Chapter 7, Appointment

Line up, run! Before Liang Shu could finish speaking, Ding Li shouted loudly, fastening his bundle to his chest, and, with the chopping knife in hand, began to run with the others under Liang Shu's astonished gaze

After exchanging pleasantries with Zuo Feng for a while, Ye Zhao finally saw him off. Watching the departing figures, her brows furrowed slightly.

Yesterday, I was officially appointed by the court as the Prefect of Macheng and concurrently as the Cavalry Commander. All of you will accompany me to take up the post. The journey from Hanoi to Macheng spans two thousand li, and it will take at least two months to arrive. The next morning, Ye Zhao looked at the twenty-six guards gathered and smiled broadly, saying: "Two months for travel is too wasteful. Today, I will set a challenge; I doubt you can handle the civil affairs under the jurisdiction of Macheng."

"Now, tell me, do you still want to hold office?" Ye Zhao fixed his gaze on the crowd and suddenly shouted in a stern voice

Originally tearful, Xin'er blushed at the words, her delicate face showing two patches of red. The statement was somewhat ambiguous, causing the young girl to indulge in her fantasies. Ye Zhao laughed heartily and turned to Uncle Liang, saying, "Those craftsmen should also arrange to set off soon; I will wait for them to gather at Gao Liu." After speaking, he turned around, shouldered his own bag, and quickly ran a few steps to catch up with the group.

Zuo Feng looked at Ye Zhao with surprise, and only after two servants struggled to carry a box inside did a hint of satisfaction flash in his eyes. He nodded and said, "It is rumored in the market that Young Master Ye looks down on us common people, but it seems that it is unknown which small-minded individuals are spreading such gossip."

The group of guards nodded in agreement upon hearing this; expecting these illiterate men to manage documents was no better than killing them.

At this moment, Ye Zhao's smile appeared to the group of guards like that of a demon. The training from three months ago was still fresh in their memories, and now Ye Zhao claimed that those exercises were merely foundational. Although the real training had yet to commence, it had already instilled a sense of dread in these individuals.

"Lord Zuo is joking. Ye Zhao is merely an ordinary person, yet Lord Zuo has already been appointed as a Yellow Gate official. What qualifications do I have to look down upon you?" Ye Zhao shook his head and pointed to the box, saying, "It is just that the Ye family has recently encountered a family change, and only one-tenth of the family assets remain. I can only prepare this meager gift, and I hope Lord Zuo will not take offense."

So it was you, Lord Zuo! Ye Zhao nodded and signaled the servant to bring some pastries.

"Huangmen Zuo Feng!" the eunuch said arrogantly

Zuo Feng glanced at Ye Zhao's expression and smiled, saying: "Although Ma City is a border town, I have heard that Young Master Ye is a person of both literary and martial talents, and you will surely achieve some political accomplishments. Young Master Ye can rest assured that as long as you can make some achievements here, perhaps I will even disregard my own reputation and strive to secure a future for you in front of His Majesty and Lord Jiang."

"Young Master ... ... horse ... ..." Uncle Liang, holding the reins, looked in astonishment as Ye Zhao turned his head without looking back and waved his hand. Before long, the figures of the group had vanished from sight.

"Do not be in a hurry to express your gratitude," Ye Zhao waved his hand, his expression turning serious. "In my administration, the capable rise while the incompetent fall. If you desire a position, you must demonstrate your abilities. If you lack the competence and do not strive for it, then you should content yourself with being a guard. Do not blame me for not nurturing you."

Ye Zhao looked at everyone and said: "In addition to this, I also hold the position of Cavalry Commander, under my command I can establish five divisions, with five military officers, ten military marquises, and twenty garrison commanders. Furthermore, I will not mention the captains and other ranks. You are all individuals whom I have personally trained, and thus you are considered my trusted aides. Therefore, I also hope that these military officers, county lieutenants, military marquises, and garrison commanders will be appointed from among you."

