Last night, there was a heavy rainstorm, and the palace compound accumulated a lot of water. Additionally, two rooms had their roofs damaged and collapsed. Early in the morning, people were already busy cleaning the palace and repairing the damaged areas. Standing with his hands behind his back under the covered corridor, Liu Yuan gazed at the palace servants bustling around.
Having grown up in the capital city of Luoyang since childhood, he had witnessed the zenith of the Jin Empire, the prosperity of the imperial capital. The city boasted twelve gates, waterways like the Luo River and the Gu River crisscrossed it, and the main avenues, some twenty zhang1 wide, ran from east to west. Copper Drum Street, adorned with government offices and mansions, was around sixteen to seventeen zhang2 wide. Standing within the city of Luoyang felt like standing at the heart of a vast empire, and one could feel an overwhelming sense of enthusiasm gushing forth.
Due to this fervent passion, he narrowly escaped death there, as he was viewed with suspicion by the all-powerful Emperor. Fortunately, Wang Hun and others came to his aid, saving him from the danger. Subsequently, with the usurpation of power by Empress Jia and the turmoil in the court, he left Luoyang and joined the ranks of King Chengdu, where he was appointed General of Ning Shuo and overseer of military affairs for the five divisions.
He once again encountered a city that was no less magnificent than the palace city of Luoyang – the city of Ye. Ye boasted three towers: the Bronze Sparrow, the Golden Tiger, and the Ice Chamber, each standing ten zhang tall and interconnected by pavilions. To the east and west, there were also the Xuanwu, Fanglin, and Lingzhi Gardens, where officials and ministers could enjoy leisure. Even Cao Zhi’s “Ode to the Wei Capital,” with its beautiful and grandiose prose, could not fully capture the essence of this great city.
These two capitals, Luoyang and Ye, consumed nearly four decades of his life. Returning to his hometown, he had reached an age where he understood the will of heaven.
Now, he resides not in the grandeur of Luoyang’s palace city, nor in the splendor of Ye’s palace city, and his residence doesn’t compare to the luxurious mansions of aristocratic families. These humble palaces and residences may appear dilapidated, yet they are the most comfortable places for him to live.
No longer a hostage of the Xiongnu, no longer a general of Jin, he is the lord of the Han Empire, and one day, he will ascend to the imperial throne. He has endured for so many years; what’s a little more time to endure?
A close attendant crossed the corridor and quickly approached Liu Xuan. He reported, “Your Majesty, there is news from the Dai Commandery. Tuoba Yi is seriously ill, and there may be internal turmoil over the leadership!”
This group of Xianbei people was jointly led by three brothers, with Tuoba Yi being exceptionally strong and capable, and his son being outstanding as well. However, like other nomadic tribes, if the chieftain died, there would likely be unrest within the tribe. Brothers, uncles, nephews, and others would fiercely vie for leadership.
Therefore, even when his beloved general was beheaded, and even when he briefly abandoned the royal palace to flee to Puzi, Liu Yuan remained calm. He knew that he would eventually return to this new capital and step by step eliminate the Jin forces to seize control of the realm. This was the destiny bestowed upon him!
A faint smile played on Liu Yuan’s lips as he said, “Order all departments to expedite the collection of grain and supplies. Once Tuoba Yi passes away, we will launch an attack on Jinyang!”
Sima Teng had just requested a title for Tuoba Yi, probably still basking in the illusion that reinforcements would arrive promptly. The title of “Great Chanyu” seemed like a reward, but in reality, it was a source of trouble. With a title came ambition, rebellion, and further chaos in the struggle for succession. When that time came, with their hands tied, who would come to aid Sima Teng? Jinyang, and indeed the entire Bing County, would be the first places he would conquer!
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Without looking at the busy palace attendants any longer, Liu Yuan turned around and strode into the palace.
※
The cicadas chirped incessantly, and the scorching sun blazed overhead. Standing in the courtyard’s shade, sweat beads continued to trickle down his forehead. Liang Rong clenched his teeth, exerting control over his trembling arms, trying to steady the object in his hands.
Beside him, an unwavering voice spoke, “Raise your arm and keep your eyes on the target.”
