Chapter 4 Reflections

  After the hour of You, Eighth Sister got up and left on her own initiative. Although she wanted to continue listening to Liu Yan Zhao tell stories, Little Ya Tou knew that Sixth Brother had to go to the camp for training tomorrow morning, so she didn't want to disturb him too late.

  After sending off Eighth Sister, Liu Yan Zhao didn't have the slightest bit of sleepiness. This day at the Liu residence made him think a lot, and most importantly, what should he do next?

  Mysteriously arriving in this world, he became the revered Yang Liu Lang of later generations. The initial excitement of Liu Yan Zhao no longer existed, replaced by a sense of inner loneliness.

  To be honest, in the past three or four days, he still hasn't fully adapted to this ancient way of life. There are no bustling streets, no computers to accompany him all day, and none of those familiar beautiful women.

  Everything seems so unfamiliar, everything that used to be will never appear again, unless he can find a way back, but this, even coming is unclear, how could he possibly do it?

  The oil lamp was burning alone, casting a handsome face, but his eyebrows were tightly locked, and after a long time, he let out a deep sigh.

  If you can't go back, then don't go back! But Yang Liu Lang's great reputation cannot be tarnished!

  Finally, Liu Yanzhao suppressed the reluctance in his heart and made up his mind not to think about the past anymore, but to do a good job of being himself now.

  Since he had to adapt, he had to make some plans. The life of a recluse was gone forever, and in the chaotic world at the end of the Five Dynasties period, Liu Yanzhao had to learn how to preserve his life.

  He won't be foolish enough to believe in the internet he used to read, every traverser is mixed with wind and water, even ascending to the throne is easy.

  Those are just the idle fancies of a bored person, and let's not mention this strict feudal hierarchy, even if you were born with an extraordinary skeleton, being at the pinnacle of power is that easy?

  Don't think about those unrealistic things, the exquisite snacks in front of you were left by Eighth Sister when she was leaving. Thinking of lovely Liu Yanyu, Liu Yanxiang couldn't help but feel some warmth in his heart.

  Perhaps he can make some historic changes, even if he can't wield absolute power, at least he can change the fate of the Yang family in the future.

  According to later generations, in the Jinshatan campaign, Dalang, Erlang and Sanlang died in Youzhou; the unborn Silang was captured and became a son-in-law of the Khitan; Wulang became a monk; Qilang was shot dead by Pan Mei; even Liu Jiye also lost his army due to the exclusion of Pan Mei and others, and crashed to death at the Li Ling stele.

  So, Jinsha Beach is the turning point of the entire Yang family's decline. Now, as a member of the Yang family, Liu Yanzhao had an idea flashing through his mind.

  Can this advantage of his precognition of history be used to change the occurrence of this tragedy?

  His right hand subconsciously tapped on the desk, Liu Yanzhao constantly thought about this sudden idea in his mind. In this life, he was a member of the Yang family and had an inseparable connection with them since he replaced Yang Liulang.

  What's more, the world is in chaos at present. In my impression, it will take three or four years for Northern Song to unify. Leaving Yang's family like this and going out, I don't know where I will die.

  Since he had come to a thousand years ago, Liu Yanzhao would not be willing to spend his life in such a dull way. He might as well take on the identity of Yang Liulang and live out some colors in this turbulent era.

  In this way, Liu Yanzhao has a direction to strive for, and he must protect the Yang family no matter what.

  With a sudden surge of thoughts, Liu Yanzhao couldn't help but pick up his brush and start writing on a piece of white paper. This was a habit he had cultivated in his past life - whenever he was thinking deeply, he liked to record his constantly jumping thoughts on paper.

  Firstly write down the fragments heard from Zhang Yun over the past two days. In 976, Zhao Kuangyin had already donned the yellow robe and become the Emperor of the Song Dynasty.

  The Southern Tang had already been destroyed by the Northern Han last year, in 975. Now only the Northern Han remains, this small and isolated court clinging to existence.

  That snowy night, Zhao Kuangyin and his famous prime minister Zhao Pu set the guideline of "first south then north", although it is unknown when the former died, but this guideline was perfectly executed by the latter Zhao Kuangyi, thus at that moment Northern Han had become a thorn in the eye of Northern Song, with extremely tense relations between the two sides.

  The war did not break out, but neither side had stopped. Not long ago, the Northern Han army, led by Liu Jiyuan, launched a surprise attack on Hongtong County, and such skirmishes were nothing new.

  According to historical records, the Northern Han was eventually destroyed due to Emperor Liu Jiyuan's surrender. As a pillar of the Northern Han, Liu Jiye also surrendered to the Song Dynasty and changed his surname back to Yang.

  At this moment, Liu Yanzhao really couldn't remember the time of surrender. He was very regretful now that he knew more about the situation and especially the timing of major events, which would have given him an extra edge.

  However, in memory, the Northern Han's demise was not long after the Southern Tang, so supporting the Northern Han or accumulating strength to establish oneself as king was fundamentally unrealistic.

  Continuously eliminating the listed options on paper, in the end, only one was left, surrendering to Northern Song.

  Although the Yang family eventually surrendered to the Northern Song, Liu Yanzhao's surrender had a different meaning. Even if they both surrendered, the outcome would be vastly different if one side gained an advantage over the other.

  So, the first thing to do is to have some contact with Northern Song Dynasty.

  Next came a difficult problem. His current father, Liu Jiye's character was straightforward and would not abandon the Northern Han to whom he had been loyal for half his life.

  If it weren't for Liu Jiyuan's surrender and considering the lives of the people in Taiyuan City, how could Liu Jiyuan humiliate himself? In ancient times, being a minister or a woman was equally important, both valued chastity, loyalty, and fidelity. If Liu Yanzhao were to advise him to surrender to the Northern Song now without being beaten to death, it would be a stroke of luck.

