I am a soldier in the border army

Chapter 333: Prime Minister? Zhou Xuan! Chen Ji is dignified and has a phoenix-like appearance! (Part )
Before receiving Han Shao's telepathic summons, Zhou Xuan was busy and exhausted.

Secretary Lang, the position is not high.

There is no clear division of powers and responsibilities.

Just based on the privilege of advising on military affairs and assisting in government affairs, any discerning person can clearly see the importance of this position.

A typical case of a person in a low position but with great power.

After the news spread to various government offices, some colleagues who went north with Zhou Xuan even started to tease him by calling him "Prime Minister" when they met him.

The prime minister is the leader of a country.

Today, this Champion City includes an area of ​​a thousand miles around it, and its official name in the court should be the Champion Marquisate.

Therefore, the title of prime minister is not considered an usurpation of power here.

But Zhou Xuan has always been very sober.

He knows exactly which flattery he can listen to and accept and which he must not touch.

Moreover, with his mind honed through years of hard work in the Divine Capital, how could he not hear some dark thoughts hidden behind this seemingly joking tone?
The reason, of course, is jealousy.

It is obvious that everyone has traveled thousands of miles, endured many hardships, and left behind the prosperous capital to come to this bitter and cold place of Youzhou.

Why do you, Zhou, have the right to soar to the sky?
Just because you are from Youzhou and have the support of the Zhou family in Jiao County?
So underneath this jealousy, there is actually a bit of resentment that one's enthusiasm has been extinguished.

Some people were so disheartened that they even felt that the Champion Marquisate was no different from the Divine Capital.

It also depends on one’s origin and background.

If that's the case, why would they go on this long journey and work like slaves for the champion marquis?

Don’t worry about scarcity but inequality.

That's human nature.

Zhou Xuan had no choice but to invite these old friends to the banquet in the name of renewing old friendship in the capital.

Zhou Xuan didn't say much during the meal.

Let's first present the facts and reason, and take the cruel methods that their champion marquis has used to deal with the noble families in the past year.

This shows the Marquis's firm attitude that he will not judge people based on their family background.

This is top priority!

Because the reason why these people gave up everything and came to this Champion City is, in a sense, that they regard this place as a pure land that is not contaminated by the world's filth.

Zhou Xuan was once one of them, so he naturally understood the tremendous sense of tearing and pain that came with shattered ideals.

If this problem is not handled properly, it will not only alienate these people from the Marquis, but also hinder the subsequent influx of talents into Champion City.

It will even affect some of the Marquis's plans in the Divine Capital.

Of course, just saying this is not enough.

After all, given his current identity and position that are different from these people, some of his words, even if they are facts, are not convincing.

So when many people secretly mocked him, saying that Zhou had benefited from the Marquis and would naturally speak for the Marquis, Zhou Xuan could only raise two more points.

One is to remind them that the entire champion system is now strong in martial arts but weak in literature.

If these civil servants cannot work together, no matter how high their positions are, who will dare to speak loudly in front of those domineering warriors?
The fastest and most convenient way to unite yourself is to rely on huge external pressure.

And warriors like Li Jing and Zhao Mu can undoubtedly play this "villain" role perfectly.

Although the martial spirit was strong during the Yong Dynasty, even scholars like them could draw their swords and look around.

But when those sturdy warriors in armor appeared in various government offices with big strides, it was no longer a question of whether they were afraid or not.

Just the anger in my heart made me feel three points shorter before either side spoke.

Sure enough, after Zhou Xuan finished saying this, all the clerks present at the banquet gradually fell silent.

Those who can come here are all ambitious people.

The arrogance in his bones is self-evident.

Who can really be willing to bow down before those warriors?

Seeing that his strategy of diverting trouble to the east worked, Zhou Xuan had no time to be happy.

In a blink of an eye, he threw out the last sentence.

"You all know that Zhou is a secretary, but do you know that there are seats in the attic of this secretary's pavilion?"

Are there any seats available?

What do you mean?
Everyone present was stunned at first, and then their eyes suddenly brightened.

At that time, someone no longer cared to hide his feelings and blurted out the question.

"Secretary Lang means... that we all have a chance?"