Hearing this, Liang Rong’s lips tightened even more, ignoring his trembling arm and the sweat-soaked clothes, as he tried to pull the bowstring more steadily. However, he was still too young, and even with a small and soft bow, holding the bowstring for an extended period was a considerable burden. With a “snap,” the bowstring slipped out of his grasp, possibly due to the rebounding force, and the small bow fell to the ground.
His face turned bright red in an instant, but before he could retrieve it, the man beside him bent down and picked up the bow.
“When you draw the bow, it must be decisive, not loose, not excessive. Pull to the position in one go, and it should not change again. Arm strength can be trained, but the posture must always be correct,” Yiyan explained, then suddenly nocked an arrow and released the bowstring. With a twang, an arrow pinned itself to the target not far away.
This action was lightning-fast, leaving people wide-eyed. Liang Rong swallowed a mouthful of saliva and withdrew his envious gaze, saying, “I want to try again!”
Advertisement
Since a month ago, they had entered the busy farming season. Harvesting winter wheat, sowing summer crops, and ongoing locust-catching campaigns across various regions. Everyone was immersed in their busy work, and even the soldiers had been granted leave to participate in the summer harvest. As a result, Yiyan, a military officer, found himself with a bit more free time.
It was no longer like last year when he had to lead the team for harvesting. With an elevated status and position, the mundane tasks had been reduced. Thus, Yiyan remained at the prefectural governor’s residence, not only guarding Lu City but also taking on the role of Liang Rong’s archery instructor.
Unlike the other soldiers who addressed him as “Young Master Rong” or “Young Lord”, Yiyan’s teaching style could be described as tough, showing no mercy whatsoever. Under the guidance of such a teacher, Liang Rong held his determination, refusing to slack off even when his arm ached so much that he couldn’t hold a pen. It was like a competition of willpower. Through this rigorous practice, the young lad’s archery skills gradually began to take shape.
Watching Liang Rong draw the bowstring again, Yiyan remained silent, merely observing his posture with his hands behind his back. Just at that moment, a voice came from behind them, “Rong’er, how’s your training going?”
“Father, you’ve finished your court duties?” Liang Rong put aside his archery for a moment and turned, running over to Liang Feng. “I’ve been practicing for two sticks of incense!”
Taking a handkerchief from Liang Feng’s hands, Liang Feng personally wiped the young one’s face. “Training in the cold of winter and the heat of summer, Rong’er, your diligence is praiseworthy.”
These were the words Liang Rong loved to hear the most! His bright eyes sparkled with joy, and he said, “I’ll show Father my archery!”
Liang Feng ruffled the lad’s sweaty hair. “Father is eager to see it.”
Encouraged by this, Liang Rong took a deep breath, stepped up to the target, and disregarded the soreness in his arm. He forcefully drew the bowstring and released an arrow. The target was quite close, and the arrow landed precisely on it, though not in the bullseye, it was still within the inner ring.
“Rong’er’s archery has truly improved!” Liang Feng applauded and praised generously.
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“Father, it’s your turn!” Liang Rong turned his head and said to Liang Feng.
During these days, Liang Feng had also been practicing archery. Having some prior experience with shooting, he learned quickly. However, what troubled Liang Feng wasn’t archery itself but rather his eyesight.
Taking the soft bow handed to him by Yiyan, Liang Feng exhaled gently, then exerted force on his arm, drawing the bowstring. This display made Liang Rong’s eyes gleam. In his eyes, whether in terms of aura or appearance, no one could match his father!
However, despite the proper form in drawing the bow, the accuracy of the shot was somewhat lacking. The arrow struck the wooden target, but it was only marginally better than Liang Rong’s shot. Liang Feng squinted slightly and sighed, “It seems that fixed targets are still not suitable.”
Whether it was due to reading that had harmed his eyes or a decrease in vision caused by heavy metal poisoning, Liang Feng genuinely couldn’t see the target clearly. Even at this close range, if they were to use a proper archery range target, hitting the inner ring would be uncertain.
