These words were, of course, spoken in an ancient language, but translated into modern language, this is what they mean. The language of the Spring and Autumn period consisted of monosyllabic words, very simple, yet also difficult to understand. In order not to be out of touch with the present, I try to express the ancients’ words in modern terms.

The other party cupped his hands and continued to ask, “‘Young master’ has studied before, right? ... Judging by your appearance, you look like someone who has read books.”

Not only have I studied, I’ve been reading for over ten years, and I’m about to graduate from university.

Hearing his words, I nodded.

He cupped his hands again: “Young master, you are new to this place and don’t speak the language. Why don’t I help you? I can teach you our language and writing, so you can settle down here... It’s just that I have a small matter and need your help as well. I wonder if you’d be willing?”

When he mentioned writing, I suddenly remembered that after Qin Shi Huang unified China, he also accomplished another feat: unifying the script. Before Qin Shi Huang standardized the writing, even the scripts of the various states in the Central Plains were different, let alone the languages... Modern dialects all originate from the languages of those small states back then. People used to say, “ten miles, different accents.”

In other words: at this time, although everyone was Chinese, the scripts and languages between states were completely different.

I immediately nodded to him: “Thank you. I don’t know how long I’ve been in the mountains, so my language and writing might be a bit different from yours. Your help is truly timely—no problem, you help me, I’ll help you, absolutely no problem.”

Ethan Brooks nodded, pointed to the new grave in front of us, and explained, “Since you are of the ‘noble clan,’ you should understand the difficulties of being a family retainer... To be honest, the one buried in this grave is my ‘master.’ My clan has just gone through a calamity, and the only bloodline left by the former lord now lies in this grave. After years of hardship, I now have nothing left.

We cannot be without a ‘master.’ Without a ‘master,’ all of us will scatter! But the world is so vast—where can we go? We have nowhere to go, so... just now, when I looked at you, I accidentally noticed that your appearance is very similar to our young lord, ah, even your age is similar, only your height is a bit different...

I earnestly ask you to impersonate our master for a while, because there is a major event coming up that must be handled by our master. Once you’ve completed this important matter, I’ll have time to make arrangements... Afterwards, we will certainly reward you handsomely.”

I was stunned for a moment. After thinking it over, it didn’t seem to do me any harm.

Although I can’t quite understand the slavish devotion of someone crying and begging for their master, I still feel I should help—helping others is helping yourself. Besides, the person in front of me is clearly a high-ranking noble’s steward from the Spring and Autumn period. With his support, I could find a safe place to quietly lay low, which is a good strategy.

After thinking for a while, I tentatively asked, “You said there’s a major event that requires your master to appear. Can I hear what it is?”

Actually, my conversation with Ethan Brooks wasn’t very smooth. The two wild men who came out with me occasionally stepped forward to help translate, but these details aren’t important, so let’s skip them.

Ethan Brooks glanced at the new grave in front of us and replied, “The capping ceremony—our master is about to hold the coming-of-age ceremony. After the ceremony, he must meet with the ministers and the ruler. Only after this capping ceremony will the ruler and the ministers recognize the restoration of the Zhao clan. Once our Zhao clan is restored, we retainers who depend on the Zhao clan can continue to survive.

So I ask you for this favor. Please disguise yourself as the child in the grave and go to meet our ruler and the ministers... Time is tight now, and I can’t find a second substitute. If you can help me this time, we’ll have time later to slowly find someone to replace you—I promise, once we find such a person, we will give you a generous reward, and then you can go wherever you wish, as free as the wind.”

Hmm, he wants me to assume another’s identity—this is great. I was just thinking about taking on the identity of someone with a name and status to survive in this era.

But why does he keep emphasizing: after this, they’ll definitely find someone else to replace me?

Judging by his earnest assurances, it’s as if I wouldn’t agree unless he mentioned this condition.

Only a fool would refuse. After thinking it over, I readily agreed: “This is no big deal, just a small favor. If you have any other requests, please feel free to say so.”

He was overjoyed, immediately stood up from in front of the grave, and after repeatedly bowing in thanks, replied, “Please come stay at my other residence first. I need to teach you our language and some relevant etiquette. Time is tight, probably just two or three months. Once you’re familiar with these, you’ll go to meet the ruler. After meeting the ruler, you’ll stay in the fief for a while. I’ll look for someone similar to replace you, and then we’ll quietly switch identities—no one will ever know.”

He said “stay in the fief”?—A fief?!

So he’s a great noble.

A great noble with a fief—how wonderful.

With a noble teaching me language, writing, and etiquette, I’ll be able to survive in this world seamlessly.

I thought for a moment, pointed to the new grave in front of us, and asked, “What is your master’s name?”