Three Kingdoms: A Million Soldiers Grown from the Fields

Chapter 83 The Master Craftsman (An extra 4k words for every reader who commented)

The visitor turned out to be Tong Yuan.

No wonder Zhang Xian wasn't pleasantly surprised. For the past six months, he had begged Tong Yuan countless times to take him down the mountain to settle in Taoyuan so that he could take care of him in his old age.

Upon arriving in this world, Tong Yuan was the first person to treat him like a family member, although this was partly due to the fact that he had saved Tong Yuan.

But that doesn’t stop me from respecting him.

Without Tong Yuan's name card, he wouldn't even be able to enter the Guo family mansion, let alone this Peach Blossom Spring.

He ran over quickly and grabbed Tong Yuan's arm.

He complained, "Master Tong didn't even inform us before going down the mountain. You're practically halfway to your grave. What if something happens to you on the way?"

"You, with that mouth of yours!"

Tong Yuan glared at Zhang Xian with annoyance, but let him help him up.

"Such a big thing has happened. If I don't come down the mountain soon, you'll turn Changshan upside down."

"But you are clever enough not to leave any clues."

"Teacher Tong knows?" Zhang Xian was somewhat surprised. It had only been less than a day, how could it be that what he and his men had done had already been exposed?
“You are half my disciple, how could I not know your abilities? Changshan is not some other place, where would so many bandits come from? The one who can defeat Zhong Tong is no ordinary person. Although he is dull-witted, he is a man who has come from the battlefield, and his skills should not be underestimated.”

Tong Yuan followed Zhang Xian's lead and walked forward, speaking with reason and evidence.

"That doesn't mean I did it. Maybe it was Ayun or Alan. How can Teacher Tong be so sure it was me?"

“Zhong Yixi’s injuries were mostly caused by his domineering power. Although Ayun and Alan can also defeat Zhong Yixi, they were taught by me. Do you think I don’t know how much strength they possess?”

"It is precisely you who originally had no strength, but when you first learned martial arts, you were able to make swords and blades seem like nothing. That's why I feel sorry for you. If you had come a few years earlier, you might have been trained to be like a reincarnation of the Overlord."

“I never imagined that although your bone age is fixed, your strength has never stopped increasing. After the wandering knight sent some news up the mountain, the first person I thought of was you, so I came down to ask. Judging from what you said, it must be you.”

"Teacher Tong tricked me!"

Zhang Xian exclaimed in surprise.

Tong Yuan laughed loudly: "Hahaha, how could it be a trick! It was all based on my own reasonable and well-founded guesses!"

They laughed all the way to the entrance of the main hall, where Han Ji was still waiting.

Zhang Xian helped Tong Yuan over and introduced him.

“Sir, this is Master Tong, who is the teacher of me, Ayun, and Alan.”

"Junior Han Ji Gongzhi has arrived to greet Master Tong." He then prepared to perform a grand salute.

"Hmm, no need, no need. I don't like too many formalities. Your intention is enough."

Tong Yuan pushed Zhang Xian's hand away and stepped forward to stop Han Ji's large bow. Under his iron grip, Han Ji found that he had no ability to resist at all.

Zhang Xian smiled and stepped forward to introduce him again: "This is Han Ji, Han Gongzhi from Nanyang. He is currently serving as a disciple and advisor."

Tong Yuan smiled and nodded: "I have had some dealings with Han Chun from Nanyang before."

"Does Teacher Tong know my grandfather?"

Now it was Han Ji's turn to be surprised.

"Hahaha, when I was young, I traveled around and enjoyed sparring with those skilled in martial arts. When I first arrived in Nanyang, I got into some trouble and thus became acquainted with your grandfather, though it wasn't a very good relationship."

The three entered the main hall. Zhang Xian helped Tong Yuan to sit in the head seat, while he himself sat to Tong Yuan's right.

He summoned a farmer, whispered a few words in his ear, and the farmer bowed and left to receive the order.

There was no tea in Taoyuan, but plain water was always boiled. Zhang Xian took a cup and poured Tong Yuan a glass of cool boiled water, asking, "Master Tong, why don't you stay in Taoyuan after you go down the mountain? Ayun and Alan are both here, so you can train them properly. Besides, it's been a long time since Master Tong has taught me martial arts."

Tong Yuan narrowed his eyes, picked up his cup, took a sip, and nodded: "I had this plan before I came down the mountain. I'm getting old, and the mountain is deserted. I don't know how many more years I can last. Now, the only thing I still care about is the three of you. Before I die, this legacy must be left behind."

"Don't worry, Master Tong. With your disciple here, you won't be allowed to leave until you see Alan and Ayun get married and have children."

Zhang Xian patted his chest to the side.

Tong Yuan was physically strong, but he had suffered many hidden injuries due to his combative nature when he was young. He could easily heal these injuries, and with good health and adequate nutrition, his lifespan naturally increased.

Tong Yuan smiled and shook his head: "Since I know my destiny, I am at peace with myself. Living a long life is not very important. My life has been wonderful enough."

