Chapter 6: The Flying General of Dragon City
Zhu Zhao's expression changed very little; after a slight hesitation, he said: "Why did Grandpa suddenly bring up this matter?"
Zu Zhao deeply understood that Hong Shu was a person of prudence and should not encounter any issues, so he did not take it too seriously and continued to lead the team southward
Not yet having met, Zu Zhao recognized from a distance that the leading young man was indeed the eldest son of his third uncle. He had already guessed part of the situation in his heart, so he took the initiative to ask first: "Ah Zhan, has Uncle Hong returned yet?"
I had thought the conversation would come to a close, but unexpectedly, my grandfather suddenly shifted the topic and brought up another matter: "Zhao'er, you are the legitimate eldest son of our family, and you are not young anymore. Last year, your grandfather mentioned the matter of marriage to you, and at that time, you said you wanted to focus on your studies, so it was set aside for the time being. Last month, the Gongsun family from Xuantu County specifically wrote to us, coincidentally, their second daughter will be coming of age next January, implying that they have come specifically to discuss this marriage proposal."
It is quite a coincidence that all the people rescued are relatives of the Lu family from Zhuojun, and their grandson has already arranged for them to temporarily stay at the estate. Zuzhao briefly mentioned this matter.
Thank you, Uncle San. " Zu Zhao nodded to his father, Zu Zhan, and then strode into the main hall.
The pavilion is the outermost structure of the North Guo Pavilion. At this moment, seven or eight older youths from the clan are gathered in front of the door, each with a serious expression. From a distance, upon seeing Zuzhao and others appear along the official road, a young man in splendid attire quickly instructed two individuals to return to the pavilion to report. He then hurriedly stepped forward to greet them, unable to refrain from calling out in urgency halfway through.
Zuzhao nodded in response: "The grandson remembers."
Lu Huan and the others were extremely excited, and they could not help but express their heartfelt gratitude to the *illustrations* and *books*.
Zhu Zhao's father passed away in the military camp five years ago. In the earlier years, he was personally raised by his grandfather. As he grew older, coupled with his intelligence and obedience, he gradually gained a degree of independence within the family and began to inherit part of the family business that had been passed down through generations
Zhu Zhao turned around upon hearing the voice and politely inquired, "Miss, is there anything else you would like to instruct?"
Zu Ju said in a deep voice: "I originally planned to discuss this matter with you in a few days, but it is ultimately the same whether it is sooner or later. The Gongsun family of Xuantu County is a prominent local clan, with many bureaucrats among its members. If we can facilitate this marriage, it will create a close bond between the two families, benefiting everyone without any harm."
Zuzhan nodded repeatedly, his expression anxious, and said: "Uncle Hong just returned not long ago and has just discussed matters with Grandfather Da, Grandfather Er, and my father. My father is urging me to go to the county to meet with Director Chen. Grandfather Da has also sent someone to Lulong to seek the government troops. Fortunately, the eldest son is safe and sound; in the future, he must not act so recklessly when encountering bandits."
The state of the court is in disarray, and the sovereign is incompetent; one fears that the nation is on the brink of change. " Zuzhao said with a solemn expression, his words carrying profound implications
The shadow of the candle on the door curtain retracted, and after a long silence, finally spoke: "I have not yet properly thanked you today, young master. I express my gratitude here for your life-saving grace." The tone was faint and elusive, barely concealing a sense of shyness.
"Isn't Lu Shi from Zhuojun a relative of Zigan?" Ancestor Ju expressed slight surprise
Zhu Zhao smiled and said: "Matters of principle cannot be shirked; Miss need not concern herself with it"
The expressions of several elders present changed, yet none of them spoke a word
Zuzhao laughed heartily as if nothing had happened, and said with great boldness: "How can a mere bandit from Hu dare to make a Han man tremble in fear? Let us not discuss this further; we will talk about it when we return to the village." After he finished speaking, he turned around and beckoned to the crowd to enter through the alley on the side of the pavilion.
At this moment, several other elders interjected into the conversation, expressing their condolences to Zu Zhao regarding the recent encounter with the Hu horse, and then earnestly offering some guidance. Zu Zhao's thoughts were still focused on the matter of the marriage alliance with the Gongsun family, and he merely responded to other topics with brief and perfunctory remarks, not expecting that some matters would indeed arrive so abruptly
How are the rescued individuals doing at present? Zujv turned to ask.
Exactly
After finishing the drink, Zu Zhao stood up out of courtesy to bid farewell to Miss Lu of the Lu family inside the room. Miss Lu, from behind the curtain, responded in a weak and shy voice. Just as Zu Zhao was about to turn and leave, the candlelight cast on the curtain suddenly flickered, and a soft voice called out: "You ... ..."
The main hall was not very crowded, consisting mainly of the three elders of the clan. An elderly man, over fifty years of age, was seated in the foremost position. Although his frame was slender, his posture was upright, and neither his expression nor his demeanor showed any signs of fatigue; the qualities of a soldier were unmistakably evident. This man was Zujiao's grandfather, the head of the Zu family, Zu Ju. In ancient times, people married and had children at an early age, so even the age gap between two generations was not very large.
Zhao Er possesses such ambition; your father in the heavens can finally find solace. However, you must remember that the reason our Han dynasty commands respect from all directions is not due to recklessness; otherwise, we would be no different from those uncivilized barbarians.
