Chapter 2: Ji Ying

Zhao Wuxu opened his arms and struck a strong pose towards her, saying: "Sister, just wait at home. I will atone for my sins and return with countless trophies!"

In the State of Jin, similar to the Zhou Dynasty, the descendants of the royal family dwindled, and the governance of the state was held in the hands of six chief ministers: Zhao, Wei, Han, Zhi, Fan, and Zhonghang. They gradually marginalized the monarch and divided the territory among themselves

As for the future, as a traverser, he harbors great ambitions in his heart: to inherit the position of the noble clan, to stand at the forefront of this tumultuous world, to unite the various lords, and to bring peace to the realm

Once again, it will be explained in the next installment. Can't it be told all at once without any reservations?

I will definitely protect you

Only Ji Ying feels sorry for him, often stepping forward to plead on his behalf and speak for him

At this time, the various noble families and high officials held sway over the political affairs of the feudal lords, while their household servants often controlled the domestic affairs of the high officials. This is why Confucius remarked, "When governance is derived from the high officials, it is seldom seen for five generations; when governance is derived from the subordinate officials, it is seldom seen for three generations." The head of the six noble families in the State of Jin, while not as domineering as their counterparts in the State of Lu, still wielded significant power that should not be underestimated. Not only would the high officials often treat them with the respect due to a teacher, but sometimes even the sovereign would show them deference.

She cried out in grief, sharpening the hairpin on her head, and plunged it into her long, delicate neck, causing blossoms of blood to bloom on the hillside

Zhao Wuxu said: "Did my father ever say that I am not allowed to go?"

If I do not come over, will not your breakfast be shared with those lowly stable boys and shepherds again

He remembers that in history, Zhao Wuxu was valued by Zhao Yang because of the praise from a physiognomist, but now, the physiognomist's appearance is uncertain, so he must find an opportunity to turn his fortunes around as soon as possible

Zhao Wuxu immediately stood up and said: "I also want to participate in the winter hunt"

Upon seeing Ji Ying, the stable boys and shepherds in the courtyard all knelt down in unison, their foreheads pressed tightly against the ground, performing the utmost reverence, not daring to lift their heads, as if even a glance would offend the pride of the noble clan and the virtuous lady of the *Tu* family.

After inquiring from various sources, he finally clarified the time; it is now the eighth year of the reign of Duke Jin, in early winter, the month of October

For example, the breakfast before us

To know what happens next, please listen to the next installment

Upon hearing the news of her husband's death, Queen Dowager Ji Ying said the following

However, seeing that he was about to leave without a care, Ji Ying quickly grabbed the corner of his garment: "Are you really going to leave like this?"

Now, the tall Zhao Wuxu is being swayed back and forth by his petite sister, stumbling about in a somewhat dazed and clumsy manner

According to the rites, hunting must be done in the company of various sons. It seems that you can go without any issues, but you must be extremely cautious and avoid provoking your father again

Little Ji Ying pouted her cherry-like lips, feeling somewhat disappointed, but quickly glanced around, straightened her face, and put on a sisterly demeanor

Her emotions must be quite complex. Should she be happy that her younger brother has finally become a cruel and cold-blooded yet competent head of the Zhao family? Or should she mourn for her husband whose brains have been splattered?

As a noble lady of the Qing clan, Ji Ying's footsteps were as light as a reed flower, almost making no sound as she tiptoed across the wooden floor under the eaves, unlike Zhao Wuxu, whose steps on the wooden boards were loud and clattering.

In this year, the State of Chu had just crawled back from the brink of destruction, Fu Chai was still the crown prince of the State of Wu, and King Goujian of Yue had just ascended to the throne, yet to experience the trials of enduring hardship and seeking revenge. Confucius faced difficulties in his official career, residing at home to teach his disciples, while the Chen clan of Qi, a group of conspirators, began their century-long path to replace Qi.

The kind-hearted Ji Ying furrowed her brows and said: "I do not wish for you to commit more killings; if you have the heart, then bring back a few living creatures for me to raise..."

