Chapter 002 is tedious
After Li Laiheng succeeded to the position in the first year of high school, the Gao family emulated the previous dynasty's Mu family, maintaining a stronghold in Yunnan and Guizhou, implementing the policy of returning to the central government from local rule, and the title conferred was that of a king from a different surname
This area of over twenty zhang is bordered by the family ancestral hall to the east and the external study to the west
After all, he is merely a hereditary duke. Is it really necessary to be so cautious about it
After finishing this sentence, the master-servant relationship was restored, and Mantou bowed slightly, waiting for Liu Yu to ask a question
This is Liu Yu's habit formed since childhood in the grand dyeing vat of the Duke's residence, which has become second nature. Under the strict and intricate rules of the patriarchal system and rituals, there can be no slightest deviation.
In the early cool of autumn, the flowers are in full bloom, illuminating a narrow path paved with small pebbles. A few rough servant girls are standing at the entrance of the outer study. Upon seeing Liu Yu, they hurriedly come over and lead Liu Yu to the outer study
At the moment of pushing the door, Liu Yu took a deep breath and thought to herself... let it be as it may
Ah, I finally found you, Third Master. Hurry back, the Duke has sent me to look for you, there is an urgent matter.
Fortunately, after passing Longshan Temple, the number of people gradually decreased. A large old locust tree, personally planted by the eunuch Sanbao during the reign of the Yongle Emperor, provided a wide shade at the intersection. This street is Sanbao Laojie Alley, the former residence of the eunuch Sanbao from the previous dynasty during the Yongle period.
Liu Yu's residence, the imperial edict-constructed Duke of Yi's mansion from the Dashun Dynasty, is located beside Jishuitan, and is considered one of the finest noble residences in the capital.
In the vast capital city, apart from the Forbidden City adorned with bright yellow glazed tiles, the roofs of the other residences are all in shades of bluish-gray, aimed at highlighting the wealth and solemnity, using the entire population of one million in the capital as a backdrop.
After passing the old locust tree, one arrives at the former laundry bureau of the previous dynasty, where the food vendor, Wei Gonggong, met his demise. It is rumored that this place is heavy with a sinister atmosphere, and there are usually not many people around.
The ceremonial gate, known as the Gate of Etiquette, requires visiting guests to pause here, adjust their attire, and properly arrange their clothing and headgear before they may enter.
Here, at the northwest corner of the Forbidden City, has been a prosperous place since ancient times. Adjacent to it is the Dalongshan Huguo Temple. In the past, Emperor Zhengde of the Ming Dynasty enjoyed adopting various titles for himself, such as Duke of the State and Mighty General. Having practiced Buddhism for a long time, he took on the title of "Great Celebration Dharma King," which encompassed the Dalongshan Huguo Temple
The outer study is located between the ceremonial gate and the main gate. On ordinary days, it serves as a place for his father to meet with low-ranking guests and attendants, and it is not possible for it to be situated behind the ceremonial gate where female family members are present
The mule beneath him surprisingly knew the way, and as they approached home, its pace quickened compared to before. Liu Yu, riding the mule, couldn't help but sigh, thinking that whether it was a blessing or a curse, it ultimately could not be avoided
Therefore, it is permitted to divert the water of the Yong River around the public garden, which truly embodies boundless grace and favor. The Duke of Yi's residence is even more magnificent and grand, covering an extensive area
Liu Yu has yet to adapt to the life of sitting in the position of a nobleman's son, still harboring a belly full of grievances and discontent stemming from the knowledge and thoughts of her past life, completely forgetting that her current identity is no longer that of a mere supporting character.
The grand gates, gilded with gold, the eighteen gates welcoming guests, the three large doors... This is not something that can be achieved merely with wealth. Without the rank of nobility, to have three large red doors adorned with gold and beast rings is an act of usurpation. Such a crime, though not deserving of death, would still result in exile three thousand miles away to the banks of the Songhua River to serve as a border guard
Liu Yu was not in a hurry; the meals at this winery were not inferior to those of the noble residences, and were indeed much better than what he often had in his previous life. The cup of yellow wine he just drank was quite good as well. In his previous life, he was a person who loved lively gatherings, and having just adapted to his new identity, he was ready to boast and drink with these noble youths, not taking it too seriously.
