Frankly, Ye Xiu hadn't intended to become involved with this fellow Liu Bang at all. But seeing the situation unfold, unless he bolted, Lü Gong, with his decisive nature, might just arrange for him and Miss Lü Xu to be married tomorrow or the day after. Yet, a second thought occurred: he still had a friend, Zhang Liang. Should Liu Bang rise to prominence one day, Zhang Liang would surely be useful. So, he bowed deeply to Liu Bang and said, "Although I cannot offer you much help myself, I can recommend a few individuals to you, Brother-in-law."

"Oh? Do tell," Liu Bang, though still a mere minor Tingzhang (Head of a local administrative unit), suddenly possessed the bearing of a king when Ye Xiu mentioned recommending capable men.

"I have a friend whose name is Zhang Liang, courtesy name Zifang. I trust you have heard of him."

"The Zhang Liang from Bolangsha who attempted to assassinate the King of Qin? Warrior Zhang?" Liu Bang must have looked utterly serious and energized.

Ye Xiu nodded and spoke with measured calm, "Actually, I accompanied Zhang Liang during the Qin assassination attempt. I am somewhat familiar with his abilities and strategies. Currently, he is studying military strategy and tactics in the mountains of Xiapi. When your time comes and you have established yourself, if you seek him out, he will surely assist you in unifying the realm."

"So, Brother-in-law, you were also involved in the Qin assassination. A true hero emerging from youth," Liu Bang felt instantly that his new brother-in-law was an extraordinary figure. "I heard that the assassination attempt involved some unknown weapon that disabled four chariots instantly. I wonder what sort of thing it was?"

"That weapon was called a 2B pencil. You wouldn't understand even if I told you," Ye Xiu muttered to himself. He wasn't concerned about weapons right then; he just needed Liu Bang to remember Zhang Liang's name.

"Are there any other candidates?" Liu Bang didn't press the old matters, simply finding that he and Ye Xiu were becoming more congenial the longer they talked.

"Xiao He and Cao Can from Pei County, and Fan Kuai!" Ye Xiu recited the facts straight from the history books, "These individuals currently appear to be your superiors, Pavilion Head Liu, but they will certainly lend you a hand in the future."

Liu Bang nodded in agreement, "Cao Can and Xiao He are already respected officials in Pei County, and our private interactions have been quite good. Fan Kuai is a truly remarkable ambitious soul."

"Indeed," Ye Xiu affirmed with a nod.

Just then, a cold glint suddenly flashed in Liu Bang's eyes, and he fixed Ye Xiu with a hard stare. "Brother Ye, to possess such keen insight in discerning talent at such a young age—if in the future you cannot be of use to me, what consequences do you think that should entail?"

A chill ran down Ye Xiu’s spine. He reflected that even before becoming king or ruler, Liu Bang was already contemplating the grand strategy of 'better that the world betray me than I betray the world.' It was terrifying. He smiled and bowed, "If today's happy occasion goes as planned, Pavilion Head Liu will truly be my brother-in-law. We are family; it makes no sense for me to assist outsiders over helping you."

"Haha, Brother-in-law speaks wisely." Liu Bang finally laughed heartily, quickly grabbing the wine flask and pouring a cup for Ye Xiu as well. The two drank merrily.

Meanwhile, in the garden, Lü Gong called out to his two daughters just as they were about to rush into the house.

"Zhi'er, do not be willful." Lü Gong firmly held Lü Zhi's arm, while Lü Xu stood quietly behind him.

"Father… Deciding my marriage is one thing, but why him?" Lü Zhi looked distressed, as if the mere thought of Liu Bang brought her unease.

"Are you not Liu Bang? Haha." Lü Gong reached out and gently touched the hair knot on Lü Zhi's head. "Child, you are confused. Are you looking down on Liu Bang?"

"Father, look at him—his appearance is plain, and his manner is so carefree, seemingly devoid of any romantic interest. How am I supposed to like him? I don't care, I absolutely refuse! If I must marry, it should be Young Master Ye." Lü Zhi had clearly taken a liking to Ye Xiu during their brief encounter. However, the moment these words left her mouth, not only did she feel embarrassed, but Xu'er, who had remained silent beside her, also looked a bit displeased.

Lü Gong took both his daughters' hands and slowly walked towards the flower pavilion, speaking earnestly, "You both know your father understands physiognomy to some extent. Indeed, Young Master Ye’s countenance is extraordinary, unfathomable—he is surely a dragon among men."

"Then…" Lü Zhi started to voice her admiration for Ye Xiu again, but upon seeing Lü Xu's beautiful smile when her father praised Ye Xiu, she realized her younger sister had already fallen for Ye Xiu at first sight.

Lü Gong continued, "As for Liu Bang, though his appearance is unremarkable, his features clearly indicate the potential of an emperor. And judging by his behavior and actions at the feast today, my father is even more certain that he will achieve great things in this age of turmoil."

"If they are both such prodigious talents, might there not come a day when two tigers fight for supremacy?" Lü Xu, usually reserved, was nonetheless kind and perceptive.

