Chapter 2, Liangfeng County Male

Time flies like a knife, each cut urging one to grow old

Who can be more reliable than our own brothers, who beat drums and shout to sell?

Zhang Gongjin conferred upon Zhang De the title of a founding county noble without his knowledge. Although it is merely the lowest rank of nobility, it is nonetheless a fifth-grade title, which is certainly respectable when one departs from Chang'an

However, in this situation, classmate Zhang Daxiang probably found Zhang Dalang from Jiangyin uninteresting, so he sought an opportunity to arrange a feast.

Zhang Gongjin scrutinized Zhang De, who likewise stole a glance at Zhang Gongjin.

As for now, Zhang Gongjin is preparing to embark on the journey to Daizhou, striving to secure a future for his descendants, and then he passed away in the sixth year of the Zhenguan era

Do not think about becoming a duke or marquis; only great achievements are worthy of such titles. Even being conferred the title of count is premature; at the very least, one must wait until Zhang Gongjin completes the memorial detailing the annihilation of the Turks, and then follow Li Jing as the deputy commander of the army to capture Jieli, only then will there be the confidence to speak up.

Sigh

If he were to know that Old Zhang's resilience was not due to a strong character, but rather a complete lack of sorrowful emotions, he would probably immediately expel Old Zhang from the residence

After completing this task, Zhang Gongjin will happily follow the military god of the Tang Dynasty, Li Jing, embarking on a joyful journey to annihilate the enemy at Yin Mountain

However, what was unexpected was that when Zhang Gongjin sighed and lamented about his deceased father in front of Zhang De, the emotionless Old Zhang appeared as if the deceased was someone else's father. This caused Zhang Gongjin to be taken aback, thinking to himself: This person is resilient and unyielding, which is quite surprising; indeed, a good son of a benevolent man.

Classmate Zhang Daxiang, who behaves like a little adult, greeted Old Zhang in a very familiar manner, speaking incessantly as if they had been close brothers in a past life or even in the life before that

Being willful creates a sense of entanglement

The essence of nobility must be backed by confidence in order to truly engage with it

A warm current surged in Zhang Gongjin's heart, and he secretly nodded in satisfaction: "Elder brothers are respectful, younger brothers are humble; this indeed does not disgrace the family tradition of the Jiangshui Zhang clan"

Oh? I did not expect that Hong Shen actually has such a connection with the Zhang family of Jiangyin. This Zhang De, in terms of seniority, should address Hong Shen as clan uncle. The year before last, Jiyang County was merged into Jiangyin County, and Jiyang County was previously known as Liangfeng County. Let us bestow the title of Marquis of Liangfeng County, with a fief of three hundred households.

Then, the other two children from the Zhang family, one named Zhang Dasu and the other named Zhang Daan, sat on the threshold, their bright, sparkling eyes fixed on Zhang De: "Brother, is it true that the thief hero Chu Liuxiang from Jiangyin can walk on snow without leaving a trace and possesses remarkable lightness skills?"

With a tall and slender figure and a beautiful, dark beard, Zhang Gongjin undoubtedly qualifies as a handsome man in this era... He is the kind of strikingly handsome individual who could be directly compared to Xu Gong from the northern part of the city in terms of looks

Of course, nine-year-old Zhang Dasu will eventually become a scholar in Dongtai, and then rise to the position of Longshi in Huaizhou. ... Five-year-old Zhang Daan is even more impressive; he will become a son of the crown prince and then attain the rank of third grade in the Central Secretariat, even if he is demoted, he will still be the governor of Puzhou ... ? ... Can you believe it

Not far away, Classmate Elephant was puzzled, wondering how the two younger brothers became so familiar with the eldest brother from Jiangyin

Zhang Gongjin's tiger-like body trembled, and he immediately knelt down, his eyes filled with tears. He thought to himself, now the old and young gentlemen of the Southern Sect will surely know that my good brother is loyal and righteous

At that time, it is said that brothers can fight tigers together. Although the Zhang family from the southern and northern sects cannot be considered a thousand-year-old family, they have indeed accumulated quite a bit. There are still a considerable number of talented individuals who can be presented.

Where do these two mischievous children get so much curiosity from

In two years, Uncle Zhang Gongjin will teach Zhang De what it means to have a strong pen. A letter titled "Six Proposals for the Turks" will suddenly cause those who flatter Zhang Gongjin and seek his favor to tremble in their boots, as they all express their admiration for Duke Dingyuan, proclaiming that Duke Dingyuan is truly remarkable

Thus...

For instance, after Zhang Gongyi gave Zhang Gongjin three thousand seven hundred guan of money, he also provided two hundred bolts of silk, immediately allowing Zhang Gongjin to live very comfortably in the Qin Wangfu

On the Wei River bridge, a second small blemish was marked on the life of Emperor Taizong...

How does Zhang Gongjin educate his children

Leaving the city of Chang'an, nine out of ten villages are waiting for the court to change the emperor to receive some benefits

You two mischievous kids clearly want to hear how Chu Liuxiang is so cool and impressive, and how in front of your fathers, you immediately display such deep brotherly affection

Thus, he sought to have his son assist him a little, as it was essential for people to recognize that Zhang Gongjin was not merely someone who clung to powerful figures and flattered them, but rather a person of great integrity and discernment

Thus, upon seeing Zhang Gongjin, Old Zhang felt a sense of nostalgia for the rough physique of his previous life, akin to the Gobi Desert

That is, this charming and dashing bandit leader, handsome and suave, is known far and wide in Jiangnan, and is skilled in the art of throwing knives, with each blade showing mercy and leaving a lingering fragrance. Therefore, he is also referred to as the Fragrant Leader

Old Zhang, who was known for his nonsense, looked at the two little friends, aged 9 and 5, and felt a pang of reluctance in his heart to deceive their kind and innocent souls

However, the two little children kept pestering Old Zhang to talk about the customs and culture of Jiangnan. Thus, Old Zhang, who could not come up with much, could only grit his teeth and tarnish Gu Long's reputation

The first thing that was done after the establishment of the Zhenguan era was to secretly sharpen the knives, preparing to inflict a significant blow on the Turks.

