Chapter 3: Time to find something to do

  Living such a life of wine and women every day, although comfortable, but after a long time, Liu Shanhe also felt somewhat bored. Although his own heart was constantly reminding himself: the time has not yet come, the great task has not arrived, what's the hurry? That year, Liu Bang also spent many years in the countryside before he could make things happen.

  Although he had thought so in his heart, after Liu Shanhe knew that he had crossed over to this place and especially after knowing that he had become the body of Liu Bang, he always felt a sense of heavy pressure on himself. So these days when drinking with his brothers, he was more melancholic than before, as if he had some worries. His brothers naturally noticed something was amiss, one day while drinking, seeing Liu Shanhe sighing, asked: "Third brother, what's troubling you? Why so worried?"

  Liu Shanhe let out a long sigh and said, "Alas, I thought I was a man of great character, but now I've fallen to the point where I have no home to return to. It's truly miserable!"

  Liu Shanhe's brothers, of course, also knew what Liu Shanhe was referring to. For a long time, Liu Bang had been hanging out in the village's hotels every day and night, and his ambiguous relationship with the landlady was no longer a secret. The villagers had been gossiping about it for a long time, causing Old Man Liu to lose face. Thinking that his son was so disappointing, Old Man Liu was so angry that he drove Liu Shanhe out of the house. So, when Liu Shanhe said this today, his brothers naturally understood what was going on.

  At this moment, the atmosphere became somewhat dull. Everyone knew that such family matters were not easy to talk about, no matter who it was.

  One of the brothers seemed to intentionally divert the topic, smiling at Liu Shanhe and saying: "Third brother, why be so worried! You actually have a noble appearance! Have you forgotten that on your left thigh, there are seventy-two moles? That's a rare auspicious sign in this world! I'm sure that in the future, you will definitely become rich and wealthy! Compared to the wealth and honor of the future, what does today's little worry amount to?"

  Liu Shanhe took a deep look at the brother who spoke, and thought to himself: "Heh heh, this guy really does have some insight, knowing that I'll be able to achieve great things in the future! However, even if I did cross over into Liu Bang's body back then, it's possible that history would still be rewritten due to my own incompetence! Having only the heavens' favor isn't enough either!"

  Although Liu Shanhe thought so, after listening to his brother's words, he still felt very happy in his heart, and his mood immediately improved. When drinking again, his mood naturally became much better.

  And the other brothers, seeing Liu Shanhe's face looking a bit better, knew from their usual understanding of him that their leader, Third Brother, was finally feeling a bit better. As they spoke, they couldn't help but open up more, and most of them continued on the topic from earlier: "Hmm, I'm telling you, Third Brother, there's something you might not even know yourself? That day when you got drunk and fell asleep in the boss's wife's bed, your body suddenly started glowing - yeah, it was golden light! Several of us saw it, and even the boss's wife saw it too! The golden light was really dazzling. At the time, everyone present was stunned, no one knew what was happening."

  At this time, another person pressed the words over: "This is not even suspenseful! Later on, a golden light appeared on San Ge's body, and a golden dragon actually emerged inside that piece of golden light, constantly soaring in that dazzling golden light..."

  Everyone was adding their two cents, supplementing what had been said earlier on that topic.

  Liu Shanhe was shocked upon hearing this and thought to himself, "Is it really like that?" He had studied history in his past life and some legends did say that after Liu Bang got drunk, someone saw a golden dragon attached to his body. He didn't expect this to be true! But thinking about how these words only reached his ears now, Liu Shanhe couldn't help but ask: "Why didn't you tell me earlier? Now that you mention it, I'm getting goosebumps all over my body."

  "Third brother, what we said, it's all true! It's all true!" one of the brothers said.

  "Yes, Third Brother, how could we cheat you? It's just that at the time, we didn't tell you because we had all been drinking and afterwards it got mixed up and we forgot. Today it was brought up again..." Another person added.

  Liu Shanhe listened and then took another sip of wine, pondering for half a day before saying, "Hmmm, but what can I do?"

  "Third brother, you're definitely not cut out for farming! The work in the fields is too exhausting, busy from dawn till dusk, and at the end of the year, you won't even have much money to spend. You can't do that kind of thing!" a younger brother said with certainty.