And - the picture - book "What does the young master mean?" Liang Shu looked at Ye Zhao with a puzzled expression

Young Master, I..." Uncle Liang looked at Ye Zhao, unsure of what to say.

You and Xin'er can stay behind to guard the house, as the journey is long and not very safe along the way

Thank you for your appreciation, my lord! Upon hearing this, the group of guards displayed expressions of surprise and joy, not expecting that following Ye Zhao would bring such benefits. For those of humble origins, the mere thought of becoming a military officer or a general, let alone a garrison commander, felt like a blessing from their ancestors.

Therefore, during the course of these two months, I will provide you with enhanced training. The previous training was merely foundational; in the future, you will question the meaning of life.

No need for that. "The official has come here on the orders of His Majesty to convey the imperial edict," said Zuo Feng with a cold snort.

Very well, then I shall await good news in Luoyang" Upon hearing this, Zuo Feng's eyes brightened, and he nodded in agreement

What are we waiting for? Now, we will march a hundred miles on foot. Tonight, I will rest in Jixian. Pack your bags and set off!" Ye Zhao snorted coldly and said sternly

Ye Zhao instructed Uncle Liang to inform everyone to pack their belongings, while he sat alone in the study. On one wall of the study, there was a large sheepskin map, and as he looked at the location of Ma City marked on it, Ye Zhao couldn't help but furrow his brows

"No need to blame, no need to blame," Zuo Feng shook his head and smiled, "It is enough that Young Master Ye has this intention. This is His Majesty's edict. In addition to serving as the mayor of Macheng, you will also hold the position of Cavalry Commander. There will be one county lieutenant under you, and you may recruit military officers, military nobles, and garrison commanders as you see fit. Furthermore, the Macheng area will be exempt from taxes for three years. However, you will need to recruit the troops for Macheng yourself. His Majesty has stated that you may recruit up to one school, and the weapons and armor will be provided to you by the Protector of the Wuhuan.

"It is indeed Ye Zhao. May I ask who you are..." Ye Zhao looked at the eunuch before him. In this era, the concept of eunuchs had not yet emerged, but that sharp, high-pitched voice was highly recognizable

"Tell everyone to get ready, we are about to set off. I, as an official, am going to take up my post." Ye Zhao said with a smile, "Gather those craftsmen we recruited earlier as well; we might need them when we go to Macheng this time."

However, what piqued Ye Zhao's curiosity was that with Wei Xian's intelligence, which allowed him to mingle with ruffians, such tactics did not seem to be within his capability

"Take good care of the house," Ye Zhao said as she turned her head and gently patted Xin'er on the head, smiling, "Be a good girl and watch over the house until I return"

The voices of twenty-six individuals converged into a wave of sound, soaring into the sky. For them, no matter how arduous the journey, it was a rare opportunity to stand out. Would they really spend their entire lives as farmers?

Lord Zuo, after a tiring journey, I have prepared a modest gift as a token of my appreciation. I hope you will accept it with a smile, as I may need to rely on you in the future. Ye Zhao nodded, smiling at Zuo Feng. After exchanging a few words with Uncle Liang, she asked him to leave, while she invited Zuo Feng to take a seat.

In the past, Ye Zhao was a true bookworm, and he was most averse to such matters. He feared that Ye Zhao's temperament might provoke this eunuch directly. It is important to note that these eunuchs are currently in a position of great power in the court, to the extent that even Cai Yong must show them deference. The last time Cai Yong was exiled was precisely because of the Ten Attendants.

That said, he did not read the edict. Upon seeing this, Liang Shu's expression changed, and he quickly leaned close to Ye Zhao's ear and whispered: "Young Master, this is... a solicitation of bribes. Please do not get angry."

"Are you Ye Zhao?" In the hall of the Ye family, the eunuch who came to deliver the imperial edict scrutinized Ye Zhao with an expression of impatience.

