Chapter 3: A man without a car cannot afford to be hurt

A family is essentially the fief of a nobleman, a household that possesses its own land, its own subjects, its own army, and a self-contained economy, such as the Zhao family palace.

Thus, he expressed his gratitude, yet firmly declined.

He was unable to enter the public school with his legitimate elder brothers to study the Six Arts of a gentleman; each of the three elder brothers had their own specialized carriages, surrounded by attendants when they went out, while Zhao Wuxu seemed to be forgotten.

Faced with such a tough opponent, after going around in circles with words, Zhao Wuxu found himself somewhat at a loss.

Indifference, in his understanding, probably means a lack of love since childhood, or the notion of not needing love... The extent of being unappreciated is evident.

The law stipulates that no one may misuse military vehicles

As Ji Ying served food for Wu Xu, she said: "After the morning ritual was just completed, I hurried to bring fresh rice to Father, and then specifically rushed over here, sweating profusely. Yet you have the heart to not finish the story, and instead sing a song of complaints, saying things like 'The chopsticks and spoons return, yet there is no meat to eat.' Alas."

However, if this statement is placed in the context of the Spring and Autumn period, it would be quite inappropriate, as the concept of family during the Spring and Autumn period differs significantly from that of later generations

It is important for Uncle and Brother to know that regardless of any concerns, participation in the hunt is necessary

Others believe that without shame, he is not even qualified to participate, but he knows clearly that he must win!

This also demonstrates how he is so out of place among Zhao Yang's five children

In summary, the family is the primary force that the noble officials can mobilize, serving as the fundamental unit of the feudal system of the State of Jin. If the family cannot be unified, what is there to discuss about governing the country and bringing peace to the world? One might as well go home and daydream.

In the scattered memories, Zhao Wuxu indeed did not receive any paternal love since childhood. In Zhao Yang's eyes, he was merely a "bastard born of a lowly servant," plain in appearance, lacking any notable talents, merely an extraneous bloodline of the Zhao family, and one that was not entirely pure.

This encapsulates the loyalty of the scholars during the Spring and Autumn period towards their sovereigns and literature; my sovereign is the sovereign of the feudal lords, yet not my sovereign, can perhaps be described with this phrase

According to the loyalty logic of this era, even if the monarch, or even the Son of Heaven of the Zhou dynasty, were to arrive, the vassals could legally and reasonably ignore you

Zhao Wuxu, however, forgot that his habitual way of thinking largely remained in the modern era two thousand years later, while the Spring and Autumn period had its own set of rules that he was not so familiar with... Yet, Ji Ying could not have anticipated that he was so oblivious as to not even understand the most basic common knowledge

While she was complaining, when Zhao Wuxu came over to wipe the sweat from her forehead, the dimples at the corners of her mouth revealed her enjoyment of the situation

What justifies the notion that before governing the country and bringing peace to the world, one must first manage the family? Is the family merely a personal matter?

Moreover, even if he managed to acquire a war chariot, he would still need two attendants of the "Shi" rank to serve as deputies.

Without evidence, one must have a decree to invoke it

Holding a sword and a spear, serving as the charioteer for Uncle Qi, this seemingly appears to be a kind invitation from a benevolent elder brother to his down-and-out younger sibling

After bidding farewell to his sister, Zhao Wuxu hurried to the garage.

The family of this Wang Sunqi took a completely opposite path: from the noble lineage of the Heavenly King to the ranks of the high officials, then from high officials to becoming impoverished scholars, and finally descending to the level of serving as vassals for others. It is unclear when they escaped from the small remnant of Chengzhou, which was only the size of a palm, and served as laborers for several generations under the Zhao family.

The finely cooked rice is somewhat sticky and quite monotonous, but it is infinitely better than the food in the stable: the minor officials eat unhulled brown rice, while the subordinates have only bean leaf soup, rice bran, and a vegetarian sauce made from legumes to accompany their meals, and they have only two meals a day, in the morning and evening

Uncle Zhao Qi stroked the red tassel under his chin and said, "If this lowly bastard really did that, my elder brother Zhong, who is rigidly principled and holds the chariot in the highest regard, would definitely be the first to make him feel embarrassed on the spot"

Zhao Wuxu now has some understanding

On the left side of the carriage, there is a fair-skinned, beardless young gentleman. He is dressed elegantly, wearing a hunting cap made of leather, with a longbow slung over his shoulder and a quiver made of deer skin at his waist. He is none other than Zhao Wuxu's uncle, Zhao Shuqi.

