Late Ming Dynasty: Starting with the overthrow of the county magistrate, a rebellion was launched to

Zhang Da felt that Yang Sichang always liked to say shocking things when people's guard was at its lowest.

Zhang Da was startled several times; at this point, he wasn't even sober from the alcohol.

Zhang Da didn't know how many adopted sons Yang Sichang had taken in, but he certainly wasn't doing it out of simple appreciation for talent.

Two possibilities

The first possibility is that Yang Sichang truly valued his talent and strategy, believing that he would have a bright future and be remembered in history. Therefore, he wanted to use his adoptive father's name to leave a good reputation in history for recognizing and employing talent, and for having a keen eye for talent...

The second possibility is that Yang Sichang didn't want him to return to Shaoyang. If he were adopted as a son, he would be obligated to fulfill his filial duties and remain by Yang's side… his every move would be restricted, and the idea of ​​returning to Shaoyang to wield military power and establish a regional hegemony would be a pipe dream.

Even if Zhang Da had just drunk fake alcohol, he knew which possibility was more likely...

So he lowered his head, the stray hairs at his temples obscuring his eyes, which darted about as he tried to find an excuse to refuse.

Zhang Da's silence and hesitation were naturally noticed by all the officials and soldiers present. Yang Sichang, sitting in the main seat, saw his hesitation and immediately began to offer empty promises.

"Zhang Da, as long as you have this intention, from now on we will address each other as father and son. I will do my utmost to cultivate and promote you, pave the way for you with the title of Supervisor, and let you realize your ambitions, achieve great things, and leave your name in history, so as not to waste your talents!"

As soon as he finished speaking, Yang Sichang quickly glanced at the civil and military officials in the hall.

Wan Yuanji was the first to understand, rising to his feet, bowing respectfully, and gently persuading him.

"Magistrate Zhang, the Commander-in-Chief is keen on talent; this is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity! The Commander-in-Chief is upright and loyal to the emperor and the country. To be able to become his disciple is a fortune that countless soldiers would rather die for. You must not miss this golden opportunity!"

Everyone realized what Yang Sichang meant and began to persuade Zhang Da.

"Lord Zhang, what kind of status does the Commander-in-Chief hold? To recognize you as his adopted son is an immense honor! We've fought for over ten years and never received such a privilege. What are you waiting for? Quickly kowtow and acknowledge him as your father!"

Generals such as Zhang Yingyuan and Wang Yunfeng rose to their feet, and civil officials such as the Provincial Administration Commissioner and the Provincial Surveillance Commissioner of Huguang echoed their sentiments. For a time, the hall was filled with voices urging Zhang Da to ascend the throne, and everyone was pushing him forward.

"Magistrate Zhang, the Commander-in-Chief is so loyal and devoted; you must not let him down!"

"This is a golden opportunity, don't miss it! Just say yes!"

"With the Grand Marshal's protection, your future is limitless!"

The voices of persuasion were overwhelming, almost drowning Zhang Da out.

Just then, Zhang Da suddenly raised his head, his eyes reddening, his voice choked with sobs, and his shoulders trembling, completely losing the spirited demeanor he had displayed when discussing the state of the world.

"Commander-in-Chief... Your Excellencies, Generals..."

Upon seeing this, Yang Sichang frowned slightly.

Is it shameful to be my godson?

"What difficulties does Lord Zhang face? Please speak freely."

Zhang Da took a deep breath, forcing out his tears, then wiped them away. His voice was filled with grief, each word dripping with sorrow.

"Your Excellency may not know, but my biological father died last autumn, driven to despair by corrupt officials and gentry. When he was alive, he treated me with utmost sincerity and love, working the fields and scrimping and saving, just so I could survive. He often said that one should be dutiful, remember the kindness of one's parents, and never forget one's roots..."

"My father's body is not yet cold, and I have not even completed the mourning rites. Now I want to worship someone else as my father. This is extremely disrespectful in terms of both morality and reason!"

