Chapter 8 is embarrassing

Fortunately, he possesses a soul from the twenty-first century and still has some ink in him. In order to study the knowledge of the Han Dynasty, he has read a considerable amount of Han bamboo slips. Even though this guard wrote in traditional characters and used variant forms, it did not hinder him.

Even the unruly youths like Liang Xiao and Tu Niu'er would hardly dare to run wild in front of the Prime Minister's residence. Angering the Prime Minister could result in immediate execution. Therefore, upon seeing the spear-wielding guards and their imposing presence at the entrance of the Prime Minister's residence, not only did Liang Xiao slow his pace, but even Tu Niu'er became somewhat restrained.

His appearance was already somewhat frightening, and at this moment, speaking in such a sinister tone gave an even more eerie feeling, as if seeing a ghost in broad daylight. Although Hu Lai was mischievous, he was still a youth, and coupled with the guilt of his wrongdoing, he felt uneasy. Upon seeing Liang Xiao in this manner, he immediately felt a chill run down his spine, tightened the reins, and took a step back.

Liang Xiao looked up and saw that the person was about sixteen or seventeen years old. The face was quite handsome, but it was covered with too much powder, resembling a ghost hanging from a noose. The person deliberately raised one eyebrow, making it appear uneven. Although dressed in luxurious garments, there was an indescribable air of roguishness about him

After leaving Shili, Liang Xiao did not go to the nearby place to inquire about Huan Sheng's news. He dragged Tu Niu'er, running through the streets and alleys, and hurriedly arrived at the front of the Prime Minister's residence

"Look at the notice." Liang Xiao quickly stopped in his tracks and pointed to the place where the notice was posted.

The halberd-wielding guards quickly bowed and respectfully said: "I have met Lord Hu."

Liang Xiao chuckled hoarsely and said: "Hehe, you have come too, I have been waiting for you for so long, the water here is so cold"

The village chief was momentarily taken aback, a glimmer of brilliance flashed in his eyes, and he soon smiled again. "It's just a little trick, I'm not quite sure about it myself. You might as well go to the Prime Minister's residence and take a look. If there is such a decree, there will surely be a notice at the entrance of the Prime Minister's residence."

The halberd-wielding guard assessed Liang Xiao, suppressing a laugh, lowered his halberd, and nodded: "Go ahead, take a look and leave quickly, do not cause any trouble."

Liang Xiao glanced around and saw that everyone's attention was focused on Hu Lai, with no one noticing him. He secretly took out a crossbow bolt, held it upside down in his hand, concealing most of the shaft in his sleeve, leaving only the tip exposed. When the white horse turned around and faced away from him, he aimed carefully at the horse's rear and thrust it with force. The white horse, in pain, let out a long neigh and bolted away.

It is truly unfortunate to have stepped out without consulting the almanac, encountering this ominous star. Liang Xiao secretly regretted it, yet he could not reveal the slightest hint of weakness on his face

Liang Xiao understood that Hu Lai's horse was startled, and Hu Lai was very likely to get injured. The Hu family members could return at any moment to cause him trouble. The longer he stayed here, the more dangerous it became. He took large strides and ran to the notice board, quickly scanning through several notices of varying ages.

Taking advantage of the surprise of Hu Lai and others, Liang Xiao quietly tore off a piece of his collar, quickly crumpled it into a ball, and stuffed it into the nostrils of Hu Lai's steed. The white horse, having its nose blocked, felt very uncomfortable, shaking its head repeatedly in an attempt to shake off the cloth ball, but to no avail. It became increasingly agitated, incessantly shaking its head and tail, frequently sneezing, and turning in circles.

What is the matter

The State Chancellor's residence is located in the old city, situated atop the highest point of Shugang in Guangling. Originally, the State Chancellor was under the dual leadership of the court and the kingdom, holding a position subordinate to the king. After the Wu-Chu Rebellion, the royal authority was suppressed, and the right to govern the people was stripped away, making the State Chancellor the most powerful official in the kingdom. Consequently, the State Chancellor's residence became the most formidable place in the eyes of the subjects of the kingdom.

