Chapter 5: Han Xin Buries His Mother

It is necessary to attend to the affairs of Queen Han's funeral

Daoist Xu sighed and said, "The elixir of immortality that you and I have been refining has always ended in failure, and I do not know the reason. It truly discourages one."

After the two individuals walked far away, Han Huaichu Fang emerged from the tall grass, secretly admiring, "What remarkable lightness of foot!"

Suddenly, I heard someone calling from behind: "Brother Xin, it's so late, why aren't you going back? Your mother is sick from worry about you."

Hearing this, Xu Fu carefully observed the surrounding scenery and remarked, "Indeed, indeed, this is truly a land of auspicious fortune!"

As Han Huaichu just reached the doorstep, a woman swung a feather duster at his back, striking him painfully. The woman scolded, "You little brat, you are finally back. Damn it! Sneaking into other people's pants, your mother has been driven to her grave by you."

Lu Sheng on the slope suddenly exclaimed, "Oh! Senior Brother Xu, come and take a look at the terrain here."

Although the mountain is not large, it stretches and undulates, appearing like a sleeping dragon when viewed through the twilight. The mountain is lush and green, with tall trees standing among it. At the foot of the mountain lies the vast Huai River, its swift currents flowing to the base of the hill, winding and swirling like threads or ribbons. At this moment, clouds envelop the sky, and the glow of sunset spills forth. The sleeping dragon on the ground is clearly visible, with the mountain rocks towering as if the dragon's eyes are wide open; the deep ravine is serene, resembling the dragon's mouth gaping in anger; two massive stones stand symmetrically, as if cleaved by a divine axe, resembling a pair of dragon horns. Han Huaichu could not help but secretly praise, "What a wonderful place!" The sleeping dragon on the ground is clearly visible, with the mountain rocks towering as if the dragon's eyes are wide open; the deep ravine is serene, resembling the dragon's mouth gaping in anger; two massive stones stand symmetrically, as if cleaved by a divine axe, resembling a pair of dragon horns. Han Huaichu could not help but secretly praise, "What a wonderful place!"

Time flies, and in the blink of an eye, half a year has passed. Han Huaichu's martial arts have made significant progress, and Mrs. Han is no longer a match for him.

Xu Fu lifted Lu Sheng and called out: "Go rest! Go rest!" He then demonstrated his lightness skill, suddenly soaring into the air above the grass, like a dragonfly skimming the water, and in an instant, he vanished.

Aside from his mother, Han Xin had no other relatives. After the funeral arrangements were completed, Han Huai Chu recalled the martial arts agreement with Madam Han, which had long since passed. He bid farewell to the neighbors, packed his belongings, and set off towards Madam Han's home.

Madam Han's expression softened as she said, "So your mother has passed away, no wonder. Now that you have no more ties, you can practice martial arts diligently here with me. Once you have made some progress, I will write a letter to introduce you to that reclusive master."

Lu Sheng said again: "This dragon vein has not yet been buried; apart from you and my fellow disciples, who else can discern that this is a dragon vein? I wonder which descendants are fortunate enough to have their ancestors buried here." Xu Fu replied: "As for future matters, let us not make baseless speculations, my fellow disciples. Since we cannot uncover any clues, it is better to return." Lu Sheng said: "Very well."

Han Huaichu respectfully said, "The younger generation will certainly accomplish this, but may I ask who that friend is?"

Today, the two have come here solely because of the unusual changes in the stars in the sky, as an unknown comet has entered the realm. They have specifically come to see what is happening.

At that time, Han Huaichu understood nothing about the funeral. Fortunately, neighbors helped by purchasing the coffin, arranging the funeral banquet, hiring musicians, setting up the mourning hall, and taking care of various trivial matters.

With a sudden gasp, Han's mother spat out a mouthful of fresh blood, coughing and gasping uncontrollably. She sighed, "The reputation of the Han family has been completely tarnished by you"

Han Huaichu curiously asked, "Who is that transcendent master?"

