Chapter 4: The Connection to Another World Begins with the Formation of Heaven and Earth
It is already past noon. The young girl chuckled softly, her pink lips revealing a row of pearly white teeth that were as neatly arranged as a string of shells. It is hard to imagine that such whiteness could be achieved merely by using willow branches as a toothbrush. She gently placed the food tray on the desk and casually began to tidy up the books scattered across the table and bookshelf.
Hmm..." He Fang responded, turning his head to look back. Han Yunniang had somehow caught up with him, her expressive eyes filled with concern as they gazed at him.
At this time, the custom of the farming family is to have two meals a day, one in the morning and one in the evening. They eat porridge when they are idle and solid food when they are busy, barely managing to fill their stomachs each day. However, the body that He Fang has just occupied is weak from long illness, and now he is being nourished with three meals a day. Every day, he has three or four eggs, one pound of well-cooked lamb, and thick millet vegetable porridge. His parents spare no expense to ensure that He Fang grows healthier day by day. However, he now understands how these three meals a day are being exchanged for. It is no wonder that there is not a single piece of land left at home, and his parents still have to go out together every day, returning late at night, exhausted.
While his parents toil and suffer outside, he is at home enjoying a meal with a little girl. This is not because He Fang is heartless, but because he understands that the best way to repay his parents is to recover his health as soon as possible, both physically and emotionally. If he insists on sharing in their hardships and delays his recovery, it would only render their hard work meaningless, which would be a form of unfilial behavior. He Fang is not a sentimental person; once he believes he is doing the right thing, he will not consider anything else. If he insists on sharing in their hardships and delays his recovery, it would only render their hard work meaningless, which would be a form of unfilial behavior. He Fang is not a sentimental person; once he believes he is doing the right thing, he will not consider anything else.
He Fang sat at the table, lowering his head to gaze at the steaming, fragrant millet meat porridge before him. Surprisingly, his heart, which had been tempered into a solid as iron through the struggles of his past life in society, tightened slightly.
"Third brother, you are so engrossed in your studies that you certainly do not notice," said Han Yunniang, who was quite nimble with her hands and feet. In just a few moments, the cluttered desk was tidied up neatly. She then lifted the lid off the pot on the desk and placed a wooden spoon into the pot. The young girl turned around and helped Han Gang sit down to eat.
After walking for a while, the sound of rushing water could already be heard, and the air, rich with the essence of water, greeted me. Xia Long Wan is a small village located between two mountains in a valley. To the north of the village, the distant mountains appear verdant, while to the south, the mountains are lush and green. The sound of the rushing river flows in from the north of the village. This river is called Jishui, and across it lies the city of Qinzhou. Jishui flows eastward, and after traveling over one hundred miles, it merges into the Weishui, which is also known as the Wei River. If it were not for the threat posed by the Dangxiang people, this would indeed be a very livable village. However, since it is located on the border, one cannot avoid the constant fear and anxiety day and night.
He Fang shook his head, setting aside his worries. At this moment, it was pointless for him to be concerned about anything with his current condition. He smiled at the young girl standing by, ready to serve him his meal, and said: "Come over and eat with me. I can't finish all this by myself."
After finishing the meal and lingering for a while, the young girl jumped up to clear the dishes, while He Fang adjusted his attire and stepped out the door. His body gradually recovered, and he no longer needed assistance; he could also go out for a walk by himself. Every day, he took a stroll outside; although it felt somewhat tiring, He Fang persisted in walking a little more each day. Only by strengthening his exercise could he restore his health sooner. In an era without antibiotics, combating illness primarily relied on oneself. These past few days, he had been walking by the river for a while before returning home to build his stamina.
Walking along the dirt road in the village, He Fang took the opportunity to reacquaint himself with the surrounding environment while also searching for a path to wealth, so that his parents would not have to work so hard
The hot breath penetrated her ears, causing the young girl’s earlobes to flush a deep red, and her struggles weakened. However, she still felt embarrassed to sit in He Fang's lap, so she turned slightly and sat beside him, where he wrapped one arm around her slender waist
He Fang held the soft and delicate body of the little girl, taking turns to feed each other spoonfuls, and it took them half an hour to finish a pot of lamb and millet porridge.
Indeed! At least there is family. He Fang turned his head to look at the little girl who was carefully supporting him. In this era, there are still family members who should be strangers, yet harbor a sense of affection in their hearts
After all, this is the Northern Song Dynasty... He Fang sighed inwardly. If it were in later times, Shaanxi would be the heartland of China, a place that would not need to worry about external threats. In that era, as long as one conducted oneself properly and diligently, there would be little danger; war was a term so foreign that it could only be seen in news reports and books. But at this moment, it was a real issue he had to confront.
Held by He Fangqiang, Han Yunniang's small face turned increasingly crimson like blood, struggling with all her might, refusing to sit down. Seeing that he could not succeed, He Fang leaned in half-teasingly and whispered in the little girl's jade-like ear, "Both your parents have gone out, it's just the two of us at home."
