Chapter 2, Friends come from afar

It is utterly unforgivable to disturb the sweet life of my sister and me by glaring at childhood playmates. Bai Dong said unhappily: "Sang Wazi, did my mother say anything?"

The blind drifter responded very politely, and his voice was as pleasant as a bird in spring. However, Bai Dong felt that this person had a certain condescending pride. His previous professional experience had honed his ability to observe people in detail; when it came to reading expressions and understanding emotions, this blind drifter was still far from it.

Zhou Tianzi, State of Chu

"Good news, guests have arrived at your home, distant guests. I see your mother is extremely happy, even the wrinkles at the corners of her eyes are smiling. " A young man dashed over, snatched the fish tail from Bai Dong's hand, and stuffed it into his mouth, mumbling indistinctly: "Your family is probably going to kill a chicken, can I go drink some chicken soup too?"

In the eyes of the blind man from Chu, his arrival was akin to that of an angel, bringing the greatest hope to this farming family; this sentiment cannot be deemed despicable or vile, and even among scholars and nobles, it is considered a beautiful tale

Let's eat together, otherwise I won't eat either

This uninvited guest is quite elegant, speaking with a certain rhythm that is very pleasant to the ears, akin to the singing of birds. Upon hearing some movement behind him, he turned around and, upon seeing Bai Dong, immediately stood up and bowed from a distance, saying: "Scholar You, Chu Tang, pays his respects to the young brother."

The grass did not pay any attention to this person and quickly ran to the stove. The rich aroma of chicken made the little girl instantly lose her composure; her tears had not yet been wiped away, and saliva began to flow.

The laughter of Bai Dong echoed in the air as he picked up the larger fish and stuffed it into Cao Er's mouth. What a wonderful girl she is—delicate and lovely, capable of grilling fish and keeping warm. It’s just that in the future, I don’t know which scoundrel will take advantage of her, and just thinking about it is quite unpleasant. The more I think, the worse my mood becomes, even severely affecting my appetite. After eating more than half of a fish, I lost my desire to continue. Bai Dong himself was puzzled as to why he felt so sentimental today. Is it because of the perfect fusion of memories from two lifetimes? I don’t want to think about it anymore; Cao Er is watching. Even with a bad mood, I still have to eat, turning my melancholy into appetite.

Cao Er glanced at the flesh-colored fish roe, evenly sprinkling the cleaned roe over the two fish. The heat quickly caused the roe to burst, slightly lowering the surface temperature of the fish. This not only achieved both the delicate and robust flavors but also added an extra layer of freshness from the roe, a concept known as enhancing freshness with freshness. No additional seasonings were needed; the natural flavor was what one savored. Compared to Cao Er's culinary skills, any modern barbecue or BBQ pales in comparison and should all be relegated to the trash heap

However, there is no time to consider these matters. Chu Dong's words startled Bai Dong: "Which Chu State?"

Furthermore, when it comes to terms related to moral ethics and social recognition, it is essential to maintain their original essence. One cannot refer to a monarch as "the head of the household" or "the top leader," as such would constitute a translation error. For instance, prior to the Ming Dynasty, officials were not addressed as "Sir"; calling them "Sir Bao" in television dramas is a sign of ignorance. In the Song Dynasty, women were referred to as "Madam," which is a term of respect; addressing them as "Miss" would lead to conflict. Again, prior to the Ming Dynasty, officials were not addressed as "Sir"; calling them "Sir Bao" in television dramas is a sign of ignorance. In the Song Dynasty, women were referred to as "Madam," which is a term of respect; addressing them as "Miss" would lead to conflict.

As the sky gradually darkened, Chu Dong sought to showcase his knowledge. The more questions Bai Dong asked, the happier he became, naturally speaking without reservation. Bai Dong also gained a deeper understanding of the world situation through him. It seemed that seeing the two engaged in pleasant conversation and with the night growing late, his mother unexpectedly came out of the house, insisting that Bai Dong accompany this 'Mr. Chu' for a few more drinks

Mother shot a reproachful glance at Bai Dong, hurriedly attending to the blind guest by serving hot tea, and then called Bai Dong to fetch the bowls and chopsticks. In the countryside, there was no dining hall; the meal was hastily arranged to be eaten in the courtyard. A makeshift dining table was created with a blue stone slab, upon which were placed mixed wild vegetables, boiled eggs, and pine nuts. They even brought out the only jar of old wine from the house, which made Bai Dong feel quite distressed.