Han Huaichu did not recognize who this woman was, thinking she might be a neighbor. He could not explain that it was not himself who had been caught in the act, but rather someone else. He could only say: "Aunt, you are right in your admonition. I wonder how my mother is doing"

The one who has passed away is not Han Huai-chu's biological mother, but since he has taken on the role of Han Xin's substitute, this Han mother is equivalent to his own mother, which inevitably brings a deep sense of sorrow

Thus, Han Huaichu buried Han Xin's mother in that auspicious location.

Funerals require expenses, and the Han family is in dire straits. Han Huaichu intends to study martial arts and military strategy, and will not stay in the Han family for long. Therefore, he decides to sell the house to raise funds for his mother's funeral.

Recalling the phrase "the humiliation of bending down" often discussed in later generations, it carries a positive connotation. With a sudden inspiration, I raised my head and declared with great righteousness: "I am willing to endure the humiliation of bending down, simply because I disdain to compete with those rascals in a display of brute strength. I still wish to use this capable body to create a remarkable career."

Madam Han was born into a prominent family and was proficient in the art of playing the guqin. In her leisure time, she often taught Han Huaichu how to play the guqin. Han Huaichu was a key member of the university's music band and played the guitar exceptionally well. With a natural talent for music, he quickly learned the guqin and developed a remarkable skill.

***

The feng shui treasure site identified by Xu Fu and Lu Sheng was used to bury Han Mu. What kind of fortune will Han Huai Chu have as a result? Will it truly be as they say, possessing the blessings of a general and the honor of a king? Let us examine the following text.

After traveling for more than half a shichen, dusk fell, and a mountain suddenly appeared ahead, resembling a painting. Han Huaichu gazed into the distance and was immediately struck by an overwhelming sense of grandeur.

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At this moment, Han Huai Chu was at a loss whether to laugh or cry, "That Han Xin suffered the humiliation beneath the waist, packed up and ran off to enjoy the glamorous world of the future, yet left this black pot for me to carry! Damn it, why did Han Xin have to do that, of all things, and go poking around in someone else's pants! Since he later had the courage to commit suicide, why didn't he fight that scoundrel back then?"

Seeing Han Xin idling about every day, Han's mother wondered how she had never heard her son speak such grandiose words. It was unlike his usual timid demeanor. At that moment, listening to her son's words felt like hearing celestial music.

Han Huai and Chu Xindao, this must be Han Xin's mother, and now she should be my mother. I hurriedly stepped forward, took hold of Han's mother's hand, and knelt down, saying: "I, your son, have been unfilial, bringing disgrace to the Han family while outside, causing my mother to fall ill with worry. This is truly my fault."

Han Huaichu turned his head and saw a peddler carrying a basket of miscellaneous goods, shouting directly at him

Madam Han said slowly: "She is the wife of the late Prime Minister Zhang Ping of Korea, currently living in seclusion at the Yushan Villa in Xiapi."

It is said that the Ghost Valley of the Yimeng Mountains, where the clear stream conceals the hermit, is the Ghost Valley's hanging strategy.

Mr. Lu looked around and said: "I see that this place faces the clear mouth to the north, with the long and winding Huai River stretching for a thousand miles, gathering the essence of heaven and earth. It is truly a location of dragon veins. If one could be buried here, descendants are sure to be blessed with the fortune of generals and the honor of kings."

Lu Sheng questioned, "Where is the flaw?" Xu Fu replied, "You see that the dragon's horn is directly facing the river mouth, which will surely bring about bloodshed, posing an extraordinary danger, and it is feared that it may lead to a fatal disaster."

Xu Fu, with a pair of hawk-like eyes, surveyed his surroundings. After pondering for a moment, he suddenly said: "Junior Brother Lu, you make a valid point. However, it is a pity that you only know one aspect and not the other. Is there a flaw that you have noticed?"

Indeed, he guessed correctly; the two individuals are the second-generation successors of the Yin-Yang and Five Elements theory—Xu Fu and his junior disciple Lu Sheng. They learned from the founder of the Yin-Yang and Five Elements theory, Zou Yan, and are renowned Taoists in the world. They were summoned by Qin Shi Huang to Xianyang to concoct the elixir of immortality, but have not succeeded thus far

Although the entrance of Han Xin's home is not small, it appears dilapidated from the outside. Han Xin's ancestors were originally nobles, but due to the decline of the family fortune, they could no longer sustain themselves, and the house was unable to be maintained.

