"Hey! "
"Ha! "
"Hoo! "
On the sandy ground, several children, each holding a wooden sword, continuously brandished them according to the movements Zhang Xin had taught.
It was rare for Zhang Xin to spend time with the children, and after playing, he naturally had to give them a good lesson.
He didn't have to worry about their studies for the time being.
The children were still young, and for simply learning to read, Zhuge Jin was more than sufficient to teach them.
Moreover, their mothers were also educated, so Zhang Xin didn't need to worry about their basic education at all.
At this stage, the only thing he could teach them was martial arts.
"Third Son! Stand up straight! What kind of man are you, all floppy and weak?! "
"Eldest Son, did you not eat today? Put more effort into it! "
"Second Son, when you strike with your sword, your footwork must be stable. Don't take too big a step; be careful you don't pull something…"
Zhang Xin continuously pointed out issues based on the children's movements.
Thru these past few days of interaction, he had gained some initial understanding of his own children.
Zhang Ping was very intelligent and kind-hearted; as long as he wasn't taught to be a pedantic scholar, he should become a rare good official in the future.
Zhang Tai was restless and couldn't sit still. He had little interest in studying, and whenever Zhuge Jin taught the children, he was the one who caused the most trouble.
One moment he would pretend to have a stomachache, the next he would be making small movements, which gave Zhuge Jin a huge headache.
In the past few days, Zhang Xin had beaten him quite a few times because of his studies.
It could be said that he had given him a complete childhood.
However, his talent in martial arts was excellent. He basically learned any movement Zhang Xin taught him instantly, and he was also stronger than children his age.
It would be good for him to be a great General for Zhang Huan in the future.
The eldest son was skilled in literature, and the second son was skilled in martial arts.
In contrast, the third son, Zhang Ding, seemed to be neither good at literature nor martial arts.
But he was only a concubine's son, neither legitimate nor the eldest, so there was nothing wrong with being a bit mediocre.
Moreover, he wasn't without his merits.
He was very meticulous, and with a little cultivation in the future, he should have no problem assisting Zhang Huan with minor tasks and handling odd jobs.
Just then, Wang Rou walked in hurriedly.
"Lord, General Dian requests an audience."
"Oh? It seems it's time for me to make an appearance."
Zhang Xin's heart stirred, and he called out to the children, "That's all for today."
With that, Zhang Xin stood up and walked toward the main hall.
The children stopped their movements upon hearing this and bowed from a distance.
Dian Wei was waiting in the hall. Seeing Zhang Xin arrive, he quickly bowed.
"Lord."
"Has Xu He arrived? " Zhang Xin asked.
Dian Wei nodded.
Zhang Xin smiled upon hearing this.
"Let's go, we'll go out and see."
As soon as he left the back residence, Zhang Xin noticed that all the officials of the State Prefecture were outside the gate, a vast throng blocking his doorway completely.
Upon seeing Zhang Xin emerge, the officials immediately shouted loudly.
"Your humble servants greet Lord! Lord's recovery from illness is truly cause for celebration…"
"Why are you all blocking my doorway? "
Zhang Xin walked forward with a puzzled expression.
The State Prefecture officials looked at each other and pushed Hua Xin forward.
"Lord! "
Hua Xin stepped forward with a serious expression, cupping his hands and saying, "The Qing Province Yellow Turbans have rebelled and are besieging Pingyuan! "
After breaking thru the government offices and capturing the officials, the Qing Province Yellow Turbans did not hold the city or plunder everyplace. Instead, they marched grandly from various places toward Pingyuan.
Hua Xin had no military authority and could not mobilize troops.
He went to other Generals, but all the Generals said that without Zhang Xin's military order, they had no authority to mobilize troops either.
How many soldiers did the various commanderies have? They dared not send troops to stop them.
Hua Xin could only watch helplessly as hundreds of thousands of Yellow Turbans surrounded Pingyuan City.
"What did you say?! "
Zhang Xin was greatly alarmed. "When did the Yellow Turbans rebel again? Why was such an important matter not reported earlier? "
"Your humble servant came to report it."
Hua Xin glanced at Dian Wei. "It's just that General Dian refused to inform you."
"Old Dian."
Zhang Xin looked at Dian Wei, displeased. "Why didn't you report it? "
Dian Wei scratched his head. "Lord was still ill at the time…"
"Even if I was ill, you should have told me about this matter! "
Zhang Xin interrupted angrily, "Now the Yellow Turbans are besieging Pingyuan; what do you expect me to do? "
"Generalpower, one should listen more to the will of the people? "
"How is it that now that the will of the people has arrived, you have all become mute? "
"Answer me! "
Zhang Xin suddenly roared, startling everyone.