Ultimately, the recruitment of the Southwest and the unscathed Yun-Gui, the Jin King does not grieve, and the Qin King is not a traitor, is also a great achievement of Liu Tichun
Riding on the mule, Liu Yu formed a general impression of her cheap old father in her heart
If one is being so cautious, it should not be as one imagines, that upon crossing over, one is destined to experience a script of "the unpredictability of life and sudden misfortunes"
Seeing Liu Yu still smiling, he said: "My third master, how can you still be in the mood to smile? The Duke is quite anxious, there must be something important. The court meeting has just concluded, and the Duke has sent someone to find you, insisting on a prompt return. Considering that I have been with you for so long, you should hurry back. Otherwise, if you return late, I will certainly face a scolding."
Changing the soup but not the medicine
This mule is the most steady; even when whipped, it is difficult for it to run, and it certainly will not harm others in a fit of rage
The servant who accompanied Liu Yu has gone to the temple fair to have fun, and for a moment, no one can be found. Mantou shouted angrily, "I knew those fools would just go out to mess around..."
After several renovations, the current emperor, in order to win over the Mongols who adhere to the Yellow Sect, has also conferred upon himself the title of a certain Dharma King, thus embodying the Dharma body within this National Protection Temple
Vendors selling cigarette holders, sharpening scissors and vegetable knives, performing tricks and shaping sugar figurines... The crowd is so densely packed that not a drop of water could pass through
Regarding identity, the steamed bun is the servant while I am the master. However, the steamed bun came to convey my father's words. Liu Yu hurriedly put down his wine cup, stood up straight, and respectfully replied to the servant, "Yes"
The door was pushed open, and a young servant dressed in black, around sixteen or seventeen years old, rushed in
How can one endure such monotonous days? Just yesterday, I was contemplating whether this month's salary would be sufficient, and today it has reached the peak of dullness
After all, the capital is short of water; unless it is near Jishuitan, it is impossible to create a large garden
He has not yet settled down properly, filled with dissatisfaction over the stench of wine and meat from the rich, while the roads are lined with the frozen bones of the dead.
Because Liu Tichun was a sworn brother of Zhang Xianzhong, Sun Kewang, Li Dingguo, Ai Nengqi, and others all referred to him as "Second Uncle"
The royal family, although not the most exquisite core, is certainly qualified to be the petals that guard the core.
To have the mule's hind hooves tread upon the imprints of its front hooves, moving as steadily as a boat gliding on calm waters, without any bumps, is what constitutes qualification
Once the wine enters the belly, it can be considered as accepting one's fate, and thus embracing a new identity.
The Sui Emperor Yang acted tyrannically and committed heinous deeds, usurping power and unjustly killing his father. He deceived his mother and played tricks on his younger sister, disregarding ethics. He poisoned his brother and plotted against his sister-in-law, discarding the principles of propriety and morality
Mantou is also quite clever; having been with Liu Yu for a long time, there are some things that others dare not say, but he dares to say them.
At the foot of the imperial city, if one is not careful after drinking and rides wildly, those with ill intentions may take advantage of it, which could lead to trouble
Mules of this kind must be selected for their robust physique from birth, and once they have grown a little, they must be trained
There were quite a few people gathered around, but they were all mere spectators, enjoying the spectacle. When it came time to pay, they all scattered in a rush, or urged for another round.
This sentence "is" is a message relayed to the father; although the bun is a servant, it can still bear it, and it cannot evade it either
Liu Yu's cheap old man is like a tortoise, fearing even the slightest mistake. He constantly says that noble families are most averse to their descendants causing trouble. If a servant allows the master to ride a horse in the imperial city, he would have his legs broken.
Following the gaze of the steamed bun, what comes into view is an open space approximately twenty to thirty zhang in length and width
The three large crimson doors were flanked by eighteen elegantly dressed doormen.
In the future, if the Great Shun were to perish, it would be necessary to include it in the "Shijia" during the compilation of history, which cannot be compared. Moreover, there are very few dukes with the title of "Founding and Assisting the Dynasty" in the entire Great Shun era.
Hearing the urgency in Mantou's words, Liu Yu couldn't help but feel a jolt in her heart. Just after the morning meeting had concluded, someone came looking for her; was something serious happening
Speaking, he went to the hitching post to bring over a large black mule, helped Liu Yu onto the mule, while he himself rode a tall horse.
