Qu Yi led more than twenty riders, galloping on the official road, returning directly to the Qu Family Village.
Recalling what had just happened, it couldn't help but make him think a thousand thoughts.
Last year, when the Yellow Turban rebellion broke out, he took eight hundred First to Ascend and answered the call to follow Colonel Huangfu Song to Ji Province to suppress the rebellion. He originally thought that with his achievements, he could at least secure a position as a regional commander, so that his brothers could rise through the ranks.
Unexpectedly, Huangfu Song was upright and honest, offending Zhang Rang and Zhao Zhong of the Ten Attendants, and was actually demoted, with his achievements also being erased.
Ignoring his family's opposition, he insisted on joining the army. Now that he hasn't earned any fame or achievement, what face does he have to return to Liang Province?
In desperation, he had no choice but to build a manor here and use his family's wealth to support these brothers.
However, the expenses for over eight hundred people were not a small amount. After a few months, he was already struggling financially. He had originally planned to take his brothers to join the army, but none of the commanders in the You and Ji areas could catch his eye.
He had originally held a glimmer of hope for that 'White Horse General' Gongsun Zan. But two months ago, he personally went to You Province to visit and was met with a cold reception. Moreover, Gongsun Zan was arrogant, thinking his White Horse义Cong were incredibly powerful, and boasted about them extensively.
But upon seeing them, he couldn't help but be greatly disappointed. What White Horse义Cong? His eight hundred First to Ascend were enough to wipe them out!
If these brothers of his were to serve such people, wouldn't it be like casting pearls before swine?
Fortunately, he met Zhang Chen today. But then again, he had never met him before, so why would the other party do this?
Just as he was pondering, he heard a young officer beside him say, "General, why was that Zhang Gongzi so generous today, even offering to provide us with grain and fodder?"
Upon hearing this, Qu Yi couldn't help but ponder in secret.
Although Zhang Chen said it was due to the favor of being rescued, Qu Yi knew in his heart that by the time he brought his men, the two of them had already controlled the situation. Even if he hadn't intervened, those bandits wouldn't have fared well.
Could he be acting like this to show goodwill towards me? But he is just a merchant, why would he do this?
Forget it, no matter what, I owe him a favor. Moreover, just now I saw that his eyes were clear, not like he was being deceitful.
Immediately, Qu Yi beckoned and said to the young officer beside him, "Spread the word. Tell the mountain bandits and horse bandits in these ten li and eight li that Zhang Zifan of Guangping County is my, Qu's, brother. Tell them to keep their eyes open. If anyone dares to trouble him, I, General, will be the first to wipe them out!"
"Understood!"
...
After seeing Qu Yi and his group off, Zhang Chen and Gao Shun also returned directly to Guangping County. The carriage had been damaged, so Gao Shun unhitched the horse and wanted to take Zhang Chen with him. However, Zhang Chen really couldn't accept two grown men riding the same horse, so the two had no choice but to walk back.
Along the way, Zhang Chen was silent, lost in thought.
The purpose of this trip had been achieved, and the gains were considerable. Not only had he gained Qu Yi's goodwill, but he had also forged a connection with him through the matter of gifting grain.
For the next period of time, it would depend on Steward Wu's abilities. Accumulate wealth, perform good deeds, win the hearts of the people, and when the time is right, take over the county town in one fell swoop.
With a county as a base, he could widely accumulate money and grain, and then recruit soldiers and buy horses to pursue great ambitions! As for the Huang Family, they were just insignificant clowns. When he had time, he would eliminate them first!
Hmm, speaking of winning the hearts of the people, father used to give generously. On the first and fifteenth of every month, he would open a porridge kitchen to provide relief to passing refugees.
Since father passed away, this matter was put on hold for a time. Now that the Zhang Family's predicament has been resolved, it is time to put this matter back on the agenda.
When I return today, I will discuss this matter with Steward Wu.
Zhang Chen secretly made up his mind.
After walking for more than an hour, approaching noon, the two finally returned to the Zhang Family residence.
