Chapter 3: A Clever Plan Backfires

"Second Brother, I will go with you." Gongsun Zan lifted his robe, thinking to himself, since it has come to this, let it be as it may. I cannot lose face in front of my brothers.

Thoughts are like flowing water; when everything quiets down, you will find that they surge forth like a spring. Chaotic images filled Huangfu Cen's mind. Gradually, he unexpectedly fell into a peaceful sleep in this stifling woodshed

Uh... Liu Weitai's eyes darted around anxiously as he flattered, "Of course, of course, it is still Brother Huangfu's skills that are superior. My little abilities cannot compare to Brother Huangfu's."

Hehe, it was your little trick with the spirit potion that worked so well; otherwise, I wouldn't have succeeded either

"To think that I do not even know his name, yet he dares to cause trouble at my Zou residence; he is likely not an unknown person," Zou Jing said, feeling unwilling as he drained his cup of tea. A flicker of doubt flashed in his eyes as he murmured, "Hmm. Let us leave this matter as it is for now."

Oh. Upon hearing what Gongsun Zan said, Huangfu Cen suddenly remembered that Liu Wei's brother-in-law was precisely the servant in charge of the firewood room at the Zou residence, and was very familiar with the Zou family

Huangfu Cen shook his head with a bitter smile. The three individuals who arrived were all friends of Gongsun Zan from childhood. The short and stout one was named Li Yizi, the tall and slender one in the middle was Liu Weitai, and the one with a kind appearance was Le Heding. None of them came from a good background; their ancestors had all violated the laws of the Han Dynasty, which is why their names were given in such a manner

"Hurry, hurry, as soon as the sky brightens, we won't be able to leave." Gongsun Zan grasped Huangfu Cen's hands, pulled his legs, and headed outside, dragging in a person who was dozing off outside the door, securely binding him up to take Huangfu Cen's place

Well, I understand. While it is still dark, let us set off. After all this commotion, the sky has begun to show a hint of light.

You are still making excuses for them, and you haven't mentioned yourself. What were you doing with them?

Brother, first untie me, quickly go to www.whetushu.com. Zou Jing is at home. After a moment of joy, Huangfu Cen returned to his previous calm demeanor. There was no time to blame Gongsun Zan for not informing him that Zou Yuniang was actually Zou Jing's sister

"Then, brother, how did you get in?" Huangfu Cen was puzzled. Given this incident, the defenses of the Zou residence should be even stricter. How is it that Gongsun Zan was able to enter so easily?

"By the way, Brother Gongsun, where is Liu Bei?" Huangfu Cen recalled that Liu Bei was keeping watch outside the wall. Although his skills were not particularly impressive, he should not have been caught. How could he possibly be missing?

Oh! It seems that we are once again experiencing a shortage at Master’s place. Liu Weitai stammered. Upon mentioning the term 'Master,' several of them simultaneously changed their expressions, and the humor dissipated instantly. They held a great deal of respect for the Master, even though the three of them were merely nominal disciples and could not be considered formal disciples.

Hello! Second brother

Nonsense! Liu Weitai winked at Li Yizi and Le Heding.

Hush. The faint sound of footsteps outside the shed continued to echo.

... ...

"What is he doing? We still need to think of a way to deliver the money to the teacher." Gongsun Zan glared angrily and cast a sidelong glance at Huangfu Cen

I will go instead. Huangfu Cen said with a slight smile at the corner of his mouth. Although the incident was not initiated by him, since it has occurred, he shall take on a share of the responsibility.

... ...

But at the young lady's place

Zou Residence

Where are my guards?" Huangfu Cen asked, raising his head.

"Brother Boge, Brother Huangfu, what are you doing?" A few people approached from a distance, slightly older than Huangfu Cen, with varying appearances. Among the three walking in front, the person on the right was short and stout, the one in the middle was tall and slender, and the person on the left had a simple and honest expression

Zou Jing is at home? Gongsun Zan was greatly astonished, as he did not expect that the school officer Zou Jing would be at home. What should be done about the situation?

