Chapter 38, Prior Agreement

  In the afternoon, Zhang brothers from Anyang Pavilion specially rushed to Beiguan Pavilion and visited Zu Zhao.

  The Zhang brothers had already heard about their ancestral home's misfortune yesterday. Such a big matter, these Jianghu people naturally couldn't just stand by and do nothing.

  After interacting with each other for a period of time, both Zhang Yuan and Zhang Yu admired Zu Zhao. Now that they are working together with Zu Zhao on the West River Bridge to train militiamen to prepare against bandits, they should consider him as one of their own people. For this reason, they couldn't help but come to lend a hand. Of course, they also knew that the Zu family's power was more than enough to handle this matter, it's just that some social niceties had to be observed.

  Zu Zhao received Zhang family's two brothers in a side hall. After tea and snacks were served, they exchanged pleasantries.

  Since he decided to invite the two Zhang brothers to participate in the exercise at Xihua Bridge, it is obvious that he hoped to borrow from the Zhang family or at least from Zhang Yuan and Zhang Yu. This horse robbery case can be considered a good opportunity, whether or not there are Taiping rebels involved, as long as everything goes smoothly, it can become an excuse for taking the initiative.

  Therefore, at this time, further pulling in the relationship between the two Zhang brothers can only be beneficial and harmless.

  "In Xuzhou and Lianyungang counties, such a big case has never happened in many years, it's really shocking."

  "Grandfather and son, rest assured that wherever we can exert our efforts, just give us orders, and we will never decline."

  "Two of you, take note and remember it in your heart. I must say, this matter is truly astonishing to hear. In the past ten plus days, we gathered at Xihua Bridge for drills, wasn't it precisely to guard against thieves entering our homes during winter? Who would have thought that these thieves would be so brazen? These few days, the villagers above and below are exhausting their efforts to investigate the whereabouts of the thieves. Once there is news, they will definitely make these thieves pay in blood." Zushao Zheng said.

  "The scoundrel is really detestable. Not giving him a bit of color would truly be insufficient to intimidate people." Zhang Yu repeatedly echoed and said.

  "When it comes to Lingzhi County, I also have some acquaintances there. Moreover, it seems that Han Yigong and Han Zhuangshi are also from Lingzhi. In the next few days, I will definitely make arrangements to help Zuguizi gather some information about Lingzhi County." Zhang Yuan spoke in a serious tone, as if he was determined to follow through on his words.

  "With the help of Brother Wen, I will be able to achieve twice the result with half the effort. Thank you in advance." Zu Zhao said politely. He actually believed Zhang Yuan's words, after all, as a wandering knight, Zhang had many connections, and if he could get in touch with some wandering knights in Lingzhi County through him, it would definitely be much more convenient to gather information.

  Afterwards, Zu Chao brought up the matter of practicing at Xihetan Bridge. Even if the Zu family was temporarily too busy to spare anyone, the Zhang brothers and the wandering sons of Anyang Pavilion could continue to practice on their own during their free time. It would be better than nothing even if they just ran a couple of laps, practiced horseback riding and archery, or simply gathered at a fixed time every day.

  After hearing Zuo Zhao's words, Zhang Yuan felt a lot of emotion in his heart. He had long suspected that Zuo Zhao was not an ordinary person and that everything he did must have been carefully considered. The fact that such a major incident had occurred in the Zuo family and yet Zuo Zhao still insisted on practicing could only mean that his true goal was far from simple practice.

  "Zhang's words, Zǔ Gōngzǐ will certainly remember in his heart. Fortunately, the Xī Hé Bridge is not far from the county town, if there is any errand on this side of Zǔ Gōngzǐ, just send someone to find us at Xī Hé Bridge, and we can hurry over even faster."

  "Haha, Brother Wen Yi is so thoughtful, I'm deeply grateful."

  "It's getting late, so I'll take my leave first. Also, send someone to Lin'an County as soon as possible."

  "Then I'll trouble you." Zu Zhao didn't stay long, as this era didn't have the custom of keeping guests for dinner.

  After seeing off Zhang Yuan and Zhang Yu, the two brothers, the sunset was already at the western horizon.

  Zu Zhao went to the horse farm and groomed the horses for a bit. Before half a moment had passed, Zu Zhan arrived at the backyard with quick steps.

  Zuo Zhao was found, and Zuo Zhan hastily said: "Young Master, the County Magistrate of Wen has arrived, saying he wants to see you."

  Zu Zhao wiped his hands and asked, "Oh, has there been a lead from the county government?"

  Zu Zhan shook his head and said: "Not really. Wen Xianwei is here on behalf of Chen Xianjun, saying it's about the county's examination this year."

  Although the imperial examination is a good thing, Zu Zhao doesn't feel even a bit of excitement at this moment. On the contrary, he feels that Chen County bringing up this matter now has ulterior motives. He had long expected that Chen County was not someone who would take concrete actions, and everything he did was just perfunctory. Presumably, he still didn't want to get involved in the horse robbery case outside the county, but also didn't want to offend the Zu family. Therefore, he chose to arrange the imperial examination at this time, on the one hand to curry favor with the Zu family, and on the other hand to shift attention away from the matter.

  He slightly frowned and said with a hint of seriousness: "County Master is indeed capable."

