Three Kingdoms: A Million Soldiers Grown from the Fields

Chapter 116 Victory Celebration Banquet (Please read 4k words)

As the oxcart laden with severed heads rolled through the gates of Jinyang, the snow was stained brown. On the second floor of a tavern by the street, Wang Chang, Wang Ze's nephew, accidentally knocked over his wine cup. "It really is the Hu chieftain," he murmured, staring at the heads dangling from the cart with their silver earrings. "I saw him at the Hu market last year."

Inside the prefectural governor's mansion, Wang Ze's fingertips trembled as he traced the wax seal on the victory report: "Well done, Zhang Zixu!" He slammed his hand on the table: "Investigate! Investigate whether any of those heads belonged to the elderly or infirm!"

The advisor trembled slightly; "My lord, the heads are all those of able-bodied young Hu and Qiang men."

"Damn it! I've just done all the work for him! How is this possible! How could it be possible! How could a mere healer have such a powerful army!"

Wang Ze's eyes were somewhat red.

Enraged, he roared, "No! I must impeach him for instigating border conflicts! I must also impeach him for privately raising elite troops!"

"Lord! Lord!" The advisors were also anxious. Had Lady Wang been too successful in Bingzhou? She was so angry over such a minor setback.

"My lord, this petition cannot be submitted!"

"Why!"

Wang Ze glared angrily at his staff.

The advisor smiled wryly: "Lord, don't forget, it was you who ordered the elimination of the bandits."

"Furthermore, if this official did not hold the military rank of captain, the duke could accuse him of privately raising elite troops. But now that he has the military rank of captain, it is understandable that his troops are strong."

"I"

Wang Ze held his breath in his chest for a long time without being able to exhale.

So they blocked the road themselves!
"Where are the others!"

"I requested to see the Duke once, but he was in a bad mood at the time, so I did not see him. He should have returned by now."

"Alas, this fellow will become a major threat sooner or later!"

On the way to consider.

"Hahaha, my lord, you didn't see how those powerful figures were so arrogant at first and then so obsequious. It was truly hilarious."

Huang Zhong laughed heartily on horseback.

The powerful and influential people in Jinyang are completely different from what they were a few days ago.

A few days ago, he sent cavalrymen back to Jinyang to ask for provisions, and all the local strongmen looked like they were just some stinking outsiders begging for food again.

Today, after they took several hundred heads to Jinyang, before leaving the city, these powerful figures were once again busy presenting them with generous gifts.

"Seeking advantage and avoiding harm is never wrong."

Zhang Xian wasn't too surprised; most people are like that.

"It's a pity I didn't see Wang Ze, otherwise I could have made fun of him for a few days."

Huang Zhong's smile faded: "This Wang Ze is far inferior to his elder brother. The Taiyuan County soldiers returned victorious, and he didn't even bother to see them. Is this the kind of person who will become the head of a family?"

“It’s just too smooth,” Zhang Xian adjusted his posture, his body rising and falling with the horse’s gait. “The Wang family has controlled Taiyuan for a long time. Previously, his elder brother served as the governor of Bingzhou and bore most of the pressure. Now that he has taken charge, it’s inevitable that he will have the temperament of a young master.”

"By the way, Hansheng, later arrange for a cavalry squad to send these heads and the letter to Luoyang to make up for the lost merit!"

"promise!"
-
A few days later.

In the West Garden of Luoyang, Zhang Rang played with an exquisitely crafted pure gold pendant, and nodded in satisfaction as he looked at the rows of white frosting and gold cakes on the table.

"The young magistrate you've befriended is quite sensible; he's a remarkable person."

"Father, you flatter me too much. My ability to judge character is also something I learned from you."

The eunuch, who was then serving as the Palace Attendant with a salary of 600 shi (a unit of grain), smiled broadly and admired Zhang Xian even more. This was not the first time that Zhang Xian had made Zhang Xian look good in front of his father.

