The Later Three Kingdoms: Slaying Deng Ai, and Reviving the Han Dynasty

"Although I also feel something is wrong, I'm not as smart as my father; all I know is how to fight. In that respect, I'm on the same page with Lord Jiang. He's a great general, not Prime Minister Zhuge. So, let's fight..." Zhao Guang rode his horse, leading his personal guards onto the main road, and returned to his residence.

He looked at the people on the street, and even he, a pure military general, sensed that something was wrong.

In this dark world, there are of course wealthy people.

However, the proportion of people who are numb, pale, and thin has increased significantly.

This is not because ordinary people are not hardworking; they simply cannot survive even if they try their best.

Zhao Guang felt heavy-hearted, but didn't dwell on it. Because all he knew was how to fight.

Not long after, Zhao Guang reined in his horse and stopped; they had arrived at the mansion.

General Zhao Yun held a high position in Liu Han, holding the title of Marquis of Yongchang. Liu Bei and Zhuge Liang bestowed upon Zhao Yun much wealth and land. Although Zhao Yun did not manage his own estate and often used the rewards and income from his land to subsidize his soldiers and raise his brave sons, he still had a considerable amount left over.

After Zhao Yun's death, his title was inherited by his eldest son, Zhao Tong, and the family property was divided equally between the brothers Zhao Tong and Zhao Guang.

Like Zhao Yun, Zhao Guang fought his whole life and rose to the rank of general, but his family fortune dwindled with each battle. Among the generals, his family was considered "poor," but in return, he earned the bravery of his soldiers who were willing to die for him.

Zhao Guang dismounted and entered his humble abode. The old gatekeeper hurriedly came out to help him take the horse. Zhao Guang turned to one of his trusted confidants and said, "The General is about to set out with his troops; prepare immediately."

"Yes," the confidant replied loudly, then turned and left.

Zhao Guang, sword in hand, strode straight to the main hall. His three sons, Zhao Ping, Zhao Chongguo, and Zhao Tong, came out upon hearing the news and together paid their respects to their father.

Zhao Guang beckoned his sons into the main hall, and the father and sons sat down together. Zhao Guang then asked Zhao Ping to follow him, and instructed Zhao Chongguo and Zhao Tong to guard the house.

"Ping'er, I am your father now. According to the precedent of the Han Dynasty, you will inherit the family business and lead my troops. This time, you will accompany me on the Northern Expedition, starting as a personal guard." Zhao Guang looked up at Zhao Ping and said.

Of his three sons, the eldest and third were skilled in martial arts, while the second son was mediocre.

As long as the world remains unsettled and the wishes of our ancestors are not fulfilled, the Zhao family's military lineage will continue.

"Yes." Zhao Ping bowed respectfully, his expression unchanged. He had a square face, thick eyebrows, and large eyes. He was extremely robust, and his appearance and temperament were the epitome of "martial arts." Although his skin was rather fair, it did not diminish his majesty.

Zhao Chongguo opened his mouth, but didn't dare to speak. He thought to himself, "Father, our Han Dynasty is probably in dire straits. Whether my elder brother can inherit the family business is still uncertain."

He knew he would get beaten up if he told anyone.

Unable to contain his excitement, Zhao Tong immediately said, "Father, I also want to go on the Northern Expedition with you."

"Just guard the home," Zhao Guang said succinctly. His family had declined with each generation, but at least he still had two sons who were reasonably capable and could become military generals.

One went to the battlefield, the other guarded the home. When the father died, the son took his place; when the elder brother died, the younger brother succeeded him.

One seed must be left behind.

"Yes." Zhao Tong felt as if a bucket of cold water had been poured over her head, leaving her feeling chilled to the bone, and she replied weakly.

"Hmm." Zhao Guang hummed in response, then gave some more trivial instructions, intending to get rid of his sons.

"Clatter, clatter, clatter." Just then, an old steward rushed in from outside, bowing in a panic, and said, "Master, the Court of Justice has sent someone."

