Liu Bei POV

The streets of Xiangyang city in Jing state are really different.

Compared to Xu state’s friendliness, Xuchang’s majesty and Shouchun’s sincerity, the impression I had of Xiangyang city was that of wealth.

Yes, wealth. A very obvious show of wealth.

Even after walking through the outer city, I didn’t even see a single beggar, nor did I see any obvious signs of poverty such as tattered clothing on anyone. There’s no high-ranking official inspection in this era so there’s no way that this is just a pretense, nor am I some high-ranking official to begin with, so this place is probably just that wealthy.

The ordinary people I walked past always had some jade or bronze accessories on them even if their clothing were normal and plain. And if you took a closer look, you would see that the accessory usually had exquisite designs. Though people feared and respected royal authority and obeyed the customs of not making dragon carvings, they went with other animals and mystic creatures. And I must say that the carvings are really lifelike.

Just from these tiny details, I could keenly sense why this territory was so well-sought after. There was its strategic position, and its socio-economic status, both of which were superior to most states.

“Uncle, shall we head towards the inner city?”

“Ah… Un, the market is in the inner city right?”

“Yes, most of the stalls are gathered there.”

And so, we decided to head towards the inner city.

“Liu Qi, which direction is it?”

“Ah, just turn left at the intersection ahead, uncle.” Liu Qi said as she pointed it out for me.

This experience has really taught me the importance of having a tour guide. This was so much easier than when I had to navigate Xuchang blind back then.

“This way?”

“Yes, uncle.”

Wu.

But… I felt really weird hearing her call me uncle. I’m not even 20 yet but I’m of an older generation than her. It’s the truth, but it’s difficult to accept.

“I’m sorry about this. You personally came to find me only to come along with us.”

I was planning on playing dumb when I heard that Liu Biao’s daughter was here to find me but then I remembered my promise to go out with Yun Chang and Guan Ping which made it impossible for me to stay inside. And just as I predicted, Liu Qi followed us.

“No, it’s me who didn’t pick a good time.” Liu Qi stopped walking and bowed when she heard what I said, “I heard you’ve been really busy lately, and I still chose to come now. It’s my mistake.”

This…

“You can’t say that,” Yun Chang who knew the truth spoke up as she looked at me from the corner of her eye, and gave a wry smile, “Even though he seems really busy, big brother ‘happens’ to be resting today so it’s alright.”

I smiled bitterly and didn’t dare to say any further, and decided to size up my niece.

Her eyes were filled with vigour but her eyebrows were tightened up and she looked like she was unhappy. Her smooth hair was neatly, and clearly, divided into 2 halves and was tied up into twin tails. When I walked beside her, she would always pay attention to my pace, and walk ever so slightly slower than me so she was slightly behind me. In summary, every action of hers seemed to be restrained and measured. Even her clothing was a figure-hugging set of clothing that basically covered everything except her face. Perhaps this is what it means to abide by the rules and customs, or perhaps the people I interact with usually are a little too loose. If only she would smile. If she smiled, she would be the perfect tour guide.

“If that’s the case, then I can be at ease.” Liu Qi saluted and bowed as she said so, “Thank you, auntie.”

“Aunt…” Yun Chang’s temple vein bulged immediately when she heard this. Seems like Yun Chang feels the same way I do.

“Oh? You address mother as auntie? Then you’re my cousin!” Just then, Guan Ping joined in as well.

“Mother? I didn’t think auntie had offspring at such a young age already. I’m really impressed.” Liu Qi continued the conversation down a dire path. But she didn’t realise it, and saluted and bowed once more to express how impressed she was.

Yun Chang forced a smile out as she got Liu Qi to rise with 1 hand while she clenched her fist in the other. It felt like she was ready to punch someone any time.

“Guan Ping, come to my room tonight.”

“Un? What’s the matter, mother? Ah, mother’s grip is really strong, don’t rub my shoulders with so much strength.”

Rub… Guan Ping really is an airhead,

“Uncle, uncle.” Just then, I felt someone pull on my sleeve with a somewhat significant strength. I turned back, and got a shock.

Liu Qi’s eyes were wide open and she was staring at me with a very serious expression. Her twin tails seemed like they were flosting as well, and i couldn’t help but to s.h.i.+ft my gaze down and see if she had a knife stuck through her chest or if she was floating– Like the ghosts in horror films.

Wh… What is it? I wanted to ask her this, but all I could do was breath in, and not out.

At this very moment where I had my wits scared out of me, she swiftly placed something into my hand and then briskly walked up ahead, and the air about her returned to normal.

I was still a little shocked, and ignored the ‘mother and daughter’ ruckus behind and raised my hand to see what it was, and found that it was a piece of silk.