Liu Bei: My younger brother is a deity.

Chapter 53 Liu He's Visit

There is a hierarchy of contempt in this era.

Powerful families despise the local tyrants, while the local tyrants regard the common people as pigs and dogs.

At the same time, there are also different ranks among aristocratic families.

For example, the most prestigious families today are the Yang family of Hongnong and the Yuan family of Runan, which have produced "three dukes in four generations".

Their children are born at a height that others can never reach in their entire lives.

Recommending filial piety and integrity? That's just a formality.

Entering the imperial court as an official? That was arranged by my family.

All they have to do is follow the procedures step by step and get into a high position.

The next level up were local aristocratic families like the Xun, Chen, and Kong clans.

Although their influence in the imperial court was not as great as that of Yang and Yuan, their influence in the provinces was extremely deep, with their protégés and former officials spread throughout the provinces and prefectures.

Next in line are the aristocratic families of the border regions.

The Gongsun and Liu families couldn't even be considered powerful families in the border regions; they were merely local strongmen.

Lu Zhi's actions were, in effect, a way of truly treating Gongsun Zan and the three Liu brothers as his own disciples.

This is planning for the future of their own disciples and helping them build connections.

The historical figures Liu Bei and Liu Deran did not receive this treatment and did not benefit much from Lu Zhi's influence.

The Liu Bei of today is naturally different from Liu Deran.

After all, he had been taught by Liu Quan since childhood, and his knowledge and temperament far surpassed those of his peers. He was considered outstanding among Lu Zhi's many disciples, and naturally, Lu Zhi valued him more.

After meeting Liu Yu, Liu Quan began to have his own ideas.

This man is the future governor of Youzhou. Isn't he the most suitable patron for them at this stage, besides Yuan Shao?

But the question is, how do we get in touch with Liu Yu?

We can't just go and visit him under Master Lu's name, can we?

The purpose is too obvious, which may displease Liu Yu.

Soon, Liu Quan got his chance.

Moreover, this opportunity was delivered to their doorstep.

The eleventh day of the first lunar month.

A snow fell near Luoyang.

The snow was light, just a fine, scattered flake.

It stopped raining after only half a day.

In the late afternoon, someone knocked on the courtyard gate.

Zhou Cang went to open the door.

A young man was standing outside the door.

He was fifteen or sixteen years old, not very tall, half a head shorter than Liu Bei, but fair-skinned, with delicate features and a touch of heroism in his eyes.

"Excuse me, is this the residence of 'Jade Gentleman' Liu Quan?"

Upon hearing the commotion, Liu Bei, who had come out to speak, first sized up the young man, then quickly approached, cupped his hands, and said, "Yuan Gu is indeed my younger brother. I am Liu Bei, courtesy name Xuande. May I ask who you are?"

The young man's eyes lit up, and he bowed to Liu Bei again: "So it's Brother Xuande. I am Liu He, courtesy name You'an. My father is Liu Yu. I heard that Brother Xuande and Lord Yuangu once visited our home. I was not in Luoyang at the time and was unable to meet you, which I have always regretted. I hope Brother Xuande will forgive my presumptuous visit today."

It turned out to be Liu Bo'an's son, and Liu Bei quickly ushered him in.

Then Zhou Cang was sent to fetch Liu Quan and Liu Deran.

Upon seeing Liu Quan, Liu He immediately showed an excited expression.

It turns out that this person is a passionate fan of Cuju (ancient Chinese football).

Liu He arrived in Luoyang with his mother on the seventh day of the first lunar month, while Lu Zhi visited Liu Yu with his disciples on the sixth day of the first lunar month.

After arriving in Luoyang, he soon heard of the reputation of "Jade Gentleman".

When she learned that she was a day late and had just missed meeting Liu Quan, she was extremely annoyed.

If his father hadn't kept him from visiting friends everywhere, he would have wanted to come and visit long ago.

As soon as he had some free time, he took a carriage to Goushi County and went to see the officials.

"Lord Yuangu!" Liu He strode forward, bowed deeply, and said, "I am Liu He, and I have long admired Lord Yuangu's name."

"After listening to Yuan Gu Jun's discussion of the chapter 'Kexing out the excellent virtues' in the 'Canon of Yao,' I was filled with admiration."

