Following

As Wang Hua moved, both Zhang and Fu Qing immediately focused on the items. 

Sixteen sides of pork flew out the door, ten sides facing up, revealing gruesome spine bones and still-bleeding tender meat, while the other six sides faced down. These sixteen sides from eight pigs were enough for dozens of families to have a good meal. 

Among the seven martial arts manuals, two fell out of their boxes and landed on the ground. 

Thirteen strings of pearls scattered all over, with five strings spilling out. Dozens of pearls dropped onto the stone-paved ground at the entrance, creating a pleasant sound. 

All medicinal pills, with their lids opened, released a tempting aroma that permeated the entrance of the Prime Minister's mansion. 

Hidden in the treetops, Fu Qing's pupils contracted—just as expected! 

As a Martial King, Wang Hua's control was impeccable; he wouldn't have mishandled the gifts unless it was deliberate. Zheng Tao's suspicion was right—Wang Hua was indeed passing information through these items! 

Fu Qing mentally noted the changes in quantities. 

The crowd at the gate had been waiting for this moment, shouting phrases like "Thank you, Prime Minister Wang" and "Thank you, Zhang the Benevolent," before beginning to divide the items. 

These citizens were orderly, not fighting or snatching, as they believed that quarrelling over these items in front of the Prime Minister's mansion would be disrespectful. 

They simply waited quietly for Zhang the Benevolent to come out and distribute the items on behalf of Prime Minister Wang. 

Zhang didn't keep them waiting long. After bowing to Prime Minister Wang, he exited the mansion. 

"Folks, these are the festival gifts from Prime Minister Wang, but Prime Minister Wang is a man of integrity and has no servants. May I boldly distribute these on his behalf?" Zhang asked with a smile. 

"Thank you, Zhang the Benevolent!" 

The items were technically still Zhang's, but once they went in and out of Prime Minister's mansion, they could be presented as Wang Hua's gifts. 

The crowd knew this was to maintain Wang Hua's dignity and responded accordingly with polite phrases. 

Zhang called out loudly, "Six second-grade Qi Gathering Pills if any household needs them, come forward to claim." 

Hearing Zhang's words, several people stepped forward to collect the pills, praising Prime Minister Wang as they left, satisfied. 

"Seven martial arts manuals. If any household has children who need them, come forward to collect!" 

Another seven families stepped forward to claim the manuals. 

The distribution proceeded in an orderly manner; no one took items twice or claimed anything greedily. 

Only those who genuinely needed the items came forward to collect them. 

As for those with better financial situations, who were there just for the spectacle, they left with just a pound of pork for a bit of luck. 

Zhang held no resentment and had no airs of a wealthy merchant, personally carving the pork for everyone. After a long while, the crowd finally left content. 

This unique event would be talked about among the citizens of the capital for a long time, further enhancing Wang Hua's prestige. 

Wang Hua remained in the courtyard of his mansion, watching with a kind expression as the people collected the items. Only after the distribution was complete did he nod and smile. 

"Prime Minister Wang, I shall take my leave now." Zhang grabbed a cloth from the carriage, wiped the grease from his hands, and bowed respectfully. 

"Thank you for your hard work." Wang Hua nodded, and the gate of the mansion slowly closed without inviting Zhang for even a cup of tea. 

Zhang bowed deeply to the closed gate before leading his attendants and the now-empty carriage away. 

Inside Prime Minister's mansion, Wang Hua's kind expression didn't change even after the gate closed, as if he were still immersed in the joy of the people. 

He walked towards the inner hall, his steps lighter. 

Fu Qing cautiously maintained his cover and continued to follow. 

"Father, Zhang came to deliver gifts again," Wang Hua's son, Wang Yong, remarked as he encountered his father on the way. 

Wang Yong, Wang Hua's eldest son and Wang Yu's father, was a high-ranking official in the court, yet he behaved timidly like a quail in front of Wang Hua. 

Though he was a high official with a decent salary, his long robe appeared somewhat worn, with visible patches and wear at the collar. 

"He comes every festival," Wang Hua nodded with a smile. 

"Father, Zhang is a good man, loyal and righteous, and he's been persistent for so many years. Why not accept his gifts just once to fulfil his wish?" Wang Yong asked. 

"Rubbish!" Wang Hua's eyes widened at these words, causing the sixty or seventy-year-old Wang Yong to shrink back. 

"How can officials and merchants collude? I may have some influence in the court, but if he uses that to seek favours from officials, do you think they would refuse out of respect for me?" Wang Hua said sternly. 

"Father, it's not as serious as you think! Zhang isn't that kind of person. Everyone has seen the good he's done for Tianxuan over the years. Many officials admire him and want to help him, but he actively refuses their offers!" Wang Yong, despite his fear of Wang Hua, still spoke well of Zhang the Benevolent. 

Wang Hua, however, was unmoved and snorted coldly, "You can know a person's face but not their heart. It's better this way! Never bring this up again! Go back to your studies." 

"Yes, Father." Seeing Wang Hua's firm stance, Wang Yong dared not argue further and left quietly. 

Witnessing this scene, Fu Qing felt a mix of emotions. The Wang family was strictly disciplined, and Wang Hua's cautious and incorruptible nature would have earned Fu Qing's admiration for his noble character if he hadn't been almost certain that Wang Hua was a traitor. 

What a pity... 

Continuing to follow Wang Hua into the study, Fu Qing noticed that Wang Hua seemed largely unaffected by his son's earlier remarks. 

Humming a little tune, Wang Hua pulled a book from the most prominent position on the bookshelf, settled into a recliner, and began to read it with delight. 

Straining his vision, Fu Qing saw the book's title: 'Records of Tianxuan.' This book documented major events, geographic environments, and other matters of the Tianxuan Empire over a thousand years, comprising over a hundred volumes. 

The volume Wang Hua picked up was the seventh. 

Fu Qing's heart skipped a beat. The seventh volume? Was it a coincidence? 

He clearly remembered that Zhang's gifts included seven martial arts manuals! 

With this in mind, Fu Qing grew increasingly convinced that there must be some hidden connection. 

Wang Hua continued reading, but from Fu Qing's vantage point, it was difficult to spy further without risking detection, despite his superior cultivation level. Being too audacious with close-range surveillance could still expose him, especially given Wang Hua's status as a Martial King. 

In Fu Qing's view, Wang Hua casually flipped through the book until he reached the last page, where he paused. 

He lingered there longer than he had over the rest of the book. Wang Hua's previously relaxed expression turned slightly grave. 

He slowly closed the book, his expression complex. For some reason, he sighed self-deprecatingly and closed his eyes as if to take a nap. 

***

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