The imperial cause at the end of the Han Dynasty was not one of partial peace.

Chapter 71 Guan Yu's wife, Cai Yan, and Zhuge Liang gather together

Liu Bei and Zhen Jiang looked at each other and smiled, their eyes filled with surprise and delight.

Zhen Jiang smiled gently and said, "My second uncle is a valiant minister of our time, renowned for his loyalty and righteousness. If he has a favorite lady, I will personally visit him to propose marriage and help him to make this a happy union."

Liu Bei, quite gossipy, asked, "Whose daughter is she? You know my second brother is proud and arrogant; ordinary women rarely catch his eye. This woman must be an extraordinary person!"

But Liu Bei was not Cao Cao! He and his second brother were like brothers, and he would never steal his second brother's woman.

Historically, Guan Yu accompanied Cao Cao in his campaign against Lü Bu at Xiapi. Guan Yu asked Cao Cao for permission to marry Lady Du, the wife of Qin Yilu, after the city was captured. Cao Cao granted his request.

As the city was about to fall, Guan Yu repeatedly pleaded with Cao Cao for help.

Cao Cao suspected that Lady Du was exceptionally beautiful, so he sent someone to meet her first. Upon seeing her, he was aroused by her beauty and decided to keep her for himself.

With such a narrow mind, it's no wonder Cao Cao couldn't unify the world.

What beauty could compare to the loyalty of a valiant general of our time?

But when his elder brother asked, Zhang Fei scratched his head, his leopard-like eyes full of confusion, and said, "Sister-in-law, you should ask Second Brother yourself. Second Brother has always been secretive and refuses to introduce you. But he always leaves the camp alone during his days off, without even taking Zhou Cang with him."

"I bumped into him returning to camp yesterday and casually asked him a question. It was unusual for Second Brother to stammer. His face was even greener than his green robe. He glared at me, said nothing, and went back to his tent."

Liu Bei was also surprised and said, "My second brother is a divine general who can take the head of a general from among ten thousand soldiers as easily as taking something out of a bag, how could he be so shy?"

This reminded him of the shy boys in his school days in his past life, who were also so secretive and secretive.

That shouldn't be the case. His second brother is the type who would directly ask for a married woman if he took a fancy to her. He's a scholar who's read the Spring and Autumn Annals; what hasn't he seen? Why is he so shy?

Zhen Jiang also covered her mouth and chuckled, "Second Uncle's appearance when he is just beginning to experience love is completely different from my husband's back in Wuji."

Liu Bei laughed and said, "Let's go! We'll go watch the Nuo opera together. It'll also be a good opportunity to ask my second brother who he likes. In these peaceful years, let's arrange the marriages for my second brother, third brother, and Zilong all at once."

The theater in Fenggao City was located within the courtyard of the prefectural government.

In this day and age, the Nuo opera at the end of the year is a grand festival celebration.

The saying goes: "One day before the winter solstice, a grand exorcism is performed, which is called expelling plague."

Especially this year, with the global pandemic, this Nuo opera is related to expelling the disease and is something that cannot be reduced.

From the emperor's palace to local governors and prime ministers, everyone attached great importance to this matter.

At this moment, during the county government ceremony, dozens of young men wearing wooden masks, dressed as Fang Xiangshi or the twelve beasts, held torches and jumped and shouted around a blazing bonfire in the center of the field, their movements rough and full of primitive power.

The drums thundered and the cymbals clanged. The Nuo opera dancers twirled and leaped to the beat of the drums. Their masks, coated with cinnabar and charcoal, looked particularly ferocious and terrifying in the firelight, as if they truly possessed the power to exorcise evil spirits.

The crowd packed the area to capacity, and children rode on their fathers' shoulders, staring wide-eyed at the menacing masks, both frightened and excited.

The elderly people stood in the front row, leaning on their canes, chanting incantations and devoutly bowing to Fang Xiangshi in prayer.

There were also several shamans in the field, holding peach wood swords and chanting ancient Nuo songs. Their voices were desolate and melodious, truly reminiscent of ancient times.

According to Han dynasty custom, after the Nuo opera, a sacrificial dog and sheep were buried outside the city gate to send away the cold air and drive away evil spirits.

Several sheep tied with red ribbons were already prepared on the sidelines, waiting to be sent to the four gates after the ceremony.

Liu Bei and Zhen Jiang stood side by side on the steps under the eaves of the prefectural government office, looking down at the grand Nuo opera.

