Eight, Wen Shu

Yin ignored me and leaned out to speak a few words with the coachman driving ahead, causing the carriage to gradually slow down

I understand. " He smiled again, gently stroking my hair, " but I don't want to see you get hurt... " After a pause, he lowered his voice and leaned in close to my ear, whispering, " Don't provoke him; when he goes wild, he is like a mad bull that doesn't play by the rules."

The one who married a venomous and ruthless woman, Lü Zhi, is none other than Liu Bang, the Han Gaozu, the creator and inventor of the so-called "human pig"

I forcefully shook him off, nearly bringing tears to my eyes from the pain. Liu Xiu, Liu Xiu, what is so remarkable about a Liu Xiu! I glared at him fiercely and angrily lifted the bamboo curtain.

He was a handsome man, approximately twenty-five years old, with sparkling star-like eyes, a high nose bridge, and a pleasingly shaped mouth that curved slightly, revealing a hint of indifference in his smile. He exuded a unique noble aura, standing there casually, embodying a striking presence that set him apart from the crowd.

Yin was astonished, his eyes widening: "A visit? Are you going... or am I going?"

I was also taken aback, gazing at that smile as warm and gentle as jade, and I couldn't help but feel perplexed. Why does he know me? Even Liu Xiu did not recognize me, so why does he recognize me instead?

Liu Zhong revealed a hint of concern, lowering his head to look at me: "Is it really possible?"

What is this supposed to mean, my actual age is clearly similar to his

"What a surprise, he is Liu Bosheng! Cai Yang, the notorious little tyrant, the eldest of the Liu family, Liu Xian, Liu Bosheng!" Yin had a face full of admiration, "I must say, he is truly impressive. Last time you were kidnapped, it was all thanks to him stepping in... This man is chivalrous and supports the righteous, truly reminiscent of the spirit of the former Emperor Gaozu."

Deng Chan is engaged

Liu Xiu is ranked third, hence his courtesy name is Wen Shu! Sister, shouldn't you be more familiar with this than I am?

After removing my outer garment, I wore a thicker silk tunic underneath, which is a type of short garment suitable for home wear. Below, I typically wore a pair of silk trousers that I designed and sewed myself

However, I still underestimated him

Deng Chen is still very fond of this younger sister. The family background and character of the chosen brother-in-law are both first-rate. The day before Deng Chan's wedding, I stayed at the Deng family to accompany her. She held me and silently cried all night. The next day, with a pair of swollen red eyes, she stepped onto the wedding carriage.

I shouted at the top of my lungs, and as the driver hurriedly pulled on the reins, I had already leapt out of the carriage, leaving the shadow behind.

I let out a painful moan, burying my face in the crook of my arm: "I don't know, I don't know, I know nothing at all! What do I care about Liu Yan, Liu Xiu, Liu Bosheng, or Liu Wenshu? I don't know any of them at all!"

A little northeast of Yuyang lies the capital city of Nanyang Commandery, Wancheng. I originally intended to go there, but Yin absolutely refused, insisting that the people of Wancheng are mixed and that taking me there would result in his elder brother scolding him. He stated that any place other than Wancheng could be discussed.

All the busy people in the fields stopped their work, including the Liu brothers, and looked at me in surprise

After Deng Chan got married, I felt an overwhelming sense of loss and depression, unable to muster the energy for anything I did. It seemed that my intuition had anticipated this, as I had someone send a letter, allowing me to wander around, visiting relatives and friends, enjoying leisure and distraction, without the need to rush back home

I nodded and said, "So how can I see him? Should I go to his house?"

"Elder brother aspires to be a heroic figure, but one must not be too harsh on a woman." His eyes were crescent-shaped, resembling a lake shrouded in mist, and his smile made him appear both childlike and exceptionally gentle. "It is my fault; please forgive my lack of ambition, elder brother."

"Useless fellow..." Liu Xiu on the ridge laughed and scolded

In a field approximately ten meters away, five or six farmers wearing short-sleeved long tunics and straw sandals are busily harvesting grain. Standing on the ridge of the field against the wind is a man dressed in a white robe, with a long sword hanging at his waist. He rests his left hand on the hilt of the sword and points with his right hand at the workers in the field, speaking in a murmuring manner.