  "That's right, our Third Brother is such a dignified person, how can he do farm work? That's absolutely out of the question! Absolutely not!" Someone nearby immediately chimed in.

  "Hmm, Third Brother's thigh has 72 moles on it, that's absolutely a noble appearance! I think, our Third Brother is more suitable for being an official. What do you guys think of my suggestion?" A brother who had relatively high prestige among the group said, seemingly after careful consideration, as he glanced around at everyone.

  Liu Shanhe looked at his brother with profound meaning, but didn't say a word. He simply held up his wine cup and quietly drank by himself.

  "Ah, Shan Yu's idea is great, I fully support it!" A brother who was close to Liu Shanhe said, "Think about our third brother, he is generous and open-minded, has the ability, and is naturally a good material for being an official. Needlessly to say, within dozens of miles, who doesn't know our third brother's character? Moreover, our third brother usually likes to make friends and is willing to help his friends even if it means hurting himself. This kind of temperament, this kind of demeanor, this kind of ability, how many people in the world have it?"

  "Hahaha～～～" Liu Shanhe burst out laughing and said to everyone, "You guys are overpraising me! Overpraising me! Actually, I, Liu Ji, don't have that much ability. Everything is still the result of your efforts, brothers! However, since we're all close brothers here, it's okay to say some things. Well, thinking about myself, Liu Bang, although I'm not talented, I'm not willing to be a farmer who faces the yellow earth and has my back to the sky. Although I've had some sneaky dealings with you guys in the past, if the old masters in our village need help with something, I'll always lend a hand. So, I think I get along pretty well in our three villages and four rural areas. I don't dare say anything too big, but on this land of Si Shui Ting, hehe, as long as I stomp my foot, the ground will shake! It's just that heaven hasn't given me a chance yet! Hmm, earlier that brother said I'm suitable for being an official, and I think that suggestion is pretty good. Alright, let's settle on this: we'll become officials! We'll damn well become officials!" Liu Shanhe suddenly became heroic and majestic, as if he was soaring through the clouds, his face flushed red, his eyes shining bright, with the aura of a hero who dominates the world.

  "Good, being an official! Our third brother is indeed suitable for being an official!"

  "Hmm, our Third Brother is not only suitable for being an official, but also suitable for being a high-ranking official! At the very least, he should be a county magistrate! Look at that county magistrate, I swear, he's really majestic and awe-inspiring!"

  ……

  Listening to everyone's discussion, Liu Shanhe couldn't help but fall into deep thought.

  Just now, everyone was clamoring for him to become an official, and he himself also had a majestic appearance. However, in his heart, he actually didn't have much confidence at all. And the reason he acted that way was just going with the flow. Yes, going with the flow. Because he had crossed over into this Qin dynasty's end of era time-space for only a little more than a month. When he discovered that he had unexpectedly crossed over into that Liu Bang who created the great Han dynasty's four hundred year foundation, he couldn't help but be stunned. In reality, whether or not he could truly become someone like the historical Liu Bang, he didn't have any confidence at all. Although he had crossed over into Liu Bang, it didn't necessarily mean that he would be able to achieve what Liu Bang did back then. And originally having this kind of historical opportunity, if he couldn't grasp it, wouldn't that just prove his incompetence? It seemed like it was also for the sake of arguing about that one breath, Liu Shanhe thus resolutely decided, he must live out a certain appearance.

  And what he knows about Liu Bang now is actually all from his own past life, based on some information introduced in books. And now, things seem to have pushed him to the point of putting it into practice. And since that's the case, he can only move forward, no matter what's ahead, he has to keep going.

  A few days later, on a late afternoon, Liu Shanhe was eating wine in Zhao's small tavern, when suddenly, a brother rushed in, panting and said to him: "Third brother, third brother, the county government has sent people down! They are looking for you everywhere! I asked around, actually there is nothing else, besides, it's just two runners who came down, so I brought them here."

  Liu Shanhe was very satisfied with the brother's meticulous approach, so he nodded to him and asked: "So, where are those two runners now? Hurry up and invite them in!"

  Not long after, the brother led two attendants in and said to them: "Gentlemen, please come in! Inside is my third brother Liu Bang. Haha, you can talk slowly!"

