Chapter 2: Life in the Town

Suddenly exposed, this little girl is becoming increasingly clever, not at all like a five-year-old child. Liu Feng awkwardly walked out from behind the pillar

"Then I will go and heat up breakfast for the young master," Wu Ma originally intended to assist Liu Feng with his bath, as she still viewed him as a child. However, Liu Feng's soul was not that of a child. Although she was called Wu Ma, her age had not yet reached thirty, and it was quite normal in later years for someone to remain unmarried. Therefore, Liu Feng decisively refused.

The book in hand is "Jing Lu," which is quite similar to the classical Chinese literature of later generations. Both the Han Dynasty and the Eastern Yu held the scholarly tradition of valuing cultivation and reason in high regard, and most of the texts studied were authored by this scholarly tradition. Compared to other schools of thought, this scholarly tradition emerged relatively late, and it is said to have been founded by an unsuccessful scholar during the Warring States period, with little development over the following centuries.

Sitting down at the table, I took the porridge that Wu Ma had served. "Yue'er, come sit down and eat together first. Wu Ma, please go get a towel for the young master. Once he has finished washing up, bring him over for the meal."

"It's nothing, Aunt Wu, I have already gotten used to it," Liu Feng initially felt a bit embarrassed and restrained by Aunt Wu's concern. However, as he sensed her care for him, he gradually adapted over time

As soon as the "1" had just ended, a small figure emerged from the distant path. Dou Yin revealed a charming smile at the corner of his mouth and then turned to walk into the house

By the dining table, Wu Ma and her five-year-old daughter Wu Yue'er stood there. Little Yue'er had quite a delicate face, and it seemed she was a beauty in the making. It would be nice for her to become a wife for Feng'er in the future, allowing him to live a stable life. It appears that my decision to take them in was indeed very beneficial, and Dou Yin couldn't help but admire himself once again.

Although Liu Feng did not think much of it, as he had lived two lives and considered it merely a playful act towards the child, it was different in Xiao Yue'er’s heart. Each time, her little face would flush, she would pout and say, "I won't play with you anymore," stomping her feet in anger and walking away.

At the entrance of the courtyard, Aunt Wu, holding a towel, quickly approached the familiar small figure, saying, "Young Master, you are back! You didn't slip in this heavy snow, did you?" While helping Liu Feng wipe off his sweat, Aunt Wu also brushed the snowflakes off his clothes, her face filled with concern as she asked.

The young girl set down her work, pushed open the door, and softly called out to the empty outside, "Young Master, have you finished reading? Are you here to tease Xiao Yue again"

Upon entering the room, I saw that Xiaoyuer was working on an embroidery on the table, which appeared to be a design of the proud snow and cold plum blossoms, though it was not yet finished. "Xiaoyuer's embroidery is becoming more and more beautiful," Liu Feng said, turning his head and pinching her little face. "You are also becoming more and more charming. I wonder who will be fortunate enough in the future to marry our little Xiaoyuer."

No one knows the reasons behind the actions of the founding emperor of the Western Han Dynasty, but the fact is that it transformed Xue Zong from a mere chicken into a phoenix, ushering in a great opportunity for prosperity in the world. However, Liu Feng could vaguely guess the underlying reasons; Xue Zong's principles, such as "Heaven, Earth, Sovereign, Parent, Teacher," "Three Cardinal Guides and Five Constant Virtues," and "A gentleman's friendship is based on virtue," greatly contributed to the stability and development of the Western Han Dynasty

Under the eaves, a chair, holding a book in hand, basking in the warm rising sun, inhaling the unique freshness of winter amidst the heavy snow. Liu Feng felt as if he had returned to his previous life, where in his leisure time, he and the books would experience such a sense of ease and comfort, far removed from the clamor and mundanity of the world

However, there is only this one small child at home. Although Liu Feng appears to be of a similar age on the outside, deep down he feels like an older brother. Liu Feng does not have a particular interest in nurturing a loli, but teasing a small child is still a delightful activity, especially when the child is quite delicate in appearance. Therefore, Liu Feng enjoys teasing Xiao Yue'er whenever he has the chance.

Putting down the book in hand and stretching, I immediately feel much more comfortable. At this moment, Mother Wu should have gone to buy groceries, leaving just myself and little Yue'er at home.

Meals can be taken at the same table, and the servants do not need to kneel for long periods. Even terms like 'slave' are not allowed; everyone refers to themselves using my name. This is hardly how a master treats their servants. The master and the young master are truly good people, but why do they make the young master run around the town every day

Little Yue'er, you are becoming increasingly clever, but why are you calling me young master again? I have told you so many times, if you do this again, I won't bring you any sweets next time

"Yes, sir," after Wu Ma served a bowl for her daughter, she went to the courtyard entrance to welcome Liu Feng, who was returning from his morning exercise.

The master and Xiao Yue have already eaten and specifically instructed me to welcome the young master. After the young master has bathed and refreshed himself, he may proceed to dine

After all, she has raised me in this lifetime, so Wu Ma can be considered half a mother to me. Smiling as he tidied up his somewhat disheveled hair, Liu Feng casually asked, "Has Uncle and Yue Er had their meal?"

Thinking of Xiaoyuer, Liu Feng finds it somewhat amusing that a mere five-year-old child is learning to do women's work at home. Although this world is similar to the feudal era of his previous life, where girls as young as thirteen or fourteen could discuss marriage and seek suitors, it is still difficult for Liu Feng, who was born under the red flag in his past life, to comprehend why such a young child is already engaged in needlework.

