Chapter 17: Han Daoyi

  Along the path cleared by the retreating crowd, Zu Zhao first saw Zhang Yuan hanging from a tree branch, along with two wandering boys who were close to Zhang Yuan. The three of them hung their heads in shame, like dogs that had lost their master, their clothes tattered and covered in dust, each face bearing different degrees of bruising. It seemed that before this, Zhang Yuan had struggled, but unfortunately to no avail, now he was exhausted, without even the strength to lift his head.

  Look again at the person sitting on one side of the tree root, it was none other than the mountain village husband who suddenly appeared to comment on Zu Chao and Zhang Yuan's archery competition last time. Although he was the winner of this fight, it was clear that it wasn't easy for him either, with many wounds on his body and face, a bloody wound at the base of his neck, and a streak of blood leading into his collar. Next to him was an ancient rattan bow, with a straw rope tied around the middle of the bow.

  Fights between wandering warriors are nothing new, and even if someone loses their life, it's not particularly surprising. However, regardless of winning or losing, there is usually a decent outcome. Either you die, or you surrender and disappear, or you plot your revenge with all your might. Zhang Yuan and the other two wandering warriors were outnumbered and outmatched, beaten to the point where they were left battered and bruised, which was already quite humiliating. Now, being tied up to a tree branch for public display is an even greater shame and cruelty than taking their lives.

  Zhang Yu, who was walking in the front, had already clenched his teeth in anger and indignation. Relying on the support of more than a dozen of his clansmen behind him, he impulsively rode forward and shouted at the "village husband": "You nameless little boy, see how arrogant you are! If you let my brother go now and kowtow to us to admit your mistake, maybe I'll be in a good mood and spare your dog life!"

  Hearing the commotion, Zhang Yuan, who was tied to a tree branch, finally lifted his head. When he saw his younger brother leading their ancestral family members to arrive, his face first showed a hint of joy, but soon dimmed down. His personal embarrassment couldn't be revealed even for three or five minutes, so he could only swallow the words that were about to come out of his mouth back into his belly.

  The "village husband" glared at Zhang Yu with a cold eye, took a big gulp of water after, threw the water bag aside and put on a defensive posture.

  Zu Zhao kicked his horse's belly and hurried forward to block Zhang Yu, who was shouting loudly. He scolded him, "Shut your mouth!"

  Zhang Yu's anger was burning, and he instinctively wanted to scold Zu Zhao, but when he saw Zu Zhao's expressionless face, a chill ran down his spine, and he immediately came back to his senses and fell silent.

  Zu Zhao arrived in front of the big tree, fell off his horse, and first glanced at Zhang Yuan who was full of knots on his face. He then turned to the "village husband" who was still sitting under the tree, cupped his hands, and said indifferently: "I really didn't expect that I could meet with you again today, it's quite a coincidence. I don't know what misunderstanding occurred between my brother and you, how did it end up in such a situation?"

  The "village husband" snorted, his face showing displeasure, and said in a calm but stern tone: "No need for nonsense, if you're helping them, then let's fight."

  Zu Zhaoming appreciated the other's non-aggressive nature, and smiled calmly before continuing: "Sir, you've misunderstood. I didn't come here to stir up trouble, but rather to turn hostility into friendship. In fact, I don't know what exactly happened, nor can I determine who was at fault. If we simply go by what the Zhang brothers said, and you didn't even defend yourself, this matter will only become more unmanageable."

  "Village Husband" sneered: "More and more unbearable? Hmph, are you afraid that I won't be able to deal with you?"

  Zu Zhaowei furrowed his brow, maintaining a calm tone and said: "Warrior, I am not an unreasonable person. What is right or wrong must have a clear explanation. Indeed, when I first met you, I knew that you were an upright and honest man. If so, what words can't be clearly explained?"

  Zhang Yu, who was still on horseback behind them, heard the conversation between Zu Zhao and the "village husband" and felt anxious in his heart. He hastily interrupted, saying: "Young Master Zu, this man is being unreasonable and stubborn, what's the point of talking to him? Is Young Master really here to rescue my brother?"

  Zu Zhao gave Zhang Yu a stern glance, and Zhang Yu suddenly felt a chill run down his spine. He had not expected someone of similar age to himself to have such sharp aura.

  The "Village Husband" also noticed the change in Zu Chao's expression, and even on his face, a hint of surprise flashed by.

  Zu Zhao turned his head, calmly looking at the "village husband" and asked in a calm tone: "If the strong man trusts me, I hope to be treated sincerely. Although I am young and inexperienced, I still understand the most basic Jianghu code of conduct."

  "The village husband" nodded with a face of admiration: "Young Master Zu has a strong sense of justice, I am deeply impressed."

  Zhang Yuan, who was hanging from the branch of a tree, was not far from the two men. He could hear their conversation clearly. He knew that Zu Chao would never be as impulsive and reckless as his own brother Zhang Yu, and would certainly investigate the matter thoroughly. Rather than waiting to be humiliated, it was better to confess openly and honestly, so as to salvage some dignity.

  Before the "village husband" could even open his mouth to explain what had happened, Zhang Yuan strongly supported himself with a burst of energy and loudly shouted: "That's right, it was I, Zhang Wenyi, who intentionally looked for trouble with this person. As a result, I wasn't as skilled as him and ended up getting tied up instead. In terms of martial arts, I lost convincingly and there's no need to say anything else. Today, I, Zhang Wenyi, was in the wrong and had no face to ask for help from Master Zushi. But that Zhang Yu didn't know what was good for him and actually wanted to trouble Master Zushi to come all this way, only to see my embarrassing appearance. I, Zhang Wenyi, dare to take responsibility for my actions and admit when I'm wrong. This time, I was the one who made a mistake."

