Han Ji

On the thirtieth day of the twelfth lunar month, the cold air condensed into frost, hanging on the window frames and bare tree branches of every household in Zhuoxian County.

Liu Bei got up early and helped his mother sweep the courtyard again. His mother, her face beaming with busy joy, directed her son to hang the newly written peach wood charms on the door and replace the old reed ropes.

"Now that you're back, this year feels like a proper New Year," Liu's mother murmured as she wiped the earthenware tripod used for ancestral worship.

Around noon, the door was pushed open, and Liu Yuanqi walked in, shivering with cold air, carrying a leg of lamb with alternating layers of fat and lean meat, and a jar of wine.

"Uncle." Liu Bei stepped forward and took the things.

Liu Yuanqi looked his nephew up and down, his face beaming with undisguised satisfaction: "Good, good! You're full of energy and even more composed than when you left home!" He patted Liu Bei on the shoulder, "It's good to be back! Your mother has been talking about you a lot these past four years."

Liu's mother smiled and scolded, "Uncle, come inside and sit down, it's cold outside."

Jian Yong and Qian Zhao arrived one after another. Jian Yong carried a bag of dried fruit bought at the market, while Qian Zhao carried two wild rabbits, saying they had been hunted in the mountains the day before. The small courtyard suddenly became lively and crowded with the arrival of these people.

Liu Deran also arrived, dressed in a respectable cotton robe, looking somewhat reserved. He bowed to Liu's mother and then cupped his hands in greeting to Liu Bei, saying, "It is truly a joyous occasion that Xuande has returned safely."

Liu Bei returned the greeting and said, "Thank you very much, Brother Deran, for taking care of my mother these past two years. Please come inside."

As dusk fell, lanterns were lit in the courtyard, casting a warm yellow glow.

In the center of the main room, the firewood under the pottery cauldron crackled, and the mutton stewing inside simmered, emitting a rich aroma that mingled with the steam from the millet rice, filling the entire room. On the table were a few simple vegetables and the jar of wine that Liu Yuanqi had brought.

Everyone sat around the table. As the elder, Liu's mother first raised her earthenware bowl, which contained cloudy rice wine: "This year, Bei'er returned safely, saying that our ancestors have blessed us. I hope that next year, our family will be safe and that everything will go smoothly."

Everyone raised their bowls. Liu Bei looked at the deep wrinkles at the corners of his mother's eyes and her rough fingers from hard work. A mix of bitterness and warmth welled up in his heart. He tilted his head back and drank the slightly sour wine in the bowl in one gulp.

After the drinks, the atmosphere became lively.

Jian Yong began to display his smooth-talking skills, recounting the latest happenings in Zhuojun City—which official had made a fool of himself, which merchant had caused trouble—all in vivid detail, making Liu Yuanqi stroke his beard and laugh heartily. Qian Zhao was not talkative, but when he heard something amusing, the corners of his mouth would slightly turn up, and he would silently tear apart the roasted rabbit meat and distribute it to everyone.

Liu Bei chatted with his mother and uncle, listening to them recount the changes in their clan and village over the past four years: whose elders had passed away, whose family had welcomed a new bride, which plot of wasteland had been cleared, and which irrigation canal had become silted up. These trivial, everyday events slowly flowed into his ears, filling the void of his four years away from home.

"Xuande has made something of himself now." Liu Yuanqi, his face flushed after drinking several bowls of wine, became more talkative. "You've been recommended as a filial and incorruptible official; you're destined for great things! When you arrive in Luoyang, be careful in your words and actions, and do your job well. Don't let Lord Lu's cultivation down!"

"I will remember your teachings, Uncle," Liu Bei replied respectfully.

"Don't worry too much," Liu Yuanqi said, looking at him. "Deran and I will take care of your mother at home. Just focus on making your way out. If you need money, just ask."

Liu Bei was grateful and raised his bowl again to toast his uncle.

Jian Yong and Qian Zhao joined in, and the three of them clinked bowls together again. Jian Yong winked, "Once Xuande has established himself in Luoyang, maybe Zijing and I will go to Luoyang to join you and see the world!"

