Chapter 45

It was the first year of Guangxi. On the fourteenth day of December, early in the morning.

The sky was overcast, with neither the sun nor the clouds visible, as if a large iron-gray pot had been inverted over the ground, evoking a sense of melancholy. Fine snowflakes scattered in the wind, a snowfall that had lasted for two or three days with no sign of stopping. The snow on the ground was already knee-deep, and each step produced a crunching sound.

This was the site of the old Fenyang Pavilion in the northern part of the capital. Although it had suffered from military disasters, the main buildings were largely intact. The soldiers had specially repaired it to accommodate representatives of the powerful clans from various regions. Compared to the nearby military camp, the pavilion's environment was quite good, but there were still people who complained.

Zhang Zhao trudged through the snow, one step at a time. He noticed that some people looked at him with disdain, while others whispered, and mocking words drifted to his ears with the cold wind.

"Clan Leader Zhang, are you going to see that young man surnamed Lu again?" A somewhat aged voice sounded.

Zhang Zhao stopped and turned around. "Yes."

"Ah..." The man walked over slowly, putting his arm around Zhang Zhao's shoulder. "Clan Leader Zhang, why do you do this? The Wens joined Liu Kun and got a position as a chief secretary. We, the powerful clans, should at least get positions as county magistrates or military advisors. What have they given you that makes you so enthusiastic?"

Zhang Zhao felt a bit uncomfortable. At any time, these people never forget to sow discord. Moreover, I am the leader of the Zhang clan in the capital, though we are the smallest among the clans, I am not someone you can treat so casually!

Zhang Zhao shook his head, shrugged off the man's arm, and quickened his pace.

"Hmph..." A cold snort came from behind. "Ungrateful!"

After walking for about half an hour, he passed a small forest and arrived at the military camp. The camp was not large but was meticulously constructed. As Zhang Zhao walked, the camp was silent, with the soldiers resting. Laughter occasionally came from the tents. A hundred paces behind the gate was the main tent. Two soldiers were beating the snow off the tent to prevent it from collapsing. Zhang Zhao nodded to them and then bent down to enter the tent.

Inside the tent, he turned to close the curtain and carefully sealed the gaps to prevent the cold wind from coming in. In fact, this did little to help, as the tent was too thin compared to the rapidly dropping temperature. The ground was not leveled, only covered with some wild grass and a circle of felt. A rough fire pit was dug in the center, but the flames in the fire pit flickered weakly.

Although it was the main tent, it was almost no different from the ordinary soldiers' tents. The few officers inside were dressed simply. Zhang Zhao had never seen such a strange army.

A middle-aged soldier, about forty years old, scooped a bowl of hot soup from a pot hanging over the fire and offered it to Zhang Zhao with enthusiasm. "Clan Leader Zhang, please have some soup to warm up. The conditions in the camp are rudimentary, and I apologize for the inconvenience."

Zhang Zhao, without taking off his cloak, quickly took the bowl with both hands. "Commander Deng, there's no need to be so polite."

Three days ago, the assistant general Lu Yao, under the orders of the governor of Bingzhou, Lord Yueshi, went to pacify the powerful clans in the southern counties of Taiyuan and to gather grain, supplies, and able-bodied men. He immediately led hundreds of soldiers south from Jinyang and set up camp at the old Fenyang Pavilion in the northern part of the capital. He then sent messengers to the twelve major families and thirty-five strongholds in Qixian, Daling, Jingling, and the capital, giving them three days to gather the leaders of the clans and strongholds.

However, the powerful clans were not cooperative. In their eyes, the new governor of Bingzhou, Liu Kun, lacked the prestige and status of the previous governor, Duke Sima Teng of Dongying. Even though Liu Kun had defeated Liu Jing in the Battle of Banqiao, it was not enough to gain the attention of the powerful clans in Bingzhou. As for the assistant general Lu Yao, he was even less impressive.

What is the position of an assistant general? Hmm? Who is this Lu Yao, and does anyone know? It is said that this Lu was originally a military commander under Duke Sima Teng of Dongying... Since he was fortunate enough to escape execution, he should live cautiously. If he comes to seek an audience, it is still questionable whether to see him. How dare he set a deadline to gather us? Has he gone mad?

Three days passed, and few of the clan leaders responded to Lu Yao's call. Not a single owner of a stronghold from the top families of Taiyuan, represented by the Wang and Guo families, attended. Even those who came to the camp were mostly not the clan leaders themselves, but their relatives, sent as messengers to gauge the situation.

As the leader of the Zhang clan in the capital, Zhang Zhao was actually the only person of significant standing among them.

Zhang Zhao finished the hot soup in a few sips, wiped his mouth, and bowed deeply to another person in the tent. "The Zhang clan in the capital has limited influence, and I am young and inexperienced, unable to persuade the other clans. I am truly ashamed before General Lu."

Sitting opposite Zhang Zhao was Lu Yao.

Seeing Zhang Zhao's humility, he immediately returned the bow. "Taizhen once told me that among the leaders of the powerful clans in southern Taiyuan, only Clan Leader Zhang is loyal and can share the glory and disgrace with the court. Clan Leader Zhang has done his best, and I am very grateful."

Before this campaign, the chief secretary Wen Qiao had specially recommended Zhang Zhao, the leader of the Zhang clan in the capital, to Lu Yao. According to Wen Qiao, the Zhang clan was not a native of Bingzhou but had moved there from Fanyang at the end of the Han dynasty. Over the years, the Zhang clan had not grown much and had been oppressed by other families, but they had a good relationship with the Wen clan in Qixian. Therefore, Zhang Zhao was willing to respond to Lord Yueshi's call. Such a clan leader, as long as he had above-average talent, would surely be of great use in the future.