He was indeed quite surprised, slowly retracting his contempt, with flames of heat burning in his eyes. Recalling that day in the hall, we had exchanged blows under uncertain circumstances, and Liu Xiu's skills should not be underestimated, which is why I dared not harbor any thoughts of underestimating him. At this moment, seeing him clench his fists and strike out, I steeled myself, opting for a retreat to advance. After evading his attack by turning away, I executed a spinning kick that directly struck his jaw.

The monogamous system practiced during the Han Dynasty does not imply that men were prohibited from marrying multiple wives. For instance, Yin Luhua's father, Yin Lu, although he died young, left behind a considerable number of wives and children. ... It is simply ... that marrying one is called a wife, while marrying two or three, aside from the primary wife, are considered secondary wives, to put it plainly, they are concubines.

"Go back, go back..." I moaned weakly, if I don't return soon, I will truly be seen as a lovesick fool. The fields of the Liu family are still fields, after all; no matter how you look at them, they are just piles of mud. It is impossible that they are growing anything other than wheat, let alone gold.

I couldn't help but laugh as I ate, the carriage started off gently swaying. Not having gone far, someone outside suddenly tapped lightly on the outer wall: "Miss Yin!"

Oh. I am not particularly interested in the gossip about Liu Xiu; I am merely curious about Liu Zhong's intention in sending me the wheat ears. Could it be a metaphor for the relationship between Liu Xiu and me... Thinking of this, I fiercely rubbed the wheat ears in the palm of my hand, and in the blink of an eye, the grains rolled off one by one. "Hmph, that bastard Liu Xiu!"

It turns out that the man who is gentle and courteous, as warm and smooth as jade, is Liu Xiu

Thus, as I took a seat in the cart and traveled through the countryside, admiring the bustling harvest scenes in the fields, I suddenly felt as if I had entered a scene from Jane Austen's "Pride and Prejudice"; the rural atmosphere was utterly captivating to me

Perhaps I will fall very badly

The cart moved slowly. As we approached them, the person on the ridge turned around and cast a glance in our direction. I lowered the curtain to shield my face, preventing the other party from seeing the interior of the cart, while I could clearly observe everything outside.

"Uncle Wen, what is going on?" He turned his head and said to Liu Zhong, who was slowly approaching, "I can't believe someone is standing up for you."

I swiftly loosened my clothing and quickly removed the long robe from outside, tossing it to Liu Zhong with a similar gesture: "Could you please hold this for me"

I smiled gently and patted his cheek, saying, "Now that's more like it, you truly are my good little brother."

Sister—" Yin was so furious that she jumped up and shouted, "Are you really my sister?"

Caiyang and Yuyang are situated to the east and west, respectively, with Xinye precisely in between them. I intended to make things difficult for him, but to my surprise, after some thought, he actually agreed.

It tugged at my sleeve: "Forget it, being able to see each other is already a blessing from heaven..."

Liu Xiu pouted and waved his hand away: "How can matters of martial arts be treated as child's play?"

"Let's avoid crowded places, just drive around casually, and then head home, shall we?" Yin is not foolish; he knows how to negotiate.

So it turns out to be his second brother, what a bold attitude, daring to make fun of even his own second brother!

"Why should I apologize to him? Why should I admit that I lack ambition?" I said indignantly, "Do you know that if you hadn't come out to dissuade me, I might not have necessarily lost to him!"

I cannot help but close my eyes, as looking directly at it is too dazzling and my eyes cannot bear it

Suddenly, I felt a tight grip on my arm, and in a daze, I heard a voice calling out: "Sister, hurry up and go!" Yin disregarded everything and dragged me out from Liu Zhong's grasp, pushing me onto the carriage. "I am finished; my elder brother will definitely skin me alive when I get home. Sister, you have doomed me. My brother does not like Liu Xiu; why are you being so close to him? You even fought with that reckless Liu Bosheng for him; are you out of your mind? My brother does not like Liu Xiu; why are you being so close to him? You even fought with that reckless Liu Bosheng for him; are you out of your mind?"

Let us begin! I took a deep breath, clenched my fists, placed them by my waist, and bowed to Liu Xiu in accordance with the etiquette.

Who is Liu Zhong? I suddenly blurted out.

