Chapter 10: The Followers of the Taiping Dao

The Taiping Dao, founded by Zhang Jiao during the Jian Ning period of Emperor Ling (168 - 171), developed during the Xiping years (172 - 177)

"Second Brother, aren't you going to change into a different outfit?" Huangfu Cen found his loose-fitting robe somewhat cumbersome

When the sun had passed noon, Huangfu Cen concluded his teaching for the day. At the same time, Gongsun Zan and a few others arrived as the class was finishing.

Several people were taken aback; Huangfu Cen had always been the most eager to join in the fun, so why was he so indifferent today

Huangfu Cen, puzzled, inquired: "What?"

"Then why aren't you going, Brother Huangfu?" Liu Weitai asked

"Are you studying?" Liu Weitai said with a silly smile

Oh? Huangfu Cen retrieved the wine cup, slowly brought it to his lips, deliberately elongating his tone, yet remained silent

"Boldly, do you dare to speak ill of the great and virtuous teacher's medical skills?" A burly man beside him drew his treasured sword with a 'clang' and aimed it at Huangfu Cen, preparing to stab.

"No, no. Of course not... In fact, they are the same kind of people as you." Huangfu Cen's assertive tone left the two individuals before him astonished. Originally, Huangfu Cen had no intention of exposing the tricks of the Taiping Dao, as it had nothing to do with him. However, the two in front of him were overly stubborn about the matter, which made Huangfu Cen somewhat displeased

Hehe, let's talk again when fate allows. Huangfu Cen quickly fled, turning a corner, shaking his head and murmuring: "If I don't say anything, you still don't understand. Do you really think I'm a fool?"

What are you doing?" Huangfu Cen did not pay attention to the commotion ahead. It was only after being reminded by Liu Weitai beside him that he realized there was a performance taking place in front. Tsk tsk, there are already magic shows in this era?

Three days later, I will fight the horse, worried that something might happen to you

Hmm? Upon hearing this, Huangfu Cen's attention was completely drawn to the group of worshippers before him, and he felt an indescribable sensation in his heart. Having only arrived in Zhuo County a few days ago, so much had already transpired, and he had already made numerous enemies. As for the situation before him, he could still avoid it if he chose to. Huangfu Cen shook his head and turned to leave this place of turmoil. There was no other choice; Zhang Jiao's establishment of the Taiping Dao was a preparation for the Yellow Turban Rebellion, as anyone who has studied history would know. Huangfu Cen shook his head and turned to leave this place of turmoil. There was no other choice; Zhang Jiao's establishment of the Taiping Dao was a preparation for the Yellow Turban Rebellion, as anyone who has studied history would know.

Do not forget to clear the way first" Huangfu Cen timely added.

"Can you really see a qilin drawn on a piece of paper?" The robed man looked on with astonishment, seemingly unable to believe the nonsense being spouted by Huangfu Cen before him

"Oh? I must say, sir, your actions are rather unprincipled! You have piqued my interest, yet you remain silent." The man in the long robe hurriedly concealed his impatience, maintaining a certain distance from Huangfu Cen.

How is it not? The robed man was taken aback; Huangfu Cen's demeanor evoked a strange feeling within him.

It seems that you have some prejudice against the Taiping Dao

"Brother Huangfu, won't you come and pay your respects?" Liu Weitai's typical peasant mentality is evident, as he still remembers to ask Huangfu Cen to come and offer his worship at this moment

Thud thud thud

"That's enough, just stop!" The robed man smiled and interrupted Huangfu Cen. He turned to the shopkeeper and said, "Shopkeeper, I will cover the tea expenses for today."

After a few footsteps, Huangfu Cen casually chose a seat by the window and sat down

"What kind of person?" The robed figure seemed to have no faith that Huangfu Cen could understand these matters

The person turned to the burly man beside the exit who was scolding him and said: "Sheathe your sword"

Miss, this person ... ...

In just a few short sentences, Huangfu Cen seemed to know their identities.

I see that your experience is quite limited! Can't you even discern this?" Huangfu Cen retorted, saying: "Everything is just fleeting clouds; the fire-breathing is indeed impressive. However, it merely involves three types of powders: camphor, phosphorus, and sulfur. Camphor is easily volatile, while sulfur and phosphorus ignite easily. With a little shake, once the heat reaches a certain point, it will naturally catch fire.

Oh, that's good. Huangfu Cen nodded and said, "When you all have the chance, go over and take a look, and apologize to him."

The robed man smiled; the person before him, Huangfu Cen, was quite easygoing in nature

"What are you talking about? You don't need it for your restaurant, and I don't need that much for my divination either," Liu Weitai retorted sarcastically.

