Tiger Guards

Chapter 77: Unsure of What to Ask for

"Zhonglang, please look, this is what Wei did!"

Wei's manor, granary.

Qubei pointed at the pile of firewood and said angrily, "They are planning to set fire to the stored grain, which shows how reckless they are. I, the prince, was simply inspired by them, which is why I am threatening you."

There were still traces of the firewood and straw being moved. He pointed at the scattered hay and said, "When the young king occupied this place, he ordered people to move the firewood and straw first, fearing that the people below would act rashly and start a fire that would burn the food!"

Zhao Ji nodded slowly: "Well, it is true that the Right Wise King has been wronged."

Zhao Rui accompanied him and watched Qu Bei speak loudly and act without saying anything.

Qubei led the way and asked Zhao Ji and Zhao Rui to inspect the granaries. He said, "Most of the Wei family's money and goods have been taken away. The young prince only collected a small amount of cloth, clothing, and utensils. There is no further crime."

After inspecting the grain storage in each warehouse, Zhao Ji closed the heavy door before leaving. "Angel, the grain in this warehouse is now in the hands of the imperial court. Please send someone to take over."

Zhao Rui rubbed a handful of old rice in his hand, a look of joy on his face, and asked, "The Tiger Guards have come from afar, do they have enough food?"

"The Tiger Guards carry five days' worth of rations, which should last them another four. Within four days, the imperial court will clear out the government warehouses and the clan's private reserves in Anyi. I believe the Tiger Guards won't be left to starve."

Zhao Ji turned and looked at Bei. "The Right Wise King raised an army to defend the king, but I heard that most of them dispersed. Did they leave because they couldn't get rewards or military funds? They left with a grudge, didn't they?"

"It's a long story."

"Then put it simply."

"Yes, the great families of Hedong have always traded horses, pots, and utensils with various tribes. We all know that the Wei and Fan families are wealthy. We thought that the Wei family, despite our clamor for payment, would understand the court's difficulties and provide us with money and food to alleviate our difficulties. However, we did not expect that the Wei family had selfish motives, and that the loyal followers could not stay away for long. They were concerned about their families, so they gradually returned. They have no grudges."

Qubei explained the reasons and complained: "The Xianbei outside the Great Wall are powerful and brutal, and the tribes are unable to resist. The Han border population is small, and much of the land is unowned. Therefore, we moved into the Great Wall to avoid the Xianbei's aggressiveness. After the tribes moved here, there were many disputes over grazing land. We followed the young king to serve the king, but we received no rewards. Our families and tribes were bullied by our neighbors, and many had their wives, daughters, and brothers abducted. In March, when the grass and trees grow, the competition among the tribes intensifies. The young king is also worried about his people, fearing that they will be annexed by a powerful neighbor."

Zhao Ji was extremely surprised and shouted, his expression almost exaggerating: "Is this really true?"

Qu Bei's expression was heavy: "I dare not hide anything from Zhonglang. My subordinates can all bear witness to this!"

"How can this be possible!"

Zhao Ji raised his hand and patted the shoulder of Qubei, who was five or six inches shorter than him. His expression was solemn. "The Xiongnu righteous men have come to defend the king, and you and I have sworn to heaven and earth to support the court. I cannot sit idly by! We cannot let the Xiongnu righteous men shed blood and tears. I also ask the Right Wise King to submit a memorial to the court, detailing the situation. I will also submit a petition requesting battle. Together, we will establish rules for the Xiongnu tribes!"

He patted Qubei's shoulder again, and Qubei shuddered. Zhao Ji looked at Zhao Rui again and said, "Even the angels have seen this. The court cannot let down any of the loyal warriors. Those scattered Xiongnu tribes are truly disrespectful and must be conquered. Only by allowing the loyal warriors and wise kings to benefit will the various Xiongnu tribes rush to rise up in rebellion and obey the court's orders!"

Zhao Rui knew about Zhao Ji's previous proposal. Although he opposed the emperor's rash decision to lead the army in person, he did not object to Zhao Ji fighting the Huns.

Clearing the roads in Taiyuan is crucial to the court's next development.

He also nodded and said to comfort Qu Bei, "Don't worry, Your Majesty. Zhao Zhonglang is a man of extraordinary talent, no less than the Marquis of Guanjun. He will seek justice for Your Majesty."

Qubei also realized what was happening and was very surprised. He was still trying to refuse: "My talent and virtue are shallow, so I can't control my people. I don't want to burden the court."

Zhao Ji suppressed his smile. "You can't say that. The Right Wise Prince has risen to the throne, so the court should treat him with respect. Those small tribesmen disobeyed the court, which is fine, but they dared to harass the Wise Prince's followers today. Will they join forces with the two thieves Li and Guo tomorrow and plunder the emperor's residence?"

He also looked at Zhao Rui: "Furthermore, the border counties are originally the ancestral lands of the Han Dynasty. Although the population is small due to natural disasters and diseases, how can we allow the Xiongnu to plunder at will? We must clarify the order, compile household registration, and bring them under the official law!"

"Zhonglang has great ambitions, and I admire him."

Zhao Rui took a step back and bowed solemnly: "When I meet the emperor, I will express my wishes as a Zhonglang."

"Thank you, Angel."

Zhao Ji also bowed deeply. Qu Bei was deeply moved by this and bowed to Zhao Rui as well, saying, "I will never forget the support of the imperial court."

Cooperating with Zhao Ji to conquer the various Xiongnu tribes, Qu Bei also developed some expectations.

Anyway, there are not many Han people living on those lands, so it doesn’t matter who uses them.

