Seeing them all moving in a good direction, Old Zhao truly felt happy and nodded in appreciation, ignoring their requests and compassionately asking, “Where’s Young Master Five? Why can’t we see him?”
Upon mentioning Zhang Fang, the originally clamorous Zhang Da Shao and the others suddenly fell silent, their expressions complex.
Noticing this, Old Zhao anxiously questioned, “What happened to Young Master Five?”
Zhang Da Shao and the others silently led Old Zhao to see Zhang Fang. Zhang Fang was being particularly harsh with his older brothers, which had initially caused some resentment among them. But upon witnessing how Zhang Fang was even harsher with himself, the four brothers could not find words!
Arriving behind the Qing Shan Temple, they saw the bizarrely shaped wooden stakes and vines, which looked like they were used for martial training. Old Zhao curiously asked, “Young Master, is this where you train? Why isn’t Young Master Five here?”
“Fifth Brother is up there,” Zhang San Shao said, trembling slightly as he pointed upwards with his index finger.
High up in the tall tree hung a person—none other than Zhang Fang!
Seeing this scene, Old Zhao was greatly shocked and hurriedly shouted, “Young Master Five! It’s dangerous! Come down quickly!”
Such dangerous training was Zhang Fang’s daily routine. While Zhang Da Shao and the others trained for one hour, Zhang Fang trained for four! No matter what he undertook, he had to do it four times over! This determination silenced Zhang Da Shao and the others from voicing any complaints. They felt pity for Zhang Fang but also feared his relentless drive toward himself.
“Fifth Master! The Head of the household has returned! Come down quickly!” Old Zhao was nearly in tears!
These young masters had been born into wealth and luxury; they had never endured hardship! Even if Zhang Laoye was strict with his son, his methods weren’t as harsh—at most, it was confinement, fasting, or restricting water. But Zhang Fang, once he made up his mind, dealt heavy blows! He was hard on his brothers and even harder on himself!
“Uncle Zhao, wait a moment. It’s not time yet!” Zhang Fang opened his eyes and replied to those below.
Old Zhao sobbed and wiped away his tears.
At this moment, he truly believed these young masters really wanted to turn over a new leaf!
Chapter 33: Lowly Position, Yet Never Forgetting the Nation’s Woes
From Old Zhao, they learned that Zhang Laoye’s journey to the Western Region was fraught with peril, and he had nearly lost his life. Zhang Da Shao and the others fell silent.
All this time, they had believed that the Zhang family, with so many martial men to deliver goods, acted like an army, striding boldly wherever they went without fear of anyone. They never expected that this time Zhang Laoye would encounter a rebellion. Even without witnessing it firsthand, just hearing the number of casualties was shocking.
Seeing Zhang Da Shao and the others with heavy hearts, Old Zhao changed the topic, inquiring with concern, “With how hard you young masters have been working lately, I assume you have improved?”
Zhang Er Shao, who was originally caught in complex feelings, suddenly blinked and peeked at Zhang Fang, tentatively saying, “Fifth Brother, since something has happened at home, should we go back and take a look?”
Calmly, Zhang Fang countered, “Can Second Brother manage the family business if we return?”
Zhang Er Shao: …
Stumped by Zhang Fang’s reply, Zhang Er Shao could only turn to Zhang Da Shao for support.
Zhang Da Shao cleared his throat and, with an uncomfortable expression, said, “Fifth Brother, during this time, you’ve kept us locked away. Though we’ve suffered daily, we all know you meant well. Now that something has happened at home, as our father’s sons, even if we don’t have much capability to help him, we should go home and at least see.”
“I’ll go back. You should stay here.” Zhang Fang naturally wanted to check on the family. However, these brothers had not completely discarded their past habits; letting them out now was like releasing birds from a cage. They would undoubtedly fly high, indulging in their newfound freedom for a while!
Zhang Si Shao looked at Zhang Fang in astonishment, asking, “Fifth Brother, are you going back to help manage the business?”
“I know my brothers are not keen on handling the business. But someone has to worry for our father. After being spoiled for so many years, I’m willing to take on my father’s burden.” Zhang Fang thought, and perhaps turning around the cloth shop’s business was his mission this time.
These words moved everyone present.
Old Zhao said comfortingly, “Young Master Five has grown sensible!”
Zhang Da Shao, touched, patted Zhang Fang’s arm: “Fifth Brother, my care for you hasn’t been in vain!”
“You are truly a good brother to us!” Zhang Er Shao and Zhang San Shao also reached out, each holding one of Zhang Fang’s hands.
“Fifth Brother, since childhood, you’ve always been smarter than us! You’ll definitely surpass Father in managing the family business!” Zhang Si Shao felt somewhat ashamed but accepted Zhang Fang’s contributions with a sense of pride.
Old Zhao’s eyelids twitched slightly. He looked speechlessly at these young masters. After coming here and seeing their significant changes, he thought they had all reformed and grown sensible. He didn’t expect them to still remain as unmotivated as before!
Before Zhang Fang left with Old Zhao, he specifically spoke with Master Qiu to intensify the training for his brothers. He implored Master Qiu to monitor them closely and not let them sneak away.
Master Qiu looked at the clear-eyed youth before him and suddenly said, “The world is fraught with danger, Young Master Five, take care!”
“Thank you, Daoist!” Zhang Fang smiled faintly and turned to leave.
The setting sun was blinding as the young man walked towards it, leaving Master Qiu awestruck.
Today, Zhang Laoye finally met the Governor of the Two Rivers and returned after having dinner at the Lin residence.
Having traded for many years, Zhang Laoye had long honed his ability to drink copious amounts without becoming intoxicated. However, tonight, after just a few cups, he felt dizzy and groggy.
Perhaps it was due to the weight on his mind; Zhang Laoye sighed repeatedly.
“Master! Old servant has brought Young Master Five back!”
Old Zhao joyfully led Zhang Fang into Zhang Laoye’s study.
Upon hearing this, Zhang Laoye furrowed his brows, preparing to scold someone. Wasn’t it chaotic enough at this time? Why bring that ungrateful child back?
When he saw the erect figure of the youth walk into the room, his eyes bright under the candlelight, the difference was striking.
Unlike his previous frail and despondent self, Zhang Laowu now stood tall and full of vigor, radiant like the morning sun.
The scolding words suddenly stuck in his throat, unable to come out. Zhang Laoye silently observed his youngest son.