Zhao'er, I have already heard about the matter. Although it was somewhat impulsive, it ultimately does not disgrace the family tradition of my ancestors. The words and demeanor of the ancestor were slow yet dignified, and his expression while speaking was one of calm composure.
Zhu Ju nodded, saying no more.
Zhu Zhao asked, "Are the members of the Gongsun family coming?"
When the group returned to the county town, it was already dark. Zu Zhao warmly invited the Lu family to stay temporarily at the family estate. Lu Huan, unable to refuse the courtesy, agreed after consulting with the young lady. The Zu family estate is located in Beiguoting, on the western outskirts of the county town, which consists of a total of three hundred households, ninety percent of which bear the surname Zu. Even the post station has become a private lodging of the Zu family.
Seeing that Ancestor Zhao was silent, Ancestor Ju did not hesitate much and said with a resolute tone: "In any case, I have already made a decision regarding this matter. On the sixteenth of this month, the Gongsun family will visit Xu Wulai, and we will discuss the details then"
Zu Zhao entered the main hall, respectfully saluted the chief seat, and then greeted the other elders in turn
The population of Xuwu County is not considered abundant. Even with the population foundation established by Emperor Wu's relocation of people to the northern border, the continuous border conflicts over the past century have led to significant population loss, resulting in fewer than 10,000 households today. However, due to Xuwu County's well-connected transportation, it has become an important border market linking the Hu and Han.
The Hu people are rampant, and there is no one to defend our great Han. If they dare to invade again in the future, my grandson will similarly strike back with full force
Outside the manor gate, many descendants of the ancestral family were already waiting to welcome them. After dismounting, Zu Zhao instructed Zu Ji to take the Lu family members to the side courtyard to settle in, preparing hot water, food, and other necessary items for the injured. Once he had given his instructions, he stepped into the front courtyard with Zu Zhan and others. After passing through the front courtyard gate, several uncles standing on the corridor immediately approached, each displaying varying degrees of concern. However, being from a military family, the elders were accustomed to such situations and did not react too severely.
On the way back to Xuwu County, Zu Zhao led his team past the site where Lu Huan and his companions had been attacked. He allowed some time for Lu Huan and the others to gather their remaining belongings and used the captured horses to re-harness the carts, enabling more people to rest. After continuing on their journey, he sent Zu Ji on horseback to the depths of the southern woods to search for Uncle Hong and the steward of the Lu family. However, when Zu Ji returned, he reported that he had been unable to find Uncle Hong and the others, speculating that they had already taken their leave on horseback back to Xuwu.
The grandson remembered his grandfather's teachings and vowed to reflect on them at all times. He bowed and agreed. Although today he achieved a great victory against the Hu cavalry with a small force, and there were many noteworthy highlights during the process, he did not intend to boast in front of his elders. After all, this matter would soon spread, so it was better to maintain a sense of humility and caution.
That evening, Zu Zhao arranged a banquet in the side courtyard for the Lu family to alleviate their grief. However, this banquet was merely a simple meal and was not overly extravagant. He himself only made a brief appearance, toasting the Lu family members with a round of drinks. In addition, he conveyed the situation regarding the Lu family's chief steward, Hu Bo. Uncle Hong had taken Hu Bo back to the Zu family estate in the afternoon for treatment. The estate's physician had conducted an initial diagnosis; although Hu Bo remained in a coma, his condition was relatively stable.
Although chaotic times are approaching, one should have sought ways to expand the family's influence beforehand. Ancestor Zhao is certainly not a timid person; living in this era, one must adhere to the traditions of "parents' orders." However, he does not believe that the Gongsun family of Xuantu County is the most worthy faction to collaborate with. Gongsun Tu and Gongsun Shu are indeed prominent families in Youzhou, but being a prominent family does not imply shared lineage or unity. Even among those of the same lineage, unity is not guaranteed. In the near future, the warlord who will dominate Youzhou is indeed Gongsun Zan, but at this moment, Gongsun Zan is still in Zhuojun. The Gongsun family of Xuantu County has many branches, from the governor Gongsun Wanghu to Gongsun Du, who is still a county official; they are fundamentally unfamiliar with one another.
Zu Zhao nodded in return while on horseback, yet did not slow down the pace of his horse
What a coincidence. Master Zigang is a great scholar of our time, renowned far and wide. If it were not for the fear of the calamity of party proscription, our family should indeed have more interactions with the Lu family. Master Zigang is too prominent, and his character is strong; I fear he may fall victim to flatterers. This fortunate opportunity can be seen as a chance for the Zu and Lu families to establish a connection
Grandfather, Second Uncle, and Third Uncle are all waiting in the hall; Eldest Son, please go and report your safety in person
Zujiazhuang is the ancestral residence of the Zu family, located at the westernmost point of Beiguoting, backed by a vast pasture. The estate covers a large area, with an outer wall made of stone and wood, approximately one zhang high, enclosing five courtyards both inside and out. The main entrance is at the end of the main road that runs through Beiguoting. Neighbors on both sides, hearing the commotion, come out one after another to take a look, just in time to see Zu Zhao leading a group of people. As the eldest son of the Zu family, he is usually amicable and friendly, so it is natural for everyone to greet him warmly and inquire about his well-being.
Grandfather slightly furrowed his brows, and after a long silence, he spoke in a slow yet serious tone: "Zhao'er, some things are best discussed at home; do not speak of them carelessly outside. In any case, first take good care of the Lu family members, and tomorrow, go to the county early to invite Daoist Huang to come and treat the injured."