Chapter 2: The Renaming Maniac

If the fields provide food, then the cash crops ensure clothing. The fine garments and rich food that fifth Lun enjoys every day are the fruits of labor created by the tenant farmers and servants, which makes him feel somewhat uncomfortable.

It is said that Wang Mang accepted the golden decree in front of the spirit of Emperor Gao. In the view of Wu Lun, this is akin to dancing on a grave. If Liu Bang were to know of this from the underworld, he would likely be so enraged that he would rise from his coffin.

There are a total of fifty-seven households in the village, with a population of four hundred sixty-nine, including men, women, and children. Among them, there are one hundred ninety-seven able-bodied men, the majority of whom have the surname Di.

The elder's name is quite imposing, called "Fifth Dominator", and he is the ninth generation head of the Diwu family after their westward migration.

He only calls the servant Wufu because his round face is festive and resembles the Wufu doll, being stout and robust

Li is situated on a slightly elevated plateau, surrounded by earthen yellow walls, with only two gates opening to the north and south, both guarded by the gatekeepers. At dawn, the gates are opened to allow the clansmen and servants to go out to work, and they are closed at night to prevent theft by intruders

... ...

Afterwards, Wang Mang designated Changling and Gao Miao as the "Temple of the Literary Ancestor" of the Xin Dynasty, and continued to maintain the uninterrupted offerings and rituals.

In the Yangzhou Inspectorate, there is a place called Wuxi. Wang Mang did not like the character 'wu' (meaning 'none'), so he changed it to its antonym 'youxi' (meaning 'there is tin')

The fifth overlord nodded with a smile

His hands were thickly calloused from years of wielding swords and knives, resembling a pair of iron palms. He used a pair of tongs to extract a scalding hot chestnut from the ash pit, and with a casual blow, it split in two, offering the nut to Fifth Lun

That is not actually a mountain, but rather Changling, the tomb of Liu Bang, the founding emperor of the Han Dynasty. Although Wang Mang changed the old name several times, he did not disturb the ancestral grave of the Liu family. This was simply because he played a trick during his usurpation of the Han: he had people present gold tablets and bronze tokens, claiming that "the Red Emperor has manifested, bestowing the Han dynasty upon Wang."

Thus, the wall is ancient, yet the characters are very new, just as Wang Mang hoped— the new emperor treats the world as if renovating a house, erasing all traces of the old Han through knocking, hammering, and applying a fresh coat of paint

Winter is coming, the lone wolf dies, the pack of wolves survives

The backyard can be accessed through a side entrance of the central building, where there are structures such as pigsties, workshops, and a kitchen. Separated by a wall, there is also a garden, with neatly arranged vegetable beds. The winter melon and leeks are thriving, and nearby, there are a well and ditches for irrigation. The daily vegetables for the household come from this garden

After finishing his business, the fifth gentleman did not linger for long. He mounted the yellow pony used for transportation—nameless, for who among respectable people would name their steed

Indeed, in the past, one would walk with their head held high, but now they stop and clasp their hands, often wearing a smile on their face

On the slopes that cannot be developed into farmland due to proximity, mulberry trees and hemp fields are densely planted, and there are also people working among them

After passing Changling, one continues south along the gray, dusty road, eventually arriving at the "Linqu Township" where the Wulun family resides

When the Fifth Lun first arrived, I thought it was the Changping from the Battle of Changping between Qin and Zhao, but later I realized it was not

In summary, although several families are nominally still relatives, in reality, they are like a scattered sand, even engaging in enmity and conflict for their own interests

The Eighth family, the best Confucian family, eventually migrated here, but all the good land was occupied by relatives. Their population could not compare to the First family, they could not win in fights against the Fifth and Seventh families, and in business, they were overshadowed by the Fourth family. Thus, their ancestors self-funded their journey to Chang'an to study the classics, reaping the benefits of their scholarly pursuits. During the reign of Emperor Yuan, they produced a disciple with a doctor's degree, at a time when students in the Imperial Academy were still quite esteemed.

