Late Han Zhao Tang

Chapter 141 Saving Yuan Zhi

The fifth year of Zhongping, winter.

Sun Jian made great contributions in pacifying the bandits in Changsha, Guilin and Lingling counties. With the help of Yuan family, he was appointed Marquis of Wucheng and given the post of Changsha governor because of his past merits.

When Liu Yu took office as governor of Youzhou, he recommended Gongsun Zan to General of the Central Army for his meritorious service in resisting the invaders, offered a reward for two heads, and sent people to make peace with the Wuhuan.

Because Huang Wan, the governor of Yuzhou, coordinated the troops of Runan, Chen and Pei counties, Zhang Yu temporarily led his troops to garrison in Yingyin, ready to attack the Gepi bandits at any time.

Considering that he had not seen his fellow villager for a long time, Meng Ningzhi informed Zhang Yu, went to the market to buy a lot of wine, meat, cotton and silk, took two of his trusted men with him, and went to visit Xu Fu.

Xu Fu lived in the countryside with his old mother. Meng Ningzhi rode his horse slowly along the paths, looking at the fields that no one had cultivated because of the winter, and he couldn't help feeling emotional.

If I had not followed him to join the army and had the wisdom to follow the prince, I would probably still be a wanderer, busy with my livelihood every day, and even have to work in the fields.

And now, not only did he have a wife, he also had a Hu woman as a concubine. His family was not wealthy, but at least he had enough food and clothing, and he did not have to worry about supporting his family. He even had a future because he was following the prince.

Looking down at his sweater, Meng Ningzhi smiled proudly. He wondered what Xu Fu would think when he saw him like this.
After walking about two or three miles, when they were about to reach Xu Futian's house, they saw a familiar figure hunched over in the countryside, busy with something.

When Meng Ningzhi got closer to take a look, he saw that it was Xu Fu's mother braving the cold wind, digging wild vegetables in the ground with a small hoe. Xu Fu was nowhere to be seen.

"Xu Yu!"

Meng Ningzhi shouted on his horse and saw Xu's mother looking up at him. After he confirmed her identity, he quickly dismounted and walked up quickly.

Because Meng Ningzhi had left Yingchuan for many years and was now dressed in luxurious clothes, Xu's mother did not recognize him at first. Finally, relying on Meng Ningzhi's unique appearance, Xu's mother reluctantly recognized him.

"But Bo'an?" Xu's mother asked cautiously with her eyes narrowed and her hair graying.

"It's me!"

Meng Ningzhi said happily: "Why is Xu Yu here today?"

"It's so cold, where is Yuanzhi? Why is he leaving us all to look for food alone?"

Hearing this, Xu's mother's eyes turned red and she said, "Yuanzhi was seeking revenge for someone, but unfortunately he was caught by the county official and is now tied up and displayed in the market. I can only sell my property to keep him alive for a few more days, but he will probably be executed in a few days."

"I often advised Yuanzhi to become a good man, but Yuanzhi was stubborn and refused to listen. He insisted on being a sword and spear in order to gain the appreciation of the noble. But there is no such good thing in the world. If you serve the noble, you must entrust your life to him. Yuanzhi was captured by the county officials now. He can't blame others. It's all his own fault, and it's my poor teaching."

Xu's mother wiped her tears. Although she was blaming Xu Fu, her tone was full of love for Xu Fu, and she regretted that she had not taught Xu Fu well.

"what!"

Meng Ningzhi was surprised to hear that Xu Fu had committed a crime, and hurriedly asked, "Is Yuan Zhi still in the city, detained by the county official?"

"Hmm~"

Mother Xu looked at Meng Ningzhi's rich and luxurious appearance and asked tentatively, "I haven't seen Bo Ning for several years. I wonder if Bo Ning is doing well?"

After many years of experience, Meng Ningzhi's temper has eased a lot. He said with his hands folded, "When I joined the army, I met a noble man who helped me and appointed me as a temporary military commander. I came here to visit Yuan Zhi and Xu Yu."

After a pause, Meng Ningzhi said, "Don't worry about Yuanzhi, Aunt Xu. I will do my best to rescue Yuanzhi now."

