I run a training class in Shu Han

Chapter 5 If you don't mind, how about we become sworn brothers?

Chengdu Prince Palace.

Because Liu Shan transferred the guards stationed at the Crown Prince's Palace to quell the rebellion, an uneasy tranquility permeated the vast palace.

Crown Prince's servant, Yin Mo, led by a palace maid, slowly walked out of the palace.

hiss~

The Crown Prince has been somewhat different lately than before.

At this time in the past, Crown Prince Liu Shan would have already fallen asleep; he had never been as energetic as he was today.

Yin Mo walked and thought.

Liu Shan's sudden interest in learning surprised and delighted him.

After Yin Mo left, Liu Shan was still studying the Zuo Zhuan diligently.

On the table in front of me are books such as "Shenzi", "Han Feizi", and "Six Secret Teachings".

In modern society, Liu Shan only remembered the titles of these classic texts; he had never actually read their contents.

With a professional spirit of "doing one thing and loving it," Liu Shan, as the crown prince and future emperor of the Han Dynasty, naturally had to study these classic texts on governance.

"Your Highness, it's late."

Before he knew it, a woman had appeared beside him, holding a lamp for Liu Shan.

She was dressed in a gorgeous dress, and her brows exuded a noble and dignified air.

Liu Shan glanced at his wife beside him, and his initial weariness immediately vanished.

Such a spirited and beautiful woman was actually Zhang Fei's daughter.

It seems that the image of Zhang Fei in the TV series cannot be completely trusted.

Lady Zhang is Zhang Fei's eldest daughter. She entered the palace two years ago as the Crown Princess.

After Liu Bei became emperor, he wanted to avenge Guan Yu and prepared to launch a military campaign against Wu. As the crown prince, Liu Shan not only had to study but also participate in court affairs, so he naturally neglected to take care of his wife's daily life.

Later, her father Zhang Fei was killed by his subordinates, and Zhang wore mourning clothes, which further strained their relationship.

"Madam, please rest first. I still have official business to attend to."

It's just past the hour of Xu (7-9 PM), which, according to modern time, is not even 9 PM yet. How could cattle, horses, and people possibly be resting?

Although Zhang rarely met Liu Shan, she had heard about his life.

Despite being the crown prince, Liu Shan was quite playful. After finishing his official duties, the eunuch Huang Hao would often provide him with novel gadgets for amusement, and he almost never stayed overnight in the inner palace.

In addition to observing mourning for her father, she is still a virgin.

But recently, upon hearing that Liu Shan had ordered the execution of Huang Hao, the entire harem was shocked.

When I visited tonight, I saw him engrossed in his studies again. Could it be that the previous rumors about him being playful were all false?

Zhang was born into a military family, but her mother was the daughter of the Xiahou family, so she was sensible and knew how to behave properly from a young age.

Moreover, she had only come out of curiosity tonight to visit her husband whom she had not seen for a long time. After Liu Shan said this, she bowed slightly and turned to leave the palace.

Liu Shan held the Zuo Zhuan in his hand, but his head was tilted to one side as he gazed at Zhang Shi's departing figure. He seemed somewhat dazed, then sighed with resentment and slapped his thigh in anger.

Are you testing me with this?

I almost lost control.

It wasn't that he didn't want a romantic relationship, but rather that the current situation was extremely dire.

The Huang Yuan Rebellion was just the beginning; ethnic minority tribes within Yizhou were likely to follow Huang Yuan's example and rise up in rebellion.

Before Zhuge Liang returned to court, he had to familiarize himself with government affairs as soon as possible and deal with emergencies.

After Zhang left, Liu Shan noticed a general standing upright outside the main hall, but he was not tall.

Who are you?

Liu Shan couldn't help but ask.

"This humble general, Zhao Tong, pays his respects to the Crown Prince."

Not only is he short, but his voice is also somewhat childish. Could he be a child soldier?

and many more!

Zhao Tong?

"You're Uncle Zhao's son, Zhao Tong?"

Zhao Tong cupped his hands and said, "Your Highness, there is only Zhao Tong, the military advisor, here. There is no Zhao Tong, the son of Zhao Yun."

Although he was young, he had great ambitions. Liu Shan nodded in satisfaction.

In his memory, Zhao Tong inherited Zhao Yun's title after Zhao Yun's death, and was later appointed as Tiger-General of the Central Army and concurrently served as a commander.

