Chapter 2 Reading is Useful

  Liu Xiu was not quite used to Tang's affection, he gently pushed away Tang's warm hand, but felt a little unbearable. After a moment, he said: "Mother, I really want to read some books, if I don't know how to read, won't I be facing the yellow earth and backing the sky for the rest of my life, being a farmer?"

  Tang's somewhat thick lips moved, his eyes squeezed hard, and he still hesitated to say: "That... didn't you used to say that as soon as you saw a book, your head would hurt, and the pen was heavier than this stone lock? In order to get you to read, your father broke several branches of thorns, but it didn't work, how... how..."

  "That...that was in the past." Liu Xiu also felt a bit embarrassed, his original "self" didn't like reading books that much.

  Tang was still a bit skeptical, turned around and thought for a moment, then said with a sigh: "It's all because of that little scoundrel's sweet talk. Alas, you've grown up to be so big, but you can't even see through his tricks. You don't even listen to your mother's words... it's really..." She stomped her foot in frustration and flung her hand: "You'd better think carefully about this. It's one thing to say such things in front of me, but if you say them in front of your father, not only will you waste a lot of money, but you might even regret it later."

  Liu Xiu remained silent. He could see the affection in Tang's eyes, but he was no longer her son and couldn't just throw himself into her arms like before. His reason for studying wasn't to make a name for himself through books, but rather to use it as an opportunity to leave this place of gossip and trouble. In his memory, the Yellow Turban Rebellion had also affected this area, and Liu Bei had risen to power by killing the Yellow Turbans. Although he now had a good physique, he didn't want to get involved in this great turmoil and lose his life for nothing.

  At noon, "Father" Liu Yuanqi returned in a cow cart. He was dressed very formally today, with creases on the new clothes that had been hidden at the bottom of the trunk, and although he didn't wear a crown, he wrapped a brand-new headscarf around his head, which matched his square face and three short mustaches, giving him a bit of dignity.

  "Do you want to go read a book?" Liu Yuanqi heard this sentence from Liu Xiu and also showed a hint of surprise, his mouth twitching as if he wanted to laugh but couldn't. He looked Liu Xiu up and down, then stretched out his hand to touch Liu Xiu's forehead, before touching his own forehead to confirm that Liu Xiu didn't have a fever. He withdrew his hand behind his back, glanced at Tang Shi who was still visibly angry, and waved his hand: "Go prepare some wine and dishes, I want to drink a couple of cups with Ah Xiu."

  Tang was taken aback, her eyes wide with wonder, as if she had heard something unbelievable. Then a smile spread across her face and with a flick of her sturdy waist, she floated out like a butterfly, her happy voice echoing from the kitchen in the distance.

  Liu Xiu felt a bit downcast, it seemed that in the impression of "mother", "old dad" had never been so affectionate with this "son".

  Liu Yuanqi turned his body and sat down on the main seat, then pointed to the adjacent seat, indicating that Liu Xiou should sit down. Liu Xiou hesitated for a moment, although he felt that kneeling was too tiring, but for safety's sake, he still walked over and sat down neatly, adjusting his clothes, and then placed his hands on his legs, making a gesture of listening attentively.

  Liu Yuanqi kept looking at him, with a rare look of appreciation in his eyes. After a moment, he suddenly asked: "Has Xuande been here?"

  "Uh-huh."

  "It was I who brought him here." Liu Yuanqi said straightforwardly, he paused and continued: "Li Ding invited me to discuss letting him go to school. I know you don't like reading books, but this opportunity is rare. Lu Jun is a great scholar in Zhuo County, even in the whole Han Dynasty, he is a talent, following him to read books, even if the classics are not accomplished, can also broaden one's horizons and know that it's not just about having strength."

  Liu Xiu furrowed his brow, why was there still a sting in these words?

  "I don't know if you really want to go read books or were persuaded by Xuande." Liu Yuanqi glanced at him again and said lightly, "As long as you're willing to go, that's a good thing."

  Liu Xiu remained silent and expressionless, but felt a deep sorrow for his true self that had long been gone.

  "Lu Jun is a man of both literary and military talents. In terms of Confucian classics, he is an inner disciple of Ma Feng's school, with considerable attainments in both modern and ancient texts. As for governance, his achievements as the magistrate of Jiujiang are outstanding, making him a rare talent. If not for his poor health, he would have been reused by the imperial court by now, and there wouldn't be an opportunity for him to return to Zhuo County to teach students. This is a rare good opportunity, don't miss it." Liu Yuanqi said this while looking at Liu Xiu, with some coldness and reproach in his tone, but compared to his previous complete indifference, Liu Xiu could sense some warmth of father-son relationship.

  "Lu Jun is not a pedantic scholar who only knows books. He is knowledgeable about governance and has a clear understanding of the world. You are lucky to have the opportunity to learn from him, which will benefit you greatly in the future."

  Liu Xiulian nodded repeatedly, but in her heart, she was amused. If he knew the real reason why she wanted to go read books, I wonder if he would still be interested in saying these things.

  Tang did a few cold dishes quickly, and happily brought them up. Seeing that Liu Yuanqi's tone was not good, but he didn't get angry, and Liu Xiu lowered his head, also unusually quiet, she felt even more delighted in her heart. She said repeatedly: "Son, today it's rare for your father to be in a good mood, you just keep him company and drink a few cups with him, don't worry, you two eat slowly, wait for mother to go make a few more dishes, then come join you father and son to drink wine." As she spoke, without waiting for Liu Xiu's response, she quickly stepped out, soon bringing over a wine jug and placing it beside Liu Xiu, winking at him to indicate that he should keep his father Liu Yuanqi company and drink with him.

  Liu Xiu nodded, looking at the wine jar that was about as tall as his calf and frowned. Although he knew that the alcohol content of the wine at this time was not high, it was similar to beer at most. However, drinking a whole jar of wine like this would be unbearable, even if it were beer. He also didn't know how much alcohol his strong body could handle now.

  Although he was nervous in his heart, he didn't dare show any fear. He reached out and pulled off the grass rope on the wine jar, removed the seal mud on top, and tore off the oil paper on top. A strong aroma of wine wafted up to his nose.

  He stood up and picked up the wine jar, just about to pour some for Liu Yuan, when he suddenly caught sight of something and was shocked.

  "How can there be wine sediment in this wine? I'm so excited, did you pick the wrong jar?" He stood up and was about to go to the kitchen to exchange it, but Liu Yuanqi called out to him, with a puzzled face: "Where are you going?"

  "I'm going...to change it." Liu Xiu shook the wine jug in his hand, showing him the thick wine sediment inside.