Chapter 8, The Tenderness of the First Night

Three hundred good family servants, the younger brother died without burial— I believe that person to be tall and extraordinary, but upon seeing their portrait, their appearance resembles that of a beautiful woman.

Han Huai and Chu, upon hearing this, could not help but let out a long sigh: "Yuan Mei, I can understand the pain in your heart"

The author has discovered from a wealth of literature that Zhang Liang is very likely to be female. This book will portray the figure of Liu Hou Zhang Liang as a woman

Zhang Ying sweetly took the rabbit meat, tasted a bite, and exclaimed, "It’s really fragrant!" Han Huaichu chuckled and said, "It would be even more fragrant with some seasoning"

The woman’s cheeks flushed, her head lowered, and her lips parted slightly. A wisp of lilac, like a spirit snake, had already slithered into Han Huaichu's mouth. Han Huaichu suckled on the fragrant tongue, feeling as if the air was infused with the essence of orchids, his entire being lifted, as if he were already in the clouds

Han Huai and Chu Xindao exclaimed, "In what era did Hua Mulan live? How could she possibly know?"

Zhang Ying asked in surprise, "Who is Hua Mulan?"

Han Huaichu nodded slightly and casually recited: "In my dreams, I search for you a thousand times, and suddenly turning my head, there you are, amidst the dim lights."

Because the dream has entangled the two for too long. At this moment, seeing him from the dream is like a solitary traveler long trapped in the desert suddenly encountering an oasis

Han Huai-Chu said, "This is easy. Sister Yan, please wait a moment." After saying this, he leaped forward a few steps and disappeared into the woods

Zhang Ying stated solemnly: "Can women not lead troops into battle? In ancient times, King Wu Ding of the Shang Dynasty had a favored consort who commanded three thousand armored soldiers to attack the Qiang people."

Zhang Ying shed two lines of tears and said: "How could I not wish to soar together with you, my lord, and accompany you for a lifetime? Yet there are still too many matters in this world awaiting my attention, too many obstacles for me to overcome. My brother was my only family in this world, and he left me yesterday. The grievances of the nation and the family rest solely on my shoulders, and I must seek retribution."

I only heard Zhang Ying softly say in my ear: "In a chaotic world, how can there be room for romantic feelings? Let me be the lifelong confidante of the young master."

He had no choice but to change the subject and asked, "Does the recluse of Qingxi have any female disciples?" Zhang Ying shook his head and replied, "I have heard that he only accepts male disciples"

Han Huai-Chu, being the Khan, was asked by Zhang Ying and could only speak off the cuff, fabricating, "Hua Mulan is a remarkable woman from my hometown, who disguised herself as a man to take her father's place in the army"

***

Han Huaichu exclaimed, "hetushu.com.com, you know very well that he does not accept female disciples, yet you still go to him for what purpose?" Zhang Ying's delicate face flushed slightly as she softly replied, "I have my own ways to make him accept me as his disciple."

Is the author mistaken? Could it be that the renowned strategist Zhang Liang, known as the Marquis of Liu, is actually a woman? Is this a result of not having read the history of the Han Dynasty and fabricating stories here?

Han Huaichu slept very soundly this time, primarily due to the fierce battles of the previous day and the exhausting hustle and bustle that left him quite fatigued

***

Seeing her beloved move with such skill, Zhang Ying looked at Han Huaichu with understanding and asked, "My dear, could you tell me about your background?" Han Huaichu replied, "I am the son of a noble family from Huaiyin City, but my family has fallen on hard times. Fortunately, I had the chance to meet Madam Han Fei and practiced martial arts with her for a few days."

It turned out that Yunmei had disguised herself as a boy using a technique of facial alteration, and had even taken her brother's name. Han Huaichu suddenly realized.

In my ear, I can only hear Zhang Ying's soft whispers: "Now everywhere there are wanted posters for me, yet my sister's national grievances and personal vendettas remain unavenged. I must cut this long hair, disguise myself as a man, and seek an opportunity to take revenge on King Qin for the enmity that cannot coexist. Before I cut this hair, I wish to savor the experience of being a woman one last time, and thus I can only entrust this pure body to you, my beloved.