He straightened up, and before Liu Quan could answer, he grabbed Liu Quan's hand and said in an even more enthusiastic tone:

"The other poems in the 'Ode to Spring' series are also amazing, especially the line 'The sound of wind and rain last night, how many flowers have fallen?' I really love it and often recite it at home."

Although Liu He came to visit Liu Quan because of Cuju (ancient Chinese football), he couldn't start by talking about Cuju, as that would seem too crude.

"Brother You'an, you're too kind." Liu Quan returned the greeting with a cupped hand. "I regret that I was unable to meet you when I visited your residence the other day. It is my great honor to have you personally come to my door today. Please come in and have a seat."

He stepped aside and gestured for Liu He to enter the main room.

Liu He's arrival was an unexpected surprise for Liu Quan.

This is a good opportunity to make some acquaintances.

The group took their seats.

Liu Quan personally brewed tea, while Liu Bei and Liu Deran chatted with Liu He.

Zhang Fei also sat to the side listening.

Liu Quan served the tea.

Liu He took the teacup with both hands and took a sip.

The aroma of tea, along with the scents of scallions, ginger, and oranges, hits you right in the head, warming your body and making you feel very comfortable.

Tea in the Han Dynasty was cooked like this: it wasn't steeped, but rather boiled like porridge, and sometimes rice was actually added to it while cooking.

After some casual conversation, Liu He finally revealed the purpose of his trip.

"Lord Yuangu, the reason I've come to your door today is actually... I have a favor to ask. I'm afraid you'll laugh at me if I say it."

Liu Quan smiled and said, "Brother You'an, please speak freely."

Liu He said, "I have heard that Lord Yuangu's Cuju (ancient Chinese football) skills are unparalleled. The other day, in his match against Cao Mengde, he dribbled past six people, astonishing everyone present. I have loved Cuju since I was a child, and I often play with the servants at home, but I have never had the opportunity to spar with a true master. Today, I dare to ask Lord Yuangu for some pointers. I wonder if Lord Yuangu would do me the honor?"

"Cuju?"

Liu Quan put down his teacup, looking surprised.

He had thought that Liu He might have come to discuss the classics or poetry with him, but he never imagined it was for Cuju (ancient Chinese football).

Liu Bei, standing to the side, excitedly said, "Great! It's been so long since I've played polo; my feet have been itching to get back to it."

Zhang Fei was even more excited: "I'll go get the leather ball."

Both of them are passionate fans of Cuju (ancient Chinese football).

Zhang Fei brought out a leather ball, and the group started playing it in the courtyard.

Liu Quan's skills quickly won over Liu He.

You Xi's behind-the-back dribble dribbling technique, which Liu Quan called the "rainbow dribble," is particularly popular.

Such a breakthrough against the opponent was truly elegant.

Liu He expressed his desire to learn, and Liu Quan did not hold back his knowledge.

One teaches, the other learns—what a delightful experience!

It wasn't until evening that Liu He, reminded by his servants, reluctantly bid farewell to his two brothers and Zhang Fei. (Liu Deran: Sigh~)

They returned home thoroughly satisfied.

In the following days, Liu and others frequently visited.

Sometimes he would ask for advice on Cuju (ancient Chinese football) techniques, and sometimes he would discuss poetry and classical studies. He quickly became close to Liu Bei, Liu Quan, Liu Deran, and Zhang Fei.

On this day, Liu He visited again.

This time, however, I did not come for leisure; rather, I came specifically to send my invitation.

"The day after tomorrow, my father intends to hold a gathering for intellectual discussions, and plans to invite all the young scholars and luminaries in Luoyang to come together. Grand Master of the Palace, Lord Yuan, Grand Master of the Palace, Lord Yang, and Grand Master of the Imperial Household, Lord Duan, will also be present to offer their opinions. I have come here specifically to invite Xuande, Yuangu, Mengzhou, and Yide to attend."

Zhang Fei was overjoyed upon hearing this: "I can go too?"

Liu He smiled and said, "Yide's calligraphy and painting skills are both outstanding, so he can naturally participate."

Zhang Fei learned painting and calligraphy from a young age and was quite talented, especially in cursive script and figure painting.

Is Lord Liu going to hold a philosophical discussion?

After a moment's thought, Liu Quan understood his intention.

This is paving the way for her son!