Chapter 4: Four Talented Men Gather

  At 7 o'clock in the evening, I sit alone by the window, smiling faintly at the sky, lost in thought.

  "It's really funny, how did I suddenly come here?" Zheng Yao shook his head helplessly, feeling that this world had too many inexplicable things.

  "Oh, I remember now..." She hesitated for a moment, as if recalling something.

  The current Zhēn Yáo is not the real Zhēn Yáo, the real one died in a carriage accident three days ago. However, the current Zhēn Yáo is actually from January 1st, 2012 who traveled through time and space.

  Time travel! A term so familiar it can't be any more familiar, yet it really and truly happened to him.

  Zheng Yao, originally named Li Qiang, is a native of Chengdu, Sichuan Province. He was a police officer at a local station when he chased a thief into the venue of a cultural festival in Dujiangyan, where a new electromagnetic wave induction instrument was being promoted by the event organizers.

  Nothing was going to happen, but as the two struggled with each other, someone accidentally touched the start button, causing the instrument to start up. The instrument was still in its experimental stage and extremely unstable. Suddenly, both of them fainted to the ground.

  At another time in the same space and place, Zheng Yao was also frightened by a horse-drawn carriage and fainted.

  Thus, Li Qiang and Zheng Yao's two brain waves collided together across time, and when Li Qiang woke up again, he found himself in the Ming Dynasty during the Jiajing era, with some of Zheng Yao's memories added to his own.

  Such a bizarre event, which is usually only seen on TV, actually happened to Li Qiang himself. Even if it's unbelievable and can be said to be a fantasy, he couldn't help but believe it.

  Things have come to this, and there's nothing much that can be done, perhaps the only thing left is to wait, waiting like Xiang Shaolong in "The Legend of Qin", hoping for a day to return. The gentle evening breeze stirs my hair, bringing a cool sensation that surges up to my heart. I quietly close the window, just wishing for a good night's sleep.

  Seven days later, the Li family was overjoyed, and the surrounding villagers came to offer their congratulations.

  Originally, Rong Yao had a shock after being run over by the horse carriage and fell into a coma for three years. After waking up naturally, his foolish illness was also cured without any treatment! This made many doctors, including the famous doctor Yuan Fengming, who was known as the "Medical Immortal", feel unbelievable. Li Chengfeng specially set up a banquet to celebrate this occasion.

  From high-ranking officials and merchants to Confucian scholars, down to peddlers and runners, thirty tables of wine were set out.

  It's been over a decade since it was this lively, even the two elderly members of the Li family who were cultivating in Qingcheng Mountain have returned. It's truly a joyous occasion. At this moment, Yang had already walked out of his room and into the main hall, wearing a plain white outfit. Although he couldn't compare to Liu Yan's handsomeness, he was undoubtedly refined and elegant, with an extraordinary air about him.

  "Haha, I heard that Brother Zhengyao has just recovered from a serious illness, so I came to congratulate him specially. If there's any disrespect, please forgive me!"

  The newcomer was none other than Liu Yanliu, the young master known as the number one talent in the southwest, who had rescued Ning An Gongzhu from the water pool that day and then saved Zheng Yao.

  Liu Gongzi is wearing a green shirt today, holding a folding fan in his hand, and the whole person looks majestic and elegant. After entering the house, he bowed and saluted Zheng Yao, saying...

  Zheng Yao had already forgotten about the matter of that day, or it could be said that he didn't have any impression of it. However, Zheng Yao was also a person who understood reason and etiquette, so naturally he wouldn't neglect his guest. He bowed and said: "Thank you, Brother Liu! Brother Liu's visit to my humble abode is truly an honor! Please come in!"

  "Please!"

  The two men didn't say much more, and walked towards the inner hall. In Zhengyao's eyes, this person had an extraordinary demeanor, and his courtesy was impeccable, far surpassing that of ordinary people, so he naturally treated him as a honored guest entering the inner hall.

  "Master, Zhang Cheng and Yuan Haiyun are waiting outside the door. Please go and greet them personally." Just as he was chatting with Liu Yan, a servant came running from behind and whispered in his ear.