“Don’t worry, my lord,” Yiyan spoke up from the side. “Sometimes, archery doesn’t require the eyes; it only requires a focused mind. Let your heart guide you, and you’ll hit the target every time. In our clan, there are archers with both eyes blindfolded, yet they can still hit the mark a hundred times out of a hundred.”
Liang Feng actually agreed with this perspective. In archery competitions, some targets are as small as a grain of rice, and even the so-called “hitting a leaf at a hundred paces” in ancient times was often more about aiming with one’s consciousness and bodily sensations than relying solely on vision.
Understanding this, Liang Feng had been consciously practicing shooting at moving targets. The precision required for stationary targets might require practice and skill.
Handing the crossbow to Yiyan, Liang Feng said, “Let’s try with the crossbow.”
Yiyan promptly picked up a crossbow from the side and swiftly attached the limbs and mechanism. In the blink of an eye, the bow turned into a crossbow, an impressive transformation. Liang Feng particularly enjoyed this process of assembly and disassembly, akin to disassembling firearms in later times, it held a rhythmic beauty.
Taking the crossbow, Liang Feng raised it with both hands, aimed at the target with precision, lightly pressed the trigger, and the bolt flew out! With a resounding thud, it struck the bullseye.
“Father, you’re mighty!” Liang Rong couldn’t help but exclaim.
Liang Feng chuckled and set down the crossbow. “If I had a bit more strength, it might be even more accurate.”
Just as with firearms, the steadier the hand, the more accurate the shot. While a bow required overall strength, like the soft bow used by children, Yiyan could instantly draw it to the perfect tension, avoiding breaking the bowstring or missing the target. This was the most exquisite control over one’s body, and whether it was a powerful three-stone bow or a half-stone soft bow, there wasn’t much difference to him.
Facing a physique honed to perfection like this, claiming not to envy would be a lie. Liang Feng admitted to himself that during his prime, he probably couldn’t have reached such heights. His combat instincts were for punishing the wicked and upholding justice, while Yiyan’s were meant for killing. This subtle difference marked a world of distinction between them.
Advertisement
As if sensing Liang Feng’s gaze, Yiyan lowered his eyes and said, “My lord possesses innate talent. With good health, you could undoubtedly hit the mark a hundred times out of a hundred.”
This wasn’t flattery. Yiyan knew full well the abilities of the person before him. Just like those daredevil warriors trained according to the lord’s ideals, including the martial techniques, combat strategies, and everything he had learned—all were passed down by the lord himself. If his health improved a bit more, he could become a renowned general capable of leading thousands of troops.
It was this reverence and admiration alone that could keep the despairing thoughts in check.
Hearing this, Liang Feng couldn’t help but smile. “It seems I should climb more mountains and take long journeys to strengthen my body.”
In recent days, Liang Feng has started to deliberately intensify his workouts, beginning with the basics of hill climbing and walking. With Gao Hong now back in the mountains, it served as a convenient excuse for exercise. Once his body improved a bit more, he could add jogging and some basic physical training. While not aiming for a ripped physique, at least he wanted to cover those ribs.
But thinking of this, he involuntarily recalled Wang Wen’s letter. Although his reply had stated his current poor health and inability to confirm the marriage proposal, Wang Wen had responded graciously, indicating that there was no rush and that they could discuss it when her niece reached marriageable age. Despite this obvious goodwill, Duan Qin and Cui Ji both hinted that he shouldn’t miss this opportunity. However, Liang Feng hadn’t made up his mind about it yet.
Lowering his head and looking at the bright-eyed and admirative little one, Liang Feng sighed inwardly. He wondered if having a stepmother would make Rong’er sad. If he could delay it, he decided to wait a bit longer.
However, soon another piece of news arrived from Jinyang.
After the summer harvest, the Xiongnu forces mobilized en masse. Tuoba Yi suddenly fell critically ill, and Sima Teng’s attempt to use the Xianbei cavalry was unsuccessful. Once again, unrest erupted in Bing County.