Upon hearing this, Gongsun Zan stepped forward, took out some silver from his sleeve, and said: "Lao Er, I have some silver here; do you think it belongs to you from the past? You have always been favored by the master."

Hmph! A shameless liar, even I feel ashamed in comparison. How can he share the same surname as me? Liu Weitai's anger surpassed that of Gongsun Zan. Liu Weitai had just learned of yesterday's events from Gongsun Zan.

I tell you three, do not cause any trouble for Liu Bei" Huangfu Cen turned around to warn the three.

Given Master’s temperament, he is unlikely to accept it, especially now that this incident has occurred

"What?" Zou Jingshuang's eyes flashed with a sharp cold light as she asked in surprise

"Let's go." Liu Weitai waved to Li Yizi and Le Heding behind him

The moonlight remains pure and flawless, penetrating the paper of the window lattice, scattering before Huangfu Cen.

"I still don't know how he plans to deal with me?" Huangfu Cen murmured, shaking his sore shoulders, "Liu Weitai's brother-in-law, Brother Gongsun, you need to make sure to greet him properly."

The heart, however, is stirred by inexplicable provocation, not out of sorrow for the current situation, for after all, Huangfu Cen has endured a life even harsher than this. It is just that he never imagined that his life after crossing over would be so unbearable. Once upon a time, he possessed many good things. All of this cannot be erased; he has no desire to dominate the world, nor does he wish to live a life of wealth and enjoy all the glory and riches. All of that feels so exhausting to him. He only desires a simple life, yet fate has played a cruel joke on him, making it impossible for him to escape. The thought of suicide as a means of liberation? Huangfu Cen shakes his head; he does not yet have that courage.

Well, they have all gone to sleep

The subtle hatred of several individuals was fully perceived by Huangfu Cen. With a helpless smile, Huangfu Cen reflected that this matter, when mentioned in relation to the books, could not be blamed on Liu Bei. Liu Bei had good intentions, requesting his master to intervene and rescue him, but things did not go as hoped. Who would have known that he had secretly run away? Liu Bei's actions undoubtedly only made matters worse, adding insult to injury

Hmph! I cannot lower my old face to that extent

He also said, "This fellow is the most untrustworthy; I went to find someone to rescue you, yet he escaped back home by himself." Upon mentioning this, Gongsun Zan spat vehemently, as he has always despised such disloyal individuals

Did you drug them

How to go out

Wang Can's "Record of Heroes" states: "Those who are favored and indulge in arrogance are mostly commoners, such as the former diviner Liu Weitai, the silk trader Li Yizi, and the merchant Le Heding. They made a brotherhood oath with Gongsun Zan, calling themselves 'Elder Brother' and referring to the three as 'Middle, Uncle, and Youngest.' All are immensely wealthy, some even taking their daughters to marry their sons, often likening themselves to the ancient figures Quzhou and Guan Ying.

The most detestable are those who attend classes without paying and cause trouble for us behind our backs. Gongsun Zan was not a broad-minded person, but whenever Liu Bei was mentioned, he would always feel a surge of anger

What are you doing?" Li Yizi and Tong Le both asked in unison, not understanding the situation.

I went to meet a servant of the Zou residence, who is Liu Weitai's brother-in-law

Hello! Second brother

Hush. Just now, after I ran, I saw that they chased for a while but then stopped. My brother thought to himself, "Second brother, you are making me the scapegoat for you. If I leave, that would be quite ungrateful." Gongsun Zan cautiously glanced around and, seeing nothing unusual, pushed open the door to the wood shed

"Master, Senior Brother and the others are not..." A person was kneeling in the hall, it was Liu Bei from last night, his small face pale and filled with fear as he replied.

... ...

