GBP Chapter 605 The Third Group
Chapter 605 The Third Group
"What do you mean?" Liu Sanlang was puzzled. "You used to love wandering around the city."
"Actually, it's mainly because of the grain transport incident at the beginning of the year. So now our every move is easily suspected. It's better to keep a low profile. Especially General Luo, who is betting on both sides. For us, he is not a completely trustworthy person now," Zhang Pingan explained casually while sitting on the chair.
"Alas, being an official is complicated. Last year, you told your sixth brother-in-law that he could discuss anything with General Luo. It hasn't been long now, and things have changed again," Liu Sanlang couldn't help but sigh.
"Brother-in-law, the situation in officialdom is ever-changing. The saying that there are no eternal friends, only eternal interests, applies most of the time," Zhang Pingan said with a smile, shaking his head.
"But the fact that the Firearms Workshop is moving to a new location reminds me that the imperial court will soon send a third group of people to take over the lost territories that have just been recovered. You and I may have to leave Ze County soon."
Liu Sanlang put down his teacup in surprise: "Why?"
Zhang Ping'an shook his head and said nothing, asking his brother-in-law to think carefully about the connection.
After hearing this, Liu Sanlang pondered for a moment before replying, "Could it be that the imperial court and Lord Zhou made an exchange?"
"That's one of the reasons," Zhang Ping'an nodded. His brother-in-law has indeed improved a lot now and he has hit on some points.
"What about other reasons?" Liu Sanlang asked, knowing that he had not told the whole story.
"Haha, this is actually a game between two parties. We are all part of the game. When the third group comes, we, as the first group to take the lead, can't just let things take their course and rise with the tide. Lord Zhou is not stupid.
I just don't know whether the next step will be to arrange us to Huai'an Prefecture, or to go straight to Runan Prefecture near Xi County, or to Caizhou, both are possible," Zhang Pingan guessed.
"Anyway, I guess it's either Magistrate Huang or I who will go. The two of us must control the Huai River line. That way, Lord Zhou can attack or defend. After all, no one can guarantee victory in battles all their lives."
"So that's how it is," Liu Sanlang understood and suddenly his eyes were opened.
Then he asked hesitantly, "That doesn't guarantee that I will go with you, right?!"
"Don't worry, everyone knows our relationship. If I leave, you, brother-in-law, will definitely follow me," Zhang Ping'an said in an affirmative tone.
"A civilian officer without arms and military authority is of little use on the front lines right now. If Lord Zhou transfers me, he'll definitely make some arrangements. Then, my brother-in-law, you'll be my strongest military support, just like Captain Chen and Captain Lieutenant Li to Prefect Huang."
"I understand!" Liu Sanlang now understood everything completely.
The two of them took a nap in the room in the afternoon and didn't go anywhere.
After waking up, I walked around the garden and drank a few cups of tea, which was quite pleasant.
After General Luo came back in the evening, everyone had dinner together.
The next morning, after Zhang Ping'an and his men finished breakfast, he said goodbye to General Luo and returned to Ze County.
As expected, by the end of April, the imperial court sent a third group of people to the north to take over the recovered lost territories.
There are both civil and military officials, and the intention is very clear.
Zhang Ping'an, his elder brother-in-law Liu Sanlang, Ruan San, and Zouping were also promoted again.
He was promoted to the fifth-rank prefect of Runan Prefecture, while Liu Sanlang, Ruan San, and Zou Ping were promoted to the seventh-rank Yihui Xiaowei.
Lao Tu did not move and remained in Ze County.
Just as Zhang Ping'an had guessed before, although Magistrate Huang was promoted to a higher rank, he still worked in Huai'an Prefecture and did not need to move.
He, his elder brother-in-law, and Ruan San were going to Runan Prefecture together.
It is already the heart of the Central Plains, and is not even too far from my hometown, Ezhou Prefecture.
Apart from them, the person he cared about most was Lin Junhui.
What surprised Zhang Pingan was that Lin Junhui was promoted three levels in a row this time. Just like him before, he became the fifth-rank Tongzhi of Huai'an Prefecture, replacing him.
But on weekdays, I still work in Fu County and don’t have to go to Huai’an.
Before leaving, the old bald man was very sad: "What a fucking mess! The most I've done in my life is say goodbye to people. What kind of life is this for me?"
"Go away, don't curse me. Those brothers you sent away before all went to report to the King of Hell. My brother-in-law, Ruan San and I have been promoted and given salary increases. There is no comparison!" Zhang Ping'an deliberately made a joke.
He didn't want to be so sad when they parted.
Ruan San smiled and said, "Old Baldy, just stay in Ze County and relax. Don't be ungrateful for what you have. Ping An and I went to Runan Prefecture to be pioneers. It's not as comfortable as staying in Ze County!"
Liu Sanlang smiled innocently and said comfortingly, "Old Baldy, we'll meet again someday, don't worry!"
"It's a pity that you can't see the autumn harvest. All the crops in the fields are growing well. We will definitely have a prosperous New Year this year," said the old bald man with a regretful tone.
He, Zhang Ping'an, Liu Sanlang and Ruan San have cooperated very well in governing Ze County in recent years, and he has not had to worry about anything.
It may not be the same if someone else comes by then.
In recent years, the relationship between Lord Zhou and the court has been awkward and tense, and he actually knows it all.
Sending you thousands of miles, you have to say goodbye in the end.
The old bald man accompanied Zhang Ping'an and others to the official road, watched them go away, and then turned around and returned to Ze County.
This time, my mood is different from the last time I went to the front line to escort food and supplies.
Zhang Ping'an and his men were not in a hurry and rode leisurely to Huai'an Prefecture.
Magistrate Huang had expected Zhang Ping'an to come, so he was not surprised.
From now on, he and Zhang Pingan will have a relationship of mutual dependence. Since they both control the Huaihe River, they must keep in close contact.
When Zhang Ping'an passed by Huai'an Prefecture on his way to take up his post, he had to pay a visit no matter what.
Having not seen each other for many days, the two exchanged some greetings before sitting down.
Prefect Huang said with a smile, "Master Zhang is truly young and promising. He's only twenty years old, but he's already a fifth-rank prefect. The young are truly formidable! I'm the old one!"
"What are you talking about, Magistrate Huang? Don't tease me. At the age of thirty, I should be able to make great achievements in the officialdom. I can be regarded as the backbone of the court," Zhang Ping'an complimented him with a smile.
The two men practiced Tai Chi for a while before Magistrate Huang said sternly, "I'm afraid this autumn will be uneasy. You better be aware of this, my dear brother."
"Let's take it one step at a time. How can I stay out of it when I'm in the situation?" Zhang Ping'an replied calmly.
"Well, come to think of it, it's because those old guys in Lin'an are too impatient and can't keep their composure," sighed Prefect Huang as he lowered his head to drink tea.
Zhang Pingan found it funny. It was normal for others to be anxious. It would be wrong if they were not anxious!