"Alright, let's leave the small talk for later. The reason I came down the mountain this time is to ask you a question: are you truly willing to become my disciple?"

"What are you saying, Master Tong? Wouldn't I already be your disciple?"

Zhang Xian stood up and knelt before Tong Yuan. Although he didn't know why Tong Yuan had asked that question, he truly respected him as a teacher.

"Okay, that one sentence is enough."

Tong Yuan patted Zhang Xian on the shoulder with satisfaction and helped him up.

"Is there a master blacksmith in Peach Blossom Spring?"

He asked again.

Zhang Xian shook his head: "Although there are some blacksmiths, they don't deserve the title of master craftsmen; they can only make some farm tools and short weapons."

"Hmm, I will write a letter later and you can send it to someone. Several master craftsmen should arrive tomorrow morning."

"From now on, come to visit me every day at dawn, and I will teach you the Overlord Halberd."

"only."

Zhang Xian bowed respectfully as a disciple, but he still looked up and asked, "Master Tong, would the master craftsman who has come be willing to stay in Peach Blossom Spring?"

Tong Yuan chuckled and nodded, "You're really targeting me too. Don't worry, they're all my students. I'll have them bring their families."

"Then I'll have to trouble you, Master Tong."

Zhang Xian chuckled contentedly.

After they sat down, the farmer who had been instructed earlier returned, bringing Zhao Yun and Xiahou Lan with him, along with a pottery jar, which he presented to Zhang Xian.

Zhang Xian nodded and said, "Thank you for your hard work. Go and get some rest."

The farmer bowed and left.

Zhao Yun and Xiahou Lan were pleasantly surprised and stepped forward to kowtow.

"Disciple pays homage to teacher."

"Hmm, get up. You've all grown strong, not bad. Come with Zixu tomorrow at dawn to test your martial arts skills."

Then he turned to Zhang Xian and said, "Zixu, I am tired. Please arrange accommodations for me to rest."

"Good job, Master Tong."

Zhang Xian got up and, together with Zhao Yun and Xiahou Lan, busied themselves setting up a thatched hut for Tong Yuan.

After he had settled in, he handed the pottery jar to Xiahou Lan.

"Alan, this is icing sugar. You should mix it with water and give it to Tong Shi to drink every day. Two spoonfuls each time, once a day is sufficient."

He had asked the villagers to fetch this sugar icing, but it was brown sugar, not white sugar. White sugar takes another day to solidify.

As people age, their absorption of nutrients becomes poor. Sugars are a simple and direct way to supplement nutrition, and they can be beneficial as long as they are not overused.

"Understood, Brother Xian." Xiahou Lan nodded. Zhao Yun asked from the side, "Brother Xian, why did our teacher go down the mountain?"

Zhang Xian smiled and said, "He said he came to teach me how to use the Overlord Halberd."

"But it's good that Master Tong has come to Taoyuan. The three of us can be filial to him in the future."

The two nodded.

When they returned to the main hall, only Han Ji was reading there.

Zhang Xian stepped forward and sat down apologetically, saying, "I've kept you waiting, Gongzhi."

Han Ji: "My lord, filial piety is of utmost importance."

Zhang Xian stretched and continued the previous topic: "You mentioned that I want to buy an official position and need someone to introduce me. Do you have anyone in mind? Or is it possible to directly bribe a local county magistrate?"

"If we're talking about a candidate, then it would definitely be our lord's elder brother, the head of the Guo family. But if our lord doesn't want to go through the Guo family's connections, bribing the county magistrate is also an option."

"However, there are risks involved. Honest officials may not like their lord and could even imprison you. Corrupt officials are insatiable and most of the money spent on buying an official position will end up in their pockets. Money is not the most important thing. With the Li family's windfall, the lord has the resources to fill all the official positions except for the Three Dukes and Nine Ministers. The real concern is that these officials will only take the money and not do any work."

Han Ji put down the bamboo slips and spoke word by word.

Zhang Xian nodded, agreeing that this was indeed the case.

If you want something safe and reliable, Guo Huai is the right choice. You won't even have to spend any money on him. Guo Huai has been wanting to recommend him for the civil service examination for a long time.

He didn't know Guo Huai's intentions before, but after Han Ji came and analyzed it for him, he realized that his brother's intention was to invest in someone who could rise to a high position and see if the Guo family could return to the political center of the Han Dynasty.

Even Zhang Xian himself didn't know where his confidence in himself came from.

Perhaps it's true, as Han Ji said, that the Guo family lacks nothing, so they dare to invest in anything that looks decent.

Moreover, he had a past relationship with the Guo family after saving the young master, and his future interactions with the Guo family were also quite good.

The Guo family has indeed provided considerable assistance to Taoyuan in the past six months, and Zhang Xian was able to accomplish many things with their help.

'Shall we take it a step further?'

Going further, the bond between myself and the Guo family will become even stronger; in the future, we will share both prosperity and adversity.

Although having the assistance of a top-tier clan like the Guo family would bring many conveniences, he would have to give up a lot in return.

