Young Master Gao? Call me Little Grand Secretary!

The brothel where Gao Zhao frequented was not too far from the Kaifeng Prefecture. When he rushed over, he saw Lin Chong coming out of the Kaifeng Prefecture prison and then embracing Zhang Yunniang and crying bitterly.

Standing to the side were his father-in-law, Instructor Zhang, as well as Lu Zhishen, Zhang San, and Li Si.

Gao Zhao was truly impressed. Did the people of Bianliang really love watching a spectacle?

While Kaifeng Prefecture was still searching for Zhang San and Li Si, these scoundrels actually delivered themselves right to their doorstep!

Gao Zhao was even tempted to report it!

Arresting them and then rescuing them is another great favor that will make people extremely grateful!

Lin Chong and his wife cried for a while, then noticed the people around them. Feeling embarrassed, he quickly pushed Zhang Yunniang aside and bowed to everyone, saying, "I was on the verge of death and couldn't contain my emotions. Please forgive my embarrassment, brothers!"

"Haha... That's only human nature, who would dare laugh!" Lu Zhishen, his face beaming, strode forward, helped Lin Chong up, patted his shoulders heavily a few times, and laughed loudly, "It's good that you're out, it's good that you're out!"

Lin Chong was also touched and said, "Thank you for your concern, Senior Brother!"

"We're brothers, why be so polite!" Lu Zhishen laughed heartily. "Wouldn't it be much more enjoyable to spend a day getting thoroughly drunk than to say such things!"

"Oh, oh, oh, the way you're saying that makes it sound like you deserve all the credit for Lin Chong's exoneration!"

A strange, sarcastic voice suddenly rang out. The others quickly turned to look, but Lu Zhishen didn't even glance at them, turning back to curse, "I'm talking to my brothers, what's it to you!"

"I can't stand your cowardly behavior of hiding when things are tough but rushing to claim credit!" Gao Zhao swaggered over, his expression disdainful. "Tell me, how much did you contribute to saving Lin Chong this time?"

"I..." Lu Zhishen opened his mouth, speechless, then angrily said, "You damned son of a high-ranking official, you took on all this responsibility but didn't assign me any tasks, and now you're accusing me of not doing my job!"

"Hmph!" Gao Zhao snorted coldly, disdainfully saying, "Is it possible that you're simply too incompetent to be trusted with anything?"

"You jerk..."

"Wait a minute, senior brother!"

Lu Zhishen was furious and reached out to grab Gao Zhao, but Lin Chong grabbed him.

Lin Chong had already discerned something amiss from their conversation, and quickly bowed deeply, saying, "Was it you, young master, who saved me from punishment?"

Gao Zhao smiled slightly, waved his hand, and pointed to Zhang San and Li Si, saying, "I don't have that kind of ability; it's all thanks to these brothers' help!"

Lin Chong bowed to the two of them again.

Zhang San and Li Si quickly returned the greeting, saying, "Instructor, there's no need for such formalities. We were merely following the orders of the magistrate and did some insignificant things. The woman's surrender and overturning of the case was entirely the magistrate's doing!"

Their words confirmed that Gao Zhao had saved Lin Chong, and everyone turned to look at Gao Zhao. Only Lu Zhishen curled his lip and said, "It's nothing but a scheme to sow discord and deceive a woman!"

Gao Zhao, being magnanimous, naturally wouldn't stoop to his level. He calmly said, "What I told you in prison that day—that I couldn't save you—was the truth. In that situation, connections were completely useless!"

"Sigh..." Upon hearing this, Instructor Zhang couldn't help but sigh, recalling the scene of him running around everywhere to no avail.

Lin Chong, recalling the despair he felt while imprisoned, fell silent.

"But I can't stand being asked for favors!" Gao Zhao glanced at Zhang Yunniang and said, "Having no other choice, I had to go to that woman, reason with her, and persuade her with all my might before I finally convinced her..."

Zhang Yunniang's heart skipped a beat when he looked at her, and she knew what he meant, so she quickly lowered her head.