Zhao Wuxu slightly lowered his head and cupped his hands in salute to Uncle Qi

The ritual system during the Spring and Autumn period is complex. The etiquette for a scholar meeting a nobleman is one set of rules, while the etiquette for a scholar meeting another scholar is a different set. The etiquette for a son meeting an elder brother, a father, or sisters varies as well... When Zhao Wuxu first traversed time, he made a significant blunder in the rituals, leading to a severe reprimand from Ji Ying, who pulled his ear and gave him a thorough lesson. Now, at least in terms of daily greeting etiquette, he has finally managed to avoid making mistakes.

Once my brother and that lowly son are at odds, my sister will surely side with the lowly son. After they both suffer mutual destruction, I will then reap the benefits as a fisherman. As for my elder brother, he has always been a dull and honest person, failing to win our father's favor. At that time, will not the position of heir be mine for the taking

For example, the person in front of Zhao Wuxu, the family retainer in charge of the Zhao family's vehicles, known as "Chai Che".

And that representative of the office's interests, Qi Jinggong, surprisingly also expressed strong agreement with this statement

Uncle Qi deliberately emphasized the words "stable" and "regret," after which his guards and charioteers cast sidelong glances at Wu Xu, their lips curling into a faint smile of disdain

But when father summoned the sons to participate in the hunt, I was certainly included among them

Under the cloud of confusion, Zhao Wuxu found himself inexplicably stirred, as Uncle Zhao Qi's suggestion reminded him of a famous military reform conducted by a descendant two hundred years later, which immediately gave rise to a bold idea

Zhao Wuxu observed with his eyes on his nose and his nose on his heart. Although the memories of this life were not very clear, he still remembered that Shu Qi was a somewhat clever fellow. Their relationship was not particularly good, yet today, he was evidently overly enthusiastic.

Of course, this was something that Ji Ying had instructed him before coming, asking him to handle it himself. How could he have known such details? Most likely, he just boarded the vehicle, foolishly serving as a mere accompaniment.

There was a minister from the State of Qi who, in the presence of Duke Jing of Qi, rebuked a treacherous vassal's retainer, saying: "You, as a private chamber retainer, wish to pledge loyalty to the sovereign of the public court; this is indeed a grave offense."

He used to believe that the saying "cultivate oneself, regulate the family, govern the state, and bring peace to the world" clearly presents some issues when applied to later generations

Since the family is so important, it requires someone to assist in its management and operation, which led to the emergence of household retainers

The chariot of the Zhao family, named Wang Sunqi, is in his thirties, has a square face, a full black beard, and a dignified appearance. Wang Sun is indeed a remarkable lineage, suggesting that his ancestors may have been princes of the Zhou Dynasty

The history of the Zhao family over four hundred years is a long process of evolving from a commoner to a gentleman, and then enduring to become a noble.

For my sister, for the family, for a better change in this era

Therefore, although he still harbored doubts about Zhao Shuqin's excessive enthusiasm today, the idea he proposed, when understood with a carefree mindset, seemed to carry little risk, well, at least Ji Ying had not said it was unacceptable

The young girl raised the tray to eye level, which was something typically reserved for her father, brothers, or husband, yet she broke this custom in front of her half-brother. Zhao Wuxu, moved by this gesture, also sat up straight and respectfully accepted it.

In accordance with the etiquette of not speaking while eating, he finished the last bite of his meal and drank a full cup of thick sour water before inquiring about the relevant hunting rituals

This hereditary system of vassals, which Zhao Wuxu viewed as somewhat decayed and lacking vitality, has nonetheless nurtured a large number of loyal subjects willing to sacrifice their lives for their lord

Only when passing by Wu Xu did Zhao Shuqi seem to notice him, letting out a sound of surprise, and ordered his imperial guard to stop the chariot, casually returning the greeting with an empty hand while standing on the vehicle

However, during the Spring and Autumn period, the nobility rode in carriages with the honored position on the left, thus the esteemed individual was on the left and the deputy was on the right, which was considered the right side of the carriage, a position of lower status compared to that on the left

To serve the ruler's provisions is to be loyal to the ruler's affairs. Without the sovereign's decree, even if the Duke of Jin personally arrives, it cannot be an exception

Uncle Qi looked around and immediately understood Zhao Wuxu's predicament. He then said with a smile that did not reach his eyes: "Indeed, father did not say you could not go. However, Wuxu, it seems you do not have the command tokens for the war chariots. The family rules are strict; without the tokens, even if it were your elder brother or your second brother, they would be helpless. Would you like to ride in my chariot? How about you be my charioteer?"

