Chapter 8, The Anger of Liu Bei

"Very well, from now on we shall address each other by our names," Gongsun Zan said with a hearty laugh

"Excellent, excellent," Liu Bei responded in agreement. The three of them exchanged glances and laughed in unison

Liu Xiu raised an eyebrow, was about to erupt in anger, but then softened his expression, acknowledged with a sound, and picked up the kettle from the iron rack before walking out. Gongsun Zan glanced at Liu Xiu's back and, smiling, winked at Liu Bei: "Xuande, you brothers have a good relationship, don't you"

Liu Xiu pondered for a moment and decided to first try his hand at calligraphy, which he excelled in. When he studied Tang Bohu, he was able to replicate Tang Bohu's calligraphy almost perfectly, to the extent that most art researchers could not discern the difference. It is believed that in this Han Dynasty, when regular script and running script were just beginning to emerge, his talent would be considered extraordinary. As for how Liu Bei would perceive it, that was not a concern for him; he would simply create an air of mystery by smiling and saying nothing.

Gongsun Zan laughed heartily, nodding without speaking. From his earlier actions, he could see that although Liu Bei was younger and shorter than Liu Xiu by a head, he was the backbone of the two. Liu Xiu, despite his tall and robust stature, seemed to lack some mental acuity and could only follow Liu Bei's commands

You need not worry. Wu Jun couldn't help but laugh at his nervous demeanor, waving his hand to signal him to relax a bit: "I just have a question regarding the *illustration* book that I would like to ask you. If it's inconvenient, you may choose not to answer. However, I hope you will still provide a good response."

The young man smiled and glanced at Liu Bei, his eyes reflecting a hint of pride: "If you have already completed the Analects and the Classic of Filial Piety, and have a basic understanding of the Five Classics, then the lessons will be taught personally by the teacher, while his eldest son will handle the other subjects. Rest assured, the teacher is a learned scholar, not one of those pretentious Confucian students. As long as you apply yourselves diligently, you will have the opportunity to hear the teacher's teachings in person." After saying this, he clasped his fists in salute, apologized, and withdrew.

Liu Bei smiled wryly and said, "Why would I think of pursuing a doctor's degree? It is just that you, sir, are the first great Confucian in Zhuo County in a hundred years. Now that you are so close, yet I cannot see your esteemed face, I feel quite regretful about it." As he spoke, he took out his brush and ink, not lifting his head, and said to Liu Xiu, "Elder brother, please go fetch some water. We should quickly write this petition and send it up."

Liu Xiu did not say much. Following the guidance, he left the monastery and headed straight towards Tao Creek. After filling his water, he did not return immediately but sat on a large rock by the bank for a moment. He could guess without thinking what Liu Bei was doing at that moment. Throughout this journey, he had sensed Liu Bei's subtle displeasure. However, he did not care; after all, he had no interest in getting close to these two inept individuals. What he needed to consider now was how to establish a relationship with Lu Zhi. If he could not even meet Lu Zhi, how could he think about leaving Zhuo County with him?

Liu Bei stood by the door until he could no longer see the figure of the young man, and only then did he return to his seat, a hint of disappointment on his face. Gongsun Zan glanced at him, and while taking out his brush, ink, and inkstone, he teased with a smile: "What, Xuande is still thinking about being personally taught by the master, and then going to the Taixue for a tour, to become a Shangshu doctor’s degree"

The three had just finished packing their belongings and sat down to chat for a few moments when a young man entered, bowing to Liu Xiu and the others as he spoke polite words. While holding a large stack of wooden slips, he took out three pieces and handed one to each of them, smiling as he said: "Since you are all newly arrived, according to the rules, please each write a personal statement. It need not be too complicated; just include your name, place of origin, and the books you have read. The teacher needs to have an understanding of you all in order to arrange the lessons."

Gongsun Zan was tidying his bed when he heard footsteps. Turning his head, he saw Liu Xiu and another person walk in. He smiled at Liu Bei, but his gaze towards Liu Xiu was somewhat complicated. After a moment's pause, he stood up and cupped his hands towards Liu Xiu, saying, "Thanks to your reminder just now, I was spared from injury. Zan expresses his gratitude here."