1about sixty meters
2let’s do some math, everyone! ^.^ 20 zhang = 60m; 10 zhang = 30m; 1 zhang = 3m; then, 16 zhang = 48m and 17 zhang = 51m
Last night, there was a heavy rainstorm, and the palace compound accumulated a lot of water. Additionally, two rooms had their roofs damaged and collapsed. Early in the morning, people were already busy cleaning the palace and repairing the damaged areas. Standing with his hands behind his back under the covered corridor, Liu Yuan gazed at the palace servants bustling around.
Having grown up in the capital city of Luoyang since childhood, he had witnessed the zenith of the Jin Empire, the prosperity of the imperial capital. The city boasted twelve gates, waterways like the Luo River and the Gu River crisscrossed it, and the main avenues, some twenty zhang1 wide, ran from east to west. Copper Drum Street, adorned with government offices and mansions, was around sixteen to seventeen zhang2 wide. Standing within the city of Luoyang felt like standing at the heart of a vast empire, and one could feel an overwhelming sense of enthusiasm gushing forth.
Due to this fervent passion, he narrowly escaped death there, as he was viewed with suspicion by the all-powerful Emperor. Fortunately, Wang Hun and others came to his aid, saving him from the danger. Subsequently, with the usurpation of power by Empress Jia and the turmoil in the court, he left Luoyang and joined the ranks of King Chengdu, where he was appointed General of Ning Shuo and overseer of military affairs for the five divisions.
He once again encountered a city that was no less magnificent than the palace city of Luoyang – the city of Ye. Ye boasted three towers: the Bronze Sparrow, the Golden Tiger, and the Ice Chamber, each standing ten zhang tall and interconnected by pavilions. To the east and west, there were also the Xuanwu, Fanglin, and Lingzhi Gardens, where officials and ministers could enjoy leisure. Even Cao Zhi’s “Ode to the Wei Capital,” with its beautiful and grandiose prose, could not fully capture the essence of this great city.
These two capitals, Luoyang and Ye, consumed nearly four decades of his life. Returning to his hometown, he had reached an age where he understood the will of heaven.
Now, he resides not in the grandeur of Luoyang’s palace city, nor in the splendor of Ye’s palace city, and his residence doesn’t compare to the luxurious mansions of aristocratic families. These humble palaces and residences may appear dilapidated, yet they are the most comfortable places for him to live.
No longer a hostage of the Xiongnu, no longer a general of Jin, he is the lord of the Han Empire, and one day, he will ascend to the imperial throne. He has endured for so many years; what’s a little more time to endure?
A close attendant crossed the corridor and quickly approached Liu Xuan. He reported, “Your Majesty, there is news from the Dai Commandery. Tuoba Yi is seriously ill, and there may be internal turmoil over the leadership!”
This group of Xianbei people was jointly led by three brothers, with Tuoba Yi being exceptionally strong and capable, and his son being outstanding as well. However, like other nomadic tribes, if the chieftain died, there would likely be unrest within the tribe. Brothers, uncles, nephews, and others would fiercely vie for leadership.
Therefore, even when his beloved general was beheaded, and even when he briefly abandoned the royal palace to flee to Puzi, Liu Yuan remained calm. He knew that he would eventually return to this new capital and step by step eliminate the Jin forces to seize control of the realm. This was the destiny bestowed upon him!
A faint smile played on Liu Yuan’s lips as he said, “Order all departments to expedite the collection of grain and supplies. Once Tuoba Yi passes away, we will launch an attack on Jinyang!”
Sima Teng had just requested a title for Tuoba Yi, probably still basking in the illusion that reinforcements would arrive promptly. The title of “Great Chanyu” seemed like a reward, but in reality, it was a source of trouble. With a title came ambition, rebellion, and further chaos in the struggle for succession. When that time came, with their hands tied, who would come to aid Sima Teng? Jinyang, and indeed the entire Bing County, would be the first places he would conquer!
Advertisement
Without looking at the busy palace attendants any longer, Liu Yuan turned around and strode into the palace.
※
The cicadas chirped incessantly, and the scorching sun blazed overhead. Standing in the courtyard’s shade, sweat beads continued to trickle down his forehead. Liang Rong clenched his teeth, exerting control over his trembling arms, trying to steady the object in his hands.
Beside him, an unwavering voice spoke, “Raise your arm and keep your eyes on the target.”
