Chapter 139: Heard on the Road, Planning

The next day, early morning.

Zhang Jian and his servant were awakened by the commotion outside the shop.

This was a resting place for the Zhang family caravan, originally a shop selling silk.

After Zhang Jian and his servant arrived, they first took lodging there.

Several stalwart constables rushed in at that moment, searching everywhere.

"Sirs, we really have no strangers here. These two young masters are examinees from the Upper Capital, scholars passing through Immortal Gathering County. Please, sirs, do not offend the Literary Star!"

At that moment, the silk shop proprietor hurriedly grabbed the two constables beside him.

Hearing this, the two constables also did not dare to be negligent; after simply checking the travel documents of Zhang Jian and his servant, they politely escorted Zhang Jian and his servant to the side.

Soon after, they hurriedly left.

Seeing this, Zhang Jian was somewhat surprised; he noticed that these constables actually did not give the silk shop proprietor a hard time.

This was quite a rare situation.

In Zhang Jian's impression, even the constables of the Prefect's Office of Phoenix Sun County were not every one able to restrain themselves, not taking bribes.

Once encountering an order to suppress bandits, it was inevitable to take advantage of the opportunity to gain some profit.

Seeing this, Zhang Lu hurriedly went to the street to inquire about news; shortly after returning, he brought back bad news.

Last night, Immortal Gathering County saw a band of bandits attack the County City Prison, killing the jailers and freeing the prisoners.

Immortal Gathering County sealed its gates overnight; currently, entry is allowed but exit is not.

"Young master, it seems we won't be able to leave Immortal Gathering County for a while."

Zhang Lu wore a bitter expression at this time.

"Is there no other way?"

Zhang Jian slightly furrowed his brow.

Actually, with his abilities he could directly leave Immortal Gathering County, but there's no great need; he presently does not want to be too conspicuous.

Especially at this time, it's very easy to invite trouble.

Zhang Lu said: "There is still a way; reportedly, as long as one goes to the Prefect's Office to obtain a special travel permit, one can pass!"

"Then it seems we must make a trip to the Prefect's Office!"

Zhang Jian's expression, however, was not concerned.

……

Outside the Prefect's Office Gate, a long queue had already formed early.

When Zhang Jian and his servant arrived, they merely glanced and immediately shook their heads; too many people had come to apply for special travel permits, including many merchants and officials' retinues.

At this moment, officials of the Prefect's Office Gate were shouting loudly ahead.

"Don't crowd together, everyone listen clearly: for the next three days, only examinees heading to Haojing for the exams will be given priority; non-examinees, do not come to queue, otherwise none will be accepted!"

Hearing the official's loud call, some officials' retinues and some merchants could not help but loudly object, but that official merely had a dark face, showing no favoritism; the people could do nothing but wear expressions of helplessness and first leave.

Just then, Zhang Jian's expression shifted; he glanced behind and heard an enthusiastic voice coming from behind.

"Zhang Brother!"

"It turns out to be Cheng Feng Brother!"

Zhang Jian had also long noticed the servant of Shi Lun getting down from the carriage behind.

"Cheng Feng" is the courtesy name of Shi Lun.

At this moment, Shi Lun's face showed a smile; he happily said: "I had guessed that Zhang Brother would certainly come to handle the special travel permit; Elder Brother has been waiting here for a while!"

He glanced at the examinees around, then whispered to Zhang Jian: "Come on, we don't need to queue here; we can directly obtain the special travel permit!"

At this moment, looking at Zhang Jian, Shi Lun was exceptionally enthusiastic.

Having received Zhang Jian's gifted amulet, he slept exceptionally soundly last night; he hadn't slept so well in a long time.

Upon meeting this time, he was especially enthusiastic!

On the way, he greeted Zhang Jian with a smile: "Zhang Brother, this time the special travel permit is handled entirely at the Vice-Prefect's Residence; our Shi family and the Vice-Prefect Uncle Zhang's family are old family friends, so there's no need for such trouble!"

Zhang Jian nodded.

"So that's how it is; this trip we have gained the grace of Cheng Feng Brother!"

Shi Lun gave a light smile, also showing some smile in his eyes.

With Shi Lun's help recommending, Vice-Prefect Zhang Cheng, after verifying the travel documents of Zhang Jian and his servant, readily agreed.

This Vice-Prefect is quite easy to talk to.

Actually, Zhang Jian and his servant are quite distinctive.

Zhang Jian was originally a famous youthful scholar of Phoenix Sun County, already renowned in the region; after a brief verification, it was confirmed that Zhang Jian and his servant were genuine persons, with no problem.

As for Shi Lun, there was even less problem.

The two quickly completed the special travel permit.

Shi Lun remained in high spirits all the way, and soon brought up last night's county major case.

"Zhang Brother, do you know that something major happened in the city last night!"

"That band of thieves is incredibly bold, actually daring to go to the County City Prison to break out prisoners; I had my family inquire a bit nearby……"

Shi Lun sighed and slightly shook his head.

"The jailers were almost completely wiped out!"

Zhang Jian's brow slightly furrowed.

The Xuandu Sect's target appears not to be the Prefect's Office, but the County City Prison.

Presumably there is someone special in the County City Prison, causing the Xuandu Sect to go to such great lengths.

In the depths of his eyes, he now felt somewhat solemn.

Mountain Yang Commandery borders Phoenix Yang Commandery.

By the bedside, how can others be allowed to sleep soundly!

If Mountain Yang Commandery were to collapse, the next unfortunate one could very well be Phoenix Yang Commandery.

Phoenix Yang Commandery is the foundation of the Zhang family.

A single Dharma King of the Mysterious Capital Sect is already so difficult to deal with; if they were to mobilize the entire sect, they would undoubtedly be an extremely terrifying force.

However, it appears that the primary target of the Mysterious Capital Sect is still Gathering Immortals Commandery, the great commandery known as the foremost among the Southern Commanderies.

If one were to put themselves in his shoes, if they were to rise in rebellion, Zhang Jian, judging by his own measure, would certainly need to seize this great commandery that lies at the core of the waterway transport hub; the wealth of this commandery alone would be enough to equip how many troops?

However, in Zhang Jian's view, the Mysterious Capital Sect can at most be a vanguard for the king.

Although the Southern Commanderies have produced countless refugees due to drought this period, the foundation of the Great Qian court still remains; once the court and the Dongshen Observatory react, they will immediately send elite troops, and experts will come to suppress this rebellion.

"For now, just focus on the imperial examinations!"

The Zhang family should lie low and develop in silence; that is the proper way.

Build high walls, stockpile abundant grain, and slowly proclaim oneself king.

If this imperial examination goes smoothly, one can become a presented scholar, serve several terms in office, and by the time the Zhang family's wings are fully fledged, they will fear no challenge.

With travel permits, the master and servant, along with some examinees, were able to leave Gathering Immortals Commandery smoothly; after crossing several large mountains, the renowned Immortal Crossing was already before the many examinees.

That is the largest ferry crossing in Gathering Immortals Commandery.

Around the crossing there is also a small town called Immortal Crossing.

This place is quite prosperous.

On the broad, expansive water surface, countless large ships gather and are dispatched on the river.

"So many soldiers!"

Many examinees at this moment stood at the crossing, watching this scene, also feeling somewhat shaken.

Only see banners fluttering, and on each large ship hangs the dragon flag representing the orthodox Great Qian court.

Numerous troop transport ships and grain ships are passing through this place; they are continuously mobilized from the surrounding commandery cities, via the Grand Canal, to be sent to Mountain Yang Commandery.

At a glance, it seems as if the Grand Canal is filled with countless killing intent.