Chapter 8: Arrogance and Domineering

The matter of Zou Yuniang was exposed by that little brat Liu Bei, and the brothers were all indignant, wanting to teach him a lesson. That evening, we saw Cui Juye receiving something outside the gate of his residence, so we lured Liu Bei to Cui's mansion. The events that followed are known to you all

"Second Senior Brother, you should return first. Tomorrow, you still need to go to Master to give a lecture." Liu Deran has always held Huangfu Cen in high regard. This Senior Brother of his has always been righteous and has taken good care of his junior brothers.

Huangfu Cen lowered his head and walked to Liu Deran's side, saying: "Deran, junior brother, you should return first; we will guard this place."

Hearing that Gongsun Zan's words were unkind, Liu Wei's originally anxious heart felt as if it had sunk into the sea, creating ripples. He gathered closer to Gongsun Zan and whispered, "Brother Boge."

What is going on with tonight's events

Upon hearing Huangfu Cen's words, Zou Dan smiled. Huangfu Cen deliberately separated the two incidents, clearly minimizing Liu Bei's responsibility while not exerting pressure on Cui Juye and the others as he had during the book incident. Zou Dan then remarked, "The penalty for theft is merely thirty strokes; does it equate to causing death? One's life cannot be exchanged for another's."

Cui Juye steeled himself, realizing that he had fallen today. He stepped forward, pointed at Huangfu Cen's nose, and shouted: "Huangfu Cen, this matter is far from over"

"To speak frankly." Huangfu Cen glanced at Liu Weitai, knowing that Liu Weitai had a penchant for fabricating stories. The three words served as a warning to Liu Weitai not to lie in his presence; he had encountered such thoughts many times before.

"Do you hear that? A life for a life." Huangfu Cen turned around to look at Liu Bei and pretended to intimidate him, saying, "If this continues, I fear that you all will have to pay with your lives for Liu Bei."

"Get lost! Liu Bei is not that kind of person." Gongsun Zan glared with fierce eyes.

What do you want to do then?" Zou Dan stepped forward angrily

A few individuals turned around several street corners and brought Liu Bei to the home of Doctor Zhao, as mentioned by Huangfu Cen. In the courtyard, several people waited anxiously; some wore expressions of guilt and concern, while others displayed resentment, and some were filled with worry, each showing a different expression.

"No, take it to Doctor Zhao." Huangfu Cen obstructed him and walked towards East Street

Liu Weitai stuck out his tongue and glanced at Huangfu Cen. He had no intention of lying, so he turned to look at Liu Deran in the distance. Seeing that Liu Deran's mind was not on the matter at hand, he whispered with a sense of guilt: "After you two go to Master’s house, I will lure Liu Bei out."

Huangfu Cen also scrutinized Liu Weitai, recognizing that this matter was of great importance; morally, he could not afford to lose on his side

Gongsun Zan glared with his tiger-like eyes, exuding an imposing presence without any anger. He directed his gaze at Liu Weitai and said: "Liu Weitai, you few come over here."

Um... actually

"Let us go, Second Brother." Gongsun Zan glanced at the rising morning sun, contemplating that the matter of teaching and lecturing still required him to collaborate with Huangfu Cen.

As the sky darkens, the patrolling guards are also approaching soon

But you have insulted me, and tonight you must stay

Well. Huangfu Cen is not deceiving himself about the books; no matter how he tries to salvage the situation now, Liu Bei will still have certain opinions about him. Let's see how things develop in the future

Zou Dan was taken aback, realizing that night had fallen deeply and understanding Huangfu Cen's concerns. She turned around to lead the way, encountering the patrolling soldiers, which would also serve as a preliminary measure to reduce unnecessary trouble.

Gongsun Zan waved his hand somewhat impatiently and said coldly, "Just tell me whether you have taken anything from the Cui family or not"

"Hurry, take him to the medical hall," Zou Dan said anxiously, looking at Liu Bei, who was losing too much blood.

The members of the Cui clan were suddenly at a loss for ideas; the death of a person is detrimental to everyone. Naturally, they did not dare to act so recklessly. After exchanging a few glances, their final gaze settled on Cui Juye.

Gongsun Zan felt a tremor in his heart; having never seen Huangfu Cen race horses before, he stepped forward to intervene, saying: "If you have the ability, compete with me."

Brother Bo Gui, we assure you, absolutely not. Absolutely not. Knowing that you have always been at odds with the Cui family, how could we, the brothers, dare to provoke those little rascals from their family?" Liu Wei glanced cautiously at Liu Bei, who was being treated in the room, and said, "However, we cannot be sure about Liu Bei.

"Let us go," Cui Juye said, turning around to glare at Huangfu Cen before leading his clan away

(Liu Deran, the father of Deran, often provided resources to the former ruler, along with Deran and others)

Huangfu Cen saw that Cui Juye had already reached the lowest point of endurance, raised his hand to interrupt Gongsun Zan, and with a slight smile at the corner of his mouth, found it amusing that he truly did not believe these people could cause him much trouble. He said softly, "Alright, I will wait."

"Brother Huangfu, you may return first," Zou Dan also advised

Cui Juye said coldly: "Alright, Huangfu Cen, I have heard that Brother Gongsun's horsemanship is quite remarkable. Since you are his brother, your skills must also be extraordinary. Three days from now, outside the East Gate, let us race. The loser will bow three times to the winner. Do you dare?"

Of course, this matter is far from over. Bullying my junior, Huangfu Cen, I would not mind secretly taking your head without anyone knowing. Huangfu Cen glanced at the barely conscious Liu Bei, realizing that time was of the essence and there could be no further delay, his expression darkened.

Hmph, is that so?" Huangfu Cenhuan observed the several members of the Cui family, who appeared quite overbearing, and seemed to have a hint of truth in their words. Being outside the Cui residence, he felt that his side did not hold a significant advantage and did not wish to escalate the situation. With a shift in his gaze, a plan formed in his mind, and he coldly laughed, saying: "You have injured my brother to this extent, and you wish to settle this? I am not willing. You need not keep us here; we will not leave. Let us wait for the patrolling officers to arrive." Before Cui Juye could respond, Huangfu Cen turned back to Zou Dan and asked, "Brother Zou, according to the laws of the Han Dynasty, what is the punishment for theft? And what is the penalty for causing injury that leads to death?"

"Gongsun Zan, I respect you, but you should also show some consideration. Don't you think you have been too controlling today?" Cui Juye was also frustrated, having lost face repeatedly. Fortunately, he steeled himself and turned hostile.

Huangfu Cen nodded, looking as if he already knew that this matter was your doing