Chapter Nine, Who is He

These four clans, including the Xiong and Song, are all descendants of royal lineage, while Qu Xiang is a descendant of loyal ministers. Therefore, among the people of Chu, their prestige is naturally very high

The tavern is quite simple

The drinker said: "I am not sure. However, that butcher hasn't shown up for several days, has he? Yesterday, I happened to run into Tang Sheng, and according to him, the butcher went to Fengyi. He also mentioned that with the butcher's skills, he was actually knocked unconscious for two days and two nights, and that person also seemed to have sustained serious injuries"

I really dislike the way of kneeling and sitting, but I have no choice but to grit my teeth and lift my garment to kneel down.

Jiangnan, this term had already appeared before the Qin Dynasty

Although it is said to be the last tavern in Peixian, there are no tables or chairs inside. On a grass mat covering an area of about 40 square meters, a few wooden stumps are placed. Shen Shiqi took off his shoes and casually sat down after entering, his legs naturally stretched out and spread apart.

The drinker shrugged his shoulders, "How would I know? That's what Tang Sheng said! I also heard him say that guy seems to have suffered a huge loss this time"

Liu Kansheng's tall and robust stature, along with his features, distinctly reflects the characteristics of a Northerner.

Shen Shiqi stood nearby, his eyes shining brightly.

Liu Kan said: "What does this have to do with me? Why do you think I am a descendant of the Chu people?"

Shen Shiqi said with a smile, "To be honest, your head is indeed quite impressive. When I first saw you, I thought you were from Qin."

Shh

At that moment, as the grass curtain was lifted, a woman in her thirties walked in, exuding a myriad of charms and possessing considerable beauty. Although she wore only a simple cloth skirt and had a bare face, the captivating allure of her unadorned features was unmistakable. She moved gracefully, as if she were a celestial being.

Shen Shiqi smiled and said: "Sister Wang Ji, haven't you been a bit busy these days? Look, now that I have some free time, I came to see you."

Liu Kan gritted his teeth and poured the liquid into his mouth, letting it slide directly into his stomach

This young man is ... ...

Liu Kan listened, feeling as if he were shrouded in clouds and mist, observing that everyone spoke in a mysterious manner, yet no one mentioned that person's name

Wang Ji is indeed a generous person; she poured a cup of wine and drank it all in one go

But who came along with the Lü family?

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Liu Kan is wearing a long garment, but it merely serves to cover his modesty

Liu Kan watched from the side, unable to suppress a laugh. This scene, if placed in later times, would surely earn the beautiful woman a reputation for impropriety. However, in the present moment, everything seemed quite normal. Shen Shiqi was unrestrained, and the beautiful woman was equally unreserved

Liu Kan quickly replied: "Exactly!"

A nearby patron said: "No, I heard that he seems to have had an accident"

Wang Ji noticed Liu Kan, who was sitting nearby, and her bright eyes seemed to light up as she softly inquired, "Why do you look so unfamiliar? Where do you come from?"

Shen Shiqi seemed very pleased with the feeling of guiding Liu Kan, watching Liu Kan nod repeatedly like a chick pecking at rice, and couldn't help but feel a sense of pride

Go away

Something has happened

However, it is evident that he does not fully agree with Wang Ji's remarks.

Usually, it is not a big deal for everyone to sit on their knees, but with Shen Shiqi's legs like this, one can see the thing hanging between his thighs resting on the straw mat

Wang Ji said: "No! Three or four days ago, he did appear with a group of people, but I haven't seen him since. He might have something else to attend to. However, I have gotten used to it; I believe that after some time, he should be back. He might have returned home now.

With a chuckle, "It's nothing, I just don't believe there is any woman more beautiful than my sister"

Although Shen Shiqi can act without any reservations, Liu Kan, on the other hand, finds it unacceptable

The people of Chu were concerned that the descendants of these four clans would be persecuted by the Qin, and thus they changed their name to the Remnant Clan of Chu

Perhaps it is at the Warrior Princess's place

Just now I mentioned that you are a descendant of the Chu people because those who are familiar with Chu script are mostly descendants. Their attire is not significantly different from that of the Central Plains people... However, looking at your head and your appearance, it is impossible for you to be a Chu person; I was merely speaking offhandedly.

Ah Qi, you have such a wonderful way with words

That person..." She sighed, "Although he is somewhat of a scoundrel, never paying for his drinks here, he does possess a certain boldness. Not to mention, every time he shows up, my business flourishes immensely. He may not pay, but he brings me good business. Aqi, in today's world, no one can say for certain; everyone is just trying to make a living, and each has their own way. There is no need to force it."

Shen Shiqi immediately grinned and said: "Mother, the child wants to be fed!"

However, unlike the later period when 'Jiangnan' referred to the region south of the Yangtze River, during the Qin Dynasty, the term 'Jiangnan' specifically referred to the area inhabited by the Chu people

"How impressive, kill me if you dare. What is there to fear from him?"

Liu Kan raised the wine cup to his lips, only to be met with a pungent sourness that assaulted his senses. He could not help but feel a twitch in his throat, nearly spilling the milky-white liquid. So this is what they call good wine? It smelled as if it could hardly compare to horse urine! Well, when in Rome, do as the Romans do.

Exactly!

