Chapter 6, Things Do Not Go as Desired

Ye Zhao sighed upon hearing this. Although the natural environment in this era is quite good, when faced with nature, one can only rely on their physical strength. It is manageable in youth, but as one ages, it becomes increasingly difficult to endure. Consequently, during this time, the average lifespan of individuals is not high, especially in the northern regions, where those with weaker constitutions may not even survive past the age of 40

"Miss Xin'er, are you here to see the young master?" Ding Li stepped forward to ask Xin'er.

"Ali, are there any other people at home?" Ye Zhao turned to look at Ding Li

In the coming month, Ye Zhao will be quite busy. After a period of self-care, his health has improved significantly, and he can now begin gene enhancement training. Additionally, Uncle Liang, inspired by Ye Zhao's previous insights, has recruited bodyguards who possess considerable strength yet are honest and straightforward. The Ye family is hiring bodyguards, not generals, so the primary requirement is obedience. They have gradually recruited around twenty, which is sufficient. If they continue to recruit, Ye Zhao will not be able to afford the costs. Even now, with a relocation fee of ten thousand per person, Uncle Liang is troubled and wears a frown all day.

Having thought this through, Uncle Liang looked at Ding Li again and immediately found him much more agreeable. Although the man seemed a bit dull, such a person was also reassuring. He then clasped his hands and smiled, saying: "Young master is wise."

There has been no news from the court; however, Cai Yong did send a letter through someone, indicating that he has encountered obstacles in his official career, as Wei Xian has intervened.

Get up. Ye Zhao reached out to help Ding Li to his feet and said to Uncle Liang: You go help him with that, starting tomorrow, I will personally guide him

However, Wei Xian's recommendation was completely contrary to the original intentions of Ye Zhao and Cai Yong. He recommended Ye Zhao to take up a position in the border regions, and his reasoning was quite sufficient. The Ye family had produced three generations of excellent generals who served to defend the borders of the Han Dynasty. Since Ye Zhao possessed remarkable talent, serving in the border regions would allow him to fully utilize his abilities and contribute even more to the country

The Wei Family Manor has been transformed by Ye Zhao into a training ground, where a group of selected guards is diligently practicing the three styles of swordsmanship, each clad in heavy bronze armor

This reasoning is such that even Cai Yong would find it difficult to refute. The Wei family also holds considerable influence in the court, and they have contributed significantly to Cai Yong's exemption from exile. Moreover, there are familial ties involved. If a direct confrontation were to occur, it would be a tremendous blow to Cai Yong's reputation, which he values even more than his life. Therefore, it is impossible for Cai Yong to openly turn against the Wei family. This reflects the common practice among the aristocratic families of the Central Plains, where familial connections are maintained. Even in the face of conflicts, there is always room for negotiation. Although the Ye family is also an aristocratic family, they have evidently not yet entered this circle, which is why Wei Xian dares to take direct action against Ye Zhao.

Watching the departing figures of the two, Ye Zhao felt a sense of emotion. In this day and age, people are truly simple-hearted. In the ten years following the apocalypse, not to mention just offering a relocation fee, even if one were to genuinely pour their heart and soul into it, most people would not hesitate to betray and stab in the back when faced with sufficient benefits. He had witnessed this too many times. Therefore, seeing Ding Li, who was so easily moved, stirred an indescribable feeling within him

Xiner, dressed in a long emerald green gown, appeared on the training ground, instantly capturing everyone's attention. Although the young girl is only sixteen years old this year, she has already grown into a graceful figure, and her beauty is striking.

"Return, Young Master." Ding Li shook his head and said, "I had a mother, but she did not survive last winter. My father passed away over ten years ago."

Ye Zhao said nothing. In his previous life, he transformed from a reclusive little writer into a dominant figure surviving in the apocalypse. When it comes to discerning people's true nature, he possesses some skill; at least someone like Ding Li cannot escape his gaze.

Uncle Liang was taken aback upon hearing this, and then suddenly realized why Ye Zhao had chosen Ding Li. Although those individuals were capable fighters, they were also notoriously cunning, and relying on them to fight desperately at critical moments was simply out of the question

The next few individuals did not meet Ye Zhao's expectations. Although they possessed some skills, they were all self-taught and lacked the outstanding talent of Ding Li. Moreover, it was evident that they were seasoned streetwise individuals. Even if they were paid, one should not expect these people to risk their lives for you at critical moments

Thud ~

Is it harsh?" Ye Zhao shook his head, patted Ding Li's shoulder, and said: "Currently, my Ye family is weak, and I do not know how many people are eyeing us. In the future, I do not know what dangers may arise. These people, it would be good enough if they do not turn against us at a critical moment. Moreover, are you sure that the people you have invited are clean in their actions?

All of these are powerful and easy-to-learn skills. As for the more advanced ones, Ye Zhao did not teach them due to time constraints, and these farmers, who do not even recognize the characters, may not necessarily be able to learn them. Mastering these skills is more than sufficient to serve as a guard. If in the future they truly have talent, Ye Zhao would not be stingy. However, for now, it is sufficient to focus on mastering these basics.

These bronze armors are now considered obsolete, as they lack sufficient defensive capability while being quite heavy. They would certainly be inadequate for the battlefield, and their production cost is high. However, Ye Zhao currently uses them for weight training

"Young Master, are you being a bit too harsh?" Uncle Liang also felt somewhat helpless. The individuals invited today by hetushucom.com are all renowned strongmen from the surrounding areas, while this Ding Li, whom Ye Zhao values, was initially just someone Uncle Liang considered to have some strength to fill the numbers.

