Three Kingdoms: I, Yuan Shu, Loyal Officials of the Han Dynasty

Chapter 288 I am a warlord of the North, born in a chaotic era, it is time for me to display my might [5000]

As dusk settled, the candlelight flickered, casting dappled shadows all around.

Looking at Zhang Xiu, who was behaving with utmost courtesy, Jia Xu frowned and remained silent.

Seeing this, Zhang Xiu quickly took two steps closer to Jia Xu, lowering his voice to a whisper.

"Sir, the situation in Shouchun is currently volatile, and the fate of the nation hinges on this moment. I hope you can point me in the right direction."

"If Xiu were to become the heir apparent and inherit the throne of the King of Han, he would surely take you as his teacher, and this will never change; it will shine as brightly as the sun and moon."

Jia Xu: "."

No way! What do you mean, treat him as a teacher? Just stay away from me, okay? Once we're out this door today, let's pretend we never met.

Jia Xu sat upright at his desk, remembering that the Zhang family uncle and nephew had been quite respectful and obedient to him.

His thoughts swirled and tangled in his mind. He lightly tapped the table with his fingertips, raised his eyes, and stared intently at Zhang Xiu before speaking in a deep voice.

"Has the general thought this through?"

The struggle for the crown prince position is fraught with unpredictability; stepping into it can mean the difference between good and bad fortune.

The lamplight was dim, and the flickering candlelight reflected in his pupils. Zhang Xiu raised his face, met Jia Xu's gaze, and bowed respectfully.
"In chaotic times, the victor is king and the loser is villain!"

If there were no chance at all, so be it. But now that he is the adopted son of the King of Han, if Yuan Ce can advance further, why can't Xiu?
The only difference was that he became a disciple of the King of Han earlier, while Xiu arrived a step later and had not yet had the chance to make contributions to the King of Han.

Yuan Ce is the rightful heir to this position, so why can't Xiu take it?

I do not seek a peaceful and uneventful life, but only a life of immense wealth and honor!
I am a warlord from the North, born in a chaotic era, and it is time for me to display my might.

Please teach me, sir.

"So be it."

Seeing that Zhang Xiu was determined and had made up his mind, and considering their past relationship, Jia Xu sighed softly and said to him:
"I can give you a real piece of advice: if you want to compete, don't compete in the present, but in the future."

Currently, the Yao and Ce parties are locked in a fierce struggle, with undercurrents surging and murderous intent looming.

The general has neither any achievements to his name nor the support of any powerful family. Getting involved at this time would mean certain death.

We should proceed cautiously now, focusing on training our troops and preparing our horses for the future.

When the King of Han marched north to attack Cao, the general led his troops out of Nanyang, restored the state and reclaimed the old capital, and seized Sili to present to his vassal state.

Based on this monumental achievement, we establish our foundation and request that the Yuan family name be granted to us so that we may continue the legitimate lineage.

At that time, you will gather the powerful families of the Central Plains to protect you, and the King of Xiaohan will flatter and please you.

In this way, they might have a fighting chance, but it all depends on a sliver of fate.

Zhang Xiu bowed again with his hands clasped, saying, "I will humbly accept your wise words, sir."

Jia Xu waved his hand, about to signal him to leave, but Zhang Xiu pretended to be hesitant and asked him with a smirk.

"Actually, Xiu has something else to say, but I'm not sure if I should ask it."

Jia Xu rolled his eyes at him, annoyed. Now that things had come to this point, he couldn't very well say, "Don't ask," without giving him any face.

He could only sigh and say, "If the general has anything to say, it's best to ask it all today."

"Xiu once heard the edict of the King of Han, which said: 'The world shall be shared with meritorious officials and scholars.'"

Now, ten prominent families have been selected, and virtuous families have been chosen for their selection. Both Ce and Yao have been vying endlessly for this, intending to send their close associates into the palace as empresses, favorites, and the foundation for seizing the throne.

Jia Xu was surprised and did not understand.

"That is indeed the case, but I don't know what it has to do with the general."

"Your Zhang family has no suitable daughters for marriage, and besides, the Zhang family lives far in the north, unable to send land or people to you. Thinking about it further is pointless."

"not necessarily!"

Meeting Jia Xu's astonished gaze, Zhang Xiu spoke calmly.