  Zu Zhan didn't quite understand what Zu Zhao said, but it wasn't good to ask more questions either.

  Following Zu Zhao out of the horse farm, they headed towards the front hall. On the way, Zu Zhan told Zu Zhao that Old Master Tai had not gone to meet Wen Tai. Upon hearing this, a thought flashed through Zu Zhao's mind - his grandfather was definitely not a fool and could naturally guess Chen Xianjun's intentions, so not meeting Wen Tai was also a kind of statement.

  Wentai was having tea in the front hall.

  Zu Zhao and Zu Zhan stepped forward to pay their respects, but Wen Tai's expression was not very good, and he responded with a flat tone.

  After taking his seat, Zu Zhao said with an unchanged expression: "It's a great trouble for Lord Wen to come all the way here, and Chen is truly hardworking. Amidst his busy schedule, he still has to take care of the matter of selecting officials."

  Wen Tai put down his tea bowl and said in a rough tone, "Who says it's not? The county is busy with the horse robbery case, preparing for winter security, and organizing next year's spring farming. County Master seems to be calm and collected, everything under control. To be honest, we subordinates can't figure out what he's thinking."

  At first, seeing Wen Tai's unpleasant face, Zu Zhao thought that the other party was blaming the Zu family for not having an elder come to greet them, but only calling a few young people to wait on guests, which was really losing face. But earlier, Wen Tai's words in the first half were obviously also complaining about this matter, and suddenly changed to teasing Chen County Jun. This series of ups and downs really made Zu Zhao and Zu Zhan look at each other in confusion.

  As for seniority, Wen Tai is more senior than Chen Xianjun, but unfortunately, he was not valued because of his military background. Wen Tai has been serving in Xu Wucheng for almost five years, while Chen Xianjun only took office last year. In terms of popularity and prestige within the county, they are also incomparable.

  Zu Zhao and Zu Zhan looked at each other without saying a word, ignoring Wen Tai's words.

  Wen Tai let out a long sigh, furrowing his brow as he said: "There are many troubles in the county, and I don't know if this year will be peaceful. The young masters Da and Zhan are fortunate people, they probably won't know about the complaints on the outside."

  Zu Zhao sighed secretly: It's not that I came to inform you of the matter of impeachment, how come today it's all complaints!

  Zu Zhan felt embarrassed too, but still followed Wen Tai's words and said: "Lord Wen's words are indeed true, making us juniors feel ashamed. In this chaotic world, how can we just stand by and do nothing? However, even so, we have no use for our skills, the only thing we can do is to be diligent and fulfill our duties."

  Wen Tai suddenly burst out laughing, his eyes glinting with a deep meaning as he glanced at Zu Zhao. He said in his usual rough tone: "Just now I was just joking. Chen County Magistrate asked me to come and inform Young Master Zu that next month on the third day of the first month, the county will hold this year's imperial examination, so you only need to go through the motions, there's nothing much to worry about."

  Zu Zhao smiled and said: "Mr. Chen's kindness is boundless, I am deeply grateful."

  Wen Tai put his hands on the armrests, as if to get up, and said: "Alright, there's nothing else for today. Later tonight, I still need to meet with County Magistrate Zhang and Zu to see if there are any new leads in the horse robbery case."

  Zu Zhao nodded slowly, and under his eyes, the whole county was probably watching the "horse robbery case". It's rare that there is still someone like Wen Tai in the county government who is willing to do something practical. He said very seriously: "In this way, we really have to trouble Lord Wen."

  Wen Tai's face was expressionless, seemingly aware of the question yet pretending to be ignorant, saying: "What's the trouble?"

  Zu Zhao's expression changed slightly, then he burst out laughing and cupped his hands in a gesture of respect: "It is indeed a great trouble for Lord Wen to go to such great lengths to investigate the horse theft case and bring justice back to my family."

  Wen Tai sneered: "Even if it's not because of General Zu, within my duties, I, Wen Tai, will not tolerate any carelessness."

  Zu Zhao knew that Wen Tai was intentionally not giving him a good face, but he also didn't have any unpleasantness, maintaining a gentle expression, saying a few words of response, and then seeing off Wen Tai as he left.

  When Zu Zhan returned to the inner courtyard, he said worriedly: "This Wen County Wei has always been a strange person, straightforward and never giving face to anyone. However, in recent days, he seems to have become even more temperamental. Alas, I feel that this winter will not be peaceful."

  Zu Zhao glanced at Zu Zhan, although his brother had a bookish and weak appearance, he was still a capable person, and from the previous conversation, it could be seen that he also had some insight. He said calmly: "I'm afraid there are already many people under heaven who are eyeing this unrest."

  Zu Zhan straightened up, puzzled and unable to understand: "Dà Gōngzǐ, this matter..."

  Zu Zhao interrupted: "Just casual talk, nothing else meant."

  I recommend an old movie "Night Visit to the Vampire", it's a pretty interesting vampire movie! In order to go to Xiamen for filming, I'm now rushing to prepare plan B, controlling personnel and budget, praying that everything goes smoothly. Hope all readers can collect, reward, and give a red ticket, thank you!

  Everyone, please leave a message, I have too many great posts that can't be sent out!