Chapter 9 Attending a Banquet

  Just when I knew that Zhang Jiamu had a nobleman behind him, the most Menduo could do was to advocate for not easily offending people. Now it seems that Zhang Jiamu is not only a highly skilled martial artist, but also a clever and resourceful person, such talent is also rare in the Brocade Guard.

  He knew that after the previous incident and today's events, Zhang Jiamu, this military leftover, would soon become famous. Recently, undercurrents have been surging in the capital, with various forces stirring and everyone expanding their troops and buying horses. Mendan felt lucky to have such a capable subordinate, who was about to rise to prominence, serving under him, which would be a great help to him in the future.

  When they returned with the crowd, Menda's face was beaming with joy. The killing intent had long since dissipated, and he warmly patted Zhang Jiamu's shoulder, chuckling: "Well done!"

  Zhang Jiamu felt that his shoulders were almost fractured from being patted - was this guy praising him or punishing him?

  "Listen up, everyone," Mendan said with a few slaps, finally stopping. He swept his majestic gaze over the crowd, especially at Yu Liang who was hanging his head in shame: "This time, it's Xiao Zhang Junyu who has made great contributions. As I promised earlier, there will be heavy rewards, and of course, I won't go back on my word."

  He turned his head and said to Zhang Jiamu: "From today on, you are officially the school guard!"

  Of course, there is a set of procedures for Jin Yiwei to take over the post and fill the vacancy. Zhang Jiamu had tried several times before to take over the post in advance, but failed. No way, no money, no background, can only wait.

  Although Mendan is just a hundred households, it's no problem to make up for the small matter of making a military surplus into a school lieutenant. With his words, Zhang Jiamu became an official Mingwu officer.

  "Thank you for your guidance!"

  Overjoyed, Zhang Jiamu bowed his head and body, making a courtesy call to Men Da.

  Menda smiled and stopped him, saying: "The title of Colonel is what you should get, no need to thank me. Who knows, the higher-ups may even give you a bonus. Young man, at such a young age, you have achieved so much, you must stay calm."

  This Commander-in-Chief was no longer the cruel and fearsome leader of the Embroidered Uniform Guard, but instead spoke to him in a gentle and caring tone, just like Zhang Jia's family elders would when teaching and guiding him.

  Zhang Jiamu couldn't help but shiver, those who could attain high positions in the Brocade Guard were really too terrifying.

  He respectfully replied: "Yes, sir's teachings, I will definitely remember them in my heart and not dare to forget them for a single day."

  "Hmm, that's good." Mend turned his head again and said to the crowd: "In addition to Zhang School Lieutenant being rewarded with 20 taels of silver, each of you will be rewarded with another 5 taels. You all go and have fun!"

  Everyone cheered and bowed together, saying in unison: "Thank you, Lord Baihu for the reward!"

  Menda smiled and nodded, walking away with his hands behind his back, looking like a celestial being, untouched by worldly desires.

  His trusted jiaowei naturally followed closely, with only one jiaowei staying behind, who whispered to Zhang Jiamu when no one was paying attention: "The master said that if the jiaowei has free time, he can go to the master's mansion in Jin Yu Hutong in the evening."

  This was an obvious sign of taking Zhang Jiamu as a private confidant. Zhang Jiamu didn't have time to think carefully and had to hastily agree.

  The school lieutenant smiled slightly and nodded towards Lü Bu before leaving calmly.

  "Congratulations, Director Zhang!"

  "I saw it a long time ago, Officer Zhang is full of spirit and talent, a young genius, he won't be an ordinary person for long. Just the other day I said this, you guys were laughing at me!"

  "Sir, if you're free tonight, why don't we go to Taibai Residence and have a few drinks to celebrate for you?"

  "Where, I don't dare to accept the praise from all of you seniors!"

  Zhang Jiamu's face hurt from smiling, this group of despicable people, just a few days ago they were saying that Ren Yuan was an idiot, he was just a useless pretty boy, now suddenly transformed into a young genius.

  These petty people have always been like this, and it's not worth offending them. But Yu Gang, the rough man, remained unchanged. Later, seeing that everyone was making a big fuss, he coldly chased away this group of flies.

  In the end, when Zhang Jiamu bid farewell, Yu Gang raised his chin and said: "Zhang Commander, let's see in the future."

  Such a person... Zhang Jiamu really didn't know how to make Du Kou return to his senses, he could only sigh and bow to Du Kou according to etiquette, then retreated with Ren Yuan.

