Chapter 21: All Eight Ranks of Officials Are Not Wanted

  Zhang Shu was about to say "see a bird" out of annoyance, but he thought again. Xu Tianfu might be like a stone in a thatched cottage, both smelly and hard, but he was indeed a straightforward and unyielding man. Why bother to argue with him? And why take it out on his junior? With this thought, Zhang nodded and said: "Let him come in."

  After a moment, a young man entered with large strides under the guidance of an attendant. He was eighteen or nineteen years old, seven feet tall, with handsome features and extraordinary bearing, and there was something of his father's grandeur between his eyebrows. Standing in the hall, he bowed and greeted, "I have seen the Honorable Magistrate."

  Xu Wei is now a white body, seeing the court officials, should be kneeling and bowing. But Zhang Shuye had a good impression on him at first sight, so he didn't care about etiquette, nodded and said: "Good, you are Xu Wei?"

  "That's right." Xu Wei nodded and said, his attitude calm and composed, neither arrogant nor humble.

  "This time you led the local troops, annihilated the bandits, and rushed to Xiatian's aid, your merits are not small. I, from Jining Prefecture, have been chasing this group of bandits all the way here. It was precisely because your county of Xiatian held back the main force of the bandits that our prefecture was able to wipe out the Qian Niu Shan stronghold in one fell swoop. Once this matter is settled, I will certainly report it to the imperial court and the governor's office, and commend those who have made contributions." Zhang Shuye intentionally tested his reaction, so he brought up these official phrases and clichés.

  Xu Wei listened and smiled calmly: "The prefect's command is proper, the county magistrate's arrangement is reasonable, and the Xiajin Township soldiers are united in their efforts. This is why we have achieved this great victory. Xu Wei dare not take credit for it."

  Zhang Shuye was taken aback by Xu Wei's words, and asked in surprise: "How old are you? How can you speak so calmly and steadily, without a single leak? You're completely different from your father!" From then on, Zhang had a better impression of Xu Wei, and quickly forgot his earlier unpleasantness with Xu Zhang. He asked Xu Wei some more questions that were not too difficult or sensitive, and Xu Wei answered them all fluently. Zhang Shuye grew more and more appreciative, and began to think about winning him over, but he was also afraid that Xu Wei might only have the bravery of a common man, without any real talent or learning.

  "Sit down and talk, come on, have some tea." Zhang Uncle waited for him to sit down before asking, "Your father was known as the number one fierce general of the Western Army back in the day, the Tanguts feared him like a tiger; your older brother also joined the army and made a name for himself. What are your plans for the future?"

  Xu Wei hesitated for a moment, then said seriously: "Prepare to fight to the death."

  Zhang Shuye had just lifted his teacup, and upon hearing this, he put it down, looking puzzled: "The Khitan have already perished, the Tangut are weak, and the Jin State is on good terms with our dynasty. It's a time when swords and spears should be stored away, and horses released to graze in the southern mountains - what's the point of risking one's life?"

  Before meeting Xu Weilai, I had heard that the one who received him was Zhang Shuye, the governor of Jinan. In the past, when reading "Water Margin", Zhang Shuye's name was not unfamiliar. Later, relying on Baidu, I learned that this person was not as described in "Water Margin". He did not come from a regular official background through imperial examination, but relied on his ancestors' influence to enter officialdom. However, compared with other officials who relied on family influence, Zhang Shuye was truly capable. After serving as a local official for some time, he achieved outstanding governance and was summoned by the emperor, whose opinions were deeply appreciated by the emperor, and thus remained in the capital as an official. He once served as an envoy to Liao State, where at a state banquet, the Khitan people intentionally tried to humiliate him, wanting to compete with the Song Dynasty's envoy. Zhang Shuye demonstrated exceptional archery skills, which deeply impressed the Khitan people. Later, when the Jin army invaded the south, he led troops to defend the capital, and during the Jingkang incident, he followed Emperors Huizong and Qinzong into captivity. When they reached Baigou, he starved himself to death, his integrity and character shocking the enemy army.