  By the time he finished speaking, his voice was already hoarse.

  Everyone present was surprised to varying degrees by Zhang Yuan's sudden voluntary confession. Zhang Yu was already at a loss, not knowing what to say, and stood there with his mouth agape.

  Zu Zhaohad already guessed the general idea of things, so he didn't have too many surprises. Zhang Yuan's realization wasn't necessarily a bad thing, and it wouldn't make the originally simple matter more complicated. He was actually quite pleased that Zhang Yuan had such an understanding, which showed that the other party was more or less a person with style, not a pure street thug.

  The village husband smiled and said, "Consider him sensible."

  Zhang Yuqi was furious and couldn't help but retort: "There are fewer people out today, consider yourself lucky."

  "Husband of the village" heard this and replied with disdain: "Even if more people come, what is there to fear? Who does General Han Yi fear?"

  Zu Zhao heard this mysterious "village husband" introduce himself, and his heart suddenly felt some shock: Han Dang, courtesy name Yi Gong.

  He remembered that Han Dang, a famous general of Eastern Wu, was originally from Linqi County, Liaoxi Commandery, Youzhou. Linqi County and Xuwu County were adjacent to each other, and it was not difficult for people to travel between the two places. Moreover, historical records show that Han Dang was good at archery, with superhuman strength, and had already shown his fondness for archery when they first met.

  It seems that it was indeed Han Yu himself, beyond a doubt!

  Still bound, Zhang Yan shouted at his younger brother in anger: "A Yu, shut up and don't humiliate us anymore."

  Zhang Yu could not help it and had no choice but to stop talking.

  Zu Zhao bowed his head again to the villager who called himself "Korean Righteous Gentleman" and said sincerely: "Since things are clear, Zhang Wenyi can't shirk responsibility. However, Han Zhuangshi has already punished him and tied him up with two other companions, so it's not worth punishing him further. Why don't we both take a step back and let the matter pass? As for Han Zhuangshi's injuries, I, Zu Zhao, will take care of the medical expenses."

  Although Han Yigong still had some reservations about Zu Chao's behavior, he didn't want to make a big deal out of today's matter. However, he still didn't want to give those rascals Zhang Yuan and Zhang Yu a good face, so he said in an ill-tempered tone: "These petty scoundrels think they're something, but today I'm going to teach them a lesson, let them know that not everyone is easy to bully."

  Zu Zhao saw that Han Yigong still had a fire in his heart, and he further advised: "Han Zhuangshi, I don't know if you can give me a little face. Although I am not a big shot, if you can sell me this favor today, when you have something to entrust to me in the future, I will definitely do my best to help, without any hesitation."

  Han Yi Gong said nonchalantly: "Why should I owe you a favor?"

  Zu Zhaoping smiled blandly and said with profound meaning: "Han Zhuangshi should have heard that it's better to resolve grievances than to create them. Zhang Wenyi has already taken the initiative to admit his mistakes and suffered the punishment he deserved, so for Han Zhuangshi, this can be considered as having vented his anger. When you can forgive someone, you should forgive them. If Han Zhuangshi insists on making a big deal out of a small matter, then even though Zhang Wenyi has lost face today, it's hard to guarantee that he won't harbor resentment in his heart and seek revenge another day. Back and forth, the grudges will accumulate, and no one can be at peace. Is this really okay?"

  Han Yigong thought for a moment and understood the reasoning, then burst out laughing: "Ancestor Gongzi is a clever person, just based on Ancestor Gongzi's words, I Han will grant this favor."

  Zu Zhao turned around and instructed Zu Ji: "Quickly bring down Brother Wen Yi."

  Zu Ji responded with a sound, quickly jumping off the horseback. Zhang Yu, who was on the side, also followed suit and dismounted his horse, coming to the big tree together, joining hands to release Zhang Yuan and two other wandering knights.

  Gongsun Long was bewildered, thinking that another fight would break out and he could show off his skills, earning some prestige for the Gongsun family. But unexpectedly, Zu Chao resolved the matter with just a few words.

  The matter was resolved peacefully, and Zu Zhao let out a sigh of relief. Although the matter wasn't handled perfectly, at least there was a somewhat satisfactory ending. After seeing Zhang Yuan and the other two travelers settle in, he turned back to Han Dang and said: "A big deal has been reduced to a small one, and everyone is happy. When I first met General Han a few days ago, I admired his archery skills. Today, due to my clumsiness, we have become acquainted, which is also fate. If General Han doesn't mind, I sincerely invite him to rest at the town's wine house, drink a cup of water wine, and formally get to know each other."

  Han glanced at Zhang Yuan and Zhang Yu beside him, his face still flushed with anger.

  Zu Zhao smiled slightly and said, "As the saying goes, 'no fight, no acquaintance.' Brother Zhang Wenyi has indeed offended Han Zhuangshi many times, but who is perfect? The important thing is to be able to repent in time. This time I went to the wine house specifically hoping to persuade Brother Zhang Wenyi to apologize to Han Zhuangshi. Of course, if Han Zhuangshi really doesn't want to, then I am willing to offer five taels of silver as a gift for his medicine, and I won't dare ask for more."

  When Han heard Zu Zhao's words, he naturally couldn't help but think to himself. With such demeanor and bearing at a young age, Zu Zhao had already shown a side of himself that was different from others. He was a generous person, and since the other party had invited him with such sincerity, if he didn't go, it would seem like he was narrow-minded, or perhaps afraid of these wandering knights. Thinking this far, he replied indifferently: "Zu young master's kind intentions, Han certain humbly obeys."