Zhang Ying asked again, "Have you heard of Sun Bin and Pang Juan?" Han Huai Chu replied, "Sun and Pang are both military greats known for their intelligence in battle; who among people does not know them?"

In fact, during the Qin and Han dynasties, relationships between men and women were quite open. Young people were bold in love and hate, unlike the affected mannerisms of later generations. Zhang Yan's actions were not surprising at that time; rather, it is Han Huaichu, a modern individual, who finds it somewhat difficult to digest.

Han Huai and Chu collected their thoughts and asked, "May I ask how to address you, esteemed brother?" The young man clasped his hands and replied, "I am Zhang Liang, courtesy name Zifang. May I inquire the purpose of your visit, esteemed sir?"

Han Huai and Chu entered the deep forest. True to their extensive training in wilderness survival, it wasn't long before they had hunted a wild rabbit. He carried the rabbit back with great excitement and said, "Sister Yuan, food is here"

Was what happened last night not a dream, but reality? Then who is the dream lover I encountered in the clouds and rain of Wushan? Could it be Zhang Ying?

The next day, as the morning light streamed through the window, Han Huaichu could not help but awaken slowly.

The young woman took the initiative to embrace him; if Han Huaichu were to refuse, both the author and the readers would have to send him to a mental hospital. Han Huaichu, not wanting to disappoint everyone's eager expectations, extended his arms and tightly embraced Zhang Ying's delicate figure

Zhang Ying, noticing the addition of the word "also" in his speech, asked in confusion: "Could it be that you have also seen me in a dream?"

He recalled as if he had a wonderful dream last night, where he met his dream lover and spent a romantic night with her

In a moment of daze, a beautiful woman suddenly appeared before me, with bright eyes and white teeth, a graceful neck and delicate brows, exuding elegance and charm, moving gracefully like a swan.

Zhang Ying could not help but widen her charming eyes, her face showing respect: "Are there truly such extraordinary women in this world? I wonder if this young lady has the fortune to meet them?"

Han Huaichu was lost in thought when his hand was grasped by a delicate hand. As he looked up, he met Zhang Ying's hopeful gaze. Han Huaichu gazed at the enchanting figure before him, his heart racing, and he raised his hand to embrace Zhang Ying's slender waist.

Zhang Ying lowered her head, her face radiating boundless shyness, resembling a newlywed bride, her neck flushed with a rosy hue. In such a demeanor, how could she be likened to a graceful young gentleman of the mundane world?

Han Huai and Chu parted their lips into an 'O' shape, staring in astonishment at the figure before them, Zhang Liang. Zhang Liang chuckled softly and said in a delicate voice, 'My dear, do you not recognize me any longer?'

Han Huaichu was all too familiar with this face, for this woman had appeared in his dreams countless times. He thought he was dreaming again and exclaimed in surprise: "You!"

Upon meeting Han Huaichu, this was the first time Zhang Yan heard him praise her beauty, which made her feel both shy and delighted. With her delicate neck lowered, she softly said: "Young Master Han is a dragon among men; it seems I have seen you before, and we are destined to meet."

Han Huaichu casually remarked: "The young lady possesses a wise nature and a heart as pure as an orchid, elegant and extraordinary. I wonder what she would look like if she disguised herself as a boy"

The woman slowly removed her long skirt. Her shoulders were delicate like jade, her skin as fair as snow, and a hint of softness in her bosom captivated the soul. Han Huaichu couldn't help but stare in a daze.

Mandarin ducks dance with their necks entwined, the emeralds and the acacia flowers are in harmony. The brows, like delicate ink, often gather in shyness, while the warm red lips grow even more inviting. The air is fragrant with the scent of orchids, and the skin is smooth and plump like jade. With no strength to move her wrist, she shyly bends her graceful figure.

In the evening, after dinner, Han Huaichu fell into a deep sleep

A low, deep voice came from inside the door: "Who is it?"