The poker-faced "Chache" Wang Sunqi, who originally observed with indifference, is now slightly surprised and approving of Zhao Wuxu's persistence.

Uncle Qi was even more pleased, "Haha, She Tuo, you have pledged your loyalty to me and offered your assistance. Once I inherit the family business, you will certainly be rewarded with a position as a grand minister of a thousand households!"

Uncle Qi's eyes rolled as he devised another plan after the first one failed. He jumped down from the carriage, seemingly friendly as he patted Wu Xu's shoulder, and leaned in to whisper something in his ear.

I am my father's son, a biological child! Could it be that I would take the car and escape?

The Legalists of the Warring States emerged from the Three Jin, and the Legalists of the Three Jin came from the Zhao family. Zhao Yang, my own father, had a strong inclination towards the rule of law. Ten years ago, he participated in the creation of the first codified law of the Jin state, which was made public.

The head steward, known as the chief among the household retainers, is responsible for overseeing all family affairs, such as the one who dared to confront Zhao Yang, Yin Duo. Beneath the head steward, there are many different types of household retainer positions, which are typically inherited from generation to generation.

If Zhao Wuxu wishes to participate, he must first possess a chariot, so that he can proudly stand upon it and accompany the guests in galloping and shooting.

At this moment, the young nobleman was wearing a stern expression, appearing very official and businesslike.

One cannot die from holding in urine, and without a war chariot, he certainly cannot follow behind his cheap brothers, eating dust. Should he specifically seek out his father Zhao Yang to request the order for the chariot? Zhao Wuxu is currently not bold enough to test the patience of that formidable hero. Should he ask his sister Ji Ying to speak on his behalf? Yet, he truly cannot afford to lose face in front of her.

In ancient times, during the Spring and Autumn period, the activities of spring gathering, summer planting, autumn hunting, and winter hunting were all conducted during the agricultural off-season. This was also a way for the lords of the Spring and Autumn period to train in archery, horsemanship, and chariot driving, of course, all of this was governed by corresponding rules

Zhao Yang has not yet designated a family heir, so theoretically, the status of all sons is equal, even a legitimate son possesses his own independent dignity and opportunities. However, once he becomes the charioteer of Uncle Qi, Zhao Wuxu's status will automatically be regarded as inferior to his, and even in the eyes of others, this will be seen as a sign of early allegiance to Uncle Qi

The sergeant She Tuo, who was with Shu Qi, was remarkably robust in appearance, yet unfortunately possessed a pair of incongruous triangular eyes. As he observed Zhao Wuxu gradually walking away towards the stable garden, he flatteringly remarked to Shu Qi: "Thanks to the gentleman's brilliant strategy, today's hunt is sure to be exceptionally lively"

The head of the family, Zhao Yang, has four sons and one daughter: the eldest son, Bo Lu; the second son, Zhong Xin; the third son, Shu Qi; and the fourth daughter, Ji Ying. With Bo, Zhong, Shu, and Ji, all names are accounted for. Coincidentally, when Zhao Wu Xu was born, the names were perfectly exhausted.

Thank you, brother

Upholding the principle that governing a country must begin with regulating the family, the Zhao family naturally has established family laws that are clearly promulgated, as Wang Sunqi rightly pointed out

According to Ji Ying, the Zhao family members will gather in the afternoon to head to the nearby Mian Shang, where they will join the family convoy and await the clan leader Zhao Yang, as well as the esteemed guest from the State of Song for inspection

Controlling the galloping warhorses while driving, known as "Yurong," is a technical skill. On the other hand, when faced with poor road conditions, the "Cheyou" who is responsible for pushing or even carrying the cart is engaged in a physical task. Where can Zhao Wuxu find such talents in a short time?

"No worries, you won't be getting the carriage, but I often see you galloping in the stable these days. Why not make an appearance like this for the hunt this time?"

The gentleman's clever schemes are intricately linked, truly remarkable! Truly remarkable!

Zhao Wuxu does not wish to be a mere backdrop for Uncle Qi, losing at the starting line of this competition for the title of heir apparent

He then exaggeratedly shouted in his unpleasant voice that had changed due to puberty: "Wuxu, weren't you reflecting on your actions in the stable? How could you be here?"

At this moment, the sound of carriages and the neighing of horses filled the air as a beautifully adorned four-horse chariot emerged from the carriage house