Late Han Zhao Tang

Chapter 82: Fine Spear
February of the third year of Zhongping.

After Zhang Yu was released from prison, Wang Yun, together with his former officials including Cheng Pu and Guo Tu, left Luoyang City, crossed the Yellow River and took up the post of prefect of Henei.

During Wang Yun's imprisonment, Guo Tu and Cheng Pu performed outstandingly, so Wang Yun appointed Guo Tu as his chief clerk and Cheng Pu as his military chief.

According to Wang Yun, he would help Guo Tu get the title of Xiaolian in Yingchuan County this year as a way of thanking Guo Tu for his hard work.

As for Cheng Pu, although Wang Yun treated him well, Zhang Yu could feel that his attitude was not as good as Guo Tu's. He was like a swordsman under his command, helping him to manage military affairs.

Cheng Pu didn't care. He was a military officer with a salary of 600 dan, which was considered a high-ranking position in the county, and Wang Yun had treated him very kindly. So to him, Wang Yun was his lord, and Zhang Yu was his nobleman on the road.

Wang Yun did not take Li Song and his fifty riders with him, but left them with Zhang Yu. In Wang Yun's words, Zhang Yu was appointed as the deputy commander and needed soldiers and horses with him.

Zhang Yu naturally accepted Wang Yun's kindness and went to the bank of Luo River to see him off on the day Wang Yun left.

After Wang Yun left, Zhang Yu visited He Jin, Yuan Wei and Liu Yu for several consecutive days.

He Jin was born a butcher and was a very generous person. Although Zhang Yu did not accept his call, He Jin did not get angry. He took the time to meet Zhang Yu and said some encouraging words, so they had a chance encounter.

Compared to visiting He Jin, visiting Yuan Wei was much more troublesome. Zhang Yu waited in the front hall for a long time before he got the chance to meet Yuan Wei.

Although Yuan Kui was busy with official duties, he may have known Zhang Yu from Yuan Shu, so he took time to chat with Zhang Yu for half an hour, and his words were mostly full of appreciation. Before leaving, Yuan Kui not only encouraged Zhang Yu, but also extended an olive branch, asking Zhang Yu to go to Yuan Shu more often if he had any difficulties in the future.

In comparison, He Jin, who was born as a butcher, was obviously inferior to Yuan Kui, who was a third-generation official. Although Zhang Yu and Wang Yun were both favored by He Jin and Yuan Kui, Yuan Kui was better at winning people's hearts, so the two of them had a better impression of Yuan Kui.

After visiting He and Yuan, Zhang Yu also visited Liu Yu.

Liu Yu was frugal and kind by nature, and did not like to interact with too many people. Therefore, when Zhang Yu visited Liu Yu, he was allowed directly into his mansion.

Probably because he admired Zhang Yu's talent, Liu Yu chatted with Zhang Yu for a long time, and Liu Yu expressed many views on how to govern the Hu people.

For example, Liu Yu said that the country was weak at the moment and unable to launch a long-distance expedition against the Hu people, so he should make use of the Hu people who were pro-Han and knew how to govern the Hu people with gentle means, and it was not appropriate to use military force to conquer them.

Zhang Yu listened selectively to Liu Yu's views. After all, some people couldn't even deal with the Hu people with a conciliatory approach, but instead allowed the Hu people to frequently go south to plunder. Liu Yu was able to make the Han and Hu people live in harmony, so he must have some skills.

After listening to Liu Yu's teachings for a long time, Zhang Yu was very sensible and said goodbye as a disciple.

Zhang Yu lived to the end of the Han Dynasty for such a long time, and apart from Wang, Yuan Shu, and Madam Cheng, Liu Yu was the only nobleman who did not seek any reward from him.

Wang spent resources to cultivate Zhang Yu, naturally hoping to get something in return; Yuan Shu hoped to be able to use Zhang Yu one day; needless to say, Madam Cheng is probably still coveting Zhang Yu's body.

When visiting Yuan Shu, Zhang Yu unfortunately met Yuan Shao. He wanted to avoid Yuan Shao, but Yuan Shu insisted on pulling Zhang Yu to sit with him.

