"Pretty good, the temperament is top-notch."
"Lv family, most people do not have"
The scene between Fan Kui and Liu Bang was a familiar one, for they had been old friends. Upon witnessing Liu Bang in such a state, Fan Kui greeted him with a heartwarming smile and said:
"Nice going, Liu Ji. Your demeanor is just a bit lacking compared to mine."
"Go to hell."
Liu Bang scolded, "Your demeanor is far behind mine."
"From now on, I'm your brother-in-law. Come on, call me uncle and see how it sounds."
Fan Kui helplessly said, "You rascal, no matter how much we're related, we're not even close to being uncle and aunt."
Fan Kui and Lu Yuanjí were of lower lineage, belonging to the younger generation. According to the wedding customs of Si water, they should have been "welcomed by the groom" outside the door.
Fan Kui patted his shoulder and said, "Liu Ji, listen to me, there are a lot of things to be done when the Lu family invites a son-in-law."
"Lv Taigong is a person with sound mind, but the Lv family always likes to take advantage of this opportunity to extort. If you're willing, give them some money. After all, you'll be one family in the future. It's better to have a good reputation."
Liu Bang shook his head. Fan Kui knew that Liu Bang, who was very despised of such things, would never go for it.
In this era, there weren't many marriage rituals that caused trouble, as the main ones were more of the ancient rituals and legal systems passed down from ancient times:
The two remaining "trials" that Liu Bang still needed to go through were "welcoming the groom at the door" and "having a good time in the bedroom".
Liu Bang approached the Lv family's compound, where the Lv family members were surprisingly gathered.
Liu Bang held candies and gave some treats to the children of his own family, then turned around and continued on his way.
Behind him, the bearers carried the common wedding gifts, walking towards the Lv family.
Liu Bang faintly felt that he was likely to suffer some hardships today.
But who is he? He is Emperor Gaozu of Han!
Emperor Gaozu of Han has experienced hardships and poverty, but he has never been humiliated.
Come on, I'm the husband, right?
He walked through the gate of the Lv family compound, which was decorated with red silk fabrics and lanterns, his face adorned with a confident smile.
Inside the courtyard, the Lv family had made quite an arrangement, with the entire place being originally the residence of an old nobleman. However, that nobleman took the lead in opposing Emperor Qin Shi Huang, and was executed as an example.
The Lv family had taken over this government mansion to express their loyalty, in order to gain the support of the local government.
However, this chilly government mansion was also decorated in such a happy way. Red elements were seen everywhere. Although it did not conform to the Qin system, it was very suitable for a wedding.
Lu's relatives and friends had gathered together, making a lively scene.
The laughter of the children mixed with the jokes of the adults, filling the entire yard with a joyful atmosphere.
Liu Bang walked steadily forward, scanning the crowd in search of his bride's figure.
Suddenly, the voice of an elderly man echoed:
"Liu Ji, I see that you don't seem to want to marry my Lu daughter."
Liu Bang's smile did not diminish, he knew: it was coming.
He looked around and saw Fan Kui in the crowd, who was looking at him with an expression of "I wish you luck."
He held some copper coins in his hand. This was normal. In this era, relatives often used the pre-wedding "pestering" and "covering up" tricks to look for money.
"Relatives, my heart for Lu Zhi is as clear as day and night."
Liu Bang replied calmly and without haste, his voice conveying determination and sincerity:
"But I know that in order to marry this beauty, I still have to pass this test of yours."
Just as he finished speaking, an elderly relative stood up. He cleared his throat and said, "Alright! You've spoken eloquently. But I think you're also a person who's not as sincere as you seem."
"What? Do you look down upon our family?"
"You marrying our Lu daughter seems to be a bit too impolite."
"Where are your three gifts and five virtues?"
Liu Bang was taken aback, "What are the three gifts and five virtues?"
"Don't you know about the customs and origins of our Lu family?"
Liu Bang was taken aback:
He had checked into it; the customs in Si Water and the place where the Lu family came from didn't seem to have much difference, did they?
At this moment, a familiar voice came from outside the door:
"I've checked and found no place where it doesn't comply with the ritual."
"Liu Ji's rituals are completely in accordance with our Great Qin legal system; there is no problem at all."
Upon hearing this, the Lu family patriarch seemed to be somewhat angry. He lifted his head and said, "Who are you, a stranger, to interfere in my affairs?"
"Every family has its own customs. Do you not know? Can it be that since the unification of the six states by Shǐ Zhēngwǔ, we must necessarily abide by his rules?"
"Why should I respect them, these common people? What do they matter?"
Alright.
This is an actual person who doesn't use his brain.
Liu Bang immediately turned and said, "Elder, please do not hold this person accountable!"
"This person is merely a descendant of the Lu family, who doesn't quite understand the rules. Please, forgive him!"
He almost knelt down to kowtow to the imperial envoy——
That's a capital offense!
Liu Bang wasn't one to bully others. If news of him showing off his authority to the Lu family spread out, it would only make things worse for him.
That's too boring.
The imperial envoy walked in slowly and said coldly, "Oh?"
"Liu Zhang, you can't decide this."
"I am Dà Lǐ Xíng Quán Míng, and I request that you accompany me on a trip."
The old man who was making trouble a moment ago was stunned when he heard the voice, "Who... Who?"
"Are you the Dali Xing Official?"
"Dali Xing Official, I am an official under your command, and I have always regarded you as my idol..."
Liu Bang stared wide-eyed, Dali Xing?
As a government official, he was naturally aware that Dali Xing was one of the Nine Ministers.
Zhao Zǐ is very serious!
No wonder my older brother can even bring in Dali Xing!
The old man was suddenly panic-stricken. He had only wanted to take advantage of the situation to extort some money—
That's a custom!
Moreover, living under someone else's roof, this is their territory. Isn't it necessary to show some respect or something?
Who knew it would turn out like this?
"Please, your majesty."
"Liu Ji, Liu County magistrate, I wish you a happy wedding."
"This person, I will take him away and put him in prison."
After saying that, the imperial envoy turned and left.
Liu Bang could faintly hear the chatter of the onlookers at Lv's house:
"He said Liu Ji was just a commoner. How come he can now have a connection with Dali Xing Official?"
"Dali Xing, one of the Nine Ministers. Liu Ji being able to connect with someone like that means our Lu family can really stand firm in the future."
"Have you heard, Liu Bang was once a core member of Zhao Zǐ's branch. In Zhao Zǐ's branch, he was even in the ancestral hall! During the time of compiling the family history of the Zhao Zǐ branch, they still remember him."
"Wow, so powerful? I've heard that Zhao Zǐ is a hidden scholar with exceptional ability, who was the teacher of Emperor Qin Shi Huang. Could it be as powerful as that?"
"..."
Liu Bang listened to their reactions and thought, "I should probably talk to my older brother more tonight."
"My older brother has done so much for me, he must be remembering my favors. His position in the court must be very burdensome."
"Let me see if there's anything I can do to ease his worries."
