Chapter 12: Wisdom Excites Zhang Liao

  In the backyard of the inn, Zhao Yun's eyes were filled with joy, personally holding a handful of black beans to feed the white horse, while his other hand occasionally stroked the horse's neck.

  Liu Zhang had his hands clasped together and was leaning against a wooden stake, looking amused.

  At the market, Liu Zhang made a bid of ten South pearls, not only did he not let Wu Meng lower the price, but instead bought the jade lion at a price that exceeded their expectations by twice.

  The young man was left speechless and didn't utter another strange sentence. He hid behind the middle-aged man, too embarrassed to come out.

  Wū Méng made all sorts of excuses, but Liu Zhāng simply refused. With no other choice, Wū Méng reluctantly accepted. For the people on the grasslands, to receive someone's kindness and not repay it would be despised by everyone.

  Today, I was rescued by Liu Zhang. I had planned to sell my horse at a low price and return some favors, but unexpectedly, not only did I fail to repay the favor, but also received even more kindness.

  To know that on the grasslands, what is most lacking are salt and iron tools. Liu Zhang generously gave out 50 taels of gold, which can buy twice as much salt. With this salt, his tribe won't have to worry about lacking salt for the whole winter. This kindness is many times greater than the previous rescue.

  The man's face was filled with difficulty, but the middle-aged Han suddenly stepped forward and whispered a few words in his ear. The man's eyes lit up instantly. He immediately grabbed Liu Zhang, who was about to leave, and said that they had many good horses at their place, inviting Liu Zhang to visit their tribe, where he would trade with him at the most favorable price.

  In the mind of Lao Weng Meng, Liu Zhang was mostly the son of a wealthy merchant from the Central Plains. Merchants seek profit, and as long as they sell half and give away half at the right time, Liu Zhang will make a big profit, which is also considered repaying this favor. Anyway, what the grasslands lack the least are cattle, sheep, and horses.

  Liu Zhang was overjoyed when he heard the news.

  He needs to build a private army, and this war horse is the most important hardware. Especially in this era, cavalry is equivalent to tanks in later generations, which can play an immeasurable role in winning wars.

  Nowadays, Meng Huo sells a large number of horses to himself, with two favors, Liu Zhang naturally understands that he will occupy how much advantage.

  Duan Xia immediately agreed and promised that once things were settled on this side, he would head to Guanwai for a trip. As long as the selection was good, when the time came, let the Wumeng people follow him back to Jizhou, and then settle accounts.

  Wu Meng had originally planned to give some away for free, so he naturally wouldn't consider whether Liu Zhang would welch on the deal. He nodded in agreement without hesitation, and the two of them bid each other farewell and parted ways. However, that young man couldn't help but think that Liu Zhang was indeed going to take advantage of his own people again, but he didn't dare speak out of turn anymore.

  With a sullen face, he pouted and didn't even greet Liu Zhang, following Meng Huo instead. However, when leaving, he deliberately walked around Zhao Yun with caution. That one glance from Zhao Yun earlier had really frightened him.

  At that time, I felt as if I was facing an irresistible monster, from head to toe, surrounded by a breath of death...

  After the three men left, Liu Zhang smiled and handed the jade lion directly to Zhao Yun. Zhao Yun was shocked and refused to accept it.

  Liu Zhang just said lightly, "You and I are brothers, besides, I don't like white horses." Zhao Yun then put it away.

  He really liked the horse, just thinking about hurrying to feed Yu Shi Zi more hay and raise it. Following Liu Zhang on the road, he was no longer as calm as before. He walked a few steps and had to turn his head to take a look, fearing that Yu Shi Zi would be hungry and lose strength, accidentally fainting and falling, and scratching off its fur.

  Looking at his careful and loving face, Liu Zhang couldn't help but roll her eyes. With this mood, what's the point of strolling around? Forget it, let's just head back.