Although I, Zhang Da, am a rough countryman, I understand the principles of filial piety and brotherly love. If I were to abandon my biological father now and adopt a new one, I would have no face to face my late father in the afterlife, and I would be condemned by the world!

He became increasingly grief-stricken as he spoke, and eventually knelt down on the ground, supporting himself with his hands, arching his back, and bursting into tears.

"Father... I miss you so much... If you were still here, I would be successful now, why have you left me again! I wish to care for my parents, but they are no longer there... I..."

The cries were so heart-wrenching that they moved all who heard them.

The civil and military officials who had been vying to persuade him were now speechless and even deeply ashamed.

Whether Zhang Da's crying was fake or not is unimportant; the key point is that it is indeed unacceptable.

Even if the Ming Dynasty was not like the Jin Dynasty, which "ruled the world with filial piety," no matter how powerful Yang Sichang was, he could not force a boy who had just lost his father to abandon his biological father and recognize him as his father. If this got out, it would be a stain on his reputation for life, subjecting him to attacks from both the court and the public. It might even be made into a theatrical story, leaving him infamous for eternity.

Wan Yuanji wanted to persuade him further, but what if Zhang Da was just being coy to improve his reputation? So he sighed softly and advised...

"Magistrate Zhang's filial piety is commendable, but the Commander-in-Chief is not forcing you to perform the ceremony immediately. Wait until the mourning period is over..."

Zhang Da suddenly looked up, his face streaked with tears, but his eyes were resolute.

"Lord Wan, it's not just about the period of mourning. In my heart, I only recognize my biological father as my father. This will never change in this lifetime."

Alright, that expression really doesn't seem faked; it seems Zhang Da really doesn't want to acknowledge Lord Yang as his father.

Before anyone could offer further advice, Zhang Da belittled himself again.

"Moreover, I, Zhang Da, am merely a village head, illiterate and uncultured. Under the command of the Commander-in-Chief, there are countless fierce generals and strategists. What merit do I possess to dare to become the Commander-in-Chief's adopted son?"

Yang Sichang looked at the young man before him, feeling somewhat dissatisfied.

This child is a genius, but too cunning.

Yang Sichang remained silent for a moment, but ultimately reluctantly gave up the idea.

"That's enough. There aren't many children left who value filial piety and know their place. What more can I say?"

Zhang Da breathed a sigh of relief, then slowly rose with a smug look on his face, standing humbly to the side.

However, Yang Sichang did not give up and spoke again, but his tone left no room for argument.

"Lord Zhang is a man of great talent, yet he is relegated to a county in Shaoyang, which is a great injustice to him."

Shaoyang is located in a remote area, making it difficult for you to realize your ambitions. Therefore, you do not need to return to Shaoyang. You can stay in my headquarters and serve as the military advisor in the commander-in-chief's headquarters, assisting in military affairs and following me to gain experience.

"I will submit a memorial to the court, and in recognition of your merit in offering the strategy, I will personally request His Majesty to bestow upon you a reward, granting you the position of a fifth-rank garrison commander, in charge of the standard garrison troops. After serving in this position for a year or two, I will promote you to a higher rank. What do you say?"

Upon hearing this, Zhang Da's heart sank to the bottom, and he knew something was wrong!

Yang Sichang was determined to keep him by his side!

The so-called military service and garrison positions were indeed a hundred times more prestigious than his position as the head of Shaoyang, but without the foundation of the Shaoyang group and the local militia he had personally trained, what was he?

He was nothing more than a puppet, powerless and without soldiers, easily manipulated.

He might as well be an adopted son!

However, judging from Yang Sichang's expression... it's probably not feasible to refuse directly.

Yang Sichang's face no longer held the joy he once had for Zhang Da; he simply waited calmly for his reply.

"Lord Zhang, are you stunned by such a high-ranking official position? Quickly accept it! The Grand Commandant personally recommended you for a fifth-rank garrison commander position! A position that many people can't earn in their entire lives! Aren't you going to thank him?"

