger the entire family! Zhao Shouye was also furious and raised his hand to slap Zhao Hao.

Zhao Hao, however, could not accept this favor. For what is more terrifying than losing everything is the burden of enormous debt that follows such a loss! Moreover, it is a kind of usury that devours people without leaving a trace!

Then the censor stood up and threatened, "Are you still dreaming of your father being reinstated? Prepare to be exiled three thousand miles!"

Uncle, how can such a significant matter not be discussed with grandfather?

Zhao Shouye was immediately flustered, hurriedly trying to keep the guests, but was blocked by his brother, so he could only awkwardly shout out there

After speaking, the two of them waved their sleeves and left. Zhao Shouye, momentarily overwhelmed with confusion, did not even attempt to retain his guests

If it were truly the command of Lord Gao, would they still dare to act so brazenly here? They would have long since shrunk back like turtles! Before the two could speak, Zhao Hao let out a cold laugh from the side

Zhao Shouzheng was somewhat perplexed, scratching his head and saying: "Ah, how did they leave? What should be done about this?"

Zhao Hao was initially somewhat uncertain, but seeing the two of them so furious, he did not forget to play the role of the good cop and the bad cop. At this point, his heart finally settled, and he burst into hearty laughter

Zhao Shouzheng was taken aback upon hearing this, released his arms, straightened up, and asked his elder brother: "Ah, elder brother, didn't you say? Wasn't it the order from someone with the surname Gao to deal with the old man?"

Let Zhao Hao push this one, the entire loan note is marked by a thick ink stain, rendering it void.

"Uncle, you are being foolish! If they only said that they would ensure grandfather's safe return, we might still believe it. But they shamelessly claim that they can restore grandfather to his official position, which is nothing but nonsense!" After a pause, Zhao Hao raised his voice and said, "Think about it! Grandfather, a dignified third-rank minister, has been detained in the southern courtyard for several days. With such a big uproar, can we pretend that nothing has happened? Do they really think that so many officials and scholars are just idly sitting by?" Zhao Hao raised his voice and said, "Think about it! Grandfather, a dignified third-rank minister, has been detained in the southern courtyard for several days. With such a big uproar, can we pretend that nothing has happened? Do they really think that so many officials and scholars are just idly sitting by?"

The laws of the court, how can they be treated lightly? Young children, should you not quickly withdraw?

Both officials were infuriated, pointing at Zhao Hao and left speechless

If you don't sign, we will really leave!

... ...

Then, Master Zhang of the pawnshop hurriedly called the last group of assistants, who carried out the remaining boxes, tables, chairs, and tea tables.

It is absolutely reduced to nothing, for when Master Zhang left, apart from these four worthless living beings, nothing that could be moved in the hall was spared...

He lowered his voice and said to Zhao Hao in a relaxed tone: "He doesn't even have a servant now, what can he do to my father and me?"

Court regulations, huh? Zhao Hao, however, remained unafraid, mocking the censor by saying: "You officials collude and openly accept bribes to settle matters here, do you really take the court regulations seriously?"

It is all your fault! Uncle was furious, trying hard to shake off Zhao Shouzheng while angrily saying, "Not only do you cause trouble on ordinary days, but you also dare to create chaos when the lives of the whole family are at stake. I must teach him a lesson today!"

He is locked up in the Duzhayuan, can I see him?! The angry voice of my uncle changed in tone, clearly treating this short-sighted young man as a punching bag

Don't go, please!

Although Zhao Shouzheng was momentarily taken aback, upon seeing his elder brother's intent to harm, he quickly waved his hands repeatedly, attempting to take responsibility by saying: "It is not my son's fault; it was my own hand that trembled."

The two officials were quite embarrassed, and the official Ji disdainfully waved his sleeve and said, "Hmph! What do children know? Lord Zhao, your family's upbringing is too poor!"

Although Zhao Shouye was merely a shadow official, he was not unfamiliar with the rules of the officialdom. He had previously lost his composure and let down his guard. Now, upon hearing Zhao Hao's reminder, Zhao Shouye could not help but be startled, exclaiming:

Upon hearing this, the physician Ji's mouth twitched slightly, treating Zhao Hao's words as if he had not heard them at all, and instead stomped his foot in threat towards Zhao Shouye

Zhao Shouye was already in a daze and scolded Zhao Hao, saying: "Don't interrupt randomly!"

Zhao Hao, seeing that he still had not come to his senses at this moment, was also exasperated and sighed repeatedly

Zhao Hao, seemingly an uninvolved bystander, was fanning the flames by saying:

If it were not for your father offending Lord Gao back then, how would the Southern Ministry of Revenue have attracted the attention of the capital? Now it is my Southern Court that is investigating, and we can still cover it up, but once it is handed over to the Northern Court, there will be no way out!

Upon hearing this, the three outsiders could not help but change their expressions slightly

A gentleman speaks rather than acts; my elder brother, please instruct and do not resort to violence against my son

Ah! Esteemed sirs, I implore you to allow me to see my father first, so that he may take charge of this matter!