After Pei Lian and her entourage left, Xiang Da and Ye Mancang poked fun at Zhao Jingwen for a bit. Affairs of the heart were trivial matters in the eyes of men. One must know that men often visited brothels together, as was custom since ancient times. Besides, Zhao Jingwen hadn't done anything indecent, he just happened to attract the admiring gaze of young maidens, how could one blame him for that? On the contrary, Zhao Jingwen spoke sternly, "Stop that nonsense."
Xiang Da coughed and stroked his nose, "Alright."
Ye Mancang giggled.
The three men then discussed the Pei family of Fang Prefecture.
Xiang Da admired, "The soldiers are impressive."
Zhao Jingwen said, "I wonder if I'll have the chance to get acquainted."
Ye Mancang said, "That little maiden is clearly doted on by her family. If they have any sense of propriety, they should come to thank us."
Sure enough, not long after he said this, the little boy came again.
This time, Pei Dingxi brought gifts to express gratitude: "Brother Zhao, your chivalrous deed is greatly appreciated by my father, who specially sent me to convey thanks."
After exchanging pleasantries, Zhao Jingwen invited him to sit as host and guest, and said, "Your esteemed father is too kind."
He politely declined at first before accepting the gifts.
After chatting with Pei Dingxi for a bit, he revealed his purpose: "My father is impressed by Brother Zhao's youthful heroism and wishes to meet you in person. He sent me to cordially invite Brother Zhao to Fangling for a gathering. I hope Brother Zhao will honor us with his presence."
Zhao Jingwen had wanted to be acquainted with the Pei family of Fang Prefecture for some time now, and had worried there would be no opportunity. The pillow came just as he felt sleepy.
Hearing this, he was overjoyed and said, "You do me too much honor. I'm willing to go to Fangling and pay my respects to Master Pei."
With mutual intention, it was settled smoothly.
The next day, Zhao Jingwen brought Xiang Da and guards to accompany Pei Dingxi to Fangling.
Along the way, he observed that the livelihoods of Fang Prefecture's citizens seemed somewhat bleak. It couldn't be called downtrodden, just lacking the sense of stability and prosperity of Deng Prefecture.
However, Fang Prefecture had elite soldiers.
It was plainly visible that the guards accompanying the young Pei maiden and her brother were well-trained troops.
Of course, guards protecting nobles were more elite than common soldiers, but if everyone was a midget, one still couldn't pick out a general.
Or at the very least, Fang Prefecture had talented people who could train elite soldiers.
It wasn't difficult to glean information from a child's mouth.
On the journey, Zhao Jingwen got a basic grasp of the Pei family's circumstances: the Pei family had a son and daughter, the daughter was the elder while the son was still young. Additionally, there were a few adopted sons.
He asked, "Brother He Lian I met previously is also an adopted son of your esteemed father?"
Pei Dingxi vaguely affirmed, "Mm-hmm."
Calling off engagements reflected poorly on both men and women, better not to mention it if possible.
Upon entering Fang Prefecture, seeing with his own eyes, Zhao Jingwen affirmed that Fang Prefecture indeed had elite soldiers. Those guards were not just randomly picked from the bunch.
This shed some light on things.
Because he was currently also in the process of training his own troops independently from the Ye family stronghold, he deeply understood how expensive provisions for soldiers were. The Pei family trained elite troops, so their spending must be even more massive than the Ye family's. Otherwise they really wouldn't be able to afford it.
Upon entering the Pei manor, he met Pei Lian and Pei Dingxi's father, Pei Ze.
Pei Lian and Pei Dingxi's features were exquisitely refined, so Zhao Jingwen had expected Pei Ze to also be blessed with fine looks. But actually seeing him still astonished Zhao Jingwen.
Pei Ze's countenance and bearing were too outstanding, every move bespoke his noble lineage.
Previously, Zhao Jingwen had thought the young masters of the Ye family were already quite noble.
Compared to Pei Ze however, the Ye family youths instantly became country squires.
After all, the Pei family had ruled Jian'nan for three generations. Pei Ze was born amid luxury, raised with privilege. Even his wives were noble ladies from the capital.
In this aspect, the Ye family were after all country squires, incomparable.
At first sight of Zhao Jingwen, Pei Ze sighed appreciatively.
With such looks, no wonder his daughter fell for him at first sight and insisted on marrying him desperately.
He Lian was also quite handsome, with a martial and heroic air, but Zhao Jingwen was "beautiful". His guard captain had described him perfectly, he had the kind of looks women easily fell for.
If his temperament was softer, he might often be called "pretty boy".
Fortunately, Zhao Jingwen's conduct and speech were fairly proper, and his physique and waist showed evidence of arduous training. His martial arts were vouched for by the guard captain, so they were unlikely to be subpar.
Therefore, despite having a romantic appearance that attracted others, he did not give off a powdered and rouged air, and still carried a heroic spirit.
Pei Ze was very amiable to Zhao Jingwen, first thanking him, then inviting him to be seated and hosting a banquet.
