Chapter 262 - 161: Your Main Battlefield

After subduing Zhang Shiyang, Zhao Zun finally turned to look at Gousheng.

Under the dim light, his gaze was like a knife, piercing into Gousheng’s heart. Gousheng shuddered from the look, instinctively lowering his head.

"Gousheng, come here."

Zhao Zun’s voice was chilly and authoritative, carrying an irresistible force.

Gousheng, trembling, moved his feet, each step feeling like he was treading on the tip of a knife.

He walked to a spot a few steps away from Zhao Zun, not daring to get closer, with his head bowed and his voice trembling.

"Zhao... Mr. Zhao, I didn’t... didn’t mean it, they were trying to escape..."

"Hmph!" Zhao Zun snorted coldly.

"This time, if not for my timely arrival, you almost made a huge mistake. Zhang Shiyang is a talented person, unlike Cao Xiong and Li Gang, those fools, who deserve to die. Zhang Shiyang can contribute greatly to the development of Canzhou. If he were shot dead by you, that would be a huge loss."

Gousheng lowered his head even further, his voice barely audible: "I... I know I was wrong."

Gousheng is indeed a person of good character, just a bit stubborn and inflexible.

Seeing him trembling in fear, Zhao Zun couldn’t help but soften his heart, sighing, and his tone also eased.

"However, this time you prevented Cao Xiong and Li Gang from escaping, so it counts as a merit. Balancing merits against faults, I will not punish you."

Gousheng raised his head suddenly, a trace of surprise in his eyes: "Really? I really made a contribution?"

Zhao Zun nodded, the corners of his mouth slightly rising, revealing a rare smile.

"I now promote you to the rank of decurion. Tomorrow, you will lead your troops to escort Ministry of Industry craftsmen back to Yong’an City. From now on, you will supervise these craftsmen."

Upon hearing his promotion, Gousheng was overjoyed, the panic on his face disappeared instantly, replaced by excitement and gratitude.

"Really? Thank you, Mr. Zhao! Please rest assured, they won’t escape under my watch!"

Seeing his reaction, Zhao Zun couldn’t help but find it amusing, but maintained his stern expression.

"Don’t rejoice too soon. If their work is unsatisfactory or lags behind schedule, I will hold you accountable."

Gousheng instantly straightened his back, responding loudly: "Yes!"

Zhao Zun gestured for him to step down.

Gousheng left cheerfully, his footsteps light, as if he was walking on clouds.

As he walked, he couldn’t help but grin, his heart full of pride and anticipation.

Watching his departing figure, Zhao Zun shook his head, the smile on his lips deepening.

He turned and walked toward Zhang Shiyang, patting his shoulder gently: "Mr. Zhang, sorry for the scare earlier."

Zhang Shiyang twitched his mouth, quickly cupping his hands: "Mr. Zhao, you’re too kind. I’m unharmed."

Zhao Zun laughed heartily: "Mr. Zhang is one of us from now on. Go back and rest early, there’s a journey tomorrow."

"Yes, yes. Mr. Zhao should rest early too."

Zhang Shiyang sighed in relief, knowing he had dodged a bullet. After agreeing, he hurriedly turned back to the hut to rest.

As he walked, he muttered to himself.

Hmph! Family?

Family, yet having Gousheng supervise them?

...

More than half a month passed quietly, drawing nearer to Princess Changle’s birthday banquet.

The entire Marquis of Champion’s residence was immersed in a busy and celebratory atmosphere.

Servants of the residence shuttled between courtyards, meticulously arranging the banquet site, festooned with flowers, colorful silk, and lanterns, like a magnificent scroll gradually unfolding.

Meanwhile, May 22nd was an auspicious day, so Han Lei set the opening of the Brocade Workshop on this day.

Han Lei also needed to teach Yang Xiaomei and her mother to learn beautician skills and prepare for the opening of Brocade Workshop.

Therefore, during these days, Han Lei and Da Jiu were as busy as spinning tops, constantly running between Mandarin Duck Hairpin and Brocade Workshop, preparing various affairs.

Since Yang Xiaomei and her mother lacked a foundation in painting, Han Lei selected a few simple and easy-to-learn floral designs for them to practice on false nails first.

Once they’re adept with simple patterns suitable for current business, they would progress from easy to difficult.

Fortunately, Yang Xiaomei showed great talent for learning beautician skills, mastering theoretical knowledge quickly, but lacking practical experience.

So, Han Le came up with an idea: set up a small booth at the entrance of Mandarin Duck Hairpin and organize an event.

All customers who make purchases on the first floor of Mandarin Duck Hairpin can enjoy a free manicure service.