The firelight illuminated his face, revealing a rare, relaxed smile.

Guan Yu, Zhang Fei, and Zhao Yun stood on either side, while Cai Yong, along with Cai Wan and Cai Dan, stood to one side. Tian Feng and Ju Shou, unusually, also took a break from their desks and stood in the crowd, stroking their beards and laughing.

Even Zhuge Gui brought his two-year-old son, Zhuge Liang, to watch the spectacle—the little guy was so frightened by the masked dancers that he kept hiding in his father's arms, which made everyone laugh.

Zhang Fei was itching to join in the dance, but Guan Yu held his shoulder down each time.

Princess Feifei was unwilling to give up, but suddenly an idea came to her mind. She began to plead with her elder brother for help: "Brother, I was a famous Nuo dancer in Zhuojun. Let me go up and show off my skills too, brother—"

Liu Bei smiled and waved his hand, saying, "Go if you want to. It's rare to have such peaceful times."

Zhang Fei was overjoyed to receive his elder brother's approval. He lifted his brocade robe and strode forward.

Liu Bei watched his third brother's heroic figure, then turned to look at Zhen Jiang beside him. The beauty was by his side, her skin as white as snow, looking up at him with tenderness in her eyes.

At this moment, the beautiful scenery and perfect weather become a tangible reality!

His second brother, unusually, set aside his pride and arrogance, stroking his beard and appearing rather easygoing.

Zhang Fei had squeezed next to Fang Xiangshi, dancing and gesturing to the drumbeats, drawing cheers from the onlookers.

Zhao Yun stood behind him, sword in hand, casually conversing with Xiahou Lan beside him.

Tian Feng and Ju Shou stood side by side. These two resolute and taciturn strategists were also relaxed for once. They stroked their beards and looked at the lively scene in the arena with their eyes full of satisfaction.

Cai Yong stood below the steps with his two daughters. Cai Dan tiptoed and peered into the arena, while Cai Wan stood quietly beside her father. Her gaze occasionally swept towards Liu Bei's direction, then she quickly looked away guiltily, her heart pounding like a deer.

The most delightful sight was Zhuge Liang, the future Prime Minister of the Han Dynasty, being held in the arms of his father, Zhuge Gui, as he stood among the crowd.

The little guy was biting his finger, drool dripping down his fingers, but his dark eyes were wide open, staring unblinkingly at the dancing masks and the roaring bonfire in the arena.

That night, the city was decorated with colorful banners and filled with laughter and joy.

There were no signs of war, only the sounds of firecrackers, laughter, and Nuo songs filling the city, and the laughter and conversations of the closest people illuminated by bonfires.

This was a rare moment of peace and tranquility amidst the chaos of the late Han Dynasty.

As the Nuo opera drew to a close, Zhen Jiang led Cai Wan, Cai Dan, Zhuge Jin, and Zhuge Liang to light firecrackers, intending to continue the festivities in the courtyard for a while longer.

Liu Bei then smiled at Guan Yu, Zhang Fei, and Zhao Yun, saying, "Second brother, third brother, Zilong, let's go. It's rare to have some free time today. Third brother has even hunted a pig. Let's drink a few cups of peppered cypress wine together. We won't leave until we're drunk tonight!"

Guan Yu, Zhang Fei, and Zhao Yun were overjoyed and followed Liu Bei together, their laughter echoing throughout the courtyard.

But the laughter lasted only a moment before Liu Bei's angry rebuke echoed from inside the prefectural government hall.

"A prostitute's daughter?! Second brother, are you out of your mind?!"

"Who are you talking about? A valiant general of our time, whose divine might is unparalleled, how could he marry a courtesan! Moreover, he is over twenty years old, what kind of good man could he be!"

This was the first time Liu Bei had ever been so furious since he entered the prefectural government.

Soon Zhen Jiang heard the sound. She put down the firecrackers and let Cai Wan lead Cai Dan, Zhuge Jin, Zhuge Liang and the others to continue their tour. She then lifted her brocade skirt and walked to the front of the hall.

At this moment, in the hall, Liu Bei's cups and saucers were overturned on his table, and he looked angry.

Zhang Fei, who was usually bold, was so frightened that he dared not utter a sound. Holding his wine cup, he wished he could shrink into the corner of the lacquered table with Zhao Yun.

Guan Yu, however, kept his phoenix eyes slightly closed and stubbornly remained silent.