What was said to Chu Tong in the end, I truly cannot remember. Bai Dong's last memory is of looking up at the stars. The stars during the early Warring States period must have been different from those in later times, right? I should take a good look at them. Huh, why is it so blurry? ... Indeed, indeed ...

Guang'an believes that as long as one pays attention to these details, it is sufficient. For instance, when the grass calls its brother, it is much more lively than calling him 'elder brother.' Otherwise, if the grass were to address him as 'my brother' all the time, would that still be an adorable little loli? It would resemble an old man instead.

Certainly, we cannot be purely modern. Considering the characters' personalities and the occasion, there will also be some archaic expressions, such as performing a grand ceremony or reciting a sacrificial text. You cannot come with modern poetry recitation, right

Pah, your mother has old patterns, and your family is the one that kills chickens. My family only has one chicken, which is used for laying eggs; how could we possibly kill it

There is only one Chu state in the world. Naturally, it is the magnificent Great Chu under the rule of the Zhou Son of Heaven, the foremost land of abundant fish and rice in the world. Does the younger brother not know this?

He kicked the guy's backside lightly, then Bai Dong grabbed Cao Er and ran away in a hurry. It was urgent; this chicken could not be killed, as Cao Er needed to wait eagerly for the eggs every day

A young man in his twenties came running from a distance, and just a few meters away, he shouted at the top of his lungs: "The grilled fish smells so good, save some for me"

"Where does the gentleman come from?" Bai Dong smiled as he lifted the wine bowl, contemplating whether he had obtained the information he needed before figuring out a way to send this fellow away; he truly could not understand what his mother was thinking. There were more than twenty households in the village, so why invite an outsider into their home? According to her, this was an educated person from outside, quite precious, and many families in the village were vying for him. In the end, it was the old clan leader who, out of compassion for the orphaned and widowed, invited him to their home.

Since my name is Chu Dong, I am naturally a person from the State of Chu

Bai Dong's mind was in turmoil; this is quite something, as if he had been thrust back two thousand years.

The large one that was passed over, the grass was filled with pride in her eyes; every time she grilled fish, her brother would drool, making her feel extremely satisfied even if she didn't eat.

The wine from the Qin state has a low alcohol content and a sour taste reminiscent of old vinegar, which is said to be appetizing. If it were the body of Bai Dong from his previous life, he could drink as many bowls as he wanted and still consider it as drinking plain water. Unfortunately, this body was given to him by his mother in front of him, and experiencing alcohol for the first time, it would be strange not to get drunk.

Bai Dong was overjoyed; it was rare for an intellectual to visit their home. Regardless of whether this individual was merely superficial or truly learned, he certainly understood the era in which he lived. For eighteen years, he had been in a state of confusion, sometimes clear-headed and at other times muddled, having been born in this remote little mountain village. The village had over twenty households, and from the most erudite elder to the children just reaching adolescence, not a single person could read. Throughout the year, not even a tax collector could be seen; who knew which dynasty this was? Yet, recalling the unjust death of Huahua, he felt a surge of anger and snorted, "Welcome, guest."

Is he a scholar? From the Spring and Autumn period to the Ming and Qing dynasties, each era had its own methods of governance over the people. However, regardless of who held power, scholars possessed the right to roam freely across the world. In the Ming dynasty, ordinary citizens were not allowed to leave their designated counties; otherwise, they would be punished as vagrants. Yet, there were no restrictions on the traveling scholars who carried swords and books, making them a privileged class of drifters

There is no time to think too much, as my mother is watching. I did not offer the two chicken legs to the guests, which has already angered her. If I neglect my duties further, I might face severe consequences; despite my mother's affection for me, when she truly gets angry, her punishment can be quite harsh.

Note: Regarding the term 'brother', this era actually did not have such a designation. However, it is a misconception to think that modern people write books for modern readers without a process of 'translation'. Should we restore the titles and characters from the Spring and Autumn and Warring States periods? Not to mention that I lack the ability to do so, even if I could, it would be quite challenging for everyone. When Feng Menglong wrote 'The Chronicles of the Eastern Zhou Kingdoms', modern readers are amazed, thinking this is the ancient style. But where is the ancient style? It is merely the Ming dynasty's translation of the characters from the Spring and Autumn and Warring States periods into Ming dynasty language for the readers of that time. The true refined sounds and words were beyond Feng Menglong's understanding; he didn't even have Baidu in his time.

This is the meaning, as long as everyone understands it

As soon as I ran to the front door, the grass began to cry. Through the fence, I saw a ground covered with feathers and splattered blood. My eggs, no, my Huahua, sob sob...

