Chapter 002: The Young Lady of the Pan Family

Tai Shikun said: "Elder brother, do not take my words lightly; we, as chivalrous individuals, have always valued our promises above all else! If you have any enemies, speak quickly, and I shall capture them at once, bringing their hearts and livers to accompany your drink!"

Enough, enough! I will also send that Pan family's young lady to you tomorrow! Dear brother, I am unwell and will take my leave first! Zhang Dahu was truly frightened of Taishi Kun, only thinking of leaving this place of troubles as soon as possible, and from then on, he vowed never to return.

Zhang Dahu said to Taishi Kun: "Hero, listen. Over a decade ago, a Taoist priest fell ill outside the village of the old man. The old man rescued him and served him for several days, but unexpectedly, the priest's illness worsened, and he could not be saved. Before the priest passed away, he left behind three treasures: the first is the Songwen fine steel sword, the second is the Dragon King's heart-protecting armor, and the third is the ancestral skill of the Lü family. He entrusted the old man to give them to someone fated to receive them. Today, having met the hero Taishi, it is just the right time to present them!"

Zhang Dahu said: "Could it be that I should thank you for saving my life?"

Zhang Dahu shuddered upon hearing this and quickly replied, "Dear brother, thank you for your concern! I, your foolish brother, have always been honest, so I have no enemies. However, if you have any needs, please speak up, and I will do my utmost to assist you!"

On the cover of the book are written four large characters: "Lüshi Chunqiu"

How can one get rid of a bandit who has saved their life? Naturally, it cannot be separated from the character "wealth." Zhang Dahu gritted his teeth, steeled his resolve, and decided to offer one hundred taels of silver as a reward to Taishi Kun.

It turned out that Tai Shikun had determined that Zhang Dahu was a gullible person, and he had already conceived the idea of extorting him early in the morning. Therefore, when Tai Shikun spoke with Zhang Dahu, every word was laden with threats of violence, and his face was fully revealing a bandit-like demeanor, which frightened Zhang Dahu to the point of trembling with fear.

Oh? What is your name

Tai Shikun lowered his head to look at his attire—a bare torso covered only by a piece of cloth. He then sighed and said, "Zhang Yuanwai, there is no need for you to blame yourself. Your lack of understanding of chivalry is simply due to the fact that such individuals are becoming increasingly rare these days. Just look at my outfit; I have become so impoverished in my quest for justice that I do not even have a pair of underpants left. I ask you, how many heroes in this world can endure such hardship? How many can truly commit to the path of chivalry until the end?"

Tai Shikun hesitated for a moment, and finally asked the maid, "This... is she from the Pan family, may I ask what the current era name is?"

The world is not chaotic, but I am in disarray! - Excerpt from "Kong Ge's Diary"

Ah...! A single remark awakened the dreamer; only then did Zhang, the wealthy man, realize that he had fallen into a trap! This separate courtyard was worth no less than one thousand taels of silver, causing Zhang to sweat profusely in distress!

Pan Jinlian

"Lu Dongbin? Still from the previous dynasty? What does that even mean!" Tai Shi Kun was puzzled and could only bring over a book to examine it closely

Tai Shikun stepped in front of Zhang Dahuo and said with a smile, "What are you in such a hurry for! I remember when I first entered the main hall, you mentioned something to me. Let's finish that conversation before you leave, shall we?"

At this moment, Taishi Kun suddenly felt a sense of dizziness...

Tai Shikun said: "Faster, faster, a little further back!"

My childhood name is Jin Lian

It turns out that ancient manors often had associated industries. Although the manor recently acquired by Tai Shi Kun is a villa belonging to the Zhang family, it also encompasses several dozen acres of mountains and forests. These mountains and forests are abundant with fruit trees such as pears, peaches, plums, and jujubes, and they also produce several types of medicinal herbs, making the material wealth quite rich. However, in ancient times, the harvesting of fruits and herbs was not easy; those who did not reside in the mountains for long lacked the means to exploit these resources. Therefore, the Zhang family entrusted this area of mountains and forests to over ten forest households for management, which could yield an additional several hundred guan in income each year, providing Tai Shi Kun with an unexpected surprise.

