Chapter 5: The Mechanism of Crisis
Gao Huan, this young man, truly lives up to the reputation of a good youth in modern society, always remembering a classic saying: Life is like a play, it all depends on acting skills! Whether there is something to do or not, he practices the fancy martial arts he learned from Huai Shuo in the courtyard. The maids and old women in the inner chambers have never seen such a handsome young man practicing in the courtyard every day, and they all sneak peeks at him like infatuated admirers. The servants of the Lou family have begun to split into two factions gossiping; the male servants privately resent Gao Huan to the core, cursing him for being a pretty boy who still lingers at home, while every night during their bunk meetings, they spit and curse Gao Huan. The female servants, on the other hand, privately discuss Gao Huan's abs, his handsome face, and his tall stature. A few married women often make lewd jokes to tease those infatuated maids.
Liu Mingchun had already lowered her head, her face flushed with embarrassment, and thought to herself: This person is truly my husband; I want to find a partner who is diligent, ambitious, and has a strong sense of filial piety like him
It is said that Lord Lou is not an actual Minister of the current dynasty, but rather that the Emperor, in recognition of his family's contributions in guarding the old capital, conferred upon him the title of Minister, without any real responsibilities, akin to holding a nominal position with a white-collar salary. Of course, in the old capital of Pingcheng during the Northern Wei dynasty, the Lou family was also a prominent clan. While it cannot be said that they possessed vast wealth (after all, it is not easy to amass riches in a warlord era), Minister Lou alone manages over a dozen farms, and with the income from several shops in Pingcheng and Luoyang, along with the annual tribute and salary from his fief, he earns several million coins in silver each year
Liu Mingchun, under the affectionate gaze of Gao Huan, unexpectedly felt her face flush. Turning her head, she shyly replied: "What could have troubled you at that time, my lord? It seems you truly are a compassionate and loving person, always concerned for the safety of your family. In fact, this is a minor matter. I can have my father reach out to a few officials near Pingcheng to inquire, and we should be able to locate your sister. At that time, we can issue a public notice at the government office to secure her freedom, and later help her find a good family to marry into."
Disaster is rooted in fortune. Currently, the frequent private meetings between Gao Huan and Lou Mingchun have stirred up a storm throughout the city. Lou, the Minister, had no choice but to issue an eviction order, instructing Gao Huan to take Gao Lan back to Huaishuo.
The distinguished families are indeed different. Since Gao Huan arrived in Pingcheng, he has thoroughly explored the Lou family's grand residence, both inside and out. The homes of noble families are luxurious, and although Pingcheng is already close to the northern grasslands, the dry winds often sweep up sandstorms that fill the sky. However, for Gao Huan, who has traversed from modern society, everything is so novel, so enticing, and so exhilarating. He is even very interested in recording the daily lives, speech, and walking habits of ancient people in a notebook, as these are things that cannot be taught by teachers in textbooks. He is enamored with every object, to the point that in the end, this grandson even stole a painting hanging in the guest room, contemplating selling it as an antique upon his return.
Gao Huan was well aware that the lower-class people looked down on him as a pretty boy, but he was alone and powerless, without any influence. Without relying on the wealthy Lou Mingchun, who was a woman of means, who else could he turn to? "Those who claim to have started from scratch every day are all liars! Which of them succeeded without the help of a benefactor?" Gao Huan thought fiercely: "Although I am a person who has traveled from the future, I still need to eat and sleep; my underwear is not worn on the outside!" This is indeed a fact. No matter how talented a person is, it also depends on whether luck is on their side. With luck, seizing opportunities, and the assistance of a benefactor, one might become someone of significance, living in a realm beyond the ordinary. Which of them succeeded without the help of a benefactor?" Gao Huan thought fiercely: "Although I am a person who has traveled from the future, I still need to eat and sleep; my underwear is not worn on the outside!" This is indeed a fact. No matter how talented a person is, it also depends on whether luck is on their side. With luck, seizing opportunities, and the assistance of a benefactor, one might become someone of significance, living in a realm beyond the ordinary.
Since Gao Huan has already made up his mind to temporarily set aside thoughts of returning home (as he himself has no way to think about it), it is only natural that in this chaotic world, he seeks to survive, not only to live but to live splendidly and freely
Gao Lan and Hong Yu, standing by, also felt their faces flush with embarrassment, yet they found it difficult to speak up and intervene
Modern youth, inattentive, suddenly finds themselves transported to ancient times; a heavenly match arrives in times of adversity, disguised as a hero entering the mortal world
Women, especially those who are financially well-off and beautiful, generally do not lack suitors. However, those young scions or the offspring of merchants often find it difficult to catch the eye of these highborn ladies. Why is that? Because the thoughts of young women are forever elusive, particularly for someone like Lou Zhaojun, who is well-educated and possesses great foresight. She often chooses to pursue endeavors that may seem improbable or unreliable to the average person. A woman who is both beautiful and intelligent is difficult for ordinary people to comprehend. Because the thoughts of young women are forever elusive, particularly for someone like Lou Zhaojun, who is well-educated and possesses great foresight. She often chooses to pursue endeavors that may seem improbable or unreliable to the average person. A woman who is both beautiful and intelligent is difficult for ordinary people to comprehend.