Zhen Jiang quickly stepped forward, gently patted Liu Bei's back, and said, "Husband, please don't get angry, lest you hurt yourself."

After calming Liu Bei's anger and allowing him to take a deep breath and relax, Zhen Jiang turned to Guan Yu, Zhang Fei, and Zhao Yun and asked, "Second Uncle, Third Uncle, what happened?"

Faced with his elder sister-in-law's question, Zhang Fei dared not feign deafness and could only carefully lower his voice, afraid of angering his eldest brother again: "Reporting to elder sister-in-law, my second brother—he has taken a fancy to the daughter of the Bian family of Kaiyang, Langya."

"A person from Langya?" Zhen Jiang's face lit up with joy upon hearing this. "That's a good thing. Since ancient times, Mount Tai and Langya have been inseparable. If Second Uncle can form a marriage alliance with a prominent family in Langya, it would be a wonderful match."

He turned to look at Liu Bei and asked softly, "Then why did my husband fly into such a rage?"

Mount Tai and Langya are indeed very close, so much so that it is difficult to say whether the bandits of Mount Tai are based in Mount Tai or Langya.

For example, Zang Ba occupied the area between Mount Tai and Langya.

For example, the Zhuge family lived in Langya, which was right next door.

If he could establish connections with the powerful clans of Langya, it would undoubtedly enhance Liu Bei's influence in the region.

But Liu Bei, suppressing his anger, said, "The Bian family is not some prominent clan in Langya; they are simply a family of entertainers for generations!"

Singer!

Although Liu Bei did not have any particular discrimination against prostitutes, there were also heroes like Liang Hongyu among the official prostitutes.

But which elder brother could remain calm when his younger brother tells him he's going to marry a prostitute?

Moreover, he married a woman from a wealthy family in her twenties!

In this era, a woman was considered an adult when she reached the age of 30. A woman in her twenties from a family of entertainers was essentially a prostitute in her thirties in later generations.

He regarded Guan Yu as a brother, how could he tolerate his second brother belittling himself like this?

So even Liu Bei, who was usually good at keeping his emotions hidden, couldn't help but smash his wine cup upon hearing this news.

Guan Yu, however, insisted, saying, "Brother, that Lady Bian is beautiful, skilled in singing and dancing, and has a dignified and graceful demeanor."

She is truly no ordinary woman.

"I have heard from those nearby that when she was born in Baiting, Qi County, a yellow aura filled the room for a long time. Those who observe the aura say that this is an auspicious sign, and that this woman will surely be of immeasurable nobility!"

"Her wealth is beyond measure, and she's over twenty, yet still a courtesan!" Liu Bei slammed his fist on the table and rebuked her: "These courtesan women are surrounded by people who are most adept at bewitching hearts; how can you trust them?"

Guan Yu remained silent.

Zhen Jiang quickly patted Liu Bei's back and comforted him, saying, "Husband, husband, please don't be angry, please don't be angry."

"I have also heard about the affairs of courtesans. Nowadays, courtesans make a living by singing and dancing. Although they are not slaves, their status is far lower than that of commoners. They are not allowed to wear brocade, ride in carriages, or marry into respectable families. But in the end, they are not considered prostitutes."

"If Second Uncle likes her, I'll go and investigate. What do you say? If she's a virgin, Second Uncle can accept her without any problem."

Not a prostitute?

Liu Bei then calmed down a bit; he had been too deeply affected by the phrase "forced into prostitution."

By the Tang Dynasty, "娼" (chāng) and "妓" (jì) were synonymous.

At least for now, a prostitute is a prostitute, a courtesan. A prostitute is a prostitute, referring to those who frequent brothels.

Upon hearing Zhen Jiang's words, Liu Bei finally realized what was happening. He frowned slightly, looked at Guan Yu, and asked, "Second brother, do you truly believe in his extraordinary wealth and status?"

Seeing that his elder brother's attitude had changed, Guan Yu was extremely grateful to his sister-in-law. He quickly stood up and said, "Brother, I have met her several times. She is indeed exceptionally beautiful and virtuous, unlike any ordinary woman."

Could this be Lady Bian, Cao Cao's consort? She's the Empress Wu Xuan who gave birth to Cao Pi and Cao Zhi.

Lady Bian also married Cao Cao when she was in her twenties. At that time, the situation was turbulent, so Cao Cao resigned due to illness and returned to his hometown. He built a house outside the city, where he studied books and classics in the spring and summer, and hunted in the autumn and winter for his own enjoyment.

