Chapter 5: A Man's Oath for His Beloved

One day, Zhen Yi hurriedly arrived at Gongsun Zan's home, expressing the need for his family to return to their ancestral home in Wuji. After repeated inquiries from Gongsun Zan, it was revealed that the current Grand Tutor's nephew, Yuan Shao, was coming to pay a visit and intended to arrange a marriage alliance with the Zhen family. In truth, Zhen Yi understood that this was primarily due to Yuan Shao's interest in their family wealth; an innocent man suffers for the sins of his riches. As the largest merchant family in the North, their annual income was indeed enviable. Zhen Yi was well aware that Yuan Shao's visit would not bring any good news.

An ordinary night. Two children made a vow, which to outsiders surely seemed like mere boasting. However, Gongsun Xu knew that as long as he worked hard, there would always be a place for him in the world.

Gongsun Xu has returned to his former self these past few days. Zhen Dao was crying the whole time while leaving, holding onto Gongsun Xu's hand without letting go. Originally, Gongsun Xu would not have let go either, but the Zhen family was anxious and had to forcibly pull him away. There was no other way; they tried their best not to hurt the child. Unable to resist the adults, before leaving, Zhen Dao shouted to Gongsun Xu: "You must come find me in ten years, you must come, otherwise I will die in front of you."

If we could continue like this, growing up together and then growing old together, how wonderful it would be. Gongsun Xu often thought this way in his heart; he no longer considered the chaos of the world, only caring about the person in front of him. Perhaps, if life could truly continue like this, it would be a good thing for Gongsun Xu, but unfortunately, good times do not last long.

More people appreciate him; he is merely not prosperous at the moment. Once the opportunity arises, he will undoubtedly become a hero soaring through the skies. Gongsun Xu discerned from the communication between his parents and the Tu Shu family that both families were willing to form a close alliance, which greatly pleased him. This is excellent, as it saves him a lot of trouble.

She learned that Zhen Dao is the child of a merchant family from Zhongshan Wuji, and Zhang Fei is the son of a butcher, with some assets in his family. Being with these two children is quite good; previously, she was a bit worried that her son did not play with peers of the same age, but now it seems fine. After all, they are just children, and there is no need to worry.

Gongsun Zan is quite grateful for the hospitality extended to Zhen Yi. Upon returning, he shared this with his wife, who was overjoyed. Not to mention anything else, her husband is certainly destined to be a heroic figure

Although the lady was comforting herself, Gongsun Zan could not escape his self-reproach, which further strengthened his resolve to achieve prominence.

It is commendable that my son has such determination; all I need to do is assist him by buying some medicine for him daily, helping him bathe, or providing internal remedies to promote his physical growth

In the blink of an eye, a year and a half has passed. The Zhen family has their own residence in Zhuojun, and with Zhen Dao being quite close to Gongsun Xu, they have been staying in Zhuojun during this time. The two families maintain a close relationship, waiting for the children to grow up and eventually marry. In ancient times, people placed great importance on such matters, and in order to foster a better relationship between the children, Zhen Mi and Gongsun Xu spend almost every day together. Of course, Zhang Fei also joins in the fun whenever he has the time.

Zhang Fei has visited several times and believes that this is indeed a good method for martial arts training, so he joined in the practice. Although he initially trembled all over from the cold, he persevered.

As for Zhen Dao's family, they warmly welcomed Gongsun Zan. Zhen Mi's father, Zhen Yi, had also served as the magistrate of Shangcai County and had encountered many notable figures. He could see that Gongsun Zan was currently in a position of unfulfilled ambition. Furthermore, with Gongsun Zan having a father-in-law who was a governor, their hospitality increased, and they expressed a desire to form a familial bond with Gongsun Zan. Gongsun Zan was also very willing. It is said that providing timely assistance is far more valuable than adding embellishments to success.

At least from the perspective of Gongsun Xu's mother, her child is no longer so silent and reticent; he has now become very cheerful and smiles more often

I must return home, and I have to bring Zhen Dao back as well. The other party knows how many daughters my family has, and if I do not bring her back, they will not let it go easily. I hope that, considering the wealth involved, they will not make things difficult for my family. Gongsun Zan did not say much. The situation is not as favorable as theirs, and the Zhen family has not wronged anyone. If there is blame, it should be directed at the state of the world, and at myself for being of noble birth yet not holding the same weight as the Yuan family.

Since the last time he met Zhen Daoguo, Gongsun Xu's life has undergone some changes

After having this idea, Gongsun Xu practiced martial arts more diligently. Coupled with the memories from his previous life, Gongsun Xu's skills were advancing rapidly. Having been in the foundation-building stage for nearly two years, he was no longer satisfied with the status quo. Even if he continued to train like this, he wondered how strong he could eventually become. Historically, Gongsun Zan was not particularly formidable; at best, he was merely a bottom-tier first-rate character.

