Chapter Five Spring Dawn (Five Down)

  "Target number one, three arrows all hit, but the force is slightly insufficient. General Gao points you as the third in archery skills!" Someone immediately shouted out General Gao's evaluation, and it spread throughout the scene in an instant. "Number one target shooter, come on stage to meet General Gao."

  Previously, when he heard that he had only gotten third place, Yuwen's heart was filled with disappointment. But then he heard the order to go and pay his respects to Gao Lishi on stage, and all his disappointment was immediately replaced by wild joy. In order to escape disaster, he had previously asked his good friend Wang Xun to publicly reveal the secret account book that he had privately recorded, in order to coerce Yang Guozhong into taking action to rescue him. Now that he has escaped his suffering, he urgently needs to find a reliable backer again, in order to prevent Yang Guozhong's claws from seeking revenge. And Gao Lishi's influence in the court is in no way inferior to Yang Guozhong's, so if he can climb up this high branch...

  Before Yuwen Zhi could think of how to make a deeper impression on General Gao, he suddenly heard a low cough in his ear. With the vigilance cultivated over time, he realized that he had already followed the orderly's footsteps onto the viewing platform, and hastily looked up, cupped his fists and stood solemnly, "Humble subject Yuwen Zhi, thank you for General Gao's guidance. Thank you, General Feng and all the generals, for giving me this opportunity to demonstrate my archery skills!"

  "Are you Yuwen Zhi?" Upon hearing this name, Gao Lishi immediately recalled the matter his adopted son had asked him about a few days ago. He furrowed his brow and asked in a low voice.

  Yuwen Zhi was stunned by the question and hesitated for a long time before responding with a useless phrase, "Yes, Yuwen Zhi is indeed a commoner!"

  It was said that the two of them had a conversation without boundaries, and everyone on the platform was slightly stunned. Those who were quick-witted immediately realized that Gao Lishi and this young man with impressive archery skills probably had some connection before. And those who were slow-witted laughed and wondered if these two people were too excited today, to the point where they couldn't even speak properly.

  As an imperial courtier, Gao Lishi's sixth sense was extremely keen. Without even looking sideways, he had already sensed the fluctuations in the atmosphere around him. He smiled and added in a low voice, "I once heard someone mention you in casual conversation. Isn't your older brother the Ministry of Revenue's Vice Director, Yuwen De? Your surname seems to be related to the founding general, Xiang Gong!"

  Yuwen Shi and his great-grandfather Yuwen Tai followed Emperor Taizong to conquer the Song, defeated Dou Jiande, and destroyed Wang Shichong, with outstanding achievements. His reputation and status were among the best during the Zhenguan period. What Yuwen Tai always remembered was how to restore the family's former glory. At this moment, when Gao Lishi mentioned it, he immediately bowed his head and replied loudly: "In response to the General of the Cavalry, I am the great-grandson of Duke of Guo. My learning has not been accomplished, and I am really ashamed of my ancestors' name!"

  "Not bad, you're really not bad!" Gao Lishi shook his head and denied Yuwen Zhi's humble words. "Among the sons of noble families who can practice archery to your level, there are only a few. I remember that your grandfather was once conferred as the Count of Xincheng County? Why did you call yourself a commoner just now?"

  Yuwen Zhi's face turned red, and he explained with a awkward smile, "My father had many brothers, so I was unable to inherit the title. As for me, I am an illegitimate child, so I have no chance of serving the imperial court!"

  "Is that so!" Gao Lishi furrowed his brow again and said in a low voice. According to the laws of the Tang Dynasty, the treatment received by children born out of wedlock was indeed vastly different from that of legitimate sons. Officials had already reminded the Emperor of this unfairness, which could foster laziness among legitimate sons and deprive illegitimate sons of opportunities to showcase their talents. However, the power of tradition was too great to be easily changed, even if the Emperor saw the injustice. Therefore, the memorial only caused a ripple in the imperial court before being ignored.

  "We men of the Great Tang have always believed that 'achievements and fame are to be obtained on horseback'. You not being able to inherit a noble title is actually not a bad thing!" Seeing Gao Lishi's thoughtful expression, Feng Changqing took over with a smile. "The great general just said that your archery skills are accurate but lack strength. However, you can be considered a fine unpolished jade. My troops are currently lacking some good archers, would you like to join my personal guard and serve under me?"

  Being able to become Feng Changqing's personal soldier, the opportunity for promotion is much greater than being a low-ranking officer in the Feilong Imperial Guard. Yuwen was overjoyed and immediately puffed out his chest, grasped his fist and bowed, "In response to General Feng's words, your humble servant is deeply grateful!"

  "Hahaha, hahahaha!" Feng Changqing was amused by Yuwen Zhi's impatient appearance and burst out laughing. He stroked his beard and turned to Gao Lishi, "Gentleman Yuan, why don't I take your place and be the jade craftsman instead?"

  "You're good at picking up cheap bargains!" Gao Lishi chuckled and "scolded" with a sentence, then looked at Yuwen Zhi again, smiled and added: "Since we promised earlier that the one who performs well in the trial will be made an officer. Don't let him just be an ordinary soldier! With his archery skills and family background, it's not excessive to grant him the title of Yuwu School Lieutenant! What do you think?"

  Honorable Wu Xiao Wei? Wu Wen's heart skipped a beat, and in an instant, all the blood in his body rushed to his eyes. That was a martial position of the eighth rank, and as long as he was appointed as a great general, he would have received the favor of two great generals at the same time! From then on, in Chang'an City, he basically didn't need to worry about revenge from anyone anymore!

  In his almost pleading gaze, Feng Changqing slowly nodded, "Haha, haha, since Yuan Yigong has a discerning eye for talent and is prepared to promote him by leaps and bounds, how could I, Feng, not follow suit?! Someone, bring a set of Wu Jun's military attire and waist plate at once, and have Yuwen Zhuangshi put it on immediately!"

  "Thank you, General Gao! Thank you, General Feng! Such great kindness, I, I... will never forget it!" Yuwen Zhi was so excited that he couldn't even speak properly, and he repeatedly bowed to Gao Lishi and Feng Changqing. Gao Lishi didn't like his over-the-top enthusiasm, and slightly furrowed his brow, solemnly emphasizing: "We simply carried out the Emperor's orders and selected talents for the country. If you work hard in the future and don't forget the Emperor's kindness, that will be the best way to thank us! Your family, the Yuwen clan, has produced talented individuals like Guo Gong, but also failures like Yuwen Huaji. I hope you'll take care of yourself from now on!"

  "Yes, I will definitely remember the great general's teachings today!" From the peak of excitement to the trough of humiliation, Yuwen Zhi's face suddenly turned red and green, hugged his fist, and responded in a low voice. At the same time, there was a clearer voice in his heart saying, "Old eunuch, what did I do wrong? You actually used this kind of words to humiliate me. You wait, one day, this humiliation will be repaid in full. Sooner or later!"