Mother Xu held Meng Ningzhi's hand and said excitedly, "Thank you, Berning. I only have one son, Yuanzhi!"

As she said this, Xu's mother was about to kneel down.

Meng Ningzhi hurriedly reached out to support her, and said in panic: "Yuanzhi and I are sworn brothers. In the past, when we were in trouble, Yuanzhi helped us. Without Yuanzhi, there would be no me. If Xu Yu performs such a great ceremony, I will feel deeply ashamed and will not be able to see Yuanzhi."

"Then I'll trouble you, Berning!"

Mother Xu held Meng Ningzhi's hand tightly and spoke repeatedly.

"it is good!"

Meng Ningzhi instructed his trusted aides, "You two should help everyone back home first and make sure they are well taken care of."

"promise!"

Meng Ningzhi did not dare to waste time. He stepped on the stirrup to mount the horse, then grabbed the reins and galloped towards the military camp, ready to seek Zhang Yu's help.

At this moment, Zhang Yu was discussing the route of the army's advance with Zhong Yao in the big tent.

Zhong Yao pointed to the map hanging on the tent and said, "According to the military report from the Prime Minister of Chen, the Gepi bandits are now entrenched in Lai Township, which is under the jurisdiction of Ku County. If our army wants to attack them, we can first pass through Runan and then go to Chen State."

Zhang Yu found Laixiang on the map and said, "Laixiang is close to Pei State in the east, Liang State in the north, and Runan in the south. It is located at the junction of four counties and is only separated from Yanzhou by Liang State. If the military situation is urgent, the bandits can flee to the other three counties."

As he spoke, Zhang Yu said to his attendants with a smile, "The Gepi bandits are really cunning. They actually found such an important road in Yuzhou!"

From the border area of three counties to the border area of four counties and states, unless Huang Wan led the troops himself, it would be difficult for the local county and state troops to conquer them. In order to prevent Huang Wan from leading troops to pursue them, they could even flee to Yanzhou at any time. The Gepi bandits were getting smarter and smarter.

"Then how should our army conquer the enemy?" asked Zhang Liao.

Zhang Yu glanced at Zhong Yao and said with a smile, "According to my discussion with Brother Yuan Chang, we have decided to lead our army to approach Laixiang, fortify the fortress, and not engage in battle with the Gepi bandits for the time being. During this period when the enemy does not fight, the officials of the counties and prefectures of Yuzhou will persuade the bandits to surrender, so as to shake the hearts of the Gepi bandits."

"At that time, the bandits will see that the people are unstable and their way out is blocked by soldiers from the four counties. They will definitely take the initiative to seek a fight. Our army can take advantage of the bandits' eagerness to fight and lead our troops to attack and defeat the Gepi bandits."

When Zhong Yao saw the strategy proposed by Zhang Yu that day, he thought that it was to launch a psychological warfare first, while the troops held their ground and did not fight. When the morale of the bandits was low and they actively requested a decisive battle, he would use the advantage of the cavalry to easily defeat the bandits.

Zhang Liao nodded and said, "This is a brilliant strategy. It makes the bandits actively ask for a fight from our army, rather than our army looking for the main force of the bandits. Then I wonder when our army will send out the troops?"

Zhang Yu hesitated for a moment and said, "I plan to set out in four days to see if I can defeat the Gepi bandits before February."

Before Zhang Liao could say anything, he saw Meng Ningzhi coming hurriedly outside the tent to ask for a meeting.

"Captain, Sima Meng looks anxious and is asking to see you outside the tent!"

"Oh?"

Zhang Yu was surprised and asked, "Didn't Bo'an ask for leave to go back to his hometown to see his friends? Why did he return to the camp so soon?"

"Let Sima Meng enter the account!"

"promise!"

After a while, Meng Ningzhi quickly entered the tent and bowed to Zhang Yu as soon as he saw him. "I have an important request, I wonder if you can agree to it!"

Seeing Meng Ningzhi's restlessness, Zhang Yu calmed down, stepped forward to help Meng Ningzhi up, and asked: "As long as Bo'an's request is reasonable, Yu will definitely help. Don't be anxious now, get up and talk properly."

