Seeing Zhang Chen so moved by a beggar, Steward Wu on the side couldn't help but feel suspicious.
Gao Shun was startled at first, but then recognized Zhang Chen and quickly stood up to return the greeting, saying, "Zhang Gongzi is kind-hearted and helps the poor. How could I stand by and do nothing when those ungrateful people actually tried to harm Gongzi's life?"
Hearing this, Steward Wu suddenly remembered that day when he searched everywhere in the city for Zhang Chen but couldn't find him. Later, two street children told him that Zhang Chen had been knocked unconscious and taken to the medical hall. When he arrived at the medical hall, the physician said that a disheveled beggar had carried him there and even used the only few coins he had to pay for the treatment.
The Young Master just mentioned "life-saving grace." Could it be that the beggar from that day was this person?
Steward Wu thought of this, glanced at Gao Shun, and couldn't help but feel a sense of solemn respect.
A poor beggar, willing to take out the only money he had for a stranger – this man is truly a righteous warrior!
Thinking of this, Steward Wu also quickly bowed.
Zhang Chen then cupped his hands and said, "That the brave one lives among the common folk but doesn't beg shows his integrity remains unchanged. That day, I saw the brave one act righteously and display considerable martial prowess. Currently, my residence is in need of a guard. I wonder if the brave one is willing to accept? Putting aside other things, three meals a day and a monthly allowance will certainly not be lacking. It's certainly better than enduring the elements here."
After Zhang Chen finished speaking, he looked at Gao Shun with a fervent expression.
"Sending charcoal in snowy weather" has always been the most heartwarming. Gao Shun was currently down on his luck, and Zhang Chen's words undoubtedly warmed his heart deeply.
But he had always been loyal and righteous. If he truly accepted, he would have to stay by a merchant's side as a servant for the rest of his life. A true man has lofty ambitions; how could he be willing to be just a house guard for his entire life?
Thinking of this, Gao Shun suddenly found himself in a dilemma.
Zhang Chen saw the hesitation on his face and knew about seventy or eighty percent of it. This must be Gao Shun's loyal and righteous heart making things difficult for him.
Thus, Zhang Chen said, "That the brave one maintains his integrity in times of poverty shows his lofty ambitions. If you do not abandon me, you can first take a temporary position here. If in the future you have a place to go, you can leave on your own; Zhang will absolutely not obstruct you."
Zhang Chen spoke frankly, and he also had his own considerations in mind.
Currently, it is the second year of Zhongping, Emperor Ling is still alive, and although the Great Han's empire is declining, it has not yet collapsed. Furthermore, before Dong Zhuo entered the capital, the situation of the Marquis vying for power had not yet become apparent. Where could there be a wise ruler in the world?
If the matters he was planning succeeded, he could transform himself and become a member of the gentry. In the future, he would only need to wait for the opportune moment and seize the chance to rise, which would be much easier. By then, relying on his familiarity with the trajectory of the Three Kingdoms, he would surely be one step ahead, rise quickly, and would he still fear that Gao Shun would not sincerely pledge allegiance?
Hearing Zhang Chen say this, Gao Shun couldn't help but be moved to tears of gratitude. He immediately bowed and said, "Gongzi's great kindness, I am eternally grateful. In the future, I will definitely protect Gongzi completely!"
"Haha! Good! Since that's the case, brave one, return to the residence with me!"
Zhang Chen was overjoyed, grabbed Gao Shun's hand, completely disregarding whether the mud and dust on his hand would dirty his brocade robe, and led Gao Shun all the way towards the Zhang Family residence.
Passersby who saw this cast curious glances. Zhang Chen didn't care at all, and Gao Shun felt even more grateful in his heart.
Steward Wu, watching from the side, stroked his beard, smiled slightly, and praised inwardly.
The Young Master, at such a young age, already knows how to win people's hearts. He will surely achieve great things in the future!
Before long, the three of them returned to the entrance of the Zhang Family residence. Ping'er was already waiting at the door. Seeing them return, she quickly came forward to greet them.
"Why did Young Master bring back a beggar?" Ping'er saw Gao Shun's tattered clothes, couldn't help but curl her lip, and blurted out.
Gao Shun heard this and couldn't help but frown slightly.
Zhang Chen quickly stopped her and said to Gao Shun, "Brave one, please don't mind. Children speak without thinking."
Saying this, Zhang Chen's face turned serious, and he said to Ping'er, "This is my life-saving benefactor. Last time I was injured, it was thanks to him that I was saved. Ping'er, you must not be rude!"
