Chapter 519: The Zhao Father and Son

At the Guo residence, while Guo Wei was with his son and son-in-law, planning for the future, in another mansion, Zhao Hongyin and his son Zhao Kuangyin were also conversing by candlelight. But compared to the atmosphere at the Guo residence, the mood between the Zhao father and son was far more relaxed.

The Zhao mansion was situated in the northeast of the Eastern Capital, fairly far from the imperial city, but close to the Northern Market, separated by only one ward. On ordinary days, standing in the mansion's pavilion, one could gaze upon the bustling scene of the market. The entire estate was not particularly vast, quite ordinary in fact, as if reflecting the Zhao family's standing in the Northern Han court.

The household, however, was not small in number. Besides family members, counting servants and retainers, the household numbered over sixty mouths in all. In the past two years, Zhao Hongyin and his son had successively served in posts away from home, and the household affairs had been managed by Zhao's mother, Lady Du, who also educated the children, maintaining a strict family tradition.

Whether it was Guo Wei, Zhao Hongyin, or even Guo Rong and Zhao Kuangyin, the achievements they made in their careers in the original history all depended on having a virtuous wife and good mother—such was their fortune.

In the winter of the third year of Qianyou, Zhao Hongyin received an imperial edict to lead troops in following Zhe Congruan to campaign against the rebel barbarians in the northwest, and he was away for a full year. It was not until last year, before Liu Chengyou's imperial tour to Huainan, that the matter came to a conclusion—the two barbarian tribes, Slaughtering Ox and Wild Pheasant, successively submitted.

After a year of campaigning abroad, enduring battle and bitter cold, he only returned after spring had begun, carrying a body full of dust and several scars, and had been recuperating in the Eastern Capital ever since.

Zhao Hongyin was valiant, strong-willed, stern yet magnanimous, and had a great influence on Zhao Kuangyin, who in turn held great respect for his father. Having returned home together, he personally attended to him.

"My son has been away for three years, and now that you have returned, you have already achieved great merit and made such a name for yourself!" Looking at Zhao Kuangyin, Zhao Hongyin's tone showed no visible ripple, but the satisfaction in his eyes overflowed beyond words.

"Without my father's teachings, how could I have what I have today!" Before his father, Zhao Kuangyin appeared extremely deferential.

Waving his hand, Zhao Hongyin said, "Since you were young, you have wandered alone through the rivers and lakes, through war and chaos, drifting through troubled times, enduring all their hardships, and only thus have you come to where you are today. In the end, this still relies on my son's own talent!"

Hearing Zhao Hongyin's words, Zhao Kuangyin seemed to recall those difficult days of wandering through prefectures, living under others' roofs, broadening his knowledge, and tempering his will.

"Though I had some military merit in Huainan this time, was I the only one in the army to do so?" Coming back to himself, Zhao Kuangyin said.

"Not arrogant, not restless—very good!" Zhao Hongyin could not help but nod, even more satisfied with his second son's maturity.

Perhaps his emotions were somewhat stirred, for Zhao Hongyin could not help but cough heavily several times. Seeing this, Zhao Kuangyin hurried forward to pat his back: "Father, you must take care of your health!"

Shaking his head, Zhao Hongyin wore a look of magnanimity: "I've fought wars all my life, and my body carries many accumulated wounds. These are only old ailments, nothing to worry about. We military men sell our lives in battle, and only thus have we obtained our high gates and noble ranks!

This time, you and I, father and son, have used force and merit to secure a future in this Great Han dynasty—a place for our Zhao family among the military and political affairs!"

"Father, why do you bring this up?" Zhao Kuangyin was somewhat surprised by Zhao Hongyin's sigh.

Zhao Hongyin looked at Zhao Kuangyin and said with some gravity: "Your father is but a mere martial man with shallow knowledge, yet having served in the army for thirty years, through three dynasties and decades of worldly change, I have gained something after all.

As I see it, the current Son of Heaven of the Great Han is no less wise and brilliant than Emperor Zhuangzong or Emperor Mingzong of old. More importantly, the Son of Heaven is still young, in the prime of his years, and having succeeded to the throne only a few years ago, he has already achieved such accomplishments.

When a great sovereign emerges and the state is stable, with few internal troubles, external worries are sure to be addressed. If nothing unexpected happens, in your father's view, perhaps within not too many years, the realm will be reunified!"

"Our Zhao family has no great ambitions, but at this time of great change, we cannot help but have some thoughts—to seize the opportunity and secure long-lasting favor and blessing for our descendants!" Zhao Hongyin said, his face full of emotion: "Your father is useless. At my age, I am still but a man of slaughter, unable to provide you much help..."

"Father, do not speak thus!" Zhao Kuangyin gently stroked his father's hand and said solemnly: "Everything I am comes from my father; your grace is as high as heaven. How could I seek anything more! Moreover, fame, rank, and wealth—I need only win them with my own two hands!"

