Chapter 1: Awakening from a Dream, Bewildered for a Thousand Autumns

At the corner of the eaves, Dou Yin, dressed in a white robe and exuding an extraordinary presence, stood silently, letting out a gentle sigh. Since he could remember, this child had sat alone there every day, displaying a depth that was different from that of his peers, occasionally tinged with a hint of sadness.

Liu Feng has never believed that his uncle is a minor character. Although he has always presented himself as a free spirit, he is undoubtedly a person of some background. However, he still cannot guess who it is. There is a slight sense of panic in his heart, but there is not a trace of it on Liu Feng's face, which is thanks to the excellent social skills he developed in his previous life.

Sigh, what could such a small child be thinking? Yet, why do they never reveal anything in front of me? Is this really a child? Never mind, as long as he can stay away from troubles and grow up healthy, that is enough. With this thought, Dou Yin lightly shook his head and walked forward

However, it is quite helpless and amusing when this happens to anyone. Waking up from a deep sleep, only to find that I am not myself, returning as a baby, how comical it is

However, on that night, Liu Feng, who was sleeping soundly, was awakened by a gentle touch. Upon opening his eyes, he saw a pale and beautiful face filled with sorrow and reluctance. The visitor was his mother, whom he had only met once since his birth.

In recent years, the southern state of Shu has maintained close ties with the Han Dynasty due to a royal marriage, with frequent visits from descendants of the imperial family and high-ranking officials to the Han capital, Chang'an, for study, learning the systems and theories of the Han. Even the turmoil in Shu two years ago saw the Han Dynasty dispatch troops to assist in quelling the unrest. However, there are rumors suggesting that Princess Wencheng is not favored by the Crown Prince of Shu, and she does not even reside in the imperial city. The common folk can only speculate about the truth of these matters.

Moreover, after Liu Ji ascended to the throne, the marriage of the only Princess Wencheng of the Han Dynasty, who was a full sister of the Crown Prince, to the Crown Prince of Shu infuriated the ministers. The censors gathered in large numbers, kneeling outside the Wu Gate. Some scholars and old Confucians beat their chests and stomped their feet, pleading for admonition with great fervor. However, it was still Zhang Yu, Lu Qi, and five other senior officials who forcibly prevented this tide from surging, citing the highest decree of state assistance that even the emperor of the Han Dynasty had no authority to interfere with.

In the distance, under the eaves, Dou Yin watched the small figure disappear into the snow, nodding in satisfaction. He then wrapped his cotton coat tighter around himself and walked towards the house, muttering to himself, "Time is unforgiving. Back in the day, I could hide for days and nights in even colder snow. Alas, now..." His voice gradually faded into silence.

Over the course of five years, Liu Feng gradually came to understand that the world he inhabited was one that significantly diverged from the history he knew. This was a place characterized by the coexistence of four nations. The prosperous region, also known as the Central Plains, was home to the powerful Liu Dynasty of Han and its rival, the Sun Dynasty of Yu. These two nations were separated by the Lan River, with Jiangxi belonging to the Han and Jiangdong to the Great Yu Dynasty

For the past five years, whenever Liu Feng spoke, he would indirectly inquire about what had happened back then in the innocent and naive tone of a child. However, Dou Yin was unwilling to disclose any information. Nevertheless, Liu Feng gathered some insights from what he had heard; there was a small teahouse in the town that often attracted a gathering of merchants traveling from the south to the north and some down-and-out literati.

As the sun rises in the morning, the air is slightly cold, yet refreshingly clear. People continuously come out to shovel snow, greeting the child who runs every day. All of this makes Liu Feng feel tranquil, beautiful, and fulfilled. Regardless of his own background or who his uncle is, such a life may still be quite good.

Regarding Liu Ji's ascension, there was initially a great uproar in the Han dynasty's political circles. However, the former teacher of the Crown Prince, Grand Tutor and Minister of Works Shi Zhang Yu, along with the future Grand Minister of War Lu Qi and several veteran generals from the Ministry of War, exerted their influence to collectively support Liu Ji as the emperor.