  Thus, the two men's stroll was cut short and they returned to the inn. As soon as they arrived at the inn, Zhao Yun hastily asked his assistant to bring over some high-quality feed and personally took care of it. First, he gave the Jade Lion a good brushing, and then happily fed the horse. This feeding session lasted for an hour, with Liu Zhang standing by, but all he could do was smile wryly.

  The two of them had been busy all day, and the day was almost over. Liu Zhang didn't plan to go out anymore, so he directly ordered food to be brought to his room, where he and Zhao Yun ate their fill and then rested. They planned to visit Zhang Liao tomorrow.

  As for that night, Zhao Yun got up several times to look at the jade lion, Liu Zhang was speechless and didn't care about him, covering his head with a quilt, sleeping until dawn.

  The next day, after the two had eaten breakfast, Zhao Yun again instructed his partner to take good care of his treasured jade lion, and only then did they leave the shop.

  Liu Zhang led the way, but instead of going to the governor's mansion, they headed straight for the prefecture. Zhao Yun was puzzled and asked about it, only to find out that his brother only knew that Zhang Liao and Gao Shun were both military officers from Pingzhou. As for where exactly, he didn't know, and when asked again, he still didn't know. Zhao Yun was left speechless.

  Arrived at the yamen, they saw two men in brocade clothes, and the soldiers did not dare to be slow. Just as they were asking each other questions, a young official happened to come out from inside.

  The soldier pointed at the young man and laughed, "The person you're asking about, General Gao Shun is a military officer, he should be on the west side of the city wall. And as for Zhang Tou'er, well, isn't that him?"

  The young man was taken aback and looked up at Liu Zhang and his companion.

  Liu Zhan heard that this man was Zhang Liao, and he couldn't help but feel great joy. He glanced at him, and saw that the man had a round face, big ears, thick eyebrows, and tiger-like eyes. He appeared to be around 16 or 17 years old, and although his brow showed a hint of youthfulness, he also had an air of calmness and composure about him. Although he was only wearing a simple official uniform, the way he stood revealed a sense of grandeur and majesty.

  That's good enough! Liu Zhang thought to himself, hastily taking a step forward, clasping his fists and smiling: "Is that General Ma Chao and General Zhang Wen-yuan? I am Liu Zhang from Ji Province, and this is my younger brother Zhao Yun. We have come specifically to pay our respects to the general."

  Zhang Liao also returned the courtesy with a fist, but his face was completely bewildered. Until he heard Liu Zhang call himself General, he couldn't help but blush and said: "Wen Yuan is just a minor official, not worthy of being called General by Master."

  Liu Zhang burst out laughing, took a step forward, and walked with him arm in arm. As they strolled along, he chuckled and said: "I've long known of your reputation, Wen Yuan. You're the descendant of Nie Gong, brave and powerful beyond ordinary men. The people of our hometown have already recommended you for a government position. For someone like you, being appointed as a general and enfeoffed with a title is as easy as turning over one's hand. I merely mentioned it earlier than expected; what's wrong with that?"

  Zhang Liao was greatly shocked and his face changed color as he stopped in his tracks: "How did you know about Liao's origins?"

  His ancestors were actually the great merchants Nie Yi during the time of Emperor Wu, who had once advised against the Han Dynasty's alliance with the Xiongnu and had personally risked danger to plot the assassination of the Xiongnu Chanyu.

  Unfortunately, the plot was leaked, and the plan ultimately failed. Not only did it offend the Xiongnu, but also made it impossible for Emperor Wu to continue with his marriage alliance plan.

  Nie Yi had no choice but to hide his surname and name, and went into hiding. A large family, from then on, gradually disappeared without a trace.

  Afterwards, the family members changed their surname to Zhang to avoid the troubles of the past. This secret was known only to the people of the Zhang Liao family and no one else in this world.

  But little did they know that Liu Zhang was a man of the later generation, and had long since deciphered this secret. At this moment, with one opening of his mouth, he frightened Zhang Liao into breaking out in a cold sweat.

