Zhang Hei remained unperturbed: "The emperor has already conferred upon me the title of General of the West, as a subject, how can I still seek any more rewards?"
Guo Hui grew anxious: "Zhang Gong doesn't want it himself, but can't he take this opportunity to secure some prospects for your four sons?"
"Emperor, you are leaving soon. After that, when will there be another opportunity to speak up and when can we achieve a feat as great as Hanzhong?"
Zhang He remained silent.
Guo Hui sighed softly: "If it were others, I would not be so meddlesome. But as Zhang Gong has shown me kindness, your sons are like my own nephews in our clan."
"Four sons, one as a clerk in the Three Offices, and three idle in the city of Ye without prospects," Guo Hui urged, "Zhang Gong should think about them now."
Zhang He remained silent for a while, then softly said, "Bo Ji, you're right! I'm over sixty now, no longer in my prime."
Guo Hui saw that Zhang He had changed his mind and his expression improved greatly: "The sons of Zhang Wenyuan and Le Wenqian are now commanding troops in the Province of Huainan, while Xu Gongming's son serves as a military officer in the middle army. They have also made some contributions in this war."
"Zhang Gong should also think about his descendants."
Zhang He turned to look at Guo Hui, "What kind of favor should we ask for? Don't keep it from Bo Ji, I want the emperor to arrange for them to be apprentices of great scholars and first master the Five Classics in Luoyang."
"After mastering the Five Classics, they can then serve in the Secretariat of State or various positions throughout the country."
Guo Hui asked, "Are you not going to let them join the military?"
"No longer," Zhang He sighed: "It's not easy for them to serve in the army. My four sons were born and raised in the prosperous area of Ye Commandery, how can they possibly match my determination and risk their lives on the battlefield as I did back then?"
"Alright." Guo Hui nodded: "Zhang Gong's advice is on the right path."
"My brother Zhongnan is the governor of Chengyang Commandery, and my brother-in-law Wang Yanyun is the prefect of Qingzhou. It's not as if there will be no prospects for my four nephews."
"The emperor is merciful, and the emperor will certainly agree to what Zhang Gong requests." Guo Hui advised: "Things shouldn't be delayed, let's go see the emperor tomorrow."
Zhang He nodded.