When Han's mother heard that her son had gotten into trouble with the pants and the * picture * book, she was initially filled with anger. However, upon seeing her son willing to admit his mistake, her heart had already softened.

Han Huaichu nodded in agreement and walked towards the room. He saw the dim candlelight flickering, and an old woman was slumped on the bed, her face pale and withered, her gaze vacant. Only a pair of bony hands reached out towards Han Huaichu, her voice hoarse as she called out: "Come here quickly, my son"

Han Huai-chu bowed and said: "It is not my intention to break the appointment; it is only because Han Xin's mother has suddenly passed away, and I must delay my return home to handle the funeral arrangements. I ask for your forgiveness, madam."

Han Huai and Chu Shouling observed the mourning period for three days, and the next challenge was the selection of the burial site

The conversation coming from the bushes made Han Huaichu's thoughts race. "Seeking the elixir of immortality for Qin Shi Huang—XU Daoren—LU Daoren, could it be?" He recalled having watched a film titled "Qin Yang," which tells the story of Qin Shi Huang's quest for the elixir. He wondered if these two were the historically renowned alchemists Xu Fu and Lu Sheng.

Lao Ren nodded and said: "This is indeed a sign from heaven. The First Emperor is now wholeheartedly seeking the elixir of immortality. The other day, I observed his complexion, and it seems to be gradually declining. I fear he may not have many years left to live"

Daoist Xu gazed up at the vast sky and sighed, "I see that the guest star shines brilliantly, while the imperial star has suddenly dimmed. Could it be that the celestial phenomena are changing, and the Qin dynasty is in danger?"

The peddler said: "Isn't it because of you, you little rascal, that you actually dared to crawl under the pants of that big bully? You have brought shame upon the Han family. Now everyone knows you have suffered the humiliation of crawling under someone. Your mother was already in poor health, and upon hearing this, she became so agitated that she fell ill."

Han Huaichu also did not know who he was, stammering, "How could my mother have fallen ill?"

***

With a soft creak, Han Huaichu gently pushed open the courtyard door. A woman's voice came from within the room: "Is that you, Xin'er?"

By the hut beside the Huai River, upon seeing Han Huaichu, Madam Han could not help but show a displeased expression and asked, "Young man, why did you break your promise?"

Han Huai Chu hurriedly finished dinner, bid farewell to Madam Han, and walked towards his home in the eastern part of Huaiyin City. He was unaware of the exact location of his home; fortunately, the future Han Xin had mentioned that it was near the largest pharmacy in the city, Baoshantang. Along the way, Han Huai Chu inquired and learned that Baoshantang was right by the river, so he followed the Huai River and walked straight eastward.

Han Huai and Chu Tu www.hetushu.com.com recalled the two Daoists they encountered that night, who had mentioned that there was a dragon vein in this place. They thought, "Why not bury Han's mother there, which would also allow Han Xin, who has departed for the future, to fulfill his filial duty."

Whenever he had free time, Han Huaichu would go to the riverside to fish and hunt in the mountains, and he did not feel he was wasting his time. The fish he caught and the game he hunted, if there was any surplus, he would take to the market to sell. The money earned from selling would be given to Madam Han to improve their living conditions. However, Madam Han said: "I have grown accustomed to being alone and miserable, and there is nothing much I need to buy. I will keep this money for you first, so that when you go to Qingxi to seek a master and learn skills, you will have some funds for the journey."

Han Huaichu took a deep breath, thinking, "So this is what they call a martial arts master. I wonder whether the visitor is good or evil. I hope I don't encounter a villain." He quickly held his breath and concealed himself in the grass.

Lu Daoren also lowered his head and said, "Indeed, last month that furnace of elixirs was ruined again, not knowing how many rare treasures of heaven and earth were wasted, nor how much effort was exhausted."