  Zheng Yao's face lit up with joy the moment he heard. Zheng Yao, Yuan Haiyun and Zhang Cheng had been inseparable since childhood, their bond was self-evident. The only regrettable thing was that eight years ago, a lightning strike accident left Zheng Yao unable to communicate properly, causing him to drift apart from the other two unknowingly. Until today, when Zheng Yao fully recovered, Zhang and Yuan came to visit him resolutely in order to revive their brotherly affection.

  Zheng Yao rushed out excitedly and saw that Gu and Yuan were no longer the same as before, each having achieved something, and his heart was even more excited.

  Zhang Cheng has a scholarly air, unadorned and simple, with slender fingers and a slightly thin build. If you don't look at his face, you might think he's a woman. However, this person is valuable because he is well-versed in poetry and literature, and his literary accomplishments are excellent. He will surely achieve something in the future. The only drawback is that he appears to be somewhat old-fashioned, and his speech is always stilted and awkward.

  Yuan Haiyun, on the other hand, was wearing a long white robe, and appeared to be a young man in his prime. He had a slightly chubby build, but there wasn't a single wrinkle on his face. His body reeked of herbal medicine, and it seemed that he wouldn't have to wait much longer before being hailed as the "Miraculous Healer". However, this person gave off an air of simplicity and honesty, with a kindly old face.

  Three people looked at each other and smiled, almost crying with joy, countless feelings surged up in their hearts, too much to express.

  After a moment, Zheng Yao led the two into the inner hall, where all the talented scholars of Guan County were seated, gathered together in one room, and couldn't help but show off their elegance.

  At the banquet, everyone took turns drinking cups and savoring each mouthful. Drinking wine and tea was a joyous occasion indeed! Composing lyrics and melodies was truly wonderful. The entire inner hall and wing room were filled with happy voices and laughter.

  "Tomorrow is the Qingming Festival, which is also the annual Water Releasing Festival in Dujiangyan. Why don't we all go together to take a look?" Suddenly spoke up Song Wanchang, one of the three young masters of the Song family, who was sitting opposite to Zhang Yong.

  Song family's third young master, Song Wan Chang? He is the third son of Chengdu Prefecture's Salt Administration Commissioner, Song Qi Tai. Originally, he came to Dujiangyan this time just for the water release matter, but as soon as he arrived, he received an invitation from Li Cheng Feng and became a guest at the Li residence. Of course, although he is a Sichuan local, he knows very little about this place.

  "Haha!" Suddenly, a burst of loud laughter erupted, leaving Song Wanchang bewildered and his face showing a hint of displeasure.

  "No, no! Please don't be surprised, Lord Song. In fact, our group of people will all participate in the water release ceremony tomorrow, and after the ceremony is over, Director Huang of the Water Supervision Bureau will also hold a annual River East-River West Cuju competition, whoever wins will receive the 'Water Dragon Crystal Cup' provided by the Water Supervision Bureau." Zhang Cheng said with a slight smile.

  "Is there a kemari match? That sounds like fun! But I wonder who you're playing against?"

  Song Wanchang was immediately interested when he heard about the cuju match. Although he wasn't very familiar with this sport, he really enjoyed watching it. When he was in Chengdu Prefecture, he would often go to some "stadiums" to watch matches. However, he could only watch from a distance and had bodyguards by his side, which made him feel uncomfortable. (PS: The young masters of official families would often fight over trivial matters, so their fathers and grandfathers had to assign some thugs to protect them for safety.)

  "We, the Hedong team, competed with Guan Zhen's Hexi team. To be honest, based on previous encounters, we were still in an advantageous position, but unfortunately, over the past two years, our Hedong team has been declining, and we have not won against them for five consecutive years."

  "What? Five years? I remember that back then, before I got struck by lightning, it seemed like every year was our River East team winning, how could... Although there are eight years of memories that are equivalent to being blank and non-existent, things from when I was ten years old or younger, I still remember very clearly."

