Chapter 4: Lu Zhi and the Sound of the Bell

Bang. The somewhat distracted Huangfu Cen did not notice the threshold beneath him and stumbled, nearly falling. He was caught by Lu Zhi, who helped him regain his balance

Oh! Lu Yue'er suddenly realized, and she winked at Huangfu Cen. The two seemed to have reached a silent agreement, and simultaneously shouted out.

Oh! Huangfu Cen realized that he was doomed today and no longer hoped to escape

Hmph! Although it was only a short distance, Huangfu Cen felt as if the end of the world was approaching, and the muffled voice of his teacher, Lu Zhi, growing increasingly angry echoed in his ears

Really

Alright, alright. I noticed. Gongsun Zan saw Huangfu Cen sneaking a smile and guessed that Huangfu Cen must be hiding something from him. A bit awkward, he scratched his head and shyly said: "Alright, alright, Yue'er, you might as well stop calling me 'Senior Brother' now, right? Look, the second one is over there laughing."

Gongsun Zan hummed nonchalantly, "Ah."

"Creak, creak." Lu Yue'er, who was secretly peeking from behind the door, chuckled as she saw the two struggling with their techniques.

Uh... the first time Huangfu Cen heard this title, many names flashed silently in his mind, such as Linghu Chong and Sun Wukong, but they were all characters who had become "tragic figures" because of the little junior sister. He couldn't help but smile.

I don't know

Before she could speak, Lu Yue'er sensed that something was amiss and quickly said: "Father, it sounds like Mother is calling for me." Without waiting for Lu Zhi's response, she hurriedly ran back to the backyard

"Bo Gui, the turtle," Huangfu Cen murmured to himself.

Huangfu Cen smiled and thought, "What do you know, little girl! It's quite easy for the senior brother and junior sister to develop a relationship, and in the end, the senior brother often ends up playing the role of a tragic figure." He ambiguously replied, "No, not at all!"

"Oh! Senior Brother, what brings you here?" A small head poked out as the fence gate made of bamboo was gently pushed open.

"Well, Brother Bogu, there is no need to say more. I understand, and I will take full responsibility for this matter." Huangfu Cen smiled faintly, fully aware of Gongsun Zan's unspoken burdens; he knew that Gongsun Zan was unlike him, carrying much more on his shoulders.

Um. Gongsun Zan pretended to ponder for a moment and glanced at Lu Yue'er, saying: "Why not just call me Gongsun Big Brother or Brother Boge, like Liu Weitai and the others do"

Brotherhood is as weighty as Mount Tai

"Second Brother, you have come as well," the young girl said, lowering her head and speaking shyly when mentioning Huangfu Cen.

Lu Zhi was taken aback. What does "bye-bye" mean? In his heart, he misunderstood; these two rebellious disciples actually wanted to confront him, and they even turned against him. His face turned ashen, and he shouted, "Rebellious disciples! Stand still!"

Lu Yue'er considered with dissatisfaction, feeling that Huangfu Cen must be hiding something. She nodded and said, "Alright, I won't call you anymore." Turning back to Gongsun Zan, she asked, "Then how should I address you in the future? Senior Brother."

"Hurry up." Gongsun Zan waved at Huangfu Cen.

The three individuals were taken aback, their faces alternating between red and white, especially Huangfu Cen and Lu Yue'er, who appeared as if they had been caught in an illicit affair.

Gongsun Zan's and Huangfu Cen's teacher was none other than Lu Zhi, a distinguished disciple of the renowned Confucian scholar Ma Rong. Currently, Lu Zhi is at his home in the Goushi Mountains of Zhuo County, writing books and also teaching a few students.

Kneel down

Lu Zhi cast a glance at Lu Yue'er’s small hand hidden behind her back and pretended not to see as he walked closer to Huangfu Cen

Lu Zhi sat in front of his blanket, glaring at Huangfu Cen in anger, remaining silent for a long time

Huangfu Cen and Gongsun Zan set off when the sky had already darkened. The two rode for quite a distance before arriving at their teacher's thatched cottage. However, they lingered outside the door, hesitating and unsure about entering.

The voice was like a bell, resonant and powerful. Throughout the entire village, the sound of Lu Zhi's voice echoed.

