Emperor Ling of Han was the last powerful emperor of the Han Dynasty, a figure who could have altered the course of history, yet he became the root cause of the empire's collapse.
Fate ha...
Seeing that his father did not believe him, Zhang Fei immediately took out paper and pen and began to draw the image that was deeply imprinted in his mind.
It must be said that Zhang Fei did have some talent in painting. Before long, a painting of the emperor riding a horse and looking to the side appeared on the paper.
"Look, Father, this is His Majesty."
After finishing the painting, Zhang Fei proudly handed it to his father.
When Zhang's father took the painting, he saw the emperor's heroic face and deep gaze in the painting, and felt as if the emperor was really in front of him, looking at him.
"Old Zhang~, Old Zhang~....."
Just then, an urgent shout came from outside. Zhang Fei and his son looked out and saw Su Qing, who was also from a wealthy family in Zhuojun.
"Brother Su, what has happened?"
Seeing Su Qing's anxious expression, Zhang's father stepped forward and asked curiously.
Su Qing took a breath and then said, "Old Zhang, hurry up and change your clothes and prepare the gifts. Let's go together to pay our respects to the Emperor."
"Paying...paying respects to the Emperor?" Upon hearing this, Zhang's father was taken aback.
"Uncle, are you saying that the Emperor wants to summon you?"
Zhang Fei, who was standing nearby, quickly leaned forward and excitedly asked.
Su Qing smiled and nodded: "Someone from the prefectural governor's office just said that His Majesty is currently meeting with government officials. After them, he will summon me, your father, and the local wealthy families and merchants."
"That's great!"
Upon hearing this, Zhang Fei shouted excitedly, making Su Qing and Zhang's father's eardrums ache.
"You brat, keep your voice down, what are you shouting for?" Zhang's father couldn't help but laugh and scold, "Go and tell your mother to prepare clothes and gifts for your father."
"Okay, all done!"
Upon hearing this, Zhang Fei quickly ran towards the backyard.
Before long, Zhang's father changed his clothes, took the gifts and walked outside. Just as he stepped out of the courtyard, a loud shout came from outside.
"Father, wait for your child."
Zhang Fei, who had somehow changed into a fine outfit and was holding a piece of paper, caught up with them.
Upon seeing this, Zhang's father frowned: "Fei'er, what is it? What are you holding in your hand?"
"This is a gift that your son prepared for your father and presents to Your Majesty."
As Zhang Fei spoke, he handed the papers in his hand to his father.
"Father already has a gift; why do you need to prepare another one?"
Despite saying that, Zhang's father still reached out and took the paper from Zhang Fei's hand.
"This is.....?"
Looking at the several duplex buildings drawn on the paper, and the line of small print below, Mr. Zhang was stunned for a moment.
"Father, this is the school I designed. What do you think? Isn't it beautiful?" Zhang Fei looked at his father with a boastful expression.
Mr. Zhang frowned even more deeply: "It's beautiful, but what's the use?"
"Oh dear, Father, how can you not understand? There are so many wealthy merchants in the city who are stronger than our Zhang family. They must be sending plenty of valuable gifts. If we want to attract His Majesty's attention, we have to send something different."
Seeing his father's slow reaction, Zhang Fei couldn't help but show a disappointed expression as he looked at his father.
"My son is right. Could it be that you are planning to have your father send you to a few schools?"
Upon hearing Zhang Fei's words, Zhang's father immediately understood.
Zhang Fei nodded: "Yes, Father. The Emperor is the most honorable person in the world. What treasures hasn't he seen? In His Majesty's eyes, treasures are just useless playthings. You might as well give him something practical."
The government is currently building schools across the country, which is a beneficial undertaking for the nation and its people. Our Zhang family can certainly contribute, even if it's just building three or five schools. That would cost less than sending treasures, wouldn't it?"
Upon hearing this, Zhang's father suddenly realized: "I have also heard that His Majesty has always encouraged a pragmatic approach. Doing this will indeed attract His Majesty's attention more effectively."
I never imagined my son could think so meticulously. Excellent!
At this moment, Zhang's father looked at his son with a hint of relief. He never expected that his son, who always loved to cause trouble, would also have such a meticulous side.
"Hehe~ Father, since you've put it that way, could you please take me with you to pay our respects to His Majesty?"
Zhang Fei chuckled after being praised by his father, then looked at his father expectantly.
Upon hearing this, Zhang's father resolutely refused, saying, "No."
Why not?
Upon hearing this, Zhang Fei's eyes widened, and he craned his neck to look at his father.
Zhang's father said, "His Majesty only summoned me and your Uncle Su, but he didn't say he summoned you."
Upon hearing this, Zhang Fei's eyes darted around, and he immediately said, "But His Majesty didn't say he wouldn't summon me. You know His Majesty likes young people the most. If you bring me along, you'll attract His Majesty's attention more, won't you?"
"Heh~, you little rascal, you really know how to find loopholes. You can go, but don't say anything out of line, understand?"
Upon hearing his son's words, Mr. Zhang couldn't help but chuckle.
"I understand, Father. You can rest assured."
Upon seeing that his father agreed to take him along, Zhang Fei immediately became overjoyed.
Soon, Zhang Fei and his son left their home and headed towards the prefectural governor's mansion. Along the way, they encountered many people carrying large gifts who were also on their way to pay their respects.
"Hey, Lao Zhang, why are you bringing your young master along when you go to pay your respects to His Majesty?"
A wealthy man who was on good terms with the Zhang family, accompanied by several servants carrying gifts, came to Zhang Fei and his son.
Mr. Zhang laughed loudly, "Haha~, this kid can't sit still at home, so it's a good opportunity to take him along and let him see the world."
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