How can time pass so quickly? He Fang felt that he had merely read some books, and after being lost in memories for a while, it was already noon in the blink of an eye
Han Yunniang's fair little face suddenly flushed red, as if startled, and she took half a step back. She did not understand the intentions of Sima Zhao, but her third brother's feelings were clear. Ever since he recovered from his illness, her third brother had changed from his previous seriousness and often behaved playfully towards her. Naturally, the little girl was more than willing to grow closer to her third brother. However, the intimate moments they shared made Han Yunniang, who was beginning to understand the ways of the world, feel shy and bashful.
"Since we are here, we shall make ourselves comfortable!" Standing by the gently flowing river, resting his hand on the young girl's shoulder, He Fang gazed at the city across the water, repeating the words once more. The autumn breeze wafted along the river's surface, carrying with it a hint of sweet osmanthus fragrance from an unknown source. His loose blue cloth robe billowed in the wind, yet his slender figure stood firm, unwavering.
What is it, Third Brother? Hurry up and eat, or it will get cold.
Third brother, be careful. Watch your step
According to the customs of the time, a maid is referred to as a "nurturing mother." In the Han family, the young maid not only serves as a nurturing mother but also holds the status of a child bride. It is not necessarily the case that she is the former master of He Fang's body; the initial plan of the Han family parents was that if any of the three Han brothers were unable to find a wife in the future, the young maid would be assigned to him. This is actually a common practice in the rural areas of Guanshi, where there are dozens of families in Xiaolongwan village raising child brides. When the eldest son of the Han family gets married and the second son goes to the army, the young maid was designated for Han Gang, but now it has all benefited He Fang.
He Fang pulled Han Yunniang over, saying, "I am eating while you are watching; this is not enjoyable. It is much sweeter when we eat together." He exerted force with his hands, intending to pull the young girl to sit in his lap.
Strange skies, strange lands, and a strange era... He Fang's mood suddenly became somewhat melancholic, and unexpectedly, he stumbled over a stone beneath his feet, nearly falling. However, a pair of small hands reached out from behind and steadied him.
I am Han Gang I am Han Yukun
Although He Fang longed to be reborn into a wealthy family, the opportunity to live again was already a tremendous fortune, and an extra life should be cherished even more. Moreover, there were family members who cared for him; being too greedy might invite disaster. He Fang had a broad-minded perspective; one could say he was open-minded. Since he had inexplicably arrived in this era and had no way of knowing how to return to the twenty-first century, all he could do now was to ensure a better life for himself and his family here. The first step was to abandon his old self and accept his new identity
"Third brother." A familiar sweet and soft voice came from outside the room, interrupting He Fang's memories. A calm smile immediately appeared on his face, "It must be Yun Niang! You may come in!"
The third brother of the Han family, who has shown a talent for studying since childhood, is highly respected in the small village. When encountered on the road, the villagers would first come forward to inquire about his well-being, allowing He Fang to feel a sense of warmth. He Fang's kind and courteous responses also surprised the villagers, who remarked that the third brother of the Han family was increasingly exhibiting the demeanor of a scholar.
He Fang looked at the vibrant crimson hue, and the sudden blossoming shyness of the young girl left him dazzled and enchanted, lightening his originally heavy mood considerably. Taking the time to tease the gentle and considerate little girl was very beneficial for his mental well-being
Under the light, the beauty presents a unique charm, and during the day, the little girl's delicate cuteness is even more evident. Especially her pair of eyes, dark and bright, when shy, her eyelids droop, and her long eyelashes cover her eyes, resembling a deep pool, while when she is happy, they sparkle, complemented by her innocent smile and pearly white teeth, almost capable of ensnaring one's soul. She is dressed in a somewhat new yet not old coarse cloth skirt, which, while not detracting from her beauty, makes He Fang feel a bit heartbroken.
Her beautiful eyes were fixed on the embroidered shoes on her feet, not daring to look at Han Gang, her voice as soft as a mosquito's hum: "It is still better for you, Third Brother, to eat more so that you can recover soon."
Han Yunniang leaned against the door and retreated into the room, holding a food tray in her hands. On it was a small clay pot, still covered, yet the aroma of lamb and millet porridge had already wafted out.
Han Yunniang herself is aware of the plans of the Han family's parents, yet she now regards her third brother as her own beloved. After He Fang recovered from his illness, his affection towards her made her feel somewhat shy, yet there was also a hint of joy.
So be it... Since we have come, we shall make ourselves comfortable... He Fang could not clearly express whether it was helplessness or resignation. A thousand years have passed? If it is destined this way, even if one is unwilling, what can be done?
Along the way, he continuously greeted familiar neighbors. Although from the surprised expressions of the neighbors, He Fang further realized that the previous Han Gang was indeed not a person who treated others warmly. However, the third son of the Han family had studied abroad for two years, and upon returning, he fell ill, not having had the chance to interact with the villagers. The differences between He Fang and his predecessor can entirely be attributed to the two years of time, which would not cause any confusion.
"I wonder if you have just eaten, why has it been brought again?" He Fang asked.