Chapter 006: The world has long suffered under Qin

In this era that emphasizes appearance, Zhao Kuo's face is still quite striking

The carriage entered the village, and the young village official closed the large gate again, already out of breath from exhaustion. "Zhao Jun, why have there been so many carriages coming to the horse service these days?"

The young lord is well-versed in military strategy, possesses a gentle disposition, and is capable of loving others. With someone like him around, what room is there for Wang He to act arrogantly?

The carriage slowly approached, more exquisite than the previous one. The driver was a formidable warrior, kneeling on the carriage, and there was also a dignified high official. The local official's legs went weak as he looked at Zhao Qushi in confusion. At that moment, Zhao Qushi had a solemn expression, a sight the local official had not witnessed in the several months he had been here. Zhao Qushi furrowed his brow and strode confidently to the front of the carriage, blocking its path.

Han Dan looked at the guests around him, his expression growing increasingly excited. The rumors were indeed true; it was said that Ma Fuzi was capable of loving others, and there were hundreds of people whom he regarded as friends, with countless others who fought alongside him to the death. Seeing him today, it was indeed as such. In this era, the number of guests one has can also reflect a person's abilities, much like Pingyuan Jun, whose guests were probably the most numerous in the State of Zhao, thus his reputation was the greatest.

Indeed, what lies before them today are tripods. The Son of Heaven may place nine tripods before himself, or rather, nine microwaves, but Zhao Kuo may place five, and a lower-ranking officer may place three. Such rituals, to be honest, are rarely observed outside the Sanjin region; the collapse of rites and music is largely as such

I wonder what brings the guest here

Without waiting for the order to die, the village official was about to open the door, but Zhao, with a stern voice, said: "Stop! You cannot open the door."

The envoy from Handan had a flushed face. He glanced at his charioteer, who hurriedly stepped forward, grasped Xing's hand, and subtly placed some knife coins into it, smiling as he said: "My lord has indeed come for an important matter, and I hope you can convey this message, stating that the envoy from Handan wishes to pay a visit to Ma Fuzi." Xing accepted the money and managed to force a smile, nodding at the charioteer before turning to enter the courtyard. He smiled and said: "My lord has indeed come for an important matter, and I hope you can convey this message, stating that the envoy from Handan wishes to pay a visit to Ma Fuzi." Xing accepted the money and managed to force a smile, nodding at the charioteer before turning to enter the courtyard.

Not long after, Xing brought a slender young man into the courtyard

With the mindset that having already received one batch, receiving another would not be a problem, Zhao Kuo was indeed open to all. There was no need to worry about financial matters; for these retainers, if you could dine with them, bestow upon them meat, fine swords, and beautiful clothing, they would be satisfied. Merely giving them money would be seen as an insult. In just a few days, Zhao Kuo grasped the customs of the warriors of this era.

The local official was taken aback, but still stood honestly to the side

... ...

I understand that a person of low status should not obstruct the carriage of a noble, but it is precisely the duty of someone like me to do so. I hope to receive your forgiveness, Zhao said while possessed.

The courtyard was bustling with visitors, and Zhao Kuo truly understood the meaning of this idiom for the first time. It had been over ten days since he was attacked by Ying Yiren, and during this period, Zhao Kuo had not experienced a single day of leisure. He was unaware of how much financial resources the eager Qin people had expended to make a name for themselves. In any case, the number of people coming to see him had been increasing day by day, starting with admirers who wished to become his retainers.

Zhao Zuo from Handan bowed deeply to Zhao Kuo and excitedly said: "I, Zhao, pay my respects to Master Ma! I have come here on behalf of all the young scholars of Handan to request your assistance! The people of the world have long detested the barbarity of the Qin state. The Qin people have humiliated our Zhao state without restraint, captured our generals, and seized our cities. We are willing to bring our own followers to accompany you, Master Ma, and we ask that you lead us to the battlefield to slay Wang He, breach the Hangu Pass, and capture the King of Qin"

Upon hearing the words of Zhao Qushi, the high-ranking official did not express anger; instead, he nodded in approval. The charioteer stepped forward to inform Zhao Qushi of this person's identity and the reason for his visit. After confirming several times, Zhao Qushi finally opened the door and allowed the high-ranking official to enter the town.

Zhao Kuo stared in astonishment at the young man

The most critical issue is that he cannot show any disrespect towards these individuals, otherwise, it could be fatal

If the young lord can treat us sincerely, then the Lord of the Plains is likely the same way

The once spacious courtyard is now filled with people. In this era, meals still need to be separated, so more than twenty mats have been laid out in the courtyard. Zhao Kuo kneels in the center, smiling, with his followers on either side. When it comes to the system of separate dining, it is certainly not as simple as dividing food for each person to eat. Rather, each individual must cook separately. In modern terms, it is akin to having a microwave in front of each person, from which everyone takes their own food to eat.

Sigh... Even around wise individuals like Ma Fuzai, there are still such petty people. Where in Zhao State is there a place that petty individuals cannot reach?" Han Dan muttered to himself.

"It is indeed mealtime, please ask the guest to come later." The person who stopped him was Xing, who bluntly said that it is indeed inappropriate to visit during mealtime, as it might imply a request for food. Such behavior is not encouraged among the nobility. Han Danzao, upon hearing this, became somewhat anxious, furrowing his brows, and said: "I have come to visit Ma Fuzai for an important matter. Even if it is not an appropriate time, there is no other choice. I hope you can inform him for me." Han Danzao, upon hearing this, became somewhat anxious, furrowing his brows, and said: "I have come to visit Ma Fuzai for an important matter. Even if it is not an appropriate time, there is no other choice. I hope you can inform him for me."

