Three Kingdoms: Madam, I am a decent person

Chapter 793, Side Story 1: Zou Shi, Zhang Xiu, and Jia Xu (Part 1)

February 10th, the seventh year of Jian'an.

Xudu.

The General's Mansion.

Zhang Sui was accompanying Fu Shou as she painted in the backyard of the mansion.

Since returning from Qu'a, Zhang Sui and Fu Shou have been inseparable for quite some time.

At this moment, Fu Shou sat next to Zhang Sui, watching Zhang Sui quickly draw a picture. A helpless expression appeared on her pretty face.

Is this man really the omnipotent general?
Why is it that he always has the same old thoughts on his mind?
Zhang Sui could tell what Fu Shou was thinking just by looking at her disdainful expression.

Over the years, he has seen this expression too many times on women like Yuan Mi, Lü Wen, and Sun Ren.

But so what?
That night, he was still very close with them.

Grabbing Fu Shou's small hand and placing it on his abdomen, Zhang Sui chuckled, "While no one's around, my beauty, let's..."

Fu Shou shook her head.

How could this man, a complete lecher, achieve such great success?

With her small hand covering Zhang Sui's abdomen, Fu Shou said softly, "Don't keep thinking about these things."

"You are, after all, a great general, and will soon be enfeoffed as the Prince of Ji."

"You need to get the government affairs under control."

"Master Tian is so old, if you make him do this, he'll be exhausted sooner or later."

Zhang Sui scoffed and said, "I didn't say he was the only one doing it."

"Aren't Lu Xun and those young guys all here?"

"Why did I bring Lu Xun and these youngsters from Ye City?"

"You really think we're sending them to the battlefield to watch a show?"

Fu Shou then smiled and said, "Alright, what you said makes sense."

Looking at Fu Shouyan's radiant smile, Zhang Sui pinched her delicate chin with his right hand and gently kissed her red lips, his breathing slightly rapid as he said, "Baby, hurry up."

Fu Shou responded softly.

Just then, a series of hurried footsteps sounded outside, getting closer and closer.

Zhang Sui: "."

Nima!

Who is it that would interrupt my good time at this hour?

Fu Shou withdrew her small hand, stood up with a smile, and walked inside, saying, "It's not my fault."

As Zhang Sui watched Fu Shou leave, he quickly grabbed a handful of Fu Shou's buttocks.

Fu Shou turned around, not knowing whether to laugh or cry.

I'm pregnant during this period.
It seems I need to find someone to find him one or two beautiful women.

Before Fu Shou could even enter the house, Qin Lang rushed in and exclaimed, "My lord!"

Zhang Sui hung his head.

Since returning to Qu'a, after Qin Lang had Lu Xun work as an assistant under Tian Feng, he was transferred to work under him as well.

He was originally a very clever child.

He was the one who helped me get together with his mother, Madam Du.

But why is he so annoying now?
Qin Lang saw that Zhang Sui looked somewhat listless, and his little face showed a bit of helplessness.

Zhang Sui let out a breath, forced a smile, and said, "Speak, what is it?"

Qin Lang then said, "Xi Zhicai wants you to come over, my lord. He says he has something good to give you."

Zhang Sui stood up in confusion.

This was the first time Xi Zhicai had offered to give him something since he had known him.

He still has to go there.

Zhang Sui pursed his lips.

What could be better than letting Fu Shou be intimate with you once?

Despite saying that, Zhang Sui still stood up and walked out.

When they arrived at Xi Zhicai's residence, Xi Zhicai was already waiting at the door.

However, besides Xi Zhicai, there was also a burly man with a rugged face and a strong physique.

It has a Pound-like feel to it.

Five days ago, Ma Chao, who had wandered to Hanzhong, surrendered with Ma Dai and Pang De, and then arrived in Xudu.

Compared to their previous meeting at Jiguan Pass, Ma Chao, Ma Dai, and Pang De all looked much more weathered.

Even with all that wear and tear, he still couldn't compare to the burly man before him.

The big man was talking to Xi Zhicai when he saw Zhang Sui riding Sun Wukong over. He immediately stopped talking, looking somewhat flustered and nervous.

Zhang Sui was quite curious.

Who is this big man, and why is he so afraid of me?
Even from a distance, Zhang Sui asked, "Are you from Liangzhou, brave warrior?"

Xi Zhicai nodded to the big man.

The burly man hurriedly replied, "General, I am Zhang Xiu from Wuwei, Liangzhou."

“We have seen the General who served the emperor on behalf of Yuan Shao in the past.”

"At that time, the general was high above, while I followed my uncle in the crowd. I was deeply impressed by the general's demeanor."

Zhang Sui was quite surprised.

Unexpectedly, this burly man was Zhang Xiu!

Zhang Xiu's ending in history was not good.

Although Cao Cao did not kill him after his second surrender, Cao Cao was still a hypocrite. He gave him a nominal promotion but a demotion in reality, leaving him with no real power and effectively sidelining him.

