“There’s a way. As long as we help John resolve this crisis, he can continue to stay by the Queen’s side, which gives us a chance to collaborate with him.” Zhang Fang set down his pen, exuding confidence with a relaxed demeanor.
Curious, Manager Wei asked, “But how are we going to help him solve this crisis?”
It was a fact that John’s brother was abusing the Queen’s children, and nothing could change that.
“I have my methods,” Zhang Fang replied with a faint smile, assured of his success.
Initially, the Queen had been in deep sorrow and depression due to her husband’s death. Her children had contacted John to help her come out of her grief, allowing him to interact with her. They never anticipated that John would turn out to be a fierce predator.
In the eyes of the prince and princess, John was a villain. If this villain were to suddenly perform a good deed and save them, it would undoubtedly shock them, making it difficult for them to bring up past grievances.
Zhang Fang guessed correctly. John and his brother were particularly agitated. The first prince was gravely ill, and the Queen was returning to the castle. They were unable to stop her!
John had sought help from the Prime Minister more than once, but the Prime Minister appeared powerless and was clearly choosing to abandon him as a pawn!
John’s brother was on the phone with him, asking if they should flee early.
John had thought about escaping, but where could they go? Besides, he didn’t want to live a wretched life in hiding.
After hanging up the phone, John’s brother was particularly irritated.
A maid approached and handed him a box. “Sir, someone just delivered this box.”
John’s brother wasn’t in the mood to care about what was inside the box and threw it to the ground.
A few gold pieces tumbled out, catching his attention.
As he walked over to pick up the gold, he noticed there was also a note inside the box. It contained information that could help the brothers maintain the Queen’s trust!
With a mindset of trying something new, John’s brother went to an inn to find someone.
To his surprise, he met a young man dressed in foreign attire.
John’s brother stared at Zhang Fang warily, his expression cold. “Did you send me the note?”
“Mr. John, I assume you wouldn’t want outsiders to know about this, would you? Please, come in.” Zhang Fang smiled and nodded, inviting his guest inside.
With a scowl, John’s brother turned to ensure no one was watching before stepping into the room.
Zhang Fang had already prepared fine food and wine, inviting him to sit down and enjoy.
Remaining vigilant, John’s brother didn’t touch anything and directly asked, “What do you propose to solve my problems?”
“Arrange an appropriate occasion for an assassin to strike at the Queen and her children. You and your brother must step forward to protect the Queen and the prince and princess. This way, any animosity you have towards them will dissipate, and the Queen will also value you more.” Zhang Fang, aware of the mistrust, revealed his plan plainly.
Upon hearing this, John’s brother looked surprised, thinking the method was brilliant! However, he still didn’t let down his guard, pursuing, “Why are you helping us?”
“Because I want to collaborate with you. I come from a great nation in the East where I own a fabric store. A foreign merchant named George monopolizes the market in our area. I’ve braved the seas to come here seeking a way out.” Zhang Fang explained the situation candidly.
John’s brother narrowed his eyes, scrutinizing Zhang Fang. He knew that the George family had strong ties with the upper house. With backing from the highest political institutions, George thrived in commerce in the East, sharing the profits with the upper house.
“What do you want?” John’s brother was intrigued by Zhang Fang.
“I seek to enter this clothing market, sharing fifty percent of the profits with you. The remaining forty percent will go to the upper house.” At that moment, Zhang Fang’s eyes seemed to reflect the depth of the ocean.
John’s brother regarded Zhang Fang with a playful expression, asking, “Do you want to defeat the George family? Do you have any idea how much profit they generate?”
“I am confident that I can create even higher profits than theirs,” Zhang Fang said with a confident smile.
John’s brother took out a lighter to fidget with.
Zhang Fang took the lighter from him and smashed it to the ground.
This action startled John’s brother, who jumped up, glaring at Zhang Fang defensively.
Manager Wei, accompanied by several people, walked out of the room, surrounding John.
Zhang Fang said with a calm smile, “There is a phone here; you can contact your brother and convey my intentions to him.”
John’s brother muttered a curse under his breath as he picked up the phone to contact his brother.
Chapter 36: Unwavering Loyalty to the Nation
After conveying Zhang Fang’s intentions to John, John became interested in Zhang Fang and requested a direct conversation with him.
On the phone, Zhang Fang spoke eloquently about the fabric business, clothing brands, exotic foods, and restaurant chains, earning John’s respect as a far-sighted businessman!
Thus, a verbal agreement for collaboration was established between John and Zhang Fang over the phone.
Zhang Fang glanced at John’s brother and informed John, “To ensure our cooperation is foolproof, before we finalize our first deal, I would like to keep your brother by my side so he can learn the business. I believe you wouldn’t want to be at a loss, would you? Only by placing someone you trust in our trading group can you ensure control over the business details.”
John agreed without hesitation.
John’s brother: ???
Am I being held as a hostage?
Zhang Fang handed the phone to John’s brother, who received instructions from John over the line. Reluctantly, John’s brother ended up staying by Zhang Fang’s side.
With the connections of the John brothers, Zhang Fang could now freely make bold moves in this unfamiliar royal capital.
First, he arranged for the assassins, then he busily recruited people for training.
In three days, the Queen would return to the capital. At a family banquet, the assassin would make a move against the Queen and her family. At that time, John would spring into action to rescue her.