Chapter 132: No Permanent Enemies

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Night had fallen, and the streets were nearly deserted, with most pedestrians having long since retired for the evening. Outside the county of Danyang, within an ancient temple, Fang Xu gazed at Zhang He with a faint smile.

Upon hearing Fang Xu’s words, a bitter smile tugged at the corner of Zhang He’s lips.

“Why would Captain Fang seek out a humble official like me?” Zhang He’s smile was dry and strained, as if puzzled by Fang Xu’s purpose.

“I wonder why Lord Zhang appears so dispirited?” Fang Xu replied with a smile, sidestepping the question. As he spoke, he poured two cups of warm wine, handing one to Zhang He before taking small sips himself.

“Captain Fang, if there is something to say, please speak plainly.” Accepting the cup, Zhang He cast a questioning glance at Fang Xu, his tone revealing a hint of suspicion.

“What is your opinion of Murong Fu?” After downing his wine, Fang Xu felt a soothing warmth spread through him.

“Murong Fu? I’m not sure what you mean, Captain Fang.” Zhang He held his cup tightly, as though drawing courage from the warmth to face Fang Xu.

“If Lord Zhang wishes me to be frank, why then do you hesitate so?” Fang Xu smiled, refilling his cup before speaking again.

“I am but a simple man; please, Captain Fang, enlighten me.” Lowering his gaze to the wine in his hands, Zhang He’s expression was as still as the liquid within the cup.

“Tsk, tsk, are you jesting, Lord Zhang?” Fang Xu clicked his tongue, amusement flickering in his eyes as he looked at Zhang He.

“I—I dare not, Captain! It’s just that I truly do not understand what you intend to ask me.” At last, the wine in Zhang He’s cup rippled, as did the unease stirring within his heart.

“Have you ever heard the saying: ‘There are no eternal enemies, only eternal interests’?” Fang Xu swirled his cup, a faint smile playing at his lips.

“Please, Captain Fang, speak plainly.” Zhang He’s tone was humble, yet wary.

“There are no eternal enemies, only eternal interests.” Fang Xu drained his cup in one go. Zhang He was struck dumb, silently repeating the phrase in his mind. Behind Fang Xu, Gu Bei’s eyes brightened, silently admiring his young master’s cunning.

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“I am but slow-witted; please, Captain Fang, explain.”

“Lord Zhang, you must be in a foul mood, perhaps worried about losing Murong Fu’s trust—and with it, your position as governor of Danyang?” Fang Xu spoke as if to himself, but Zhang He’s face turned pale.

“Surely you fear that losing your post would leave you abandoned, even targeted by others, having made many enemies along the way?” Fang Xu continued, seemingly oblivious to Zhang He’s changing expression.

“The conflict between us stems entirely from Murong Fu. To be frank, I understand your predicament.” Fang Xu’s words pressed on, but Zhang He’s face grew even more troubled.

“What exactly do you intend to say, Captain Fang?” Zhang He trembled, unsure if it was the chill of night or the weight of Fang Xu’s insight that unsettled him.

“I have no schemes against you; I only wish to become your friend.” Fang Xu smiled, sincerity etched across his face.

“A friend?” Zhang He doubted his own hearing. A grand minister wishing to befriend a mere county governor?

Moreover, as Fang Xu had said, he would soon lose his position. What game was Fang Xu playing?

“Please, Captain Fang, no jokes. As you said, I am soon to be no longer governor of Danyang.” Zhang He finished the now cold wine in one gulp.

“Is that truly so? I know the governorship isn’t solely at the Murong family’s whim.” Fang Xu refilled his cup with a smile, but Zhang He’s lips twisted into a bitter grin.

He then confided in Fang Xu the bitterness he bore: the conflict between them, sparked by Murong Fu. Why? Because the wealth extracted by Lord Zhao from the people never reached Zhang He’s hands; it was all swallowed by Murong Fu. Yet Murong Fu accused Zhang He of accepting bribes.

Even if Zhang He tried to explain, who would trust him? Many preferred to bow to Murong Fu’s pressure and accuse Zhang He instead, leaving him trapped and disgraced.

This was not the outcome Zhang He desired, forcing him to play the villain.

Fang Xu had learned much about these matters. Had his earlier attendance at the Danyang temple fair been mere companionship for Zhuge Jun and Shangguan Lian? No—it had been to gather whispers of Zhang He’s character from the populace, which surprised Fang Xu greatly.

This was the key reason Fang Xu chose to seek out Zhang He this night. If Zhang He could be brought into his fold, it would be a tremendous boon to his influence—not to mention the power behind Zhang He.

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“If that is the case, Lord Zhang, do you wish to continue playing the villain, or will you choose to stand as a true man?” Fang Xu asked, smiling. Zhang He looked at him, bewildered.

Clearly, Zhang He did not understand. What did Fang Xu mean by a ‘true man’?

“If I could avoid playing the villain, I would have chosen to long ago. But Murong Fu denies me the chance. Though he cannot move against me directly, others will ostracize me. Alas,” Zhang He sighed.

“Then I offer you two choices: one, to live a lonely, wasted life, as Murong Fu no longer intends to favor you; or two, to not only keep your position as governor of Danyang but also free yourself from being a pawn. Which do you choose?” Fang Xu asked with a smile.

“Captain Fang, do you realize where you stand? This is Murong territory!” Zhang He warned, but Fang Xu suddenly laughed.

“Between Murong Fu and me, only one can survive. So why not prepare? There are no eternal enemies, only eternal interests. I hope you choose wisely, Lord Zhang—once aboard this ship, there is no turning back.” Fang Xu’s eyes gleamed with a hint of deadly intent.

“Zhang He will follow Captain Fang’s orders!” Zhang He clasped his fists and said earnestly. To him, if it meant preserving his position, he was willing to do anything.

Fang Xu nodded in satisfaction, then exchanged a look with Old Wu, who stepped outside.

“Since you have chosen to stand with me, it is time you meet your new partner,” Fang Xu said with a smile. Old Wu returned, leading a figure into the room.

When Zhang He saw who followed Old Wu, he was utterly stunned, his mouth hanging open in disbelief, unable to speak for a long moment.

(End of chapter)