Oh? Upon hearing this, Ding Li and the others' eyes brightened. Although Ye Zhao treated them well, who wouldn't want to advance further? If Ye Zhao were merely a scion of a noble family, they would only be able to aspire to a life of guarding the family. However, if Ye Zhao were to enter the officialdom, their status would rise significantly. At that moment, Ding Li nodded vigorously and said, "Miss Xin'er, please wait a moment; I will go report to the young master right away"

What is this for?" Ye Zhao looked at Ding Li with confusion

Although Ye Zhao has changed a lot after a serious illness, his carefree attitude towards money has actually intensified compared to before. If this continues, with the Ye family's limited resources, it is likely that they will soon be left with nothing.

According to the combined intentions of Ye Zhao and Cai Yong at that time, it was to have Ye Zhao secure a position as a county magistrate in the vicinity of Luoyang. Firstly, this location is not far from Henei, and secondly, it is under the emperor's feet. As long as he can perform well, it would be easy to achieve political results. Most importantly, it would facilitate gaining the emperor's attention. On a deeper level, it was also to prepare for the impending Yellow Turban Rebellion. Under the emperor's gaze, if Ye Zhao were to achieve great merit, it would be difficult for others to erase that contribution.

"Yes, thank you, young master." A big man, at this moment, had a few shades of purple-red appearing on his dark face, which made Ye Zhao chuckle.

The length of the knife handle is 2 feet, which can be wielded with one hand or two. The blade measures 3 feet, which, by the standards of this era, is considered a short knife, although it is longer than the average short knife, making it suitable for chopping. Ye Zhao did not expect these individuals to become formidable warriors capable of facing thousands of enemies. Neither Ding Li nor the people recruited later were those who could employ intricate techniques. Therefore, aside from some physical conditioning training, these individuals practiced only three knife techniques every day: chopping, blocking, and lunging. Ye Zhao did not expect these individuals to become formidable warriors capable of facing thousands of enemies. Neither Ding Li nor the people recruited later were those who could employ intricate techniques. Therefore, aside from some physical conditioning training, these individuals practiced only three knife techniques every day: chopping, blocking, and lunging

"Here." Uncle Liang nodded, called out to Ding Li, and led him away

Take this money to acquire some property or possessions. If you take a liking to a woman from a certain family, go ahead and propose, and arrange the marriage as soon as possible. In a little while, we are likely to be leaving.

If you don't know how to handle these things, consult Uncle Liang; he is an expert. Ye Zhao said with a smile as he patted Ding Li's shoulder, indicating that having a stable home makes Ding Li's loyalty even more dependable

Ding Li's eye circles were somewhat red, and with a thud, he knelt down before Ye Zhao

In the center of the vast training ground, a blacksmith shop was established in a designated area by Ye Zhao, where the sound of clanging metal continuously echoed. During this period, Ye Zhao spent most of his time there

Is this all there is? Ye Zhao looked somewhat disappointed at Uncle Liang beside him. As for those who had come to apply, they had already been paid off earlier. Although the Ye family had fallen from grace, they were still scholars, and these idle men did not dare to act recklessly.

"Young Master, I cannot speak, but if you regard me as a person, this kindness is something I, Ding Li, do not know how to repay. From now on, my life belongs to you, Young Master." With red eyes, Ding Li finished speaking and did not wait for Ye Zhao to respond, immediately bowing several times with a loud thud.

As for renowned generals, he did not deliberately seek them out. Currently, they are of no use, and among the few renowned generals he knows, either they have not yet matured or, given his current status, he cannot recruit them. It is better to cultivate a few himself. Firstly, loyalty is guaranteed; secondly, based on the conditions he possesses, it is not even worth considering renowned generals, let alone nurturing them. However, cultivating a few capable subordinates is truly not a problem.

Two months have swiftly passed, the scorching summer has quietly departed, and the air has already taken on a hint of coolness

It seems that it was that Wei who took action!

Certainly, Wei Xian did not prevent Ye Zhao from taking office. If that were the case, it would have completely offended Cai Yong. Instead, he recommended Ye Zhao to the court. However, from Cai Yong's perspective, Wei Xian's recommendation is even more outrageous than directly obstructing him.

"Well, the court's official document has arrived. Uncle Liang has sent me to find the young master. I kindly ask Brother Ding to convey this message." Xin'er said in a crisp voice

Do not be misled by her status as merely a maid; Ye Zhao holds this young girl, who remained steadfast during her most difficult times, in great affection. In the Ye family, aside from her identity as a maid, she is almost regarded as a young lady.

Then came the training, in martial arts and such. Ye Zhao cannot be considered a master, but in an apocalyptic environment, he managed to carve out a space for himself. In his previous life, Ye Zhao had undergone training with several special forces soldiers. The weapon he chose was simple, just a knife. Ye Zhao specifically invited the most renowned blacksmith in the city, spending a considerable amount of money to have it crafted. The structure of the blade is not complex, but it is vastly different from the ring-headed knives of this era.

Although the final decision has not yet been made, it is essentially a foregone conclusion that Ye Zhao will be assigned to a position in the border region. The only thing Cai Yong can do is to strive for some additional benefits for Ye Zhao.

After Ye Zhao read the letter, he did not pay much attention to it. Compared to Liang Shu's anger and disappointment, Ye Zhao took it quite lightly. He had seen greater storms before, so why bother with these matters? The borderlands, which appeared barren to others, were fraught with danger and conflict, yet were they not also a place of opportunity? With the emperor far away, although the conditions there were somewhat lacking, it allowed for greater freedom to act.