Lu Shang Farewell Hou Ban
（1）
"Hurry up. The boxes were placed on the third carriage, and the sacks were placed on the fourth carriage. Hurry up and be careful." Yu Sheng stood in front of the courtyard and instructed the servants to carry things into the carriage. As soon as the rooster crowed, the servants got busy.
A line of five carriages lined up on the main road in front of the courtyard. The horses that had been fed were constantly hitting the ground with their hooves in the yokes, making a "clatter" sound. It sounded particularly clear in the early morning atmosphere, as if reminding the masters to hurry up and go.
The servants were busy moving things in and out. Some were packed in boxes, while others were tied up in sacks. Yu Sheng turned his body and helped a servant who passed by him to straighten the box on his back." Be careful, ah." He helped to carry the box to the carriage. When he turned around and saw Hou Ban standing at the gate of the courtyard, he quickly ran over.
"Marquis, I'm already up. Why don't you sleep a little longer? We'll be busy with the things here.”Yu Sheng had followed the Marquis for more than ten years, he knew the Marquis 'character and asked the obvious.
Hou Ban looked at the young man in his thirties and smiled with satisfaction. Yu Sheng was his personal attendant and also his right-hand man. He was tall and strong, and his well-defined face easily left a deep impression on others. He was still alone until now. Hou Ban had wanted to start a family for him a few times, but he had refused because he wanted to serve Hou Ban.
Hou Ban nodded and said,"You can continue with your work."
"Yes, Marquis. I have five bags of dry rations. Do you want more?”
"There's no need. Time is tight for this trip. We have to travel light and fast. You should pay attention to the horses."
"Even the horses that were replaced along the way have been fed and tied to the back of the carriage.”
"Alright, let's eat after we pack the car. We'll try to leave early and prepare to spend the night at Maple Mountain Village.”
Yu Sheng's eyes popped out as if he was waiting for an order," Usually, we need to finish the two-day journey in one day. My lord, isn't this…"”
Hou Ban waved his hand and interrupted Yu Sheng. He said firmly," We have to travel day and night. As long as we can reach Shang City a day earlier, we will have more confidence in completing the task given by Martial King." Therefore, he didn't care about animal power anymore.”
"Marquis, we've only been back for two days and we're going east again. Why is it so urgent? Is there a new important mission?”Yu Sheng's face was filled with anticipation.
"Of course, this time is different from the past.”Although Hou Ban was smiling, Yu Sheng could feel that his master was suppressing a serious and excited expression. "This time, you have to be more careful." Especially the tribute to King Zhou of Shang. There can't be any mistakes. Watch carefully.”
" Yes." Yu Sheng bowed and then turned around to instruct the servants to continue loading things.
He came to the front of the convoy and checked the things in the cars one by one. When he confirmed that the tribute gifts for King Zhou of Shang were all packed, he heaved a sigh of relief. He looked up at the eastern horizon. The shadows of the distant mountains began to show their outlines. The color of the sky was getting brighter. The sky was about to be bright.
Thinking about leaving again today, Hou Ban became excited. As the subjects of Zhou Country, everyone was working hard. For life and for a common goal, they silently contributed their blood, sweat, and tears. Even King Wen had devoted his entire life to this, and he himself was using the last bit of his energy to work. He had two jobs and was away for a long time. Sometimes, he was an envoy of the Zhou Kingdom to pay tribute to the Shang Dynasty, and sometimes, he was a big merchant of the Zhou Kingdom who stayed in the Shang Capital to do business. As a result, although he could rarely enjoy the peaceful and warm life of his wife and children at home for decades, he felt the importance and glory of his job. Looking at the chariots and horses in front of him, he was going on a journey again. He had only been home for two days, and the pit had not yet warmed up. Last night, King Wu handed over a new and very important mission. Time was tight. They were leaving today. Now, King Wu had inherited King Wen's will and was making his final effort to realize King Wen's grand cause.
Hou Ban walked to the front of a carriage. A horse neighed and shook its head at Hou Ban. The hot air exhaled from the horse's nostrils blew onto his face. He turned around and lovingly stroked the smooth forehead on the horse's face. Ever since humans tamed horses as a means of transportation, horses had become an indispensable partner for humans and an indispensable leg strength. The journey to Shangdu was thousands of miles, and it would only take them forty days to get there by relying on the horse's strength. If they had to walk like usual, it would take at least a few months. There were also wild beasts and barbarians who robbed them along the way. There were dangers everywhere. Now, by shortening the travel time, the danger was reduced by a lot.
Hou Ban was sighing when footsteps came from behind him.
"Aiya, you old man, what are you still dawdling here for? Have you forgotten what time it is? Hurry up and eat.”Her husband's figure appeared at the entrance of the courtyard. Her voice was loud and clear.