"Hahaha"

Zhang Rang laughed loudly, waved his hand, and several eunuchs under his command covered all the items and carried them out.

"What official position did he request this time?"

Zhang Rang lazily reclined for a moment.

The eunuch took out a silk letter from his sleeve and presented it with both hands.

"What he sought was to send a Xiongnu general."

"Oh," Zhang Rang narrowed his eyes, a thought suddenly occurring to him.

"read,"

"only,"

The eunuch lowered his hand and began to read the words on the silk letter.

First, he flattered and praised the Ten Attendants for their hard work and great achievements. Then, he changed the subject and said that he was ordered by the governor of Taiyuan to suppress thousands of barbarian cavalry in Taiyuan who were suffering from cholera.

He was beheaded in battle, and a head of a Xianbei chieftain and dozens of Xianbei cavalrymen were specially presented as a reward, in order to persuade the Xiongnu general to defend the region for the court!
After hearing the contents of the silk letter, Zhang Rang's interest became even more apparent, and he asked.

"Can the authenticity of the skull be verified?"

The eunuch hurriedly replied, "It is true. I had the head inspector personally check, and he said that they are all genuine Xianbei heads, and they are all elite Xianbei soldiers who have been on the battlefield for a long time."

"Oh, he wasn't exaggerating; he really is a good general."

In truth, Zhang Rang didn't care whether the skull was real or not, nor did he care whether Bingzhou was stable. While he was talking to the eunuch, he was thinking about something else entirely.

Zhang Xian was indeed pragmatic and courteous, unlike the others who begged them for favors while secretly looking down on them.

Training him to become a military commander in the field seems like a good option; he might even become an asset in the future.

Zhang Rang twirled his fingers and gave a sinister smile.

"He has rendered meritorious service and also received money to buy the official position. This official position should rightfully be his. Go and make the necessary arrangements, and prepare the official seal and send it over."

“Ah, let your father be kind and generous.”

The eunuch smiled obsequiously and flattered him.

"Haha, go do it. Someone invited me for drinks, I have no choice but to go."

Zhang Rang laughed heartily, got up, and left the West Garden.

"Respectfully seeing off Father Rang."
-
"Welcome back in triumph, County Lord!"

At the gate of Luqi County, a group of officials, clerks, and common people waited respectfully.

After not seeing each other for half a month, they had heard about the recent events in Taiyuan.

It turns out that the county magistrate of my own village has been conscripted to fight in a foreign war.

He is truly a man of both literary and martial talents!
The setting sun bathed the city walls of Lüchi in gold, and crowds thronged the city gates.

It took Zhang Xian and his group six days to return from Jinyang to Lüchi.

Why is it so slow?

The answer lies in the eight hundred riders behind him, leading tens of thousands of cattle, sheep, and horses.

Returning victorious, how can we only let the people of Luqi rejoice? Naturally, we should also let the towns and counties along the way be happy.

As a result, the towns and counties along the way were overjoyed, and the powerful clans all sent congratulatory gifts. What was originally just a few thousand cattle and sheep had now grown to over ten thousand.

On the streets of Luchi, the people celebrated and welcomed them.

Manager Wang of the cloth shop squeezed to the front of the line, holding a pottery jar: "Your Excellency! This is a fine wine from a certain family. Would Your Excellency like to drink it?" His caravan, which had been robbed by foreign merchants a few years ago, was now filled with the satisfaction of revenge.

Zhang Xian laughed heartily: "I don't drink alcohol, Manager Wang, why don't you drink with the soldiers!"

"Yes, yes," he said, holding the wine jar and pouring it into bowls for the soldiers until the jar was empty.

However, even after he finished emptying his jar, more people came carrying their own wine jugs.

Zhang Xian didn't stop them.

This wine is drinkable, and the people feel happy seeing it, which will also make the hearts of the people more united.

Several young women with their hair in double buns blushed and threw their sachets into the returning army.