Ping'er also knew about the time Zhang Chen was saved by a disheveled beggar. Hearing Zhang Chen say this, she immediately understood and quickly apologized to Gao Shun.
So, Zhang Chen first told Steward Wu to take Gao Shun down to wash up and prepare some food to treat him. Steward Wu agreed and took Gao Shun away.
Before long, Gao Shun had eaten his fill, washed up, and changed into new clothes. He then came with Steward Wu to pay his respects to Zhang Chen to express his gratitude.
Zhang Chen and Ping'er walked out and saw the person before them. Only then did they realize with surprise that Gao Shun was actually born so handsome, with sword-like eyebrows and star-like eyes, radiating imposing power, a tall and sturdy physique, firm and upright.
Looking at his appearance, he was only a few years older than Zhang Chen, at most in his early twenties, truly a young hero!
Gao Shun was seen cupping his fists and bowing deeply towards Zhang Chen, saying, "Shun thanks Gongzi for the kindness of taking him in."
Zhang Chen quickly helped him up and said, "Xiaofu, what are you saying? You saved my life. Zhang has nothing to repay you with. Such a small matter is not worth mentioning. Just stay here and make yourself at home."
"How does Gongzi know my courtesy name?" Gao Shun was stunned for a moment. Since they met, it seemed he had never mentioned his name or courtesy name. How did Zhang Chen know?
"Ah... this..." Zhang Chen felt he had let slip something and quickly said, "Xiaofu is my life-saving benefactor. How could I not inquire about my benefactor's name? A few days ago, I had already sent people to search for you multiple times."
After Zhang Chen finished speaking, he subtly winked at Steward Wu.
Steward Wu immediately understood and quickly took over, saying, "Precisely. The Young Master ordered this old servant to inquire repeatedly. Only then did we learn the name and whereabouts of the brave Gao. Today, we specifically went to seek you out."
Gao Shun listened, half-believing and half-doubting, but he didn't ask further.
In the evening, after dinner, Zhang Chen told Ping'er to call Steward Wu to the study. Having already paid his respects during the day, Zhang Chen was now ready to begin his planning.
Shortly after, Steward Wu came to the study, and Zhang Chen got straight to the point, saying, "Wu Bo previously said that the Zhang Family's properties could be revitalized. Is this true?"
Steward Wu smiled and said, "Young Master, rest assured. Originally, I only had seven-tenths certainty, but after today, this old servant has full certainty. However, is Young Master confident in entrusting all the properties to this old servant to manage?"
Steward Wu said this and looked at Zhang Chen.
Zhang Chen began to ponder inwardly.
Based on the original owner's memory, this Steward Wu had followed Master Zhang for many years and had always been loyal. He had not abandoned him during his period of unconsciousness. If he had ulterior motives, he wouldn't have acted this way.
Forget it. Don't use someone you suspect; don't suspect someone you use. It's only about two hundred thousand coins. If he truly has ulterior motives, I'll just take his character trait and start over.
Having made up his mind, a glint of light flashed in Zhang Chen's eyes, and he smiled slightly, saying, "Wu Bo's character is someone I naturally trust. However, what I want is not just revitalizing the properties; I wonder if you can amaze me?"
Zhang Chen said with a smile, and a hint of profundity appeared in his eyes as he looked at Steward Wu.
The Zhang Family's return to the peak and dominating Guangping County was only the first step of his plan. With financial support, he could then benefit the people of the region and take the opportunity to win their hearts. When the time was ripe, he would find a way to replace this corrupt County Magistrate and truly establish his own power.
There were still a few years until the chaos of the Three Kingdoms. He had to secure territory as early as possible. The sooner he became a Marquis, the greater his advantage when the chaotic times arrived.
Later, recruiting soldiers and buying horses would require a large amount of money, and he also had to accumulate a sufficient family fortune.
Looking at the Three Kingdoms, Liu Bei had Mi Zhu, Cao Cao had Wei Zi, Sun Quan had Lu Su. Behind every hegemon, there was indispensable support from a financial backer.
But Zhang Chen didn't have one. He was his own financial backer!
Zhang Chen quietly looked at Steward Wu, causing him to pause. He suddenly felt that there seemed to be something different about the Young Master.
That feeling was hard to describe, but it was definitely not something that would appear on a merchant.
"I wonder... to what extent does Young Master want this old servant to accomplish?"
"Do your utmost; the more, the better." Zhang Chen smiled and said, "Just go ahead and do it without restraint. I entrust all business matters to you completely. As for other things, I will handle them myself."