After this conversation with Zhang Xinghuai, Wang Ping felt that he and Zi Luan would probably get along. However, Zhang Xinghuai would most likely not put himself in Daoist Zi Luan's path. In Zi Luan's presence, he would be a lamb to the slaughter, but with Wang Ping, there was at least the bond of their sect to consider.
Zhang Xinghuai was not wrong. Three days after his discussion with Wang Ping, Zi Luan sent a messenger to invite Wang Ping to Jinhuai Prefecture for a meeting.
When they arrived at the Daoist Scripture Hall in Jinhuai Prefecture, the two exchanged another round of pleasantries. Then, just as expected, Zi Luan brought up the matter of the Northwest. Wang Ping, of course, did not refuse. 'If this is handled well, the big shots will get the meat, and I can at least have some of the soup.'
Once they reached an agreement, Zhang Xinghuai would be responsible for the actual implementation.
And so, another year passed.