Is it possible that someone can actually injure the butcher

While speaking, Shen Shiqi's hand, somewhat restless, gently grabbed a handful on the voluptuous hips of the beautiful woman. To his surprise, the woman did not get angry; instead, she shot him a glare and swatted his hand away, saying, "Don't take advantage of me, I'm almost old enough to be your mother."

As for the "Xiang" among the four great clans, you must have heard of it; it refers to the descendants of General Xiang Yan

The differences between the Chu people and the Central Plains people are very evident

In those days, people did not wear trousers or similar garments beneath their short clothing, let alone undergarments

Oh, oh, oh... Look, look... This young man is so polite, unlike you guys who not only drink without paying but also always take advantage of me... Little brother, if you really encounter any trouble in the future, just come and tell your sister.

Indeed, this physique is truly remarkable

Wang Jiqi asked, "What has happened? In this Peixian area, within a radius of one hundred miles, who would not give him some face? What could possibly happen to him?"

As for the guests in the tavern, they all appeared to be smiling, seemingly accustomed to the situation

"Get lost!" Wang Jiliu frowned and scolded, "You bunch of misfits, I've been fed up with you for a long time. This young man is quite handsome and behaves appropriately; how can you guys even compare? Get lost, get lost, don't ruin my good fortune."

Little brother, are you from Danfu

Liu Kan, having experienced the affairs of the world in his past life, could not help but feel his face flush with embarrassment at Wang Ji's words

The so-called descendants of the Chu people actually refer to the remnants of the aristocracy of the State of Chu. After the State of Qin destroyed Chu, many of the aristocrats of Chu were killed, but a considerable number of noble families fled to various places. There are four major surviving families from Chu, as the folk saying goes: Xiong, Xing, Qu, and Lao Song. Xiong and Tushu are the royal family of Chu; Qu refers to the descendants of the high minister Qu Yuan; Lao Song was the royal family of the State of Song, which, after its destruction, became part of Chu.

Who

Liu Kan, who was listening beside them, became increasingly confused and could not help but ask: "Brother Shen Shi, Sister Wang Ji, who exactly are you talking about?"

The beautiful woman held the food and wine, placing them on the wooden stump beside Shen Shiqi. It appeared that she was quite familiar with Shen Shiqi, as their conversation carried a teasing tone.

Liu Kan raised his glass and said, "In the future, I will trouble my sister to take care of me more!"

Sister, how is business here

Wang Ji's eyes widened, exuding an air of authority amidst her charm, causing Shen Shiqi to obediently close his mouth

Shen Shiqi suddenly slammed the table and said through gritted teeth: "Well done! I have always said that such a person deserves a beating. They do nothing all day, idling about. I truly do not understand why so many people treat him with such courtesy. It's just empty talk."

You are not afraid, but I am afraid

This is not acceptable; it is quite inappropriate to be so openly suggestive. I will talk to the old lady tomorrow and ask her to make a pair of underwear.

Oh... I didn't realize that this person is actually quite powerful

Ah Qi, it has been a while since you last came

Wang Ji let out a soft exclamation and said with a charming smile: "The two young ladies of the Lü family are indeed blessed with stunning beauty. Just yesterday, upon arriving in Pei County, they became well-known to all. It is a pity that I was busy at the time; otherwise, I would have certainly gone to see for myself... Ah Qi, what kind of expression is that from you?"

Shen Shiqi let out a hum and fell silent.

The eyes were rolling around restlessly, occasionally glancing at Liu Kan, as if deep in thought. That expression, however, sent a chill down Liu Kan's spine

Wang Ji covered Shen Shiqi's mouth and said, "Aqi, do not cause me trouble. Although he is not here, he has many eyes and ears. I also know that you do not like that person, but... it is better to be cautious. If his people hear you, it will be troublesome"

Since ancient times, the people of the Central Plains have regarded the Chu people as a barbaric tribe, referring to them as 'Jingman'. The Chu people are short in stature, with round faces and double eyelids, and even to this day, they retain very primitive customs and habits. For instance, they enjoy tattooing, often depicting images of flying dragons, which are believed to ward off evil spirits; they practice the custom of shaving their heads and tying their hair in a bun, are skilled in water activities, and have a fondness for foods such as fish and shellfish.

If one were to sit like Shen Shiqi, it would certainly expose certain aspects. In later generations, such attire would likely be condemned as exhibitionism, or at the very least, one would be charged with an offense against public morals. However, in this era, everything seems so natural.

Hehe, whether it is good or not, only after my sister tries it will she know...

Shen Shiqi smiled and said: "This little fool just came from Shanfu and plans to settle here. He happens to be living in my house, and I brought him out for a stroll to get familiar with the surroundings... Ah Kan, let me introduce you. This is a well-known figure from Peixian. If you encounter any troubles in the future, just let Wang Ji know, and she will definitely help you resolve them... Hehe, why not quickly raise a glass to toast this sister of yours?"

Liu Kan sat on the straw mat, feeling somewhat uncomfortable

Liu Kan lowered his head to examine himself, reflecting on all that he had witnessed along the way, and could not help but smile wryly.

Wang Ji sighed, "Just a couple of days ago, everything was fine, but in the past two days, it has deteriorated significantly. That fellow hasn't come, and there are far fewer guests."

Who is that guy they are talking about

This particular incident was not significant, yet it caused Liu Kan to exclaim his misfortune

"Wang Ji, why do you ignore us as soon as you see something new?"