"Sir, you say that there is no suitable candidate in my Zhang family, but I don't think so."

I recently heard that the Cai family of Jingzhou has offered 300,000 mu of fertile land and 100,000 people as dowry, and that a member of the Cai family will be sent to the palace.

The letter of divorce sent to Liu Biao was already on its way to Luoyang.

It was further heard that General Wu Jing of Anshun wanted to offer his sister, Lady Wu, to the palace, but Yuan Ce refused. The two then got into a fight at the Sun family's house and parted on bad terms.

Since Lady Cai is acceptable, and Lady Wu is acceptable, it wouldn't be unreasonable for Xiu to choose my aunt, Lady Zou, who is of exceptional beauty.

Jia Xu: “???”

Jia Xu was astonished.

"The Zou family? But back then, Cao Cao wanted the Zou family, and the general felt ashamed and had no face to see his uncle in the afterlife. He raised an army out of righteousness and drove out the Cao family!"
Therefore, he surrendered to the King of Han. Why is he here today?

Seeing Jia Xu looking at him with a strange gaze that seemed to say, "Why are you being so hypocritical?", Zhang Xiu blushed and his expression changed drastically.

"Sir, please be careful with your words!"

Cao Cao, a descendant of a eunuch, a minister who usurped the throne, how could he be compared to the King of Han?
Moreover, on that day, Cao Cao did not discuss marriage with us, nor did he formally marry us. Instead, he sent troops under cover of night to forcibly abduct my aunt. What is the meaning of this?

Forcibly taking someone for adultery is the beginning of promiscuity. Such disgrace is unbearable. As Xiu's uncle, how can he not kill this scoundrel to comfort him in the afterlife?
But things are different now.

It is timely that the King of Han is selecting consorts from across the land. My aunt has been widowed for a long time. Now, we are to marry her in a proper and respectful ceremony. This is a righteous and aboveboard marriage. It can be presented to the Emperor, to my uncle, and there is nothing that cannot be said to others!

I imagine that even if my uncle were in the afterlife, seeing this scene, he would be pleased with my aunt's wealth and prosperity.

Moreover, with his aunt entering the palace to scout for the Empress's position, and to assist Yu Xiu in the future, the chances of the Crown Prince's success might increase by three percent.

Sir, do you agree?

Jia Xu: "."

You've already embroidered it like this, what else can Xu say?

He had said both the truth and the sarcasm he had used, leaving Zhang Xiu speechless for a moment.

Indeed, Cao Cao's act of abducting people at night was an act of adultery and a humiliation.

In these chaotic times, many husbands have died in battle, and widows remarry, resulting in more children. This is a legal practice encouraged by the state.

Even if a widow remarries and has a child, she can still earn merit from the lowly officials of the Imperial Observatory who are sent to the countryside.

Just then, the King of Han was selecting virtuous women, and Zhang Xiu took the opportunity to send his aunt into the palace. It was truly an open and aboveboard affair.

If Lady Zou were to give birth to an imperial heir in the future, it would truly be a great contribution to the nation.

Jia Xu's expression at this moment was both strange and helpless. He stroked his beard and smiled bitterly, then called out:
Embroider, embroider!
Since you already have a plan, why ask me?

"That's the plan, but unfortunately, I don't have the means to implement it."

As you know, my Zhang family is far away in the north. Where do we have fertile land and people to contribute our merits?
Without being recognized as one of the Ten Great Families, even if Xiu wanted to, he would be powerless to do so.

I have come specifically to seek your advice, sir.

"You have come here for this reason, but it is not without a way to deal with it."

Jia Xu stroked his beard, squinted at him, and simply smiled.

"This matter is easy, but I'm afraid the general will be reluctant to part with it."

"To achieve great things, what is there that we should not abandon?"
"If you have any good ideas, please speak them freely; I will follow them without hesitation."

Xu nodded and said:

"General, are you only asking for a chicken to lay eggs?"

"Using someone else's chicken to lay eggs?"

"As the general said, Wu Jing wanted to offer his sister to the palace, but the Wu family was not qualified, so he planned to use the Sun family's name to send her to the palace for his own benefit."

Otherwise, Madam Wu would be a widow, and Wu Jing, the eldest brother, would be her father, and would have to follow their parents' wishes and arrange the marriage.