Hearing the faint footsteps behind him, Liu Feng knew that his uncle had gotten up. He quickly stood up and wiped away the drawings he had made in the snow at www.hetushu.com. Rubbing his slightly frozen little face, he revealed a smile, "Uncle is up, come quickly and look at this snow, it's so big!"

He disregarded the wound on his arm and carefully examined Liu Feng, discovering that the child he had saved with his life was unharmed. Only then did he let out a sigh of relief, pinched Liu Feng's cheek, smiled, gently placed him by the bedside, and then slowly began to bandage his own wound.

Alright, Uncle, I will be on my way. Liu Feng began his annual morning exercise, stomping his feet on the crunching snow beneath him

In this life, he is still referred to as Liu Feng, although he does not know why this coincidence occurs; it was his uncle who informed him. However, his uncle then told him in a rare serious tone that this name must not be disclosed to others, and he can only say that his surname is Dou, and his name is Dou Feng

Five years ago, the emperor of the Han Empire passed away, leaving behind three sons and one daughter. The crown prince, Liu Yun, who was supposed to ascend the throne, inexplicably died of a sudden illness. Meanwhile, the second prince, Liu Yin, who was stationed outside and confronting the Dayu Dynasty, went missing during battle when his warship caught fire, with his fate unknown. The throne was inherited by the third son, Liu Ji, who had previously been very low-key and had acted with great restraint.

Beyond the southern Shushan lies the Tuoba Shu Kingdom, primarily inhabited by ethnic minorities. The last kingdom is the Latila Empire, established by the prominent Xiongnu leader Muer among the nomadic tribes of the vast grasslands beyond the Great Yu Kingdom.

Just as Liu Feng was feeling a bit uncertain, Dou Yin stretched lazily again, wrapped himself in his cotton coat, glanced sideways, and said leisurely, "It's snowing. Does that mean we don't have to run? Hurry up and run five laps around the town for me, and don't try to slack off."

Because this place is beyond the control of Han Yu, the discourse here is relatively free. Whenever Liu Feng has time, he sneaks over to observe those who passionately discuss the major affairs of the world. Although many of the grand discussions are characterized by a self-important attitude of "who else but me can handle this," at least those significant events still possess a degree of authenticity

The Xiongnu on the northern grasslands, under the leadership of Chanyu Mu Le, grew increasingly powerful. It must be said that Mu Le was also a remarkable figure. The nomadic tribes excelled in horsemanship and once harassed the borders of the Han Dynasty, thwarting multiple military campaigns against them. Later, for reasons unknown, they took the initiative to seek peace with the Han Dynasty, forming an alliance that allowed for mutual exchanges between the two nations. Those with foresight could not help but admire Mu Le's decision, which was a lasting contribution to the establishment of the Lati La Empire.

The snow beneath the steps has already covered the ground, and Liu Feng gazes at the four countries drawn in the snow. The protagonists of the online novels he used to read were all remarkable individuals. Alas, if he hadn't experienced that incident, perhaps he would now be a young master, indulging in a life of luxury. What can he do now? Is he destined to grow old and die in this small town?

"Damn, what's going on? I just got born and I don't want to be done for yet." However, being just a baby, he could only make a few cooing sounds. The man in black, holding him, lowered his head at the sound, and Liu Feng slowly felt a sense of security from his gentle gaze

However, Dou Yin stretched lazily, his eyes fixed directly on the chaotic drawings he had just made in the snow, "Oh no, could it be that my uncle has discovered something?"

Liu Feng has always felt that he was born within the borders of the Han Dynasty, having spent several days in what could be called home. Based on his observations and understanding over the past few years, that family could be considered quite affluent and noble. Therefore, Liu Feng took special care to pay attention to events that occurred during the Han Dynasty, particularly in the year of his birth

The heavy snow that fell throughout the night adorned this ancient and quaint little town, rendering it even more tranquil and flower-like. As dawn broke, the slightly white-bellied clouds began to appear. In a somewhat dilapidated courtyard, a frail figure sat on the steps of a mottled eave, watching the goose-feather snowflakes descend onto the green stone ground of the courtyard. Instead of a joyful expression that one would expect upon seeing the snowflakes, the small face bore a look of desolation.