  At this time, Zhang Shu Ye asked him, he did not answer directly, but instead asked: "Sir, do you really believe that the Jurchen people and our country are on good terms?"

  Zhang Shuye's heart moved, but he remained calm and said: "After the defeat of Khitan, Jin Guo returned to me the six states of Youyun, and has repeatedly sent envoys to pay tribute and make peace, this is well known to all."

  Xu Wei asked again: "Your Excellency should know that whether it's the Khitan or Jurchen people, they all grew up on horseback, with a fierce folk custom and a penchant for bravery and martyrdom. Moreover, since ancient times, the nomadic tribes of the northern grasslands have always coveted the prosperous lands of the Central Plains. Now that the Liao Kingdom has perished, the barrier between Song and Jin has been eliminated. If you were the ruler of the Jin Kingdom, what would you do?"

  Zhang Shuye could no longer drink that cup of tea. When Song Jin made the "Maritime Alliance" back then, he had strongly opposed it in a memorial to the throne and suggested allying with Liao to resist Jin. Unfortunately, nowadays both the emperor and the civil and military officials of the Manchu court are blinded by the hundred-year-old feud between Song and Liao, sending out a large army to attack Liao together. They were defeated and retreated, and the Jurchen people saw it with their own eyes, sooner or later they would surely lead their troops southward.

  "Are you saying that the Jurchen people will eventually take action against the Song Dynasty?" Zhang Shuye stared at Xu Wei.

  The latter took out the golden finger that predicted history, with a solemn expression and a low voice said: "It's either sooner or later, it's this year!"

  Zhang Shuye was shocked, it's not a small matter! Although he also determined that the Jurchen people would eventually go south to attack the Song Dynasty, but at least they had to wait for three to five years. This year's southern expedition, is this possible? But since this kid dared to speak wildly, he must have some ideas. He asked: "When two countries are at war, it is a great waste of national strength, what makes the Jurchen people use troops continuously within a year?"

  "Sir, all nomadic nations have one thing in common: they wage war to sustain their wars and gather resources through plunder. But our country has an abundance of all kinds of resources - food, livestock, iron tools, population... you name it. Therefore, the Jurchen people don't need to worry about exhausting national strength; they will only grow stronger with each battle." Xu Wei said.

  Zhang Shuye was speechless for a long time, and Xu Wei's opinion was not in line with his own thoughts. This year, Song and Jin made an appointment to attack Liao, and the strength of the Song army was seen through by the Jurchen people. Now, how can this old cat, Jin, sleep peacefully with its head on the big fish of the Song Dynasty?

  "What are our chances of winning, in your opinion?" After a long time, Zhang Shuye asked while sipping his cold tea.

  "It depends on what the higher-ups mean. If they have no intention of resisting and are eager to make peace, then we're really in trouble." Xu Wei replied.

  Putting down his teacup, Zhang Shu asked again: "What if the imperial court were to muster all its strength to resist it?"

  "We have a surefire way to win! Although the Jurchen people are brave and fierce, we also have our own brave warriors. Moreover, our resources far surpass those of the Jin State. As long as we make up our minds to resist, no matter if it takes three years, five years or ten years, we can wear them down! We will close off our borders, clear the countryside, defend when they come and attack when they leave, swallowing them bit by bit, advancing step by step, uniting all forces that can be united. Let's see who is tougher!" Xu spoke calmly and clearly, with a logical tone.

  "Good!" A loud shout, Zhang Zhifu slapped his palm on the table, and Xu Wei's strategy was in perfect harmony with his! "I didn't expect that Xu Zang would have such a son! Good!"

  "Governor, you're overpraising me. I'm just talking on paper and playing with words." Xu Wei said with a light smile.

  Zhang Shu gazed at him with an unfathomable gaze, and smiled: "Discussing military strategy on paper? Cutting off the bridge to resist the enemy, luring the enemy into a trap, catching turtles in a jar, surrounding them from all sides, making false appearances to intimidate the strong enemy, are these just discussing military strategy on paper?"

