The butler of Zhang Zhong was led into the inner hall by Shi A. Upon seeing Yuan Shu, he immediately performed a grand salute and said:
"Greetings to the Governor."
Yuan Shu glanced at the butler with disdain and said:
"Stand up and speak. Zhang Zhong is quite well-informed, even knowing that I am temporarily residing at the Wanshan Merchant Guild."
The butler got up and smiled obsequiously:
"The Governor is already governing a region at such a young age—truly a dragon among men.
My master wishes to befriend you, so he inquired about your residence.
I hope you will be forgiving."
Yuan Shu waved his hand impatiently and said:
"Enough with the useless talk.
Just say it—why did Zhang Zhong send you?"
The butler respectfully replied:
"My master heard that the Governor enjoys entertainment,
so to build a good relationship, he has arranged a grand hunting event with some local noble families and wishes to invite you to participate."
Hearing the butler's words, Yuan Shu pretended to be very interested and said:
"Oh? Inviting me to a hunt? Now that's something new.
I accept. Go back and tell Zhang Zhong to make it grand,
or else, if I don't have fun, I'll make sure he pays for it!"
Hearing Yuan Shu's arrogant words, the butler sneered inwardly.
He thought to himself that Yuan Shu was indeed an ignorant wastrel—facing death yet still so arrogant.
But on the surface, he remained extremely respectful, cupping his hands as he said:
"It is my master's honor that the Governor would grace us with his presence.
I will report back immediately, and I am sure my master's preparations will not disappoint."
With that, he slowly withdrew from the inner hall.
After the butler left, Yuan Shu turned to Xi Zhicai and asked:
"Sir, what do you think Zhang Zhong's true intentions are in inviting me to this hunt?"
Xi Zhicai took a sip of tea and countered with a question:
"What does the Governor think?"
Yuan Shu snorted softly:
"I'm afraid this hunt is actually meant to hunt me.
Zhang Zhong is bold indeed, daring to harbor such sinister intentions!"
Xi Zhicai was not surprised at all by Zhang Zhong's actions. He fanned himself and said:
"Zhang Zhong, being of imperial lineage, thinks he is untouchable. What wouldn't he dare do?
The Governor handled this perfectly.
By agreeing first and then acting arrogant, you lulled the butler into complacency.
Zhang Zhong wants to hunt the Governor, but does the Governor not also wish to hunt Zhang Zhong?
Who is the hunter and who is the prey will only be revealed at the final moment."
Yuan Shu smiled confidently and said:
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