"This old hag.”Speaking of his wife, Hou Ban was filled with awe. Rather than awe, it was more appropriate to say that he was extremely guilty. The nature of his work determined that every time he returned home, he could only stay for a few days before he had to leave in a hurry. His home was like a posthouse, only for occasional rest. He was used to this kind of life where he had to run around and abandon his family. It had been more than thirty years since he had followed King Wen. As for his wife, as a woman, she had to take care of this family with great difficulty. In the blink of an eye, it would be a lifetime. Thinking about it, it was not easy. Thirty years of days and nights, this long life, one could imagine the life of a woman with children. She worked hard at home and contributed her meager strength. She supported her to take on the mission of an envoy, so that her husband could complete every important mission of King Wen with all his heart and soul, and show the noble quality of a woman. She even raised her children with her own abilities. His son, Hou Wu, became a soldier of the Tiger Troop of the Zhou Country and was recruited into the Tiger Troop. His daughter was also very promising. She was as good at fighting as a man. Now, she was guarding the Western Region with her husband. The couple guarded a fief alone, guarded the door, and pacified the border. Thinking of this, Hou Ban sighed in his heart that he was really a person who had been suffering for his entire life. When he heard his wife's second urging, Hou Ban couldn't help but sigh.
"If you're here, then you're here. This old woman.”Hou Ban turned around and went to his wife's side. Looking at his wife whose sideburns were white in the morning light, Hou Ban felt grateful in his heart. What a good wife. His guilt grew even deeper. When his wife saw him approaching, she ignored him and said,"The food is in the hall." He turned around and went to work.
At this moment, the driver standing at the outermost area suddenly shouted," Who is it? Who is it?" This shout caused everyone to look back warily.
"Hahaha.”With a burst of hearty laughter, a figure could be vaguely seen moving quickly toward them in the morning light.
When Hou Ban turned around and recognized that it was an old man with white hair and beard, he immediately went forward happily.
"Good morning, Imperial Preceptor.”Hou Ban greeted him first and bowed.
The person who was called the state preceptor walked all the way to the front of the convoy and said in a clear voice,""Your Excellency, you're really not careless. You've already organized it early in the morning.”He chuckled as he sized her up." Brother, you've only been back for two days and you're chasing you away again. Sister-in-law, you shouldn't blame me, right?"”
"Strange, it's so strange that it's going to die.”Hou Ban replied cheerfully," For the sake of state affairs, even if she's a woman, her heart is still bright. See, she's also busy inside."”
The person whom Hou Ban addressed as the state preceptor was Lu Shang. He was already over ninety years old. His sideburns and hair that were tied up into a bun on his head were glowing with white light, as if he was wearing a white and elegant hat. His chest length beard was also white, but his face was rosy. The contrast between the two colors was extremely contrasting, giving people a strong impression of a crane's hair and a youthful face. He rushed over early in the morning to send Hou Ban off.
Hearing Hou Ban's words, Lu Shang couldn't help but praise,"It's hard on her. She has to shoulder the responsibilities of state and family affairs. What a good virtue. You have such a wife.”
"Yes, more than 30 years. After working hard for a lifetime, I still haven't had the time to enjoy myself.”Hou Ban sighed and looked to the east thoughtfully."For King Wen to be able to live until now, to be able to see the fruits of his hard work, he would be content to die in peace.”
Lu Shang flicked his beard lightly and said in a low voice as if he was infected,"The current country is strong and the people are rich. It is all thanks to King Wen's lifetime of hard work. Your mission this time is very important, especially to buy time. Are you setting off now?”
"I got ready first, then I ate, and then I hurried on my way.”Hou Ban patted the shaft of a carriage and turned to Lu Shang,""The state affairs are heavy, Imperial Preceptor must take care of your health.”
" Don't look at it just because it's white." Lu Shang smiled and stroked the beard in front of his chest."My beard is white, but my body is still strong. I have to fight for the final victory before I close my eyes. Otherwise, how am I going to answer to King Wen in the afterlife? King Wu is younger than you and I and is full of energy. He will definitely be able to complete King Wen's will as soon as possible. You should worry more about yourself. In Shangdu, accompanying the emperor is like accompanying a tiger. If you're not careful, it's not a big deal if you lose your life. It's more important if you miss your mission. If all the hard work he had put in over the past few decades had gone to waste, he would have let King Wen down, let down the people of the world, and let down his descendants.”" You," he said, pounding his shoulder." You should consider your situation and try to complete this final mission." When the time comes, we'll have a celebratory drink on Deer Terrace Terrace.”
"I will be careful. I will definitely wait for you on Deer Terrace Pavilion.”Hou Ban said happily with firm faith and hope," Go back and tell Martial King that I will complete the mission perfectly. Decades had passed. At this critical moment, he should do it well.”