If the Guo family listens to his advice, that's fine. But if they don't, and they really try to take over the power structure of Taoyuan in the future, should he give it to them or kill them?

Does the Guo family treat me well?
it is good!
There is no doubt about this.

But it was precisely because of this kindness that Guo Huai treated him with sincerity, and Guo Tang treated him with the filial piety of a son and nephew, which is why Guo Tang hesitated to accept Guo Huai's subsequent good intentions.

Others may not know about your own affairs, but surely you yourself understand them?
What he was trying to do was to overthrow the Han dynasty, which was also an act of rebellion and an attempt to destroy the roots of powerful families.

If I were to become completely bound to the Guo family, then whatever I did would be tantamount to an enemy to any aristocratic family.

How will the Guo family handle this situation?

Ugh.

Lets see.

Zhang Xian sighed and stood up: "Gongzhi, the matter of buying the official position is entrusted to you. You can take care of it for now."

"promise."

Han Ji's expression remained unchanged as he bowed and accepted.
-
The next day.

Zhang Xian got up promptly at dawn and went with Zhao Yun and Xiahou Lan to greet Tong Yuan.

After the greetings, Zhang Xian was dismissed and sent aside, while Xiahou Lan and Zhao Yun were tested one by one.

All morning long, the sound of rattan whipping flesh never stopped.

Even Zhao Yun had several red marks showing on his body.

Xiahou Lan was in an even worse situation. His natural talent was not as good as Zhao Yun's, and with so many things happening in Peach Garden, it was normal for his martial arts to decline somewhat.

But Tong Yuan doesn't consider these external factors. If the goal he sets for you isn't achieved, then it isn't achieved, and the whip will naturally be used.

Zhang Xian truly felt sorry for his younger brother Lan. Every time Tong Yuan raised his hand, he would run over and then return with a whip.

Ugh.

Since we cannot let them suffer the consequences, let us share their hardships.

Xiahou Lan was responsible for half of the whipping, so whenever Zhao Yun or Xiahou Lan was whipped, he would run over and get whipped as well.

Putting everything else aside, I managed to max out Xiahou Lan and Zhao Yun's favorability this morning.

If you had a favorability rating field on your character panel, these two would probably be close to maxed out.

Around 8 a.m., the three brothers helped each other leave Tong Yuan's place.

When they parted, the three of them almost hugged each other and cried. How could the old man be so heavy-handed? He showed no mercy when he hit people.

But after crying, the three of them realized that their teacher's whip was not for nothing. Each lash was an experience in fighting enemies, and would be a life-saving method in the future.

Early in the morning, not only did he not learn the Overlord Halberd technique, but he also had more than a dozen whip marks on his body. How can this be justified?

After finishing their morning study session with Tong Yuan, the three brothers went about their own business.

The drills continued in the training ground, followed by agriculture, animal husbandry, and crafts. The affairs of the Li family seemed like fleeting clouds, and Peach Blossom Spring remained as it always was.

At noon, Zhang Xian was informed by the villagers that several people had come from outside Taoyuan, all of them with their families.

He knew in his heart that this must be the master craftsman Tong Yuan had mentioned.

Sure enough, when he went to the village entrance to greet him, the first question the visitor asked was, "Where is Master Tong?"

He led his people to visit the teacher, and then settled them down and created a yellow register.

Taoyuan was already very familiar with this process. First, the pavilion chief would witness it, then the master craftsmen would explain their wandering and wish to settle in Taoyuan, submit their duty rites, and complete the registration in one go, which took less than half an hour.

There were two master craftsmen who came. Tong Yuan introduced them as brothers who had been raised by him when they were young. He originally intended to teach them martial arts, but they ended up learning blacksmithing by chance, so he let them do as they pleased.

Having a skill is better than fighting in the martial world. Later, the two brothers mastered their skills, and Tong Yuan helped them set up their family business. So, although they were called disciples, they were more like adopted sons and adoptive fathers. This is why the two brothers were willing to bring their families with them after receiving a letter from Tong Yuan.

After they were settled, Tong Yuan's first task was to have the two of them work together to forge a forty-pound iron halberd.

This is a job that requires extremely high skill; no wonder the first question Tong Yuan asked yesterday was whether there were any master craftsmen in Peach Blossom Spring.

What is a master craftsman? Only a craftsman whose skills are recognized by the people of a region is qualified to be called a master craftsman.

Their arrival instantly lowered the status of the blacksmith He, who had previously worked at the blacksmith shop. However, after witnessing the skills of the two men, he was immediately delighted and even began to address them as his teachers.

Both master craftsmen shared the same surname as Tong Yuan. One was called Tong Bo, the elder brother, and the other was called Tong Xing, the younger brother.

With the addition of these two, the strength of Taoyuan Blacksmith Shop instantly rose several levels.

Moreover, the two brothers were very receptive to water-forging hammers.

After just over ten minutes of practice, the two of them were able to use it skillfully, instantly increasing their blacksmithing efficiency several times over!
　The book was renamed out of desperation; the grades were so bad that I hoped changing the name would change my fate.

　　
　
(End of this chapter)