"The Court of Justice?" Zhao Guang and his three sons' expressions changed slightly.

Zhao Guang, Zhao Ping, and Zhao Tong were all surprised. The Court of Justice is in charge of criminal law. Our family has a clean record and we do not usually do anything wrong. Why did the Court of Justice suddenly come to our door?

Zhao Chongguo's eyes flickered, and he felt somewhat uneasy.

"Please come in." Zhao Guang, upright and fearless, straightened his posture and said loudly.

"Yes." The steward calmed down a bit, bowed, and turned to leave.

Shortly after, Han Yong, the Chief Justice, walked in from outside. After stopping, he first bowed to Zhao Guang and said, "General Zhao."

"Lord Han," Zhao Guang returned the greeting.

The Minister of Justice was no minor official. Zhao Guang and Han Yong served in the same court, and although they had not had much contact, they were familiar with each other.

Zhao Guang was an old general.

Han Yong was sent by the Court of Justice to question them.

Both sides should maintain a dignified appearance.

"May I ask what brings you here, Lord Han?" Zhao Guangxian first invited Han Yong to sit down, and then asked.

"But someone reported that the general's son, Chongguo, was seizing land and taking in fleeing people," Han Yong said, a strange look on his face.

They acquired land and took in fleeing people.

Is this even a big deal?

In Zhuge Liang's time, this would indeed have been a major event. But in this world, which family doesn't annex land? Which family doesn't take in commoners? The most powerful person right now is Liu Chen, the Prince of Beidi, the emperor's son.

Reporting someone to the Court of Justice for taking over land and adopting people would be a laughing stock.

But things took an unexpected turn. Someone reported Zhao Chongguo to the Court of Justice, and the Court of Justice accepted the case.

Once the Court of Justice accepts the case, it's considered official.

It is as light as a feather when it is not placed on the table.

Once it's on the table, it becomes much more important.

"Is someone specifically targeting Zhao Guang? And at this critical juncture when Jiang Wei is about to launch his Northern Expedition? It's for some kind of reason. Anyway, the waters here are very deep, and it's not something I can get involved in," Han Yong thought to himself.

With each generation of generals less capable than the last, Zhao Guang was a pillar of strength. Whether or not Jiang Wei took Zhao Guang with him on his Northern Expeditions would affect the army's combat effectiveness.

Moreover, if Zhao Guang cannot participate in the Northern Expedition, then his troops cannot go either.

A general's prestige is an asset; the higher the prestige, the more outstanding the general, and the stronger their control over their troops.

Changing commanders on the eve of battle will inevitably lead to a collapse in morale.

Moreover, many of Zhao Guang's main force consisted of veterans who had served the Zhao family for two generations, or the sons of veterans. They only recognized Zhao.

"What?" Zhao Guang, Zhao Ping, and Zhao Tong, father and sons, all stared wide-eyed, their faces filled with disbelief. Zhao Guang then glared fiercely at Zhao Chongguo.

Zhao Chongguo's mind went blank, his heart trembled, and his body swayed precariously.

This good-for-nothing second son. Zhao Guang wished he could hang Zhao Chongguo up and beat him, but now was not the time to do that.

Zhao Guangshen took a deep breath, his face turning serious. He clasped his hands in a fist salute to Han Yong and said, "I understand. Lord Han, just act according to the law. I will not interfere."

"The old general is truly wise and righteous," Han Yong praised, then turned to look at Zhao Chongguo.

Zhao Chongguo was immediately startled, looked up at his father, and showed a pleading expression.

This act of annexing land and taking in people can be large or small. On a large scale, it might lead to exile.

The traditional place of exile for the Han Dynasty was the South, and he had no desire to be exiled to that godforsaken place.

Zhao Chongguo should have kept his eyes open, for upon seeing it, Zhao Guang flew into a rage, shouting, "You unfilial son! My family has an upright reputation; even in poverty, we have never broken the law. Yet you have disgraced my family. Go to the Court of Justice and confess your crimes! After you've confessed, I'll whip you!"