... ...

While others traverse through time to break off engagements, I have come to withdraw from school

One would never guess that Di Wu Ba is already seventy-one years old just by looking at his appearance. In the past, if Di Wu Lun got up early enough, one could still see him taking a cold shower in the yard, followed by practicing with a long sword for a quarter of an hour. The result of such diligent training every day is that the old gentleman, in his advanced years, still possesses a muscular physique

The winding paths lead to each household, and the houses are built in a very irregular manner. If one does not walk through them personally three or four times, one is sure to get lost upon stepping out of the door

The chestnuts of this era are far less sweet than those of later generations, and Wulun is only thinking about whether to prepare some syrup another day to make candied chestnuts for his grandfather to taste

The sixth clan is the most honest—this family is adjacent to the fifth clan, devoted to farming and managing their fields, and rarely participates in conflicts

The Seventh Clan is notorious for its malevolence; it is widely known as a band of villains. Within their household, there are many light-hearted warriors who spend their days wielding swords and engaging in combat, oppressing the weak. It is said that they have connections with the great hero of Maoling, Yuan She, and are involved in some illicit activities behind the scenes

At that moment, Fifth Lun heard a series of anguished wails coming from the orchard

He personally handed a cup of water to the Fifth Overlord, and after watching his grandfather swallow the water and ensuring that he would not choke, he calmly said: "Grandfather, actually ... ... "

The fifth Fu, with a round face, was filled with displeasure. Among the people of the clan, there were distinctions based on kinship, with status determined by the proximity of blood relations to the elders. The fifth Fu family was relatively close to the main clan and had not yet reached the fifth degree of kinship. From a young age, they followed Fifth Lun, accompanying him in reading and writing. As they grew up, they became servants and would later manage the estate on behalf of Fifth Lun, living off the fruits of others' labor

Along the continuously flowing Chengguo Canal, from east to west, are distributed the eight neighborhoods of this locality, with names that are simple and straightforward: First Neighborhood, Second Neighborhood, Third Neighborhood, ... up to the Fifth Neighborhood and the Eighth Neighborhood, where reside the various clans that migrated from the Qi region two hundred years ago

It was afternoon, and the women had already begun washing rice and cooking. The kitchen was bustling with activity, and one could faintly smell the aroma of meat wafting from the earthen pot. However, Fifth Lun secretly thought, "Tonight's main dish is likely to be grilled meat on bamboo boards."

If one can train diligently and acquire sufficient weapons to arm themselves, it would also constitute a formidable force that should not be underestimated

Most of the people in the region are self-sufficient farmers, but many have had their land annexed by the fifth family. Some migrant laborers, seeking to escape the burdens of government labor and taxes, have also sought refuge with the wealthy, becoming dependent servants.

The fifth overlord raised his head to listen to Sunzi speak

The dockyard is actually an independent building located south of the inner gathering, occupying the highest position on the plateau. The courtyard walls are solid and tall, with a stern and towering lintel, and one can see a row of iron-gray roof tiles upon raising one's head

Here, no verification or credentials are of any use; entry and exit rely solely on one thing—facial recognition

The second clan was suppressed during the reign of Emperor Wu of Han due to their connections with the heroic figure Guo Jie, and they were targeted as a typical example of evil forces. They were subsequently relocated to the Han Zhong and Fang Ling regions to cultivate wasteland, severing ties with their relatives. As a result, only seven of the eight prominent families became established in their native place.

Where is the grandfather

After entering the fifth gate, he received even more frequent courtesies, and everyone recognized this young gentleman, secretly pleased with his suddenly amiable demeanor over the past half month. A considerate and approachable head of a large clan signifies that the lives of the clan members will improve for the next ten years or even several decades.

