Mythical Version of Three Kingdom

”Brother, was that absent-minded fellow just now Chen Zichuan?” Sima Yi asked his elder brother with a frown. ”If it weren’t for the astonishing spiritual energy he unconsciously exuded, I almost wouldn’t have recognized him. He seems somewhat different from when we last saw him.”

”Indeed, that was Chen Zichuan. Compared to the last time we saw him, it seems he was deep in thought today, his attention elsewhere,” Sima Lang nodded. The Chen Xi they had previously seen, brimming with confidence and wisdom, seemed much less sharp today.

”I didn’t expect that merely inquiring with our Sima family’s merchants in Fenggao would lead us straight to Fan Liang’s residence. Father’s cultivation of these people has been quite effective,” Sima Yi said calmly, trusting in the abilities of his family’s servants. His father, Sima Fang, had long laid the groundwork for the family’s survival by spreading influence through merchants across the land.

”Yes,” Sima Lang agreed with a nod. ”Let’s meet with Master Fan, and then we should be able to borrow books from the library.”

”That would be the safest approach,” Sima Yi nodded, fully endorsing his brother’s plan.

”Please deliver this to Master Fan and inform him that Sima Boda and Sima Zhongda of the Sima family from Henei have come to visit,” Sima Lang said with a smile as he handed over a visiting card to the doorman. His spiritual talent subtly influenced the doorman, fostering a sense of trust.

”Please wait a moment, young master,” the doorman responded respectfully, bowing to Sima Lang. Unlike the indifferent treatment typically shown to scholars seeking official positions, the doorman’s attitude was notably polite as he quickly went to inform Fan Liang.

Fan Liang looked at the visiting card, feeling puzzled. The Fan family had little interaction with the Sima family, although he had met Sima Lang a few years ago and had been addressed as ”Uncle,” partly due to his connection with Chen Xi.

”Invite them into the guest hall. I’ll change my clothes,” Fan Liang instructed the old butler, signaling that the Sima brothers were to be treated with due respect. Sima Lang was not like the other scholars seeking official positions. After all, his father, Sima Fang, held a high-ranking position and had connections across the land. There was no need for Sima Lang to come here for favors, so there was no concern about causing trouble for Chen Xi.

The old butler personally welcomed the Sima brothers inside. ”Please wait here, young masters. The master will be with you shortly.” After instructing the maids to serve tea and refreshments, the butler withdrew respectfully.”Haha, Boda, it’s been a long time since we last met in Luoyang. How time flies! How is your father?” Fan Liang greeted them warmly as he entered, noting the aura of prosperity surrounding the two brothers.

”Greetings, Uncle. My father is in good health,” Sima Lang said as he and Sima Yi rose to salute. Without elaborating further, he simply conveyed that his father was well, subtly implying that all else was unimportant. ”My younger brother, Zhongda, has been engrossed in his studies at home, so I brought him out to travel and broaden his horizons. Passing through Taishan, we heard of your daughter’s upcoming wedding and came to join the celebration. This is my younger brother, Zhongda. He may seem a bit reserved, so please don’t take offense.”

”Please, have a seat. Since you call me Uncle, I gladly accept it. I imagine you’re not here just for my daughter’s wedding, but rather for the Chen family’s feast. After all, your Sima family and the Chen family share a common ancestry, and it’s only natural for you to visit when passing through,” Fan Liang said with a smile, understanding Sima Lang’s explanation.

In Fan Liang’s view, the Sima brothers had likely come upon hearing that Chen Xi was from the Chen family of Yingchuan, and as distant relatives, they had come to pay their respects. After all, the Fan family and the Sima family didn’t have much of a connection, but the Chen family of Yingchuan and the Sima family of Henei had close ties, as their ancestors were from the same clan.

In the world of noble families, distant relations were not a problem, but lack of any connection was. Years ago, when Sima Yi’s grandfather, Sima Jun, was appointed as an official in Yingchuan, he found it difficult to manage due to the many prominent families there. However, after discovering a shared ancestor in the Chen family’s genealogy, their relationship improved. Since then, the ties between the Chen and Sima families had strengthened, leading to frequent exchanges between the two clans.

This was why Fan Liang found it unsurprising that Sima Lang had come to attend the wedding. It was customary for noble families traveling through unfamiliar lands to visit their relatives, and it was expected that they would be hosted with meals and hospitality.

Sima Lang and Sima Yi instantly understood that Chen Xi was indeed a legitimate descendant of the Chen family from Yingchuan. Despite any family disputes, Fan Liang’s words confirmed that the Chen family shrine was located in Yingchuan, making everything else logical.

”Uncle, please forgive us. My brother and I heard that Chen Zichuan is a member of the Chen family from Yingchuan, but we haven’t seen him within the clan before. At the very least, we should have some impression of our peers,” Sima Lang said with a wry smile. ”So, we came here to confirm it with you first. If we were wrong, Longwen would never let us live it down.”

”Hahaha, don’t worry. Zichuan is indeed from the Chen family of Yingchuan. Although there have been some disagreements with the main clan, distant relatives like yourselves shouldn’t face any issues,” Fan Liang laughed. He understood the situation well, knowing that family disputes were common among noble families. The ancestors of the Sima brothers, such as Sima Rangju, had successfully split off from the Chen family.

In noble families, splitting off from the main branch was acceptable, as long as it was done successfully. If not, it would simply be seen as a failure.

”With that assurance, we won’t disturb you any longer, Uncle,” Sima Lang said, now confident that they could blend in at Chen Xi’s feast without attracting attention. As long as they didn’t stand out, they would be safe.

”Hahaha, wait a moment. Let me give you each a pass. Fannu, bring me two of the borrowing permits that Zichuan gave me,” Fan Liang instructed the butler. ”I don’t have much to offer, so I’ll treat you with Zichuan’s resources instead. Please don’t be modest. The library in Fenggao contains some remarkable works. Since you’re on a journey, don’t neglect your studies.”

Sima Lang and Sima Yi exchanged a glance, then bowed to Fan Liang. ”Thank you, Uncle. We’ve long wished to enter the Fenggao library but had no means of doing so. Today, we finally achieve our goal.”