A meal is not worth much money; for someone like Liu Yu, a dandy, there have long been servants arranged to handle matters such as paying the bill.
Further ahead, there is a gate known as the Yi Gate, originally named the Huan Gate. Later, in order to avoid the taboo associated with Song Qinzong Zhao Huan, it was renamed Yi Gate, derived from a phrase in the "Zuo Zhuan" which states, "What is formidable and can instill fear is called 'wei'; what has decorum and can be represented is called 'yi'"
With this thought in mind, I felt a sense of release. I blinked my eyes and looked around at the scenery, telling myself that even if something significant happened at home, just to witness this ancient landscape was indeed worthwhile
Today is also the 8th day of the 7th month, which is indeed the time for the temple fair, bustling with voices. Coupled with the heat wave of the late summer, it feels as if it could knock people over.
Just when one feels that life is dull, must one really experience the vicissitudes of life? Is this not akin to the script of a young master from "Dream of the Red Chamber" suddenly encountering a great change and having his family confiscated?
The gilded beast-faced bronze ring signifies the status of nobility and constantly reminds Liu Yu that the Great Shun is ultimately a feudal dynasty, adhering to the established rituals and regulations.
On both sides of the vacant land, some flowers and plants are cultivated, and they are well-maintained
Isn't this starting point a bit too high? Aside from the royal family, the only one with a higher status than oneself is the Gao family.
In the distance, several people are singing "Lotus Flower Falls" at the entrance of the temple fair, and as they become more engrossed in the performance, they sing with increasing fervor
"What is the urgent matter?"
While I was contemplating how to spend this monotonous life in the future, I suddenly heard a series of hurried footsteps from outside
To walk like a woman with delicate steps, to ride like a distinguished gentleman in a sedan chair, without the jolting of a fierce horse or the stagnation and discomfort of a boat or vehicle, this can be called the way of the mule. The difficulty of nurturing is such that it is rarely successful.
The few who were drinking together hurriedly advised, "Since the Duke is looking for you, you should return quickly. We will enjoy ourselves here, and if there is time later, you can come back again."
Considering the ominous possibilities, Liu Yu lost her mood and could only clasp her hands towards the crowd and say: "Then I shall take my leave first"
As it is the location of the laundry bureau of the previous dynasty, it must be situated by the water. Adjacent to it is Shichahai, and further north lies Jishuitan
Originally the garden of the Duke of State Xu Yunzhen from the previous dynasty, after the Great Shun entered the capital, Xu Yunzhen was captured and killed. Later, when the capital was recovered and the world stabilized, Li Laiheng granted this place to Liu Tichun, the ancestor of Liu Yu, and ordered the construction of the Duke of Yi State's residence
And above the gilded doors of the mansion, there exists the Emperor of the Nine-Five status, who is the most terrifying presence.
Liu Yutang, the legitimate son of a duke, can only ride a mule at the foot of the imperial city instead of a horse, which is quite a statement. If someone knowledgeable were to see this, they would understand that such a mule could easily be exchanged for seven or eight fine horses.
Upon arriving for the first time, I still remember the rules
It is well known in the capital that the Duke of Yi governs his household with utmost strictness, adhering meticulously to feudal rites and laws without any deviation
Liu Yu remembered everything clearly and recognized that this was his own personal servant, whom he had given the peculiar nickname "Mantou". He had accompanied him in studying and had served as his reading companion, being a trusted confidant.
Whatever will be, will be
The steamed bun was placed in front of Liu Yu, who whispered: "Third Master, the Duke is in the outer study. Whether it is a blessing or a curse, if there is a result, please inform me early, so that I may avoid unnecessary anxiety."
Noble scions, as long as they do not court disaster, can live a life of peace and security in this world... After much contemplation, fueled by a bit of alcohol, Liu Yu thought of two words... Dullness
As I stepped out of the door of Quanliu Residence, the heat wave outside, mingled with the sounds of people, surged towards me like ocean tides
One can already see the entrance of one's own home from a distance, where a large, clean stone lion is prominently visible.
Reflecting on the unpleasant matters caused by the separation of mind and body, I entered the residence through the side gate, where a young servant had already come to lead away the mule for feeding and grooming