Chapter 23, Establishing Authority Through Martial Prowess

  Although Zhang Nan's attitude was not very good, compared to those who were self-righteous and confrontational from the start, at least he could still say what he meant in a straightforward way. As for Zu Zhao, of course, she wouldn't have much reaction, just perfunctorily responding with a hint of indifference.

  As Zhang Nan spoke, several people resting not far behind Zu Zhao also heard him. They had different understandings of his words, some whispering to each other in private and others ridiculing Zhang Nan for being self-righteous. Over the past ten days or so, everyone's impression of Zu Zhao had become more and more friendly, no one had ever seen a young master be so humble and kind, especially since he had treated the winning team to a big meal yesterday as promised.

  Even the few wandering sons who were relatively close to Zhang Yuan and Zhang Yu, two brothers from Anyang Pavilion, would not dare to easily question Zhang Nan's words, but they would not disagree with Zu Chao. Their thoughts were simple, whether they practiced or not, as long as everyone was happy for over a dozen days, that was enough.

  "In short, take care of yourself. Zhang will be returning to his hometown soon and won't have much time to help with the county's banditry issues, so everything is entrusted to the brave men from each village and town. There are still things to attend to at home, I'll meet up with you again another day, brother, farewell."

  After a pause, Zhang Nan bowed his hands to Zu Zhao and then pulled the reins, leading those few clansmen away.

  Before Zhang Nan and his group had gone far, Zu Ji hastened to Zu Zhao's side in three strides, looking very depressed.

  "Look at this Wen Qiao, thinking he's so great just because he's a county lieutenant. He speaks so arrogantly. If he didn't want to see us, why would he come here today? Who goes out of their way to look for trouble with others?"

  "Don't be rude, he's older so he's like an elder brother, and besides his words aren't entirely unreasonable, it's just that many things can't be rushed." Zu Zhao reminded him in a not-so-heavy tone.

  The ancestor was confused and unclear, so it's better not to say more.

  Just then, a sudden commotion came from the rear. Zu Zhao and Zu Ji turned their heads to look, and saw Zhang Yuan and Zhang Yu, two brothers, along with several wandering knights and young men of the Zu family, surrounding one person, chatting happily. Taking advantage of the gap in the conversation, Zhang Yu hastily beckoned to Zu Zhao and Zu Ji, saying: "It's Lord Han Yi who has arrived."

  Taking a closer look at the person who was talking with Zhang Yuan, it turned out to be none other than Han Dang.

  "Hey, when did Brother Han arrive?"

  Zu Chao had the same question, but he didn't express it and hurried over quickly.

  Han Dang was still the same, wearing a tattered and worn-out outfit, with his beard unkempt. The rattan bow he had for sale previously hung on his back, and a dirty quiver was tied around his waist. This time, however, he also held a dead pheasant in his hand, which was already of adult size, about two or three feet long, but it felt as light as a twig in his grasp.

  Zu Zhaolai came before Handang and said with a smile: "Handang, how did you come?"

  Han held up the roe deer in his hands, laughing loudly and saying: "Look, I just hunted a roe deer today, specially brought it for everyone."

  Zu Zhao and Zhang Yuan exchanged a glance, both revealing a pleased expression. The other wandering warriors and Zu family members who had gathered around also felt deeply moved by these words.

  Zu Zhao sighed and said, "Brother Han, it's cold today, and hunting will only get more difficult from now on. Why don't you just sell this roe deer at the market instead of specially giving it to us?"

  Han Dang said with a straight face, "How can you come to despise me? Although I, Han Dang, am not wealthy, having become acquainted with all of you, after eating your wine and meat the other day, don't I deserve to return the favor with just one meal?"

  The people around them slightly changed color, and they really didn't expect Han Dang to be so serious.

  Zu Zhaosi pondered for a moment, then laughed heartily and said: "Brother Han is indeed a man of honor, just now was my fault." He then loudly announced to the surroundings: "Everyone, today's winner will take this deer as a reward."

  A single rabbit is naturally no match for a big feast of wine and meat, but many wandering knights are just greedy for a cup of wine. However, upon hearing this remark, everyone present showed enthusiasm, not because they were pretending to be pretentious, but because they valued "brotherhood" more. They were all young and vigorous, didn't care about the extravagance or frugality of a meal, could live without wine and meat, but the pleasure of hitting it off with each other was hard to come by.

  Because of the leadership of Zu Chao and Zhang Yuan, even if many people didn't know Han Dang well, they would still follow their lead in showing respect to him. Therefore, the inner meaning of Han Dang's "wildcat" is greatly different.

  A burst of thunderous applause, the atmosphere suddenly became lively and extraordinary. Even Zhang Nan and others who had already walked away for a distance couldn't help but curiously turn their heads back to take a look.