Inside the hall, the two Yuans were chatting and discussing matters, while Zhang Yu sat obediently at the table.

"Benchu, I heard that you got a fine horse recently?" Yuan Shu asked.

Yuan Shao smiled and said, "A friend of mine found a white horse in Hebei. Seeing how strong and vigorous it is, he gave it to me. If you like horses, I can give it to you."

"That's not necessary!"

Yuan Shu raised his head slightly, looked at Zhang Yu, and asked, "Jian, does Bingzhou have any fine horses?"

Upon hearing this, Zhang Yu immediately understood that Yuan Shu was mocking Yuan Shao and showing off that he had abandoned Yuan Shao and was close to Yuan Shu.

Zhang Yu reacted and said, "Bingzhou is close to the border, and there are many fine horses. If you are lucky enough to see good horses in the future, I can send a few fine horses to the two gentlemen."

"Ha ha!"

Yuan Shu stroked his beard and smiled, saying, "When Ji'an's fine horse arrives, you and I can have a competition to see whose horse is faster."

"Just as my brother Shu said!" Yuan Shao said with a smile without changing his expression.

Yuan Shu seemed to remember something and asked, "Can you introduce Ji'an to Benchu?"

"Need not!"

Yuan Shao's expression remained natural, and he smiled and said, "I have met Ji'an several times, so there is no need for you to introduce me."

As he spoke, Yuan Shao bowed and smiled, "Brother, I'm busy with affairs at home, so I'll go home first!"

"good!"

Before leaving, Yuan Shao greeted Zhang Yu and said, "If Ji'an is free in the future, please come to my house and have a visit."

"Thank you, Yuan-jun!"

After Yuan Shao left, Yuan Shu was in a good mood and asked, "When will Ji'an leave Luo?"

Zhang Yu said respectfully, "I have been away from home for two years, thousands of miles away, and my hometown has just been looted. Therefore, Your Majesty is benevolent and allows me to take office in May. After visiting Mr. Yuan, all matters in Luoyang have been completed, and I will leave Luo soon!" Yuan Shu drank a mouthful of honey water and said with a smile, "The deputy lieutenant of the Guardian of the Xiongnu is the deputy of the General of the Central Army. The official position can be big or small. Now that Bingzhou is in turmoil, it is a good time for Ji'an to display his talents."

"I hope to achieve more meritorious deeds to repay the help of the Grand Marshal and the Lord!" said Zhang Yu.

Seeing Zhang Yu being so understanding, Yuan Shu nodded slightly, his expression full of satisfaction and appreciation.

To be honest, Yuan Shu had no interest in Zhang Yu's initial visit, and only received him for the sake of his character. However, Zhang Yu's self-proclaimed archery skills did leave some memory in Yuan Shu's mind.

Afterwards, Zhang Yu was appointed as the magistrate of Zheng County and came to visit Yuan Shu again. Yuan Shu treated him with courtesy out of investment. And half a year later, he asked Yuan Shu to help Wang Yun, which made Yuan Shu quite interested in Zhang Yu.

But what really impressed or surprised Yuan Shu was Zhang Yu's series of operations, including relying on strategies to create the Wanmin Umbrella, getting through Madam Cheng's way, rescuing Wang Yun, and sending himself in.

From the above, it can be seen that Zhang Yu’s ability was outstanding. He was able to rescue Wang Yun from the imperial prison and promoted him to a higher official position, making Zhang Rang lose face in front of the dignitaries in Luoyang.

Yuan Shu could remember that when he and Yuan Shao were at He Jin's house, after learning that Wang Yun was rescued by his nephew-in-law and received an audience with the emperor, He Jin clapped his hands several times and mocked Zhang Rang for having spent so much effort to send someone to prison, only to have Zhang Yu rescue him so easily.

Even his uncle Yuan Wei, in front of him, marveled at the brilliance of Zhang Yu's tactics and ridiculed Zhang Rang for not understanding the way scholars play.

It was precisely because of Zhang Yu's brilliant tactics that Zhang Rang lost face that he was able to visit He Jin and Yuan Kui recently. Otherwise, it would be a foolish dream for a mere Bi Qianshi to want to meet Yuan Kui and He Jin.