Afterwards, Cao Pi invited him to drink alone and bluntly told him that Zhang Xiu had killed his elder brother Cao Ang.

Although nothing was said afterward.

However, it carries a strong sense of threat.

Not long after, Zhang Xiu died of illness.

His son inherited the title, but was eventually executed.

Seeing Zhang Xiu's tense appearance, Zhang Sui reined in his horse, handed it to his personal guard, and quickly went to meet him. He helped Zhang Xiu, who was saluting him, to his feet and said with a smile to Xi Zhicai, "The gift you gave me, General Zhang Xiu?"

Looking at Zhang Xiu again, Zhang Sui said, "Speaking of which, you, Zhao Yun, and I are considered fellow disciples."

"Zhao Yun was personally taught by Master Tong Yuan."

"I was taught spearmanship by Master Tong Yuan, who then taught me spearmanship."

"It can be considered a continuation of the same lineage."

Zhang Xiu was overjoyed.

This Jia Xu has a sharp eye.

Bringing up the old master's name not only pleases Zhao Yun, but also the general.

Then I'll be safe.

Thinking of her aunt, Zou Shi, Zhang Xiu quickly glanced at Zhang Sui, the man in front of her.

Although his appearance is not particularly outstanding, his status, his temperament, and the fact that he is a rather gentle person are all remarkable.

It wouldn't be bad if his aunt could really entrust the rest of her life to him.

Thinking of this, Zhang Xiu smiled and said, "The General is absolutely right."

"That's what I thought too, so when Cao Cao and the General started fighting at Guandu, I secretly returned to Xuchang, quietly took my family away, and wanted to join the General."

"However, no one expected that when I rushed to Ye City, Mu Zhong had already been captured by Military Advisor Xi."

Looking back at Xi Zhicai who was walking up, Zhang Xiu praised, "The General has too many excellent and fierce generals under his command, each one a great talent."

Xi Zhicai stopped in front of Zhang Xiu and said to Zhang Sui with a smile, "My lord, General Zhang is worried that you will not accept him."

Zhang Sui reached out and pressed Zhang Xiu's shoulder, saying, "You haven't done anything excessive, and besides, we're practically fellow disciples, right? How can we not accept you?"

Looking at the personal guards following behind him, Zhang Sui said, "Find General Zhao Yun and tell him that General Zhang Xiu has arrived. We are all fellow disciples, so let's have a meal together at Zhicai's place tonight and get together."

The guard responded and quickly left.

Zhang Xiu's eyes reddened as he listened to Zhang Sui's arrangement.

He used to live in constant fear under Cao Cao.

Although Cao Cao treated him with courtesy on the surface, and even gave him a reward of a thousand households, which was the highest reward given to a general outside of his relatives and generals.

However, he was often surrounded by people from the School Affairs Office.

His soldiers were also transferred away, leaving him only the old, weak, sick and disabled veterans from Wuwei.

He dared not sleep every day, fearing that Cao Cao would suddenly give an order to have him assassinated while he slept.

He has come here now, yet he has not accomplished anything, but he has received such treatment!

Seeing Zhang Xiu's appearance, Xi Zhicai joked, "A real man shouldn't cry! Once you've served under our lord for a while, you'll know that he's a very easy person to get along with."

Zhang Xiu then wiped his eyes and hurriedly said, "I'm sorry to have made you laugh, General."

Xi Zhicai gestured for Zhang Sui and Zhang Xiu to enter.

The three of them walked into the house.

Xi Zhicai had already prepared tea and pastries.

Zhang Sui sat down and asked Xi Zhicai curiously, "If the gift you gave me today wasn't General Zhang, then what was it? Don't keep me in suspense."

Xi Zhicai smiled smugly and said, "It's not appropriate to show it yet."

"After the banquet, take the lord to get it immediately, and I guarantee the lord will be satisfied."

Zhang Sui felt somewhat helpless.

This Xi Zhicai likes to keep things in suspense, which he hates the most.

Zhang Sui could only chat with Zhang Xiu.

Zhang Xiu was not good at talking, so he didn't speak unless Zhang asked.

Zhang Sui could only take the initiative to inquire about matters related to Liangzhou.

Zhang Xiu, on the other hand, knew it very well.

There has never been peace in Liangzhou since ancient times.

Although the Qiang people had long since submitted to the Han Dynasty, they still rebelled from time to time.

Aside from the scourge of the Qiang people, the Protectorate of the Western Regions had long been a mere shell of its former self, with the Kushan Empire and Kangju frequently sending troops to invade.

The Hexi Corridor was also abandoned, and Han Chinese caravans dared not go there anymore.

Caravans were often looted as soon as they passed by.

It was one thing if the goods were stolen, but all the men in the caravan were beheaded, and their heads were made into handicrafts such as wine vessels.

Women were either sold like livestock or raped during the day and eaten at night.

Zhang Xiu sighed, "In my younger days, I thought I would serve the court and lead a large army to fight back."