Given his personality, why should he compromise with the Sun family?
Once the major events are settled, what can Young Master Bofu do even if he tries to fight him to the death?

The reason they failed was simply because the spots among the Ten Great Families were held by the Sun family.

That makes sense.

But whether it's the Zhang family or the Zou family, I'm afraid...

Why should a general's vision be limited?

Jia Xu smiled faintly, his expression meaningful.

"Wu Jing's actions have set a precedent for this. Since this method is feasible, why not apply it to other situations?"

Although Madam Zou could not be a widow and could use her husband's family's quota, she could be adopted as a daughter and use the name of one of the ten great families to pursue a career as a general.

You should know that the general is sending his aunt to the palace today, as if he were offering a jade tablet to the king, but has no way to do so.

Nowadays, there are also aristocratic families who have the qualifications but cannot find a suitable woman to marry, leaving them in a precarious situation.

"He and the general, one with connections, the other holding the jade tablet, are they not a match made in heaven, a perfect union?"

Zhang Xiu was immediately enlightened and realized the truth. He then shamelessly pressed for an answer.

"Please advise me, sir, on whose door to seek help."

Jia Xu raised his hand and pointed to the door, saying:
"The Lu family suffered a calamity in Lujiang years ago, and not a single member of the clan survived."

Lu Jun, Lu Xun, and Lu Ji are all unmarried, so where are the women of marriageable age?

Moreover, he harbors a long-standing grudge against Prince Bofu, and has been forced to support him against his will. Now that he has met the General, with his own lofty ambitions, he will surely be overjoyed.

Upon hearing this, Zhang Xiu was amazed by Jia Xu's talent and suggested that his aunt be adopted into the Lu family and enter the palace, so that he could directly tie himself to the Lu family.

This plan not only solved his problem of not having a way to send his aunt to the palace, but also secured him an ally from one of the four great clans of Jiangdong, effectively undermining Yuan Ce's power. If this succeeded, Yuan Ce would lose a major clan, while he would gain one—a net gain of two major clans!

"Sir, you are a man of great talent!"
Hearing your words today is like a sudden awakening, like the clouds parting to reveal the sun.

When this great undertaking is accomplished, I will certainly serve you as my teacher, living up to my expectations and the promise of today.

Don't!

Seeing this, Jia Xu quickly waved his hand and said:
"General, your journey will determine the victor and the vanquished; the struggle for the crown prince's position is unpredictable, with fortune and misfortune uncertain."

He was a wealthy and leisurely man who only sought peace and wealth in this life and did not wish to get involved in any trouble.

Once you leave this door, no matter how much trouble you cause or how great your achievements, you are not allowed to say that I taught you.

If you utter even half a word, let me know that just as I helped you climb the social ladder today, I will also find a way to bring you crashing down from the clouds tomorrow.

"Now that I am leaving, all kindness and ties are severed. I hope the general enjoys good fortune and takes good care of himself."

"gentlemen.?"

Zhang Xiu bowed again, her hands clasped in respect, tears welling in her eyes. "We've met in times of trouble, and now we're hand in hand. Are you leaving me, sir?"

"Go take a break! Go take a break!"

The Lu family is full of talented people; you'll have capable people to help you. The future belongs to you young people, so why trouble this old man?"

Jia Xu ignored Zhang Xiu, left the study, and turned to leave, saying to the servant boy:
"see a visitor out!"

"General Zhang, the head of the family has already left the manor and gone to the Drunken Immortal Pavilion for drinks."

"gentlemen."

Zhang Xiu performed the disciple's rites in the empty study, bowing deeply without rising.

After a long while, he let out a long sigh, left the Jia residence, and began planning to visit the Lu residence.

Beside Shouchun Street, Jia Xu sat upright in the elegant window room of Zuixianlou, smiling as he watched the bright moon and gentle breeze. The street was brightly lit, vendors hawked their wares, and people selected lanterns and couplets to celebrate the New Year.

In Shouchun, there were opera singers, dragon and lion dancers, fire-blowing monkeys, and even stone-breaking performances on the streets. Street performances were commonplace.

Furthermore, various new snacks promoted by Hanwang were sold, with lights burning all night long, and the people living in peace and prosperity.

Where is there even a trace of chaos in the True Sect? I fear that even the reigns of Emperors Wen and Jing in Chang'an could not have achieved the prosperity we enjoy today.

