Zhang Lang sat behind the desk, with one hand still supporting his head, still asleep, there was still official documents in front of him, and an oil lamp was lit on the desk table, and the lights were jumping gently, illuminating the study room light and dark.

Dong Ying, wearing armor and cloak, came in from outside with her sword. Seeing that Zhang Lang was already asleep, she couldn't bear to wake him up and turned around to leave.

"Yingying." Zhang Lang called out.

Dong Ying stood up, clasped her fists and said, "Brother, I thought you were still asleep."

Zhang Lang raised his head and smiled and said, "I took a nap." He twisted his neck, stretched his waist, looked at the sky outside, and asked, "When is it now?" Dong Ying said, "It's already the second day. Brother, someone is here outside and I want to see you."

Zhang Lang was a little surprised, "It's so late, who is it?"

"The visitor claims to be Ma Bufang from the Ma family in Fufeng."

Zhang Lang showed an unexpected look, "It's him? Haha, this is really unexpected! Invite him in." Dong Ying Ying said with a loud voice, left the study room, and then led Ma Bufang in a moment. Ma Bufang was wearing a simple white gown and a towel wrapped around her head, which was quite like a scholar.

As soon as Ma Bufang saw Zhang Lang, he quickly knelt down and bowed: "Little Minor Ma Bufang greets the Great General!"

Zhang Lang smiled and said, "Mr. Ma doesn't have to be too polite, get up and talk."

"Thank you General." Ma Bufang stood up, stood respectfully, and clasped his fists at Zhang Lang, "Xiaomin took the liberty to come, and ask the general to forgive him."

Zhang Lang pointed to the right head and said, "Sit down and talk."

"General Xie." After walking to the left-head case, he knelt down. At this time, Dong Ying had already returned to Zhang Lang's side and stood with a sword on his shoulder.

Ma Bufang adjusted his thoughts and clasped his fists at Zhang Lang, "General, Xiaomin took the liberty to visit, but he really didn't say something. If there is any offense, please forgive me!" Zhang Lang smiled and said, "If you have something, just say it directly, don't worry. I really want to hear your heartfelt words."

Ma Bufang corrected his thoughts and clasped his fists and said, "Forgive the words of Xiaomin. Since the rebellion of the Xichuan gentry, Xiaomin and others have tried to be uneasy and are afraid every day. I don't know when similar things will come to their heads." Zhang Lang nodded with understanding, "You have this kind of worry! But I can tell you clearly that the matter in Xichuan is not an action to cleanse the gentry. Although I am dissatisfied with the gentry, the gentry under my rule are the same as other people. As long as I abide by the laws and regulations, I will protect them and I will not win, so how can I persecute them? I will never know the law and break the law!"

"... I believe Mr. Ma has heard about the matter of Xichuan. It is entirely because they rebelled first, so I had to take action. Of course, to some extent, their rebellion actually helped me a lot. If they did not rebel, I would not have the opportunity to confiscate their wealth. The finances will be much more tense now."

Ma Bufang didn't expect that Zhang Lang was so straightforward and didn't know what to say for a moment.

Zhang Lang smiled and said, "I know what you are worried about. I will give you a brief explanation. I actually have no prejudice against the gentry. I only hope that the gentry can help me unify the cause of the world, not the other way around. The Zhen family and the Cai family are all big names among the gentry. Are you not working well with me now? The main reason why the gentry has had a sharp conflict with me is actually the problem of land and the privileges they originally enjoyed. However, the times have changed, and the world has changed a lot. How can the gentry be conservative? How much profit can the land and the previous privileges bring to you? Why do you better work with me to explore the world and vigorously develop the commercial industry! The gentry has natural advantages, so why don't they do this?"

"... The Zhen family and the Cai family have gained more benefits than before, but at least they are not less than before. As I have more and more territory in my hands, there is great potential for industry and commerce!"

Ma Bufang was very moved and showed a thoughtful look.

Zhang Lang leaned there, looking leisurely.

Ma Bufang raised his head, clasped his fists and asked, "General allows me to do business everywhere?"

Zhang Lang nodded, "Of course, as long as you are willing." Then he smiled and said, "There is a big problem for the aristocratic class. On the surface, it seems that they don't want to let go of their figures, but in fact they think that the logs that rely on the land to eat and drink are the easiest, and they don't want to change. Under my hands, the conservative gentry will probably be eliminated. Only those who can make correct changes have the opportunity to develop."

Ma Bufang said excitedly: "The general's words made Xiaomin cheerful! Xiaomin has always been worried that the general has prejudices against people like us! Fortunately, Mrs. Xiaomin reminded Xiaomin!"

Zhang Lang smiled.

Ma Bufang clasped his fists and said, "Xiaomin is willing to donate all the 10,000 acres of fertile land in his hand to show that Xiaomin supports the general."

Zhang Lang was happy in his heart and smiled and said, "I have accepted Mr. Ma's intentions. But I will not ask you for these fertile fields in vain. What is the current market price? I will also give you what price. But I cannot give you this money immediately, but it is converted into the tax you should pay for in your business activities!" Ma Bufang stood up and thanked: "Thank you, General."

Zhang Lang smiled, "Mr. Ma has a great influence in Fufeng. I hope you can convince other gentry to change their courses, which will be a great thing for everyone." Ma Bufang clasped his fists and said, "The common people should do their best."

Zhang Lang nodded with a smile.

Ma Bufang suddenly remembered something and clasped his fists at Zhang Lang and said, "There is something that the common people must report to the general!"

"What's the matter?"

"Not long ago, Li Ru came to Xiaomin's home and persuaded Xiaomin to secretly understand that Cao Cao and the general were enemies. Xiaomin did not agree to him and sent him away."

Zhang Lang and Dong Ying were both shocked. There was no news about Li Ru for a long time. Unexpectedly, he suddenly appeared. Zhang Lang asked, "Where is Li Ru now?"

"Xiaomin doesn't know. However, Li Ru came to Xiaomin's house in the evening. When he left, the city gate was closed, and Li Ru must still be in the city."

Zhang Lang glanced at Dong Ying, and Dong Ying understood and left immediately. Zhang Lang smiled and said to Ma Bufang, "You have helped me a lot." Ma Bufang said in panic: "This is the duty of the common people."

Dong Ying came out of the study and immediately called Ma Yi, the prefect of Fufeng County, to take people to various inns to search for such a person. Ma Yi took the order and hurried down.
Chapter completed!