Lin Chong, having narrowly escaped death, was overwhelmed with emotion and failed to notice Zhang Yunniang's change in expression. He bowed deeply to the ground, choking back tears, and said, "I am deeply grateful to you, young master, for saving my life. I will never forget your great kindness. In the future, if you ever need my service, I will go through fire and water without hesitation, even at the cost of my life!"

[Gratitude points from Lin Chong +1]

Your spear and club skills have been upgraded! Spear and Club (Beginner's Guide)

A pop-up window flashed before Gao Zhao's eyes. He was stunned. It wasn't about gaining a new skill, but rather an upgrade to his existing skill!

Well, Lin Chong is a master of spear and staff techniques, so it's normal for this skill to fall from his body.

The two combined gave me an upgrade!

If I keep targeting and rescuing people who use guns and clubs, wouldn't I be able to keep leveling up?

I doubt it will work. It must be related to the strength of the user. The stronger the user, the more powerful the skill!

For example, Lu Qian also knows guns and sticks, but if I were to relentlessly exploit him, I could never surpass Lin Chong no matter how hard I tried!

So let's stick to Linchongkeng from now on...

He said he'd go through fire and water for me, so it's not my fault!

[Gratitude points from Zhang Yunniang +1]

Another pop-up window flashed by, and Gao Zhao couldn't help but turn his head to look at it.

When Zhang Yunniang saw him looking at her, she hurriedly squatted down and bowed, saying, "This humble servant thanks you, young master, for saving my husband!"

"Oh dear, sister-in-law, there's no need for such formalities!" Gao Zhao said politely, hurriedly stepping forward to reach out and help her up.

Just as they were about to meet, another person suddenly appeared from the side and blocked Zhang Yunniang's path.

"This old man thanks you, young master, for saving my son-in-law!" The newcomer was none other than Instructor Zhang.

"Hmm!" Gao Zhao immediately withdrew his hand, put it behind his back, and showed no intention of helping him up. He nodded and turned to leave.

He had absolutely no interest in such insincere thanks!

Zhang Yunniang knew exactly what he was thinking. Seeing his embarrassed look, she found it amusing and couldn't help but smile.

Suddenly, Instructor Zhang turned around and looked at her with sharp eyes, which startled Zhang Yunniang. She quickly lowered her head, her heart pounding wildly.

Thinking about her behavior just now, she was so ashamed that she wanted to disappear, and her cheeks were burning hot!

The group exchanged a few more words, and Lu Zhishen, on a whim, wanted to take Lin Chong for a drink. But as soon as he finished speaking, he slapped his forehead and laughed, "Oh dear, I forgot! Brother, you've just escaped a calamity; you should be reuniting with your family! We can meet again tomorrow!"

"Young Master, would you like to join us for a get-together tomorrow?" Lin Chong invited. "I am deeply grateful for everyone's help this time. I have prepared a small feast for you all, and I hope you will do me the honor of joining us!"

Gao Zhao glanced at Zhang Yunniang and saw that he was being protected so closely by Instructor Zhang. He figured that even if he went tomorrow, he would be treated like a thief and guarded against. He felt utterly bored!

Even though his daughter is married, he's still so strict! That old man is such a nuisance; doesn't he know what boundaries are?!

He shook his head and said, "No need. I was studying at the Biyong Academy, and this matter has already delayed me for a long time. Now that it's over, I should go back to my studies!"

Lin Chong stood respectfully at attention, cupped his hands, and said, "This matter of mine has troubled you, sir, and delayed your studies; it is indeed my fault!"

"Ha!" Lu Zhishen chuckled dismissively, "He doesn't study a thing in class. He probably spends more time playing outside than at school!"

Zhang San and Li Si looked at each other in bewilderment. If you hadn't mentioned it, who would have remembered that he was a student at the Imperial Academy?

"How vulgar! If you don't study, next time you encounter a problem, you'll only be as powerless and furious as you, utterly helpless!"

Gao Zhao scoffed, then waved to the crowd and strode away!

Now that this matter is settled, it's time to go back and brag to the old man in Biyong!