The door creaked open, revealing a refined young gentleman emerging from the mundane world. Dressed in a long robe, holding a folding fan, wearing leather shoes, and with his hair tied up in a scarf, he possessed an elegant demeanor, his face as handsome as a jade crown.

Zhang Ying's beautiful eyes fixed intently on Han Huaichu: "Young master, your eloquence is remarkable, and your quick wit allows you to articulate such wonderful sentences. I am deeply impressed. We meet in our dreams; do you not find this matter strange?"

Zhang Ying remarked: "These four extraordinary talents all come from the school of the strategist Guiguzi, under the tutelage of Wang Xu. That Guigu, known for his profound strategies, is the fifth-generation disciple of Wang Xu, and is referred to as the Recluse of Qingxi. It is unknown what his original surname was; it is said that he even changed his surname to Guigu. There are indeed countless heroes in the world who admire his name and wish to study under him. However, his criteria for selecting disciples are quite peculiar. I wonder if Young Master Han is aware of his selection rules?"

Since the two have met in their dreams, it must not be a coincidence. Could it be that I and that Zhang Yan are indeed destined partners arranged by heaven

***

Han Huaichu exclaimed in surprise: "So you want to learn from that Hua Mulan and become a heroine."

Speaking of which, Han Huaichu himself could hardly believe that the lover who lingered in his dreams would actually be Zhang Yan, the sister of Zhang Liang from over two thousand years ago. This transcendent love across time and space seems rather exaggerated

After the two had eaten rabbit meat, their energy was considerably restored. They held hands and descended the mountain together

The autumn wind howled, blowing softly against the two young ones. They seemed completely unaware, lost in their tight embrace. All that could be heard were the pounding sounds, as two youthful hearts beat fiercely.

Han Huaichu, upon hearing this, was taken aback and asked, "As a frail woman, what purpose do you have in following me to learn military strategy?"

A thought flashed through Han Huaichu's mind, startling him to jump up from the bed. He hurriedly put on his clothes, walked to the corridor, and went to knock on Zhang Ying's door

After a long and beautiful time, the two finally parted ways. Han Huaichu felt a bit hungry and asked, "Yuan Mei, are you hungry?" Zhang Yuan nodded, "I am a little hungry. But in this desolate mountain wilderness, where can we find food to satisfy our hunger?"

***

The beautiful woman sat by Han Huaichu's bedside, her fingers resting on her cherry lips as she whispered "shh," signaling Han Huaichu to be silent. Han Huaichu then ceased to speak, gazing intently at the woman.

Zhang Ying replied, "I have learned the art of disguise from outsiders since I was young; it is not difficult to impersonate a man."

Zhang Ying joyfully called out "Xin Lang" and nestled her body in Han Huai Chu's embrace

Han Huaichu listened, feeling a deep sense of sorrow, and said: "How could I ever forget you?"

"How could there be a man in Zhang Ying's room?" Han Huaichu was greatly puzzled

A series of bizarre events left him in shock, preventing him from fully accepting and processing them

Zhang Ying then said: "Young Master Han, have you heard of Su Qin and Zhang Yi?" Han Huai Chu replied: "Who does not know that the two of them engaged in vertical and horizontal alliances, manipulating the feudal lords of the world at their will."

Han Huai and Chu were taken aback by the words, and he hurriedly asked, "Miss Yuan has also seen me?" The word "also" revealed the secret he held in his heart

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"When you have lived for over a thousand years, then you will be able to see it," Han Huaichu thought. Yet, he said, "How can a young lady disguise herself as a boy?"

It was already afternoon. Zhang Ying arrived at the town market and purchased two fine horses. He noticed that a notice had been posted in the town, which was a wanted poster for Young Master Han Cheng and the siblings Zhang Liang.

In this way, the strategist who assisted Liu Bang in securing the Han dynasty, the renowned Zhang Liang, is none other than the delicate and fragile woman, Zhang Yan. And I, this counterfeit Han Xin from the future, unexpectedly find myself entangled in a passionate romance with this legendary historical figure

The two of them hurriedly found an inn to hide in, discussing their plan to set off for Qingxi the next day

A sudden shock surged through my heart. Looking around, I could only see the crimson spots on the bedclothes, a scene of utter disarray

Zhang Ying buried herself in Han Huaichu's embrace, smiled sweetly, and said: "My beloved, it is I."

