Seeing how much the Marquis valued it, Xu Rao was very curious about what it was. The Marquis took it out and carefully spread it out on the large desk in the study. Xu Rao went over to take a look and found that it was a map, now called a map, but it was a map that Xu Rao didn't quite understand.
Upon seeing the map, the crown prince exclaimed in surprise, "Father, it's a military map! Was it left behind when you accompanied the Emperor to the border to fight?"
The Marquis said, "Yes, back then, a few of us followed the Emperor. When we returned, the Emperor gave each of us a copy, as a memento. Third brother, look, Hexi County is here. Hexi County is located on the border. There is a pass on the mountain here, which is easy to defend and difficult to attack. It is the western gate of this dynasty. There is a river here, which is near the county town."
Lord Hou pointed to some curves on the map. Xu Rao couldn't understand how those lines represented mountains and rivers. However, Xu Rao had great respect for the wisdom of the ancients. Times are constantly developing, and technology is also progressing little by little. It is because of these small achievements that we have the splendid ancient civilization, which in turn gives rise to the even more brilliant modern civilization.
After looking at the map, the prince said with some worry, "Father, I've heard that the people in Hexi are known for their fierceness, and the magistrate of Hexi County is assigned by the local garrison. Being a local official is not easy."
The Marquis looked at Xu Rao and said, "It's all about human effort. If others can't do it well, does that mean the Third Brother can't either? Third Brother, when you leave, take two advisors with you to be your secretaries. Also, take two guards from the mansion with you. When you leave, hire a few bodyguards from a security company."
Xu Rao said, "Father, I want to take Zhao Ci and the two children with me to my new post."
The Marquis thought for a moment and said, "This still needs to be discussed further."
Upon hearing this, Xu Rao knew that someone in the household disapproved of his family of four going to another place together. He said, "Father, this time Zhao Ci, Di'er, and I were in danger. It was a man-made disaster. I'm not at ease leaving the three of us at home. I've thought about it. Let's leave for a while. Maybe that person will reveal their true colors."
The Marquis said, "Then I'll go and discuss it with your mother."
Xu Rao didn't say anything more. After bidding farewell to the Marquis, she hurriedly walked towards her courtyard with the pastries. As she walked, she wondered if she should make a map of the scenery along the way. The map she had just looked at was really difficult to read and not accurate at all.
Xu Zhi and Xu Di were playing in the yard when they saw Xu Rao returning with some things. They happily called out "Daddy!" and ran towards the gate. When Xu Rao saw them, he quickly put the things down and picked up Xu Zhi, who had run up to him.
Xu Di had already come over and picked up the things Xu Rao had put on the ground, saying, "Oh my, Dad, how much delicious food did you buy?"
Xu Rao said, "There aren't many. I see there are quite a few restaurants on the street. Let's find some time to go and have a taste. In a few days, you will have to come with me to the border to take up your posts. I can't conjure up food for you if you want to eat it."
Upon hearing this, Xu Di asked with great interest, "The border? Father, where are you going to take up your post?"
Xu Rao said, "I think Hexi County should be near Yanmen Pass."
Xu Rao carried Xu Zhi, and Xu Di carried the things. The three of them walked into the house while talking.
Xu Di thought for a moment and said, "So you're going to the border. I wonder if it's safe there now."
Xu Rao said, "I heard that the heir of the Marquis of Jingbei is stationed there. With him there, how could it not be safe?"
Zhang Zhaoci was tidying up when she overheard the conversation between the father and son. When they entered the house and saw Xu Di's injured body, she exclaimed in surprise, "You really dote on your child, carrying him back like this?"
Xu Rao said, "Yes, I think these two things are quite good. I'll take them to the old lady later. The Marquis just said that the four of us will go to the old lady's courtyard for dinner tonight. We can take them with us and also tell the old lady about our whole family going to our post together. I just told the Marquis that, from what he said, he seems to strongly disapprove of the three of you coming along."
Upon hearing this, Zhang Zhaoci said, "What? You don't want me, your legal wife, to come along, so you want to get a concubine to serve you? They may be shameless, but I still have my pride. Xu Rao, let me tell you, if you have such frivolous thoughts, I'll take the two children and go to sea with you, and we'll never come back."
Xu Rao said, "Look at you, saying these things in front of the children. Don't you understand what I've been thinking all these years? That was the source of all the trouble. Our family still needs to live a good life. What's the point of bringing this on again? Don't you agree?"
Zhang Zhaoci said, "It's best if you think that way."
Xu Zhi listened to her parents' words in surprise. She really didn't expect her mother to be so fierce. Was it not virtuous for a woman to be like this? But the fewer people in the family, the better. If they really had to take a concubine, not to mention her mother, she herself would probably feel uncomfortable.
The news has spread throughout the prefecture that the Third Master has been chosen as the magistrate of Hexi County and will take up his post soon.
When Xu Rao and Zhang Zhaoci took the two children to the old lady's courtyard that evening, the main house and hall were already lit up, and maids and servants brought over several dishes from the main kitchen, while the small kitchen was filled with the enticing aroma of food.
There were two tables set up for the old lady. One table was for the old lady, the lady of the house, the eldest daughter-in-law, and Xu Zhi, who was brought by Zhang Zhaoci. The other table was for the marquis, the heir apparent, and Xu Rao and Xu Di.
Since they were all family, there was no screen between the two tables. The old lady said with a smile, "Our Third Master will be an official in the future. Before he leaves, I, this old woman, would like to invite him to a meal. I hope everything goes smoothly for our Third Master when he is away from home."
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