The person who spoke was Lu Zhi, who had just returned from outside. He saw the two of them whispering about something and, noticing that Huangfu Cen and Gongsun Zan were about to leave, he spoke out to stop them

Gongsun Zan curled his lips, feeling that Lu Yue'er was quite ungrateful. He then said, "Master, I came over just to see you, and you seem to be in good spirits! Well... I will take my leave now, goodbye!" In his nervousness, Gongsun Zan inadvertently blurted out the words he had learned from Huangfu Cen.

Thank you, Second Senior Brother, you are the best. Upon seeing the silver hairpin she had longed for, Lu Yue'er was instantly filled with joy, forgetting about the earlier incident

The little head glanced back quietly and said in a low voice, "It's fine, Father just went out, he's not here. Hehe."

Master, this matter is entirely my fault; it was I who asked Senior Brother to accompany me. Huangfu Cen steeled himself, realizing that since the situation had come to this, there was no point in fleeing. Fortunately, he took full responsibility upon himself.

A few months ago, Huangfu Cen was not yet a disciple of Lu Zhi. He was taken in by Lu Zhi from the cold and harsh outside world. Soon after, Huangfu Cen became acquainted with Gongsun Zan and Liu Bei, who were studying under Lu Zhi. However, Huangfu Cen was quite ambitious and, within a few months, became Lu Zhi's most favored and promising disciple, earning the title of one of the "Twin Pillars of Lu's School" alongside Gongsun Zan. In terms of martial prowess, Gongsun Zan was indeed a rare talent in the northern regions, while in terms of literary talent, Huangfu Cen also stood out among Lu Zhi's students. The neighboring villagers consistently referred to the two of them in this manner. Gradually, the two developed a mutual admiration for each other and grew closer.

"By the way, Master, when will you return?" Gongsun Zan inquired

Huangfu Cen awkwardly covered up and said: "Come over and take a look"

What are you laughing at, Second Master?

"Second brother." Gongsun Zan hesitated, looking at Huangfu Cen with difficulty

As the two were about to leave, they were halted by a stern shout.

"You little sprite." Gongsun Zan patted the head of the girl in front of him. This girl was the daughter of Teacher Lu Zhi, and she was fourteen years old, with the single name of Yue'er.

Gongsun Zan, filled with frustration, shot several fierce glances at Huangfu Cen, then glanced at Lu Yue'er, displaying an expression of helplessness. He muttered, "Call me whatever you like."

The young girl, quick-witted, after a moment of surprise, concealed her panic, hid the silver hairpin behind her back, and whispered, "Father"

"Master Brother, after the New Year, I will be fifteen. You are not allowed to call me 'little girl' anymore. I am already an adult," Lu Yue'er pouted and murmured a few dissatisfied words.

Huangfu Cen stood awkwardly, his limbs constrained, surrounded by books, unsure of how to begin. After all, the events that had transpired in recent days were so absurd that he felt he deserved to be criticized himself

( Lu Yue'er, a fictional character, daughter of Lu Zhi, and sister of Lu Yuzhi )

Stop

Lu Zhi paid no attention to his daughter's laughter and shouted at Gongsun Zan: "You stay here. We will discuss your matters another day." He then waved to Huangfu Cen and said: "Come with me."

Brother Turtle

Hmm

Huangfu Cen, after finishing the joke, secretly pulled Lu Yue'er over and whispered, "By the way, this is the silver hairpin that Li Yizi and the others brought over, girl, it's for you"

Gongsun Zan was taken aback, a look of shame appearing on his face. He paused, unsure of what to do.

Huangfu Cen shot a glance at the rambling Gongsun Zan, turned around, and intended to leave, planning to think it over carefully in the evening and come up with a better excuse to appease his master.

Father, tea. Lu Yue'er timely broke the awkwardness by extending the drink in her hand forward

Huangfu Cen finally understood the allusion to Lu Zhi's voice. Compared to ordinary people, Lu Zhi's voice was remarkably resonant. He respectfully turned around, lowered his head, and murmured: "Master"

Hearing Huangfu Cen's generous words, without inquiring about the reasons, and taking on the responsibility for himself, Gongsun Zan felt a surge of emotion. He pulled Huangfu Cen closer and gave his shoulder a firm pat.