"Your subordinate accepts the decree and expresses gratitude. Long live Your Majesty, long live, long live!" After Hou Zhongluo finished reading the imperial decree, Zhou Fugui and the others chanted in unison.
"Many thanks, Great Commander, many thanks, Protector Hou," Zhou Fugui said happily afterward.
The Yan court enfeoffed Zhou Fugui as General of Valour, a fourth-rank official, with the title of Baron of Dispersal, and the actual post of Cavalry Commandant and Border General. Suo Dacheng, Li Qing, Xu Mancang, Baimawu, Xue Wentai, and other subordinates of Zhou Fugui all received rewards, along with gifts of gold, silver, pearls, agate, sable fur, wine, and venison.
The rewards from the Yan court this time were exceptionally generous, causing Zhou Fugui to feel a sense of astonishment.
Generally, Han generals of Yan who performed meritorious deeds would indeed be rewarded. However, for a low-ranking Han general like Zhou Fugui, who was also a convict, such a generous bestowal was unheard of. Being directly promoted to a fourth-rank court official was unusual; at most, his subordinate generals would see minor advancements. The gifts of gold, silver, pearls, agate, sable fur, wine, and venison would also depend on the court's discretion. During Zhou Fugui's southern campaign, despite his great service, he was only promoted to be a subordinate general.
Something out of the ordinary often signifies trouble. Zhou Fugui pondered for a while but could not pinpoint any issues. He then shrugged off the thought, though his heart was filled with joy.
The title of General of Valour, fourth-rank, and the爵位 (juéwèi - noble rank) of Baron of Dispersal were not Zhou Fugui's primary concern. What mattered most to him was finally shedding his status as a Yan convict, which meant he could return home to reunite with his family, or at least visit them.
Furthermore, his actual posts as Cavalry Commandant and Border General signified that Zhou Fugui could now lead troops, commanding an army or even more. Having soldiers at his command was the foundation for survival and prosperity in these turbulent times, and it also meant he could pursue his aspirations.
However, would everything unfold as Zhou Fugui envisioned? That remained to be seen!
"Why are you thanking us?" Hou Zhongluo asked Zhou Fugui with a smile, stroking his false beard.
"As the saying goes, a discerning eye spots a thousand-mile steed. Without the discerning eye, where would the steed be? Great Commander, Protector Hou, wouldn't you agree?" Zhou Fugui said with a smile, casting a glance at Hu Yan Sheng.
Zhou Fugui's words were not entirely flattery; they reflected the actual situation. Without Hu Yan Sheng and Hou Zhongluo truthfully reporting to the court, Zhou Fugui's greatest achievements would have been in vain. Zhou Fugui was well aware of this.
"Haha!" Hou Zhongluo chuckled upon hearing this. "I've always heard that General Pi Zhou... Ah, look at me... General of Valour Zhou speaks well, and now I see it's true."
"Enter the city with me!" Hu Yan Sheng said, giving Zhou Fugui a stern look.
Thus, the three rode side by side towards Xue Lin City. The journey was filled with the sounds of gongs and drums, joyous and lively.
"Who is that?"
"Is that the General Pi Zhou who bravely ventured into the dragon's den and rode his horse to the Xiongnu royal court?"
"Ah, brother, he is now a General of Valour of the court, just appointed!"
"It is fitting, it is fitting!"
"He is so young, a true young talent, comparable to the Grand General of Cavalry of Han!"
"Is he married yet?"
"It seems not... What? Are you looking to marry into a prominent family?"
"Is that not possible? My family has hundreds of acres of fertile land, countless cattle and sheep, and a daughter as beautiful as Chang'e. Why not propose her to the General of Valour?"
"Forget it, you old lecher. Everyone knows your short, stout daughter."
"Bang!"
"Ouch!"
"......"
Along the way, the citizens of Xue Lin City crowded the streets. Some even climbed onto rooftops and walls, watching the young and valiant Zhou Fugui enter the city with Hu Yan Sheng, Hou Zhongluo, and other officials and generals. They chattered and cheered incessantly.
"Bravo! Bravo! Bravo!"
"Long live the General of Valour! Long live the General of Valour! Long live the General of Valour!"
"The General of Valour is young and handsome, is he married yet?"
"Hahahaha!"
Zhou Fugui, with his tall stature and handsome features, rode his horse and clasped his hands in a four-directional bow to the crowd, which erupted in thunderous cheers and applause.
"Hmph..."
Just then, Zhou Fugui suddenly heard a soft, cold哼 (hng - a snort) that sounded exceptionally familiar. He quickly turned his head but only saw the crowd of onlookers and a fleeting glimpse of a purple dress at the street corner. The purple dress vanished, and he could no longer see it.
.......
"General of Valour, I have prepared a banquet to welcome you and celebrate your victory. Will you not grace us with your presence?" After the "city parade" concluded, Hou Zhongluo asked with a smile, stroking his false beard.
"Official Hou, it is an unfortunate coincidence. I too have arranged a banquet and am awaiting his presence," Hu Yan Sheng said before Zhou Fugui could answer.
"Oh, then it is up to the General of Valour's preference," Hou Zhongluo said indifferently.
The two then turned and looked at Zhou Fugui together.
"Ah? Great Commander, perhaps I should go to the Official's place first, and then I will listen to your teachings later?" Zhou Fugui said to Hu Yan Sheng.
