Late Song Dynasty: From Imposter Magistrate to Emperor Donning the Imperial Robe

Chapter 102 Ma Kuo, the Martial Arts Examination Candidate

Li Chong followed Ma Kuo out of the post station with a strange expression.

Isn't Ma Kuo being a bit too proactive?

His father was clearly a high-ranking official in the court. Since he was appointed as an envoy by Emperor Huizong, he must have been someone who could see the emperor at any time.

Why would a son of an official like him seem so interested in me?

Could it be...?

Li Chong felt a chill, because he thought that among the upper class in ancient times, there had always been homosexual tendencies. Could this person be one of them?

Shaking his head, Li Chong calmed himself down. It shouldn't be that bad. He was just average-looking. Even if Ma Kuo was attracted to men, he wouldn't be interested in him.

However, this is a good opportunity.

"Let's see if we can get some information out of him and confirm whether their delegation is actually going to the Jin Kingdom. If we encounter any suspicious signs, it's not too late to retreat."

Having made up his mind, Li Chong looked up at Ma Kuo and said, "Brother Ma..."

"Magistrate Li!"

The two turned around at the same time and bumped into each other, ending up awkwardly stuck in place.

After a moment of stunned silence, Li Chong smiled nonchalantly and gestured, "You go first."

Li Chong concluded that this person probably didn't have any bad intentions.

He looked younger than me, probably in his early twenties, a time when he was full of vigor and ambition.

He followed Li Chong out, probably for some purpose.

Ma Kuo nodded in acknowledgment, expressing his goodwill: "Thank you, Magistrate Li. My name is Ma Kuo, courtesy name Zichong. I am fortunate to have been selected by the Emperor to accompany my father on this mission. It is merely to broaden my horizons. I am not comparable to you, Magistrate, who governs a region and brings peace to the people. You may address me by my courtesy name; there is no need for such formality."

Sure enough, this person wasn't a bad person.

One shouldn't hit a smiling face; since the other person was friendly, Li Chong naturally reciprocated with great politeness.

"Brother Zichong," Li Chong bowed respectfully, "Since you are so kind, there is no need to address me by my official title. I am Li Chong, courtesy name Hefu."

"Brother Hefu."

The two men exchanged formal greetings. Being young, they became more casual and friendly after exchanging names.

Immediately, Ma Kuo eagerly asked Li Chong, "Brother Hefu, I heard that you used some strategies to suppress the bandits. What were those strategies? How many bandits were there? What were the casualties and how many were captured? Could you please elaborate?"

"this……"

Ma Kuo wasn't asking about any secrets, but Li Chong hadn't expected Ma Kuo to want to ask him these things.

Ma Zheng seems to be a typical civil official. He was just admonishing Li Chong not to pay too much attention to military affairs, but now his son is different from his father and is too concerned about these things.

Li Chong couldn't help but feel a little strange.

As if sensing Li Chong's question, Ma Kuo smiled sheepishly.

"I'm sorry to make you laugh, Brother Hefu. I really have no interest in studying. I was able to enter officialdom through the military examination. Fortunately, the emperor valued me and granted me the title of Senior Military Officer, appointing me as Chengjielang and Military Instructor of the Northwest Circuit of the Capital, and ordering me to accompany my father on a diplomatic mission."

Ma Kuo said with pride, "To be honest, Brother Hefu, the Emperor's move is exactly what I wanted. I have been good at archery since I was a child, and I can wield a long spear. I can also shoot with both hands on horseback, which is suitable for me to make contributions on the battlefield. Today I heard that Brother Hefu entered officialdom through the imperial examination, but he is able to personally lead troops to quell the rebellion. I am truly impressed and would like to ask him for some advice."

It turned out to be the case.

Li Chong nodded in realization. This was a second-generation scion who had gone astray. Instead of studying hard to get ahead in the Northern Song Dynasty, he wanted to pursue a career as a military officer.