The journey was at least ten li. Gao Shun had martial arts skills, so he was naturally fine. Although Zhang Chen had the 【Superhuman Strength】 trait, he was still not as good as Gao Shun. At this time, his legs were weak from exhaustion, and he was dripping with sweat.
Ping'er had been waiting here early. Seeing Zhang Chen return, she quickly handed over a silk handkerchief and offered tea.
Zhang Chen picked up the teacup and drank it all in one gulp, like a cow drinking water. Gao Shun and Ping'er on the side couldn't help but laugh.
"Gongzi, are you alright?" Gao Shun asked with a smile.
"I'm fine, I'm fine," Zhang Chen said, wiping the sweat from his forehead with the silk handkerchief.
Gao Shun then added, "Just now, when I was fighting with those bandits, I observed that although Gongzi has strength, he lacks techniques and form. I presume Gongzi has not practiced martial arts. Please forgive my bluntness, Gongzi's killing of a few bandits today was purely by chance. If you encounter a master, fighting like this will surely lead to defeat!"
Zhang Chen nodded and said, "Xiaofu is right. I am also troubled by this matter. Brother Gao is highly skilled in martial arts. I wonder if you could give me some pointers?"
Upon hearing this, Gao Shun couldn't help but ask in surprise, "Gongzi is a merchant, why do you want to learn martial arts?"
Zhang Chen smiled slightly and said, "Being a merchant today does not necessarily mean being a merchant tomorrow. We are born in chaotic times. A true man should wield a three-foot sword and achieve immortal feats!"
Gao Shun was slightly startled upon hearing this. He felt that the person in front of him seemed to possess an unusual aura.
After a while, Gao Shun finally said, "What does Gongzi want to learn? Sabre, spear, sword, halberd, or archery and horsemanship?"
Zhang Chen thought for a moment and said, "Archery and horsemanship must be learned. Besides that, I also want to practice one weapon."
Gao Shun couldn't help but laugh and said, "What Gongzi wants to learn is not what a merchant needs, but rather what a General fighting on the battlefield needs."
"Xiaofu, you are skilled in archery and horsemanship, and proficient in eighteen kinds of weapons. Do you want to fight on the battlefield in the future and become a General who shakes all directions?"
???
Gao Shun was stunned upon hearing this.
He had practiced martial arts since he was young and indeed hoped to make a name for himself and achieve great deeds one day. Unfortunately, the court was corrupt, selling offices and titles. Capable people like him had no way to serve the country. Whenever he thought of this, he couldn't help but feel sorrow.
Zhang Chen seemed to have seen through his thoughts and said, "Xiaofu, don't worry. Since ancient times, circumstances create heroes. After the Yellow Turban, chaos has already appeared, and the Han Dynasty is in precarious danger. Within a few years, the world will surely fall apart. At that time, it will be the time for you and me to achieve great deeds!"
"Gongzi, you..." Gao Shun was astonished. He had never thought that these words would come from the mouth of a merchant.
Aren't merchants only concerned with seeking wealth and profit? Why is the person in front of him so different?
Gao Shun's heart seemed to be slightly moved. If he was grateful to Zhang Chen before, now, he actually felt a hint of admiration.
This person has lofty ambitions and unique insights into the current situation. He is definitely not someone to be underestimated!
"Gongzi, learning martial arts is not something that can be accomplished overnight. I wonder if Gongzi is willing to endure hardship?"
"If Brother Gao is willing to teach, I will learn with all my might. Even if there are a thousand hardships, I will not change my mind!"
Zhang Chen looked at Gao Shun, his eyes filled with unwavering determination.
Looking at Zhang Chen's gaze, Gao Shun's heart inexplicably stirred. He immediately cupped his hands and said, "Since that is the case, I will teach everything I know. However, I wonder, Gongzi, what weapon do you plan to practice?"
Zhang Chen thought for a moment and said, "The ancients said that the spear is the ancestor of all weapons. I will learn spear techniques!"
"Alright, then starting tomorrow, I will teach Gongzi spear techniques. Please come to the courtyard at the third quarter of the hour of the Hare. Do not be late."
Zhang Chen was overjoyed upon hearing this. He immediately bowed and said, "In that case, since Brother Gao is my teacher, please accept a bow from Zifan!"
