Chapter 19, Down from the Mountain

  After drinking, Zu Zhao intended to give a sum of money as medical expenses for Han Dang's injury, but Han Dang insisted on not accepting it.

  It turns out that even Zhang Yuan and the other two wandering sons who were beaten up, after drinking, were all energetic and vigorous. How serious could Han Dang's injury be? So Zu Zhao didn't press him, but once again sincerely advised Han Dang that if he needed any help in the future, just go to Beiguan Pavilion to find himself.

  Not only that, but Zhang Yuan and Zhang Yu, the two brothers, also showed great enthusiasm, patting their chests to promise that if there was any trouble in Anyang Pavilion, they could come to them, and they would arrive whenever they were called, without any excuses.

  Han bowed once and thanked him, without saying anything extra.

  After parting with Han, Zu Chao and Zhang Yuan's brothers walked together in the direction of Xihua Bridge for a while. Zhang Yuan and Zhang Yu were still discussing Han Dang's affairs, although they had just experienced a fight, but since they were fellow travelers, there was no such great hatred.

  Due to the delay of Han's affairs, the scheduled drill at Xihua Bridge this afternoon had to be cancelled. Zu Zhao asked Zhang Yuan and Zhang Yu to take the message back and told them to rest well for two days after returning, as for when to resume training, he would arrange for Zu Ji to notify separately.

  Zu Zhao suddenly put on a leader's demeanor, and Zhang Yuan and Zhang Yu didn't dare say much. Normally, when everyone practiced at Xihuo Bridge, no one took the lead. If Zu Zhao hadn't stepped in to mediate today, this matter wouldn't have been so easily resolved, let alone turned enemies into friends and become sworn brothers with Han Dang. Because of this, they both admired Zu Zhao from the bottom of their hearts - young but mature, with a demeanor that surpassed others in terms of elegance, character, and even martial arts skills.

  The Zhang brothers repeatedly promised to come down.

  On the way back to Beiguan Pavilion from Xihuo Bridge, Zu Chao didn't say a word, as if he was thinking about something in his heart.

  Zu Ji came to Zu Zhao's side after a moment of hesitation, and said with a hint of complaint: "Young Master, I clearly saw that you wanted to make friends with Han Yi Gong just now, so why didn't you help him when he was in financial difficulties?"

  Gongsun Long, who was riding a horse nearby, heard Zu Qi's words and also came over. He said in a low voice, "Is that so? Does the young master have other considerations?"

  Zu Zhao said calmly and quietly, "I indeed appreciate Han Yigong's straightforward and generous personality. If he really needs my help, he will definitely come to me in person. Since he didn't mention it earlier, I naturally won't force the issue."

  Zu Qi said with a puzzled expression: "But perhaps Lord Han thought it was difficult to refuse?"

  Gongsun Long nodded and said: "Yes, yes, if it were me, I would quietly take the initiative to provide financial support."

  Zu Zhaolong smiled and said with profound meaning: "The reason I didn't do this is to save face for Lord Han. In short, you don't need to worry about this matter, I have my own measure."

  Zu Ji let out a sigh and stopped talking. Gong Sun Long still looked puzzled, but he had a good impression of Zu Zhao's magnanimous demeanor and naturally believed that the other party had his own measure.

  Back in Zujiacun, it was already late afternoon.

  Zu Zhao let Gong Sun Long go to the west wing to rest first, and they would have a good drink and conversation at dinner time. Gong Sun Long was still young after all, and having drunk two rounds of wine from noon till afternoon, he felt the effects of the alcohol starting to take hold, so without saying much more, he bid farewell to Zu Zhao with the guidance of an attendant and headed in the direction of the west wing.

  Zu Ji and several other young masters had just dismounted their horses when someone came to call the illegitimate sons among them, telling them to hurry to the kitchen to lend a hand. Just as Zu Ji was about to follow those illegitimate sons to the kitchen, Hong Shu, the manager of the Zu family's stables, happened to be walking out of the stable warehouse and called out to Zu Ji from afar.

  "Aji, go and re-check the goods in the Shiyuan warehouse a bit later, we need to set off early tomorrow morning."

  "Alright, Uncle Hong, you really won't let me go with you to Lingzhi County?" Zu Jiying asked.

  "That's enough, there are enough people. You just need to count the goods accurately." Hong Shu said while rubbing the grass dust off his hands.

  "All right, I'll go to Shi Yuan after I'm done with work tonight." Zu Ji replied, and then turned around and left.

  At this time, Zu Zhao had his horse ready and walked towards Hong Shu who was returning to the stable warehouse.

  Hong Shu saw Zu Zhao and politely bowed to this young master: "Young Master is back?"

  Zu Zhao nodded slightly and asked, "Uncle Hong, are you going to Lingzhi County tomorrow?"

  Hong Shu smiled and said, "That's right. The horse merchant from Lingnan has just brought a batch of high-quality horses from Liaodong. Old Master had instructed us earlier to go over and take a look to see if we can select a few superior stallions for breeding next spring."

  Zu Zhaizi knew that every winter, his grandfather would introduce a new batch of horses. Now, the Zu family's horse farm was almost the largest in Xuwu County, and it would be easy to organize two or three hundred cavalrymen when the time came. What he was concerned about now was not this matter, but rather he continued, "If that's the case, then there is one thing I'd like to ask Uncle Hong for help with."