  Han was moved by this enthusiasm, and his originally serious face immediately changed back to a smile. He said: "Alright, let's do it your way. Today, you all practice, whoever wins, this raccoon dog will belong to who. Haha!"

  Gongsun Long pushed his way forward from the back of the crowd, hastily shouting: "What are you waiting for? Let's have another match right now! I must avenge my previous defeat."

  Zhang Yuan, Zhang Yu and Zu Ji heard this sentence and saw Gong Sunlong's serious expression, they couldn't help but burst into laughter. Soon, others followed suit, laughing loudly. In the end, even Gong Sunlong himself didn't understand what was so funny, but he also joined in with a silly smile.

  After laughing, Zu Chao immediately said: "In that case, let's start the second trial right away!"

  Just as everyone was in high spirits and lining up to wait for the announcement of the second round, Zhang Yu suddenly chimed in with a seemingly joking tone: "Since Big Brother Han has come today, why not join us for a round of competition too?"

  Zhang Yu's words were unintentional, but the people around him followed with cheers and echoes.

  At first, Han Dang single-handedly knocked down several wandering children, including Zhang Yuan. This matter had already been spread among the crowd, but unfortunately, not many people witnessed it with their own eyes. Even Zǔ Zhāo and Zǔ Jì, who arrived later, only saw the result. No matter how vividly others described it, it was far from being as direct and thrilling as seeing it for oneself.

  Han had nothing to do in the afternoon and didn't like to fool around, so he reluctantly declined with a few words.

  "Come on, Han Zhuang, show us what you've got!"

  "Yes, yes, but cut it out."

  "What's the big deal about minor details?"

  People say that Zhang Yuan followed up and said, "Lord Han, you're not being very considerate now. Are you looking down on us? Treating us like outsiders?"

  Han Dang thought for a moment, seemingly anxious, and said: "Since you all call me brother Han, you must be our own people. However, I'm used to being quiet and don't like making a fuss. If not, let's have a one-on-one match, just exchange a few moves, how about it?"

  As soon as this was said, the noisy scene gradually subsided. The speaker was unintentional, but the listener was intentional. Han Dang was tall and majestic, with a heroic appearance, and had previously been able to defeat Zhang Yuan and others single-handedly. At this moment, if it were a one-on-one duel, who could be his opponent? To many people, it seemed as if Han Dang deliberately did not want to participate in the group training.

  Han realized the situation and also sensed that his previous words were ambiguous, but he was not good at debating, so he could only remain silent.

  Just as the atmosphere was becoming increasingly awkward, Gong Sunlong, who was still smiling, said with a smile: "Why don't we let Brother Han and Zu Gongzi have a match? Earlier, Brother Han defeated Zhang Wenyi despite being outnumbered, and Zu Gongzi also repelled the Hu bandits while outnumbered. Isn't that an evenly matched battle?"

  Zhang Yuan's face changed slightly, but his own embarrassing stories were well-known, so he didn't react too much.

  Han's face was even more solemn, and he still didn't say a word. His entire demeanor looked like he was enduring something.

  As for Zu Zhao, he only felt a little abrupt and stunned for a moment. In his heart, however, he quickly came up with a plan to change the current awkward situation and give Han an opportunity to step down. With this in mind, he smiled brightly along with Gong Sunlong's tone: "I have long admired Brother Han's martial skills, but unfortunately I am self-aware and dare not overestimate myself. Today, all brothers are expecting Brother Han to show off his skills, so I'll take the liberty of throwing a brick to attract jade and ask for Brother Han's guidance with two hands."

  Han was not a timid person, but this time he had put himself in an awkward situation. Zu Zhao's words were meant to help him, and he knew it. He laughed loudly: "Zu Gongzi is too kind to Han! Since we are friends, let's just have some fun. I'm willing to learn from you." After speaking, he took off the rattan bow and quiver on his body, casually threw them on the ground, rolled up his sleeves and walked forward with big strides.

  The people around saw it and retreated to make a clearing, and their interest was immediately restored.

  Zu Zhao took a deep breath, with an air of composure and calmness, he stepped forward to meet the challenge. For him, being able to exchange blows with the renowned General Han was already a fortunate event, he didn't expect to win by luck, after all, there was a gap in their ages and experience. Moreover, it was just a friendly spar, there was no need to worry about winning or losing, a man from the north should have a sense of magnanimity.

  Two people stand facing each other, with their feet firmly planted on the ground.

  Zu Zhao bowed his hands: "Brother Han, I'm asking for your guidance." After speaking, he took a wrestling stance.

  Han laughed twice and then seriously got into position.

  Han Dang (died 227), courtesy name Yigong, was a military general of the state of Eastern Wu in the Three Kingdoms period. He was from Zicheng (present-day Anqiu County, Shandong). Han Dang excelled in archery and horsemanship, and possessed extraordinary physical strength.