"To forget the husband because of the brother is unkind; to resent the brother because of the husband's death is unjust"

Today, my father is to accompany the distinguished guests from the Song state in a winter hunt at Mian, and for this reason, he even had a quarrel with the Yin family

Ji Ying and Tu Shu could not help but chuckle as they pinched Zhao Wuxu's thigh, and then explained: "As the poem says, 'In September, we don our clothes; in October, we harvest rice.' Wuxu, do you know that today is the day of the harvest? The first portion of food prepared after the harvest must be steamed in a bronze cauldron to offer to the Supreme Heaven and our ancestors. Following that, it is for the clan's lord to enjoy, and only then can it be our turn as gentlemen and ladies... During the morning meal, both the Supreme Heaven and our ancestors only partake of the five grains; how can we, their descendants, dare to present meat and delicacies for ourselves?"

This may very well be the matter referred to by the owner of this body as a "regret that will last a lifetime". Zhao Wuxu forced his closest sister to death, and perhaps it is this immense regret and sorrow that led to his time travel

Yet in his heart, he felt very warm; looking across the entire Zhao family, no one treated him better than his sister did

The exaggerated actions were devoid of care, and the humorous lyrics made the maidservants nearby turn their faces away to stifle their laughter. Ever since this young nobleman had a minor illness, it was as if he had suddenly become enlightened; he transformed from his previous silence and gloom, finding various ways to amuse Lady Ji Ying. Recently, Lady Ji's smiles have increased, and they genuinely feel happy for the brother and sister who support each other.

Ji Ying was at a loss whether to laugh or cry. She patiently explained, "Are you trying to emulate Duke Qing of Qi, who suffered a complete defeat at the Battle of Yan? Do you wish to 'destroy this morning's meal'? First, sit down and eat your food, and I will then elaborate on the rituals involved..."

In the banquet of youth, laughter and joy abound, with solemn vows exchanged, yet none reflect on their consequences

His sister, Ji Ying, was the one who was forced to go north to marry and became the woman of the Rong King of the Dai state

Zhao Wuxu consistently embodies a modern mindset, often questioning, "Would the Heavenly Emperor and our ancestors be satisfied with such meager offerings?"

Because time waits for no one

Yin Jiaxiang, also known as Yin Duo, the chief steward of the Zhao family, ranks second among the three strategists of Zhao Yang. As for the first minister of the Zhao family, he voluntarily resigned from the position of chief steward to head north to the newly acquired territory of Jinyang to oversee the construction of the city. This individual is quite renowned, and Zhao Wuxu had heard of him during a previous visit to Taiyuan.

The virtuous minister Gong Zhiqi of the State of Yu once said, the fragrance does not come from the millet and rice, but from the benevolence of the sacrificer. As long as we are sufficiently devout, the five grains are enough to offer. Moreover, during the banquet, there will also be a secondary sacrifice, at which time fresh game obtained from hunting will be presented.

Xiao Jiying casually pulled Wu Xu along and walked to a covered corridor. She instructed the maidservants to lay down bamboo mats and bring over a short black lacquer table

However, he is not concerned about this at the moment. Upon hearing that there will be a winter hunt today, Zhao Wuxu's eyes lit up.

This is an era where lineage determines everything. The Spring and Autumn period represents the last glory of the noble families and clans. Nowadays, there are no commoners among the lords and ministers, and no one dares to proclaim "Are nobles and ministers born of different blood?" Many ancient clans can trace their heritage back to the legendary emperors Yao and Shun from thousands of years ago. Bloodlines, knowledge, status, and surnames are passed down from generation to generation, and the gap between the noble families and the commoners is greater than the distance between heaven and earth.

This situation has persisted for over fifty years, with the Jin state experiencing multiple sources of governance and a lack of internal order. The hegemony established by Duke Wen of Jin has already withered, and the political atmosphere in the court is shrouded in gloom. Moreover, the protracted civil war among the six ministers of Jin is likely to erupt in just five or six years!

Zhao Wuxu felt somewhat awkward; although his body was only thirteen years old, he was tall and slender. After his transmigration, he had decisively smoothed out the childish hairstyle known as "Zongjiao" and replaced it with a single conical topknot, making him appear no different from a young man at first glance

However, Zhao Wuxu took a glance into the bamboo basket and saw that it contained all the necessary items such as a merchant's dagger, ivory chopsticks, lacquer bowls, and wine cups, but there was no meat or side dishes for the meal, which left him greatly disappointed

Although Zhao Wuxu bears the blood of the Zhao clan and is a descendant of the celestial mandate of the mysterious bird, his status is diminished due to his illegitimate birth. Furthermore, the innate maternal lineage of the Rongdi people further places him in a lower position.