However, Zhao Tong's battle record is unknown, but his younger brother Zhao Guang died in battle at Tazhong in a later confrontation with the Wei army, sacrificing his life for his country.

Liu Shan put down the Zuo Zhuan he was holding and asked, "Why are you on duty at the Crown Prince's palace tonight?"

"Protecting the Crown Prince's palace is the duty of the Imperial Guard. Now that most of the elite troops of the Imperial Guard have been ordered to quell the rebellion, the defenses are weak, and Zhao Tong dares not be negligent."

The imperial guards of Shu Han were divided into two parts.

One part consisted of the White Feather Soldiers led by Chen Dao, who were responsible for the defense of the entire palace.

Another part consisted of the Imperial Guards, commanded by Zhao Yun, responsible for the defense of the Crown Prince's palace.

Although Chen Dao was closer to Liu Bei than Zhao Yun, his position was slightly lower than Zhao Yun's.

Now that both of them have led their troops to Yong'an, the defenses of the entire palace are somewhat weakened.

If Liu Shan wanted to quell the rebellion, he could only mobilize the Imperial Guards of his Crown Prince's Palace.

Liu Shan saw that Zhao Tong, though young, possessed the demeanor of a great general, and grew to like him even more.

How could such a talented person not have any verifiable achievements in battle?

Liu Shan analyzed that there were only two reasons.

Firstly, after inheriting the title, Zhao Tong guarded the palace and had no opportunity to go out to fight, so he naturally had no military achievements.

Secondly, dying young and exiting the historical stage at an early age was extremely common in ancient times.

The decline of talent in the later period of Shu Han was not only due to the geographical limitation of Yizhou, a single prefecture, but also to the early deaths and mediocrity of these second-generation officials.

Zhao Tong has a remarkable appearance and should be properly trained.

"Like father, like son. But everything is peaceful in Chengdu right now, so there's no need to be so nervous. Come and sit down."

Liu Shan waved to him enthusiastically and said loudly, "Someone, bring a table for General Zhao and serve him wine and food. I want to drink with General Zhao."

"Crown Prince..."

Zhao Tong was about to refuse, but Liu Shan stopped him.

"I almost forgot, General, wearing armor is quite inconvenient. Someone, take the General to change his clothes first."

Two palace maids stepped forward and led Zhao Tong to the back hall to change his clothes.

A short while later, Zhao Tong appeared before Liu Shan, dressed in a casual robe made of Shu brocade.

"Truly a dragon among men, a man of exceptional talent."

Zhao Tong was very handsome, with red lips and white teeth, and had the demeanor of a scholar-general.

Zhao Tong cupped his hands and said, "Thank you, Your Highness, for bestowing these clothes upon me."

"I'll be content as long as General Zhao doesn't mind my old clothes."

"sit."

This Shu brocade everyday garment, which was reserved for royalty, was undoubtedly a reward for Zhao Tong, so there was no reason for him to complain.

After Zhao Tong took his seat, palace maids brought him food and drink, and served him wine.

"General Zhao, please don't stand on ceremony. I was once in distress amidst the chaos of war. If it weren't for General Zhao's father's rescue, I would probably be dead by now. The debt of saving my life is greater than heaven. General Zhao's father is also my father, Liu Shan's father."

"If you don't mind, let's address each other as brothers in private. I'm a year older than you, so I'll be the elder brother and you the younger brother. How about that?"

Zhao Tong was both surprised and delighted upon hearing this.

He was only sixteen years old and was a passionate young man. He had heard about the oath of brotherhood between Liu Bei, Guan Yu, and Zhang Fei in the Peach Garden since he was a child, and he longed for it.

Although Zhao Yun, the father, was also as close as Liu Bei, Guan Yu, and Zhang Fei, their bond was not as strong as that between Guan Yu and Zhang Fei.

Now that Liu Shan was willing to condescend to become sworn brothers with him, and even bestowed upon him clothes and shared meals with him, he immediately forgot all about the proper order of ruler and subject, and knelt down in obeisance.

"Zhao Tong is willing to become sworn brothers with the Crown Prince, and to follow him through life and death."

Liu Shan quickly stepped forward to help him up, laughing loudly, "Since we've become sworn brothers, let's address each other as brothers. Stop calling me Crown Prince all the time; it makes people uncomfortable."

Zhao Tong was so moved that tears streamed down his face. After stammering for a long time, he finally managed to squeeze out the word "elder brother".

"Good, my good second brother."

"drink wine!"