For the sake of convenience in memory, the fifth clan affixed a label to their distant relatives, with the First Clan undoubtedly being the most arrogant. As descendants of the legitimate son of King Qi, Tian Guang, they ranked first during their migration and possessed the largest population and land. During the reign of Emperor Wu, their family had purchased an official position as a lang and had produced two county magistrates. Although their official positions have diminished over time, with the head of the First Clan now serving as a local elder, they have consistently regarded the other clans as minor branches.

After leaving the city, Wu Lun looked up to the east and saw a large, inverted dome-shaped mountain standing three miles away. At the foot of the mountain, the pines and cypresses were lush and green, and there were temple buildings constructed around the mountain.

Lanling was renamed as "Landong" and not Zaozhuang

Thus, the Eighth family places great importance on education, with a long-standing tradition in the classics. However, there has been a recent decline, and it has been a long time since they produced a top scholar. This year, the Eighth family was further deprived of a quota by the Fifth family, leading to some tension between the two families

The fields along the roadside are clearly delineated, totaling perhaps over 100 acres, with their family occupying half of that area, while the remainder is divided among dozens of households. A small ditch channels water from the Chengguo Canal for irrigation. The millet has already been harvested, while the winter wheat has yet to be sown, and preparations for plowing are currently underway

In his previous life, he felt powerless by the age of thirty. Now, experiencing the feeling of having a 17-year-old body again is wonderful. The best part is that he has rid himself of severe myopia, and the world has become clear once more

I have met the young gentleman

The Fifth Tyrant was still unaware of the significant achievements of the Fifth Lun in the county town, thus he was in a very good mood. Stroking his grizzled beard, he said: "When October comes, you will be going to the Imperial Academy, which is a matter worthy of celebration! The wine brewed last year has matured, and I have instructed the kitchen to kill a chicken and prepare a portion of meat. You shall accompany me in drinking a few cups."

Fifth Lun ceased his idle thoughts and rode southward, leaving the county town behind

As the fifth Lun contemplated this, he had already left the main road and stepped onto the rural path leading to the fifth Li

Fortunately, there is still half a moment of tranquility at home

The fifth Lun touched the back and said: "The horse's back has caused me discomfort, I want to walk back."

Fifth Lun took two steps back, preparing to flee, but raised his voice by two degrees: "I have relinquished the opportunity to attend the Imperial Academy and have given the spot to the Eighth Clan."

The situation is as such now, but it may not be the same a few years from now

During the Qin and Han dynasties, most of the settlements consisted of small farming families, typically ranging from five to eight households. However, there were exceptions, such as the immigrants from the eastern regions who were relocated into the pass. Upon their arrival, they faced a language barrier with the Qin people, and in order to survive in this unfamiliar land, they had no choice but to band together for mutual support. The gathering of numerous families formed a clan, which bore some resemblance to the later Hakka people in the southern regions, who held a strong sense of clan identity.

What did you say, please repeat it!

It has turned upside down, it has turned upside down

However, although one's class is determined by birth, the direction in which a person aspires depends on their actions and choices made later in life

Fifth Lun left the county town and hurried back, anticipating that the news of his dropping out of school had not yet reached his grandfather's ears

Strange faces and foreign accents are treated with suspicion, as if they were thieves. Even government tax officials cannot enter without the approval of the head of the fifth family.

The Chengguo Canal, stretching for hundreds of miles, spans the Weibei Plain, irrigating over ten thousand acres of land. The finest fields in Changling are concentrated along the canal, and although they cannot compare to the gold standard of the Jiamu fields surrounding the capital, they are still quite valuable

The household registration book, which Fifth Lun had seen, was in the hands of his grandfather, containing the authentic data rather than the false accounts presented to the government tax officials by the village head.

