Zhang Yu left the reefs in Ming Yi's small boat, and under his guidance, boarded one of the warships named Thorny Heart. There was already a middle-aged man waiting here with several followers.
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He observed the noble man mentioned by Ming Yi. He was about forty or so, wearing a sapphire blue shirt, with his hair in a bun, an ebony hairpin, and his mustache neatly trimmed. He was full of energy, chic and magnanimous.
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Ming Yi introduced: "Zhang Shaolang, this is Chief Zhao Xiangcheng Zhao of the Security Patrol Committee."
Zhang Yu clasped his hands together and said, "Master Zhao."
Zhao Xiangcheng had just seen Zhang Yu's appearance clearly at this moment, and he couldn't help but marvel in his heart. At this time, he noticed the Xia Jian in Zhang Yu's hand, and couldn't help but asked: "Could that newt be killed by Shao Lang?"
Zhang Yu said: "It's just a fluke."
Zhao Xiangcheng received an affirmative answer, and his heart was churning. The main responsibility of the security patrol is to clean up pirates and strange monsters on the routes of each island. He is very aware of the power of spiritual creatures. He has just received confirmation from the guards around him.
Zhang Yu is just an ordinary person.
It's hard to imagine that a young man without extraordinary strength could do such a thing.
He said sternly: "Zhang Shaolang, the Dafu is a property in my name. If the ship sinks, it can be rebuilt. However, it is difficult to save the lives of people on the ship. But here I want to thank you for saving the lives of everyone on the ship."
As he spoke, he bowed solemnly.
Zhang Yu returned a humble gesture and said, "I'm just trying to save myself."
Zhao Xiangcheng smiled and said: "Young Master Zhang, you are humble enough to say that your actions should follow your heart and your heart should follow your nature. A person's true character is often not even clear to himself. It can only be seen in times of crisis. Your actions are worthy of being called a gentleman."
"He seemed to have remembered something at this time, paused, and said: "I would like to ask, Zhang Shaolang, are you Xiazi?"
Zhang Yudao: "In the household records, both my parents are from Xia."
After the Duhu Mansion was established, many natives joined Tianxia. The descendants of their union with the Xia people naturally became Xia citizens. However, only those whose parents were Xia people could be admitted to the Duhu Mansion.
He is called "Xia Zi". The local area is even more stringent and requires three generations to be counted.
"It is indeed Xia Zi." Zhao Xiangcheng's expression became even more harmonious. He looked at Zhang Yu and asked slowly: "Zhang Shaolang, do you think... Tianxia is still there?"
Ming Yi had been standing aside since he got on the boat. When he heard these words, he also raised his head and looked at Zhang Yu, as if he wanted to know what his answer was.
Zhang Yu changed his mind and realized that sixty years ago, the arrival of the turbulent tide caused the Dongting Protectorate to cut off contact with the mainland. Although the Protectorate tried to pass on the news several times, it all came to nothing.
Many people now suspect that Tianxia no longer exists, and just like the civilizations that emerged in the previous eras, they were submerged in this catastrophe.
He also looked at the two of them and replied with certainty: "Of course."
Zhao Xiangcheng said in surprise: "Oh? Why do you think so?"
He has seen many people who have hope for Tianxia's existence, and he has also seen many people who hold a pessimistic attitude, but it is rare to see such a firm and decisive answer.
Zhang Yu said in a calm voice: "Because wherever there are Tianxia people, that's Tianxia."
Zhao Xiangcheng was stunned for a while, his eyes shone, he nodded vigorously, and said: "Well said! Well said, wherever there are Tianxia people, that is Tianxia!" He turned sideways and said:
"Zhang Shaolang, come here, I have ordered someone to prepare a banquet before, please be sure to honor it!"
Zhang Yu happily agreed and followed him to the cabin.
At this moment, the two men suddenly saw small boats sailing towards the reefs on the sea, obviously heading for the body of the newt.
Zhao Xiangcheng paused slightly, turned around and said: "Zhang Shaolang, you killed this monster, what are you going to do with it?"