As these words came out, pairs of burning eyes all turned to Zhou Xuan who was sitting on the main seat.

In fact, Zhou Xuan also felt uneasy.

In fact, Han Shao had not told him what the specific structure of the secretariat would be in the future.

He just guessed it by observing the layout of the secretariat and secretly guessing Han Shao's thoughts.

But now that things have come to this, he can only use Han Shao's excuse to speak vaguely.

"As the saying goes... destiny is unpredictable, only those with virtue can hold it."

"I hope you will put aside all distractions and try your best..."

Use 'external enemies' to promote unity.

Then hang a cake on the donkey's head to lure it with a huge reward.

As expected, Zhou Xuan not only successfully removed himself from the target of public criticism at a banquet, but also cleared some hidden dangers for his own master.

The means are quite clever.

However, he did not realize that his helpless action that day had actually planted a seed.

And this seed is called party formation.

But for now, everything is moving in the right direction.

After the banquet that day, the entire clerk department not only shook off their previous depressed mood, but even performed more hardworking than when they first arrived in Champion City.

Zhou Xuan, who was originally secretly targeted by everyone, unexpectedly became the leader of a group of clerks overnight.

With such a foundation, everything you do will be successful.

This became even more obvious after the barbarians arrived at the city and launched a massive attack.

Whether it was the strategy to pacify the people, or the continuous transportation of supplies to the city walls, or the organization of medical staff to treat the wounded, at Zhou Xuan's command, the entire bureaucratic system of Champion City operated rapidly, in an orderly manner without any chaos.

Even the ancestor of the Chen family, who witnessed all this, couldn't help but sigh.

"The Zhou family's youngsters are capable of becoming prime ministers!"

At his age, with no hope of making further progress on the path of cultivation, his gaze would always subconsciously shift to these younger generations.

It’s a pity that such an outstanding descendant is not from his Chen family in Zhuo County.

Although the Zhou family of Jiao County has always been close to the Chen family, they are not a family after all!
When the thought came to this, the Chen family ancestor's heart suddenly moved again.

"Has the Zhou boy ever married?"

People have inertia of thinking.

Once some doors are opened, it is difficult to close them.

What's more, this method of marriage is a common means used by noble families to maintain their inheritance and consolidate their status.

Fortunately, Chen Shu on the side reminded him in time.

"Ancestor, some things should be stopped in moderation."

Chen's legitimate daughter entered the marquis's mansion as a concubine.

His legitimate daughter, Chen Shu, was also the wife of Lu Yan, the commander of the imperial guards.

If we add Zhou Xuan...

When blessings are full, they will overflow; if you are not careful, you will suffer disasters instead!

The Chen family's ancestor was stunned when he heard this, and then looked at Chen Shu beside him with surprise.

This boy is just a close descendant of the direct lineage. He has no talent for cultivation and is timid.

Otherwise, he would not have been sent to Guanjun City to be the person in charge and the steward, and he would not have been frightened by the Guanjun Marquis and made the decision that went against his ancestors.

He almost single-handedly dragged the entire Chen family of Zhuo County into the quagmire of Champion City.

If it weren't for the protection of the Marquis Guanjun, not to mention the ancestor, the people in power in the entire Chen family would have wanted to tear out his tendons and skin him to vent their hatred.

But now it seems that even though this guy has many shortcomings, his mind is very clear.

If a person with such a personality was born in the main branch of the family, it would be unrealistic to expect him to be enterprising and pioneering. However, if he were to be the head of a stable family and keep the family business from falling, it should be more than enough for him to do so.

The Chen family of Zhuo County, which is currently in a precarious situation, seems to need such a leader who can maintain the status quo.

Seeing that the ancestor of the Chen family was suddenly staring at him intently, Chen Shu felt a little scared.

"Why do you look at me like this, old man?"

Upon hearing this, the Chen family's ancestor regained his composure, suddenly sighed and shook his head.

"nothing."

It is suitable, but it is a pity that his background is low.

If he could have been like his ancestor and shamelessly "forced" his legitimate daughter to enter the inner courtyard of the Marquis' Mansion, the status gap could have been bridged.

But now it is impossible for him.

It's really time and destiny.

