Chapter 31

Tuniuer led the way, Wang Fengshi accompanied, and Liang Xiao was ushered in through the door.

Hu Lai, dressed in brocade, his hand on the hilt of his sword, stood at the door, chin slightly raised, his eyes full of arrogance. If it weren't for the scars on his face that hadn't yet faded, he would have looked quite impressive.

Seeing Hu Lai, Tuniuer instinctively puffed out his chest, like two combative roosters. Only Hu Lai, in his fine brocade, looked like a bright and shiny rooster, while Tuniuer, in his tattered clothes, looked like a featherless one. Fortunately, they both had scars on their faces, making them quite a match.

"Your face still hasn't healed?" Tuniuer took the initiative. "Didn't you hurt yourself? If you're disfigured, you won't find a wife."

"Same to you," Hu Lai retorted, unwilling to back down. "Even if you weren't disfigured, you wouldn't find a wife."

Everyone burst into laughter. Tuniuer, embarrassed and angry, clenched his fists, ready to argue with Hu Lai. Hu Lai sneered and glanced at Liang Xiao. "Today I'm here to accompany Liu Jun. I don't want to fight with you, to avoid damaging the harmony among colleagues, which would make it hard to get along in the future."

Tuniuer snorted, raising his head high, almost spitting snot at Hu Lai.

Liang Xiao secretly smiled bitterly, holding back Tuniuer, and walked past Hu Lai with his eyes straight ahead, coming to the front of the hall.

His mother, Liang Miao, and Liu Ling were sitting opposite each other, chatting happily. Lei Bei was seated below Liu Ling. Several boxes were placed on the corridor below, all lids open, revealing the abundant gifts inside. Liang Xiao shook his head repeatedly. This was too unrefined. Couldn't they be a bit more reserved? Counting the gifts in front of everyone was so petty.

This, however, was precisely the open-mindedness of the Han Dynasty. The more generous the gifts, the more face the host had, and the more generous the guest appeared, wanting everyone to see. They certainly didn't have Liang Xiao's reticent thoughts.

Seeing Liang Xiao enter, Liu Ling smiled and bowed slightly. Liang Miao waved her hand. "Xiao'er, come quickly. Liu Jun has been waiting for you for a long time. Go and greet him, and ask for his forgiveness for your rudeness."

Liang Xiao stepped forward, bowed deeply, and smiled. "I've been out for a few days, and my clothes are disheveled. Please allow me to freshen up before I accompany you, Liu Jun."

Liu Ling, looking at the dirty Liang Xiao, smiled and nodded. Liang Xiao turned and entered his room, calling out, "Mother, where are my clothes?"

Liang Miao apologized to Liu Ling, got up, and walked into the room, closing the door behind her. She whispered, "What's wrong? Liu Jun has already visited twice. How can you be so rude?"

"Mother, this Liu Jun is not to be provoked," Liang Xiao whispered, pulling Liang Miao to a corner. "He is from Huainan, and may have connections with the Prince of Huainan. Getting involved with them won't do us any good."

"What's wrong with the Prince of Huainan?" Liang Miao was puzzled. "He is the emperor's uncle, a renowned scholar, and eager for talent. If he truly appreciates you and invites you to his court, it's a good opportunity for you to enter officialdom. Why are you refusing?"

Liang Xiao suddenly felt a headache. He really couldn't explain to his mother. She was right; in this era, serving under a feudal prince was a path to officialdom, and a high-level one at that, better than being a minor official or joining the military.

For ordinary people, the kingdom and the imperial court were both lords to serve. Before the Wu-Chu Rebellion, the kingdoms and the imperial court were equal. Even though the status of kingdom officials had declined, it was still a rare opportunity for someone like Liang Xiao.

Serving in the prince's court, whether as an official or being recommended to the imperial court, was a shortcut to advancement. For Liang Miao, who hoped for her son to rise to prominence and become a general, this was a rare opportunity. She wasn't Liang Xiao and couldn't know the ultimate fate of the Prince of Huainan, or even that he already harbored treacherous intentions.

Liang Xiao couldn't tell her, "Mother, I know the Prince of Huainan will rebel in a few years." If he said that, his mother would probably get a chicken and invite Aunt Chu to chant spells to drive away evil spirits.

Liang Xiao was sweating with worry. Liang Miao was puzzled and a bit concerned. "Xiao'er, what are you worried about? Are you afraid of lacking the strength to stand out if you enter the court?"

Liang Xiao nodded repeatedly. "Yes, Mother. Look, I'm not yet an adult, and I've just started learning archery. This is the time to focus on self-cultivation. How can I give up halfway? Besides, even though Father isn't here, I have a master. If I go to the Prince of Huainan's court, I should at least discuss it with Master Huan. Don't you think so?"

"That's a good point," Liang Miao said, looking at her son with satisfaction. "In the face of such an opportunity, you can still remain calm and respect your teacher. Mother is very pleased. Here's what we'll do: you go out and meet Liu Jun, fulfill the formalities, and Mother will politely decline for you. Since Liu Jun is the Prince of Huainan's envoy, he won't force you."

Liang Xiao nodded repeatedly and reminded her, "Since Liu Jun hasn't revealed his identity as the Prince of Huainan's envoy, Mother should pretend not to know. Crossing the border privately is illegal, and if someone finds out, our family will be implicated."

Liang Miao smiled and patted Liang Xiao's head affectionately. "Xiao'er, you've finally grown up. A man should be upright and keep his word, but he should also think carefully and act prudently. Don't let a moment of impulsiveness bring future regrets."

Liang Xiao chuckled, and Liang Miao went out. Liang Xiao washed and changed his clothes. When he returned to the hall, his mother had already politely declined Liu Ling's offer. Liu Ling looked a bit disappointed but didn't insist, saying he would visit again when Master Huan returned and discuss it with him.

Liang Xiao felt a great relief and escorted Liu Ling and Lei Bei out the door. In front of everyone, Liu Ling smiled. "Liang Jun is dedicated to martial arts and not swayed by wealth and honor, which is admirable. I am not talented, but I wish to have a good companion as a friend. I will come again in three months to seek your guidance."

Liang Xiao was taken aback. "You're coming back?"

The neighbors watching at the door couldn't help but praise him. Although Liang Xiao had refused the invitation and wouldn't become wealthy immediately, the opportunity was still there. More importantly, refusing the invitation was a very face-saving act. The Han people sought wealth, but they also admired those who were not swayed by it. Seeking wealth was something many could do, but being indifferent to fame and fortune was rarer, and many deliberately refused invitations to build their reputation.

Liang Xiao had refused the invitation to avoid trouble, but it inadvertently made him a man of high moral character.

Hearing the unanimous praise, Hu Lai's expression was very complex, like eating a piece of bitter yellow lotus, bitter to the core, but unable to spit it out, only able to swallow it with tears in his eyes.

Choosing practical benefits over empty fame is a common human nature, especially for the poor. Hu Lai never expected that this poor Liang Xiao would give up such a golden opportunity for a mere reputation. As a result, his own success became the triumph of a petty person, seen by these poor people in the clouds, who would surely spread it throughout Guangling. It would be even harder to take action against him in the future. Killing a ruffian teenager wouldn't attract much attention, but killing a man of high moral character for no reason would tarnish the Hu family's reputation.

Liang Xiao, you are ruthless!

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