The guard cast a disdainful glance at them, not lowering the halberd in his hand, but rather bringing it closer. "Looking at the notice? Do you know how to read?"

Is that so? The guard stifled a laugh and wrote a character on the ground with a halberd. "Tell me what this character is. If you recognize it, go check the announcement. If you don't recognize it, get as far away as you can, go cause trouble elsewhere, but don't come here looking for trouble"

"Do not look down on others," said Tu Niu'er, his face flushed as he spoke loudly. "We..." He thought for a moment and then pointed his finger at Liang Xiao. "A Xiao has also been educated and can read."

Hu Lai originally had a face full of hostility, but upon seeing Liang Xiao's appearance, with only the whites of his eyes visible and his legs straight while walking, he couldn't help but shiver

This cannot be blamed on him. In an era where books were still copied by hand, the literacy rate was appallingly low, and education was a privilege reserved for a very small portion of the population. The average person might live their entire life without ever having the opportunity to write. Official education had not yet developed, and the village schools of later generations were but a distant prospect. The extent of one's education depended entirely on the conditions of each household

Liang and Tu Shuxiao became literate because his mother, Liang Miao, was literate and seemed to know quite a bit. However, in the past, Liang Xiao was much like Tu Niuer, not someone who enjoyed reading. He often faced his mother's beatings over the matter of studying and becoming literate. If it were the old Liang Xiao, he definitely would not have recognized this character.

"Help! Help!" Hu Lai shouted in fear, holding tightly onto the horse's neck, not daring to let go. His attendants did not dare to be negligent, regardless of Liang Xiao, and quickly chased after him, disappearing without a trace in a moment.

Soon, Liang Xiao found the latest announcement: The amnesty for the treasury of the seven states of Wu and Chu is granted to the officials.

Liang Xiao secretly laughed, as expected

"What are you doing?" As Liang Xiao and the other person approached, two guards wielding halberds stepped forward, their gleaming weapons pointed directly at the hearts of Liang Xiao and his companion

The cowherd, with a sullen expression and squinting eyes, was staring intently at the young man, appearing ready to pounce and fight at any moment. Liang Xiao immediately understood that this young man, Hu Jun, was likely the one who had struck him with a blunt object.

I have heard that the court has recently issued a benevolent edict, granting a general amnesty, even pardoning the offenders from that calamity sixteen years ago. Is this true?

He was just about to tell the guard the answer when, from a distance, the sound of hooves echoed. A young man in splendid attire, surrounded by more than ten riders, approached on a tall, pure white horse. Upon seeing Liang Xiao from afar, he couldn't help but exclaim, "Why are you still alive?"

Thank you, sir. Liang Xiao bowed once more and turned to leave

Tu Niu'er looked at Liang Xiao with a face full of hope. When it comes to fighting, he is not afraid of anyone and charges forward without hesitation. However, when it comes to literacy, he is completely in the dark, unable to even write his own name.

It is a pity that a fine horse encounters a knight with such poor riding skills; it is fate. Liang Xiao sighed a few words and looked at the dumbfounded spear-wielding guard with a smile. What is the pronunciation of this character? Hu Jun has already demonstrated it for you, so can I go to check the announcement now?

In fact, I have already died. Liang Xiao rolled his eyes dramatically, his knees remaining still, as he hopped towards Hu Lai, speaking in a chilling tone: I specifically came back to find you

Hu Lai was taken aback, gripping the reins tightly in an attempt to control the white horse, but to no avail. The tighter he pulled the reins, the more agitated the horse became, spinning faster and faster. Despite Hu Lai exerting all his strength, he could not stabilize himself in the saddle and could only lean forward, wrapping his arms around the horse's neck, screaming in panic