Qian Zhao didn't say anything, but simply tapped the rim of Liu Bei's bowl hard.

After a few drinks, everyone took their leave. It was New Year's Eve, and everyone needed to return home to celebrate. They had only come to help Liu Bei's family celebrate.

As night deepened, the charcoal fire grew dimmer. Older Mrs. Liu couldn't stay awake any longer and went back to her room to rest.

Liu Bei was wide awake, sitting on the threshold, looking at the cold moonlight and the unmelted snow in the courtyard.

Scattered cheers drifted from afar, a reminder that the Lunar New Year was approaching.

After having dinner at home, Jian and Yong returned, clearly not having had enough to drink.

"Time flies." Jian Yong hugged his knees, sat next to Liu Bei, and looked at the cold crescent moon on the horizon. "It feels like just yesterday we were making bird nests together, and now you're going to Luoyang to become an official."

Qian Zhao silently handed over a water pouch, but it was filled with strong liquor.

Liu Bei took the wine, gulped it down, and felt the fiery liquid flow straight down his stomach. "Whether I'm an official or not, that's another matter. It's just a different path."

"This road is good," Qian Zhao said in a low voice. "It's better than ours."

"Everyone has their own way of living." Liu Bei looked at them. "You're doing well in Zhuojun. If I were to... I'd still have a way out."

Jian Yong laughed heartily and put his arm around Liu Bei's shoulder: "What are you talking about a way out! Your future is bright! We'll stay in Zhuojun and watch over your hometown for you! We'll be waiting for you to return in glory!"

The three of them stopped talking and drank the strong liquor in the sachet, taking sips one after another, until the moon set in the west.

Staying up late on New Year's Eve is about guarding the passing years and also keeping hope for the future.

The sunlight on the first day of the lunar new year shone through the window paper, dappling my face with a slight warmth.

Liu Bei was awakened by the commotion in the courtyard. He got up, put on his clothes, and went outside. It was Jian Yong and Qian Zhao, who were sweeping the courtyard, their movements somewhat sluggish from a hangover.

"Awake?" Jian Yong looked up, grinning, his eyes dark and swollen. "Auntie made some hangover soup, it's keeping it warm in the pot."

Liu Bei nodded, went to the kitchen, scooped out a bowl of soup, and drank it down. His stomach felt much better afterward.

According to custom, on the first day of the Lunar New Year, families would gather to offer prayers. The mother and son went to the Liu Clan Ancestral Hall together, offered incense to the ancestral tablets, and kowtowed. When the elders of the clan saw Liu Bei, their attitude was much warmer than four years ago. Their words were full of praise and inquiries, asking him about the scenery of Lujiang, about the recent situation of Prefect Lu, and even subtly mentioning his status as a filial and incorruptible official.

Liu Bei responded to each question with humility and politeness, yet remained neither arrogant nor servile, saying what needed to be said and omitting nothing that shouldn't be said.

After leaving the ancestral hall, he visited several close relatives in Zhuoxian town. Along the way, familiar neighbors recognized Liu Bei and greeted him warmly.

"Xuande is back?"

"Good lad! You've got potential!"

"How many barbarians did you kill in Lujiang?"

Liu Bei smiled and returned the greeting with a cupped hand. As for the barbarian's question, he only vaguely replied, "It's all thanks to Lord Lu's skillful command and the soldiers' bravery."

Qian Zhao and Jian Yong stayed by his side, one a silent guard and the other a witty one, shielding him from many overly direct questions.

As he approached the East Market, he encountered a clerk from the prefectural government patrolling the streets with several minor officials. Upon seeing Liu Bei, the clerk stopped abruptly, bowed respectfully, and greeted him with a broad smile: "Lord Liu! Happy New Year! The Prefect was just yesterday mentioning that your return to your hometown brings together many outstanding talents from the prefecture, a truly honorable occasion!"

Liu Bei returned the greeting: "You flatter me, Chief Clerk. I am unworthy of such praise. Please convey my regards to the Prefect."

After exchanging a few more pleasantries, the clerk left with his men.