While entertaining himself, Cao Cao met Bian, a singing girl, and took her as a concubine.

But at this time, Cao Cao was still serving as the Chancellor of Jinan.

Therefore, Lady Bian was definitely not married to Cao Cao at this time.

Did his second brother steal it from him?!

Goodness, if that's really the case.

That would be interesting.

Historically, Cao Cao abducted his second brother's woman. Now, his second brother is marrying his legal wife?

Will Cao Pi still be able to appear?

However, if Cao Cao hadn't killed three sages with a cannon shot at Wancheng, and Cao Ang were still alive, it wouldn't have mattered whether Cao Pi appeared or not.

Thinking of this, Liu Bei took another deep breath and said to Guan Yu, "Second brother, it's not that I'm being unreasonable, nor that I want to break up this loving couple. If Lady Bian is of good character and background, then I will personally arrange the wedding for you, prepare a generous dowry, and marry you in a grand ceremony."

"But if a pair of jade-like arms could be the pillow of a thousand men, and a single red lip could be tasted by ten thousand men, then I, as your brother, will never allow this marriage!"

Guan Yu was overjoyed and excitedly stepped forward, grasped Liu Bei's hand, and laughed loudly, "Brother! I knew you were the best to me! Please put your hand down, that Lady Bian is no frivolous person."

After saying that, he looked at Zhen Jiang and said happily, "Then I will trouble you, sister-in-law, to help me choose a spouse and propose marriage."

Zhen Jiang covered her mouth and chuckled, saying, "Since Second Uncle likes her and has decided on this Bian woman, then I will go and pay her a visit."

"If she is indeed virtuous and refined, and my second uncle is a valiant general of our time, then this wedding will surely be grand and a magnificent affair to welcome her into the family."

And so they enjoyed themselves all night, with laughter and cheerful voices filling the air.

The next morning, as dawn broke, the sound of firecrackers rang out again in Fenggao City.

Today is Yuan Day, the beginning of the year, and everything is renewed.

According to the Han dynasty system, the prefect was required to receive congratulations from his subordinates on New Year's Day and preside over the New Year's rites.

Liu Bei got up early, and Zhen Jiang personally dressed him in his crimson court robes, tied on his blue ribbon and silver seal, and carefully adjusted his official hat.

She stepped back and studied him for a moment, her eyes filled with pride and tenderness, and said softly, "My husband is so dignified today, truly worthy of being the governor of a prefecture."

They say beauty is in the eye of the beholder.

Now, when Zhen Jiang looks at Liu Bei again, she feels that his heroic spirit is unparalleled, and he is simply a dragon and a phoenix, which she admires greatly.

The saying "a loving and harmonious couple" perfectly describes this.

Liu Bei laughed, picked her up, and pressed her against the dressing table. He lowered his head and kissed her cherry lips passionately for a moment before leaving the bedroom.

At this time, the main hall of the prefectural government had been cleaned and swept clean, and the lacquered table was decorated with sacrificial animals, fruits and pepper wine.

Pepper wine is made by soaking Sichuan peppercorns, taking its name from the auspicious meaning of "the fruit of peppercorns, abundant and plentiful".

Prefect Zhuge Gui, along with his clerks and officials, stood in order below the hall and bowed to Liu Bei in unison.

During the Han Dynasty, the New Year's Day court audience was the most solemn official ceremony of the year. At this time, the prefect received the congratulations from his subordinates, which was both a ritual and a display of authority.

Liu Bei sat upright on the main seat, looking at the officials in the hall, his heart filled with emotion. At this time last year, he was still in Hebei and was disliked by Wang Fen, and was in a panic.

At this time of year, he is now the governor of Taishan Prefecture, where the people live in peace and the officials fulfill their duties.

After Liu Bei took his seat in the hall, Zhuge Gui stepped forward first, clasped his hands together in front of his forehead, and bowed deeply to the ground: "I, Zhuge Gui, the prefect of the commandery, along with all the officials of the commandery, wish you a happy new year, Your Excellency. May Your Excellency enjoy long-lasting blessings and eternal peace like Mount Tai."

Dozens of his subordinates bowed in unison behind him, their voices shaking the roof tiles.

After the morning greetings were completed, according to Han custom, on New Year's Day, people should drink pepper and cypress wine and take antidote pills.