What kind of situation is this? I've just returned, haven't even had a bite to eat or a drink, and I've just been promoted to General of Valour. My backside hasn't even settled on the seat, and I'm already caught in border disputes? Zhou Fugui sighed inwardly, thinking, why did I bother in the first place? I should have just stayed on the grasslands.
But then there's the matter of my family... It's a difficult choice indeed, he sighed again.
What Zhou Fugui did not know was that this was just the beginning.
"Hmm, if not today, then tomorrow," Hu Yan Sheng said, casting a seemingly admonishing glance at Zhou Fugui, before turning and leading his men away. Tu Tisi, the commander of the personal guards, seemed to look at him with disappointment before escorting Hu Yan Sheng away.
"Fugui, come with me now," Hou Zhongluo said to Zhou Fugui with satisfaction after Hu Yan Sheng had left.
"Yes, esteemed Official Hou!" Zhou Fugui replied, mounting his horse somewhat absentmindedly.
He wondered if his actions were right or wrong, he thought again.
.......
"One loom. The shuttle flies like time. In the lonely chamber, the night is long, and sorrow keeps me from sleep. With a hum and a whirr, weaving the spring's regret, left for my love to return."
"Two looms. The moon is bright, the people quiet, the water clock's chime is faint. A thousand threads intertwine and bind. Woven into a piece of brocade with reciprocal patterns. To send it to him."
"Three looms. In the center blooms a playful flower. Delicate red and tender green, bright with spring. You must pluck it soon. A branch of rich fragrance, before the flowering season passes."
"Four looms. The mandarin ducks are woven, ready to fly in pairs. Pity, before old age, the hair turns white. Spring waves and green grass, in the deep cold of dawn, bathing each other in red."
"Five looms. The heart of love secretly promises the skilled hand. Branches intertwined on the conjugal tree. Beneath the flower of mutual love, in a place of shared affection, a pair of beings are transformed."
"Six looms. Carved flowers and brocade, half-scattered. The lonely chamber has its own plan to retain spring. The stove is lit with small incense, the day is long, and the embroidery work proceeds slowly."
"Seven looms. The spring silkworm spins its life's silk. Do not let it be easily cut into fine silk. Without reason, cut it open, immortal phoenix and colorful bird, dividing them into two garments."
"Eight looms. The slender jade hands work ceaselessly. Washed clean in the Shu River, shimmering with spring water. Fragrant sachets of musk, embroidered quilt of the flower chamber. The desire to return is slow."
"Nine looms. The heart is always on the branches of a hundred flowers. The hundred flowers together make a red piled quilt. All the spring colors are hidden within the head, unafraid of sleeping for a long time."
Since it was a banquet, there was no shortage of singing and dancing. Hou Zhongluo's mansion, as always, had many singing girls and dancers, who either danced gracefully or sang melodiously. Their voices were melodious and pleasant, and their dancing was enchanting. In addition, there were various entertainments such as storytelling, acrobatics, and puppet shows, and of course, many beautiful young women to accompany the wine.
Hou Zhongluo had prepared such a grand occasion and a sumptuous banquet for one purpose: to welcome Zhou Fugui, celebrate his victory, and hold a celebratory feast for one person, and that person was Zhou Fugui.
Therefore, Zhou Fugui felt not only joy but also a sense of unease. The reason remained the same: something out of the ordinary often signifies trouble.
As a result, Zhou Fugui felt like he was sitting on thorns during the banquet.
"Bring them in," Hou Zhongluo commanded his servants after three rounds of wine and five courses of food.
"Father, they have been brought," a moment later, a young eunuch led four Parthian maidens and tiptoed in, bowing to report.
The four Persian girls were all exquisitely beautiful. They wore white veils that slightly concealed their peerless faces. Beneath the veils were high noses, red lips, and skin as white as milk, with a rosy blush. Their tall figures and slender waists were captivating, making one blush at first sight. What was most remarkable was that one of the maidens had striking blue eyes, like the ocean.
"Fugui..." Hou Zhongluo said to Zhou Fugui with a smile, "I said your name was well chosen. Wealth and honor are within your grasp, while others can only gaze from afar, never touching even the edge. What does one strive for in life? Nothing more than power, wealth, and women."
Seeing Zhou Fugui's eyes glued to the Parthian maidens, Hou Zhongluo felt a secret amusement. The saying that young men are fond of women was indeed true.
In truth, Zhou Fugui was not so lustful. He was merely looking at one of the Parthian maidens because she had blue eyes, and thus he glanced at her a few more times.
"Parthia is a good place..." Hou Zhongluo continued. "It produces silver, lapis lazuli, agate, pearls, coral, glass, crystal, horses from Dawan, carpets, and so on, but its greatest product is its beautiful women."
It must be said that Hou Zhongluo was intimately familiar with rare treasures.
"These are the beauties of Parthia. The one with blue eyes is named Iliza, a noble lady of the Parthian Dynasty," Hou Zhongluo said, pointing to the four Parthian maidens.
"He is the General of Valour of our Great Yan, the youngest general. Serving him is a fortune that you could not cultivate in lifetimes," Hou Zhongluo instructed the four Parthian maidens.
Hou Zhongluo had spared no expense in trying to win over Zhou Fugui. He possessed countless beauties, all gathered from various places, whom he used to foster relationships or win over others, and it had always worked.
"Yes!" Iliza led the other three Parthian maidens and replied. They then walked up to Zhou Fugui and curtsied, their voices sweet like birdsong, "Greetings, Great General!"