Lü Gong shook his head, gazing at the sky, "Ye Xiu possesses a universal, leisurely benevolence meant for the entire world. But Liu Bang possesses the strategic genius required to bring peace to the common people. This perfectly suits both your natures. Zhi'er is naturally lively and outgoing; Xu'er is naturally kind and gentle. They are truly matches made in heaven."

"But this way…" No matter how Lü Zhi thought about it, she felt her heart was already set on Ye Xiu and had no room for Liu Bang. Yet, she dared not defy her father’s command, nor did she wish to hurt her sister’s feelings. Was this the burden a daughter and an elder sister must bear?

"In that case, you two return to your rooms first. I will handle everything else." Lü Gong had already planned everything for his daughters and would allow no variables. After comforting them, he returned to the inner hall, intending to converse once more with his two future sons-in-law.

"My two esteemed guests, you have waited long." When Lü Gong entered, he saw the two engaged in drinking and merrymaking, and his own spirits immediately lifted. "Come, come, I shall join you both in a drink."

"Elder Lü, please," Ye Xiu casually poured a cup for Lü Gong and then drained his own.

"Ah, perhaps the address should change now," Lü Gong said magnanimously. "My two worthy sons-in-law need not be so formal with your old father; we are family now."

"This…" Ye Xiu had no ready words and merely held his cup, pondering thoughtfully.

"Father-in-law, please!" In contrast, Liu Bang appeared perfectly at ease, directly pulling Lü Gong into another round.

"Good, good." Lü Gong beamed, fixing Liu Bang with a roguish smile. "Since we are family, I will speak plainly. The gift money you announced at the feast today was ten thousand qian. In my opinion, that figure must have been a deliberate ploy, correct?"

Liu Bang smiled and bowed, "Indeed, it could not escape Father-in-law's notice."

"What? You even misrepresented the amount on that thing!" Ye Xiu felt a wave of disgust. Such a disregard for etiquette—it was like attending someone's wedding banquet, where everyone else presented money in their envelopes, but you slipped in a worthless piece of newspaper instead, cheapening the whole affair.

"Brother-in-law, you don't understand," Liu Bang stepped forward and said coolly. "My goal today was to set a standard before the heroes of the realm. While the method might have been improper, the effect was achieved, at the very least. The best outcome is that Father-in-law understands my motive."

"A man who dares to act and speak," Lü Gong clapped Liu Bang heavily on the shoulder, bolstering his confidence in his own facial reading. "I deduced that with an annual salary of only a few thousand, suddenly declaring ten thousand makes your intention clear. Excellent."

Ye Xiu watched the two become increasingly congenial and thought that Liu Bang truly considered the implications of everything he did. It seemed every action of his spawned numerous advantageous outcomes for himself. This level of calculated cunning was a model for a future sovereign. He would need to be exceedingly cautious dealing with him in the future.

"Come, Father-in-law, your son-in-law toasts you again." Liu Bang offered Lü Gong another cup, then turned his gaze to Ye Xiu. "What are Brother-in-law’s plans for the future?"

"Indeed, Father-in-law, I am also eager to know Young Master Ye's strategy for finding a foothold in this chaotic age," Lü Gong looked over, his expression grave.

Being singled out by the two of them suddenly left Ye Xiu somewhat flustered. He tilted his head back, instinctively glancing at the ridgepole of the house, and casually remarked, "I have always been a solitary traveler. My dream is to one day roam the various states, witnessing all manner of customs and local color. That would be fulfillment enough for a lifetime." After uttering these words, Ye Xiu was quite proud of his improvisational skill. Besides, he wasn't exactly lying; if he wanted to find Wan'er and the Lord of Donghai, he certainly had to travel the states.

Lü Gong put down his cup upon hearing this and stated calmly, "It is just as I imagined. Young Master Ye's proud disdain combined with Xu'er's reclusive nature will also lead to happiness."

"Father-in-law, what do you mean?" Liu Bang was perplexed. These sounded like two utterly incompatible personalities; how could they find happiness?

"Only someone like Xu'er can tolerate Young Master Ye's temperament. Young Master Ye enjoys venturing out into the world; Xu'er prefers a quiet, settled life. As long as these two hold each other in their hearts, Xu'er will be Ye Xiu's best harbor." As Lü Gong spoke, he gestured with his finger in the air, drawing a circle to signify perfection.

"Then, Elder Lü, aren't you afraid of doing an injustice to Miss Lü Xu?" Ye Xiu felt that Lü Gong's description, put plainly, suggested that the husband could roam freely while the wife waited faithfully at home, never straying. This seemed terribly unfair to the woman.

Lü Gong smiled and shook his head. "Whether she is wronged or not is not for you or me to decide. I believe you saw Xu'er's expression today; perhaps in this life, this is all she can do for you."

"Hoo…" Ye Xiu felt as if he had been struck by a sudden, heavy realization. He had merely managed a small act of saving a beauty, yet he had somehow captured the devotion of a young woman. He felt unworthy of such affection. Furthermore, realizing there was a woman capable of such feeling for him, his heart warmed instantly, giving him a fleeting sense of belonging.

"Since Young Master Ye has no objection, why don't you stay here for a few more days? I will handle all subsequent matters personally."