"Magistrate Zhang, the commander-in-chief has put a lot of thought into this. Keeping him at the headquarters will allow him to fight alongside the army, accumulate military merits, and ensure that he will be promoted to a high-ranking position in the future."

"Lord Zhang, we have fought countless battles, enduring countless scars to earn this. Please do not refuse."

The civil and military officials also noticed the growing tension in the hall. Not wanting such a talented individual like Zhang Da to perish, they all tried to persuade him again, but this time, their advice carried a hint of warning.

"I am deeply grateful for the Governor's kindness and the esteemed officials' generosity. I could never repay even a fraction of their favor, even if I were to die a thousand deaths. However... I truly dare not accept this position, nor dare I remain at the headquarters."

After much hesitation, Zhang Da finally refused.

"Oh? And what's your explanation?"

The icy coldness in Yang Sichang's voice was the best response and warning to him.

However, Zhang Da still declined.

"Commander-in-Chief, I have yet to achieve any merit. The great victory at Daning Pass was due to the selfless dedication and valiant fighting of General He and General Zhang, and to your strategic planning and skillful command. I merely offered empty words and engaged in theoretical discussions. Soldiers shed blood, officers fought desperately, and the commander-in-chief made the decisions. I never donned armor, never killed a single enemy soldier, yet I am to be given such a high position and receive such a generous reward. This is unreasonable and will not win the hearts of the troops!"

"Even the soldiers under my command do not receive such treatment. If I rashly accept the post of garrison commander and remain at the headquarters, the soldiers will surely become dissatisfied, believing that the commander-in-chief is biased and unfair in rewards and punishments. If morale collapses, the overall situation of suppressing the bandits will definitely be affected!"

"I, Zhang Da, dare not, for my own sake, disrupt the morale of the army or jeopardize national affairs!"

"Hahaha...hahahahaha..."

Upon hearing this, Yang Sichang burst into laughter. Although it was a hearty laugh, it somehow conveyed an extremely cold and furious feeling.

"What a Zhang Da! What a silver tongue!"

Yang Sichang's expression remained calm, but he spoke through gritted teeth...

Zhang Da was about to speak again when Yang Sichang suddenly gestured for him to shut up...

Then came a moment of silence; no one in the entire hall uttered a single word. Yang Sichang simply stared at Zhang Da, remaining silent for a long time.

Zhang Dagang just gave a comprehensive discussion on the world, stating that the Later Jin was the greatest enemy. What did he mean by saying, "The bandits can be dealt with slowly, but the Later Jin will be urgent"?

I'm afraid this kid has never been loyal to the Ming dynasty, but rather to the traditional Chinese culture and customs.

This used to be fine, but in this world...

Releasing such a person back to Shaoyang would be tantamount to releasing a tiger back into the mountains. Within a few years, he would be able to control central Hunan, establish a regional power, and become a second Zhang Xianzhong—no… certainly even more difficult to deal with than Zhang Xianzhong!

Heavens, why did you give me such great talent, yet your heart is not with me, Da Ming?

In any case, this young man is exceptionally talented, but his ambition is too hidden; he cannot be allowed to run rampant.

If they refuse to submit to the imperial court and remain under the command of the Grand Coordinator, the only option is to kill them to prevent future troubles!

The lobby, where people were just drinking and eating together, is now filled with murderous intent, like a battlefield where thousands are fighting.

Let us drink from this golden cup, for even the sharpest blade will not spare us!

"Zhang Da! Stop saying all that! Quickly agree, and we'll be brothers!"

Inside the hall, some people tried to persuade Zhang Da to change his mind, but Zhang Da remained silent, steadfast in his convictions.

The increasingly intense killing intent made Zhang Da feel that the guards outside the door had already gripped their weapons, waiting only for Yang Sichang's order...

He Renlong, Wan Yuanji, and the others' expressions changed drastically. They all felt the chilling killing intent and wanted to speak up to dissuade them, but Yang Sichang raised his hand to stop them...