Spiritual creatures are valuable. Their muscles, bones and membranes can be used to make weapons, and most of the visceral fat can be used to make medicines and oils. Moreover, many people in the Protectorate are convinced that eating the meat of spiritual creatures can gain strength from them, and they often appear on the market as soon as they appear on the market.
It is sold out instantly and can be sold for a very high price.
Zhang Yu had considered this issue before, and he said: "I remember that the Protectorate has a clear law on the seizure of spiritual creatures?"
Zhao Xiangcheng said: "There is this law. As long as you can prove that you captured the spiritual creature yourself, 30% will go to the person who captured it, 50% will go to the public treasury, and the remaining 20% will be used by the place. But this reef group is no longer
Within the jurisdiction of any island, there is no need to count the consumption of space."
Zhang Yu cupped his hands and said: "According to the treaty made by the Protectorate sixty years ago, as long as it is Tenghai sea area, it should be counted under the jurisdiction of Zhudao. I ask Director Zhao to transfer 20% to Zhudao Lord on my behalf."
long."
Zhao Xiangcheng thought for a while and said: "I know Zhang Shaolang's concerns, so I will accept it on behalf of you. If it is inconvenient for Zhang Shaolang, I can also handle your 30% for you. How will the settlement be done at that time?"
Let’s discuss it again, what do you think?”
Zhang Yu was not polite: "Then I'll do the work." He currently has no channel to deal with this salamander, and it will attract covetous attention, so it is safest to hand it over to Zhao Xiancheng.
After the two exchanged this matter, they came to the upper cabin of the Thornheart, which had the best lighting.
Zhang Yu took off his cloak in the outer compartment, and a maid brought a copper basin. Another person came over with a long-spout pot, filled his hands with water, wiped them with a handkerchief, and then turned around the screen and entered the inner room.
The host and guest tables have been set up here. The table is covered with red silk, and there are glossy white jade plates, clean tooth chopsticks, daggers and spoons, and small plates. There is a blue bamboo shelf behind the table.
, hanging a sweat towel and handkerchief for wiping, and a high-waisted porcelain bowl at the foot of the desk.
At this time, a follower came up and bowed his head, lowering his head and saying, "Guest, there are no soldiers at this banquet. Please untie your sword."
Zhao Xiangcheng waved his hand and said, "I am hosting a banquet for Zhang Shaolang today, and we are on the ship, so there is no need for those conventional etiquettes." He turned around and made a gesture of invitation, saying: "Zhang Shaolang, please take a seat. I came out in a hurry and the preparations are simple.
, don’t be offended.”
Zhang Yu said politely and followed him to the table.
At this time, a group of people were pointing at the body of the newt on the island. It was only one day away from the capital, so they skipped the step of dividing it and prepared to hang up the hook and drag the giant monster back directly.
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When Qiao Zhan came here, a bunch of people were busy. He said to an old man in green: "Wang Jialian, how is it? Have you found out the cause of death of this monster?"
Wang Jianlian was a thin man with sharp eyes. He seemed extremely excited now. He grabbed Qiao Zhan and said, "Team leader, come here, come and see this place."
He gestured to the head of Yaoxanthus with his hand, "The sword was inserted diagonally from here, and the brain was cut in half from the middle with incomparable accuracy. Apart from that, there were no other wounds. It can be said that it was a sword."
To kill him, the person who took action must know the body structure of the newt very well, and the sword must be very special, otherwise it would not be able to cut through the spiritual surface."
Qiao Zhan was secretly shocked. The body length of this newt was at least ten feet. Facing such a large spiritual creature, even if he was holding such a sharp weapon, he would not be absolutely sure to do it without assistance.
He was very sure that Zhang Yu did not exceed the limit of ordinary people and killed spiritual creatures with a human body, and he did not use guns. Was this a precedent?
At this moment, he couldn't help but love talents.
Then he thought, if he could pull Zhang Yu into the Shenwei Army, wouldn't the credit also belong to the Shenwei Army?
With this thought, he was greatly moved, but the operation was a little difficult, and it was not something he could decide on his own.
He touched the stubble on his chin and thought about it, and then he had an idea in his mind.