After two months of interaction, Gao Huan, with his extraordinary performance in modern romanticism, has already captured Lou Mingchun's heart. This handsome and tall young master Gao, who understands and warms people's hearts, has even led her to contemplate a lifelong commitment.
"Young Master need not worry about the ransom; if you truly lack funds, I can assist you with a portion of it when the time comes, as a way to repay your life-saving grace." Lou Mingchun is indeed clever; she does not mention that she will provide the money now, but rather states that she will help cover the ransom later, thus making Gao Huan owe her a favor. This tactic of turning one into two is something that even a modern person like Gao Huan might not have recognized at the time. However, Lou Mingchun's intentions are good; she genuinely has developed some affection for this compassionate life-saver, so we, as onlookers, need not worry about Gao Huan.
It is also said that Gao Huan was truly fortunate, as he was able to find his previously unknown sister, Gao Lan, in the miscellaneous office of Pingcheng, based on the portrait sent from his hometown. The official in charge of the office, seeing that it was a matter involving someone from the Ministry of Personnel, was more than willing to do a favor, promptly removing her from the status of a slave and redeeming her for a mere symbolic sum of one tael of silver. These events aptly illustrate the chaos and corruption within the Northern Wei regime at that time.
Are these two people now engaged for life
Just as the discerning eye of the investment guru Warren Buffett, Miss Lou possesses a keen insight and believes that Gao Huan will surely achieve great success and bring glory to his family in the future. Why not lend him a helping hand during his difficult times?
Miss Lou, Zhao Jun (Lou Mingchun), perfectly meets Gao Huan's current requirements for dependence. Moreover, it seems that Lou Mingchun has always held Gao Huan in high regard. Gao Huan stayed at the Lou residence for half a month, during which the servants and lower-ranking staff often looked down on him with disdainful mockery. Even Minister Lou gradually became indifferent and unresponsive towards him. However, Lou Mingchun frequently sent her maid, Hongyu, to the guest room to inquire about his well-being.
The young man has composed a couplet:
The performance at the Eighteen-Mile Pavilion begins.
Gao Huan knows that Hong Yu (the one who is given as a bonus for phone top-ups) is Lou Mingchun's personal maid, and he always tries to please her. Even though he doesn't have much money, he constantly offers small favors to bribe Hong Yu. Hong Yu is quite happy to relay messages from Gao Huan, as the young lady already has a bit of a liking for him. (She often asks Hong Yu about Gao Huan, which even a fool can see.)
On that day, Gao Huan took the initiative to approach Lou Mingchun: "Miss, I have an unreasonable request, and I hope you can lend me a helping hand."
In any case, Gao Huan is like the protagonist in those martial arts novels, unexpectedly acquiring a set of "peerless skills." However, how to effectively utilize these skills, and how our university student from modern society gradually rises from the bottom of the fallen gentry to become a formidable warlord in the Northern Wei court, will be revealed in my subsequent narrative
How Gao Huan won the heart of a beauty, I would like to provide an explanation here
"Young Master, your journey is long, so you must take care of your health," said Lou Mingchun, draped in a red cloak, gazing affectionately at Gao Huan beside the carriage
Since ancient times, whether in prosperous or chaotic eras, men have always yearned for power, wealth, and beauty. Moreover, Gao Huan, being a well-educated young man, is constantly filled with a sense of superiority and a strong desire to create brilliance and change history, with aspirations to gain recognition among the feudal lords ever present in his mind. However, in life, it has always been the case that those who wish to achieve success rely on connections. Having the support of a powerful family makes the journey much smoother, while a commoner seeking to rise from nothing often faces a path fraught with difficulties and challenges.
"If you have any instructions, please feel free to speak, and I will see if I can fulfill them," Lou Mingchun said with a smile as she looked at Gao Huan.
"In the coming spring, rest assured, I will work hard on my skills when I return, striving to join the army and earn a position of some rank. At that time, I will come back to Pingcheng to find you. I do not resent the decision of the Minister, but only lament my lowly origins that do not match yours, fearing that I may cause you suffering in the future." After saying this, Gao Huan gently caressed Lou Mingchun's delicate hands with deep affection.
Then I shall speak frankly. I have previously mentioned to you, Miss, that I have a sister who was confiscated and is serving hard labor in Pingcheng. It has been nearly two years since I last saw her, and I am uncertain of her well-being. For some time now, I have been inquiring about her whereabouts, but my abilities are limited and I do not know many people. Despite my efforts to gather information from various sources, I have found no leads. Therefore, I would like to ask for your assistance..." Gao Huan looked at Lou Mingchun with subtlety. For some time now, I have been inquiring about her whereabouts, but my abilities are limited and I do not know many people. Despite my efforts to gather information from various sources, I have found no leads. Therefore, I would like to ask for your assistance..." Gao Huan looked at Lou Mingchun with subtlety.
"It is indeed good, but I am currently penniless and unable to ensure my own survival. I fear I do not have the money to redeem my sister, and can only watch her suffer in the official slave agency." After saying this, Gao Huan deliberately wiped away his tears
I give this kid a score of 99, withholding one point to prevent him from becoming arrogant. Deceiving such naive young ladies from affluent families is truly a skillful act. However, to be fair, Lou Mingchun is after all a well-bred young lady from a prestigious family. Is it really that easy to fool the daughter of a wealthy family?