The ancestor of the Chen family sighed in his heart and suddenly asked.

"How is Wenjun doing in the Marquis' Mansion now?"

Even if he had the cultivation level of a seventh-level True Immortal, it would only take a moment for him to pay attention to Chen Wenjun's movements.

But he didn't dare to go beyond this thought that came to his mind in an instant.

In addition to his awe for the Champion Marquis, he also had a vague feeling that there were other people in the upper three realms in the marquis' mansion.

"It's unfathomable..."

Chen Shu, who had no idea what his ancestor was thinking, couldn't help but look helpless after hearing what his ancestor said.

"Nothing much."

It is said that from the time Chen Wenjun entered the mansion until now, the champion marquis has never set foot in her courtyard.

Even Chen Shu couldn't help but wonder about the implications of this. Could it be that something had changed, and that Champion Marquis had changed his mind?
Or was he not very satisfied with the appearance and character of Wenjun's niece?

But that’s not right!
Not to mention that since the Chen family of Zhuo County turned to the Marquis' Mansion, they have been treating them with utmost respect, as if they were serving their ancestors.

But considering Wenjun's appearance as the most talented and beautiful woman in Youbei, is there any man in this world who would not be attracted to her?
Just as Chen Shu thought, the Chen family's ancestor couldn't help but feel a little annoyed when he heard this.

"How could this be?"

Frowning and whispering like this, the Chen family's ancestor looked at Zhou Xuan, who was giving orders surrounded by a group of clerks.

When he was hesitating whether to prepare a generous gift to let this close minister of the marquis do some work, he saw Zhou Xuan's expression paused, as if he was listening attentively to something.

And then the next moment, he was seen bowing respectfully towards the void.

"Here!"

After answering, Zhou Xuan chuckled at everyone in the hall.

"I'm sorry, everyone."

"The Marquis has just summoned me. I will go to meet him now. I will leave this place to you."

Anyway, the general strategy has been decided, and we just need to implement it step by step.

When everyone heard this, their faces became serious and they immediately said.

"Since the Marquis summoned you urgently, it must be something urgent!"

"Don't worry, Secretary! Just go ahead! We'll be there to support you. If anything goes wrong, Secretary, please ask the Marquis to chop off our heads!"

In a war, this is considered a military order.

If something really goes wrong, being removed from the top of Liuyang wouldn't be considered unfair.

Zhou Xuan smiled with relief when he heard this.

"Thank you for your hard work."

Just as he was about to go to the backyard to respond to the call, he raised his eyes and met the gaze of the Chen family's ancestor in the corner.

Then he smiled and said in a voice transmission.

"Chen Zu has finally gotten what he wanted today after all his hard work and efforts over the past period of time."

The Chen family's ancestor was stunned when he heard this.

"Secretary Lang, what do you mean?"

Zhou Xuan didn't beat around the bush and spoke frankly.

"The Marquis is in Madam Chen's courtyard right now, calling for Zhou..."

We are all smart people, so it’s better to just stop talking about some things.

The ancestor of the Chen family stood up suddenly.

"really?"

Zhou Xuan just said "Congratulations" and hurried away.

……

Because Zhou Xuan was a secretary, he often went in and out of the inner courtyard of the marquis' mansion.

So apart from the divine thoughts that occasionally swept in from the darkness, there were not many obstacles along the way.

He didn't stop until he followed the direction and came to the side courtyard where Chen was.

Looking at Lu Yan standing outside the side courtyard like a door god, Zhou Xuan's eyes were filled with surprise, and then a bit of weirdness appeared.

And Lu Yan seemed to realize what Zhou Xuan was thinking. His handsome face turned red and he subconsciously avoided Zhou Xuan's gaze.

Fortunately, at this time, Han Shao's voice came from the inner room.

"Let him in."

Lu Yan made way and motioned Zhou Xuan to go in.

However, when the two passed each other, Lu Yan suddenly transmitted a message.

"Thank you, Secretary Lang."

Being laughed at is just like being laughed at. Anyway, Lu relied on helping the Marquis to get to the top, so it has been a long time since he was laughed at.

But he still had to thank Zhou Xuan for saying "congratulations" last time.

