Chapter 002: Loyalty as Profound as the Sky, Serving the Lord with Honor

"Why doesn't the young master allow us to speak of this matter outside?" asked Xiang with some confusion

Zhao Kuo did not explain anything; what he needs now is a low-profile life, the lower the profile the better, ideally, King Zhao should not even know about his existence, that would be the best. Zhao Kuo let the two of them leave while he began to stroll through the courtyard from over two thousand years ago, observing the surrounding environment. Even after receiving Zhao Kuo's memories and being well-acquainted with these places, he still wanted to take another look.

Di, as a warrior, possesses exceptional martial skills, surpassing all in the Zhao residence. Although the Zhao residence comprises only seven individuals, including the maid, the matron, and an elderly retainer over fifty, there is another local Zhao person named Xing, who has led an unfortunate life. He lost his father at a young age and then his mother, wandering in Handan. Later, he committed an offense and was nearly killed by several soldiers. Zhao Kuo saved his life, which is why he remained in the Zhao residence and became a guest of Zhao Kuo. His martial skills are also commendable, second only to Di, making him the second-best fighter in the Zhao residence.

As long as one does not go to Changping, relying on the wealth left by the deceased father Zhao She, it is sufficient to live a carefree life. Without the defeat at Changping, perhaps before his own death, he would not witness the downfall of the Zhao state, and naturally, he could enjoy life in peace. Zhao Kuo thought this way, and the earlier panic quickly dissipated, leaving him quite delighted.

Unfortunately, the current situation is different from the past. The feudal lords at this time do not possess administrative power in the localities; they only have the power to levy taxes. The officials here are all appointed by King Zhao and do not heed Zhao Kuo's authority. Nevertheless, even so, the taxes collected from this area are sufficient for Zhao Kuo to live a comfortable life without worrying about food and drink

After sending away the assassin who had begun to doubt his life, Zhao Kuo finally had the time to sort out his thoughts

Mafu is a small township located in the northwest of Handan. It is relatively well-known in the Zhao region, primarily because its feudal lord was the renowned general Zhao She. Zhao She was granted the title of Lord of Mafu, and his fief was situated here. After the death of Lord Mafu, his son Zhao Kuo succeeded him as the feudal lord. During the Spring and Autumn period, Zhao Kuo could also be considered a regional lord, possessing a fiefdom, with the authority to appoint local officials and summon troops.

On both sides of the courtyard, there are also some mulberry trees, which seems quite normal at this time. In the south, there is a well. Zhao Kuo turned to the backyard, where there is a combination of a toilet and a pigsty, the earliest form of green recycling.

Xing looked at Zhao Kuo with some confusion. Zhao Kuo usually craved fame, and such a story, if spread, would undoubtedly greatly enhance his reputation in the State of Zhao. Why wouldn't he let us share it?

"Good!" Di Yixi began to speak animatedly, gesturing with his hands and feet. When Di spoke, he was full of enthusiasm, his words flowing with fervor. He even recounted the moment he subdued an assassin, dramatically knocking down a friend beside him to recreate the scene for everyone. By the time he finished, the surrounding adventurers were so excited that they nearly jumped up.

Young Master, Zhao Yiren has already been sent away by us

Oh? Does Di perhaps know? You follow Ma Fuzai all day long, and Ma Fuzai... is so young. What could you possibly know by being around Ma Fuzai?" The man interrupted by Di felt somewhat displeased. He wanted to make a sarcastic remark but found it inappropriate to speak ill of his lord, so he subtly expressed his thoughts, saying, "What can you know about loyalty by following a young lad?

While Zhao Kuo was enjoying a delightful tour of his luxurious mansion, Di and Xing began to chat in the front yard

The Duke of Pingyuan truly loves the gentleman

With a sigh of helplessness, he said, "If it were something else, it might be manageable, but your mouth just cannot stop even during meals. If you were mute, I fear that Lord Pingyuan would still invite you to his residence and entertain you with cattle and sheep... What a pity." He shook his head and turned to leave, leaving behind a Di who was muttering something in indignation. Soon after, he also departed from this place.

He felt deeply the great virtue of the young lord, and when he walked out the door, he was so moved that he almost cried. Di said with a smile, Zhao Kuo calmly smiled back, and then Di continued, "Young lord, I had only heard that the State of Zhao had many people who valued trust and loyalty, but today, I have truly come to believe in this saying. The young lord can give up the opportunity to achieve military merit for the sake of a friend, and I greatly admire that."

Di looked at him with some resentment, "What do you take me for? As a Lin Hu warrior, I uphold my promises; how could I possibly go against the Young Lord's instructions?"