I shivered slightly; could it be that Liu Xiu's grand ambitions also perversely include this aspect

Yin seemed somewhat distracted, lowering his head as if lost in thought. Whatever I said, he pretended not to hear. After a moment, he suddenly slapped his thigh and exclaimed: "Of course! No wonder he is a descendant of the Liu family, truly impressive! Sister, you may not know, but in the past, Liu Bang, the founder of the Han Dynasty, had an elder brother named Liu Zhong, who was diligent in farming. Liu Bang also once mocked his elder brother in a similar manner. It seems that he is comparing himself to the founder... His ambition is truly remarkable!" Sister, you may not know, but in the past, Liu Bang, the founder of the Han Dynasty, had an elder brother named Liu Zhong, who was diligent in farming. Liu Bang also once mocked his elder brother in a similar manner. It seems that he is comparing himself to the founder... His ambition is truly remarkable!

Uncle Wen! Liu Xiu shouted from the side, "Ask her which family she belongs to; she is indeed quite capable!"

I deliberately spoke in a very flattering manner; in fact, Taekwondo excels in the art of striking with fists and feet. As for weapons, although I have learned some, it is not my forte

I felt a flush on my face; this person is truly not an ordinary gentleman. Although his attire is rather unremarkable, he appears to be more cultured compared to the group of lackeys nurtured by Yin Shi.

I look forward to hosting a grand ball at my relatives' house, and then meeting the incredibly cool Darcy... However... this can only be a dream

He is nine years older than you, how could you forget even this

Following the direction of his finger, about three to four meters away, a figure straightened up, the scorching sunlight shining unabated on his sweat-drenched face, reflecting a hint of golden brilliance

Liu Xiu's eyes revealed a hint of surprise as he crossed his arms over his chest and asked with a smile, "Do you know who I am? A young girl dares to challenge me to a duel?"

From here begins the Liu family's fields. Yin quietly pulled back a corner of the curtain and peered out through the gap, but there was nothing unusual to be seen.

Emperor Gaozu of Han - Liu Bang

You have been longing to come to Caiyang, and it is nothing more than a desire to secretly meet Liu Xiu. Now that you have arrived, why are you hesitating again?

What kind of smile is that? On his fair and flawless face, his eyes are slightly squinted, and the corners of his mouth are raised. Although he is wearing a coarse short shirt, his somewhat childlike smile makes one feel that he possesses and enjoys the entire world.

I hummed casually, making an effort to adjust my posture, seeking a more comfortable angle to recline.

With no grand ambitions, only knowing to tend to the fields each day, truly is Liu Zhong!

I was pushed into the side of the carriage by him and, feeling dissatisfied, shook off his hand: "What are you nagging about? If you were unhappy just now, why didn't you come out to stop it? I bet you were hiding in the car, scared to the point of wetting your pants, weren't you?"

"Hiss—" I inhaled, damn it, he pinched my flesh, "What are you doing?" I shouted at him

Liu Xiu did not fall as I had imagined; at the moment I raised my leg, he unexpectedly rushed over and grabbed my ankle with one hand, leaving me astonished and exclaiming in surprise

"Let's go home," I said gloomily as I drew the curtains.

Nine years old! My goodness, isn't that the same age as I actually am? I leaned in a little closer, watching him with great interest.

Sister, what are you doing? After all this time, Liu Xiu has finally agreed to pay attention to you, and even gave you a gift. How could you bear to destroy it?

Ignoring the anxious calls from behind, I lifted the hem of my skirt and hurried back, taking two steps at a time. The soil on the ridge was fresh, soft and moist with a hint of brown. I stepped lightly across it and stopped three steps away from Liu Xiu and his brothers

My heart is inexplicably moved by such a smile, and the fluttering emotions cannot be calmed for a long time

I like this outfit, although it is somewhat unconventional, it allows me to regain a sense of the experience I had while practicing in a uniform

Oh! He let out a low cry, staggering back three or four steps. I surmised that his lower body was unstable and he would surely fall backward. Therefore, I shouted loudly, leaped into the air, bent my legs, and aimed to completely knock him out.

Ah! I shouted loudly, delivering a sudden horizontal kick that caught him off guard, causing him to stumble back three or four steps. Had it not been for his arms fortuitously shielding his chest, I would have likely broken a few of his ribs.

What is this? I shook the ear of wheat in my hand; the golden, plump ears—were they just harvested from the field by him?

Liu Xiu was bowing his head while wearing a sword. Upon hearing this, he couldn't help but be taken aback, and after a while, he exclaimed, "Which shadow concubine? Don't tell me it's Yin Lihua?!"