Zhao glanced around and then explained in a low voice: "The nobleman in front is called Han Dan Zao, the son of the magistrate of Handan. He is a proud and arrogant little man. The more respect you show to such a person, the less likely he is to make things difficult for you. The nobleman behind is named Xu Li, who once fought alongside Ma Fu Jun. He is an upright gentleman. If you excessively flatter such a gentleman, it will only provoke his displeasure"

Zhao Jun, another row of car frames has arrived

I have come to pay my respects to Ma Fuzai, please inform me accordingly. Although the people of Handan are proud and arrogant, they do not dare to be overly rude in this place

Zhao Qushi, without responding, seriously scrutinized the carriage in the distance, and suddenly shouted, "Hurry and open the door!" The young county official quickly pulled open the large door. At that moment, Zhao Qushi was already standing by the roadside, a smile accumulating on his face. He bent down and saluted the carriage, while the county official, mimicking him, stood behind and also bowed in greeting. The carriage sped by like the wind, and a distinguished gentleman inside glanced at Qushi beside him, but said nothing.

At this moment, standing at the entrance of Mafuxiang, gazing into the distance, accompanied by a young local official.

The word "去" means to depart or to move away. It is likely that when he was born, there were signs of premature death, which is why his parents gave him this name, hoping that he would be able to stay away from death

"Han Dan Zao?" Zhao Kuo looked at Xing in surprise, seriously pondering for a moment, as he seemed not to recognize what Han Dan Zao referred to. Just as he was thinking, a retainer beside him said, "Young Master, Han Dan Zao is the fourth son of Zhao Li, the magistrate of Han Dan." Zhao Kuo then understood that Zhao Li's son was named Han Dan Zao. Sighing at this strange era, Zhao Kuo shook his head and said, "If that is the case, then please invite him in." The retainer beside him reiterated, "Young Master, Han Dan Zao is the fourth son of Zhao Li, the magistrate of Han Dan." Zhao Kuo then understood that Zhao Li's son was named Han Dan Zao. Sighing at this strange era, Zhao Kuo shook his head and said, "If that is the case, then please invite him in."

Xing cast a cold glance at him and no longer paid him any attention

The courtiers began their daily boasting, and Zhao Kuo was not surprised. During the time he had spent with them, he had already seen through the true nature of these sycophants. Their daily work consisted solely of praising Zhao Kuo. Zhao Kuo had long since become numb to it. At times, he truly wondered whether these individuals had been bribed by the Qin people, or if they were spies sent by the Qin. However, these were all well-known gentlemen from reputable families.

Do not say it is just one Wang He; even if ten were to come, they would absolutely not be a match for our young lord

Upon witnessing all of this, the local official, after the carriage entered the horse-drawn carriage area, finally stopped Zhao and earnestly inquired: "Why does Mr. Zhao have a different attitude towards the two carriages?"

Mafu Township is rather inconspicuous in the vicinity of Handan. Whether it is Fanwu to the south of Handan, Lieren to the northeast, or Wucheng Pingyang located by the Great Wall, all are far more prosperous than Mafu. The small number of registered residents in Mafu has become a significant factor limiting its development. As a prominent figure in Mafu Township, this gatekeeper also possesses a very elegant name; he is a descendant of the Zhao clan, named Qu Si.

Further on, there came some officials, who were also drawn by reputation, wishing to befriend Zhao Kuo. After them, the arrivals became increasingly extravagant, as the esteemed individuals of Handan rushed towards Ma Fu like madmen. It was said that nobles from other regions were still on their way, and there was a vague sentiment of "Having never met Ma Fu in my life, even if I claim to be a hero, it is in vain." Faced with this warm hospitality and the nobles who worshipped him to the point of prostration, Zhao Kuo was at a loss for tears. It was said that nobles from other regions were still on their way, and there was a vague sentiment of "Having never met Ma Fu in my life, even if I claim to be a hero, it is in vain." Faced with this warm hospitality and the nobles who worshipped him to the point of prostration, Zhao Kuo was at a loss for tears.

Just as the guests were wildly praising Zhao Kuo, the carriage stopped at the entrance of the courtyard. Han Danzao stepped down from the carriage; he was not very old. After getting off, he straightened his clothing and then walked towards the main gate of the courtyard. As he approached, a person intercepted him. The one who stopped him was a typical warrior from the State of Zhao. From his appearance, it was clear that he was not someone easy to deal with. He placed one hand on the hilt of his sword, confronting Han Danzao before him.

Zhao smiled and did not explain further

With a light touch on his long beard, he proudly said: "I have heard that the paulownia tree is well-known because of the phoenix, and now the virtuous name of Ma Fuzi is on the lips of those living within the city. Naturally, there will be many carriages coming to Ma Fu. I have spent several years in Ma Fu, and the last time I saw such a scene was when Lord Ma Fu was still in the world." Just as he was about to say something, another carriage appeared in the distance.

The local official suddenly realized, yet asked in confusion: "But how did you recognize them?"

As for Zhao Kuo, the number of his retainers, although far fewer than that of Lord Pingyuan, is still quite impressive; at least the people of Handan are very envious, as Handan only has two retainers. He is merely the fourth son of the magistrate of Handan, and there are no capable individuals willing to become his retainers. He looked at the young man sitting in the upper seat; the young man was tall and handsome, standing out like a crane among a flock of chickens

What a handsome young man, but what a pity that he is so foolish