In fact, this is not a bad thing. For someone who is still young and has been paralyzed in bed due to high blood pressure, enduring countless torments, having such a healthy body makes Zhao Kuo very happy. Although this person may face a tragic fate in the future, Zhao Kuo has ways to cope. He can simply choose not to go to Changping, right? Let Lian Po continue to guard it. Even if he were to starve at home, he would absolutely not go to Changping.

Soon, the two guests walked in. Zhao Kuo recognized both of them; they had followed him for many years. One of them, with a full beard, was named Di. He seemed to be a Linhu person, not from the Central Plains. Four years ago, he arrived in the Zhao state, suffering from hunger and cold, and in a desperate situation, he sought refuge everywhere. Most nobles were unwilling to take in this foreign Hu warrior, but only the then sixteen-year-old Zhao Kuo, upon seeing a guest come to seek him, was overjoyed and welcomed him with open arms, deciding to keep him.

Di glanced at them, and even the two corner wrestlers had gathered around at that moment. Di appeared somewhat irritable, hesitating for a long time. For him, keeping these words bottled up inside was truly unbearable. He said earnestly: "Then I will only tell you what happened, and you must promise me that you absolutely cannot tell anyone else."

Among these rangers, there were two burly men engaged in a wrestling match. Each was gripping the other's shoulders, continuously testing their strength, pacing back and forth, their bodies flushed red, and they were constantly roaring. A few men around them occasionally clapped and cheered. Di was among these people, eagerly watching the wrestling match, which was one of his favorite activities. While he was watching, a few friends around him started chatting.

We have been continuously seeking a lord who values loyalty. Several times we have considered seeking refuge with Lord Pingyuan, yet we did not realize that we are like standing by the river, yearning for the distant stream! I am willing to pledge myself to our feudal lord and become his guest. What do you think, my friends?

Do you not understand this? If this matter spreads, it would certainly benefit the Young Lord. However, Ying Yiren is a hostage of the Qin state. If he were to attempt to assassinate the Young Lord again, do you think people would spare Ying Yiren upon hearing of this? The Young Lord is willing to sacrifice his reputation for the sake of a friend!" Di Jidang said excitedly, clenching his fists. Xing suddenly realized and nodded, then said, "By the way, since the Young Lord has instructed you, you must not disclose this matter!"

I have always been like this with my friends Zhao Kuo said, and then hurriedly advised the two of them: Today’s matter must not be spoken of outside

Er Sanzi, I have heard that Lord Pingyuan lived next to a lame man. One day, Lord Pingyuan's maid saw the way the lame man walked and laughed at him loudly. The next day, this lame man came to Lord Pingyuan's residence and said, "I have heard that you, my lord, value the lowly, so your humble servant has traveled a thousand miles to seek your patronage. You hold the virtuous in high regard and regard your wives and concubines lightly. Unfortunately, I have a foot ailment, yet your maid mocked me upon seeing me. I hope you can put this maid to death." A man began recounting this amusing tale, and the people around him listened attentively.

"A true person of integrity!" Several nearby wanderers could not help but exclaim.

Seeing him in this state, the others were even more curious. When had they ever seen Di shut his mouth? This fellow could talk from morning till night as soon as he opened his mouth. Could it be that something truly happened? The few of them hurriedly surrounded him, saying, "Di, if you consider us as friends, trusting us as you would close relatives, please tell us honestly what has happened."

We swear, we absolutely will not

Let us go together

Later, Pingyuan Jun truly had his concubine killed

Under a large willow tree by the road from Mafu to Handan, several men with flushed faces formed a circle. The surrounding villagers, upon encountering them, hurriedly avoided the scene, unwilling to provoke these individuals, who were mostly wandering knights and retainers. They did not engage in agriculture or farming, and were generally idle, making ordinary people wary of them. Even officials dared not say much, as many among them were patrons of the nobility in the country, and officials were reluctant to provoke them lightly

Nobles usually engage in activities such as playing liubo, throwing pots, or walking dogs, and they also sing and participate in sports like sword fighting, chariot racing, and lifting cauldrons. In contrast, individuals like Di can only partake in wrestling and gather here to chat idly. Upon hearing the man's story, Di scoffed with a smile; he had already heard seven or eight versions of this tale.

Di scoffed coldly, "Do the two or three of you know what loyalty and righteousness are?"

Dighton was immediately enraged, "Today..." He had just begun to speak, but then he stopped, gritting his teeth and remaining silent

The Zhao residence is relatively large, surrounded by low walls, leaving only the main gate. Upon entering, there is a doghouse. In this era, it seems that most people prefer to keep dogs in their front yards; however, the doghouse in their courtyard is empty. In Zhao Kuo's memory, they used to have a dog, a hunting dog that was his father Zhao She’s favorite. However, after Zhao She passed away, the hunting dog refused to eat or drink, and after three days, it also departed.

Good! What a fine horse saddle!