  Today's events were a bit embarrassing for a superior, but without his embarrassment, how could Zhang Jiayu have the feeling of a carp jumping over the dragon gate?

  As soon as they went out the door, Ren Yuan patted Zhang Jiamu's shoulder vigorously and said with great joy: "Sir, this is great! If Auntie finds out, who knows how happy she'll be!"

  Zhang Jiamu also felt a sense of pride and satisfaction, the difference between a military surplus and a school lieutenant is too great! Although the school lieutenant didn't have much rank, it was still an official Ming dynasty martial officer after all.

  It's as if I've ascended to heaven!

  However, he has not been confused: "Ninth brother, don't say anymore, we are still good brothers."

  "Good!" Ren Yuan finally used his old title again, and he said with envy: "Jiamu, this time our family's old master will scold me even more. Generally speaking, I'm older than you, but you're already a school officer, when can I make up for my shortcomings?"

  What he said is also human nature, people compare with others and get frustrated.

  Zhang Jiamu's mind moved: "Bai Hu wants me to go to his home, Ninth Brother, I'll take you along too, let's see if there's any opportunity or not."

  "Alright." Ren Yuan wasn't very happy, he had always wanted to make a name for himself with his own martial arts skills, but now it seemed that he would have to rely on Zhang Jiamu to show him the way, which was quite awkward at this point.

  By evening, Zhang Jiamu saw that everything was calm, the sky had already darkened, and people with status had long since gone indoors to rest, not daring to wander around on the streets. He and Ren Yuan each carried a lantern and headed to Jin Yu Hutong.

  Although Men Da is only a hundred households, he has many errands in his hands and is considered a red hundred households in the Wei family. His family is also a century-old household of the Brocade Guard, and over the years, it seems to have accumulated a lot of family wealth. This mansion located deep in the alley is a three-advance two-advance large courtyard, with a three-bay seven-frame front gate, using black iron rings, which is also the front gate of the mansion that only sixth-rank officials are qualified to own.

  Two men stepped up to the gate, and after asking the doorman to announce their arrival, they soon heard the loud laughter of Mo Da coming from inside. Ren Yuan and Zhang Jiamu exchanged a glance, this time, their faces were truly not small.

  "Huh, Dalang you've brought someone along?" Menduo looked at Ren Yuan with some surprise, but apparently didn't mind, and his tone was informal, using the familiar term "Lang" instead of a formal title. At that time, young men from official families were called "Xiu", such as the famous Wan San Xiu, while those from ordinary families were called "Lang". This form of address was extremely intimate, suitable for use in private homes.

  "Yes, sir." Zhang Jiamu stepped forward and bowed, smiling: "I am like a younger brother to Ren Da Ge, I hope that the hundred households will support and care for me."

  Taking care of a small leftover soldier is naturally a trivial matter for the hundred households. He measured Ren Yuan once, smiled and said: "Not bad, it's a good seedling." As he said this, he suddenly seemed to remember something and continued: "What a coincidence! There is one thing that can be called by you two brothers!"

  "Yes, sir. I'll do as you say."

  "No need to rush, let's eat first and talk later."

  The Baihu Fu was much larger than the small courtyard of the Zhang family, with a three-entry and two-entry suite, and there were about 40 or 50 rooms in total. The courtyards were also very large, and the place where dinner was served was set up in the flower hall.

  At that time, eating at a round table was not common, and eight immortals tables were rarely seen. In the wealthy families who paid attention to details, they still emphasized separate dishes.

  The hall was already filled with people. Everyone sat down, each person in front of a small table with wine pots and other items on it. As soon as the host entered, he ordered the dishes to be served.

  The dishes are also rich: braised lamb, steamed chicken, pepper vinegar goose, salted drum mustard lamb tripe dish, garlic vinegar white blood soup, steamed fresh fish, five flavors steamed noodles, lamb meat crystal horn, and so on. When it comes to the three delicacies soup, it's considered a feast with plenty of food and drink.

  The wine and dishes were withdrawn, and tea was served. Mendan took advantage of the tea mist to size up Zhang Jiamu.

  This young man seems to have a deep understanding of the world. His family background has been investigated, and although he is from a wealthy family, their situation has not been good in recent years, and naturally, their food and drink have suffered as a result. Mo Daxin had deliberately prepared fine wine and dishes for tonight, with four varieties of wine and many rich dishes, but Zhang Jiamu was able to control himself when he raised his cup to drink. It wasn't until now that he realized his efforts had been in vain.

  A person's true nature can only be seen when they are drunk, but Zhang Jiamu is hard to figure out...

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