Sister! Suddenly, Yin grabbed my arm firmly.

I know, "Liu Zhong said with a smile, "She is a shadow concubine!"

Liu Xiu cast a surprised glance at me, and at that moment, the farmers working in the fields gathered around, whispering and pointing at me in secret.

Unfortunately, he merely glanced back inadvertently before quickly turning his head away. As the carriage drew closer, I gradually began to hear his voice.

I suddenly looked up, my eyes fixed on him: "Are we going to Caiyang today? We haven't left Yuyang, have we?" Grabbing his shoulders tightly, I shook him forcefully and coldly squeezed out a sentence through my teeth, "If you dare to leak even half a word about today, I will chop you to pieces with a knife"

"Sister," he said softly, hesitantly leaning closer to me, "actually, just another mile ahead is the Liu family's fields."

Liu Zhong replied with a warm voice from a distance, laughing as he said, "After all, there is nothing wrong with it."

Yin shivered slightly and said: "Alright."

He jogged after the car, laughing, "This is for you." He handed me something, firmly stuffing it into my hand, "Yin Ji, until we meet again!"

I chuckled, but then I felt quite indignant. It seems that Liu Zhong still does not believe that I can defeat Liu Xiu.

Where is Liu Zhong? Just now, only the two brothers, the eldest and the third of the Liu family, were present. Why did I not see Liu Zhong?

"Stop being so verbose, I don't care who you are!" I had initially remembered the life-saving grace he had shown me, but now, seeing his arrogant and haughty demeanor, I felt quite displeased.

Stop the vehicle

Yin was momentarily taken aback and said, "Liu Zhong is Liu Xiu's second elder brother..."

Unable to resist, I once again pulled back the curtain and peeked outside. At this moment, although the car had already driven some distance away, by changing the angle to avoid the dazzling light, I clearly saw Liu Zhong's face still blooming with a serene and tolerant smile in the face of Liu Xiu's ridicule.

The sound gradually faded away, yet I still frequently turned back to look.

"Liu Xiu is indeed a remarkable talent..." he sighed softly, pointing to the wheat ears in my hand and murmuring, "It is said that the year Liu Xiu was born, the weather was favorable and the harvest was excellent, with even a stalk of millet growing with nine ears. His father then named him 'Liu Xiu' to signify 'excellence and distinction'.

Liu Zhong smiled, his expression elegant yet tinged with a hint of shyness. He clasped his hands together and bowed deeply to me, saying, "Thank you!"

Just as I closed my eyes, preparing to embrace the sensation of the world spinning around me, everything came to a standstill

Liu Xiu remained with his arms crossed over his chest, exuding an air of calm confidence, as if he regarded me with the utmost indifference

A wave of dizziness washed over me, and I pressed my forehead, feeling a dull ache in my temples

I grinned: "So how are we supposed to meet him? Are you really just going to take me to see their fields and their house?" I really can't understand what this little brother is thinking

"Brother, why take it so seriously?" Liu Zhong's smile was as warm as a gentle spring breeze, bringing a sense of warmth to the heart

As I just opened my mouth, Liu Zhong suddenly reached out his hand, resting it on Liu Xiu's shoulder, and said softly: "Enough, do you really take it seriously? She is merely a woman..."

What to wear?

Upon hearing this news, I was somewhat taken aback. My feelings for Deng Chan have always been evident, as I have never held back in expressing them. She has silently loved Yin Shi, yet Yin Shi has never responded in any way.

"Alright." I responded with a drawn-out tone, feeling utterly bored.

"I am sorry..." Liu Zhong said apologetically as he turned to me

My heart skipped a beat: "Hey, why does Liu Xiu look even older than our eldest brother?"

In this era, the status of a concubine is quite low. From what I have observed in the Yin family, it is comparable to that of a maidservant. It would be somewhat better if one could bear children. Given Deng Chan's circumstances, it is unlikely that she could ever become a concubine of Yin Shi, no matter what. Even if she were willing, her elder brother Deng Chen would not agree.

Liu Xiu? I just realized it, and awkwardly chuckled twice, Is that so? Liu Xiu's family lives here, huh

It is the voice of Liu Zhong

Liu Xiu let out a cold snort, and at the same time he released my ankle, Liu Zhong also let go.

Sister! He saw that I remained unmoved and couldn't help but pull my sleeve, urging, "It's already come to this, and you are still pretending..."