Pepper and Cypress Wine is made by soaking pepper flowers and cypress leaves. The "Four Seasons of the People" records: "On the first day of the first month, wine is offered to invoke the gods."

Pepper is considered the essence of the Jade Balance, and consuming it makes one feel light and resistant to aging; cypress is the king of all trees, and consuming it wards off evil spirits and prevents disease.

Zhen Jiang had already prepared the pepper and cypress wine herself, which was served in a lacquered cup. Zhao Yun presented it to Liu Bei.

Liu Bei took the wine, first poured it on the ground to honor the gods, and then tilted his head back and drank it all in one gulp.

The wine was slightly spicy when it went down, but had a sweet aftertaste, just like the taste of the New Year.

Subsequently, Liu Bei distributed one of the Ghost-Repelling Pills to each of his subordinates. These pills were made from ingredients such as realgar and cinnabar and were worn on the waist to ward off evil spirits during the first month of the lunar year.

The officials stepped forward in turn, accepted the gift with both hands, and bowed again to express their gratitude.

After the New Year's Day court ceremony, officials would return to their private residences to reunite with their families and hold private banquets.

At this time, children are the most lively characters. There are not many taboos at private banquets, and it is normal for children to play, drink, and laugh.

Because the prefectural government was deserted and there were no children in the household, Liu Bei specially invited Zhuge Gui and his wife, as well as Cai Yong and his daughter, to come to the prefectural government to participate in a family banquet.

In fact, this is the norm today; the ancients were not as rigid and solemn as later generations imagine.

It is common practice for prominent families to hold family banquets together during festivals.

Taking advantage of this opportunity, Liu Bei was finally able to get close to Zhuge Liang.

Nowadays, there is no custom of giving lucky money, but there is a custom of giving amulets to children.

The amulets Liu Bei gave to Zhuge Jin and Zhuge Liang were inscribed with "May you be protected from all evil," while the one he gave to Cai Dan was inscribed with "May we never forget each other." Both were auspicious symbols used to ward off evil.

However, after accepting the gift, Cai Dan, like a little adult, performed a proper bow of thanks, quite different from her usual mischievous self.

Zhuge Diuxiang, on whom Liu Bei had placed high hopes, was completely different at this moment. The little guy picked up the copper coin, looked at it over and over, and then held it up to put it in his mouth.

Liu Bei was both amused and exasperated. He quickly reached out to stop him, gently snatching the coin from his mouth and saying, "You can't eat this."

When Zhuge Liang was deprived of his food, he completely lacked the composure befitting a prime minister of all time. Instead, he resembled a stingy, possessive child, his lips trembling and tears welling up in his eyes. The sound echoed throughout the hall.

Startled, Liu Bei quickly took a piece of pine nut candy from the table and stuffed it into the little guy's hand. The little guy then stopped crying and started laughing, stuffing the candy into his mouth, his cheeks puffed out like a squirrel with a pine cone.

Holding the amulet coins close to his chest, he mumbled indistinctly, "Ah—Father said, a gentleman—a gentleman does not steal from others—does not steal from others—."

He spoke haltingly, but everyone present understood that it was a quote from the Analects: "A gentleman does not take what others cherish."

This little guy, he takes things so seriously at such a young age, no wonder he'll do everything himself later on!

Looking at the little guy who was drooling and focused on eating candy, Liu Bei was filled with emotion.

This is the renowned prime minister who devoted himself to the cause until his death, a man of unparalleled virtue and talent.

We must teach him a lesson; we can't let him do everything himself and die young.

Just then, Zhuge Gui also walked over. Seeing this scene, he was both amused and exasperated, and quickly bowed, saying, "My son has been unruly and offended Your Excellency. I hope Your Excellency will forgive him."

"Brother Jun Gong," Liu Bei raised his head, his voice as warm as a spring breeze, "your son will surely amount to something great in the future."

Zhuge Gui took it as a polite remark from the prefect, and quickly declined, saying, "Your Excellency is too kind. My son is dull and dares not accept such high praise."

Liu Bei smiled and shook his head, gently poking Zhuge Liang's chubby cheek. He then turned to Zhuge Gui, his voice as warm as a spring breeze: "Brother Jungong, jade that is not carved cannot become a vessel. A person who does not learn cannot know righteousness. Your son is exceptionally intelligent, able to recite the Analects at the age of two. This is a gift from heaven. However, even a piece of fine jade will find it difficult to become a great vessel without a good teacher to polish it."

