About Cao Cao's reincarnation as the emperor's uncle

Chapter 48 A Youth Has His Own Youthful Spirit

The twilight was like a light ink wash.

When the crowd saw Liu Fang, they were about to bow, but Liu Fang waved his hand:
"Don't worry about him."

After saying that, he turned around and saw Xu Feng's appearance, and couldn't help but grin, then turned his head back.

Seeing that Liu Fang ignored him, Xu Feng puffed out his cheeks and muttered to himself from behind:
"Two...two...four...pull one..."

Jian Shuo approached unnoticed and asked in a low voice:
What does "拔个" mean?

Xu Feng raised his eyebrows, looking for someone to vent his anger on, and charged toward Jian Shuo with his sword.

The two chased and dodged into the arena, joining the melee.

Liu Fang couldn't help but chuckle at the sight, then flicked his sleeves and sat down in front of the stone table.

He turned and called over Zuo Feng, who was peeking in with his neck hunched over. Upon seeing this, Zuo Feng hurriedly ran over.

After whispering a few instructions, Zuo Feng dashed off and returned shortly afterward carrying a seven-stringed zither.

Liu Fang's fingertips traced the surface of the zither, as if connecting with a thousand years of history...

Ancient books record that Fuxi made the qin (a seven-stringed zither) to communicate with the gods, and Shennong made the qin to harmonize yin and yang.

Emperor Shun set five strings to represent the five elements; King Wen added one string to harmonize the relationship between the ruler and his ministers; and King Wu added another string when he attacked King Zhou of Shang to express the will of the people.

Thus, the seven strings formed a harmonious melody, its sound broad and deep, with lingering notes like silk threads circling around a beam, and was praised as the "sound of antiquity" or the "sound of heaven and earth".

The saying goes, "In the dwelling of a virtuous man, there must be a zither and a lute." Sima Qian further stated, "When the sound of the zither is harmonious, the world is at peace."

Even if it was just to appear cultured, scholars would still have some knowledge of it, even if they weren't experts.

As for Liu Fang, in his previous life, he was often described as "fond of music, with entertainers by his side, often from morning till night."

The singers were musicians, and the performers were entertainers.

However, the focus is not on the performances, but on the quality of the music.

Some even praised him as "comparable to Huan Tan and Cai Yong," meaning that he was of comparable ability.

It doesn't matter if you don't know Huan Tan, but Cai Yong's qin skills are beyond question, right?

Anyway, Liu Fang didn't think that the person who said that in his previous life was deliberately flattering him.

……

In a flash, his fingertips danced across the strings, and melodious music rose from the strings.

Most of the people present were captivated by it, and cheers rose and fell.

Xu Shao frowned slightly, a strange glint flashing in his eyes, which Feng Xu happened to notice.

Feng Xu secretly pinched Xu Shao hard, and Xu Shao's expression returned to normal.

Fortunately, Liu Fang was immersed in the music...

His gaze shifted between the strings and the crowd, unaware of the minor incident.

……

Back to the scene of swords flashing and shadows falling on the battlefield.

Qiao Lan stood in the central courtyard holding the command flag, showing no favoritism despite being Qiao Zhu's older sister.

The command flags fluttered like a startled swan skimming the water, and both sides advanced and retreated with measured steps, exchanging moves and techniques.

As Xu Feng joined the battle with his sword, Qiao Zhu's side suddenly formed an encirclement.

The sharp blades, reflecting the moonlight, slashed down, causing the formation of the young warriors to sway slightly.

Jian Shuo, with his strong physique and the support of Gao Lan on either side, managed to barely restrain Xu Feng.

Xun Yu and Qiao Zhu, wielding their swords together, were evenly matched with Shi A.

Although Liu Dai was slightly inferior to Yan Liang, he skillfully maneuvered, and sparks flew when the sword blade struck the broadsword.

Liu Yao and Wen Chou fought fiercely, their spears clashing with a sound like dragons roaring, giving the impression of two evenly matched opponents.

Does that sound a bit fantastical?

That's not actually the case...

The Zhou Dynasty established the Six Arts for a Gentleman: rites, music, archery, charioteering, calligraphy, and mathematics.

Archery and horsemanship were essential skills for scholars.

And the Han Dynasty...

Emperor Taizu established the country through military force.

There was Huo Qubing, who "sealed the wolf and lived in the Xiongnu."

When Wei Qing led an expedition to the northern desert, "the Xiongnu fled far away, and there was no royal court south of the desert."

Chen Tang executed the Xiongnu chieftain, declaring, "Those who openly offend the mighty Han, though far away, shall be punished."

Emperor Shizu revived the dynasty through military force.

Dou Bodu inscribed a stone on Yanran Mountain.

Ma Yuanping pacified Lingnan and "erected bronze pillars to mark the border of the Han dynasty."

