In May of 884 AD, on the official road fifty li southwest of Bianzhou (modern-day Kaifeng)Lin Neng had already followed Ye Ma Wen into a small courtyard. He looked around, but saw only ordinary peasant furnishings. It was certainly not the residence of an official, nobleman, or wealthy merchant. His heart couldn't help but feel a little disappointed. In the courtyard, a man with pale yellow skin and eyes slightly larger than Lin Neng's greeted Ye Ma Wen with "What business were you out to find this early morning"

Then he saw Lin Neng, the man was stunned and asked: "Wen'er, who is this young man"

Hearing this man's question, Lin Neng immediately thought of the common phrase used in TV dramas: "Sir, I am Xu'er."

He, however, was unaware that in the Tang Dynasty calling someone "大人" meant "father." Adding to this, the fact that he called him "勖兒," a nickname, immediately made the man pause. He then hesitantly asked, "Young brother, are you asking me to be your godfather"

Lin was a little confused: why would he be asked to be his godfather right after they started talking But then he thought about it, the man's age was indeed that of his own father. The key point was that with a godfather, he would have a family.

He thought about this, made a decision, and immediately knelt down saying, “Yes, child bows to father!” He imitated his grandfather’s bowing posture, looking quite genuine as he bowed three times.

Ye Ma'n was dumbfounded. She never expected that after doing such a heroic deed on the street, she would end up with an adopted brother! Who was he Xu'er How did he become her brother

Ye Hou Sheng, however, was overjoyed. He was nearing fifty and had only one daughter. Although she excelled in singing, reciting, martial arts, etc., how could the family lineage continue after a hundred years This was also the reason he often couldn't sleep. Now, heaven had bestowed upon him a young son! Looking at his rosy lips, pearly teeth, and spirited eyes, it was evident that he was the child of a wealthy and influential family. How could Ye Hou Sheng bear to reject such a divinely gifted child Not to accept this gift would be foolish.

Ye Hou Sheng hurriedly helped Lin Neng up: "Xù'er, Xù'er, your father doesn't want to know your background first. There is only one thing, if you want to recognize me as your godfather, you must change our family name. Are you willing"

Lin Nengzheng was troubled by his own name. He couldn't figure out which character it was. To get to the bottom of it, he asked his godfather for a new name!

Lin immediately said aloud, "Then please ask my foster father for a name."

When Lin was repeatedly claiming to be his godfather, Ye Hou Sheng was so excited that he fainted. He quickly said: "Godfather wants to call you Ye Youxiao, are you willing"

When Lin heard this, he said, "What a good name! 'Friendship' and 'filial piety', just hearing it tells you which characters they are. It's much better than that 'Xuer'! " He immediately nodded in agreement: "Name given by my godfather, I will remember it, Youxia."

Seeing him claim to be " filial," Ye Hou'sheng felt a stone lift from his heart, and immediately said: “This is your elder sister. You must know her, her name is Ye Niangwen.”

Ye Youxiao had never figured out his elder sister's name. At this moment, he casually asked, "Which characters are they"

Mother Ye spoke to herself, "Mother, I am Mother Ye; Wen, she is gentle and kind."

Ye Youxiao's mind must have grown. How can one still use the character "niang" to name oneself Thankfully, the "wen" in "Wen" isn't the "wen" in "plague." A smile crept onto his face, and he then said, "Youxiao understands."

Suddenly, a woman's gruff voice rang out: "It's strange things happening year after year. Stones roll uphill from the mountainside. We've heard tales of capturing notorious bandits before, but here in Bianzhou City, we're capturing mere children!" Ye Youxiao turned to look at the sound. A tall and sturdy woman walked towards them. She saw Ye Youxiao at once and moved her hairy upper lip with surprise, asking in a tone of astonishment: "Well now, young man from where did you come You are quite handsome."

Ye Hou-sheng smiled and said to Ye You-xiao, "You-xiao, call mother quickly!"

Ye Youxiao hurriedly called out, "Mother!"

Ye Dalian was taken aback, but seeing the official nod at her, she was overjoyed. She fumbled and rushed to hug Ye Youxiao. This woman had great strength, managing to lift up the ten-year-old boy. She laughed and said, “Your mouth is indeed sweet enough, but why do you call me ‘mother’” She looked at Ye Housheng: “Official sir, where did you find this treasure”

Unlike the joy and peacefulness of the Ye family, the Xuanwu Jiedushi's residence was shrouded in gloom and oppression. Zhu Wen paced restlessly back and forth, while Zhu Youyu and the Bian army generals dared not utter a word. At this moment, the maid Liu Xu entered the room, curtsied to Zhu Wen and said, "Your Excellency, Madam requests your presence."