Up to now, Gongsun Xu can no longer remain calm. He had thought he could live a quiet life, but unexpectedly, while the tree wishes for stillness, the wind does not cease; even if he does not seek trouble, trouble will always find him. Although through his memories, Gongsun Xu knows that his family has not suffered much this time, he can no longer endure it. If he cannot even protect his own loved ones, what meaning does life hold?

Half a month later, Gongsun Xu realized that his happiness must be fought for and earned by himself. If things continued like this, not to mention ten years, even now, who would truly care for him? Gongsun Xu told himself that he must bring Zhen Mi back.

Adults often dismiss it as mere children's banter, not paying much attention. However, Gongsun Xu cannot afford to ignore it; this is the second time in his life he has heard this phrase. He is stunned, wondering if it will be the same as last time, if he will never see her again. No, this absolutely cannot happen again in this lifetime

The father wept generously, and after paying his respects, he rose and left, leaving the onlookers in deep admiration. It was only later that Gongsun Xu learned that his grandfather had offended the powerful, failing to align with the wishes of those in authority, and had been falsely accused of a crime, facing exile to Rinán. At that time, the law did not permit subordinates to accompany the prisoner in the cart. The father planned to disguise himself as a servant, take his grandfather's daily necessities, and drive to escort him.

A cold wind blew, and Gongsun Xu looked up at the night sky. He stood up and said to Zhang Fei: "Elder brother, a true man should strive to earn a title and secure a family. One must go to the battlefield to fight for merit. I wish to practice martial arts diligently and then join the army, and in the future, I will lead a hundred thousand armored soldiers to roam the world, ensuring that no one underestimates us. Elder brother, what are your plans for the future?"

Gongsun Xu looked at his father kneeling before the ancestral grave and said: "Once a son to my father, now a minister to my lord, I should accompany Governor Liu to Rinan. The miasma of Rinan is pervasive, and I fear I may not return. Here, I bid farewell to my ancestors."

Alright, brother, I am six years older than you. With your ambition and determination, how could I possibly fall behind? In the future, if you lead a hundred thousand armored troops to dominate the world, I will serve as your general, cutting down enemies and capturing flags for you. I want to charge through the ranks of thousands of soldiers, making sure the world knows I am Zhang Fei from Yan.

In light of this, Gongsun Xu decided to add a training regimen for himself: swimming. Based on later memories, Gongsun Xu understood that practicing martial arts in water significantly enhances physical fitness, lung capacity, explosive power, and endurance. Therefore, after running five laps around the city wall each day, he would go to the lake to practice martial arts. Initially, Gongsun Xu endured considerable hardship, but he gritted his teeth and persevered. Gongsun Zan did not stop him. After running five laps around the city wall each day, he would go to the lake to practice martial arts. Initially, Gongsun Xu endured considerable hardship, but he gritted his teeth and persevered. Gongsun Zan did not stop him.

"Even though there are many heroes in the world, I will still bring you all down. The Three Kingdoms, ah, the Three Kingdoms, this is the stage given to me by heaven, a stage for me, Gongsun Xu, alone." Gongsun Xu silently thought to himself.

Until the evening, Gongsun Xu kept thinking this way. Zhang Fei stayed with him the whole time; once his grandfather and father left, the home became desolate.

A few days later, after Gongsun Zan returned and heard what his wife had to say, he understood the specific situation and made a special visit to both families. Zhang Fei's father, Zhang Yun, although engaged in the pig slaughtering trade, was quite knowledgeable about books and had exceptional martial skills. He was adept at wielding the family heirloom spear and was a true man. Upon meeting, the two quickly engaged in a discussion that led to a sparring match. Gongsun Zan initially thought that his own spear was already a rare long weapon, but to his surprise, Zhang Yun's spear was also quite long, measuring approximately 1.6 zhang, which is about 3.4 meters in today's measurements (the ancient measurement units differ from modern ones). After exchanging blows for over sixty rounds, they both gained a sense of mutual respect and enjoyed a lively conversation. Upon returning, Gongsun Zan continued to praise Zhang Yun without reservation.

But what can be done? I am just a child of over seven years old, what can I do? To go and bring her back, then the two of us find a place to live in seclusion—it's a good idea, but it cannot be implemented. I am still too young. So I will wait another ten years, until I grow up, but ten years is such a long time, and there are too many changes; can I really wait? Gongsun Xu has been pondering this question. Gongsun Zan looks at his son lost in thought, feeling uneasy himself. It is still the case that as a father, he feels powerless, unable to protect what his son desires. Gongsun Zan feels guilty.

All of this happened after the fight he had. Later, she also inquired with the neighbors and learned that her son was doing it for a little girl. Moreover, every day after finishing his martial arts practice and homework, he would go to play with that little girl. Of course, sometimes there would also be a child named Zhang Fei joining them.

It is said that the heavens are unpredictable and that fortune and misfortune can change overnight. For Gongsun Xu, this could be considered a case of misfortunes never coming singly. One day, Gongsun Zan brought him to the ancestral grave of his family.