Some soldiers were stunned when they received the sachet, and then they were teased and ridiculed by their comrades and the common people around them. They realized what was happening and their faces turned as red as monkey bottoms.

Zhang Xian was overjoyed, but just as he was enjoying himself, he saw even more sachets being thrown from the front, and without exception, all of them were aimed at him.

Zhang Xian was unhappy.

Zhao Yun was beside him, but Huang Zhong was amused.

And so they returned to the training ground in celebration.

Knowing they couldn't enter such a place, the common people, after gazing at it several times, dispersed.

A group of county officials followed them in. Han Ji quickly came over, helped Zhang Xian, who had dismounted, and handed him a towel: "Our lord has returned in triumph; a victory banquet has been prepared."

Zhang Xian took the towel, wiped his face, and instructed the soldiers: "Unsaddle the horses, put the armor in the storeroom, and send all the horses to the horse farm. Today is our day to celebrate our victory!"

"promise!"

The shouts were in unison and soared into the sky.

He then instructed the officials: "Settle the cattle and sheep, and put the gold and silver into the treasury."

"promise--,"

After giving these instructions, he smiled and turned to Han Ji: "Gongzhi has returned. I suppose the water forging workshop is finished as well?"

Han Ji cupped his hands in greeting: "I have not failed my lord's command. The Xiashui Forge is now operational and we are working diligently to manufacture agricultural tools and implements."

Good things come in pairs, and your hard work is truly admirable.

Zhang Xian patted him on the shoulder.

Xi Zhong, standing nearby, also approached and handed over half of the seal: "Our lord has returned in triumph!"

Zhang Xian accepted the military tally and patted Xi Zhong on the shoulder: "Staying in charge of the county government, Zhi Cai, you've had a tough time."

Afterwards, a group of officials paid their respects, and Zhang Xian offered words of encouragement to each of them.

After a short while, most of the officials in the drill ground went back to their work.

The soldiers in the drill ground were also busy in all directions.

One by one, the armors were maintained and sent to the armory, and the saddles on the horses were removed and then sent in groups to the horse farm outside the county.

As the number of warhorses under Zhang Xian's command grew larger and larger, he naturally built a horse farm to accommodate them.

The cattle and sheep were placed separately. Most of the sheep were to be eaten, while the officials would have their men inspect the cattle one by one, selecting those suitable for farming to be used as draft animals for the following year.

The glow of the setting sun gradually faded.

The drill ground was brightly lit once again.

The firelight illuminated the night sky as Han Ji and his men carried in hundreds of jars of Taoyuan wine, filling the training ground with rows of tables and chairs.

The central bonfire crackled, sparks shooting into the night sky, mingling with the newly appearing stars. Fat from the roasted whole lamb dripped onto the embers, and several cooks used long knives to carve the meat. As the blades sliced ​​through the crispy skin, golden juices gushed out.

On the command platform, Zhang Xian broke the clay seal, and a rich aroma immediately filled the air: "The first bowl is to celebrate our triumphant return!"

"Generals, toast to victory!"

"My lord! Let's drink to victory!"

Zhang Xian put down the empty wine jars. His wine jars were all about the size of his head, and they were mostly filled with water.

Take another jar.

"The second bowl! A toast to our departed comrades!"

"Respectfully!"

The third altar

"This bowl is dedicated to our wounded brothers! I am deeply grateful for your sacrifices!"

"drink!"

The wounded soldiers' hands trembled slightly as they held the bowls of medicine, their expressions excited.

"The last bowl!" Zhang Xian picked up the wine jar and slammed it down.

"From this day forward, anyone who offends me will be punished!"

"They must be killed!" The roar of eight hundred men shook the snow-covered branches outside the county.

"Generals! Let's feast!"

"Oh!!!"

The soldiers happily tore at the meat, chatting amongst themselves and laughing continuously.

Five hundred soldiers who had never fought were also among them. Although they were laughing and joking, the envy in their eyes was undisguised.