He turned to Cai Yong, who was sitting upright at the table stroking his beard and sipping tea, and said solemnly, "Master Cai is a great Confucian scholar of our time and a rare talent. If your son can become Master Cai's disciple and receive his teachings, he will surely become a great man in the future."

"If Brother Jungong is trustworthy, why not let Jin'er and Liang'er stay in my residence and spend their days with Lord Cai, absorbing his knowledge?"

Although there is no luxurious food or clothing in the prefectural government, there are 30,000 volumes of ancient Chinese books that Lord Cai will personally teach, so it should not hinder your son's development.

Upon hearing this, Zhuge Gui was first taken aback, then overjoyed. Who was Cai Yong? He was a leading scholar of classical studies in his time, and a peerless genius who had worked as a collator at the Eastern Pavilion!

The Xiping Stone Classics he wrote attracted scholars from all over the country, with more than a thousand carriages filling the streets.

Many noble families wanted to become his disciples but could not. Now, Liu Bei took the initiative to offer to introduce him so that both of his children could become disciples of Lord Cai.

He trembled with excitement and quickly cupped his hands, saying, "Your Excellency's kindness is beyond words! My son would be truly blessed to become a disciple of Lord Cai! On behalf of my two sons, I thank Your Excellency!"

He was about to perform a grand salute when Liu Bei stopped him and then personally led him to discuss the matter with Cai Yong.

Cai Yong did not refuse to accept disciples; he currently had several disciples studying under him, such as Gu Yong, the son of the prominent Gu family in Wu County.

He is now seventeen years old, not yet of age, still studying, and serving his teacher.

Zhuge Jin is six years younger than Gu Yong, and is only eleven years old now, which is the perfect age for learning.

Upon hearing Liu Bei's recommendation, Cai Yong put down his teacup, stroked his beard, and smiled.

He looked at the two children behind Zhuge Gui—the eldest son, Zhuge Jin, was about eleven years old. He was handsome and dignified. Although he was young, he already had a mature demeanor.

As for the younger one—Cai Yong glanced at Zhuge Liang, who was perched on his father's shoulder with sugar stains still on his cheeks, his lips twitched, but he ultimately said nothing.

"Since you were recommended by the Prefect, I will test you." Cai Yong beckoned to Zhuge Jin and said gently, "You are Zhuge Jin? Have you studied any books?"

Zhuge Jin stepped forward and bowed respectfully. Although his voice still carried a hint of immaturity, each word was clear: "Reporting to Lord Cai, I have finished reading the Analects and the Classic of Filial Piety, and am currently reading the First Classic."

Cai Yong nodded slightly and casually asked, "The Analects says, 'A gentleman is not a vessel.' What is the meaning of this?"

After a moment's thought, Zhuge Jin calmly replied, "Tools are each suited to their specific use and cannot be interchangeable. The learning of a gentleman should be broad and comprehensive, encompassing both ancient and modern times, and should not be confined to one area. For example, a boat travels on water, and a cart travels on land; each has its own suitability. However, a gentleman can navigate both boats and carts."

He paused, then added, "My father once said that an official should be well-versed in laws and regulations, knowledgeable in education and morality, and familiar with agriculture and sericulture; none of these should be neglected, and this is the same principle."

A hint of surprise flashed in Cai Yong's eyes. He turned to look at Zhuge Gui and praised, "Jun Gong has done a good job in educating his son."

He then asked a few more questions about the meaning of the Classic of Filial Piety, to which Zhuge Jin answered fluently, citing classical texts and presenting his arguments clearly and logically.

Cai Yong stroked his beard and smiled, saying to Zhuge Gui, "This young man is teachable. Let him stay in the manor and study with me."

Zhuge Gui was overjoyed and quickly pulled Zhuge Jin to kowtow in gratitude.

Cai Yong glanced at the giggling little boy again and said with a smile, "As for the younger one—let him stay in the manor for now, and we'll talk about him after he's weaned."

At such a young age, there's no need for examinations. His future academic achievements will depend entirely on how well he is taught.

Upon hearing his teasing remark, the entire room burst into laughter.

Meanwhile, Zhuge Liang, who would later become a dignified and unsightly figure, was completely unaware that he was being disliked, and was waving the amulet coin around in the sunlight.

Seeing the scene filled with laughter and joy, Liu Bei couldn't help but smile slightly.

With civil and military affairs now in place, and future plans for succession, all are ready, and great undertakings are within reach!