Zhang Dahu was taken aback upon hearing this and explained: "It is not Lord Wen; this divine person is surnamed Lü, given name Yan, courtesy name Dongbin. He does indeed have a dharma name, which is Chunyangzi"

Zhang Dahu's face turned red from embarrassment after being criticized by Taishi Kun, feeling quite displeased

The Great Song? Is this the one that is said to be the wealthiest in Chinese history? A sudden sense of relief washed over Taishi Kun.

Tai Shikun, upon witnessing this miraculous martial art, felt great joy in his heart and secretly praised, "Indeed, a fine book!"

Tai Shikun then said: "Seeing a hero like Brother Zhang today, I am filled with admiration. If Brother Zhang does not mind, I would like to become sworn brothers with you, even though we are of different surnames."

Ah! This is it!" Tai Shikun exclaimed, slapping his thigh, and suddenly realized: "Brother, if you hadn't mentioned it, I would have completely forgotten about this! If I refuse your kind gesture, it would be too ungracious of me! Where's the money? Bring it here!"

Zhang Dahu let out a cry of despair, pulled out a banknote from his boot and threw it down, fleeing with his face covered as if he were flying, and he no longer dared to utter a single word to Taishi Kun.

Zhang Dahu, having spoken, hurriedly went to a side room. Before long, he returned with a long sword, a set of armor, and a book.

The sword is slender and elongated, gleaming with a bluish light, capable of cutting hair and severing strands with ease; the scabbard and hilt are intricately wrapped in shark skin, with copper strips securing the critical areas, unobtrusive yet refined, truly a fine sword.

Zhang Dahu felt excruciating pain as Tai Shikun squeezed him, struggling twice but unable to break free. Hearing the implications in Tai Shikun's words, it was clear that if he did not hand over the house, he would resort to ghostly tricks to harm him at midnight. Despite his deep distress, Zhang Dahu dared not utter a word of refusal; he could only nod in agreement, promising to send the property deed the next day.

Zhang Dahu Lengdao: "Is it about the matter... ...? Could it be regarding the gift of three treasures to you? Hasn't this matter already been resolved?"

It turns out that this set of clothing is merely ordinary, with only a small armor piece within it being the Dragon King's heart-protecting armor. In ancient times, crocodiles were often referred to as Dragon Kings, and this small armor is made from meticulously tanned and processed crocodile skin. Ordinary swords and knives truly cannot pierce it. This small armor features a simple design, with two straps holding a piece of fabric, resembling modern women's bras. It is form-fitting, breathable, and indeed a fine piece of armor

Tai Shikun stammered and asked: "Um... the young lady from the Pan family, may I ask what our national title is?"

However, Taishi Kun, upon hearing the words 'silver tael,' merely scoffed in disdain and said: "Zhang Yuanwai truly underestimates the heroes of the world! I, as a gentleman, seek to save the world and help others for the sake of upholding the reputation of chivalry; how could I covet your mere one hundred taels of silver?"

Tai Shikun saw that the title of the book was quite impressive, and he felt a secret joy in his heart. He hurriedly turned to the first page. On the first page, there were several illustrations of cultivation techniques, accompanied by a line of poetry: "A beauty of eighteen, her body like tender pastry, wielding a sword at her waist to slay foolish men. No heads are seen falling, only the marrow withering away!" The name of this technique was precisely: The Bone Transformation Heart-Prompting Sword.

Tai Shikun put away his treasures, dressed appropriately, and instantly appeared rejuvenated. He was seen in a flowing white robe, with a long sword hanging at his waist, exuding a certain charming elegance. Wearing new clothes brought him joy, so he took Zhang Dahu's hand and said

Tai Shikun then took the Dragon King's heart-protecting armor to examine it

Unknowingly, they had wandered to the entrance of the courtyard. In a cheerful mood, Taishi Kun pushed open the door and looked out.

Tai Shikun exclaimed, "Lü surname? Could it be that Lü Bu, Lü Fengxian?"

Tai Shikun employed a series of tactics, reaping numerous benefits, and was greatly pleased. He summoned a beautiful maid and first took a stroll through the newly acquired mansion.

Unexpectedly, this young woman from the Pan family did not show any signs of surprise. She answered honestly, "Replying to the master, the era name was just changed at the beginning of the year; this year is the first year of Jianzhong Jingguo."

Tai Shikun, having gained the upper hand, pressed on relentlessly, saying: "You see, I am feeling quite bored living alone in this large residence. How about you lend me this maid for a few days?"