In the cabin on the balcony of the Thornheart, the servant first served a snack. After putting it on the table, he bowed his head and retreated.
Zhang Yu's eyes fell and he saw small white dough balls rolling gently in the soup at the bottom of the black glazed bowl in front of him. They looked particularly lovely. He scooped them up with a dagger spoon and took a bite.
The fragrance instantly fills your cheeks, with a hint of sweetness in the softness.
Zhao Xiangcheng smiled and said: "This is Xiangyu Wan, a famous snack on Xiangdao. Is it suitable to Zhang Shaolang's taste?"
Zhang Yu put down his dagger and spoon and said: "Very good."
After the two of them finished their snacks and rinsed their mouths, the waiters came up and removed them, and then the main dishes were served one after another.
Zhao Xiangcheng said his greetings, and then they each raised their chopsticks to eat. There was no words during the meal.
After finishing eating, the host and guest went to their separate rooms to freshen up. When they returned to the table, there were plates of small fruits and vegetables on the table, as well as a cup of fragrant digestion tea.
Zhao Xiangcheng took a sip of tea, then put it down, sat upright and said, "Zhang Shaolang, how much do you know about our security patrol meeting?"
Zhang Yudao: "I have heard a little bit about it."
When he traveled with his teacher, he had met members of the Anxunhui, which is a private armed force on the islands on the sea. Although this organization is not a government agency under the jurisdiction of the Duhufu, it involves a huge combination of interests behind it.
It also involves the game between the outer islands and the Protectorate.
Zhao Xiangcheng tried to say: "I wonder if Mr. Zhang is interested in joining the Security Patrol Association? I can be your introducer."
Zhang Yuwan refused: "Thank you, Mr. Zhao. I only came to the capital to study, and I have no other ideas at the moment."
Zhao Xiangcheng felt a little regretful and said: "Since Mr. Zhang doesn't want to, I won't force you. But do you know, Mr. Zhang, that you killed a newt by yourself? This is not a small matter. If someone helps you run it, send it into
If it is listed in the merit list, then you can be rated as a 'scholar'."
Zhang Yu was very clear about the laws and honors of the Dongting Protectorate.
"Shi" is the first level of civil nobility. Once you become a scholar, you are no longer a simple citizen, but have the right to consult and advise, and to serve as an official in the government.
But in fact this is not easy to do.
The evaluation of civil nobility is generally awarded after verification by the Duhufu. However, if the person being evaluated does not have sufficient resources and background, it is almost impossible. On the contrary, if it is recommended by someone with a higher status, it will be more rewarding.
High probability of passing.
He said: "This is not an easy matter."
"It's not easy." Zhao Xiangcheng admitted this, and he showed some sincerity, "Zhang Shaolang, I admire you very much for what you did before. I want to ask if a gentleman like you is not a 'scholar', who else can do it?"
Where's the 'Shi'? I'll do this for you, but you need to wait patiently. It's not easy to raise a 'Shi', and we are not well prepared for this year's Shi's Conference."
Zhang Yu did not refuse this time and nodded: "Thank you very much, sir."
If you have the status of a scholar, it will be easier for you to do many things, including going to many places that ordinary people cannot go, and you can also access many undisclosed classics and documents.
After this banquet, the guests and hosts enjoyed themselves.
Zhang Yu excused himself to being tired and went to the cabin to rest.
Zhao Xiangcheng sighed and said, "It's a pity. It would be great if he could join our security inspection team."
Ming Yi said: "The chief seems to value this Young Master Zhang very much?"
Zhao Xiangcheng looked out the window at the vast blue sea and said, "Do you know why I am willing to help him? It's not because he saved the lives of all the people on board the Dafu, nor because he killed the salamander, but because he is like this
Talent is the cornerstone of Tianxia, and Tianxia is supported by countless such young people."
Ming Yi said: "But now there is only the Protectorate's Mansion."
Zhao Xiangcheng said firmly: "Yes, there is only the Duhu Mansion now, but the turbulent tide will recede. Just wait, it won't be long before the light of Tianxia will shine on the top of Anshan Mountain again."
