Chapter 3, This road is paved by me

Tang Shi was busy for a while, preparing several dishes before finally sitting down to drink a few cups with the "father and son". Although she was very dissatisfied with spending money to support Liu Bei's education and felt that her son was mostly influenced by that little rascal Liu Bei to go to school, seeing her husband speaking so gently to their son made her feel much more at ease. Even if it meant spending some unjust money, she felt willing to do so. Although she was very dissatisfied with spending money to support Liu Bei's education and felt that her son was mostly influenced by that little rascal Liu Bei to go to school, seeing her husband speaking so gently to their son made her feel much more at ease. Even if it meant spending some unjust money, she felt willing to do so.

Liu Xiu smiled and said, "You are fine, but I am not. What I am worried about now is if the teacher wants to test our foundational knowledge, what shall I do? I cannot even remember a single classic of the sages."

Liu Yuanqi looked at him, hesitating to speak, picked up a green bean and tossed it into his mouth, chewing slowly while mentioning the benefits of studying. Liu Xiu responded cautiously, not daring to say another word, lest he reveal more flaws.

"Brother, are you worried about your studies again?" Liu Bei turned his head, smiled at him, and comforted him, saying, "There is no need to be afraid. Not to mention that Lord Lu is not the kind of pedantic scholar who nitpicks over words; even if he were, it wouldn't matter. We are not aiming to earn a doctor's degree through rigorous study; we are merely borrowing his name to make it easier for us to get by in Zhuo County. Zhuo County is the seat of the prefecture; if we do well, we might even find a position in the governor's office. By that time, I wonder how pleased your uncle will be; at least he won't speak of you the way he does now."

Liu Xiu smiled silently and shrank his body a little: "At that time, I will still need to rely on you to look after me."

"That is only natural." Liu Bei said, puffing out his chest without reservation, the sound echoing as he spoke with great bravado, "Do you even need to mention it? Over the years, whenever the village youths got into fights, my brothers and I have always stood shoulder to shoulder, beating them until they were in disarray. Although you have not fully recovered yet, with me here, how could I allow you to suffer any loss?"

Liu Xiu pretended not to know, huddled in the ox cart, watching Liu Bei wielding the whip, urging the old ox to move forward. However, the old ox was indeed quite aged; despite its labored breathing, it could not quicken its pace. Listening to the creaking sound of the wheels and observing the old ox's leisurely progress, Liu Xiu suddenly felt a sense of ease. In his previous life, in pursuit of justice, he had tirelessly copied ancient paintings and calligraphy day and night, studied the techniques of forgery, and analyzed the preferences of that so-called expert, never having such an opportunity to savor the leisure of life. He even always thought that only those elderly people, nearing the end of their lives, would hold a purple clay teapot stained with tea residue, slumped in a rattan chair at the alley's entrance, caressing the shiny handle, relishing the last rays of the setting sun.

Although the color of the wine is not appealing, its aroma is indeed pure, as it is brewed from genuine grains

"He is really quite ill." Liu Yuan, seeing his dazed expression, could only shake his head helplessly. He got up to fetch a long wine spoon, scooped a ladle of wine from the jar, and poured it into the wooden cup in front of him. Then he handed the spoon to Liu Xiu, indicating for him to help himself. Liu Xiu, feeling guilty, took it cautiously, carefully scooping half a ladle for himself. Looking at the somewhat murky wine, he could only brace himself and drink it down.

Under the Sheep's Head Hill, a dozen men resembling servants, each holding weapons, surrounded a young man who was leading a white horse and wore a cold smile. Standing beside a large rock was a brocade-clad youth with his hands on his hips, glaring and loudly proclaiming: "This road is opened by me, this tree is planted by me; if you wish to enter the temple, leave behind your toll."

Liu Xiu was worried about the teacher's examination, yet he himself was not concerned at all, and even felt a bit of anticipation, though he did not show it on his face. He merely advised gently: "This is of no consequence; when the time comes, you can simply inform the teacher that you have just recovered from an illness."