Zhao Ji devoured some of the hostile and disobedient tribes, so why didn’t he eat any himself?
It doesn't matter if the household is registered. When the tribe grows stronger, it won't be a big deal to separate some people for military service. It's not him who will be serving. "You Xian Wang, obey the will of the court. I will also present a memorial to the emperor."

Zhao Rui also returned the greeting to Qubei, then turned to Zhao Ji and said, "I have completed my mission of delivering the imperial edict and will be reporting back to the court. I wonder if the Minister of Justice has anything else to ask of me?"

Upon hearing this, Zhao Ji looked at Qubei with a hint of apology. Qubei tactfully retreated, and the other petty kings, leaders, and Huben Zhonglang also stepped back.

Zhao Ji said without any hurry: "I will send the angel off."

"Thank you, Zhonglang."

After they had walked a dozen steps, Zhao Rui said, "Zhonglang has made outstanding contributions. The officials at court don't know what Zhonglang likes, but please tell me what is appropriate and what is not. I can also consider it. To be honest, I am from the same clan as Yuan Minggong, and Zhonglang is no stranger to me."

Zhao Ji nodded slowly and said, "The country is in trouble and the countryside is in turmoil. We enlisted as Tiger Guards to seek a way out and to stabilize the country and the people. What is there to talk about official titles?"

Zhao Rui's expression faltered upon hearing this, and he exclaimed in admiration, "It is evident that God has been kind to Lord Yuanming, as he has such a great descendant."

"Thank you, angel."

Zhao Ji said, "If I am granted high office and great rank, what difference will there be between us and Bai Bo's followers? Moreover, if I am suddenly granted high rank and great salary, the court will be in financial difficulty, which will only make the situation worse. If the salaries are not paid, the Tiger Guards will also feel resentful. I have an unreasonable request, but I don't know if it is appropriate."

"Zhonglang said frankly."

"Yes, I would like to ask the Emperor to issue an edict granting me eight hundred Hedong Tiger Guards hereditary succession, from father to son, from elder brother to younger brother."

"This is not difficult. The Tiger Guards and Feathered Guards are like this. How can we talk about rewards? Zhonglang will talk later."

"I have the intention of conquering the Xiongnu, and this is also the wish of the Tiger Guards. However, eight hundred Tiger Guards are inevitably insufficient, so I want to recruit captives and brave men from Hedong to form auxiliary Tiger Guards to assist in the war. The military expenses for the auxiliary troops can be obtained from military settlements or captured spoils."

At this time, Zhao Ji took out a memorial written by Jia Kui and handed it over. "This memorial was written by Jia Kui, the Deputy Minister of the Tiger Guards, and Jia Liangdao of Xiangling, after the traitorous Hou clan was defeated. The gold and silk have been loaded onto the cart and are at Lord Zhao's place. They will arrive soon."

Zhao Rui took it as a regular tribute, but when he opened it, he was immediately stunned: "How could the Hou family be so wealthy?"

"Yes, this is a serious matter. I presented this memorial to Lord Zhao, and he worried that we would fall into the hands of the clan's thieves if we were defeated, so he asked me to carry it close to my person. If we were defeated, I should burn it on the spot to avoid bringing disaster to the court. Now that the Wei and Fan families have been executed, I dare to hand this memorial over to the angel."

Zhao Ji looked solemn, and Zhao Rui nodded slowly. If this memorial was exposed earlier, it would only intensify the conflict.

He folded the silk letter solemnly, kept it close to his body, and said, "Zhonglang, do you have anything to ask?"

"To be honest, I have lived alone in Jishan before, relying on my hunting gains or my family for food and clothing. I have never lacked anything, so I don't know what I lack. I am still young, and if it is possible, I would like the court to grant my father a title and appoint him to a leisurely and noble position."

Zhao Ji frowned in thought, unable to think of what he needed. He smiled helplessly, "If possible, I hope the angel can search for ancient texts for me so that I and the Tiger Guards can study the classics. If there are veteran generals and old ministers who can accompany the camp to explain the art of war, that would really help us out."

Zhao Rui couldn't help but sigh: "If I had a son like Zhonglang, I would die without regrets."

Zhao Ji just smiled modestly. Zhao Rui reached out and grasped Zhao Ji's left hand, shaking their hands, and said, "These are indeed the things that should be done. Opportunities are rare. What else do you need, Zhonglang?"

"This... Wei Zhongjian, son of the Wei family, is the Gongcao we recommended. He is a man of great generosity and integrity, and does not despise his humble origins. He provided strategic assistance during the destruction of the clan rebels, the Hou family, and was truly instrumental. I hope the angels can speak well of him, asking the court for leniency and retaining Wei Zhongjian in the Tiger Guards."

"Zhonglang, these are all trivial matters!"

Zhao Rui was furious, a bit disappointed with his friend: "Should we wait until Lord Zhao comes to court before discussing this?"

"That's fine. I'll explain the art of war to Hu Ben. Angel, please take the trouble to come to the camp tonight and provide us with military advice."

Zhao Rui was completely speechless. He looked at the rotten wood in front of him and said in a serious tone, "Well, I will do my best. Zhonglang, you must not take off your armor or wash tonight. When I came here, the emperor had already expressed his intention to urgently summon Zhonglang."

"Thank you, angel, for your guidance."

Zhao Ji immediately thanked him. Seeing that Zhao Ji wasn't that foolish, Zhao Rui felt a little relieved. "We must also be wary of Qu Bei. He's traveled extensively and escaped unscathed, which shows how cunning he is. If the situation becomes urgent, Zhonglang must not hold back. The court will take care of everything."

"Yes, I understand. I will bring this person with me to pay homage to the Emperor."

(End of this chapter)