Because of this relationship, Lu Yao was very respectful to Zhang Zhao.

"Among these twelve major families, four have marital ties with my Zhang clan. There is some sentiment. I will continue to do my best to communicate and strive to meet the expectations of Lord Liu Yueshi and General Lu." Zhang Zhao sighed and continued, "Three feet of ice did not form in a day. In recent years, the court has repeatedly failed in its battles against the Xiongnu, and its authority is limited to a few major cities. The powerful clans in the villages and communities are only loosely controlled. Over time, this has fostered a habit of arrogance. Now, with the court's power declining, it is difficult to gain their sincere support."

Shen Jin, sitting next to Lu Yao, said fiercely, "Those people are proud of their lineage and look down on us!"

The old soldier who had brought Zhang Zhao the soup, Deng Gang, could not help but complain, "Yes. Those clan messengers act as if they are local emperors... sigh..."

Lu Yao's subordinates were mostly battle-hardened men who did not understand the art of hospitality. Therefore, these days, Deng Gang, as Lu Yao's representative, had been entertaining the clan messengers. He thought it was just a routine task, but he had endured much humiliation. Except for the considerate Zhang Zhao, the other clan heirs looked down on him, treating him like a lowly servant and ordering him around. After a few days, even the good-natured Deng Gang was about to lose his temper.

Shen Jin nodded repeatedly. "Those powerful clans need to be disciplined! They need to be cut down with a saber to know who is in charge."

Lu Yao ignored them and said to Zhang Zhao, "Since the clan leaders cannot come, it must be because of the cold and the snow, making travel difficult. Please tell the messengers that I will wait for three more days. On the third day at noon, I will formally invite all the clan leaders to a banquet. Please make sure to attend."

"General Lu, even if we wait for two months, no one else will come. After all..." Zhang Zhao tapped his fingers on the table, hesitating for a long time before continuing, "After all, these powerful clans are strong and influential, with many prominent figures. They are not ordinary villagers. Previous governors of Bingzhou have always sent high-ranking officials to invite them. Although General Lu is young and capable, in terms of status, well, it is a bit light!"

Zhang Zhao was very cautious, looking at Lu Yao's expression as he spoke. Seeing that Lu Yao's face did not change, he continued, "I just discussed with a few messengers, and they mentioned that yesterday, the lord of the Guo family stronghold in Tuomugang, Guo Rong, sent a message to the major clans, inviting the clan leaders to gather at the Guo family stronghold to discuss the future..."

"Guo family stronghold..." Lu Yao pondered. "Is this information reliable?"

Zhang Zhao explained, "Absolutely. The Guo family in Tuomugang, Qixian, is a branch of the Guo family of Yangqu, descendants of the great general and Marquis of Yangqu, Guo Huai, from the previous dynasty. Although this branch has no prominent officials in recent times, it has a large population and a powerful private army. It has also established marital ties with several other strongholds, making it a powerful clan in southern Taiyuan. Guo Rong... cough... has always had some dealings with the Hu people."

Lu Yao's expression changed slightly, and he asked detailed questions about the gathering at the Guo family stronghold, even repeating some questions several times.

Zhang Zhao, with his good temper, answered without showing any signs of impatience. When it came to detailed matters, he even took out paper and pen to write down the information for Lu Yao. His composure was truly impressive.

After about half an hour, Lu Yao stood up. "I understand completely... Clan Leader Zhang, since the clan leaders have important matters, I cannot force them. Fortunately, there are messengers from each clan here, and they can convey the court's intentions to their leaders. I have made my decision. On the third day at noon, I will formally invite the guests to a banquet, regardless of whether the clan leaders can arrive on time. Please convey this message. There is no need to worry about other matters."

Zhang Zhao was taken aback. He had wanted to remind Lu Yao that the gathering of the powerful clans was almost a complete failure, and as a representative of Lord Yueshi, he should consider other plans. More importantly, he wanted to ask if Lu Yao could provide some protection for the Zhang clan, as their recent actions had angered some local powerful clans. Otherwise, the future of the Zhang clan in the capital would be bleak.

After hesitating for a moment, he decided not to say more. This General Lu was kind, but his methods and character were a bit weak. The future of the Zhang clan still depended on their marital ties with the Wen clan in Taiyuan.

Thinking this, he politely said, "Yes, yes."

Zhang Zhao bid farewell with proper etiquette and left. Lu Yao saw him off to the gate and then returned to the main tent. He found the name of Tuomugang on the map, frowned for a while, and then said, "Where are Xue Tong and Gao Xiang? Please ask them to come immediately."

Xue Tong, Gao Xiang, along with Shen Jin and Deng Gang, were the four officers under Lu Yao's command. Lu Yao called them together for an important task.

Deng Gang went to fetch them. Shen Jin, eager to act, asked, "Daoming, what do you plan to do?"

Lu Yao glanced at him. "As a small general under Lord Yueshi, I indeed lack the weight to call on the powerful clans. But Lord Yueshi did not expect those high-ranking clans to follow him. He just wanted an opportunity to set an example. Look, the ones with ulterior motives have revealed themselves..." As he spoke, Xue Tong and the others arrived.

Lu Yao wasted no time, issuing a series of military orders in rapid succession. In an instant, the entire camp was in motion.

The clan messengers staying in the pavilion tried to find out what was happening but were tightly controlled by Deng Gang and his men, leaving them helpless. They could only watch as a large group of soldiers marched out, leaving an empty camp behind.

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