  Those two people looked at each other, then strode straight into the house. Liu Bang saw them come in, hastily stood up to offer his seat, and said: "Hey, you two officials, come on, quickly take a seat! I, Liu Bang, was just worried that there's no one to keep me company drinking wine! Come, let's have a drink first!"

  The two bailiffs naturally did not sit down either, but turned to Liu Shanhe and made a fist, saying: "May I ask if you are Liu Bang?"

  Liu Shanhe initially thought that this might be because the Qin soldiers came to avenge their brothers after they were beaten by Liu Bang's brothers. However, on his own turf, unless a hundred or so people came, it would not be easy to move Liu Shanhe. Although those influences were already created by Liu Bang before Liu Shanhe crossed over here, he was still happy to accept these ready-made things. Moreover, whether through historical records or his own exploration after crossing over, Liu Shanhe was very satisfied with the good social relationship environment created by his predecessor Liu Bang.

  "Hmm, no wonder there are 72 moles on his left thigh! That Liu Bang is indeed a man of great fortune!" Liu Shanhe couldn't help but exclaim. So even if he saw these two bailiffs today, no matter what they wanted to do, Liu Shanhe wouldn't have taken it seriously.

  "What? Not giving Liu San face? Haha, okay, then speak quickly, is it to take me to the county government office to go through the motions?" Liu Shanhe decided to still take the initiative.

  "What? Over the hall? Haha! Liu Bang, where did you think of going?! Nothing's going on, nothing's going on! That's what it is, our county magistrate has invited you, Liu San Ye, to the county yamen. If Liu San Ye doesn't have anything else to do, then let's go to the county yamen for a stroll right now!" One of the attendants said to Liu Bang.

  "Oh? Is that so!" Liu Shanhe finished the cup of wine, staring at the two bailiffs for a while, as if trying to see something from their faces. In fact, regarding the county government office, Liu Shanhe knew from his past life's records and some information he had gathered since crossing over that Liu Bang still had some connections with people inside the county government office. For example, Xiang Yu, who later helped Liu Bang conquer the world, was then serving as the chief clerk in charge of personnel and documents. There was also Cao Shen, who later took over Xiang Yu's position as prime minister, who was then serving as the prison clerk in charge of problematic individuals in the county.

  Half a day later, Liu Shanhe stood up and made a "go" gesture to the two of them. He then followed them out of the hotel. At this time, outside the hotel, three horses had already been waiting there.

  "Third Brother, where are you going with these two? Do you want to find a few brothers to follow?" The brother who had just informed himself and led the two bailiffs to come over saw Liu Shanhe following the two men walking out of the store, so he came over to ask Liu Shanhe.

  "Oh, nothing much, just a few friends from the county government wanting to get together with me. Yeah, it's been some days since we last had a drink together! Hmm, this isn't anything important either, what's the point of calling my brothers to follow along?" Liu Shanhe thought for a moment and came up with this excuse.

  "Oh~~~ Since it's like this, then, then, then Third Brother must be careful!" That brother was still somewhat worried.

  Liu Shanhe waved his hand at him, meaning I understand what you mean, so don't worry about it. Then he said to the two bailiffs, "Let's go!" and mounted his horse in a flash, following the two bailiffs as they galloped away.

  On the way, Liu Shanhe was also thinking while walking. Based on the information and what he had learned since his journey, he knew that Liu Bang had relied on himself as a person with some influence in the countryside, and felt that he also had some ability to call the wind and rain. Therefore, he was no longer satisfied with the small place in the countryside, and often went to the county town of Pei County to take a stroll, and also made many friends there, including Cao Shen, Xiao He, Ma Fu Xia Houyu, Butcher Fan Qie and others. So even if he went to the county town of Pei County, Liu Shanhe was not afraid at all.

  After a long and arduous journey, Liu Bang soon arrived at the county yamen of Pei County under the escort of the two bailiffs. At this time, the county magistrate had been waiting there for a long time. Seeing Liu Bang arrive, he stood up and smiled: "Are you Liu Bang?"

  Liu Shanhe slightly bowed his head towards the county magistrate and said: "It is I."