  Xu Wei couldn't smile anymore, the other side knew so much in detail, it seemed that today was not just a simple reception and reward.

  "My tricks are useful for dealing with these mobs, but against others...” Xu Wei was not being modest, he was telling the truth. Although they won this time, what kind of opponents were they up against? Just a group of untrained bandits, whereas the Jurchen iron cavalry was tempered and trained through countless battles, forged in mountains of corpses and seas of blood."

  "It's all up to people, after all." Zhang Shu got up in the middle of the night and walked over to Xu Wei's side, sitting down beside him. "Xu Wei, your older brother has already received a government appointment and become an official, don't you have any thoughts about this?" After a conversation with Xu Wei, Magistrate Zhang was relieved that he hadn't acted impulsively. This young man had extraordinary insight and courage, and was a good seedling. What's more, his views coincided with his own, and it was the perfect opportunity to recruit him and cultivate talent for the country.

  Xu Wei naturally understood what this meant, but he had other ideas in mind and did not respond for the time being.

  Zhang Shuye saw the situation and thought he had some concerns, so he quickly said: "In those years, your father and I were in the northwest together, and now I am also half a senior to you. At this time when the situation is unclear, it is the right time to use people, why not come to Jinan Prefecture with me? I dare not say more, with your ability and merit, becoming a Xiuwu Lang is no problem." After finishing speaking, he paused for a moment, but did not see the expected joy on Xu Wei's face. Afraid that he didn't understand the subtlety, he continued to explain: "This is an eighth-grade military position, you are currently a commoner, if you start from being a soldier, it will take at least seven or eight years."

  He was indeed telling the truth, after Emperor Taizong of Tang ascended to the throne, he established a system of 53 ranks for military officers, similar to modern-day military ranks. The rank of "Xiuwu Lang" was the 44th rank. For ordinary soldiers, if they were to be promoted one rank at a time, it would take some time even in peacetime. Xu Weili had made contributions and came from a family with a military background, plus Zhang Zhifu's connections, so it wasn't a big problem.

  Xu Wei did not respond for a moment, then stood up and bowed to Zhang Shuye: "Thank you, sir, for your kindness, but my father is old and ill, and my fourth brother is serving in the military, so there's no one to take care of the family. I will remember your support in my heart." This speech was flawless and unassailable. Since ancient times, a person's talent has not been important; what matters most is filial piety. When evaluating someone, first look at whether they are filial. Even if they are high-ranking officials, if their parents have passed away, they must observe mourning rites, which shows that the importance of filial piety is as great as heaven. Xu Wei wanted to refuse the other party's kindness without offending them, and this excuse was perfectly suitable. The other party would not only not be dissatisfied but would also think that this person, although talented, was a filial one. And people who are filial are often reliable.

  Zhang Shu Ye looked at him with a reluctant expression, although he felt reluctant to part with him, he nodded and said: "Not bad, your filial piety is commendable. Alright, this official will not force you to do what you cannot do, but since you have great ambitions and courage, staying in the countryside would be a waste of your talents."

  Xu Weili was heartbroken and helpless. Zhang Zhifu saw it and couldn't bear it, so he comforted him: "Don't worry, you've made a great achievement this time, and getting a promotion in the county is more than enough. You're still young, there will be plenty of opportunities in the future." Xu Weili repeatedly expressed his gratitude, and Zhang Shuye comforted and praised him a few more times before personally seeing him out the door.

  Xu Wei put on a serious eight-product official, neither mad nor stupid. He had his own plan, that is, resolutely not to join the army! The reason lies in the fact that once being incorporated into the military combat sequence, everything must be followed by the military order, and completely controlled by others. Even if temporarily getting an eighth-grade title, it would be difficult to get ahead later. He was waiting for an opportunity, waiting for the "Recruitment of Brave Warriors Edict" issued three or five times in the Northern Song Dynasty at the end of history.