Fantasy: After transmigrating, I effortlessly became a god.

Chapter 78 Noble Lady Yun Makes a Low-Key Appearance

He Zuowen was shocked. He could only analyze the Red Turban Army, the Fourth Prince, the First Prince, the Sixth Prince, and the distribution of power in the imperial court.

Unexpectedly, Zheng Qian's analysis covered the entire Wuyan Kingdom uprising, the national situation behind the princes' struggle for power, the crisis of court infighting, and the future direction of Wuyan Kingdom.

Zhang Tiezhu analyzed the events, He Zuowen analyzed the power dynamics within the imperial palace, and Zheng Qian analyzed the future of Wuyan Kingdom.

It's obvious who has a broader perspective.

“That’s right, Zheng Qian, your analysis is the same as what I thought.” He Zuowen didn’t respond to Zheng Qian’s words. He didn’t want to disagree with someone who wasn’t knowledgeable enough. By agreeing with him, he would avoid revealing his true intentions.

Zheng Qian handed the paper to Zhang Tiezhu. "Tiezhu, take this paper to the kitchen and burn it. Remember, you must watch it burn to ashes and then break up the ashes."

Neither officials nor farmers are allowed to discuss state affairs, let alone matters concerning the royal family; this is clearly stipulated in the laws of Wuyan Kingdom.

The three of them drank tea and chatted, enjoying themselves immensely.

Suddenly, a large number of armed guards rushed into the inn, and everyone was cleared out, leaving only Zheng Qian and his two companions.

A beautiful, cute, and petite woman dressed in gold-trimmed silk entered the inn, supported by several palace maids.

"Your subject pays respects to Your Majesty." He Zuowen knelt on one knee.

"Your subject greets Your Highness."

"This humble subject pays respects to Your Majesty."

Zheng Qian and Zhang Tiezhu also knelt on one knee. In Wuyan Kingdom, officials did not need to kneel on one knee to pay respects, except for the royal family. They were the true masters of Wuyan Kingdom, and everyone in the country had to kneel on one knee to them.

The person who came was He Ruoyun, the daughter of Magistrate He Zuowen. She gave birth to a prince for the emperor and was given the title of Consort Yun by the emperor, a person of noble status.

"No need for formalities." He Ruoyun nodded slightly, a complex emotion flashing in her eyes, and sat down on the stool that the servants had wiped three times.

A faint smile graced her face, but her eyes revealed a subtle arrogance.

"Give me a seat."

The guards brought over stools, one for Magistrate He and one for Zheng Qian. Zhang Tiezhu naturally stood behind Zheng Qian, glaring at the guards.

"Everyone, please leave. I, this nobleman, wish to have a casual chat with Lord He."

"Yes, Your Highness."

Everyone left, including the palace maids. Zhang Tiezhu was also called out by Zheng Qian, leaving only Zheng Qian, He Zuowen, and He Ruoyun in the inn.

"Zheng Qian, you've arrived." He Ruoyun spoke softly, her voice gentle yet authoritative.

Zheng Qian nodded slightly and said respectfully, "Your Highness, Zheng Qian and Lord He have come to Yan City to broaden our horizons."

He Ruoyun's emotions became even more complex. She had once been Zheng Qian's lover, but now she was the emperor's favored concubine. This change in status made her feel both the old feelings for Zheng Qian and the pride of a noblewoman.

"Zheng Qian, do you know why I've come?" He Ruoyun's tone carried a hint of probing.

Zheng Qian raised his head and looked calmly at He Ruoyun: "Your Majesty's arrival must be to inform you of something important."

He Ruoyun smiled gently and said, "You are indeed clever. I know you are very talented, so I wanted to plead with the Fourth Prince to get you the position of Director of the Ward."

"Thank you, Your Highness." Zheng Qian bowed and expressed his gratitude, his tone flat and devoid of emotion.

He Ruoyun's big eyes were full of smiles. She still had feelings for Zheng Qian, but unfortunately, the difference in their status was too great. Her vision had long surpassed that of two years ago, and she was not someone that a boy from Lvchang County could climb up to.

He Ruoyun took out the document and handed it to He Zuowen. “Father, I saw the Fourth Prince last night. He was really too busy, so he asked me to convey that you will be the head of the West Fourth Street, with full authority over the West Fourth Street. Zheng Qian will be the ward head to assist you.”

He Zuowen immediately knelt on one knee and shouted, "Thank you, Your Majesty, thank you, Fourth Prince, thank you, Consort Yun. Your subject He Zuowen will certainly live up to Your Majesty's grace and manage West Fourth Street well."

