Chapter 7: Recommendation and Promotion
On the way back, Zu Zhao appeared to be deep in thought. He had long been contemplating a plan, which was to find an opportunity to establish his own army before the Yellow Turban Rebellion. The recent rescue of the Lu family from the bandits can be said to be an excellent pretext. The border regions have always been unstable, and with the approaching "thieving season," both the Hu people and other bandits are already stirring restlessly
The servant approached Zuzhao, bowing respectfully, and then said: "Young Master, the Old Master is looking for you."
The servant shook his head and said, "The master did not mention it. However, the county lord is currently a guest at the residence"
So many people? Zujì knew that he did not have the prominent family status like Zuzhào, and he was afraid of failing to accomplish the task assigned by Zuzhào, yet he did not want to give up easily, which made him appear hesitant and troubled.
"It is of no consequence, it is of no consequence." Chen Xianjun sat and lightly supported Zu Zhao.
As Zuzhao anticipated, within just two days, the incident of the brave pursuit of the bandits spread throughout Xuwuxian.
He is no longer a child and is now qualified to join the team for banditry. As for the issue of labor, there is no need for concern; noble youths set an example, which adds to their reputation for righteousness. Currently, the county is abuzz with the glorious tales of defeating the Hu cavalry with a small force. The fame he seeks is evidently within reach, and as long as he gains the support of his family, leading this year's bandit defense team will be far from difficult
"In that case, it will be on me. Zhang Yuan and Zhang Yu are the most loyal; if I call upon them, they will certainly not refuse," Zujì said, patting his chest and responding earnestly.
In previous winters, the county would organize each district to prepare for banditry, with the county arranging for each pavilion and neighborhood to draft strong men to form a militia, specifically responsible for maintaining public order in the county. Once spring arrived and the * maps * and * books * were completed, they would be disbanded. When Zu Zhao was still young, and since the annual preparations for banditry were considered corvée labor, Zu Zhao's grandfather, Zu Ju, held the title of a fifth-rank official, which entitled them to exemption from corvée labor for the male members of the family. Therefore, he had never joined the militia.
"Didn’t we say that the more, the better? If we can gather over a hundred people, that would be the best," emphasized Zu Zhao. Although the entire young and strong population of the Bei Guo Pavilion far exceeds a hundred, it is currently the busy farming season, and managing to assemble over a hundred people for horse training is already quite commendable.
The name of Master Zugu, Qianjin, is indeed well-deserved. It is truly rare to possess such righteousness at such a young age, and it makes my efforts in this matter worthwhile. Chen County Lord deliberately emphasized the latter part of the sentence.
The Lu family members rested at the ancestral home for several days until the chief steward, Hu Bo, gradually recovered. He then began to make arrangements for their departure. After hearing about Ancestor Zhao's brave rescue and the arrangements made for the young lady and her companions, Hu Bo, disregarding his recent recovery, insisted on going to the estate to express his gratitude to Ancestor Zhao. Ancestor Zhao naturally treated him with the respect due to an elder. Upon learning that the Lu family planned to depart soon, he did not say much but instructed the Zhao family members to prepare provisions and a carriage. Hu Bo was immensely grateful and repeatedly promised to repay this great kindness in the future. Ancestor Zhao naturally treated him with the respect due to an elder. Upon learning that the Lu family planned to depart soon, he did not say much but instructed the Zhao family members to prepare provisions and a carriage. Hu Bo was immensely grateful and repeatedly promised to repay this great kindness in the future.
Oh dear, what a fine line: "But the Flying General of Longcheng does not allow the Hu horses to cross the Yin Mountains." The young master has truly grown into a youthful hero. I still remember the year I took office in Xu Wu and visited your esteemed residence, when the young master was still a child with a tender voice, seeking knowledge. I cannot help but feel old, indeed," remarked Lady Chen with affectionate admiration.
"Young Master, what are your orders?" Zu Ji quickly rode forward, stretching his neck to ask.
Zu Zhao approached the tea table but did not take a seat. The ancients valued propriety and decorum, and families like the Zu clan upheld strict traditions, making it inappropriate for even the legitimate eldest son to sit among the elders without permission. He could see that his grandfather was merely giving a nod to Chen County Lord, yet he still had to maintain the decorum of the occasion, so he quickly bent down to express his apologies
Zhu Zhao slightly raised her eyebrows and asked in confusion, "Is that so? When did Lord Chen arrive?"
You should go and deliver the message, just say it is my intention. If Bei Guoting cannot be reached, you may as well visit the nearby Anyang Pavilion. Aren't you quite familiar with the Zhang brothers, Zhang Yuan and Zhang Yu, at Anyang Pavilion? I have heard that the Zhang brothers are also skilled in martial arts, so this would be a good opportunity to get to know them.
"Zu Ji, come here." As they approached the county town, Zu Zhao called out to his cousin with a sideways glance.
Regardless, the grandfather held his grandson in high regard. Although he knew that for the past five or six years, his grandson had diligently practiced martial arts and horsemanship every day, establishing a solid foundation in equestrian skills, archery, and fencing, and had even hunted a mature stag by himself at the age of thirteen, he had never had any real combat experience. Not only in his own impression, but perhaps the entire family had only seen this young master’s gentle and courteous side, never considering that he also possessed a brave and fierce aspect.
The servant replied truthfully: "It has been an hour, and I am currently sitting with the esteemed master in the inner hall."
The inner hall is located in the courtyard of the second entrance of the main gate, and is usually reserved for receiving distinguished guests or the three elders of the family. Upon arriving at the front of the hall, Zuzhao first had the attendants inform Zujü and County Chief Chen, who were chatting and drinking tea inside. He then removed his shoes and stepped into the hall. When he was still ten steps away from the tea table, he bent down to pay his respects to County Chief Chen, and then advanced three more steps to bow to his grandfather, Zujü.
