Chapter 0006: The Dong Clan Members

Manager Liu bowed respectfully towards the distant attic before turning and leaving

Dong Zhong also cherished this younger brother, even more so than his own biological brother, after all, this younger brother would not compete with him for affection

Elder brother, why must you be so harsh towards Da Lang

"Alang, I... still have some matters to attend to, so I will take my leave now!" Dong Zhong hurriedly bid farewell to the chubby boy and turned to run down the stairs to the attic

My son, you must remember that you are the chosen one; do not let the heavenly scriptures gather dust

He wants to tell his father about these matters, but that is like a book written in heaven! Could it be that his younger brother has some divine destiny? If so, wouldn't he himself become a royal relative in the future? Thinking of the currently renowned Dou family, who are powerful in the court, his eyes burned with fervor, and his whole body felt aflame

Upon reading just one sentence, the chubby boy was completely bewildered. Who is this Cao Cao? Is he the Emperor Wu of the Han Dynasty? Aren't all emperors surnamed Liu, just like himself? Could he be a ruler from a previous dynasty? But what is the situation with Cao Can, the Chancellor of Han?

At this moment, Dong Zhong was wandering around the marquis's residence. Surrounded by young servants, he swaggered through the mansion, but his mind was occupied with thoughts. He had heard that the steward, Old Liu, was already half in the grave. If he were to die sooner, he would certainly ask his aunt to secure a position as the family steward within this marquis's residence. At that time, he could enjoy such authority every day. While he was contemplating this, he suddenly realized that his cousin Liu Hong was missing. He turned to the young servant beside him and asked, "Where is my cousin? Why can I not see him?"

Ah, it is a rare opportunity to visit the Linghou Mansion today. How can I not meet my cousin? Would that not be impolite? Take me there quickly!

After speaking, Dong turned and left the attic without looking back, forbidding anyone from going upstairs. The chubby boy helplessly opened a book; he did not enjoy reading, but he dared not disobey his mother's words. Moreover, what his mother had just said had also stirred a bit of curiosity in his heart. "Emperor Wu of the Han Dynasty, from Qiao in Pei, surnamed Cao, given name Cao, styled Mengde, a descendant of the Han Chancellor Can, during the reign of Emperor Huan, Cao Teng served as the Grand Minister of the Palace and was granted the title of Marquis of Feiting. He adopted a son, Song, who rose to the position of Grand Commandant, yet no one could ascertain the origins of his life."

Suddenly, a hand covered Dong Zhong's mouth and nose from behind, and Dong Zhong was taken aback, struggling frantically

Regardless of your intentions, this celestial book can only belong to the Young Lord, and any others who come into contact with it shall die

Only the faint traces of blood around can prove the passing of a young life

With a series of soft thuds, a short blade was thrust into the back, piercing the heart. After several stabs, Dong Zhong's eyes widened in shock, his body trembled, yet he could not utter a sound. Blood flowed from his mouth, and a few tears fell from his eyes as he gradually ceased struggling. Liu, the steward, withdrew the short blade from Dong Zhong's back and waved his hand at several nearby servants. The servants hurriedly supported Dong Zhong's corpse, and together they swiftly moved it away. Another servant began to clean the bloodstains on the ground. With his hands clasped behind his back, Liu gazed at Dong Zhong's body and shook his head. Liu withdrew the short blade from Dong Zhong's back and waved his hand at several nearby servants. The servants hurriedly supported Dong Zhong's corpse, and together they swiftly moved it away. Another servant began to clean the bloodstains on the ground. With his hands clasped behind his back, Liu gazed at Dong Zhong's body and shook his head.

Oh... he is currently studying literature and cannot go out

Dong Chong fell silent for a moment before slowly sharing his dream. Dong Shi listened in astonishment, pondering deeply. After a brief hesitation, seeing his elder brother's displeased expression, he decided to mention the matter of the goldfish but refrained from discussing the heavenly book. He only spoke of feeding the goldfish to Liu Hong and others. Upon hearing this, Dong Chong burst into laughter, clapping his hands and exclaiming, "It has come! It has come! Our Dong family's great fortune!" Dong Shi was taken aback, but the words of Steward Liu from that day flashed through his mind. However, seeing his elder brother so happy, he felt it inappropriate to say anything further.