Upon hearing that the mistress had summoned them, a spark of excitement lit up everyone's eyes in the room. Even Zhu Wen felt his spirits lift and hurried after Liu Xu into the inner chamber.

Upon seeing Zhu Wen enter, Zhang Hui greeted him with, "Greetings, my lord," while bowing and smiling brightly. "Please have a seat."

Zhu Wen shook his head: "The fire outside the city is raging, and the Shatuo people are extremely arrogant. Madam, don't blame me, Zhu can't sit still."

Zhang Hui laughed and said, "My lord, please sit down for a while. I don't believe the Shatuo soldiers will be able to break into the city."

Zhu Wen: “Lao Shi, Ding Hui, Zhang Guihou, and the others, have indeed been closely guarding the Cao Gate against the Shatuo siege...”

Zhang Hui interjected, "My lord, hold on! Should we not be wary of a Sha Tuo attack"

Zhu Wen nodded, looking at Zhang Hui in confusion.

Chang Hui smiled: "The official said that although the Shatuo are fierce, they haven't actually attacked any cities"

Zhu Wen thought for a moment, then slapped his thigh and said, "That's right, he only said he wanted to take back the child, but he didn't really attack the city. I think they are mainly cavalry, and it would be difficult for them to attack a fortified position"

"My opinion is that the Shatuo people came from afar to fight Huang Chao. Where could they possibly have brought siege equipment How could they attack Bianzhou If they were truly starting a siege, my lord only needs to hold out for ten or half a month. We should defend the city walls of Bianzhou and wait for the Shatuo army's supplies to run out. Their morale will definitely be shattered! Therefore, the Shatuo will not be able to enter Bianzhou. My lord can rest assured about this."

Zhu Wen nodded repeatedly: "Hearing your words, madam, is like a parched land encountering timely rain."

Mrs. Zhang smiled and offered Zhu Wen fragrant tea. Zhu Wen took a sip of the tea but then said, "Madam, do you have any clever plan to make these barbarians leave as soon as possible So that I wouldn't be so bothered by them."

Chang Hui turned and took a letter from the cupboard, handing it to Zhu Wen.

Zhu Wen took it over and looked at Zhang Hui in confusion.

Zhang Hui explained, “I have already prepared for the official’s arrival. This letter can be copied by the clerk and sealed with an official seal after it is given to the official. It should then be expedited to King Chongrong of Hezhong, who will submit it on our behalf.”

Zhu Wen couldn't understand: "Why is that The last time, I could write it myself. Besides…"

Zhang Hui waved her hand: "My humble opinion is to have the king act as a mediator. He has a close relationship with Li Kuang, and if he steps in, Li Kuang will surely listen."

"Zhu Wen hesitated and said, 'I'm afraid Wang Gong wouldn't want to get involved in this muddy water. Li Ke used suffered heavy casualties last night, and this matter of reconciliation… sigh.'"

Zhang Hui spoke softly, "My lord, simply have the envoy tell the prince that if he ignores Li Kekong's annexation of Xuanwu, Hedong will be surrounded by Shatuo forces. For the prince, this could bring more harm than good. If he negotiates peace, Li Kekong will even thank the prince for giving him a way to step down; speaking just a few words can earn the gratitude of the two powerful warlords in the East and West, without expending a single soldier or a drop of blood, isn't this a great thing"

"Zhu Wen awoke as if from a dream and grinned, 'Today Li Cunxiao is still vying with Wang Tiebi for the title of 'World's Number One Warrior,' but in my opinion, Madam is the true World's Number One Woman Strategist!'"

In the Ye family, Ye Housheng pulled Ye Daniu to the side room. Before even closing the door, he hurriedly asked: "Don't ask where this child came from first, just say that the Bian soldiers in the city are arresting him for what reason"

Ye Dalian saw the official being so serious, so she truthfully said: "Sir, please don't worry. This servant went out with Wang Po this morning to wash clothes at Bianhe River. Suddenly, there was the sound of horses' hooves. It turned out that Zhu Daliang led dozens of soldiers and came over, but they dug up Dingjia's vegetable garden."

