So, while the Emperor’s favor was important, he also needed to seize the opportunity to gain more power. Only by becoming strong could he live a less stifled and more comfortable life.

Zhou Shuren stroked his beard, his eyes narrowed. Wu Ming was his backup plan, so this delivered knife, if used well, would not only benefit the Emperor but also become an ally he needed, especially since he was about to jump into the vortex. Besides the Emperor’s favor, his own power was too weak.

Chang Lian’s jiefu, Jiang Ming, wanted to rise again, but it would be several years before he could. If his luck ran out, Jiang Ming would have a tough time. Zhou Shuren couldn’t rely on Jiang Ming.

Zhou Shuren didn’t let Shi Qing get up, just watched Shi Qing scheming. He didn’t need to hold the knife; he only needed to borrow its strength. Zhou Shuren felt quite excited thinking about it; he was undermining the Emperor’s power.

Shi Qing’s back ached, then his legs went numb. He was used to this bent-over posture, but he had never stood for so long. But he wasn’t angry; he had no right to be angry.

Zhou Shuren meticulously calculated the time, wanting to see Shi Qing’s limits. Chang Lian had practiced this posture, but compared to Shi Qing, Chang Lian was no match.

A quarter of an hour had passed, and Shi Qing remained motionless. Another quarter of an hour passed, and Shi Qing’s legs didn’t even tremble. It was clear that Shi Qing had truly trained; he was ruthless even to himself.

Zhou Shuren said, “Get up!”

Shi Qing bit his lip until it bled, then bit himself hard again and slowly straightened up. “Thank you, sir.”

Zhou Shuren looked at Shi Qing’s face; it was pale, but his breathing quickly evened out. Zhou Shuren narrowed his eyes. “To be honest, I don’t like you.”

Shi Qing’s eyes flickered. Lord Zhou was indeed straightforward. Indeed, no one liked him now.

Zhou Shuren said playfully, “Don’t you want to know why?”

Shi Qing pursed his lips. “This student knows.”

Zhou Shuren said, “No, you don’t know. What I dislike is your ruthlessness. Who knows if that ruthlessness will be directed at me later?”

Shi Qing was stunned. Was he supposed to swear an oath? But he had no right to swear; at present, he had no right whatsoever. Shi Qing kept his mouth shut.

Zhou Shuren stood up. He didn’t expect to get anything from Shi Qing right now. However, Zhou Shuren narrowed his eyes, showing no hurry. “Tomorrow, pack your things. I’ll give you seven days. You need to travel all over Lizhou. Remember, only seven days.”

Shi Qing knew this was a test. He frowned, wanting to ask what Zhou Shuren was giving him to see in seven days, but he couldn’t. He was completely confused. Then he saw that Zhou Shuren had already left.

Not long after Zhou Shuren went out, he ran into He Daren. He Daren smiled, “Sir, may I have a word with you?”

Zhou Shuren smiled and nodded, “Alright.”

He Daren was quick-witted and young. Zhou Shuren had been observing He Daren for almost two years. He Daren intended to rely on him to become independent and no longer depend on his wife’s family. He had also tried to win him over. It seemed that He Daren had made up his mind today.

That evening, Zhulan could tell Zhou Shuren was in a good mood just by looking at him. “Resolved?”

Zhou Shuren smiled. “Almost.”

Zhulan yawned again, and Zhou Shuren frowned, quite worried. “Why are you sleepy before even having dinner? You should see a doctor tomorrow!”

Zhulan also felt she’d been yawning a lot lately. “Okay, it’s too late tonight. I’ll see Doctor Zhang tomorrow.”

Without Zhou Shuren mentioning it, Zhulan really didn’t feel anything was wrong. She didn’t think she was sick; her appetite was excellent today. She ate three steamed buns for lunch!

(End of Chapter)

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