  "Why must you be so alarmed? Let's not mention that past case, it's been a long time and no one asks about it anymore. Even if someone remembers, they probably think the same as me. Your ancestor was indeed a hero! Although things didn't go well, it wasn't Nian Gong's fault. Why would we hold a grudge for 300 years? Come on, let's put our minds at ease, you and I will find a restaurant, order some wine and dishes, and chat while drinking."

  Zhang Liao was uncertain in his heart, but he only listened to him praising his ancestors, and felt grateful in his heart. Seeing that he seemed to have no evil intentions, he had to follow him step by step.

  The three men entered a wine shop, Liu Zhang called over the waiter, ordered several small dishes, and took out a jar of wine. He leaned forward to fill the cups for the other two, then sat down and invited them to drink with him.

  "Who is Gong Qi? And what's the purpose of looking for Zhang Liao today? Please make it clear." Zhang Liao raised his cup and took a sip, but couldn't help asking again.

  "I am a descendant of the Han imperial family, a great-grandson of Emperor Jing of Han, and a descendant of King Gong of Lu. My father's name is Yan, styled Junlang, currently serving as Taichang and concurrently holding the position of Governor of Ji Province. I am his fourth son, with the single name Zhang. Is that clear?" Liu Zhang replied with a smile.

  Zhang Liao's expression changed, and he hastily got up to bow again. Liu Zhang smiled and stopped him, pressing him back into his seat. Only then did he compose himself and say: "Wenyuan need not be so polite. This time I have come to Jinyang from afar, aside from the fact that it happened to coincide with my departure from mourning, I wanted to see the sights of the world. Moreover, I came specifically for Wenyuan and General Gao Shun."

  Zhang Liao was stunned and didn't understand what was going on.

  Liu Zhang raised his cup and invited him, waiting until he put it down before saying: "Wen Yuan has exceptional skills, bravery, and strategy. In this world today, there are probably no more than ten people who can be mentioned in the same breath as you. Now, thieves and bandits are rising everywhere, and tigers and wolves are roaming the land. The common people are suffering from the bitter pain of displacement and wandering, and their cries fill my ears. As a man of great courage and strategy, how can you not stand up and take action? How can you just be content with being a small official in the government, eating and drinking your fill, and feeling at peace with yourself? Don't you feel ashamed? Think about your ancestor Nie Gong, who worked tirelessly for the country's affairs. Although he failed in the end, later generations still praise him whenever they mention his name. He was truly a great man! But think about what you're doing now, Wen Yuan. Compared to Nie Gong, do you have the face to meet him after a hundred years?"

  This speech first praised Zhang Liao, then immediately questioned him about national affairs, and finally pointed out the heroic deeds of his ancestors for the country and the people. The words were like a knife, cutting to the heart. Zhang Liao's face turned ashen with shame and embarrassment.

  Liu Zhang's face was stern, his eyes gleaming with a cold light as he stared straight at him. After a brief moment, his tone changed and he continued: "Although I am young, I do not rely on my father's influence, nor do I overestimate myself. I want to train the army to bring peace to the world. I comfort the people and stabilize the borders, using all my humble abilities. If I can achieve some minor accomplishments, it will be enough to repay the imperial court and the country, and not waste my life as a man! Wen Yuan, do you have such aspirations?"

  "It was not in vain for a man to have lived in this world……" Zhang Liao's body shook violently, his mouth involuntarily murmuring to himself, his expression first filled with shame and confusion, but gradually, a surge of excitement and motivation emerged.

  At this moment, Zhao Yun, who was quietly listening on the side, was also stirred by Liu Zhang's words "not in vain for a man to travel the world", and his chest was filled with heroic spirit, his eyebrows furrowed.

  "What you said is right!"

  Halfway through, Zhang Liao's face grew increasingly excited, his cheeks flushing red as he applauded and exclaimed, "Today, I am honored that you would deign to speak with me, traveling far and wide across the land! Even a rustic, unpolished man like myself cannot help but be moved! Please, let us depart together - I will follow you to my death!"

  Success!

  Seeing Zhang Liao fall, Liu Zhong's eyes flashed with wild joy, and he couldn't help but applaud and shout loudly.