The reason why he had to bring Zhang Yu in front of Yuan Shao was simply to use the emerging Zhang Yu to dampen Yuan Shao's enthusiasm and show his charm to Yuan Shao. After all, Zhang Yu chose him, not Yuan Shao.

After chatting for a while, Yuan Shu said, "Ji'an will be the deputy commander of the Xiongnu Guard. He will have to fight with the Huns frequently in the future. I have nothing to offer as a gift, so I will give Ji'an a fine spear. Please don't think it's too little."

After saying this, Yuan Shu clapped his hands and signaled his servants to bring out the spears.

After a while, a warrior came with an exquisite lance. Zhang Yu looked and saw that the lance was more than ten feet long, a medium-sized horse lance. The lance blade was more than one foot long, revealing a murderous aura. The lance was covered with red and black lacquer, making it look particularly valuable.

At Yuan Shu's signal, Zhang Yu stepped forward, stroked the exquisite lance, and when he looked at it closely, the even more exquisite lance blade came into Zhang Yu's eyes.

Compared with the lance body, the lance blade is extremely exquisite, covered with regular dark gold diamond-shaped grid patterns. The bottom of both sides of the flat lance blade are inlaid with small green and blue gems, which sparkle under the light.

"how?"

Zhang Yu exclaimed: "The long spear is exquisite and valuable, it doesn't look like something used for fighting on the battlefield!"

"Ha ha!"

Seeing Zhang Yu staring intently, Yuan Shu raised his head and smiled, saying: "Ji An can try it first and see if it works well!"

Zhang Yu was itching to do it, so he picked up the lance and wielded it in the hall, playing with it twice and making a few movements before he finished.

"Ji'an is using it conveniently, so I'll take it now!"

Yuan Shu was very generous and said, "If Ji'an gets any fine horses in the future, please remember to send a few to me in Luoyang."

Zhang Yu hesitated for a moment, then bowed and said, "Obedience is worse than respect. I will accept the horse spear. I will return the fine horse to you in the future!"

Such an exquisite and precious horse lance is more valuable than many fine horses. Since Yuan Shu is willing to give it to me, and I am really greedy, I might as well accept it. Anyway, I have been labeled as Yuan Shu, so I will find an opportunity to give it back to Yuan Shu in the future.

"Easy to say!"

After chatting with Yuan Shu for a few more words, Zhang Yu returned happily with the horse lance.

Zhang Yu had never expected that he would receive such a generous gift from a visit. After visiting Yuan Shu, Zhang Yu visited Mrs. Cheng the next day.

Inside the mansion, Madam Cheng looked at Zhang Yu, whom she never tired of looking at, and she liked him more and more, but she could not make a move because of her sister's identity.

"Ji'an, I have intervened on His Majesty's side and have exempted Ji'an from this expense," said Mrs. Cheng.

"Thank you so much, sister!" Zhang Yu said with a smile.

According to the tradition of Emperor Ling of Han, Zhang Yu had to pay 10 million coins to take office as the deputy commander, and Wang Yun had to pay 20 million coins to take office as the governor of Henei.

But perhaps considering that Wang Yun had been in jail for several months and had good character and talents, the money he needed to pay was exempted.

As for Zhang Yu, Mrs. Cheng intervened and told Emperor Ling of Han that it was unreasonable for Zhang Yu to pay two cents in half a year. In addition, since Zhang Yu was appointed to a post in a border county, Emperor Ling of Han also exempted Zhang Yu from paying the money.

Madam Cheng's beautiful eyes flickered as she said tentatively, "Since my brother wants to thank me, why don't you get drunk tonight?"

Zhang Yu's expression became serious, and he said, "Sister, I will be leaving the capital soon, as I have some business to attend to. I will have a feast with you next time I am free."

Having said that, Zhang Yu left in panic, not daring to stay in the mansion for long.

Madam Cheng sighed, Zhang Yu was no longer the same as before, she could not force him and could only miss her brother.

Mrs. Cheng was also sighing, regretting that she had not met her brother earlier. If she had met him earlier and had not hired a lover for fun, she might have been able to get a taste of her brother's love. But now, it seems that there is little hope!
(End of this chapter)