  The county magistrate waved his hand at the two bailiffs who had brought Liu Shanhe over, and they nodded in understanding before turning to leave. The county magistrate then asked Liu Shanhe to take a seat and offered him tea, making some small talk. Although Liu Shanhe was from the 21st century and this was a far cry from his usual customs and way of life, he managed to hold his own in the conversation with the county magistrate, thanks to his knowledge of history and his cautious nature. Before long, the servants brought out a sumptuous feast, far surpassing anything Liu Shanhe had ever seen at the small wine shops back home. This was, after all, the county yamen! Although Liu Shanhe knew that the county magistrate's lavish hospitality came at the expense of the people's hard-earned money, he still felt compelled to express his gratitude, saying: "I dare not trouble Your Excellency with such extravagance! A humble commoner like myself cannot afford it, truly cannot afford it!"

  Who would have thought that the county magistrate would burst out laughing and say, "Liu Bang, don't be polite, don't stand on ceremony. Since you're here, make yourself at home. Today, I'll treat you to a cup first!" As he spoke, the county magistrate raised his wine cup. Liu Shanhe repeatedly expressed his gratitude while also raising his own cup, and then both of them downed their drinks in one gulp.

  "Haha, wonderful, wonderful, it's really too wonderful! I've always known that you, Liu Bang, are a heroic and chivalrous person who helps the poor and punishes the rich. The people in the countryside have a very high opinion of you!" This county magistrate was also not stupid, although he knew that this Liu Bang had some unsavory behavior in the countryside and even within his own city walls, such as stealing chickens and dogs, drinking and having fun, almost everything. But today, he needed something from him, so naturally he couldn't speak ill of him, but only picked out nice things to say. Everyone knows that people love to hear good things about themselves, unless they're an idiot.

  Although Liu Bang naturally also heard the words of the county magistrate, in fact most of them were some flattering words, but he could only humbly respond and say: "Your Excellency is overpraising, Your Excellency is overpraising! A humble subject like me doesn't have such ability and virtue, I just like to make a few more friends."

  After speaking, Liu Shanhe was still very satisfied with his answer. On the one hand, it showed his humble attitude, and on the other hand, it indirectly revealed his strengths and abilities, which was quite clever.

  After three rounds of wine and five flavors of dishes, the county magistrate directly asked Liu Shanhe: "Brother Liu, we can be considered as old friends today! It's really a pity that we didn't meet earlier, and a thousand cups of wine wouldn't be enough to get drunk! Since it's like this, I'll speak straightforwardly. Today, I invited Brother Liu for two reasons: one is to pay respects to your great name, and the other is to ask for your help. Would you be willing?"

  Liu Shanhe knew that the county magistrate would not invite him to drink for nothing, and now he had finally waited for his words. Thinking so, he naturally had some preparation in mind. Hearing the county magistrate's words, Liu Shanhe stood up again and bowed to the county magistrate, saying: "Sir, please speak, I can only help if I can, serving you is also my good fortune."

  The county magistrate was delighted when he heard Liu Bang's generosity, so he picked up his wine cup and said: "Come on, Brother Liu, let's drink this cup of wine first!"

  "Damn it, you corrupt official! Now that I'm useful to you, you're being so friendly! When I first came in, it was all 'Liu Bang' this and that, but now it's all 'Brother Liu'! You really have a set of tricks!" He thought to himself, but his face remained beaming with joy, saying "Good good good" as he picked up his cup again and downed another drink in one gulp.

  "Brother Liu, the thing is like this. A few days ago, my sister's husband had a lot of valuables stolen from his home. But these good-for-nothings around me, I've already sent them to investigate for several days, but they haven't found any clues. What a bunch of useless people! I don't know if Brother Liu knows about this matter?" The county magistrate said while eating, seemingly casually bringing up the purpose of inviting Liu Shanhe this time.

  As soon as the county magistrate mentioned this matter, Liu Shanhe's heart suddenly jumped in shock. He thought to himself, "Could it be that this corrupt official already knows who did it?" If he already knew, then why was he being called here? Thinking about this, Liu Shanhe decided to first clarify what was real and what was fake before speaking further. With this thought, Liu Shanhe bowed his head towards the county magistrate and said: "Your Honor, I have heard of this matter, but I don't know any details."

  The county magistrate nodded and said, "Brother Liu, to be honest with you, I've heard that you're quite familiar with the people around here and have many connections. I'd like to ask for your help in investigating this matter. If we can really get some leads, I'll definitely thank you profusely. What do you think?"