You come back to me, don't interrupt, talk about your matters

There is no longer any major issue; the doctor has examined him and said that a few days of rest at home will suffice. He has now been sent back home by Liu Deran

"I won't go." Huangfu Cen shook his head

"Alright, shopkeeper, did you hear that? He said he would cover the tea expenses. By the way, please settle the tea expenses I owe from a few days ago as well." With that, Huangfu Cen had already gone downstairs

"Your Excellency, why do you say that?" The person speaking in front was about seven feet tall (approximately 165 cm in the Han Dynasty), with narrow shoulders, a pale face without a beard, and well-proportioned features. He was draped in an exceptionally large coarse cloth robe that enveloped his entire figure. The overall impression he gave was quite unique; he was not particularly handsome or delicate, yet he exuded a sense of approachability. Despite his unusual attire, he would be the kind of person difficult to notice in a crowd.

Huangfu Cen smiled playfully at the corner of his mouth; this person has finally revealed their true intentions. Such a forced attempt to hold onto me—what else could it be if not for a specific purpose

Huangfu Cen wanted to turn around and summon Gongsun Zan and the others to come over for a cup of tea, but he noticed that the burly man behind the man in the long robe was glaring at him with a fierce expression, so he wisely decided against it

"Second Brother, in three days..." Gongsun Zan subtly reminded with a hint of concern

I will not go over for now. By the way, regarding the horse racing matter with Cui Juye, please inform Liu Deran. It is better not to let Liu Bei know about it. Huangfu Cen nodded, but in his heart, he pondered that this matter must not leave a lingering concern in Liu Bei's mind. If that happens, he would truly offend a master of the art of manipulation who is both flexible and formidable.

"Whether it is authentic or not is not what we should discuss for now; the question is, who should pay for the tea?" Huangfu Cen asked shamelessly

Brother Huangfu, don't you think the three of us are just the material of commoners? What is the point of learning poetry, books, and etiquette? That's all nonsense; knowing a few characters is enough for us

Huangfu Cen kept them in suspense, lightly pulling back and stretching his body, his arms outstretched, choosing not to say anything further

"What is wrong with you? My son spoke to you politely, yet you are being unreasonable and provoking a fight." The burly man beside him made a move as if to strike.

What did you say? Before Huangfu Cen could leave, he heard a sharp reprimand in his ear

"Take back your things." Huangfu Cen's eyes widened as he twisted his wrist, using the momentum to grip the big man's wrist. With a clang, the sword slipped from his hand and fell to the ground, causing the big man to stagger and nearly fall.

Huangfu Cen did not heed the calls from behind him; when he was typing, he often devised various scenarios to create unexpected events for the protagonist. This situation was no different from those in novels. Naturally, these two individuals were not so simple, and they could even potentially bring him some trouble

"Enough, enough, no need for explanations. What are you all capable of?" Huangfu Cen, frustrated by their lack of ambition, shook his head helplessly. However, insisting that they study Confucianism and similar subjects indeed places an unreasonable burden on them.

Huangfu Cen glanced at the sword blocking his path, but did not speak

In fact, it is merely using some basic physical knowledge to deceive people. What so-called magical artifacts are nonsense; if that is considered magic, then I must be the earthly incarnation of the celestial star Wenchang.

Uh. Huangfu Cen raised his eyes to observe.

This compelled the robed figure to regard Huangfu Cen with renewed respect. He leaned closer and quietly asked, "Might I inquire your views on the Taiping Dao?"

The robed figure waved his hand, turned back, and gazed alone at the silhouette below the inn, murmuring with a hint of melancholy at the corner of his mouth: "Hmm. I am indeed filled with curiosity about you. What is it that makes my father value you so highly?"

Your Excellency, I have observed your remarkable demeanor and refined conversation. I would like to invite you to a restaurant for a discussion, if that would be agreeable to you

Hello! Why haven't you explained why a phenomenon resembling a Qilin has appeared yet

How should I address you

Huangfu Cen curled his lip in disdain and said with a playful smile, "Just a servant."

Huangfu Cen smiled, what is this! The skill of typing with one hand is not something to be taken lightly. What tricks have I not searched on Baidu? Moreover, I have always had a charlatan by my side. Such trivial tricks can even be performed by Liu Weitai. They only deceive ordinary people and some corrupt scholars.

"Hmph, whether you admire or not is irrelevant; just manage your household servants well. A dog that bites indiscriminately is of no use." Huangfu Cenxian's words carried an undertone, yet he did not make it explicit.

"Oh, it is the followers of the Taiping Dao," said Gongsun Zan

Liu Weitai, it seems you are in the same line of work as me. Gongsun Zan was originally teasing Liu Weitai beside him with a relaxed demeanor. However, as they approached closer, his expression grew increasingly serious

Following the direction indicated by the person's finger, he saw a tavern. After teaching all day, Huangfu Cen indeed felt somewhat hungry and thirsty. He glanced at the two and thought that if he insisted on leaving, it would instead appear as if he was feeling guilty, provoking some unnecessary trouble. He said, "Alright, I am indeed a bit hungry and thirsty."

Yes, yes. Liu Weitai is correct.

"Hello! You shouldn't say that. The tea money is still money, and this money didn't come from thin air. If you have it, then just pay! Besides, I came to drink tea because you invited me. Where would a powerless scholar like me earn money? Money doesn't come easily, so how can I..." Huangfu Cen said, shaking his head as he finished these words.