Liu Bei turned his back to Liu Xiu and smiled silently. He had no doubts about what Liu Xiu said. Liu Xiu did not enjoy studying; although he had spent a few days reading the "Analects" in the official school just like Liu Bei, the content went in one ear and out the other. He had been scolded by the teacher countless times, yet he still returned the material verbatim. Compared to Liu Xiu and *Tu* Shu, Liu Bei felt somewhat confident. Not only could he recite more than half of the "Analects," but he also remembered a few lines from the "Classic of Filial Piety." In comparison to Liu Xiu, he had a bit of a foundation. This was not because he was more studious than Liu Xiu; he disliked studying just as much. The reason he could remember a little was mainly due to his mother, who never forgot that his grandfather Liu Xiong and father Liu Hong had both served as high officials in the commandery. Liu Hong had even held the position of magistrate in Dongjun, making them one of the few official families in the village. His mother hoped he would inherit his father's career and strive to become an official of a thousand stones, which is why she often pressured him to study.

On that day, Liu Bei was scolded by the Tang family with sharp words and pointed remarks. Initially feeling that the opportunity to study was slim, he was quite disheartened. However, unexpectedly, things turned out to be surprisingly smooth. Liu Xiu took the initiative to request to study, and the Tang family, perhaps feeling generous for once, prepared a travel kit as lavish as Liu Xiu's. Although he had to be a bit more calculating, he was still a fifteen-year-old boy, and the joy in his heart was hard to conceal. Throughout the journey, laughter was constant, and his spirits were high, though he occasionally cast a somewhat smug glance at Liu Xiu.

Liu Xiuyi sat on the swaying ox cart, enjoying his thoughts. Suddenly, a shift in his mind brought to light the Yellow Turban Rebellion, which he knew would erupt at an unknown time but was certain to happen. This thought left him greatly disheartened, and he let out a long sigh.

Liu Xiu nodded and, seeing that Liu Bei was struggling greatly, also got off the cart to help push it. As soon as he lent a hand, the old ox felt much lighter and its steps quickened significantly. Before long, they arrived at the Sheep's Head Hill, flanked by two massive stones. The two men stopped, but were taken aback by the sight before them, their mouths agape.

Liu Xiu secretly cursed, "Damn it, Zhuo County is a county seat, comparable to the former provincial capital. This place is also the site of Lu Zhi's study. Not to mention the sound of reading, it should at least be a peaceful area. How can there be highway robbery in broad daylight? Moreover, that kid is dressed well; why would he resort to robbery, a profession that, while lacking in technical skill, carries extremely high risks?"

Liu Xiu responded verbally, yet secretly curled his lip. After deciding to pursue his studies, his mother, Tang, repeatedly cautioned him while packing his belongings, saying that Liu Bei was cunning. Every time the village children got into a brawl, Liu Bei would rush to the front, exerting himself to the utmost, while he himself would lurk behind and strike from the shadows. She advised him to be more vigilant in the future and not to let Liu Bei use him as a laborer. It is unclear whether his initial impression of Liu Bei was negative or if he had been influenced by Tang's incessant murmurs, but now he harbored a strong sense of distrust towards Liu Bei and did not believe a word he said.

Liu Bei, while speaking, drove the ox cart into a mountain path. The cliffs on both sides gradually rose higher, and the path became increasingly narrow, making it more difficult for the old ox. Liu Bei got off the cart, pulling it with one hand and wielding the whip with the other, beads of sweat forming on his forehead. As he urged the ox forward, he said, "Elder brother, just ahead is Yangtou Hill. Once we pass this point, we will be close to the hermitage."

However, today, he suddenly realized that this slow-paced life seems quite pleasant. There is no pressure for promotion, no need to be a slave to a mortgage, and no worries about genetically modified foods or milk contaminated with melamine. It is natural and simple. Now, he has the guidance of a renowned teacher like Lu Zhi. With his intelligence, he can study diligently. According to Liu Bei, even if he cannot become a high-ranking official, it would still be feasible to secure a civil service position in Zhuo County. At that time, he could marry a wife who embodies the virtues of the three obediences and four virtues. Wouldn't that be perfect?

The matter was thus settled. Three days later, Liu Xiu and Liu Bei, riding in an ox cart and carrying their belongings and tuition fees, headed towards Yushi Mountain, located west of Zhuoxian. Lu Zhi preferred Yushi Mountain over Zhuoxian due to the latter's noise and crowds, which were not conducive to quiet study.

"Is there a problem with this?" Liu Yuanqi leaned in for a look, then glanced at Liu Xiu. Although Liu Xiu couldn't quite understand what was happening, he could roughly guess that he had made a mistake. He couldn't help but feel a bit curious; did people in the Han Dynasty drink like this, even eating the dregs of the wine? In his memories from his previous life, these dregs were something used to feed pigs