"Who knew the court would fall into such chaos later?"

"The imperial court doesn't care about that place at all."

“The governor of Liangzhou completely ignored the matter.”

"He even became close friends with the leaders of the rebellious Qiang tribes, the invading generals of the Kushan Empire and Kangju."

Looking at Zhang Sui, Zhang Xiu's eyes gleamed with hope as he said, "General, now that all our formidable enemies have been wiped out, has the court considered reopening the Hexi Corridor, or even advancing westward into the Kushan Empire?"

"The armies of the Kushan Empire and Kangju may seem fierce, but they are actually quite vulnerable."

"If we send cavalry over there, with the might of our court, we will surely be able to repel them."

Just then, a voice came from outside the door: "Is there going to be another war? Where will it be this time?"

Zhang Sui, Zhang Xiu, and Xi Zhicai all looked over.

Zhao Yun was seen walking briskly in from outside.

Xi Zhicai said to Zhang Xiu, "General Zhang, this is General Zhao!"

Zhang Xiu hurriedly stood up and asked excitedly, "You, you are Junior Brother Zhao Zilong?"

Zhao Yun looked at Zhang Xiu with suspicion.

Xi Zhicai said, "This is Zhang Xiu from Wuwei, the eldest disciple of Master Tong Yuan."

Zhao Yun was taken aback for a moment, then hurriedly bowed and said, "Zhao Yun greets Senior Brother!"

Zhang Xiu grasped Zhao Yun's arm, stopping him from bowing, and said with red eyes, "Junior Brother is indeed extremely strong. No wonder Master is so old, yet he still wants to take you as his disciple."

Zhao Yun smiled.

Zhang Xiu then asked, "Where did Master go after that?"

Zhao Yun sighed and said, "He is in Changshan."

"He eventually lived in Zhending County, Changshan Prefecture, where he took in a group of disciples and taught them spear techniques."

"After that, he will leave."

"When I took him to school, he tripped and fell, and then he was bedridden."

“He didn’t want to be disturbed, so I didn’t tell anyone else.”

"He passed away just five days later."

"I buried him in my family's ancestral graveyard."

Hearing Zhao Yun say this, Zhang Xiu sighed deeply and said, "Very well."

“Master has no children, so it’s not bad that you, junior brother, are there to see him off in his final days.”

Zhao Yun hummed in agreement.

Zhang Sui asked Zhao Yun to sit down.

Xi Zhicai then had the maids in the mansion bring over wine and dishes.

The four of them sat around the four corner square and started chatting.

Zhang Xiu was not good at talking before, but when he talked to Zhao Yun about training in spear techniques with Tong Yuan, he spoke eloquently, spitting as he spoke.

Zhao Yun would occasionally chime in, recounting his experiences training with Tong Yuan.

The four of them ate until midnight before parting ways.

Zhao Yun and Zhang Xiu were already completely drunk.

Zhao Yun rarely got this drunk.

Xi Zhicai arranged for Zhao Yun and Zhang Xiu to stay at the mansion.

Zhang Sui didn't drink too much.

He's going back.

But then Xi Zhicai beckoned to him and said with a mysterious smile, "My lord, a gift!"

Zhang Sui then followed Xi Zhicai away out of curiosity.

Xi Zhicai led Zhang Sui deep into the backyard and had Zhang Sui push open the door and enter.

Xi Zhicai didn't follow him inside, but instead chuckled softly, "You'll know once you go in, my lord. It's getting late, I'm going to sleep now."

With that, he closed the door.

Zhang Sui looked at the door being closed, somewhat suspicious.

What is Xi Zhicai's gift?
Could she be a beautiful woman?

When he slept with Xu Lan, he swore that she would be his last woman.

I already have a ton of women, so there's no need for another one.

Even so, Zhang Sui still walked into the house from the entrance hall.

Zhang Sui walked along, clicking his tongue in amazement.

Xi Zhicai is quite good at dressing up.

The entire room was decorated in a very elegant and luxurious style, but it did not feel extravagant.

Xi Zhicai is very good at understanding people's hearts, knows how to read between the lines, and knows that he doesn't like extravagance and waste.

From the entrance hall all the way into the room.

The room was dimly lit, creating a very hazy atmosphere.

A screen stands in front of the bed.

Several paintings are painted on the screen.

Zhang Sui: "."

Could it be that Xi Zhicai really sent a beautiful woman to her?

Zhang Sui stepped over the screen: "."

Sure enough, a beautiful woman was sitting on the edge of the bed behind the screen.

The beauty looked to be in her early twenties, with delicate, arched eyebrows and a high, full bust.

At this moment, her two slender, fair hands were intertwined and placed on her abdomen.

Her skin is very, very white.

Bathed in the soft glow of the lights, it evokes the feeling of a fairy in a dream.

She looked over when Zhang Sui stepped over the screen.

Those slightly raised eyes were like ripples in autumn water, or like peonies waiting to be picked.

(End of this chapter)