In such peaceful times, when one encounters a wise and prosperous ruler, why would someone so old and content to live a life of leisure and wealth risk their life to fight for the throne?

Zhang Xiu? I don't know him!

It was a good day to come; please don't come again.

Arranging for you to stay with the Lu family is a way of fulfilling the bond between you and your uncle, and it's the best that can be done.

I've heard that Lu Boyan of the Lu family can destroy a country with a snap of his fingers, possesses the talent to save the world and bring peace to the people, is the eldest disciple of the King of Han, and the senior brother of Kongming and Pang Tong.

In the future, Xiu, if you need anything, you can write to him for advice.

This new era belongs to you young people. Although I have heard that Lu Xun and Yuan Yao have a close personal relationship, the capable should do more work. If you are capable, then do more work.

Since you're going to be involved in the struggle for the crown prince position anyway, helping one is the same as helping two.

As a remnant of the old era, I naturally prefer to listen to music in my small building and sleep with the moon as my companion.

Upstairs at Zuixianlou, Jia Xu sipped a cup of tea, listened to the opera playing upstairs and the hustle and bustle of the street, admired the moonlight, and drifted off to sleep with his eyes half-closed.

Not long after, Zhang Xiu first went to the military camp, found Hu Che'er, and said to him:
"Che'er, you are my confidant, sharing my glory and my shame. We share the same glory and the same loss."

"I have an important matter to entrust to you, is that alright?"

Hu Che'er bowed and said, "How dare I disobey?"

Zhang Xiu nodded and said, "Now the King of Han is implementing new regulations, establishing the Lingyan Pavilion and building the Hall of Merit, where he bestows generous rewards and honors upon those who have made contributions. You have also witnessed this."

It is a pity that we did not serve the King of Han earlier. Now we want to make contributions to compete for a higher rank, but it is too late.

Fortunately, the star positions in Lingyan Pavilion are settled annually, so a temporary setback is nothing to worry about. A man should be able to bend and stretch; that is true courage.

I believe that the King of Han will surely raise an army to march north next year. This is the perfect opportunity for us to make our mark and for true heroes to serve our country!

I now command you to rigorously train your soldiers, and spare no expense in providing them with meat and fish. In the future, you will assist the King of Han in leading your troops out of Nanyang, conquering Sili, and returning to the old capital!

This is an immense achievement; we must not fail to repay it.

Upon hearing this, Hu Che'er clapped his hands in approval, saying, "Please rest assured, General."

I heard that the King of Han intends to reward the world with the merits of the Lingyan Pavilion. All those who have made contributions can be granted titles and official positions, and exchange their merits for rewards in the Hall of Merit.

Let alone you and me, even the seasoned soldiers we brought from Xiliang have never fought such a rich battle before.

Even without me, Lao Hu, they would still train on their own. It's just a pity they didn't meet the King of Han sooner. Following Lord Dong back then was simply a waste of their youth.

He said: "If I had known this would happen, I would have abandoned Dong Zhuo and supported the Prince of Han as Grand Tutor. My brothers and I would be enjoying wealth and honor back in our hometown. Why are we now in exile?"

As Hu Che'er spoke, he couldn't help but shake his head and laugh.

"Seeing them like this, even I, Old Hu, have rediscovered some of the feeling I had back then when I followed General Zhang and my brothers to help Lord Dong enter Luoyang and fight for the riches and honor of the world."

"Without the general's words, we are all sharpening our swords, awaiting only the order to march to Nanyang, break through Wuguan Pass, restore the Han King, and ascend the throne!"

"it is good!

"With such ambition, why should I worry that I cannot help the King of Han and once again march into Luoyang?"

After giving instructions on all matters related to the training, Zhang Xiu was about to turn and leave.

Unexpectedly, Hu Che'er called out to him at this moment, and he was a little embarrassed to speak.

"General, is there actually something else?"

"Why can't we speak freely between confidants like you?"

"That's right. Actually, everyone witnessed the general's incredible skill with the Hundred-Step Flying Spear in Wancheng and was amazed."

Many soldiers are now eagerly awaiting instruction, hoping the general can teach them a thing or two.

"General, rest assured, we dare not presume to possess extraordinary skills. We only hope that you could impart one or two techniques of freehand combat to kill enemies and achieve merit. We would already be grateful for such a blessing."