"Here you go." Upon hearing this, Xin'er bowed slightly, feeling wronged, yet the hint of stubbornness in her eyes was somewhat heart-wrenching

"I can't hear you," Ye Zhao shouted angrily

Ye Zhao expressed his gratitude to Lord Zuo, stating that after he settles in Macheng, he will send someone to Luoyang to extend his heartfelt thanks to Lord Zuo. Ye Zhao nodded and smiled at Zuo Feng.

It is also an opportunity. Ye Zhao shook his head. In fact, Zuo Feng had expressed similar thoughts before; as long as he was willing to spend money, Zuo Feng was willing to introduce him to Zhang Rang, asking Zhang Rang to intervene, which would surely enable Ye Zhao to be recalled to the Central Plains. However, Ye Zhao had declined this offer. Firstly, he truly did not have enough money to bribe Zhang Rang; secondly, he did not dare to rely too heavily on this side, as he was nominally considered a member of the aristocratic families, and getting too close to Zhang Rang could easily lead to isolation; thirdly, although it was a harsh and cold land, it did not necessarily lack opportunities, depending on how one utilized them. Moreover, there was the condition of three years of tax exemption. Three years was already enough time for him to accomplish many things. Of course, the most important factor was still military power! In chaotic times, no amount of empty titles could compare to the actual military power held in one's hands.

The basic training over the past three months has conditioned everyone to respond to Ye Zhao's words almost instinctively with an affirmative reply

"Young Master, this Wei Xian is being too unreasonable!" Uncle Liang, standing behind Ye Zhao, frowned and said, "Why not let Young Master feign illness and not attend? That Ma City is located in a harsh and cold region, and you, Young Master, have grown up in the Central Plains, how could you possibly endure that?"

"Young Master, Jixian is at least a hundred miles away from here, and without horses, the guards..." Uncle Liang looked at Ye Zhao with some concern after hearing this

Good! Ye Zhao nodded in satisfaction. These individuals from the lower strata are the most capable of enduring hardship and exercising patience. After three months of intensive training, they have fundamentally undergone some transformations. Now, it is time for them to see blood and cultivate their confidence.

Xin'er wishes to be with the young master Xin'er bit her lip and looked up at Ye Zhao

Ye Zhao's words fell like a basin of cold water poured over the heads of the crowd, calming down the heated minds of the guards considerably. Although they had gained some skills under Ye Zhao's training over the past three months, they had never experienced real combat and thus lacked confidence in their abilities.

"Do not act recklessly; the border areas are not peaceful and often experience conflict. Listen to me." Ye Zhao shook his head. If it were according to the previous plan, he would naturally not mind bringing everyone along if he were to take up a position in the vicinity of Luoyang. However, now they were heading to the border areas. Not to mention that the climate here is difficult for people to adapt to, more importantly, the situation is perilous with the threat of war. He truly does not feel at ease bringing a young girl along.

No wonder Wei Xian has been so well-behaved lately; it turns out he has been waiting here for him

A quarter of an hour later, Ye Zhao returned to the ancestral home in the city with Xin'er and Ding Li, where they met the eunuch who had come to deliver the imperial edict

In her mind, the image of Wei Ji's refined and kind smile flashed by. Ye Zhao scoffed, thinking that a biting dog does not bark. It seems that the true mastermind behind this matter is indeed Wei Ji. However, based on this alone, if he wishes to kill her, Ye Zhao can only say that he is overestimating himself.

According to the steward, Macheng is now almost a deserted city. In earlier years, it was a crucial border stronghold of Daijun. However, after the Xianbei people experienced internal strife and divided into three factions, the pressure on the border defenses significantly decreased, and the strategic position of Macheng became somewhat awkward. It is nearly a hundred miles to the nearest Ning County, and in recent years, the border areas have been tumultuous, leading most of the surrounding populace to migrate inward, further contributing to the desolation of Macheng. Although it is nominally a city of the Han Dynasty, it has now become a lawless area where both Hu and Han people coexist.