Hearing this, Liang Rong’s lips tightened even more, ignoring his trembling arm and the sweat-soaked clothes, as he tried to pull the bowstring more steadily. However, he was still too young, and even with a small and soft bow, holding the bowstring for an extended period was a considerable burden. With a “snap,” the bowstring slipped out of his grasp, possibly due to the rebounding force, and the small bow fell to the ground.
His face turned bright red in an instant, but before he could retrieve it, the man beside him bent down and picked up the bow.
“When you draw the bow, it must be decisive, not loose, not excessive. Pull to the position in one go, and it should not change again. Arm strength can be trained, but the posture must always be correct,” Yiyan explained, then suddenly nocked an arrow and released the bowstring. With a twang, an arrow pinned itself to the target not far away.
This action was lightning-fast, leaving people wide-eyed. Liang Rong swallowed a mouthful of saliva and withdrew his envious gaze, saying, “I want to try again!”
Advertisement
Since a month ago, they had entered the busy farming season. Harvesting winter wheat, sowing summer crops, and ongoing locust-catching campaigns across various regions. Everyone was immersed in their busy work, and even the soldiers had been granted leave to participate in the summer harvest. As a result, Yiyan, a military officer, found himself with a bit more free time.
It was no longer like last year when he had to lead the team for harvesting. With an elevated status and position, the mundane tasks had been reduced. Thus, Yiyan remained at the prefectural governor’s residence, not only guarding Lu City but also taking on the role of Liang Rong’s archery instructor.
Unlike the other soldiers who addressed him as “Young Master Rong” or “Young Lord”, Yiyan’s teaching style could be described as tough, showing no mercy whatsoever. Under the guidance of such a teacher, Liang Rong held his determination, refusing to slack off even when his arm ached so much that he couldn’t hold a pen. It was like a competition of willpower. Through this rigorous practice, the young lad’s archery skills gradually began to take shape.
Watching Liang Rong draw the bowstring again, Yiyan remained silent, merely observing his posture with his hands behind his back. Just at that moment, a voice came from behind them, “Rong’er, how’s your training going?”
“Father, you’ve finished your court duties?” Liang Rong put aside his archery for a moment and turned, running over to Liang Feng. “I’ve been practicing for two sticks of incense!”
Taking a handkerchief from Liang Feng’s hands, Liang Feng personally wiped the young one’s face. “Training in the cold of winter and the heat of summer, Rong’er, your diligence is praiseworthy.”
These were the words Liang Rong loved to hear the most! His bright eyes sparkled with joy, and he said, “I’ll show Father my archery!”
Liang Feng ruffled the lad’s sweaty hair. “Father is eager to see it.”
Encouraged by this, Liang Rong took a deep breath, stepped up to the target, and disregarded the soreness in his arm. He forcefully drew the bowstring and released an arrow. The target was quite close, and the arrow landed precisely on it, though not in the bullseye, it was still within the inner ring.
“Rong’er’s archery has truly improved!” Liang Feng applauded and praised generously.
Advertisement
“Father, it’s your turn!” Liang Rong turned his head and said to Liang Feng.
During these days, Liang Feng had also been practicing archery. Having some prior experience with shooting, he learned quickly. However, what troubled Liang Feng wasn’t archery itself but rather his eyesight.
Taking the soft bow handed to him by Yiyan, Liang Feng exhaled gently, then exerted force on his arm, drawing the bowstring. This display made Liang Rong’s eyes gleam. In his eyes, whether in terms of aura or appearance, no one could match his father!
However, despite the proper form in drawing the bow, the accuracy of the shot was somewhat lacking. The arrow struck the wooden target, but it was only marginally better than Liang Rong’s shot. Liang Feng squinted slightly and sighed, “It seems that fixed targets are still not suitable.”
Whether it was due to reading that had harmed his eyes or a decrease in vision caused by heavy metal poisoning, Liang Feng genuinely couldn’t see the target clearly. Even at this close range, if they were to use a proper archery range target, hitting the inner ring would be uncertain.