Ban Chao conquered the Western Regions, embodying the principle of "nothing ventured, nothing gained."

People regard him as a role model, and to this day, the martial spirit of the Han Dynasty has continued for nearly four hundred years. Take, for example, the famous partisan leaders Li Ying and Chen Fan during the Second Partisan Prohibition.

Which of these so-called upright scholars is a weak and incompetent pedant?
Li Ying, a descendant of the Li clan of Yingchuan, was a candidate for the civil service examination and was recommended for his filial piety and integrity.

His thesis ranked first among the "Eight Outstanding Scholars" and he was hailed as a "model for the world".

In terms of martial prowess, he "led the charge and engaged the enemy cavalry in battle."

He successively served as Protector of the Wuhuan and General Who Crosses the Liao River, repeatedly defeating the Wuhuan and Xianbei, and his fame spread far and wide.

Chen Fan, a member of the Chen clan of Runan, held one of the Three Dukes positions and was recommended for his filial piety and integrity.

He was known as one of the "Three Gentlemen" along with General Dou Wu and Tiger General Liu Shu.

At nearly eighty years old, he once led over eighty students and officials, wielding a sword, and stormed into the palace.

In this era, swordsmanship and martial arts were both inherited and symbols of a scholar's status.

Meanwhile, the control of weapons among civilians was lax, and martial arts activities such as wrestling and animal fighting were popular.

Which valiant young man hasn't dreamed of riding across the rivers and lakes in his youth?

Everyone wanted to be a so-called "chivalrous knight-errant".

Looking at the crowd again...

Shi A, Yan Liang, Wen Chou, and Gao Lan need no further explanation.

Liu Dai.

In his past life, he dared to personally lead a lone army, charging into the midst of over 100,000 Yellow Turban rebels in Qingzhou... Though he died, his courage remained.

Liu Yao.

In his previous life, at the age of nineteen, he single-handedly stormed a bandit camp, rescued his kidnapped uncle, and escaped unscathed.

Xun Yu.

His grandfather, Xun Shu, was revered as a "divine ruler," and even Li Ying treated him with the respect due to a disciple. Some people who saw him called him "the true man traveling east."

His father, Xun Kun, and his seven brothers were collectively known as the "Eight Dragons of the Xun Clan".

Indeed, the Xun family of Yingchuan passed down their knowledge of Confucian classics, and these titles mainly originated from "virtue and learning".

However, in this world where bandits roam freely, people are living in misery, and people die violently in the streets at the drop of a hat...

Those who dare to travel far and wide and eventually make a name for themselves are all tough guys.

Not to mention the prestigious titles such as "Divine Lord," "True Man Traveling East," and "Eight Dragons of the Xun Clan."

Especially Xun Shu.

Back then, Xun Shu would provoke General Dou Wu every few days, and each time he offended him, he would leisurely resign and return to his hometown.

Based on Liu Fang's understanding of Dou Wu, who had secretly persecuted so many contemporary celebrities, Xun Shu wouldn't be an exception.

Not to mention how infuriating Xun Shu was, yet he was allowed to live out his days in peace... truly worthy of the title "Divine Lord".

Behind the so-called "true man's journey to the east" reputation, there is probably a hint of composure amidst the clash of swords.

Just like Confucius traveled around the states with his three thousand disciples.

"To reason effectively, you need someone to listen..."

"If we can't reason with them, I also have some martial arts skills."

Therefore, Xun Yu also had some inheritance of "family learning".

Bridge Bamboo.

Although still young, he has inherited the spirit of a military family.

When Qiao Xuan led the expedition to quell the rebellion, he was jointly recommended by the four prefectures to be the commander-in-chief, and was given the yellow battle-axe.

The Four Offices are the three highest officials: the Grand Commandant, the Minister of Works, and the Minister of Agriculture, as well as the Grand General.

The yellow axe was reserved for the emperor's exclusive use, or bestowed upon a high-ranking official in charge of military campaigns, signifying "as if the emperor were personally present."

Qiao Xuan first defeated the Xianbei, then the Xiongnu, and then the Goguryeo. During his tenure, the border was peaceful and undisturbed.

Despite his advanced age, Qiao Xuan was once a high-ranking official, a renowned scholar, a member of the "pure stream" (a group of upright officials), and a great Confucian scholar.

In his prime, he was a true "tiger general".

When Qiao Zhu was robbed that day, his elder brother Qiao Yu was still practicing swordsmanship in the courtyard.

Under the influence of such family traditions, even a young man will have a strong backbone.

……

At this moment, the sound of metal clanging against metal filled the arena.

Although no one went all out, they all displayed the skills they had honed since childhood.

Some rely on family tradition or innate talent.

In the future, things may be worlds apart.

However, right now, the green swords reflecting the moon are all imbued with youthful spirit.

Who is afraid of who?

(End of this chapter)