In the north, the air during summer nights remains quite refreshing, except for one place. That is the filthy and unbearable woodshed

A bundle of dry firewood was stacked in the corner of the woodshed, and on top of it lay a person, leisurely resting. It was Huangfu Cen. Although his body was bound by ropes, his feet were not restrained. Huangfu Cen performed several frog jumps, landing on the dry firewood, striving to maintain the most comfortable position possible. However, he could not prevent a multitude of filthy substances—stains, dust, and firewood leaves—from invading his body. Coupled with the sweltering weather, sweat poured out, making him feel indescribably uncomfortable. He jumped onto the dry firewood, trying hard to keep himself in the most comfortable posture, yet he could not stop the dirt, dust, and a host of other filthy things from penetrating into his body. The oppressive heat only added to his discomfort.

"Alright, you may go down now," Zou Jing waved his hand and nodded thoughtfully. It seems that in Zhuo County, he is destined to meet these prominent figures.

We will discuss your responsibilities later. These two traitors are looking to create trouble for me

Fine, I won't hold it against you, but don't take advantage of the situation and act innocent.

"Come on, you were just lucky. If it weren't for the fact that the second-in-command replaced you at that time, you would have been exposed long ago?" Gongsun Zan glanced at Liu Weitai, showing a demeanor of not wanting to discourage his brother, you know that right?

With a wry smile, he jested, "Liu Weitai, where are you off to swindle today?"

Huangfu Cen smirked lightly, helplessly shook his head, turned back to glance at the solitary wild goose in the sky, his fists tightly clenched together

Who says otherwise? Gongsun Zan was even more frustrated than Huangfu Cen, as he slammed his fist against a nearby willow tree, his face turning ashen. This matter was supposed to have come to a conclusion, yet who would have thought that such a turn of events would occur? Not only has the situation escalated, but even the governor of Liaoxi, his own father-in-law, would not let him off easily. Furthermore, his family, which had never held him in high regard, might very well take this opportunity to create trouble for him.

Master, Second Senior Brother is still trapped there, don't you think? Liu Bei looked at the person in front of him with reddened eyes

"It's nothing." Huangfu Cen said before leaving

"Hmm, it is indeed the fault of this old servant for not being strict enough." The steward raised his eyes and, with a hint of fear, replied to Zou Jing, "He has escaped."

Huangfu Cen nodded slightly, feeling somewhat dejected. He turned back to glance at the three individuals and said softly, "I understand and have noted it down."

Look, here are the uniforms of the servants of the Zou family; we can disguise ourselves as the servants of the Zou family and make a quick escape. " Gongsun Zan boasted proudly.

Yes, yes, we are going to Le He's house to drink. By the way, after you finish with the teacher, come find us

Alright! Please wait for me a moment

In a daze, Huangfu Cen heard someone calling him from beside his ear. Struggling to lift his heavy eyelids, he looked up and was surprised to see that the person in front of him was Gongsun Zan. His heart filled with joy, he exclaimed: "Brother Boge, you... how have you returned?"

"What a joke! The teacher actually went to the Zou residence." Huangfu Cen looked up at the sky and angrily cursed. It seems that this trouble of his has truly attracted the family's attention.

Huangfu Cen came to his senses and asked, "What is it? Are you here to find me and Brother Boge for something?"

With a loud "pa," a scroll of bamboo slips began to scatter on the ground. Inside the room stood a dignified figure, who, with a face full of anger, turned around and shouted: "Go find those two rebellious disciples for me."

"Second Brother." Gongsun Zan approached with a sense of guilt and whispered, "Is Master still angry with us?"

Indeed, nowadays the master is no longer an official of the court, and he still has to write books and run a school, which naturally incurs much greater expenses. We are already very grateful that the master does not look down on our humble origins. It is only right for us to contribute some silver.

Liu Weitai shot a glance at Huangfu Cen and said, "Although I am quite familiar with you, my dear Huangfu, you cannot simply slander me without basis, can you? My divination is quite accurate; just the other day, wasn't there a prominent figure who came to thank me?"

"Uh, younger brother... disciple." Liu Bei choked up for a moment, realizing that he could not completely distance himself from this matter.

It is fortunate that he was not caught. Huangfu Cen was not as angry as Gongsun Zan

Hmph! Zou Jing shot a glare at the old butler and said: "Remember, only a few thieves have come by, nothing has happened, understand?"

The old servant understands

Thatched cottage