Meng Ningzhi stood up, clasped his hands and said, "My lord, I have a friend in Yingyin, his name is Xu Fu, he has been very kind to me. A few days ago, he killed someone for his friend, and now he has been caught by the county officials. His life is in danger, so I beg you to help me."

"Xu Fu?"

Zhang Yu muttered the name, and vaguely felt that he had heard of Xu Fu somewhere.

"How about his handwriting?" Zhang Yu suddenly asked.

Although Meng Ningzhi did not know the purpose of Zhang Yu's question, in order to save Xu Fu, he told the truth: "Xu Fu's name is Yuanzhi. He is a friend of mine from the same county. He is chivalrous and good at swords and halberds. Although his martial arts are not as good as mine, they are far better than ordinary people."

After a pause, he added, "Because Xu Fu is so trustworthy, he has many knights and swordsmen by his side. If you can save Xu Fu, you will not only get a brave warrior, but also let the knights and swordsmen serve you. Swordsmen may not be good at fighting on the battlefield, but they are more than enough to guard against assassins."

In order to get Zhang Yu to save Xu Fu, Meng Ningzhi racked his brains and told Zhang Yu what value saving Xu Fu could bring to him.

Hearing this, Zhang Yu raised his eyebrows slightly.

After listening to Meng Ningzhi's story, he finally remembered Xu Fu. Wasn't he the Xu Shu he had been looking for before?
The name Xu Shu was given to Xu Fu after he got into trouble, perhaps in order to change his ways.

However, the Xu Fu he met now was not the Xu Shu that Liu Bei met. He was still on the eve of transformation. He was good at swords and spears, but not familiar with classics.

Zhang Yu hesitated for a moment and said, "I saved Xu Fu not because of him, but for Bo Ning."

After a pause, Zhang Yu looked at Zhang Liao and said, "Wenyuan, I have written a letter to you. Now you are to lead the cavalry to the county government office and ask Yingyin County for Xu Fu. Tell him that he is a spy for our army and is investigating the Gepi bandits for me."

"promise!"

Zhang Liao's expression straightened slightly and he bowed to accept the order.

Zhong Yao hesitated for a moment and said, "It is in accordance with military regulations for the captain to ask for someone in the name of scouts, but if it is reported to the Yingchuan prefect, I am afraid that the prefect Tang will intervene."

"What do you think of Yuan Chang?" Zhang Yu asked.

Zhong Yao said, "The magistrate of Yingyin County is greedy for money. After the lieutenant has captured the person, we can secretly send him money and food, and perhaps we can put an end to this matter."

"Let's follow Yuan Chang's opinion."

According to Zhang Yu's arrangement, the magistrate of Yingyin County saw Zhang Liao wearing armor and bringing money to ask for Xu Fu. Although he was dissatisfied, he saw that there was money to be received and was concerned about the reputation of the Left School Camp's imperial guards, so he readily let him go.

Xu Fu was confused when he saw that he was taken away by Zhang Liao as a scout. However, after seeing Meng Ning, he immediately realized that it was his friend who saved him. At that time, Xu Fu was happy to escape death and to meet his friend.

After returning home, perhaps after experiencing a life-and-death situation, Xu Fu knelt down and cried bitterly in front of his mother, confessing that he had failed his mother's expectations and almost let her die.

At the reminder of his mother, Xu Fu, in order to express his gratitude to Zhang Yu for his help, went to visit Zhang Yu together with Meng Ningzhi.

Xu Fu stood respectfully in the tent, bowed to Zhang Yu and said, "I thank you for saving my life. If you have any other orders in the future, I will repay you with my life."

Zhang Yu raised his hand slightly, motioning Xu Fu to sit down, and said: "Yuanzhi killed someone for his friend, although it is against the laws of the country, but it shows that you value friendship and loyalty. However, Yuanzhi needs to think twice before he acts, and don't forget his mother at home."

Xu Fu said with shame: "I have acted rashly. From now on, I should put away my sword and spear, wear loose clothes, and learn from others. This will be a warning to you!"