"Haha! My son's bold aspirations will surely bear fruit!" Slapping Zhao Kuangyin's shoulder forcefully, Zhao Hongyin said: "It's only a pity that the Zhao family is thin on members now, and your younger brothers have not yet grown up. Otherwise, they could be some help, supporting one another. In the future, this burden of our Zhao family will have to be carried on your shoulders alone..."

While the Zhao father and son were conversing, a youth suddenly poked his head in from outside the door, peering inside. His hair was not yet bound up, his features still youthful, but his eyes held a clever glint.

The newcomer was Zhao Hongyin's third son, Zhao Kuangyi, now only thirteen or fourteen years old. Like Zhao Kuangyin, he had grown up in the military camps, was quite intelligent, and under the education of his mother, Lady Du, he stood out even more.

Seeing his third son, Zhao Hongyin beckoned to him: "Sanlang, come in!"

Only upon receiving permission did Zhao Kuangyi enter, then properly saluted his father and elder brother: "Father, Second Brother!"

"Sit!" Zhao Hongyin's face bore the smile of a strict father as he pointed to a seat and said to him.

Zhao Kuangyin, watching his third brother from the side, smiled: "Haven't seen you in a few years—Third Brother has grown up!"

"Father, Second Brother, what are you talking about?" At this time, Zhao Kuangyi held some awe for his father and elder brother, but unable to suppress his youthful curiosity, he asked.

"Nothing much—just discussing the battles in Huainan!" Zhao Kuangyin said.

Hearing this, Zhao Kuangyi's eyes immediately lit up. They rolled cleverly a few times, and he looked at Zhao Kuangyin expectantly: "Second Brother, could you tell me about it? Lately I've also studied a book on military strategy and have a rough grasp of the art of war. Perhaps we could discuss military tactics—please enlighten me, Second Brother!"

"At such a young age, so arrogant!" Zhao Hongyin immediately rebuked: "Having read one book on military strategy, you dare claim to know the art of war? You don't know your own limits!"

Scolded, Zhao Kuangyi's face immediately fell. Seeing this, Zhao Kuangyin said to his father: "Father, calm your anger. Sanlang's eagerness to learn is already commendable. As his elder brother, I have only the duty to teach!"

Only then did Zhao Hongyin's expression soften. Looking at his third son, he asked: "What have you come here for?"

At the question, Zhao Kuangyi snapped back to attention and said: "It's getting late. Mother sent me to ask whether Father and Second Brother have finished talking. The prepared evening meal is about to get cold..."

At this, even Zhao Hongyin could not sit still, and hurried with the two brothers toward the main hall. Though Zhao Hongyin was the head of the household, in the mansion Lady Du's word was in fact law, and he held great respect for his wife.

Zhao Kuangyin had returned to the mansion rather late to begin with, and had then talked at length with his father. In the deep silence of the night, when others had all retired, Zhao Hongyin's family was warm and harmonious, sharing a family feast together.

……

In a ward at the southeastern foot of the imperial city stood a noble residence, its plaque bearing the character "Wang"—the mansion of Wang Zhang, the State Finance Commissioner. Though he still held his post at the State Finance Commission, a year and a half had already passed with Wang Zhang having completely neglected governmental affairs.

Wang Zhang now lay on his sickbed, spending his days in the company of medicine and herbs, his complexion withered, clearly looking like a lamp about to run out of oil.

His daughter and her husband Zhang Yisu were at this moment kneeling before the bed, somewhat sorrowful.

Though Wang Zhang appeared to struggle, his tone was still fairly calm, and he wasted no words, directly instructing Zhang Yisu: "With this broken, ailing body, I fear I cannot hold on much longer. After I die, there will be no one left in the court to protect you.

I have no sons, only a daughter. You are my son-in-law, and the small title and estate I have earned—I entrust them all to you!"

Speaking, Wang Zhang paused, gasping heavily, looking utterly spent of strength. To hear him speak, it was as if he were making his last testament.

Lady Wang wept softly at his side, and Zhang Yisu's expression was also moved: "Father-in-law, why do you speak thus? Please rest and recuperate in peace, and worry about nothing else!"

"I am already stricken beyond cure—no medicine can save me!" Wang Zhang seemed to take it lightly, and asked Zhang Yisu: "Do you know why I had you accompany the campaign to Huainan this time?"

Zhang Yisu bowed: "Please enlighten me, Father-in-law!"

Wang Zhang said slowly: "You may not have the talent to govern a state, but your strength lies in being steady, humble, and cautious, with little desire to contend or climb. While I live, your advancement is unimpeded; when I am gone, that is truly a concern.

This time, I staked my old face to have you serve close to the Son of Heaven."

As he spoke, Wang Zhang's withered hand gripped his son-in-law's hand tightly, and he said gravely: "You must remember one thing: in serving as an official and doing your work at court, devote yourself wholeheartedly to the Son of Heaven, act according to the edicts, and harbor no other thoughts—this will ensure your safety and prosperity..."