"Zhao'er, come closer. Chen County and Librarian Tu have come specifically for you this time, waiting for a full two hours; you should not delay in offering your apologies," said Zu Ju with authority.
Oh. Then... how many people does the eldest son actually need?" Zu Ji did not dwell on why Zu Zhao wanted to find more people to practice horse riding; instead, he asked directly about the specific number of people needed.
Do you know that a few days ago you repelled the Hu cavalry? Yesterday, Lord Chen of the county specifically reported this to the prefectural government. If it were not for this, how could the prefectural government have learned of your name so quickly
"Lord Chengxian, you are too kind; I, as a junior, would not dare to take credit for this." Zu Zhao expressed his sincere gratitude. At this moment, he had roughly guessed the reason for his grandfather's summons. Since it was not to discuss the marriage of the Gongsun family, he could feel somewhat more at ease.
Zhu Zhao adjusted his belt, patted the crease of his trousers, and asked, "Is that so? Did Grandfather mention what the matter is?" Although he asked this with his mouth, what first came to his mind was still the matter regarding the marriage contract with the Gongsun family of Xuantu County
Chen Xianjun, nearing forty years of age, although as lean as his ancestors, possesses a shrewd and clever demeanor, entirely devoid of the sternness typically honed in military service. He greeted warmly, showing no trace of official authority, but rather resembling a kind and approachable elder.
"Very good." Zu Zhao revealed a delighted smile
Three days later, the members of the Lu family formally bid farewell to Zu Ju and Zu Zhao. In his capacity as the head of the family, Zu Ju presented them with a horse-drawn carriage and several bundles of provisions. Zu Zhao instructed Zu Ji to gather more than ten young men from the village, each equipped with their own mounts, to escort the Lu family out of the county town. They continued to accompany them for over ten miles, nearing the county boundary, before finally parting ways.
Zu Zhao nodded thoughtfully, saying nothing more, indicating for the person to lead the way forward.
The more one speaks and acts with caution, the more praise one attracts. Both the elders and the county officials agree that Zuzhao not only possesses exceptional talent but also embodies a humble and graceful demeanor. Particularly, the phrase "As long as the Flying General of Longcheng is present, the Hu cavalry shall not cross the Yingshan Mountains" resonates with a stirring grandeur, spreading like wildfire throughout the entire county.
Zu Ju was not initially aware of the specific circumstances under which Zu Zhao encountered the Hu horses; he merely assumed that with his martial skills and superior steed, he had fortuitously defeated a dozen bandits. He truly did not anticipate that the reality was far more perilous. Therefore, on the morning of the third day, he specifically set out to visit the rescued members of the Lu family in the side courtyard, seeking to gather accurate information from them.
Although the Zhang family of Anyang Pavilion is not as powerful as their ancestral home, they are still a local stronghold in Xuwu County. Due to the proximity of Anyang Pavilion to Beiguo Pavilion, there is some degree of interaction between the two families. The elders of the Zhang family hold the ancestral military family in high regard, and during occasions such as weddings, funerals, and birthdays, they courteously send invitations. Because Zuzhao is still young, he has not had dealings with the nearby prominent families in recent years, and now he is eagerly hoping to establish connections with more outstanding individuals.
The more than twenty young men from various clans who accompanied Zu Zhao on the hunting trip that day exerted considerable effort to promote the matter of Zu Zhao's great victory over the bandits. They echoed one another, inevitably embellishing the story. In their view, as long as they could make the eldest son shine, they would also share in some of the glory. Because of this, the event of Zu Zhao's great victory over the bandits became increasingly dramatic, such as the number of enemy horses being exaggerated from double digits to triple digits, and the account of Zu Zhao's three arrows stunning the enemy becoming even more fantastical.
First, the county magistrate of Xuwu specially sent the county clerk and the county constable to visit and inquire. Subsequently, even the official troops stationed at Lulong Pass sent someone to express their condolences. The Zu family is a prominent clan in Xuwu, with several elders retired at home. The clan leader, Zu Ju, had previously served as a subordinate officer under General Zhang Huan of the Liao dynasty, accumulating military achievements over more than twenty years of service, earning the title of Five Great Officials. Both the county magistrate and the various commanders at Lulong Pass must show him a degree of respect. Moreover, this time, Zu Zhao led just over twenty cavalry to decisively defeat nearly a hundred enemy horsemen and even captured some spoils of war, so it was only natural for them to come sincerely to commend him.
It is now autumn, and the end of the year brings the annual selection in the county. This year, County Magistrate Chen intends to recommend you for recognition. I have come today to discuss with you which subject you should be nominated for.
"Your Excellency, please do not take offense. In your presence, I shall always remain humble and seek your guidance," replied Zu Zhao, bowing respectfully.
I have met Your Excellency, the County Lord.
In recent days, although Zu Zhao has been paying attention to the rumors circulating in the outside world, he has consistently maintained a calm demeanor, continuing his daily routine of studying and practicing martial arts as if nothing had changed. During this time, his grandfather and the elders of the clan have inquired about the matter, and when the troops stationed in Lulong sent someone to offer condolences, they specifically requested his presence to respond. In this regard, he has been succinct and to the point, without any embellishments, almost wishing to summarize everything in a single sentence.
Returning to the county town after noon, Zu Zhao and his companions entered the village directly through the southwest gate from the south side of the North Pavilion. A servant was waiting eagerly in the southwest courtyard and quickly approached upon seeing Zu Zhao. Zu Zhao dismounted, handed the reins to a stable hand, and instinctively adjusted his attire.
Starting tomorrow, during the horse training sessions, invite more idle members of the clan to join. The more, the better," instructed Zu Zhao