Pei Dingxi and two of his adopted brothers attended the feast.
A group of men and a child, the child's role was to prick up his ears and listen to the adults' conversation.
"The Xuanhua Army is it?" Hearing Xiang Da was originally from the Xuanhua Army, Pei Ze sighed with feeling.
The Xuanhua Army, the Wei-Rong Army, they were all gone now. Time flowed by, yet here he was, clinging to a corner, when could he return to his ancestral home and pay homage to his grandfather and father?
And his wife.
"Master Pei," Zhao Jingwen cupped fists, "Fang Prefecture's soldiers are elite and disciplined. Master Pei, your bearing is extraordinary, I presume you must be of distinguished lineage?"
Pei Ze was slightly modest.
Pei Dingxi answered, "My great grandfather and grandfather both held the position of Military Governor of Jiannan for two generations."
Zhao Jingwen gasped, "So it's the Pei family of Jiannan. Please forgive my rudeness."
Pei Ze waved his hand with a rueful sigh, "Those are matters of the past. Now I merely cling on wretchedly, bringing shame to my ancestors."
At this time, his excellent memory came into use. He recalled the fragmented things Teacher Yang had mentioned in the past.
That's right, Wang Rong had usurped the position of Military Governor of Jiannan when he established the Shu Kingdom and declared himself emperor.
Now it made sense.
Zhao Jingwen said, "Master Pei must not disparage yourself. You are still in your prime with elite soldiers under you, and young master is clever beyond his years. Though restoring your homeland will be arduous, there is hope for the future."
His words struck at the heart.
No wonder his daughter liked him. Pei Ze was also very favorably disposed towards Zhao Jingwen.
He waved his hand, "Enough of such talk, come, let's drink, Master Zhao!"
Everyone raised their cups.
After drinking for a while, one of Pei Ze's adopted sons laughed, "I've heard Brother Zhao is quite adept in martial arts. We too walked the battlefield, why don't we exchange a few pointers?"
Zhao Jingwen readily agreed.
Pei Ze said, "Go easy, stop when it's time to stop."
The crowd then moved to the courtyard, their blades thickly wrapped, and the two exchanged moves.
Zhao Jingwen was brighter than most since birth, but born to a peasant family, in the past he only attended some rudimentary schooling, recognizing a few characters and learning a couple crude boxing methods.
Fortunately, though his martial arts foundation was crude, he had built up his physique.
Later, when he became son-in-law to the Ye family, he finally had the opportunity to learn things previously unavailable to him. Over the past three years, he had gritted his teeth and put in tremendous effort, sweat ten times as much as others.
Heaven rewards diligence.
The two were equally adept in martial arts, and the spectators were all insiders. After exchanging moves for a while, applause rang out.
Pei Ze did not need them to determine a victor, he only wanted to observe with his own eyes.
When he felt they had adequately demonstrated their skills, he called for them to stop.
Xiang Da also went down and exchanged moves with another of Pei Ze's adopted sons.
With no injuries, the atmosphere remained cordial.
Returning to the hall, they continued feasting and the crowd grew closer.
Pei Ze asked about the situation in Deng Prefecture. Zhao Jingwen said, "The Lord of the Ye Family Stronghold in Deng Prefecture has now received an imperial edict appointing him Military Governor, he currently rules Deng Prefecture."
Pei Ze asked, "Have you had contact with the capital? How are things there?"
"A few months ago when I left, the Emperor was still purging the remaining evildoers of the false dynasty. I heard he had fought all the way to Guanzhong," Zhao Jingwen said. "It's been months since I left, I don't know the current situation."
In the early Tang Dynasty, roads were well-maintained and news travelled swiftly.
Now, many official roads had fallen into disrepair and been abandoned, leaving many in a state of information isolation.
Pei Ze then asked about Heku.
Pei Dingxi answered this, as he had actually been tasked with observing Heku this time, so his observations were more detailed. Speaking of it now, it was all praise.
Pei Ze said, "Unexpectedly, Master Zhao is so adept at governing the people despite your youth."
Experience was such a precious asset.
During his time in Fangcheng, following Teacher Yang, Zhao Jingwen had been run off his feet busy. But heaven rewards diligence. Not a drop of his sweat was wasted, moreover he was such an earnest and inquisitive student.
He had learned so much following Teacher Yang, and had also diligently handled countless tedious chores and record-keeping with his own hands.
Now, applied in Heku, seen through Pei Ze's eyes, it all added to his esteem.
Pei Ze also asked about his background.
Zhao Jingwen said, "I'm originally from Taiyuan Prefecture."
In fact it was a small rural place near Taiyuan Prefecture, probably unknown if mentioned, so it sounded more impressive to simply say "Zhao Jingwen of Taiyuan".
"Because of the war, I left my hometown. My parents both died on the road, and I was the only one who wandered to Dengzhou."
At first, it was a whole village of fellow villagers who left together. Many old and young died on the road. Zhao Gou'er's parents both died on the road.