Having only met Han's mother once, she departed abruptly, leaving Han Huai Chu feeling quite perplexed

The two individuals swiftly approached, landing lightly on a massive rock. The surrounding cicada chirping suddenly vanished, seemingly intimidated by the aura emanating from them, and in an instant, the area fell into a profound silence

Daoist Xu, with a furrowed brow, said: "As the deadline approaches, Emperor Qin is pressing us harder each day. If we, as brothers, cannot produce the elixir, I fear for our lives"

As Han Huai and Chu journeyed along, they inevitably encountered quite a few "acquaintances," who occasionally mocked them.

Master Lu said: "Such phenomena have not been mentioned in the books left by Master Zou Yan."

Daoist Xu nodded and said: "Last night at the hour of the pig, a guest star suddenly emitted a brilliant light in the starry sky, rushing in from afar and landing in the southeastern pasture. I do not know whether it is an omen of misfortune or fortune."

Since he has taken on the name of Han Xin, he is destined to bear this blame. Han Huai and Chu said nothing, turned around, and left

Han Huai and Chu were scolded by Han's mother, bearing the burden of the black pot left by Han Xin, leaving them in a state of both laughter and tears. For a moment, they did not know how to express themselves.

Although Han Huaichu looks exactly like Han Xin, how could a mother in this world fail to recognize her own child? As long as he stays in the Han family, over time, Han's mother will surely see through it

The tall Daoist let out a light laugh and said, "Lu Shidi, your skill with the flying orb has become increasingly refined with practice." The short Daoist feigned humility, saying, "Not at all, this trivial skill is merely a source of amusement for you, Xu Shixiong."

She originally wanted to say: "My son has succeeded." However, overwhelmed with joy, she could not catch her breath and passed away just like that, with a look of contentment still on her face at the time of her death

To survive in the Qin Dynasty, one must inevitably learn the art of meticulous wording in classical Chinese. Madam Han's husband is a renowned expert in law, and she herself possesses a certain literary talent, being well-versed in various classical works. Han Huai Chu thus followed Madam Han to study ancient texts.

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The tall Daoist was clad in a purple Daoist robe, with prominent cheekbones, a figure resembling a crane, and a gleam of brilliance in his eyes. The short Daoist wore a black Daoist robe, with a face marked by protruding flesh, a figure akin to a tiger, and a flicker of cold light in his eyes

The Taoist surnamed Xu shifted the topic and asked, "Is the guest star invading this territory, and is its location here?" The Taoist surnamed Lu replied, "The position where the guest star is stationed should be in the southeastern direction of this Chu region, and it is estimated to be near the Huai River."

Han Huai Chu listened and took Mrs. Han's words to heart. Thus, he devoted himself to learning martial arts under Mrs. Han's guidance

Xu Fu nodded and said, "Junior brother is right. It seems that a great figure will emerge from Huaiyin in Chu. The guest star may very well be closely related to this dragon vein."

This statement was as shocking as a thunderclap, causing Han's mother to gaze with wide, shining eyes

Mr. Lu observed for a moment and nodded, saying: "Although it is said so, the white jade has slight imperfections; this place is still a rare treasure. Being buried here, even if one's descendants are not true dragons with five claws, they will at least be three-clawed dragons."

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A bat suddenly flew by, charging towards the two individuals. The short man did not even glance, flicked his finger, and a small projectile struck the bat on its forehead. The bat let out a mournful cry and immediately fell to the ground, blood flowing three feet, still emitting a sound of lament.

Of course, this guest star is the male protagonist Han Huaichu from the book

***

There is no banquet that does not eventually disperse. On this day, Madam Han took out two letters and said to Han Huaichu: "Here are two letters. One is a recommendation letter; you should take it to seek apprenticeship with Guigu Xuan Ce. The other, I would trouble you to deliver to a friend of mine when you pass through Xiaphi."

As the thoughts arose in his mind, two figures suddenly appeared in the distance. Han Huaichu focused his gaze and saw that the newcomers were two Daoists, both around forty years old, one tall and one short