Zhang Yu pondered for a moment and said, "I admire Yuanzhi's willingness to learn. However, I think Yuanzhi's fault is not because he wields a sword and halberds, but because he acts without considering the consequences. If Yuanzhi can correct his mistakes, why should he give up his sword and halberds and focus on studying?"

Xu Fu looked bewildered. In his understanding, or in the understanding of the people of Yuzhou, studying is more important than martial arts. If one wants to excel, the only way is to study and learn the scriptures.

Zhang Yu's remarks made Xu Fu confused. If he didn't study the scriptures now, could he be asked to join the army with a sword and a spear?

Out of his conviction for Zhang Yu, Xu Fu humbly bowed and said, "Please show me a way out, sir!"

Zhang Yu pointed to the military book on the table and said, "Today, the world is in turmoil and bandits are rising up. Five years ago, I was herding cattle and horses in the northern frontier. Now, because of my military achievements, I have been promoted to Marquis of Pingcheng and appointed as the captain of the imperial guards."

"If Yuanzhi does not want to disappoint his mother, he should join the army, learn military books, and study classics. If Yuanzhi has the talent to lead a soldier, it is not impossible for him to be a marquis or a general. If he does not know military strategy, he can study military law and classics, and he will be able to enter the government with military merits."

In Zhang Yu's opinion, Xu Fu's historical abandonment of swords and halberds and his study of Confucian classics from scratch was too high a price to pay. If he had the opportunity to learn the art of war and lead troops in conquest, it might be another way out.

Moreover, Zhang Yu intends to recruit Xu Fu as his subordinate. If he lets Xu Fu study classics, wouldn't it be a waste to watch Xu Fu slip away? So it is better to recommend Xu Fu to study military books and join the army with a pen to see if he can train Xu Shu into an outstanding general.

Meng Ningzhi heard that Zhang Yu intended to recruit Xu Fu as his subordinate, so he patted Xu Fu's arm, signaling Xu Fu to agree.

Although Xu Fu was tempted, he thought of what he had promised his mother, so he cupped his hands and said, "I will never forget your guidance and kindness, and I am willing to serve you. But I still need to ask my mother about joining the army, so I hope you won't mind!"

"The army will set out in two days. Yuanzhi can go home and ask your mother first."

Zhang Yu ordered, "Bo'an, accompany Yuanzhi home!"

"promise!"

After leaving the big tent, Zhang Yu asked, "Yuan Chang, what do you think of Xu Yuanzhi?"

Zhong Yao stroked his beard and thought for a moment, then said, "Xu Fu's words are appropriate, and he puts filial piety first. Now he is willing to change his ways, so he is a promising talent. If Ji'an is accepted as his subordinate and trained for a while, he may be able to relieve Ji'an's worries when he becomes a talent."

Zhang Yu thought for a moment and said, "Let's see if he is smart. If he doesn't have the talent to lead a military force, we can let him be a clerk and study classics instead."

Although Zhong Yao did not know why Zhang Yu valued Xu Fu so much and intended to train Xu Fu to lead troops, in order to help Zhang Yu come up with ideas, he said: "If Ji'an wants Yuan Zhi to learn the military, he can make him a grain officer to understand the expenses of the army and the details of the deployment of troops."

"Can!"

Zhang Yu nodded slightly. The position in the army that could best train generals, besides fighting in battle, was managing the military supplies.

"Let someone tell Xu Yuanzhi that if he is willing to join the army, he can be a warehouse clerk now." Zhang Yu ordered.

Zhang Yu was not worried about Xu Fu's surrender to him. First, he had Meng Ningzhi's advice and his help in saving Xu Fu; second, Xu Fu had few options left, especially abandoning his army to study classics, which would be too costly.

"promise!"

Zhang Yang was sitting beside the tent. Seeing Zhang Yu listening to Zhong Yao's words like this, he couldn't help but curl his lips, feeling a little dissatisfied.

As Zhang Yu's uncle, he could only address Zhang Yu as a lieutenant due to his military position. However, Zhong Yao was not only addressed as his brother, but also as Ji'an, and he also gave Zhang Yu advice on how to employ people, which made him envious and jealous.

(End of this chapter)