The strongest devouring system in the Three Kingdoms

Chapter 379: Out of reach

Just then, Zhao Tianming's ears twitched. He suddenly noticed someone at the door, immediately put away the piece of paper, and loudly questioned them.

"Who goes there? Why don't you speak? Are you tired of living?" Zhao Tianming was a cunning and shrewd man who didn't allow anyone to approach his study, but the sound of a man's laughter came from outside.

"Reporting to Your Excellency, there is a first-rank official named Chen Er outside who wishes to see you. I wonder if it is permissible to let him in?"

This man was one of Zhao Tianming's most capable right-hand men. His name was Zhang Dashu, and his skills were far beyond Zhao Tianming's reach.

Originally, Zhang Dashu was a wandering swordsman. By chance, he was performing on the street to earn money for food when Zhao Tianming saw him and hired him as his henchman.

In recent years, Zhang Dashu has helped Zhao Tianming solve a lot of problems, making Zhao Tianming very happy.

Upon hearing Zhang Dashu's voice, Zhao Tianming breathed a sigh of relief. However, Zhang Dashu's words made Zhao Tianming's expression stiffen, and he immediately pressed for an answer.

"Zhang Dashu, you just said who requested to see me, that it was that Chen Er, a first-rank official. Am I hallucinating?"

Zhao Tianming never expected that Chen Er would bring people to see him so soon after he returned.

Could it be that Lord Zhao Beixing was right? Chen Er wanted to make a move against him. However, after thinking about it carefully, Zhao Xianming felt that it was unlikely. Even if Chen Er had a dozen times the courage, otherwise, Chen Er would be shooting himself in the foot.

Besides, Zhao Tianming never expected that Chen Er's visit was actually to search the small warehouse.

Of course, apart from his wives, even Zhao Beixing didn't know the exact location of Zhao Tianming's small warehouse. Zhang Dashu outside asked with great certainty.

"Reporting to Your Excellency, it's that man named Chen Er, who looks extremely young. I really don't know how he rose to the rank of First Rank?"

The man was a little unconvinced. He had never seen someone so young rise to the rank of First Rank before. He thought that if Chen Er were to rise through the ranks so quickly, things would get out of control.

Once you gain the Emperor's favor, it will be much easier to get promoted. Zhao Tianming couldn't help but feel conflicted. However, when he thought of Wang Dawei being killed by Chen Er, Zhao Tianming clenched his fists involuntarily.

Zhao Tianming knew perfectly well that it wouldn't be long before Wang Dawei's father would cause him trouble again.

"Let him in. Let them wait in the living room. I'll go see him later." Zhao Tianming's calm voice came from the study. Zhang Dashu gave a shout and jogged away. Zhao Tianming then placed the piece of paper on the candle and lit it.

"Your Majesty, you probably don't know, but the money in my little treasury is almost as much as the entire Ming Dynasty. It's just a pity that there's no one to share it with, which really makes me a little sad." Zhao Tianming watched as a piece of paper turned to ashes before secretly letting out a sigh of relief. He wiped the cold sweat from his forehead.

Zhao Tianming stretched and strode out. At the same time, Zhang Dashu brought Chen Er to the living room and prepared tea for him. Chen Er sighed, looked at the dilapidated furniture in the living room, and couldn't help but scoff.

"Lord Zhao Tianming has worked tirelessly day and night for the people, doing many good things, yet his home has not a single decent piece of furniture. It truly makes us ashamed!"

"When I have time, I'll send some furniture to Zhao Tianming," Chen Er said, leaving Zhang Dashu with a hint of helplessness.

Although Zhang Dashu didn't know that Zhao Tianming had a slush fund, Zhao Tianming had been an official for over ten years, and judging by his character, everyone knew he was a cunning old fox. So, if Zhao Tianming didn't embezzle, even ghosts wouldn't believe it. However, Zhang Dashu didn't dare to say it out loud, so he could only bow and scrape as he spoke.

"That's right. My master hasn't been favored by the Emperor for several years. He's been keeping a very low profile lately. Anyway, in a few years, my master will be retiring. At that time, a few words from the Emperor will be enough to grant him money and allow him to retire."

The big man's words almost made Chen Er spit out the tea he had just drunk.

Chen Er was truly surprised by how funny this man's words were. Besides, the reason Chen Er had just mentioned making a piece of furniture for Zhao Tianming was actually to prepare a tiger-head guillotine for Zhao Tianming!

However, Chen Er didn't say it, and now wasn't the time to say it, which made Ma Dazhi a little impatient.

"I say, your master is putting on quite the airs, isn't he? Just because he's a bit bigger than our master doesn't mean he's not coming out now. Are you going to wait until it gets dark?"

Ma Dazhi felt a little sorry for Chen Er, since Chen Er was doing all this for the sake of the people.

Even the Emperor is unaware that Chen Er is now dealing with Zhao Tianming to help the Emperor resolve his troubles. Zhang Dashu's eyes narrowed into slits, once again displaying his江湖 (jianghu, a term referring to the world of martial arts and chivalry) temperament.

“I’m telling you, you’re just a bodyguard with a sword. You have no right to interrupt. My master is busy with official duties lately, but he’ll find time to see you soon. Don’t be in such a hurry,” Zhang Dashu said impatiently.

Zhang Dashu's words brought a mocking smile to Ma Dazhi's face: "What, do you want to fight me? Let me tell you, don't be fooled by your burly appearance. If you really anger me, I can break your head off with just one finger, believe it or not?"

Ma Dazhi's fiery temper flared up, and he looked at Zhang Dashu with great determination and said.

Ma Dazhi's words immediately displeased Zhang Dashu, who slammed his fist on the table and stood up.

"Who do you think you are, daring to challenge me? Are you tired of living? Don't think that just because your master has become a first-rank official at such a young age, you can look down on everyone. Let me tell you, you deserve to die just like me."

Zhang Dashu's words were a perfect example of killing two birds with one stone; they not only mocked Ma Dazhi but also didn't spare Chen Er.

Suddenly, a cough came from outside: "What are you all doing?" Zhao Tianming said calmly. He looked like he was really working hard day and night for the people and was almost exhausted. Chen Er couldn't help but laugh when he saw Zhao Tianming's appearance.

Although Chen Er was very angry inside, Zhao Tianming was quite good at pretending, but Chen Er did not dare to show it on the surface.