His wife's loud voice sounded again." Old man, why are you still dawdling here?"”With a series of footsteps, his wife stepped out of the door, looking as if she was going to personally come and wait for him.
She saw the person beside Hou Ban and quickly greeted him,"State Preceptor, look at him. He's already torturing people early in the morning. It was not over yet. The meal was already prepared, so she didn't go to eat. Did he forget to hurry?" It was as if she was looking for someone to complain to.
"Sister-in-law, Brother Hou is really blessed to have you as his wife.”Lu Shang praised.
"Let's go eat." Hou Ban pulled Lu Shang." Let's have another meal and drink a few cups of wine.”
When the two of them entered the door, they heard the voice of his wife instructing the servant behind them."You guys should go eat too."
Lu Shang couldn't help but praise him again." You're truly a virtuous person. Brother, you're blessed."”
While Hou Ban and Lu Shang entered the room, Hou Ban's wife quickly stopped Yu Sheng who passed by and instructed,"Yu Sheng, you have to urge your Marquis to eat and wear warm clothes. He is old and weak, but he is still so casual. You have to take good care of him."
"Don't worry, Mistress. We will take good care of the Marquis.”Yu Sheng replied readily.
"Alright, let's go eat." Hou Ban's wife looked around with sad eyes and concern at the horses and chariots waiting for departure. Every time Hou Ban went out, she was always worried, especially at the moment of farewell. Shang City, a faraway place, had the ferocious King Zhou of Shang. It was so difficult to be an emissary. Fierce elephants were everywhere. Moreover, they were on a long journey and could not enjoy the warmth and peace of a family. His wife, who looked like she was waiting, let out a long sigh in the morning breeze.
There was a large table in the middle of the hall. It was filled with all kinds of food and dishes. There was meat, ham, hare meat, steamed fresh pork, flatbread, and rice. They were all steaming and fragrant.
"Seeing these things, my saliva almost fell to the ground. Come, come, have a good meal." Hou Ban brought Lu Shang around the table and sat down.
Lu Shang faced the food on the table and said,"Brother, you won't be able to eat these excellent dishes outside."”
"They're all equally fragrant, but my servant chef's cooking is a little worse than my wife's.”Hou Ban became excited." Oh right, I still have a pot of rice wine. Let's drink a few cups today to be happy.”Hou Ban watched as the servant girl placed the wine cup before continuing,"So I saved it for victory. I saved it long ago. It's been a few years. Now that he thought about it, would he be afraid of not having good wine to drink on Deer Terrace Pavilion? It was useless to keep this wine. It was better to drink it before the battle to strengthen his courage and strength.”As he spoke, he personally filled the state preceptor's wine cup and also filled it for himself." The state preceptor came to see you off so early in the morning. It's a good time to have a drink. Drink."”He raised his cup with both hands and drank it in one gulp.
Lu Shang looked at the empty wine glass that Hou Ban showed him and said with emotion,"Younger brother, you went to Shang City as an envoy and did business, so you've trained your mouth to be magnanimous.”
"People move with the territory and have to adapt to it. King Zhou of Shang squandered his wealth, and all the officials competed to compare. As an envoy, I had to entertain him, and as a wealthy merchant, I still had to squander. However, this makes me feel uneasy. I used the blood and sweat of the people of Zhou Country and the money of the Martial King. Heaven knows who is blessed and who is sad." Although Hou Ban said it in a relaxed manner, he was actually very apologetic in his heart.
"Money is a small matter, but the mission is important. Buying a house at a high price was an important aspect that every person who wanted to become a big business paid attention to. The role of a spy could not be ignored. When used, it is better than an army." Lu Shang looked at Hou Ban and comforted and encouraged him,"Brother, your mission is important. Be careful of your safety and know your limits.”
"State Preceptor, don't worry. I've been an envoy for the past few decades, and I've been able to successfully complete my missions. At this moment, would he be muddle-headed? Even if you don't say it, I will do my best to complete it. My personal safety is nothing. I'm just concerned about King Wen's career and King Wu's mission.”Hou Ban said and drank another cup." Drinking at home makes my heart feel at ease and comfortable.”Hou Ban sighed from the bottom of his heart." The Shang Dynasty seems to be strong on the outside, but it has been corrupted and declining internally. King Zhou of the Shang Dynasty has ignored the government in recent years. The power of the country is getting worse day by day. He is also addicted to wine and sex. He has devoted all his strength to the pleasure of Daji and is living a withered life. Just the construction of Deer Terrace alone consumed 200,000 people. As for the meat forest, wine pool, and the long night of drinking, it consumed the blood and sweat of the entire country's people. Every time I come to this place, my heart feels like it's being cut by a knife. I always want to end this painful torment as soon as possible. Every time I see King Zhou of Shang enjoying a feast, I feel more guilty. Ah, don't talk about this. Hurry up and come over. In order to wait for this day to come, drink this cup of wine of hope first.”