With the food and drink more than halfway through, the atmosphere on the training ground became even more joyful.

Sitting down to eat was no longer enough, so the generals all got up to eat.

Zhang Xian watched the spectacle from the reviewing stand.

The soldiers all had a great time, some wrestling, some dancing, and some singing loudly.

The soldiers laughed loudly, and he looked over and laughed too.

When he saw his soldiers behaving recklessly, he couldn't help but laugh and scold them.

As the victory celebration banquet drew to a close, the generals, tired from eating, drinking, and having fun, returned to their barracks in twos and threes after requesting permission.

On the platform, Zhang Xian also ordered the tables and desks to be removed.

Han Ji ascended the platform and whispered in his ear: "Scouts from the Jinyang direction have reported that a Wang family courier is heading towards Youzhou."

"It's alright, just keep an eye on Jinyang."

"Should we send someone to pursue them?"

"No need. Although Youzhou is adjacent to Bingzhou, it is inconvenient to come here. Old man Wang Ze must have gone to ask for help. Who was the governor of Youzhou at the time?"

"Tao Qian." Xi Zhong's voice came from the side: "Liu Yu is the subordinate official, and Gongsun Zan is the chief clerk."

Tao Qian?

Zhang Xian stared intently, never expecting that the future governor of Xuzhou would also have served as the governor of Youzhou.

What is your governing style like?

Several people walked down from the command platform, and Zhang Xian asked with his hands behind his back.

Xi Zhong and Han Ji followed behind him. Xi Zhong, who had some insight into current affairs, remarked softly, "When I discussed matters with Gongda and the others in Yingchuan, I heard that this person was quite mild-mannered in his administration, mainly using appeasement to deal with foreign tribes. His subordinate Liu Yu was the same. However, his chief clerk Gongsun Zan was rather ruthless."

"Brother Yun,"

Zhang Xian called out from the training ground, and Zhao Yun ran over, greeted Han Ji and Xi Zhong, and asked, "My lord..."

"I've heard that most of the men in this small mountain village serve under Chief Clerk Gongsun in Youzhou?"

Zhao Yun nodded: "Gongsun Changshi and Tong Shi have a past relationship, so if the men in the village don't want to farm, they will go to Youzhou to join the army. Originally, Tong Shi also arranged for me to go to Youzhou."

"Okay, I understand."

Zhang Xian nodded slightly: "We can get in touch then and solidify our relationship."

"When you arrive, have someone prepare some gifts and send them to Youzhou, expressing your gratitude to Chief Clerk Gongsun for his kindness."

"promise,"

Han Ji bowed his hands

"Zhicai, what are your thoughts?"

"My lord has handled this matter well, maintaining friendly relations is sufficient. Right now, the priority should be conquering Bingzhou."

"We think the same way."

Zhang Xian suggested that Zhao Yun go and rest early, and the three continued walking out of the training ground: "We are currently outnumbered and outmatched, so we should focus on Bingzhou. Your Excellency..."

"Your Excellency is here."

"Make sure to prepare the seeds and equipment for the spring harvest. If there are landowners in the county who don't have seeds, you must go there in person to borrow them. When the harvest is ready, have them return the seeds."

"and be aware of it."

"The matter of the oxen must also be handled properly. Oxen are strong and can plow and till the land several times faster than human labor. You must also urge all the village chiefs and elders that anyone who dares to profit from the oxen provided by the county government is an enemy of me!"

"I will certainly not let my lord worry."

"."

In the corner of the command platform, wisps of smoke rose from the unburnt pine branches in the copper basin, casting a long shadow of Zhang Xian across the armory behind him—where neatly arranged newly removed armors stood, with grains of sand still clinging to the gaps between the plates.

As the last group of drunken soldiers helped each other leave, the snowy night swallowed up most of the noise. Xi Zhong bent down and picked up a wine jar that had rolled off the ground. The remaining wine at the bottom of the jar reflected his face, and the flickering shadows of the campfire were still visible in it.

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