However, this turned out to be a lucky accident for him. In the chaotic world that was about to arrive, warriors were much better able to protect themselves than scholars.

Thinking of this, Li Chong's smile warmed even more: "I never expected Brother Zichong to have this kind of experience, my apologies. It just so happens that most of my experience comes from theoretical discussions, and I was just worried about having no one to share it with. Brother Zichong, you and I are of the same mind."

Ma Kuo glanced at Li Chong with some surprise; this man seemed completely unconcerned.

I thought Li Chong would be a little bothered by my status as a martial arts graduate, but to my surprise, Li Chong was even more enthusiastic, which was obviously not because of his father's status.

After all, if it were because of his father, Li Chong should have come up to curry favor as soon as he left.

"Indeed, we are like-minded people." Ma Kua was overjoyed. "This time, I must learn a great deal from Brother Hefu!"

Ma Kuo was overjoyed to finally meet a scholar who did not look down on martial arts, and who even had a proven track record of military exploits.

In just a few words, the two became much closer.

They walked out of the post station in high spirits, both beaming with joy.

Li Chong was unaware that Ma Kuo was no nobody; although he could not compare to famous generals like Yue Fei and Han Shizhong, he was still a capable general in the fight against the Jin dynasty.

Historically, it was during this mission that Ma Kuo went hunting with Wanyan Aguda. Wanyan Aguda wanted to test his skills, so he let him shoot first.

As a result, Ma Kuo leaped onto the horse, drew his bow, and shot down a yellow roe deer with a single arrow, drawing the attention of the Jin people.

Those people were the founding generals of the Jin Dynasty who overthrew the Liao Dynasty alongside Wanyan Aguda. The fact that Ma Kuo could be regarded with such respect by these people shows how capable he was.

Later, after the Jin dynasty destroyed the Liao dynasty, Ma Kuo took the initiative to write to Emperor Huizong of Song, requesting the court to strengthen military preparedness and strictly prevent the Jin people from moving south.

Of course, given the personalities of Zhao Ji and others, his suggestion was naturally and utterly ignored.

After the Jingkang Incident, Ma Kuo actively resisted the Jin army and was elected as the leader of various rebel armies in Hedong and Hebei, with more than 10 followers.

However, they were then attacked by the Jin army. Wanyan Zongfu, the right deputy marshal of Jin, led his troops to attack. Ma Kuo asked Zhao Gou for help, and the result was self-evident.

Having already lost his courage, Zhao Gou dared not send troops and watched Ma Kuo's army be defeated.

Fortunately, Ma Kuo escaped with his life and served as an official in the Southern Song Dynasty.

But he couldn't change the situation. After Qin Hui came to power, Ma Kuo was soon dismissed and retired to his home until his death.

At this time, Ma Kuo was not yet the battle-hardened general he would become in later generations, but his ambition was already evident. Hearing that Li Chong, a mere scholar, dared to personally take to the battlefield, he naturally felt more respect for him and humbly asked for his guidance.

Although Li Chong was unaware of Ma Kuo's reputation, with chaos looming, having more friends meant having more options, so Li Chong wholeheartedly befriended him.

Friendships between young people come quickly; even if it's the first time they've met, they can become fast friends.

Stepping out of the post station, Ma Kuo's expression turned strange: "Those bandits actually numbered over a hundred. No wonder they were able to wreak havoc for more than ten years?"

Li Chong sighed, "That's just how things are these days. Under natural disasters, they're just trying to survive."

Ma Kuo remained silent, and this was a difficult question to answer.

However, he did not show any dissatisfaction with Li Chong, which clearly indicated that he knew the crux of the problem.

Just as the two were chatting, a figure blocked their way.

"Your Excellency, and this magistrate, what are your instructions, Lord Ma? I will go and carry them out as soon as possible."

Yang Chengde hadn't left yet. He was filled with anxiety, afraid of angering the angel, so he dared not leave easily and could only wait outside the door.

Seeing Li Chong come out with a young man, he quickly went to greet him.