This is where He Zuowen's brilliance lies. Although He Ruoyun handed it to him, he accepted it strictly according to etiquette to show respect for the royal family, after all, his daughter He Ruoyun was also a member of the royal family.

Zheng Qian did not kneel down to express his gratitude. He looked directly at He Ruoyun. He did not expect that this ex-girlfriend who had lost her job would have such strong abilities. She did not mention a word about He Zuowen losing Lvchang County, and was still able to get a position from the Fourth Prince.

In Wuyan Kingdom, the management of city streets was mainly the responsibility of grassroots officials such as the Fangzheng and Xiangshi under the Fangxiang system.

The *fangzheng* were officials responsible for the daily affairs of their respective *fang*, including maintaining street order and mediating neighborhood disputes. The *xiangshi*, on the other hand, were responsible for a larger area, managing the affairs of multiple *fang*, and their duties encompassed street security, sanitation, and the regulation of commercial activities.

In other words, He Zuowen was still Zheng Qian's direct superior, and his management changed from a county town to a street.

Although He Zuowen was demoted from county magistrate to magistrate, he was actually very happy. He knew that the annual tax revenue of West Fourth Street was several times higher than that of Lvchang County, so he was promoted in name only.

Being a magistrate in Yancheng is more promising than being a county magistrate in Lüchang County.

As Zheng Qian looked at He Ruoyun, He Ruoyun also turned to him with a sweet smile, a smile that contained not only complex emotions but also a superior scrutiny.

"Zheng Qian, I heard from your father that you're really amazing now. You've utterly annihilated the Red Turban Army. They all call you the God of Slaughter at the North Gate."

With a slight smile, Zheng Qian said neither humbly nor arrogantly, "Your Highness is too kind. I am merely fulfilling my duties as an inspector. Why should I trouble you, sir?"

He Ruoyun's smile widened. Zheng Qian's position was perfectly positioned; he was He Zuowen's subordinate.

Not bad, no wonder he's my old flame, his thoughts are upright, I like him.

"Father, when you are managing West Fourth Street, remember not to offend the Li family in the West City area. You also need to be careful in dealing with some officials and forces. Make as many connections as possible with those you can, and do not try to build relationships with those you cannot. The forces in Yan City are complex and complicated. One wrong step could lead to utter ruin."

He Zuowen also became serious. "Ruoyun, we are not very clear about the current situation in Yancheng. We would like to trouble you to tell us more."

Zheng Qian also pricked up his ears. He knew absolutely nothing about Yancheng and wanted to hear about the forces in Yancheng.

He Ruoyun's beautiful face was equally serious. "There are four major families in Yancheng: the Feng family in the East City, the Zhou family in the South City, the Li family in the West City, and the Hua family in the North City. The largest chamber of commerce is the Jinmao Chamber of Commerce. There are also royal forces involved, official factions, and private forces. There are at least eight or ten thousand forces in Yancheng. We don't need to worry about the small forces, but we can't offend the big forces."

After midnight, do not go out on the streets or visit others. If you cannot return to your lodgings, find a guesthouse nearby to rest. Do not wander on the streets, ignore any noises you hear, and do not go to see anything exciting.

He Ruoyun's words made Zheng Qian's heart sink. He had been sleeping peacefully in the early hours of yesterday morning, and it seemed that he was lucky and had not encountered any troublesome matters. He should not go out in the early hours of the morning in the future, lest he suffer an undeserved disaster.

“The waters of Yancheng are deep. You must proceed steadily and cautiously, and do not be greedy for merit or rush into things. Here, merit is second, and being without fault is first. If you have any problems, go to Qixin Building to find Jia Shi. I have already talked to him about what happened yesterday, and he will not make things difficult for you when you go there.”

At this point, He Ruoyun's expression became even more serious. She continued, "Jia Shi is the Fourth Prince's chief strategist. His greatest skill is finding flaws in a calm situation to exploit. He also has another title: the most ruthless strategist in Yan City."

Zheng Qian and He Zuowen exchanged glances, both realizing the seriousness of the problem.

The strategist didn't poison them; rather, he was ruthless in setting up the scheme. They handed over information about the Red Turban Army to Jia Shi, and He Zuowen even patted his chest and guaranteed to take responsibility for the Red Turban Army's attack on Lüchang County. Wasn't this just handing them their heads?

The three chatted for a while longer before He Ruoyun left with her guards and maids, as she was worried about the young prince.

He Zuowen's heavy gaze was tinged with excitement.

"Let's go, let's take over Xisi Street."