The room is not large, yet it is brand new. New wall hangings adorn the freshly built earthen walls all around. Four beds are arranged on either side, each accompanied by a new table and a new mat, with the new table still exuding the scent of fresh paint, likely also newly prepared. In the center of the room, there is a fire pit and an iron rack, beside which sits a large kettle, presumably for boiling water.

Gongsun Zan sat still and nodded slightly, while Liu Bei stood up to take the wooden tablet, smiling as he asked: "May I inquire, which esteemed disciple of the gentleman will be giving us the lecture?"

Liu Bei also said: "I have a single character 'Bei', which means complete, and the character 'Xuan De' written with grass script."

Liu Bei smiled and said: "We are not biological brothers, merely of the same clan. Although De Ran does not enjoy studying, he possesses considerable strength and is quite skilled in fighting. However, he fell ill a few months ago and is still somewhat disoriented. In the future, I hope Brother Bo Gui will be more understanding."

Gongsun Zan had a good impression of Liu Bei. He laughed heartily and affectionately patted Liu Bei on the shoulder: "Although you are not very old, Liu brother, you are warm-hearted and quite capable. You will surely become a man of great stature in the future. It is a pleasure to meet you, Liu brother... Ah, both of you Liu brothers are my honor. By the way, let us not be so formal. I am from Lingzhi in Liaoxi, currently serving as a clerk in the governor's office, writing in a casual style..."

He suddenly felt a bit surprised and looked up at Liu Xiu: "Brother Liu, how do you know my name, Bo Gui?"

Do I have it?" Gongsun Zan also could not be certain, looking at Liu Bei with suspicion. Liu Bei hesitated for a moment, also unsure, and could only nod ambiguously. Liu Xiu did not want them to think too much, so he quickly interjected, saying: "My name is Liu Xiu, with 'Xiu' meaning to cultivate oneself and manage one's family, and my courtesy name is Deran. I am from Zhuo County."

Liu Xiu understood that he was referring to the earlier suggestion of competing with fists rather than with blades. He estimated that Gongsun Zan was now aware that he was not a match for that military candidate, but was simply too embarrassed to admit it. Imitating Gongsun Zan's manner, he clasped his hands and returned the gesture: "Brother Boge, there is no need to stand on ceremony. From now on, we are not only classmates but also roommates, so it goes without saying that we will look out for each other in the future"

Liu Xiu stepped out and asked two people, only to learn that there was no well in the courtyard; to fetch water, one had to go to the Yangtou Creek outside the courtyard. The Yangtou Creek is originally a tributary of the holy water, and because it flows through Yangtou Hill, it is also called Yangtou Creek. However, the section that flows through the peach forest is referred to as Tao Creek by the Mao family, while outsiders still call it Yangtou Creek.

The water of Peach Creek is crystal clear, revealing a bottom strewn with numerous finely washed stones, vibrant and beautiful, immersed in the water, glistening like jade. Occasionally, a few peach blossoms drift along with the current, swaying gently as they float across the surface. The small fish in the water are unafraid of humans, emerging to nibble at the peach blossoms, as if savoring a delicacy.

"Indeed, indeed." Liu Bei felt somewhat displeased that Liu Xiu had just interrupted him. He was usually the one to speak on behalf of others, while Liu Xiu only took the lead during fights. Now, he was even encroaching on matters of etiquette, speaking so intimately; it was truly quite troubling. He quickly stepped forward and bowed deeply, saying, "Brother Gongsun, there is no need for formality. In the future, we will be living in the same room, and there will be many occasions when I will trouble you. I hope you will not find it bothersome."

The decision was made, and Liu Xiu's mood improved significantly. He reached down to pick up a few stones, selecting two beautifully colored ones to keep for later enjoyment. With that, he picked up his water bottle and started to head back. However, upon turning around, he stopped, surprised to see Wu Junhou standing not far away with his hands behind his back, instinctively raising his guard.

Liu Xiu was taken aback, and only then did he remember that he had once again foreseen the future. He quickly covered up his surprise and said, "Didn’t Brother Boge introduce himself when he was sparring with that General Wu just now? I simply remembered it."