“Don’t worry, my lord,” Yiyan spoke up from the side. “Sometimes, archery doesn’t require the eyes; it only requires a focused mind. Let your heart guide you, and you’ll hit the target every time. In our clan, there are archers with both eyes blindfolded, yet they can still hit the mark a hundred times out of a hundred.”
Liang Feng actually agreed with this perspective. In archery competitions, some targets are as small as a grain of rice, and even the so-called “hitting a leaf at a hundred paces” in ancient times was often more about aiming with one’s consciousness and bodily sensations than relying solely on vision.
Understanding this, Liang Feng had been consciously practicing shooting at moving targets. The precision required for stationary targets might require practice and skill.
Handing the crossbow to Yiyan, Liang Feng said, “Let’s try with the crossbow.”
Yiyan promptly picked up a crossbow from the side and swiftly attached the limbs and mechanism. In the blink of an eye, the bow turned into a crossbow, an impressive transformation. Liang Feng particularly enjoyed this process of assembly and disassembly, akin to disassembling firearms in later times, it held a rhythmic beauty.
Taking the crossbow, Liang Feng raised it with both hands, aimed at the target with precision, lightly pressed the trigger, and the bolt flew out! With a resounding thud, it struck the bullseye.
“Father, you’re mighty!” Liang Rong couldn’t help but exclaim.
Liang Feng chuckled and set down the crossbow. “If I had a bit more strength, it might be even more accurate.”
Just as with firearms, the steadier the hand, the more accurate the shot. While a bow required overall strength, like the soft bow used by children, Yiyan could instantly draw it to the perfect tension, avoiding breaking the bowstring or missing the target. This was the most exquisite control over one’s body, and whether it was a powerful three-stone bow or a half-stone soft bow, there wasn’t much difference to him.
Facing a physique honed to perfection like this, claiming not to envy would be a lie. Liang Feng admitted to himself that during his prime, he probably couldn’t have reached such heights. His combat instincts were for punishing the wicked and upholding justice, while Yiyan’s were meant for killing. This subtle difference marked a world of distinction between them.
Advertisement
As if sensing Liang Feng’s gaze, Yiyan lowered his eyes and said, “My lord possesses innate talent. With good health, you could undoubtedly hit the mark a hundred times out of a hundred.”
This wasn’t flattery. Yiyan knew full well the abilities of the person before him. Just like those daredevil warriors trained according to the lord’s ideals, including the martial techniques, combat strategies, and everything he had learned—all were passed down by the lord himself. If his health improved a bit more, he could become a renowned general capable of leading thousands of troops.
It was this reverence and admiration alone that could keep the despairing thoughts in check.
Hearing this, Liang Feng couldn’t help but smile. “It seems I should climb more mountains and take long journeys to strengthen my body.”
In recent days, Liang Feng has started to deliberately intensify his workouts, beginning with the basics of hill climbing and walking. With Gao Hong now back in the mountains, it served as a convenient excuse for exercise. Once his body improved a bit more, he could add jogging and some basic physical training. While not aiming for a ripped physique, at least he wanted to cover those ribs.
But thinking of this, he involuntarily recalled Wang Wen’s letter. Although his reply had stated his current poor health and inability to confirm the marriage proposal, Wang Wen had responded graciously, indicating that there was no rush and that they could discuss it when her niece reached marriageable age. Despite this obvious goodwill, Duan Qin and Cui Ji both hinted that he shouldn’t miss this opportunity. However, Liang Feng hadn’t made up his mind about it yet.
Lowering his head and looking at the bright-eyed and admirative little one, Liang Feng sighed inwardly. He wondered if having a stepmother would make Rong’er sad. If he could delay it, he decided to wait a bit longer.
However, soon another piece of news arrived from Jinyang.
After the summer harvest, the Xiongnu forces mobilized en masse. Tuoba Yi suddenly fell critically ill, and Sima Teng’s attempt to use the Xianbei cavalry was unsuccessful. Once again, unrest erupted in Bing County.
1about sixty meters
2let’s do some math, everyone! ^.^ 20 zhang = 60m; 10 zhang = 30m; 1 zhang = 3m; then, 16 zhang = 48m and 17 zhang = 51m