  But for Zheng Yao, this ball is all too familiar. Modern people call it football, although the national team has repeatedly lost in the World Cup and the Sichuan team has not performed well in domestic leagues, but Zheng Yao is a person from the Quanxing era, naturally having a strong affection for football, and every year, the street district government still holds some non-competitive football matches, he himself is also a mainstay.

  "It's true, but I have to say that Guan Zhen is indeed formidable in terms of skills. Originally, we had Dong Qiu, but five years ago he suddenly announced his departure from the Hedong team, and since then our team has not won a single victory. Now it's already been six years, and this time we absolutely cannot let them win for the sixth consecutive time." A young man next to Zhang Cheng said with some resentment, clearly unwilling to lose again.

  "It's said that the Hesi team is even stronger than before this year, and they've even invited a mysterious person to join them. I reckon they're determined to win this kickball competition." A medicine-scented Yuan Haiyun immediately chimed in.

  Don't look at him being a bit chubby, but he's quite likable, especially when playing as a goalkeeper on the court, and has indeed captivated many Miao Ling girls. Moreover, his medical skills are superb, and in Shu Zhong area, his connections are not bad either. It's no wonder that I was able to dig up these small pieces of gossip.

  "Is this really happening? This Guan Zhen is still quite capable!"

  Song Wanchang said curiously, when mentioning Guan Zhen's two words, he seemed a bit unusual, especially the word "endurance", those with ears can hear that this is a sarcastic remark.

  "I wonder who this mysterious person is and how strong their abilities are?" Song Wan had just finished speaking when someone next to him immediately whispered again.

  "Yes, I don't know who that person is."

  "If another strong player comes, then He Dong team will have no way to play!"

  ……

  For a time, they began to discuss it in an uproar, only Zheng Yao, Zhang Cheng and Liu Yan did not say anything else.

  Although Zheng Yao can't be considered as exceptionally talented (after all, the former prodigy has become a thing of the past and is now just an empty shell), his ability to observe food and adapt is quite strong. Looking at Liu Yan's expression, it's not hard to see some clues, and Zhang Cheng on the side is also the same.

  "Uh... actually... actually, that mysterious person is right below."

  "What?"

  Suddenly hearing someone say this, everyone's gaze moved to the source of the sound, and they all stared at Liu Yan with their mouths agape in shock.

  Ryōgen joins the Kawachi team? The outcome is naturally understood without saying. Ryōgen is a renowned literary and military all-rounder, let alone the Kawachi team, even the Emperor's Imperial Kickball Team would not dare to underestimate him.

  "Unexpectedly, the renowned southwest's number one talent, Liu Dabozi, has also surrendered to Guan Zhen, such a despicable person. It seems that today's wine is wasted."

  "Right, I'll drink it."

  As soon as Liu Yan finished speaking, he immediately provoked dissatisfaction among a group of people. No wonder, although the west and east banks of the river are only separated by a single river, the people on both sides seem to have an eternal feud, like water and fire that cannot coexist. Therefore, it is not surprising that these people reacted this way.

  "Alright, let's not say that anymore. I believe everyone should know what kind of person Liu Gongzi is. He joined the Héxī team for a reason, and we shouldn't talk about him like this." Zhèng Yáo immediately stood up, bowed and said: "I hope Liu Gongzi won't take offense."

  "It's reasonable to say that, as the saying goes: everyone has their own aspirations, and one shouldn't force it! Although tomorrow we might become enemies, at least for now we are still friends, aren't we? Brother Liu, if you don't mind, this cup of wine is a toast from Zhang. Zhang Cheng also stood up, along with Zheng Yao, and together with Yuan Haiyun beside them, they raised their cups to each other, threw back their heads, and drank loudly."

  "Good! Thank you, three brothers, for understanding Liu Mou. Today, I will die with the gentleman!" Liu Yan was also a generous person, raised his wine cup, and drank it all in one gulp without saying another word.

  "Alright, let's do it!"

  Everyone was infected by Liu Yan's demeanor, and they also raised their cups to drink. In an instant, the entire house presented a lively scene once again.