After a while, I came to my senses and let out a rare, mature sigh, "Once again, it is winter, and the snow is falling. Alas, in the blink of an eye, I, Liu Feng, have been here for five years." Although the voice was youthful, it carried an indescribable sense of weariness and helplessness.

"It is getting late, let me take the child away. Remember to live well, and in the future, you and your son will have the chance to meet again," said a person dressed in night attire in a low voice.

Although this eccentric uncle often left Liu Feng at home to practice calligraphy or study some basic self-defense techniques, he would simply shake his sleeves and hum a tune, enjoying himself alone. However, Liu Feng had also become quite familiar in the teahouse, as his current appearance resembled that of a finely carved young boy. Under the guise of innocent childlike chatter, Liu Feng quickly managed to blend into the large crowd discussing gossip, passing the time while also gaining a slight understanding of the various situations in the world.

Although Liu Ji of the Han Dynasty faced much criticism upon ascending the throne, this previously low-profile emperor indeed possesses a certain degree of talent. Over the past five years, the strength of the Han Dynasty has been steadily rising, showing signs of gradual expansion. Meanwhile, the ruler of Dayu has been growing increasingly old, with no sons, and three years ago he had a daughter. The other members of the royal family are also quite dissolute, and their talents have been gradually diminishing.

A gust of wind howled past his ears, followed by bright lights behind him and the sound of shouts. What was happening? Liu Feng, with his mother's tears still on his face, felt a bit dazed. Was this the scheming of a large family as depicted in novels? However, Liu Feng had no time to ponder these thoughts at that moment, as behind him were groups of pursuers in black, wielding gleaming knives.

Time travel? Liu Feng felt a bit confused; how could he encounter such a thing himself? After spending quite some time grappling with his feelings, he finally accepted this reality. The room he was born into was quite impressive, and after listening to the news for a few days, Liu Feng felt that his current situation was quite good. Now he could live a carefree life like the protagonists in those online novels, without worrying about anything.

Later, the two settled in this small town. Liu Feng acquired a piece of white transparent jade containing a red five-clawed dragon, and the handsome man who saved him became his uncle. For a long time, Liu Feng did not know his name, but the townspeople referred to him as Dou Yin, although Liu Feng knew that this was not his real name

Therefore, even though one can confront the Han Dynasty at present, those with foresight understand that the Dayu Dynasty lacks successors and is deficient in capable individuals of the next generation. Currently, the advantage of possessing Dayu soldiers lies in their ability to fight in water, as they are skilled in river combat. However, in recent years, Emperor Liu Ji of the Han has vigorously developed shipbuilding and naval forces, which is gradually diminishing this advantage.

The town where Liu Feng resides is located at the border of Han and Yu, a place that was once prosperous. However, due to the increasing friction between the two nations of Han and Yu, the situation became tense, leading to the suspension of trade between the two countries, and as a result, the town gradually fell into decline

In recent years, although the four nations have had their disputes, they have mostly been minor frictions, making the changes in the royal succession even more captivating. This left Liu Feng with a helpless sigh, realizing that gossip is a classic topic of entertainment for the public, whether at tea time or during meals.

It was precisely in this manner that, on that night, Liu Feng was unaware of how many people he had repelled. In the end, the two safely arrived at the small town where they now reside. Beneath the black mask was the face of a handsome man, particularly his eyes, which appeared gentle yet captivating

As if not hearing the anxiousness of those around, she gently wrapped Liu Feng in her arms, tears in her eyes, holding him for a long time. Finally, she turned her head and handed him over to the man in black

However, upon arriving in this world, there is nothing at all. What could possibly compare to the gossip and wild tales that are fervently exchanged in that dilapidated teahouse? Isn't it true that my uncle spends all his time there just for leisure?