Winter Hunt

He picked up the commercial knife and chopsticks, tapping on the dining table while singing: "Chopsticks and knife, you might as well go back, for this meal lacks the venison that I love to eat..."

In reality, Ji Ying was very pleased. Ever since a minor illness, although Wu Xu had nearly forgotten all the previous etiquette, he had become much more ambitious and spirited, which made her feel both comforted and pained.

His mother in this life was a lowly servant girl of the Di people, which is why he was originally not favored by Zhao Yang. Coupled with the severe impropriety he displayed upon his arrival, he was further cast into the stables to fend for himself.

The stable is filthy, the smell is unpleasant, and it is far from the main hall. Why must you come here so early, sister?

However, he knows that in history, the story of Wu Xu and Ji Ying is a tragedy stained with blood

Before Zhao Yang's death, he left a will to Wu Xu, which was surprisingly to annihilate the state of Dai, where his most beloved daughter resided

Zhao Wuxu smiled awkwardly; in fact, being in that stable yard with the illiterate stable boys and shepherds made him feel somewhat at ease. It was certainly better than having to face the incomprehensible rituals of the pre-Qin period. Wasn't it said that the rites and music of the Spring and Autumn period had collapsed? But why was everything so cumbersome and complicated?

She immediately understood; indeed, wasn't it always like this? At home, he was often overlooked, and sometimes Yan Xiang wouldn't even bother to call him specifically. However, once he was dragged by Ji Ying to attend, no one would actually drive him away, cough, except for the last time

Zhao Wuxu looked at the stunningly beautiful girl in front of him, who was striking a pose reminiscent of an elder sister, and couldn't help but sigh in regret. He gently took her delicate hand in his.

This is also the current goal of Zhao Wuxu

At this time, the Eastern Zhou Dynasty had already entered a state of "the Son of Heaven is weakened, the royal family is diminished, and the rites and music have collapsed"

According to the script of history, a few years later, Ji Ying will marry into the northern state of Dai, while Zhao Wuxu will subsequently emerge as a dark horse among the clan's young talents, inheriting the position of the family head

This is another wish of Zhao Wuxu

Zhao Wuxu was taken aback upon hearing this: "Sister He-Tu-Shu, are we going hunting today? Could you please elaborate on it for me?"

She then firmly pressed on Zhao Wuxu's shoulder, kneeling upright at the table, and subsequently took a bright green bamboo basket from the hand of a maid. Inside the basket was a polished bronze food vessel, specifically used for holding cooked millet. Upon opening the food vessel, a wave of fragrant steam wafted towards her.

Regardless, he will not allow history to repeat itself

Ji Ying did not go to see them; she merely urged her younger brother with anticipation, "Wuxu, hurry up and continue speaking."

Later generations referred to her as "Madam Moji"

Ji Yingmeng shook her head: "This is indeed not the case..."

She extended her fair and tender hand, pulling Zhao Wuxu out of the dark and gloomy stable, while brushing off the straw clinging to his clothes and smoothing his tousled hair

Of course not, I still need to retrieve my bow and arrows

A premeditated murder, followed by a war of annexation

But father didn't say to let you go. Ji Ying looked at her tall younger brother with some concern

Therefore, Wuxu must quickly become the heir of the Zhao family, participate in family decision-making, and avoid the precarious situation that the Zhao family faced during the civil war.

This body may lack other abilities, but it possesses an extraordinary talent for archery. With a stone horn bow, it can hit the target without fail within fifty paces. Hunting, which emphasizes martial skills, can be considered a rare opportunity for demonstration during the Spring and Autumn period, and it may allow Zhao Yang to see me in a new light

Thus, the first thing Zhao Wuxu did after ascending the throne was to don the pale white mourning attire and ascend Mount Xiawu in the north, inviting his brother-in-law for a banquet. However, during the feast, he had the warrior Hu Ben, disguised as a cook, raise the heavy bronze hammer and strike down fiercely, causing the King of Dai to have his brains splattered!

Therefore, it is truly difficult for Zhao Wuxu to imagine how the courteous Zhao Yang would argue with the goat-bearded Yin Duo, indicating the extent of their differences.

Because Zhao Wuxu had previously caused trouble due to his ignorance of etiquette, Ji Ying seized every opportunity to provide him with a crash course in noble etiquette and common knowledge