  So secretly doing some tricks.

  His left hand habitually dragged his chin, his right hand held a pen and stayed there, his eyebrows furrowed even tighter, after a long time, he suddenly picked up the pen and started writing on the rice paper.

  "Wow!"

  Liu Yanzhao put down the pen in his hand and shook his numb right hand. It had been many years since he last used a brush to write, and it really felt a bit sore and tired.

  But anyway, I finally have a plan for after graduation.

  Forced to rebel against Liu Jiye, he must start from the Northern Han court, so he went to Jin Yang for a trip.

  Of course, the core of the entire plan is to change the situation where all members of the Yang family are martial generals. In a chaotic world, martial arts can defend the country and expand its territory, but in a peaceful and prosperous era, it is useless.

  Especially in the Northern Song Dynasty, which emphasized literature over military affairs, a scholar could command troops. This situation was extremely unfavorable for the Yang family, who were generals without a foundation.

  So, in order to reverse history, someone must abandon military pursuits and take up literature. As for the person, no one is more suitable than Liu Yanzhao, who was once a graduate of the Chinese Department of Normal University.

  He picked up the paper on the table and placed it above the oil lamp, watching as it slowly turned to ashes. Liu Yanzhao's heart, however, was becoming increasingly calm, at least now he had a clear goal to strive for.

  Liu Yanzhao stretched and found that the sky had already brightened, the coolness of the night was driven away by the early summer morning light, and even the faint sound of a rooster's crowing could be heard.

  Go out and practice your boxing skills. Just because you have a plan to become an official doesn't mean you should neglect your physical abilities. Having some real skills on hand is never a bad thing.

  The night passed in the blink of an eye, but Liu Yanzhao didn't have a bit of sleepiness, instead he was full of enthusiasm and walked to the courtyard, subconsciously practicing a familiar yet strange set of fist techniques.

  Half an hour later, Liu Yanzhao stopped, panting heavily. Perhaps it was the exhaustion of boxing, or perhaps it was the sweltering heat of summer, but beads of sweat as big as beans began to trickle down his face.

  Wiping the sweat with his hand, Liu Yanzhao was about to walk into the house to wash up when a whistling sound suddenly came from behind him. He was greatly startled and his body leaned sideways to the left. His left hand grabbed the fist that had launched a sneak attack, while his right palm pressed against the opponent's left hand. His right knee bent sharply upwards towards the front.

  "Sixth brother, spare my life!"

  After a cry of surprise, Liu Yanzhao only felt that his right knee was blocked by someone, but it was a foot wearing black boots. It wasn't until then that he saw the person who had launched the sneak attack - it was actually Sanlang Liu Yanguang.

  His feet felt slightly numb, and Liu Yan was greatly surprised in his heart. Although the sixth Lang's martial arts were not inferior to those of the two men at ordinary times, when did his movements become so neat and efficient?

  Concealing his surprise, he hastily pulled away the stunned Sanlang and Liu Yanzheng smiled as he sized up Liu Yanzhao several times, "I thought Sixth Brother's injuries would prevent him from participating in today's military training exercises, but I didn't expect his skills to be even more impressive. It seems my concerns were unnecessary."

  "Yan Zhao's carving skills are quite laughable to his elder brother!"

  Liu Yanzhao smiled humbly at the teasing of the two, he himself didn't know how his reaction had become so agile, perhaps it was because he played competitive games in his past life and unconsciously trained his reflexes.

  "Sixth brother, don't say such things, you and I are brothers, not outsiders, can't we even joke with each other?"

  Sanlang smiled and stepped forward, embracing Liu Yanzhao's shoulders. It was clear that his words were sincere and joyful, and the latter couldn't help but smile again.

  "Alright, Third Brother. Since Sixth Brother is feeling well and wants to come with us to the training camp, let's go. Eldest Brother is waiting for us in the front courtyard and is probably getting impatient."

  Liu Yandeng rushed forward and punched the two men in the chest, then pulled Sanlang away. "You quickly go back and change into armor, don't delay Sixth Brother here, Sixth Brother, you also hurry up, don't drag us down and get punished by Father."

  After repeatedly responding, watching the two laugh and leave, Liu Yanzhao's heart was inexplicably filled with a sense of panic. He would definitely meet his current father, the brave and warlike Liu Jiye, when he went to the camp for training exercises.

  As for Liu Jiye, Liu Yanzhao still had some fear in his heart. Otherwise, he wouldn't have felt a little relieved last night when he learned that the other hadn't returned to the mansion.

  This child is just like me!

  This sentence was said by Liu Jiye, indicating that he still had some understanding of Liu Lang. Suddenly, Liu Yanzhao's heart actually wanted to retreat, and the military training in the camp might reveal more flaws. If not, then temporarily claiming physical discomfort would be a good way to avoid it for now?

  However, this idea was soon denied by Liu Yanzhao. Since then, Yang Liulang has been him, and even his own mother, Zhe Saihua, did not feel anything wrong with it. What's there to be afraid of?

  Moreover, the military camp is a place he must go to. Abandoning martial arts for literature does not mean that Liu Yanzhao will no longer ask about military affairs from now on. Liu Jiyuan's training has its own set of methods, but perhaps he can offer some advice. After all, in his past life, the game he liked to play the most was strategy, and when studying tactics, he also read a lot about troop deployment and battle arrays. Even if none of these are useful, aren't there advanced theories from the 21st century?

  Never eaten pork, haven't seen pigs run?

  Thinking of this, Liu Yanzhao couldn't help but feel a lot more at ease. Remembering that Dalang and the others were still waiting in the front courtyard, he immediately strode into the house, hastily tidying himself up, and once again put on the unfamiliar armor.