  Hong Shu said with interest: "Young Master has something to say, just give orders, I will definitely do my best."

  Zu Zhao said: "I would like to ask Hong Shu to help me find out some news about a person named Han Dang, also known as Yi Gong. He had previously committed a crime in Lingzhi County and should not be difficult to investigate."

  Hong Shu raised an eyebrow and said curiously, "Oh? Why would the young master suddenly want to inquire about this person?"

  Zu Zhaow didn't want to explain too much, and simply said: "I met this person not long ago, and I heard that Mr. Han is a righteous man, but recently there seems to be some changes at home. If Uncle Hong can find out where he lives in Lingbi County, and if his family really has difficulties, I hope you can help him with some silver, and I will repay you when I return."

  Hong Shu laughed and said: "Young master, you are so serious about loyalty and righteousness, it's really heartwarming. Please rest assured, I will do my best to handle this matter of justice."

  Zu Zhao followed with a smile: "Then I'll have to trouble Uncle Hong."

  After finishing the handover, Zu Zhao returned to his own courtyard and rested for a while.

  Before he had finished, a servant came in to announce that dinner was about to begin. Zǔ Zhāo then made some preparations and went ahead to the central hall to help with the arrangements.

  Before the banquet officially began, Zu Jie, Gong Sunzhi and Chun Yu Pei arrived at the hall to drink tea and chat. As soon as they saw Zu Zhao appear outside the hall, Zu Jie immediately called out to him.

  "Zhao'er, did you go to Anyang Pavilion this afternoon?" asked Zu Jiu in a calm and unhurried tone.

  Zu Zhaoban stepped into the hall, not hurrying to make excuses, but first simply paying his respects. It was not hard to guess that eight or nine out of ten times, someone from his own clan had passed on a message, or Gong Sunlong had intentionally or unintentionally mentioned these things to Gong Sunzhi. In the northern border region, elders in this generation would not be so strict with their families.

  "Returning to the matter at hand, it is indeed true. Recently, my son has become friends with Zhang Yuan and Zhang Yu, two brothers from Anyang Pavilion. When his friend encountered difficulties, my son had no choice but to go. Fortunately, in the end, a big deal was made small." He replied straightforwardly without any evasion.

  "You are a good family's son, and you shouldn't be too close to the Zhang brothers. However, when it comes to matters of principle, one promise is worth a thousand pieces of gold, and what you did wasn't wrong. Your grandfather, I am not a stubborn person, and at the right time, I will still trust you. Recently, I heard that you often meet with the Zhang brothers at Xihua Bridge to practice horse riding, gathering over a hundred people, and even inviting fellow disciples from our school to go together. This matter has even reached the ears of County Master." Zuhui continued to speak, his tone and expression both elusive.

  The atmosphere in the grand hall changed slightly, as if at this moment everyone was staring at Zu Chao with a scrutinizing gaze.

  "To be honest, in the past, my son was too young to participate in the annual martial arts competition at the end of the year. Now that he has grown up and acquired some martial arts skills, although he is not yet a master, he should do his best for our family and county. My son has been practicing horse riding with the Zhang brothers over the past ten days or so, precisely to prepare for this year's competition. I have also made inquiries beforehand, and despite their reputation as wandering heroes in the countryside, they have always done their best in previous competitions, and are not ordinary townspeople. Therefore, my son is willing to associate with them."

  Zu Jie fell into a brief silence after listening to Sunzi's explanation.

  On the side, Gong Sunzhi and Chun Yubai's faces gradually had a relieved look, and they exchanged a knowing glance with each other.

  "Haha," not long after, Zu Jiu suddenly stroked his beard and burst out laughing, his face filled with an extremely joyful expression. He nodded at Zu Zhao while saying, "It seems that you have indeed grown up, Ah Gong is very pleased. The three generations of the Zu family have been known for their loyalty and bravery, even though you are my only legitimate heir, I still hope you can earn a reputation for being brave and martial, so as not to disappoint the military traditions of our family."

  This speech resonated deeply with the hearts of all present, including Gongsun's family and guests. For many families, from high-ranking officials to ordinary people, there is nothing more precious than their only son. Nothing is more important than continuing the family lineage. After losing his son in middle age, he had only one grandson left, yet he was able to have such a broad-minded attitude, supporting his grandson who had just started his studies and was determined to make a name for himself, which is truly rare.

  Even since the Han Dynasty, officials have been more focused on literature than martial arts, but both the Gong and Zu families were renowned aristocratic families from the northern border regions, and to varying degrees, they had all been influenced by the local culture of reverence for martial prowess and fondness for fighting. It was also because of this that when Zu spoke such words, none of the guests present failed to understand and approve.

  "Good grandson, this year I'll prepare a share of the family property for you when you get married." said Zu Jue decisively.

  That night, the atmosphere of the banquet was much more lively than at noon. The guests from the Gong Sun family were all having a great time, even Gong Sun Ling, who had an arrogant attitude, but Gong Sun Long still made a point to toast with Zu Zhao several times, and they were all very happy. Zu Hui was naturally extremely pleased, and it wasn't hard to see that the Gong Sun family's trip this time had left a very good impression on the Zu family's hospitality and their eldest son.