Ah! It was indeed a rudeness on my part! Upon hearing Taishi Kun's words, Zhang Dahu immediately felt his face flush with shame for his recent behavior of underestimating others while overestimating himself.

Tai Shikun first took the Songwen fine steel sword to examine

Tai Shikun chuckled softly and said, "Since you put it that way, I shall not be polite! I am already in my twenties and still have no place to settle down. Why not just give me this villa, elder brother?"

This truly leaves the young lady of the Pan family speechless. After a while, the young lady said: "Returning to... my lord, it is the Song Dynasty..."

"What kind of country is being built?" Tai Shikun was taken aback, his mind racing in circles. Unfortunately, he could not find any impression of this era in his memory. At that moment, Tai Shikun was deeply suspicious that he had somehow crossed over to a different continent.

Zhang Dahu said: "Is it possible that ... ... I am giving you one hundred taels of patterned silver?"

It is said: Recognize a hero and value a hero. Brother Zhang, your actions have brought forth three treasures, and you are indeed an extraordinary and generous hero.

Zhang Dahu promptly agreed with Taishi Kun's statement and recited it once again in the same manner

Treasure? Tai Shikun's eyes lit up as he quickly took over these three treasures

It turns out that this villa is situated on a hillside, with a bustling small town visible below. The town features stone-paved roads, shaded by lush willows, with numerous wine banners and signs lining the streets. Brick houses and tiled roofs are scattered throughout, and various pedestrians are shoulder to shoulder, creating a vivid picture of a prosperous and peaceful era

Zhang Dahu invited Taishi Kun to take a seat in the main hall. After exchanging only a few casual remarks, he immediately felt the urge to hasten Taishi Kun's departure.

Ah! Today, the old man finally recognizes a true hero! Upon hearing this from Tai Shikun, Zhang Dahu was genuinely moved to the point of tears. He quickly rose from his seat, performed a deep bow to Tai Shikun, and then said: "Hero Tai Shi, there is no need for you to trouble yourself; the old man has something to present to you!"

Upon hearing this, Zhang Dahu felt a resurgence of the youthful aspiration to be a true hero. In a moment of impulsiveness, he agreed. He was just about to seek some yellow paper and a rooster to perform a brotherhood ceremony with Tai Shi Kun, when unexpectedly, Tai Shi Kun dismissed the need for such formalities and said, "Brother Zhang, you are older, so I shall call you 'Big Brother'! If you ever have any tasks for me in the future, I will not hesitate to face any danger for you!"

Gradually, the smile on Taishi Kun's face faded. Could this be the end of the Three Kingdoms, where the people suffer and corpses float for miles? I fear that even in a highly developed modern society, the common people may not live more leisurely than the residents of this small town

This villa, in addition to a backyard featuring a pond, also includes a two-section courtyard as the front yard, with over ten rooms situated both in front and behind the main house. Although such a scale of villa would not be considered significant by ancient standards, in the eyes of the modern individual Tai Shikun, it is sufficient to qualify as a "pool-level villa." Moreover, this villa is fully furnished and equipped, making it a prime example of a "move-in ready" luxury renovation. How could Tai Shikun not be pleased?

After Tai Shikun retrieved that bound ancient book, Zhang Dahuo repeatedly explained, "This ancient book is a family inheritance of the Lü family, a divine lineage from the previous dynasty, and it is absolutely essential to obtain it"

Tai Shikun smiled and said, "Not quite, a bit further forward!"

At this moment, Tai Shikun was engaged in an internal struggle, when the maid shyly spoke up: "My lord, I actually have a name; why must you refer to me so distantly as 'little girl'?"

The ambition of a man is indeed to wield iron steeds and golden spears, but is it not also a desirable life to live as a wealthy gentleman in a prosperous and peaceful era? At the very least, in the heart of Tai Shikun today, arriving in the Song Dynasty is certainly far better than coming to the cannibalistic chaos of the Five Hu.

Tai Shikun let out a sinister laugh, gripping Zhang Dahus hand even tighter, and said: "Elder brother, this courtyard has just added two restless spirits, it is inevitable that they will cause mischief at midnight. How can you, being old and frail, withstand it? On the other hand, I, being young and vigorous, am just right to suppress them. What I am doing is also for your own good!"