"This is not acceptable, Master Dong, it will surely incur the wrath of the mistress..." The young servants said with bitter smiles, yet none of them took him there. Instantly, Dong felt a surge of anger; after all, he considered himself the master, yet these servants showed him no respect at all. How infuriating! Did they really think he did not know where the attic was? Dong Chong's expression turned cold as he pushed aside the young servants in front of him and headed towards the direction of the attic. The young servants hurriedly tried to stop him, exclaiming: "This matter cannot proceed without the mistress's consent!"

Under the guidance of the young servant, Dong Chong swaggered into the main hall. The household servants had already prepared the seating. Dong Chong knelt and sat down, and the Dong family members entered to pay their respects to him. As the eldest brother is like a father, Dong Chong accepted this gesture of respect. Having lost their father at a young age and then their mother, it was Dong Chong alone who raised the Dong family, which is why they held their elder brother in high regard. Dong Chong smiled and said, "It has been a long time since I last saw you. As I pass by this time, it is just right to exchange a few pleasantries." The Dong family member replied with a smile, "Ah Lang also misses Uncle. Just yesterday, he mentioned you!"

At this moment, Dong and the chubby boy were in the attic. Dong gently caressed the celestial book, and its exquisite cover was simply mesmerizing. Unfortunately, Dong could not read. She handed the book to the chubby boy, who said somewhat discontentedly: "Mother, I studied with Master He for four hours today"

This is a heavenly book, a gift from above to you. You must remember that this book cannot be taught by anyone, nor can any master impart its knowledge. You must read it yourself, and whatever you are able to comprehend is your own fortune

Jianpu said nothing, merely looking at him coldly, with their hands resting on the hilts of their swords at their waists

After conversing for a moment, Dong Zhong finally noticed the black book placed on the wooden table. Its smooth exterior immediately captivated him. Curiously, he picked up the book and flipped through it, asking, "Records of the Three Kingdoms? What kind of book is this?" Seeing that even his elder brother did not recognize the book, the chubby boy felt particularly proud. His mother's admonitions were cast aside as he excitedly recounted his own glorious deeds. Upon hearing about goldfish and the book in his belly, Dong Zhong's eyes widened in disbelief. However, recalling his father's dream and glancing at the peculiar book in his hand, he believed it.

"Those who block my way shall die!" Dong Zhong tightened his grip on the hilt of his sword. It is customary for Han people to wear swords, and whether they are scholars, wanderers, or dashing young men, they take pride in carrying a sword. The household servants looked helplessly at Dong Zhong as he walked towards the attic, exchanging glances with one another, but ultimately headed towards the outer courtyard. Dong Zhong assumed they were going to complain to his aunt and did not pay much attention, for he was the most beloved nephew of his aunt. Upon arriving at the attic door, he found two strong servants guarding it, both equipped with long swords, coldly staring at Dong Zhong.

After exchanging pleasantries for a moment, Dong Chong waved his hand and said, "You may go out and stroll around the residence; I have important matters to discuss with your aunt." Dong Zhong complied and withdrew. Dong Chong then added, "Do not go out on your own; if you dare to wander outside, I will break your legs!" Dong Zhong nodded and bowed again before finally leaving

Ah, this young man is not capable of accomplishing anything; however, where is Hong Er?

These words, however, made both Dong Shi and Dong Chong burst into laughter

Regardless of the dazed and bewildered little chubby boy in the attic, Dong hurriedly went out to welcome his elder brother upon hearing of his arrival

The young lord is studying in the pavilion, and the mistress does not allow us to disturb him

At this moment of heightened tension, the door to the attic was suddenly pushed open, and a round little chubby boy walked out, somewhat displeased, exclaiming: "Who dares to make a commotion here!" Upon seeing Dong Chong, the chubby boy's eyes lit up, and he called out: "Brother has arrived, has Uncle also come? Come up quickly!" Hearing this, the two strong servants finally cleared the way. Dong Zhong let out a cold snort of dissatisfaction and ascended to the attic. The chubby boy took his hand and led him inside, kneeling down and asking questions left and right.

Dong Chong felt an extraordinary anger, drew his sword, and shouted: "What do you think of me, Chong? You only see my cousin, why do you obstruct me like this? Do you think I, Dong Chong, am unworthy to meet with the Young Lord?"

Dong looked again at Dong Chong behind him. Dong Chong stood behind his father, appearing quite dignified. The Han people place great importance on appearance, and seeing his nephew like this, Dong was very pleased, saying: "Eldest son is indeed a refined gentleman, and it is time for marriage!" Dong Chong, feeling shy, lowered his head and clasped his hands, saying: "Greetings, aunt. I, the little nephew, still wish to achieve great accomplishments and have not yet thought about marriage..."