Also with him was his unconsummated wife Xing'er.
Not marrying within the same village, Xing'er was from another village. It was originally said that after she was old enough, she would marry into the Zhao family, but that year she was only fourteen. Her family threw her into the Zhao family and ran away taking their son.
The Zhao family had no choice but to take Xing'er with them.
On the road, Zhao Jingwen's parents died first. Once when Zhao Jingwen went with other men to find food, when he came back he couldn't find Xing'er.
Several young women were also gone. They were probably taken away by robbers.
Zhao Gou'er chased for a while but didn't catch up, gave up, and continued on.
At first it was a whole village of people, but they scattered more and more as they went on.
But in fact, not only were young women in danger, men were also unsafe.
When they saw strong young men, the military officials would tie them up and take them away without saying anything, to serve as soldiers.
In order not to be taken as conscripts, Zhao Gou'er and two young fellow villagers hid all the way, and it was very difficult.
By the time they got to Dengzhou, they had been reduced to beggars.
Of course, all these embarrassing pasts were glossed over with a few words. The past didn't matter, now he was Zhao Jingwen.
Zhao Jingwen said, "I now serve under the Dengzhou Governor."
Xiang Da took a sip of wine and smacked his lips.
With just these few sentences, Pei Ze's adopted sons were all lamenting.
Because most were in similar situations. If it weren't for the constant wars and rampant bandits, who would be willing to easily leave their homeland and wander in a foreign land!
Pei Ze also sighed, "Drink the wine."
He raised his glass to toast, nodding to himself -
Zhao Jingwen from Taiyuan, in all aspects, is qualified.
In fact, pretty good.
It can be said, quite good.
Zhao Jingwen stayed overnight at the Pei's that night.
The next day, Pei Dingxi accompanied him around Fangling, looking around everywhere.
When he returned to the Pei manor, they held another banquet. The Pei family was really thorough in etiquette.
It showed that Pei Ze really appreciated him.
After the banquet, Pei Ze invited Zhao Jingwen to the study to talk.
This time no one accompanied them, there were only Pei Ze and Zhao Jingwen in the study.
Even Xiang Da smiled.
Zhao Jingwen was even more aware, very clear what Pei Ze wanted to do -
Recruit him.
It is said, when one acquires literary and martial skills, one sells them to the emperor's family.
Literary and martial skills are monopolized wealth.
Now under the situation where local bullies ruled over territories, whenever they encountered talent, the bullies must try to recruit them under their command.
Of course Zhao Jingwen would not leave Dengzhou to follow Pei Ze.
He had already privately chatted with Xiang Da beforehand. Pei Ze of Fangzhou was also someone, since they had this affinity, they should build a good relationship.
Whether it was for himself or Ye Suijin, they should.
Zhao Jingwen sat down in the study, fully prepared. He planned to politely decline when Pei Ze revealed his intention to recruit him, and then build good relations.
With Pei Ze's appreciation of him shown these past two days, he was very confident he could do it.
If necessary, he could also reveal his relationship as husband and wife with the Dengzhou Governor.
Zhao Jingwen even felt that recognizing Pei Ze as a godfather to build relations was not unacceptable.
But Zhao Jingwen never expected Pei Ze to ask, "Nephew Jingwen, are you married?"
Zhao Jingwen was startled, and looked up at Pei Ze.
Pei Ze was staring at him, with a solemn expression, but with anticipation in his eyes.
Suddenly, Zhao Jingwen broke out in a cold sweat on his back.
Because for others hearing this, they would just answer "I have a wife" or "I'm not married yet" after a pause.
But Zhao Jingwen's mind worked too fast, much faster than normal people!
In an instant, he integrated all the information he knew about Pei Ze and the Pei family!
Family destroyed and relatives dead.
One son and one daughter, daughter older and son younger.
Pei Xiaoniang's infatuated gaze when looking at him...
And these past two days, Pei Ze's various tests of him, and satisfied looks.
So it turned out Pei Ze didn't want to recruit him.
Pei Ze wanted him as a son-in-law.
Pei Ze was very good at training troops. He ruled a province, and had elite soldiers in his hands.
He only had one son, Pei Dingxi was still just a child, and it would be several more years before he could take over.
So in those years, compared to an adopted son, Pei Ze would certainly rely more heavily on his son-in-law.
Zhao Jingwen's mind buzzed.
He thought that meeting Miss Yecao Li of the Ye family in Dengzhou when she hosted a martial arts contest to find a husband was already the greatest opportunity heaven had given him.
He thought he would never have such an opportunity again in this life.
How could it really happen again!
In this short instant, Zhao Jingwen's mind was filled with too much information flashing through.
He saw many choices, and different possible futures with different choices.
He saw various gains and losses.
He had to choose a path, a future, in the maze-like intersecting futures.
He could only choose one, and give Pei Ze a reply.
Zhao Jingwen had never encountered such a difficult choice in his life before.
For a moment, he only felt his lips were dry, his heart thumping rapidly!
