Chapter 15: Zhou Tong's Night Visit to the Grand Tutor's Residence

  Zhou Tong looked at Wang Ziqian's painting and appreciated him very much. Although he had no knowledge of art, he could use simple methods to express his thoughts in his heart, which was really unique.

  "This Prince Peng is a rare talent, if cultivated, he will become a great instrument in the future. Unfortunately, he left quietly and now his whereabouts are unknown? Li old brother, since Prince Peng is no longer in the mansion, I also bid farewell. I want to go to Bianjing, and take the opportunity to inquire about the news of the imperial court. If I have the chance to meet Zi Peng on the road, I will definitely bring him back and polish him well." Zhou Dang said.

  "Since Zi Peng has left without saying goodbye, everyone has their own ambitions and can't be forced. I hope he can fulfill his aspirations in the future. Old Hero Zhou, please take care of finding Zi Peng for me. If you see him, please convey my message to him: the door of the Li family will always be open for him, and whenever he wants to come back and visit, I will welcome him warmly." County Master Li smiled helplessly and agreed to let Zhou Dang convey his message.

  At night, County Magistrate Li and Zhou Cong drank wine to discuss heroes and talked about the current state of affairs until very late before sleeping. The next day at dawn, Zhou Cong got up early, packed his clothes, and County Magistrate Li gave him some silver as a gift. Zhou Cong repeatedly declined, but County Magistrate Li insisted on giving it to him, so he had no choice but to accept it. After leaving the mansion, Zhou Cong rode the sorrel horse given by County Magistrate Li and galloped towards Bianjing. Along the way, he traveled day and night, and the journey was not far, riding a fast horse, he arrived in Bianjing in two days. When he arrived at the city gate, Zhou Cong got off his horse and walked into the city gate with the sorrel horse.

  The capital city is bustling and prosperous, with people coming and going, flowing endlessly. The shops on both sides of the street are lined up, with the sounds of buying and selling rising and falling. Tea houses, wine shops, song and dance halls, brothels, and gambling dens can be seen everywhere. Those grand mansions of high-ranking officials, imperial palaces, residential areas, are clearly divided into different levels, with the rich and poor clearly visible at a glance.

  Zhou Dang arrived at the famous old-brand hotel "Yue Lai Ke Zhan" in the capital city, ordered a plate of peanuts, a plate of large slices of beef, and a pot of Xinghua Village wine. He sat by the window, slowly sipping his drink while appreciating the bustling scenery on the street.

  "Shopkeeper, bring out the best wine and dishes." Suddenly, three lavishly dressed customers from the north burst in, loudly shouting as they entered.

  The shopkeeper saw that the newcomer's attire was unlike that of a Song Dynasty citizen, and he seemed somewhat displeased. He slowly responded with a grunt and walked over to greet him.

  "Sir, there's nothing good to drink or eat in my shop. I'm afraid we can't treat you well, it's better for you to go and take a look at another place." The shopkeeper said with an apologetic smile.

  "What's wrong? We've come to give you some business, and you're not happy about it? Don't you want to open your shop?" the middle-aged swordsman in martial attire asked aggressively.

  "Sir, you've got it wrong. All who come here are guests, and we're in the business of opening our doors to them - how could we not be delighted? It's just that looking at your attire, all three of you seem quite dignified, and I'm afraid our humble shop doesn't have any fine wine or dishes worthy of treating you to." The shopkeeper said with a smile plastered on his face.

  "In that case, bring out the best wine and dishes in your store. We won't treat you unfairly," said the young, aristocratically dressed golden-haired man.

  "Alright, sir, please take a seat. The wine and dishes will be served shortly." The shopkeeper said and went straight to the kitchen to instruct the cook to stir-fry the dishes.

  "Sir, where shall we go first? The Left Chancellor's or the Grand Preceptor's residence?" asked the middle-aged swordsman.

  "I'll first go to Taizong Fu to meet Zhang Bangchang, and then I'll go see Liu Yanzhong. This king has a mission on his person and doesn't dare to tarry." The young man who called himself 'this king' said seriously.

  Although Zhou Cong was advanced in years, his ears were still extremely sharp and he heard the prince's words, understanding their intentions. These people must have been sent by Wolf Master to Bianjing, first to spy on military intelligence, second to bribe corrupt officials with power and influence in the imperial court, to learn about the court's movements from them, and at the same time win them over to serve the Jin country. What a sinister move, two birds with one stone.

  "No way! Now that I've encountered them, I absolutely cannot let their conspiracy succeed. I must keep a close eye on them and see what kind of tricks they're playing." Zhou Dang thought to himself.

  The shopkeeper brought up all the wine and dishes, and the three Jin people, who were used to eating bread and beef in the north, came to Bianjing and ate a sumptuous feast, naturally devouring them greedily.

  Zhou Tong occasionally glanced at them, quietly listening to their conversation. He had originally wanted to step forward and teach them a lesson, but with his many years of experience roaming the rivers and lakes, he endured instead.

  Jin Ren's motives are unclear, can't act rashly, a small tolerance will ruin the big plan. Zhou Dong warned himself secretly.

  After eating and drinking for more than an hour, it was already past 10 o'clock at night. The several golden men had settled the bill and left the inn. They walked on the main street, looking around to see that there were no people nearby, and quickened their pace towards the Taizai Mansion.

  There were few pedestrians on the road, and most of the shops on both sides had already closed. Zhou Dong followed secretly, not daring to make any mistakes.

  Jin Ren seemed to be familiar with the road and came straight to the gate of Tai Zai Fu without asking for directions.

  "Bang, bang, bang..." The servant guarding the door opened it a crack and stuck his head out to ask, "Who is it? What are you doing knocking on the door at this hour?"

  "Please trouble yourself to report that Prince Yelü Zhongwang of the Golden Nation requests an audience with the Grand Chancellor." The young prince said.

  The servant, upon hearing that the King of Gold had arrived, was terrified and hastily said: "Your Highness, please wait a moment, I will go and report to my master." He then rushed in to make his report.

  Before long, Zhang Bangchang himself came out of the gate to greet him.

  "The prince arrived late at night, and Zhang Bangchang was remiss in welcoming him from afar. He begged for forgiveness. It's cool outside, please come in to talk." Zhang Bangchang led the three Jin people into the door, looked around cautiously outside, didn't find anything, and then closed the door with a sigh of relief, ushering his guests into the living room.

  Zhou Tong saw the Golden People enter the Taizai Mansion, and when Zhang Bangchang spoke with that servile and flattering expression, he knew they had some unspeakable secret between them. To investigate the truth of the matter clearly, Zhou Tong leaped over the wall, passed through the garden courtyard, and climbed onto the roof. He walked on the rooftop as if it were flat ground. Arriving at the brightly lit guest hall, Zhou Tong lay down on the rooftop, gently lifted a tile, and looked down from above; every move of the people in the guest hall was clear to him.

  "Your Highness has come from afar, I wonder if there's any instruction? I will listen with utmost respect." Zhang Bangchang said.

  "It's not about giving advice, I'm here to pay a visit and bring you a gift of a thousand-year-old ginseng from Mount Changbai to nourish your body. You are the Grand Chancellor of the current dynasty, a red person by the side of the young emperor, working hard for national affairs every day, exhausting your thoughts and worries, it's not easy. This thousand-year-old ginseng is a gift from my father, the Emperor, to you as a meeting gift, as long as you cooperate with us well, you will have wealth and glory in the future." Yelü Zong said.