In the backyard, the orchard has delivered the newly harvested chestnuts

However, a villager who was picking pears accidentally fell from the tree and was holding his leg, howling in pain. Fifth Lun separated the crowd and approached to take a closer look, discovering that a wooden splinter had deeply embedded itself in his bare foot, and he had already lost a considerable amount of blood

The third clan is the smallest—its reasons are unknown, as it has almost exclusively passed down through generations, resulting in a sparse population, with no more than ten households and fewer than one hundred individuals, relying on the first clan.

Fifth Lun took small bites, complaining that it was hot. Fifth Ba, on the other hand, stuffed two pieces into his mouth at once, chewing with his cheeks puffed out, fortunate that he had not lost all his teeth yet

Wasn't it said that Wang Mang is a predecessor time traveler? If that were true, he would surely leave some clues in the place names

The Fifth Tyrant pointed with his little finger at the westernmost village of his hometown and said to himself: "The Eighth Old Man has always prided himself on his family's long-standing tradition of the classics, having produced a graduate of the Imperial Academy, and looks down upon my family. Now, his youngest son, Eighth Jiao, has been overshadowed by you, which is truly delightful; it is worth all the benefits I have given to the county magistrate."

Thus, Wang Mang completely reformed the official system and place names throughout the realm, such as changing the title of county governor to chief magistrate, the title of county magistrate to county steward, and transforming the Three Fiefs into the Six Commanders

However, the grandfather of the fifth Lun was in the kitchen, an old man who enjoyed eating chestnuts, and at this moment he was standing by the stove, waiting for the chestnuts to roast.

This county belongs to the Left Fengyi, one of the three fiefs of the Former Han Dynasty. It was formerly known as Changling County and was renamed Changping three years ago. Its location is approximately to the east of the present-day Xianyang City in Shaanxi Province.

With a crack, a fine ceramic cup was crushed in the hands of the fifth tyrant, and the kind smile on the old man's face instantly transformed into one of uncontrollable rage

The fourth family is exceptionally astute—this family has taken a different path, choosing to engage in business; how could merchants not be shrewd

There is only one road paved with cobblestones, starting from Beili Gate, passing through a flat area under a large banyan tree, and then reaching the courtyard of Dazong.

Fifth Lun quietly slowed his pace, as he still felt a bit intimidated by his grandfather, and he approached him from behind to bow, saying: "Grandfather"

So this abdication was actually personally passed down by Emperor Gaozu of Han to Wang Mang

Next to the official school is the South Gate. After exiting the city gate and turning back, one can still see the three characters "Changping County" in the center of the two-zhang high wall.

I will allocate the quota for the Imperial Academy

Upon closer inspection, the person's face, twisted in pain, is recognizable; despite being in his thirties or forties, he is considered a distant nephew in terms of kinship. Fifth Lun called upon those nearby to assist in removing the thorn and to find a piece of cloth to bandage the wound and stop the bleeding. It was also noted that the injured man was without shoes and, limping, would likely find it difficult to walk back to his home, which is two miles away. Therefore, Fifth Fu was asked to lead a horse to carry him back.

The landlords of other families are often seen with hunched backs, leisurely inspecting their fields with hands behind their backs. In contrast, the Fifth Ba rides a horse with a sword, parading through the market with his clansmen, instilling such fear in the bandits of the surrounding ten miles that they dare not act recklessly in the Fifth Li.

Fifth Lun shows great care for the people, not only out of guilt as an exploiter but also due to his clear understanding of the future situation

The fifth tyrant handed him a peeled chestnut: "How is it? As the county magistrate said, the officials sent from the court to inspect and evaluate are merely going through the motions."

Fifth Lun merely frowned and stopped the servant, saying, "Wufu, scold him when we get home"

The roads in the village are uneven and muddy after the rain, with domestic sewage flowing through the small ditches by the roadside. Proudly strutting black pigs, along with chickens, ducks, and geese, leave their droppings everywhere, creating an unpleasant odor. The children running around carry the filth on their feet, spreading it everywhere.

Little do people know, Di Wu Lun is actually feeling grateful, grateful for having such a large clan.