Zhang Gongjin is indeed a prominent figure, and with allies such as Wei Chigong and Li Zhen, if he aspires to become a perennial presence in the political arena of the Tang Dynasty, it will depend on who is elevated by the flower-laden sedan chair

Having wealth allows one to be willful

Thus, one has managed to infiltrate the upper echelons of one of the top three empires in history

Old Zhang really wants to kick away the two mischievous children, truly

I am deeply moved to the point of tears, and I humbly thank Your Majesty

The character "Ren" refers to the deceased father of Old Zhang, Zhang Gongyi. Zhang Gongyi was indeed quite benevolent and righteous. Initially, Zhang Gongjin was mingling in the Qin Wangfu, relying on the meager funds from the Northern Sect, which were of little use. Although the Southern Sect was a small local tyrant in Jiangnan, it had one thing in abundance: wealth.

However, as the saying goes, one can only see the outcome by riding the donkey and reading the script while on the move

Old Zhang, polite and courteous, couldn't help but complain inwardly: To strengthen the Zhang family? You, who will soon depart from this world, are you up there blessing the Zhang family to prosper?

The Tang Dynasty now has a taste for this.

Even Li Shimin himself eats like a small landlord, so what can we expect from the common people?

In July of last year, a wild Turkic Khan named Ashina Tuo Bi, hailing from the vast grasslands, took a trip to Chang'an. Having just ascended to power after eliminating his brothers, Li Shimin, pinching his nose, formed an alliance with this grassland warlord by jointly slaying a white horse.

Three years have passed since our last parting, and I did not expect it to be the final farewell with Ren Zhi. Looking back, I cannot help but feel a deep sense of sorrow

From now on, Da Lang should settle down at home. You brothers are of similar age, and in the future, by supporting each other, you will be able to strengthen the Zhang family

With a sigh in my heart, I glanced away, only to see the two little friends, Zhang Dasu and Zhang Daan, blinking their big eyes. Then, one on the left and one on the right, they grabbed Old Zhang's arms: "Elder brother, tonight the three of us will sleep side by side, and elder brother, please tell us more about the scenery of Jiangnan..."

It is even more comfortable than when he served as the Long History of Weizhou under Wang Shichong, because Zhang Gongyi has been providing it annually without interruption since the Daye period. At that time, Dou Jiande, that bastard, was also on the verge of dying.

Compared to the youthful and tender appearance of Old Zhang, Zhang Gongjin has a much higher rate of turning heads. In this day and age, it is the dashing and charismatic men who are favored by women from all walks of life

Zhang Gongjin is about to take up his post in Daizhou. Before he leaves, in addition to arranging for his son to enter the Imperial Academy for his studies, he also intends to request a noble title from Emperor Taizong.

The premature passing of Zhang Gongyi left Zhang Gongjin feeling as if his heartfelt gratitude had fallen into icy water. It is truly complicated to repay such kindness.

Zhang De could not help but silently criticize that it was indeed a noble family, after all, they had changed their stripes.

Of course, it is not for oneself. The purpose of Zhang Gongjin, the Duke of Dingyuan, is to bring several heroes of the Southern Sect to Chang'an, specifically for the sake of Zhang De.

Yes, I will diligently adhere to the words of my uncle.

These two mischievous children are just that impressive, no explanation needed

Upon reflecting that his greatest achievement in this life and the last was merely that of a small local tyrant in Jiangnan, Old Zhang felt a tinge of melancholy. However, upon further thought, he realized that Zhang Gongjin, who had brought him to Chang'an with the clear intention of seeking some assistance from the Southern Sect, could also be considered a connection of sorts, a link to the past.

In the eyes of many, Zhang De, who is also a mischievous child, finally awaited the return of the Duke of Dingyuan to the residence for dinner after having played tricks on the other two mischievous children.

Old Zhang could not help but feel a sense of frustration in his heart

Walking in Chang'an, one would undoubtedly be beset by a group of people.

At the very least, becoming a second-generation rich heir should not be a problem; it all depends on when Zhang Gongjin passes away

The prices during the Wude era were simply unbearable, and it was not until the ninth year of the Zhenguan period that they could be considered stable. At this moment, in the first year of Zhenguan, the drought in Guanzhong is not even worth mentioning. The most conscientious seller of rice on Zhuque Street required one bolt of silk in exchange for one dou of rice.

It is not impossible for the county lord to establish a nation, but Zhang Gongjin is not so shameless as to celebrate so soon after having just settled matters with Emperor Li regarding Xue Wanche and Feng Li

Although Zhang Gongjin's three sons are quite remarkable, their achievements came after they turned thirty. It is not acceptable for the elder Zhang to simply live off his past and do nothing as he reaches middle age

Therefore, it can be said that Zhang Gongjin had complex feelings. When he was under Wang Shichong, his emotions were already quite complicated. As for Zhang Gongyi, he initially contemplated that once he became successful, he must repay his debts of gratitude properly.