Yè Hòushēng frowned: "Speak plainly, don't lie! If he were a cavalryman, why would he be digging in the vegetable garden"

Ye Dalian quickly said, "Sir, don't blame me. At the time, I also found it strange and just followed the crowd to take a closer look. I heard Zhu Jialang say that they were looking for a child five or six years old and had even posted a reward. Sir, how much do you think the reward is Ten guan."

"Finding the boy will reward you with ten guan" Ye Hou-sheng exclaimed in surprise.

Ye Damo moved her lips, the long whiskers twitching: "How dare I deceive you, sir Right now, in the streets and alleys, everyone is talking about it, wondering who will be lucky enough to receive this ten taels of silver."

Ye Hou Sheng did not ask further and pondered silently. He had heard that the reward was a considerable ten guan, naturally he was quite tempted. However, You Xiao’s age wasn't like that of a five or six-year-old child. After being sent to the official, if it wasn't him, not only would he not receive the reward, but he might even be beaten and driven out. For someone his age to go and claim the reward would surely shame his ancestors. How could he live with himself afterward Besides, You Xiao already considered him his father. Although ten guan was a lot of money, it was insignificant compared to having a foster son inherit the family line.

Ye Da's husband was lost in thought, so she didn't dare to speak. She just stood there, constantly observing her husband's expression. When she saw that Ye Housheng's expression had relaxed, she finally spoke up and asked: "My lord, is this child outside the one the government is looking for It's just that his age doesn't seem right."

Ye Housheng glared at her. "You know age is an issue, so why even ask Youxiao is Wen'er who brought back from outside this morning. He willingly wants to call me his godfather. I want someone to carry on the family line, and seeing his sincerity, I took him in as my adopted son."

Ye Dajiao was still a little uneasy: “My lord, this child is really not the one the government is looking for My servant heard that if you don't report it, it would be a crime to harbor him.”

Ye Hou Sheng impatiently said, “Clearly it wasn’t him, how can you report him You have to wait for the government to investigate and prove he isn’t the child. Only then will you be happy after beating me with a board”

Seeing the thick leaves, full of vitality, Ye Da's mother hurriedly smiled and said: "Sir, where did you hear that This woman is just timid..."

Ye Hou Sheng waved his hand: "Since you're afraid, let's leave Bianzhou."

Ye Dalian was surprised: "Leave here"

Ye Hou Sheng nodded. "I didn't plan on settling in Bianzhou originally. Let me ask you, where did the Empress tell us to go before she passed away"

Of course, Mother Ye knew: “Although the Empress said that we should go to Cai State and seek refuge with Lord Xue, we have lived in Bianzhou for two or three years now. Now that we are going to seek refuge with Lord Xue, I am afraid that Lord Xue has already forgotten the Empress...”

Ye Housheng waved his hand to interrupt her: "There's no need to say more, leave everything to me. What we did in Bianzhou before was just a temporary measure. Now that we have Youxiao as our child, it's a good opportunity to go to Caizhou." He looked at Madam Ye and whispered, "To be honest with you, I'm actually worried about his family coming looking for him. Wouldn't that be a joyless affair"

Ye Dalian was startled: "With the intentions of an official, are you trying to take him away"

Ye Hou Sheng frowned: "How can you say that! You're being too harsh! You Xiao is our own family, coming to my home and calling me father was his intention. What do I have to do with it I just went along with it, adopted this child as my son, seeking a continuous lineage. Where is there talk of abduction" He paused and continued: "Of course, the further away from Bianzhou, the safer this child will be. If You Xiao never returns to Bianzhou in his lifetime, he will forever be our child!"

After he finished speaking, he turned his gaze to the two siblings in the yard.

"Master is certainly honest and upright, but he just happened to fulfill that saying," Ye Da's mother chuckled softly.

"Which sentence" Ye Hou Sheng turned back to look at her.

"Having got it, I wouldn't let go," Ye Da-nie said with a smile.

Ye Hou Sheng clapped his hands and said, "You go pack your things. I'll go chat with Mr. Ding for a bit and settle the rent."

Ye Dalian replied, "My lord, there's no need to worry. I will take care of everything at home."

Seeing Ye Hou Sheng leave, Ye Da Niang thought for a moment and decided to call her daughter over for a good talk first. The family had gained an extra son, which was a huge event for the Ye family. She had to understand the ins and outs of this matter.h by him, and his life or death is unknown. 。This left Zhu Wen and his entourage silent. 。Ge was the chief military general under Huang Chao before the Zhou dynasty. He was both intellectually and ph...