Your Excellency, please

Hey, who is this kid? Is this related to the *picture* book?" Liu Weitai took the opportunity to change the subject.

Uh... three days later. Huangfu Cen paused in his steps, slapped his own head, and thought to himself how he could have forgotten about this matter

You speak

I said, "Do you have something to discuss?" Huangfu Cen cast an impatient glance at the person and replied in a low voice, "I am very busy"

"Brother Huangfu, what shall we do later? Shall we go horseback riding and train the hawks?" Liu Weitai said cheerfully

"Worship? Or perhaps not. " Huangfu Cen shook his head, giving a wry smile. Yet he couldn't help but mutter, "Hehe. Taiping Dao? Or perhaps not, I still wish to live a little longer"

"Heh. Forget it, I do not wish to know your surname or given name. Our encounter is merely a fleeting connection over a bowl of tea," Huangfu Cen timely interjected. Turning back to gaze at the worshipping Taoists outside the window, he muttered to himself, "I do not ask for your name, nor do you need to know mine; we have no intersection."

Hmph! Look at your stingy demeanor, is it really that difficult for you to part with a little tea money?" The man in the long robe expressed disdain for Huangfu Cen's actions

Oh, I just remembered that I indeed need to change my clothes. I will go to the East Gate to find you shortly

Huangfu Cen smiled mischievously, leaned closer to the man in the long robe, and whispered, "You're a fraud, aren't you?"

Before the two could react, Huangfu Cen had already passed between their bodies

It is advisable to consider whether you possess the necessary ability before taking action

Hmm. The robed man's expression changed, and he said in a low, displeased voice: "How can you say such a thing?"

Brother Boge, younger brother Huangfu, what are you doing up ahead

Uh ... ...

What happened?" Huangfu Cen instinctively noticed that the expressions of the people beside him were not right, no longer carrying the playful humor from before

Oh! You really are something! You managed to see through this, quite impressive. That big man now regards Huangfu Cen with a new perspective. Initially thinking that Huangfu Cen was just being mysterious, he did not expect this person to possess some real skills. Not only is his own ability significantly stronger, but he is also aware of this secret.

Liu Weitai was displeased and was about to speak when he was interrupted by Gongsun Zan beside him, who responded: "Don't worry, Second Brother, we will go over to take a look tomorrow. I heard that his family is quite poor, so we should bring some gifts to show our goodwill."

Your Excellency, please wait

"Second Brother, we have returned"

Oh, and the books... Master Brother, Liu Weitai, Li Yizi, and Le Heding, the four of them skipped school, skipped school. With a loud commotion, they all scattered like birds and beasts at Liu Weitai's urging

It is merely a matter of fallacious reasoning and heretical doctrines

Am I?" Huangfu Cenhai took a pot of tea and said with a smile, "A name is merely a code; you may address me however you wish.

"By the way, you haven't mentioned how Liu Bei is doing yet?" Huangfu Cen inquired

"It would be best if Master doesn't find out." Huangfu Cen nodded, tacitly acknowledging the actions of the few, but advised, "However, you all should take care of yourselves."

What are you doing, Second Brother

Your Excellency, wait a moment

"You are back, what are you doing here now?" Huangfu Cen asked, pretending not to know.

"Second Brother, look. Go, go, go." Just as Gongsun Zan had not yet spoken, he saw his younger disciples crowding around, eager to witness the embarrassment of the four of them, and he waved his hand to scold them.

Ah! The robed man stopped the burly man and turned to Huangfu Cen with a faint smile, saying: "I apologize for my rudeness in not introducing myself first. Please do not mind the impoliteness of my servant. My surname is Chang, and my given name is Gong. My courtesy name is Minqing."

Tian Feng, however, did not pay attention to his departure

A few people were chatting and laughing, and they had already arrived in the bustling city center

Huangfu Cen nodded at Tian Feng, who was walking past him.

"Alright, I'll go now." Huangfu Cen flicked his sleeves and felt that he seemed to be a bit out of practice; he needed to train a little.

The robed man was taken aback, not expecting Huangfu Cen to possess such skill, as he had incapacitated the guard beside him with just one encounter. He cupped his fists and addressed Huangfu Cen, saying: "You indeed have remarkable abilities. I am in admiration."

"Heh. What is there to tell you?" Huangfu Cen quietly lowered his head and leaned closer to the ear of the man in the long robe

"Study! Do you all even realize this is school? I thought you were here to cause trouble." Huangfu Cen shot a glare.

Huangfu Cen's unusual behavior aroused a hint of curiosity in the two individuals behind him. The man in the long robe disregarded the advice of the burly man beside him and directly approached Huangfu Cen.

Who are you talking about

"That is what is said, can you expose it?" the robed figure said indignantly

The robed man, seeing that Huangfu Cen's temperament was indeed like this, fortunately did not flatter him any longer. He simply sat before Huangfu Cen and asked, "Since you say those are all mere illusions, may I ask if you have any good advice to offer?"

Oh, it's nothing, let's go. Gongsun Zan was not in the mood to dwell on these matters anyway, as Huangfu Cen's recent behavior had also been rather strange.