The next day, Zhang Hao received an invitation from Crown Prince Murong Fei and Yun Qiuyu. He knew that the Crown Prince was about to return to Changfeng College, and Yun Qiuyu was also preparing to participate in the Zilan Academy assessment. This time, it was a farewell banquet.
Because of Murong Fei, the relationship between the Royal Family and the Zhang Family had also eased. Coupled with the relationship with Zi Qian, Zhang Hao actually didn't want to fall out with the Royal Family. Therefore, Zhang Hao accepted Murong Fei's goodwill very frankly. Furthermore, Murong Fei's temperament was quite compatible with Zhang Hao's.
In a private room at Huangjiang Restaurant.
This time, Murong Fei was very low-key about the people he invited. Besides Zhang Hao, there was only Yun Qiuyu. It was clear that in Murong Fei's eyes, only these two people were worthy of his attention.
"Crown Prince..."
As soon as Zhang Hao spoke, Murong Fei waved his hand and said, "Heh heh, calling me Crown Prince is too formal. If you and Qiu Yu consider me a friend, just call me Murong Fei! Heh heh, of course, I also hope you'll call me Brother-in-law in the future."
Murong Fei obviously knew about the relationship between Zhang Hao and Murong Ziqian and couldn't help but tease.
Zhang Hao was full of embarrassment and gave a wry smile. He straightened his face and said, "Then I'll call you Brother Murong."
"Brother Murong!"
Yun Qiuyu also followed suit, looking at the two with a gentle smile.
After three rounds of drinks, Zhang Hao's face was slightly flushed.
This location was indeed good. The bustling crowd below the window and the distant small bridge and flowing water formed a beautiful picture. While enjoying the wine, looking at the market outside the window could also provide insights into the myriad aspects of life, which was quite beneficial for one's state of mind.
Suddenly, Zhang Hao saw a familiar figure below Huangjiang Restaurant.
"Uncle Jin?"
"Why is he here?" Zhang Hao was quite puzzled.
Uncle Jin was precisely the Zhang Family's Fifth Elder with a different surname, Jin Dali. Because of his different surname, he wasn't highly regarded in the Zhang Family, but with his talent for business, he had managed to thrive. He was responsible for several business lines of the Zhang Family. Speaking of the Zhang Family's development, Jin Dali could be said to have made significant contributions.
Zhang Hao watched Uncle Jin, who seemed to be looking for someone.
"Is he looking for me?" This thought popped into Zhang Hao's mind.
Therefore, Zhang Hao said a few words to Yun Qiuyu and Murong Fei, then went downstairs and came before Uncle Jin. He respectfully said, "Uncle Jin, who are you looking for?"
Uncle Jin was overjoyed to see Zhang Hao. He quickly said to him, "Zhang Hao, have you seen Jin Bao?"
"Jin Bao?"
Zhang Hao asked in confusion, "Uncle Jin, I haven't seen Jin Bao today. Wasn't he with you?"
Uncle Jin shook his head and said, "Just now, there was a letter. The person who delivered it asked me to give this letter to you and said it was about Jin Bao's safety."
"Jin Bao?"
Zhang Hao's expression changed. As soon as he heard it was about Jin Bao's safety, he immediately became unsettled. He immediately picked up the letter, tore it open, and read it.
There were only a few words in the letter. It just said: "If you want your brother Jin Bao's life, please go to North City Land Temple alone. Do not bring anyone else, otherwise Jin Bao's life will be in danger."
Zhang Hao's face immediately darkened. Seeing this, he felt things were going badly. He didn't know how Jin Bao was doing at the moment. But no matter what, even if it was a den of dragons and tigers, he had to go. Therefore, Zhang Hao returned to the private room, explained a few things to Murong Fei and Yun Qiuyu, and left quickly.
In the private room.
Murong Fei frowned slightly, looking at Yun Qiuyu and saying, "Did Brother Zhang Hao run into some trouble? He looks unwell, it doesn't seem simple!"
Yun Qiuyu blinked her beautiful eyes and smiled faintly, "If something happened, wouldn't we know if we go and see?"
"Alright, I wouldn't dare say this about other places, but within Watt Country, there doesn't seem to be anything this Crown Prince dares not meddle in. I hope we're not too late!" Murong Fei smiled confidently.
Yun Qiuyu smiled sweetly and said, "Then Qiu Yu will also join in the fun!"
As Zhang Hao rushed towards North City Land Temple.
In a certain mansion in Ninghai City, a thin man stood before two Middle-aged men, his eyes flashing with cunning.
"Hou Le, how is it?"
"Family Head, the target has entered the trap!"
"Good, this time, we will definitely make sure this kid dies without a burial place!"
...
North City Land Temple, this place was sparsely populated. The temple had a history of over five hundred years. But over the centuries, after enduring wars, this Land Temple was already dilapidated. Broken walls and ruins, a scene of desolation.
Zhang Hao walked into the ruined temple, looked around, and frowned. Because he didn't see anyone there. He thought to himself: Was I tricked?
Suddenly, he sniffed and smelled a strong scent of blood. He followed the direction of the blood scent. He lifted a tattered curtain. What came into his sight shocked him.
A youth lay on the ground, covered in blood.
"Strange, who is this person?"
Zhang Hao frowned, squatted down, and checked the youth's nose. He found that the youth had already stopped breathing. Strange, why would someone die here?
Suddenly, Zhang Hao remembered the person who delivered the letter came here looking for Jin Bao. This was too much of a coincidence. The strong sense of conspiracy made him feel a chill down his spine.
Zhang Hao knew that someone was plotting against him. Judging by the appearance of the youth lying on the ground, he was either rich or noble.
"I must leave here immediately."
Zhang Hao quickly darted towards the outside of the ruined temple.
"Catch the murderer! Someone has been killed!"
Following a scream, the sound of iron hooves shook the surroundings. It was as if a large number of Martial Warriors were surrounding the area from all directions.
Zhang Hao's expression changed, knowing he was still a step too late. But he quickly calmed down. Since the other party had set a trap, they naturally wouldn't let him go easily. He also wanted to know who was so insidious to go to such lengths to lure him into the trap.
Soon, hundreds of guards surrounded the ruined temple so tightly that not even a drop of water could pass. Walking in front were none other than the Family Head of the Wang Family, Wang Zhanfeng, and the Family Head of the Li Family, Li Yuanting.
Zhang Hao said with a half-smile, "Two Family Heads, making such a fuss, are you going to war?"
Looking at the calm and composed Zhang Hao, Li Yuanting's intense killing intent locked onto him. He snorted coldly and said, "Laugh, soon, this old man will make you unable to laugh at all."
"Search!"
Li Yuanting waved his hand, and a dozen guards rushed into the Land Temple to conduct a search. Soon, a guard rushed out of the ruined temple, knelt on one knee, and said to Lord Zhang Hao, "Lord, we found the body of General Zhenbei's Young Master, Tie Donghai."
Li Yuanting pointed at Zhang Hao and roared, "Zhang Hao, you killed General Zhenbei's Young Master, what crime should you be charged with?"
Zhang Hao's heart skipped a beat, and information about General Zhenbei surged into his mind. General Zhenbei Iron Zhongguo had guarded the northern border of Watt Country for generations. He was the most trusted official of the Watt Country's ruler. He commanded an army of 300,000, and with him there, the northern countries could not advance a single step. He was truly the cornerstone of the Empire.
To lure me into the trap, they actually killed General Zhenbei's Young Master. This move is quite significant! Anger burned in Zhang Hao's heart.