"Young master, I will lead the horse to carry him, what will you do?"

The head of the family instructed that as soon as the young gentleman returns, he should go to see him

The old man turned around; originally, he always had a stern expression, but upon seeing his grandson, he smiled, his face full of wrinkles

Several men, leaning on their farming tools, were drinking water from a ladle by the edge of the field. Their wives and daughters, dressed in simple clothes, came to bring them food. Upon seeing Wu Lun riding over, they all stood up and bowed to him.

Fifth Lun responded with a smile, noting that these people had to work in the scorching heat while wearing their calfskin pants. The sun had darkened their backs and faces, and there were marks on their shoulders from the ropes used while plowing. After all, not every household can afford a plow ox.

Several rough spears were placed by the door, and four guards were chatting and laughing. Upon seeing the fifth Lun, they immediately stopped their conversation and welcomed him inside

He asked him to lead the horse for a distant relative of low status, which of course displeased the fifth blessing, and the injured party repeatedly declined, saying he did not dare to do so

Riding westward on horseback, the other families also have their own unique characteristics

Give way to the eighth correction

This was unimaginable for the heads of families in past generations

The Fifth Clan is renowned for its fierceness, as the patriarch of the Fifth Clan, Wu Lun, is known for his strength. This reputation stems from his grandfather, who came from a military background and fought alongside Chen Tang in the Western Regions during his youth, possessing some knowledge of formation warfare. During the busy farming season, when disputes over water arise, no one in the local area can match their prowess.

The central courtyard features a two-story main structure, which includes the owner's living quarters and a reception hall for guests, yet after searching around, Wu Wulun could not find his grandfather.

Upon entering the door, one can see that the courtyard is divided into three sections: front, middle, and back. The front courtyard is where the private servants reside, and the earthen houses are quite simple. On both sides, there are stables and a carriage house. Compared to the spacious stables, the number of horses is pitifully small, with only an old chestnut steed bowing its head to chew on the nutritionally poor fodder.

The fifth Lun has already discerned the pattern of Wang Mang, the name-changing fanatic, who does everything in reverse; thus, he changed it to "How can one pacify the world if one's chest is not level?"

Fifth Lun's companion and servant, Fifth Fu Chao, spat at their retreating figures and cursed, "This First Clan still considers itself a great lineage! How dare they not return the lord's courtesy!"

Indeed it is

However, after Fifth Lun inquired with the merchants from Guandong, he was disappointed to find that Changshan was still Changshan and had not been changed to Shijiazhuang

Fifth Lun, munching on chestnuts, could only respond with a humble agreement. When Fifth Ba inquired about which doctor had come today, he answered honestly.

As one passes the first mile, the grand ancestral hall built by the Di Yi clan can be seen from afar. Two young members of the Di Yi clan were also encountered, traveling by vehicle to the county town. When Wu Lun dismounted and cupped his hands in greeting, the other party merely nodded casually, displaying an exceedingly arrogant demeanor, as if it were only natural for Wu Lun to pay his respects to them

Fifth Lun smiled without saying a word, until the grandfather and grandson sat on the kitchen threshold and finished eating a full handful of chestnuts

Lun'er has returned

It is said that during the reign of Emperor Zhao and Emperor Xuan of the previous dynasty, imperial authority could still reach the countryside. However, after the reign of Emperor Cheng, the Han emperors governed the world with virtue, leading to a gradual relaxation of control, which resulted in rampant land consolidation. The wealthy owned vast tracts of land, while the poor had no place to stand. After the establishment of the Xin dynasty, the "Land Nationalization Decree" was issued, declaring the nationalization of land and prohibiting the buying and selling of slaves. However, clandestine transactions continued unabated.

He helped the injured tribesman onto the horse, and after sending off the fifth blessing, he walked towards the inner gate. The men and women in the orchard and mulberry garden exchanged glances: "In the past half month, the young lord has been much kinder to others than before"