After taking a sip of the tea that was brought in, Liu Feng looked at the eagerly anticipating Xiao Yue'er and pretended to clear his throat, "Speaking of which, last time we talked about Wei Xiaobao disguising himself as a eunuch to sneak into the palace..." The small room was still warmed by the fire, and suddenly, the cheerful laughter of a girl could be heard, and life was just this leisurely and carefree.

I need to go see if Wu Ma has finished preparing breakfast. I still remember when I first arrived in the small town, living in obscurity, and how much I struggled to take care of the little one. At that time, Dou Yin would rather go into battle himself, risking his life among thousands, than face an infant who made him feel so helpless.

It is good for the young master to read and write, as educated individuals can accomplish great things. However, why is it that every day, regardless of the weather, the young master is made to run around the town? This is something that Wu Ma finds somewhat perplexing, especially since Liu Feng was raised on her milk. Seeing his frail body running until he sweats profusely, with his small face turning pale, makes Wu Ma feel quite distressed.

Wu Ma is quite fond of this kind of life now. The village has been affected by war and chaos, her husband is missing, and her eight-year-old son is lost. Fortunately, they have been taken in by the master, who takes good care of her and her daughter.

However, the emperors of the Western Han Dynasty began to relax their policies towards academic schools, vigorously encouraging the establishment of new schools and doctrines. They also eased the qualifications for entering officialdom from these academic schools. More importantly, they appointed many officials in the court, placing the academic schools on an equal footing with the older schools such as Confucianism, Militarism, Legalism, and Mohism.

These years have been difficult for him, such a charming and dashing man has remained cooped up in a small town. Although there have been introductions of young ladies to him, Dou Yin has turned them all down. Liu Feng knows that this is all for him, because of what happened back then, they cannot truly live a stable life. Although there is a sense of regret, what can a child of only a few years express?

Xiaoyue's face flushed, and she replied softly, "I understand, brother, please come in quickly; it's quite cold outside"

Last time, after finishing "Journey to the West," I whimsically started the beginning of "The Deer and the Cauldron." Usually, Xiaoyuer does not dare to disturb Liu Feng, but taking advantage of his free time, she eagerly requested him to continue the story.

In the years to come, all the emperors of the Western Han Dynasty supported the development of academic schools, and the prestige of these schools grew increasingly larger, to the point where they now vaguely surpass other schools, showing signs of becoming the leaders.

As the morning sun painted the horizon red, the snow gradually came to a halt. Dou Yin, yawning and stretching, slowly walked outside. He looked at the path of blue bricks covered in pristine white snow and leisurely extended his finger, "5, 4, 3, 2, 1"

On the small table in the living room, a simple yet abundant breakfast has been prepared, specially designed by Dou Yin to promote Liu Feng's physical development

It was fortunate that I made a wise decision to take in a woman among the refugees fleeing from the chaos, who had just lost her husband in the war and was accompanied by her half-grown daughter. This way, not only did I gain a wet nurse, but also an industrious maid, which is quite a bargain. It seems that my intellect is not only exceptional in warfare but also in other matters.

After reading for a while, Liu Feng felt a bit dizzy. Even though there were many principles that his past self had learned, he had read the translated versions and watched the lectures on various topics. Perhaps Liu Feng's understanding was even more profound and insightful than those so-called sages mentioned in the texts. However, the extensive use of classical Chinese made it quite challenging for Liu Feng, who had been educated in vernacular Chinese and Mandarin since childhood.

However, Aunt Wu was quite stubborn and was unwilling to let Liu Feng have breakfast alone. Therefore, while Liu Feng was taking a shower, she warmed up the breakfast to wait for him to eat together. As a result, the breakfast at home became a two-part affair, with Dou Yin and Xiao Yue'er eating together, while Aunt Wu and Liu Feng had their meal together.

Liu Feng took advantage of the pretext of listening to a storyteller in a teahouse to narrate the classic masterpieces of his past life in segments to Xiao Yue'er, captivating the girl with the timeless novels of yore. After all, these works embody the essence of ancient Chinese wisdom, which has been passed down for centuries and continues to engage the Chinese people in relentless study and entertainment. This allowed the little girl, who often felt bored at home with little entertainment, to become utterly enchanted.

After finishing breakfast, the heavy snow had mostly stopped. Dou Yin, as usual, had Liu Feng read while he leisurely hummed a tune and walked outside. Liu Feng knew he was definitely off to the teahouse for some leisure time.

In the east wing, a small stove was burning, and a little girl named Xiaoyue was carefully embroidering something, her delicate face showing great attention to detail. Suddenly, with a loud "pop," Xiaoyue was startled and looked up, only to find a piece of candy she liked had appeared on the table.

"Aunt Wu definitely hasn't eaten, so you should go first. I'll go by myself in a moment," he said, taking the towel from Aunt Wu's hand and walking towards the room.

Xiao Yue'er looked at Liu Feng with great anticipation. The two children often played together. Sometimes, in order to cheer Xiao Yue'er up, Liu Feng would tell her some stories. Since Xiao Yue'er, being a girl, did not go out often, and Dou Yin and Wu Ma did not pay attention to the conversations between the two children.

However, the next moment, she would definitely come in with a cup of tea, which is also a scene that Liu Feng enjoys seeing, so pure and innocent. "By the way, brother, do you have time to tell the story you mentioned last time today?"