Lu Shang took a sip of wine and clicked his tongue." Good wine, indeed good wine." If he drank it on the day of the celebration, it would have a different effect. We live frugally at home to accumulate wealth and develop the power of the nation. You know this too."
"Drinking at home makes me feel good.”Hou Ban unconsciously sighed again.
At this moment, his wife came to the table and sat beside Hou Ban, looking at the two of them with concern.
"Sister-in-law, you're really capable. Brother Hou can do good things outside. It's all thanks to you managing this family well and eliminating his worries. I'll take this opportunity to toast you. When we win the battle in the future, Martial King will reward you well. Then, we'll gather and drink to our hearts 'content.”
His wife didn't decline and drank a cup of wine. Then, she pointed at the stewed chicken and said,"You guys eat this. It's fragrant and delicious.”She tore off a piece and handed it to Lu Shang. She also tore off a piece and placed it in a bowl." You won't be able to eat this steaming hot stewed chicken outside." I didn't expect to leave so soon. I didn't even have time to prepare. There was only ready-made dried meat and roasted wild birds in the car. There was no fresh and tender taste of this chicken.”
"This breakfast is so sumptuous. It's like a banquet.”Lu Shang praised.
"You guys can eat as much as you want." Even though her husband knew that she couldn't eat much, she still prepared a sumptuous breakfast. She had already hidden a lot of carefully processed food from her husband and loaded it into the car.
"I still have to hurry. Look, you old woman, you made so much delicious food, as if you want me to stay.”Hou Ban said jokingly as he filled Lu Shang's wine cup. "The state affairs are at hand, and I have no choice. Don't let me delay the Martial King's great matter.”
"Yes, yes, it's been hard on you and sister-in-law. On the day of victory, I'll definitely ask the Martial King for credit.”Lu Shang drank another cup as a farewell to Hou Ban. Then, he smiled as he watched Hou Ban eat.
Hou Ban toasted Lu Shang with a few glasses of wine and hurriedly finished his breakfast. He got up and prepared to leave. Because he had a mission, he did not dare to delay. A group of people quickly arrived beside the convoy. The entourage was already in position, waiting for the master to give the order to move. Every carriage had a guard with a bow on his back. One of them was in charge of driving the carriage and held the reins tightly with both hands. There were ten people sitting in the first carriage. They were not only responsible for the chores of the entire convoy, but also the duty of the guards. The three carriages at the back were all loaded with items, and the last carriage was escorted by five armorers. Hou Ban came to the second carriage. This was his carriage. Yu Sheng was standing in front of the carriage, waiting for Hou Ban to get on it. Lu Shang, his wife Hou, and the other servants and maids followed closely behind.
"Imperial Preceptor, please wait. This little brother will be on his way.”Hou Ban bowed to Lu Shang and said," If there's any news from Shangdu, send someone to send it back immediately.”He turned back to his wife and said,"I've made you worry. For the sake of King Wen, please forgive me."”
"Virtuous brother, if you go there, you will be in danger. You must be careful in everything.”Lu Shang bowed back and took the opportunity when Hou Ban's wife came forward to say goodbye to Hou Ban. He turned around and patted Yu Sheng's bare right chest and arm." Young man, grow a few more eyes. Take good care of them on the way. When you reach Shangdu, take good care of your Lord." This is also an opportunity for you to contribute to the country. On the day of victory, the Marquis will be the first to receive credit, and you will also have a share.”
"I will abide by Imperial Preceptor's words. As long as Yu Sheng is still breathing, I will not let the Marquis suffer any losses.”Yu Sheng puffed out his chest. He understood the heavy responsibility of the Marquis. He also knew that although he was only responsible for taking care of his master, it was related to the great cause of the country. He had been following the Marquis for more than ten years. He had seen his master, King Wen, King Wu, and the national master working hard together. He had long had the desire to make contributions to the country. Based on his status, to be able to follow the Marquis and be his assistant, he already felt extremely honored and satisfied. He happily answered the state preceptor's exhortation, turned around, put down the pedal, and helped Hou Ban to board the carriage. Then, he buckled the side brace, jumped into the carriage, and stood in his own position behind Hou Ban.
Hou Ban leaned forward to face Lu Shang and his wife. He cupped his fists and bowed." Goodbye."”
A line of carriages slowly moved forward, the wheels rolling forward, the hooves lightly tapping on the ground, making a clear "clatter" sound.
Lu Shang and the others headed in the direction of the carriage and waved goodbye until the carriage disappeared into the morning mist. At this moment, the clouds in the eastern sky began to reveal some beautiful pale red clouds, indicating that the red sun was about to rise.
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