Bai Dong was very puzzled; it is already difficult for a widow and her orphaned child, yet they are still hosting guests? Is the clan elder also confused? Poor old hen of my family

Bai Dong would never have imagined what this person was thinking; otherwise, he would have kicked him out long ago. After the initial shock, he felt that this era was actually quite good. With great debates and the gentry being valued, it was easier to thrive compared to the rigid hierarchies of the Han and Jin dynasties and the later imperial examinations that, despite years of hard study, often led to a lifetime of obscurity.

Grilled fish does not require scaling, as this allows for more even heat distribution and prevents the fish meat from becoming charred. When the fish is about 70% cooked, gently shake it, and then scrape it a few times with a stone slab; the scales will fall away, revealing the slightly yellow and crispy fish meat underneath

Huahua is the only hen in the family, raised for over two years, and most of the eggs she produced ended up in Caor's belly. Now, it is all over. Caor is crying in Baidong's arms, her cries are heart-wrenching, and it is unclear whether she is mourning the hen or the eggs that will no longer be.

All eaten up, there is none left

He originally had little ambition, and even somewhat enjoyed the current pastoral life; however, his mother and Cao'er needed a magic lamp, which required him to create.

Bai Dong raised his head, looking with great dissatisfaction at the person sitting on the stone pedestal in the courtyard. In his hands, he held the only intact ceramic bowl in the house, dressed in a long dark robe, with a wooden crown on his head and a bamboo hairpin inserted horizontally. This attire was incongruous with that of the villagers, as all the adult men in the village wore headscarves. However, the ancient practice of wearing crowns continued until the Qing soldiers entered the pass, making it difficult to determine which dynasty it currently was.

Therefore, that kind of semi-classical language similar to the Ming and Qing storybooks can be written in light and dark styles, but https://mhetushu.com does not wish to write it. When I first started writing, I tried to use semi-classical language, thinking it was impressive, but it actually hinders reading and is not very meaningful

Ping An Lang, your mother is calling you to come home

Chu Dong shook his head slightly, the disdain in his eyes growing more pronounced. A poor nation with suffering people truly does not understand the trends of the world, which is not surprising. However, although I am of humble status, as a traveling scholar and a guest in this household, especially with a beautiful young lady nearing her teenage years present, it is indeed very necessary to maintain some decorum.

Brother (with annotations below), the fish is ready, I have prepared a large one for you. If that is not enough, I can give you this one as well

The stream flows gently, fish leap energetically, and the grass sways joyfully; her skills are exceptional, as she uses a sharp stone to slice open the fish's belly, removing the entrails and roe. After cleaning the fish, she threads it onto a branch and begins to roast it slowly. Before long, the fish turns a golden hue, releasing a faint aroma of cooked fish.

The chicken was placed on the table, but my mother took Caor to the thatched cottage. This is the custom in the countryside; when guests arrive, women do not sit at the table, as it would be a great disrespect. Bai Dong did not care about any etiquette; he tore off the chicken's head and legs and sent them over, disregarding his mother's scolding. After all, he could not let that blind drifter take advantage of everything. Caor grabbed a chicken leg and stuffed it into her mouth, saying that her brother was really nice. Back in the courtyard, Bai Dong made up his mind, broke the clay seal, and filled a cup with wine. He had never even tasted the family's stored wine, so he certainly could not let this fellow enjoy it alone. Bai Dong did not care about any etiquette; he tore off the chicken's head and legs and sent them over, disregarding his mother's scolding. After all, he could not let that blind drifter take advantage of everything. Caor grabbed a chicken leg and stuffed it into her mouth, saying that her brother was really nice. Back in the courtyard, Bai Dong made up his mind, broke the clay seal, and filled a cup with wine. He had never even tasted the family's stored wine, so he certainly could not let this fellow enjoy it alone.

Bai Dong was very happy; his mother finally understood and also felt sorry for the family's wine, preferring to let her son drink a few more bowls. Otherwise, why would she let herself drink two bowls and him one bowl as a toast? Mother is truly the best, knowing how to care for her son

It was only from Chu Tong that he learned he was a Qin person. At this moment, the ruler of the Qin state was Ying Lian, who was leading a large army in a fierce battle against the Wei state in Hexi. Historical records indicate that this battle ended in a stalemate. Shortly after returning to the country, Ying Lian passed away, posthumously titled Xian Gong. ... The ambitious ruler who collaborated with Shang Yang to implement reforms was his second son, though he was still just a passionate young man at this time