Hanzi

During the Southern and Northern Dynasties, there was a young man named Zong Que, also known by his courtesy name Yuan Gan. From a young age, he trained in swordplay and martial arts with his father and uncle, becoming highly skilled despite his youth.

One day, it was his elder brother's wedding, and the house was bustling with guests. A dozen bandits took advantage of the chaos, disguised themselves as guests, and snuck in. While people were busy celebrating in the front hall, the bandits had already entered the Zong family's storeroom to loot.

A servant, going to the storeroom, discovered the bandits and screamed, rushing back to the hall. For a moment, everyone in the hall was stunned, unsure what to do. Zong Que, however, remained calm. He drew his sword and rushed straight to the storeroom.

The bandits, seeing him approach, brandished their weapons and threatened him, ordering him to stay back. Zong Que showed no fear. He charged at the bandits with his sword, while his family members shouted encouragement. Realizing their disadvantage, the bandits abandoned the stolen goods and quickly fled.

The guests, seeing the bandits driven away, praised Zong Que for his quick wit and bravery, noting his promising future. When asked what he wanted to do when he grew up, he raised his head and boldly declared, "I wish to ride the long wind and break through ten thousand waves, to accomplish a magnificent endeavor."

Indeed, a few years later, when King Fan Yangmai of Lin Yi invaded the border, Emperor Wen sent Tan Hezhi, the Governor of Jiaozhou, to suppress him. Zong Que volunteered to join the campaign and was appointed General Zhenwu.

Once, when Tan Hezhi's forces besieged Fan Fulong, Lin Yi's general in Qusu City, Zong Que was tasked with intercepting the reinforcements sent by the Lin Yi King. Zong Que devised a plan: he ambushed his troops along the reinforcements' inevitable path. As soon as the enemy entered the ambush, Zong Que's forces attacked, scattering them completely.

In this way, Zong Que indeed won many battles for the country and made numerous military achievements, for which he was ennobled as the Marquis of Taoyang. He had truly fulfilled his youthful ambition.