I hurriedly lifted the curtain: "I am going home now, I will see you next time if there is an opportunity"

I am deliberately giving him a warning shot

Liu Xiu!" he shouted excitedly, "It is Liu Xiu! It really is him, sister, you must come and see!

I am not your sister, and I am not as timid and cowardly as your brother! I bluntly insult him

Sister, what are you going to do? Come back quickly...

Goodness, in such a large Nanyang Prefecture, I only know these few place names. I have been to Caiyang once, but that was because I was taken there against my will

I felt so embarrassed for making such a blunder that my face turned red: "That... that person who fought with me, who exactly are they?"

Sister! Seeing objects reminds me of people, and it brings some comfort. You used to often hold a copy of the "Book of Documents" in your hands, longing for him to the point of illness. How is it that now you are instead left unsatisfied?

I know that in ancient times, brothers were ranked in the order of "Elder, Second, Younger, and Youngest," but... how did I completely overlook this detail just now

Sitting in this type of carriage without any shock absorption for an extended period is truly hard on the two fleshy parts of my backside. After spending an entire morning in Caiyang, I have finally given up.

"Uncle Wen! What are you doing?" With a breathless voice, Liu Xiu seemed genuinely angry.

Liu Zhong's palm still rested on the top of my head. After my body shrank, I now stand at approximately 155 cm, while he is at least over 175 cm. Therefore, when we stand together, I can only look up at him. When my gaze meets his clean-shaven, tidy chin, my face involuntarily flushes.

"Are you blind? He..." I suddenly stopped speaking, a strange feeling surged from the depths of my heart, "Just now... that, Uncle Wen..."

Liu Zhonghan nodded with a smile

Ah—he screamed, wishing he could bang his head against the wall, "Just kill me directly, if you don't kill me now, my brother will kill me!"

"Uncle Wen's charm is truly remarkable..." Liu Xiu said with a smile, leaning forward, his bright eyes sparkling with a rebellious spirit, "The host can do as he pleases; how do you suggest we compare?"

Fainting in a frenzy

Sister

Deng Feng, who lives in Yuyang, is the nephew of Deng Chen. In terms of seniority, he is a generation below me, yet he is significantly older than I am, with a multitude of wives and concubines at home. After staying at his house for no more than three days, I could no longer endure the tedious and boring silence, as well as the vulgar remarks from his many wives and concubines. I dragged my younger brother Yin, who was assigned to accompany me, and we fled in a hurry.

This is precisely why I did not experience a shoulder throw earlier

Gazing at that face, warm and gentle as jade, my courage surged, and I declared, "No problem!" Turning to Liu Xiu, I said, "Let us go to that open space to compete. Since this is merely a friendly exchange, there is no need for swords; we can spar with our bare hands for a few moments.

A chill wind swept through the back of my neck, causing the hairs to stand on end. It seems that this young lady from the Yin family is not an ordinary infatuated girl; her standards are surprisingly several levels higher than those of Yu Run.

Liu Xiu smiled, reached out to take down his sword, and casually tossed it to Liu Zhong beside him

Upon arriving in Caiyang, I found that the crops were still crops, and the fields were still fields, essentially no different from Xinye or Yuyang. Yin, however, was stubborn and refused to take me to the market for shopping. The excuse he crafted was quite eloquent: "Sister, with your beauty, I fear that there may be ill-intentioned people."

I ... ... am her ... ...

I glanced at the sword at Liu Xiu's waist and sighed: "Seeing that you are also a martial artist, let us have a contest. If you lose, you must apologize to him"

I blinked and smiled: "Then I will go to Caiyang!"

In the autumn when the fruits fall, Deng Chan finally accepted Deng Chen's arrangement and married into Wancheng

"What Liu Xiu sent, this is clearly sent by Liu Zhong! The things given to me, I can do as I please!"

His eyes rolled around restlessly, glancing at my face twice, wearing an expression of wanting to speak yet hesitating. I shot him a glance, deliberately pretending not to notice, and took a soft cushion to place under me.

I nodded, lowered the curtain, and suddenly felt a bit reluctant to part.

I opened my eyes, only to be surprised to find Liu Zhong somehow wedged between the two of us. Liu Xiu's hand was still gripping my ankle, while Liu Zhong's hand had already tightly grasped Liu Xiu's wrist