Upon hearing this, Zhou Xuan immediately understood and responded with a smile.

"Easy to say."

"Just a quick remark, General Lu, you don't have to be polite."

……

After entering the courtyard, Zhou Xuan deliberately slowed down his pace.

When he reached the door of the inner room, he stopped and bowed.

"Secretary Lang Zhou Xuan, summoned by the Marquis."

A faint chuckle came from the inner room, seeming to be in a good mood.

"Kang Cheng is a good person in every other aspect, except that he is sometimes too old-fashioned."

Then there was a woman's scolding voice.

"The secretary is very polite. Why do you say he is old-fashioned and make fun of the secretary?"

These words were meant as a warning, and Zhou Xuan felt a sinking feeling in his heart.

I secretly thought that Mrs. Chen was too ignorant of the seriousness of the matter!
She has little friendship with the Marquis and she is also a concubine, how dare she be so presumptuous!

At this moment, he almost wanted to cut off his connection with the Chen family of Zhuo County immediately, so as to avoid being splattered with blood in the future, and even being implicated and drowned.

But before he could finish his thought, he heard his master laugh bitterly as if helpless.

"So, it's my husband's fault again?"

What does "My husband is wrong" mean?

What does ‘again’ mean?
When Zhou Xuan heard the voice, he felt confused and shocked.

At this time, the voice from the inner room came again.

"Okay, stop standing outside and come in and talk."

"Stop, my lady, from blaming me for not caring about my subordinates."

This place is considered the Marquis's private room.

Even though Zhou Xuan goes in and out of the inner courtyard all day long, he doesn't even dare to look up and take a second look at places like this, let alone enter them.

But he had no choice but to accept the invitation from the Marquis himself, and he did not dare to refuse.

I could only bite the bullet, lower my head and take small steps forward, not daring to look up.

Looking at Zhou Xuan's cautious look, Han Shao couldn't help laughing.

"Come closer."

Zhou Xuan took a step forward.

"sit."

Zhou Xuan quickly found a seat and knelt down respectfully.

Eyes look at the nose, nose looks at the heart, sit upright.

Han Shao laughed again.

This is a formal reception hall.

It's not a bedroom.

"Don't be so nervous, just treat it as a normal visit."

As he spoke, he even poured a cup of tea himself, which landed steadily on the table in front of Zhou Xuan with a flick of his sleeves.

Zhou Xuan said he dared not, and stood up to thank the Marquis for his gift.

The moment he stood up, Zhou Xuan took the opportunity to glance around this private room in the inner courtyard. It seemed that there was nothing special about it except that it was a little more exquisite.

Zhou Xuan felt a little relieved.

It was at this moment that he noticed the figure of the woman sitting at the same table with the Marquis.

Compared to the anxiety she felt the last time she was served by a maid.

The woman, wearing a gorgeous dress, now looked more noble and attractive for no reason.

Perhaps the contrast was too great, even Zhou Xuan couldn't help but be a little dazed.

Until a perfect smile appeared on Chen Wenjun's lips.

"It was thanks to Secretary Lang that I was able to intercede for you last time. I will remember this great favor in my heart and will repay you generously in the future."

No matter what Zhou Xuan’s own purpose is.

But if Zhou Xuan hadn't spoken for her that day, she would have been sent back to Chen's house without saying anything, and would have continued to be her humble maid.

I don’t know when I can struggle out.

It is no exaggeration to say that this great favor is like a rebirth.

She knew what was going on.

Zhou Xuan also had an idea in his mind.

But he didn't expect that the lady would speak so bluntly in front of the marquis.

Zhou Xuan panicked and said quickly.

"Madam is blessed with great fortune, and it is her destiny to have such a good relationship with the Marquis! Therefore, Zhou Xuan is unworthy of the so-called great favor!"

Upon hearing this, Chen Wenjun covered her mouth and chuckled.

All manners are dignified and noble.

He was like two completely different people compared to when he was sleeping before.

"Secretary Lang is really good at talking."

As he said this, he suddenly imitated Han and changed the subject.

"The Lord summoned you here for no other reason."

"It's just that I have some private wealth, and I need someone I can trust to take care of it for me."

……

(End of this chapter)