Zhang Xiu: "."

Zhang Xiu remained silent. How come this matter has become more and more mysterious with each passing rumor?
You want to teach me the first or second form of freehand fighting? I don't know any Hundred-Step Flying Spear techniques at all!
However, upon hearing Hu Che'er mention killing enemies and making meritorious contributions, Zhang Xiu couldn't help but raise an eyebrow!
Recalling the Battle of Wancheng that day, Dian Wei's flying halberd technique terrified everyone, and no one dared to approach.

After he used his so-called "Hundred-Step Flying Spear," Cao Cao's army avoided him like the plague, and no one dared to suppress his sharpness.

It is evident that this "flying spear" technique is sharp and can be used unexpectedly on the battlefield, potentially yielding remarkable results!

Zhang Xiu thought about it more and more and felt that this matter was very promising, so he gave instructions to Hu Che'er.

"I've thought about this matter, and it wouldn't hurt to teach you a little bit of the basics."

Therefore, in the days to come, you should select three thousand men of exceptional strength from the army to form the "Flying Spear Army!"

I then went to Lord Yan's office and obtained a decree requesting Shouchun Heavy Industry to specially manufacture a batch of "flying spears".

When the target is set up at the training ground, we will start by teaching the most basic throwing techniques.

If someone possesses exceptional talent, it's still uncertain whether we will truly accept them as a disciple and teach them the "Hundred-Step Flying Spear" technique.

Zhang Xiu's last sentence was, of course, just empty talk, meant to encourage everyone to diligently practice their ordinary spear-throwing skills.

As for the miraculous skill of the Hundred-Step Flying Spear?
This thing only worked when it was used against Cao Anmin. Now that Cao Anmin has also surrendered to the King of Han, it will probably be a thing of the past.

Where can I go to seek justice? I'm hoping some celestial master will appear and teach me.

Soon after, at the Lu residence.

Lu Jun was deep in thought in his study again. Lately, he seemed to be constantly frowning.

He then said to Lu Ji:
"Little brother, what did I tell you?"

Indeed, we shouldn't have offered so much land back then. Now, considering Boyan's contribution to the destruction of the country, with the merits of my Lu family, it would be difficult for us not to be among the top ten aristocratic families.

When the King of Han is to select daughters from good families, every family will offer their finest beauties, but my Lu family will have no daughter to match. Wouldn't we gain nothing and instead offend the King of Han?

Lu Ji frowned, clearly not expecting things to change so drastically in such a short time.

He sighed helplessly and said:
"The selection of candidates by the King of Han is of great importance, and we must not allow any mistakes to occur in my Lu family."

There was no other way at the moment, so the only option was to secretly find a beautiful woman, adopt her under the name of my elder brother, and present her to the King of Han.

Although this matter is inappropriate, the Prince of Han is not an unreasonable person and is aware of the situation of my Lu family.

As long as it doesn't thwart the King of Han's plans, he probably won't make things difficult for the Lu family.

Lu Jun also sighed, "This is the only way for now. I will have someone make arrangements."

Unexpectedly, at this moment, someone came to report, "General Zhang Xiu, the adopted son of the King of Han, has come to visit."

The two brothers were puzzled. They wondered why Zhang Xiu would come to visit them, since they had no prior relationship and had recently become estranged.
Out of courtesy, Zhang Xiu was welcomed in.

After exchanging pleasantries, Zhang Xiu revealed his name and purpose, and Lu Jun was indeed delighted.

As Jia Xu predicted, the two hit it off immediately, except for the issue of adoption, which they could not reach an agreement on.

After all, given Zou's age and status, it wouldn't be appropriate for her to be adopted by Lu Jun.

Fortunately, Lu Ji came up with a plan: "We can take in a daughter on behalf of our father and have Zou become a disciple of my father, Lu Kang, so that she can be called our brother and sister."

Everyone agreed that this made sense, so they very "filially" brought out the spirit tablet of their old father, so that Lu Kang, who was in the afterlife, could have a daughter even after a long life.

While Shouchun was bustling with activity and undergoing rapid changes, in the distant coastal area of ​​Xuzhou, large ships with brocade sails and the inscription "Acting on Behalf of Heaven" slowly sailed in.

(End of this chapter)