In a humble room, the spring light is boundless. If someone were to see it, they would only envy the mandarin ducks, not the immortals

How could the strategist Zhang Liang possibly form a marital bond with the great general Han Xin of the Han dynasty

Hearing Zhang Liang speak earnestly, Han Huai and Chu felt a bit agitated and said, "What is the point of this?"

Han Huaichu could not help but jest, saying: "Why say 'the last'? Is there really no 'after'? Can we not be a couple, flying side by side?"

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Han Huaichu was even more astonished; it turned out that this young man was indeed the one he had seen in his dreams

Zhang Ying slightly shook her head: "It is useless. Even if it is a recommendation letter from the Emperor of Heaven himself, it is of no use. As long as he takes a single glance and finds it unworthy, there will be no chance to be accepted under his tutelage again". Han Huaichu smiled and said: "How can we know if we don't try?"

The woman took a step closer, lifting the quilt covering Han Huaichu, her hair disheveled and hairpin askew, her delicate body pressed against him. Han Huaichu reached out to embrace her form, soft and fragrant, holding her tightly in his arms, unable to help but explore her smooth, creamy skin.

Zhang Ying straightened her face and said solemnly: "Since last night, I have become Zhang Liang, and Zhang Liang has become me. In this world, there is no longer Zhang Ying. My beloved, how can I disguise myself as a man to be with you?"

A faint fragrance wafted from the wings of the nose, while the delicate figure of the beauty in my arms felt as soft and warm as jade

Zhang Ying frowned and said, "The rabbit isn't cooked, how can we eat it?"

Ah! So this unexpected fortune that has come my way is actually like this! It truly is too good to be true for me

***

Han Huaichu skillfully gathered firewood and built a bonfire. He skinned the rabbit and placed it over the fire to roast. Before long, the rabbit meat was cooked, and an enticing aroma wafted through the air. Han Huaichu cut a piece with his dagger and handed it to Zhang Yan, saying, "Sister Yan, why don't you try the taste?"

Han Huaichu was indeed taken aback, as he never expected Zhang Ying to be so proactive in seeking his affection

Han Huaichu had a sudden thought and blurted out: "Are you planning to dress as a man like Hua Mulan?" Zhang Ying, realizing her thoughts had been guessed, nodded and said: "Indeed, I intend to dress as a man. May I ask, sir, is the Hua Mulan you mentioned also a woman? What is her relation to you?"

Han Huaichu pointed at "Zhang Liang" and suddenly realized, saying: "You are -- Sister Yan."

Han Huaichu said, "Isn't it just a matter of meeting once?" Zhang Yan replied, "Do not underestimate this meeting. Out of a hundred people, it would be fortunate if one is chosen by him. Do you have confidence in being selected?" Han Huaichu responded, "I have a letter of recommendation from Lady Han Fei, so I believe he will take that into consideration and accept me as his disciple"

Han Huai Chu felt his mouth and tongue dry, and after coughing once, he said: "It is I, Han Xin. May I ask which friend is inside?"

Zhang Ying's keen eyes were fixed on Han Huai Chu. After a moment of deep thought, she suddenly bit her lip and resolutely declared, "I will go with you to seek a master!"

Zhang Ying raised her head and gave Han Huaichu a long kiss, then resolutely turned her head away and said: "Young Master Han, from now on, you should forget your Ying sister and the events of last night. You are to marry and have children; I will not stand in your way. Please do not let me weigh on your mind."

Han Huaichu, having come from the future, already knew that there would be no outcome between himself and this "Zhang Liang." Upon hearing this, he was momentarily taken aback.

Zhang Ying's dream lover is already astonishing, and then another dream figure named Han Huaichu appears, leaving her utterly perplexed

He lazily opened his eyes, glanced at the sun outside the window, and felt that this sleep had been exceptionally sweet

Last night?" Han Huaichu asked with a smile that seemed to be both genuine and ironic