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When Zhao Kuo rushed back to the capital Handan, he learned of his father's serious illness. Since he was on the front lines fighting against the Qin Army, Zhao She had ordered the family to keep the news tightly sealed from Zhao Kuo. As a general entrusted with significant responsibilities by the state, he should understand the importance of national duty over personal matters. Without this larger family as a foundation, how could one enjoy a peaceful and prosperous life? News travels fast! Even so, everyone chose to silently conceal the truth from Zhao Kuo.
Hurrying to his father's sickbed, Zhao Kuo saw his father's emaciated face, resembling a mere skeleton, and could hardly believe this was the kind-hearted father he knew, who always appeared so robust. He suddenly understood why King Zhao would agree to the request of the deputy commander on the front lines and why Old General Lian Po would allow a general engaged in battle to leave the battlefield. They all knew that Zhao She was gravely ill, while the unfilial son remained completely unaware!
Just as Zhao Kuo was crying uncontrollably, wishing to express all his grievances, Zhao She suddenly regained consciousness at that moment. Seeing his beloved son standing before him stirred deep thoughts within him.
Isn't my son fighting against the main force of the Qin Army on the front lines? How dare he leave his post and come home!? With this thought, Zhao She rubbed his eyes for confirmation, and upon seeing clearly, he couldn't help but feel furious. As a general, one should understand national interests! If one does not appreciate royal grace or think of serving the country, how can they be a general!?
Seeing his father suddenly awake, before Zhao Kuo could feel any joy, he was met with a barrage of reprimands from Zhao She. Startled into silence, he stood there with his head down, not daring to utter a word. If it weren't for Lian Po's poor command that he could no longer bear to witness, he would never have dared to leave the front lines!
Fortunately, steward Zhao Fu understood that this was the old master's final moments and quickly stepped in to defend Zhao Kuo. "Young Master returned with our victorious army because the Qin Army was defeated at Shangdang!"
Those words awakened Zhao Kuo from his stupor! Never having dared to lie to his father before, he quickly responded stammering about how it happened. "Our Zhao Army launched a counterattack and drove the Qin Army out of Shangdang County."
Seeing everyone in the room nodding in agreement confirmed this fact for Zhao She, who immediately felt like a child filled with joy. He signaled for someone to help him sit up and then drank a bowl of thin porridge served by Zhao Kuo. His frail body suddenly felt invigorated as if filled with strength. Indeed, a tiger's son! My boy has not brought shame to the Zhao Family Disciple! He has not disgraced our ancestors!
Zhao Fu knew that the old master still had much to say to Young Master and had to make haste. He quickly instructed all attendants to leave the room to give space for the two masters. With only two people left in the room, Zhao She found himself at a loss for where to begin with all that he wanted to say.
"Ah! Life is but a fleeting moment! If I were to leave this world now, you need not be sad. Remember to take good care of your mother in the future! She has had a hard life and hasn’t enjoyed any blessings following this old man."
Hearing his father's words of advice, Zhao Kuo nodded vigorously.
Zhao She was also a prominent figure in Zhao State; even before falling ill, he served as Chancellor. Known for his integrity, he had offended many scoundrels along the way. Nevertheless, he remained steadfast in his principles. When he saw something wrong, he would stand up against it. This time, he strongly opposed Zhao State's acceptance of decisions regarding Shangdang Region!
People often say "High Office and Generous Salary," but it depends on how you interpret it. If one is adept at leveraging their power, being as rich as a nation is nothing extraordinary. As long as one does not violate principles, a slight adjustment in policy can easily divert a large sum of Silver Coins into one's own accounts. However, if one is solely focused on national righteousness, no matter how high the official rank, they can only maintain a normal life.
At that time, salaries were distributed according to strict proportions. Zhao She, who was neither greedy nor opportunistic, was not destitute, but the general Armor he wore was outdated. It wasn't until Zhao Huiwen Wang met the victorious army returning from the battle of Eyu that he could no longer bear it and awarded a new set of Armor. This new Armor was now worn by Zhao Kuo.
Seeing his son in full military attire filled Zhao She with vigor, as if he had returned to his own youthful days of clashing swords and galloping horses. Life is truly short! Before one has the chance to appreciate the beautiful scenery of life, it has already descended into dusk! Alas!
"Kuo'er! No matter how many military texts you read, they cannot compare to real combat experience. Although you currently command the strongest Cavalry unit in Zhao, you must learn more from General Lian. Speak less and observe more! You are still young and should understand the importance of humility. Facing the predatory Qin State, the future burden of Zhao rests on the shoulders of young people like you. Even if you have to endure some temporary grievances, it doesn't matter! You just need to know that these grievances are nothing compared to the State Unity of Zhao!"
Zhao She’s earnest teachings struck deeply in Zhao Kuo's heart, dispelling his earlier thoughts of returning home to join Lian Po. His father was right! Thinking that commanding Zhao's Cavalry Unit made him superior—how could such arrogance allow him to command all of Zhao's forces!?
Seeing Zhao Kuo nodding repeatedly, Zhao She continued: "In the Sixty-Four Hexagrams devised by Wen Wang, only the Humility Hexagram has all six lines free from blame. Even in danger, as long as one is upright in heart and mind, they can turn peril into safety. The towering mountains humbly hide beneath the ground; this is The Way of the Gentleman..."
Zhao Kuo bowed his head in learning but waited for a long time without hearing his father continue speaking. When he looked up again, he saw that Zhao She was sitting on the bed and had passed away long ago...
Upon receiving news of the Chancellor's death, Zhao Wang Dan was still in shock when he learned about Lin Xiangru's demise shortly after. Despite King Zhao's indulgence in wine and women and neglecting state affairs, he was well aware of which ministers were capable or not. The simultaneous deaths of two talented officials—one civil and one military—undoubtedly caused a collapse in the pillars supporting Zhao.
He raised his hand to shield himself from the dancing Beauties and musicians playing nearby and walked alone outside the hall to gaze at the overcast sky.
Had that Horse Armor General who had decisively defeated the Qin Army in Eyu and showcased Zhao Army's might really left us!?
Had Lin Shangqing, who completely disregarded King Zhao of Qin at the Rope Pool meeting and returned the precious jade intact to Zhao, also departed!?
...
Is it snowing? Or are the heavens shedding tears for our lost ministers? Zhao Wang Dan reached out to catch a falling white snowflake and then closed his eyes, tilting his head back to let the cold flakes hit his face...
To honor Zhao She and Lin Xiangru for their contributions to the State of Zhao, King Zhao personally inscribed a tribute and participated in the memorial activities. To ensure that future generations remember them, he also ordered the creation of a monument to commemorate the great achievements of Zhao She and Lin Xiangru.
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