Located in the north of Ji, the Zhuangzi had probably been uninhabited for a decade. The buildings were dilapidated, and there was no scenic pavilion or garden in the courtyard. At a glance, all one could see were bare rocks and overgrown vegetation, an eerie desolation.
Sitting in such a courtyard, how could Wang Wen maintain his usual leisurely mood? Even a casual glance around would stir up boundless melancholy. Because of this, his health had deteriorated significantly, with several illnesses coming and going. It was thanks to the skilled family physician that he had somewhat regained his vitality.
In these melancholic days, receiving a letter from Shangdang couldn’t help but make Wang Wen take it seriously.
A pair of azure glass cups sat quietly on the desk. The cups were adorned with intricate patterns, seemingly crafted by nature itself. However, running a finger over them, they felt as smooth as the cup’s surface. Pouring wine into them was like filling a pool with clear spring water, transparent and lovely. It was as if one could find the tranquility of days gone by within the cup.
Fleeing in haste, many treasures had been left behind in the luggage. Now, receiving these two cups, it did indeed bring some comfort to someone far from home.
After carefully examining the wine cups, Wang Wen opened the letter. The handwriting was still stunning, and after several years, Liang Zixi’s script had become even more mature, with a keen edge as if shedding the illness, displaying a proud demeanor. This kind of writing might not be as palatable to the aristocracy as it once was, but Wang Wen felt that it was better suited for him as the Prefect of Shangdang, the one holding the key to the vital passage in Yan County.
However, as he read further, Wang Wen’s brows furrowed. The contents of this letter differed from what he had expected. After a long moment, he put down the thin paper and said to his servant, “Summon Zihuai to see me.”
Wang Rou, also known as Wang Zihuai, was his younger brother and the father of Qi Niang. The marriage between the Wang family and the Liang family had been a joint decision made by the two of them. Now, with these unexpected developments, they needed to discuss it with one another.
In no time, a well-dressed and handsome young man entered the courtyard. “Sixth Brother, what can I help you with?” he asked.
“Jiulang, a letter has arrived from Shangdang, and I was just thinking of discussing it with you,” Wang Wen said without much preamble, handing the letter over.
After a brief reading, Wang Zihuai’s brows furrowed as well. “Shangdang took Yangyi during the New Year period?”
On New Year’s Day, there was a solar eclipse! Such an inauspicious event on a day when they shouldn’t have raised an army was truly foreboding. Furthermore, the letter explicitly mentioned the appearance of some kind of celestial thunder, which shattered the city walls. It was unbelievable!
“Could it be that the gods and Buddhas are truly assisting us?” Wang Wen couldn’t resist fiddling with the seven treasures Buddhist beads on his wrist. It was a recent fashion accessory. Ordinary families could only afford sandalwood or coral beads, but he had genuine Buddhist seven treasures: gold, silver, glass, coral, amber, agate, and carnelian. The colors were vibrant and dazzling. Wearing it on the wrist and giving it a spin when feeling troubled did indeed bring some tranquility to the mind.
However, Wang Rou wasn’t as devout in his belief in gods and Buddhas as his elder brother. After pondering for a moment, he said, “Regardless of the good or bad omen, Yangyi has finally been captured. Shangdang previously repelled the Xiongnu’s attack once, and the military strength has increased significantly compared to the past.”
Wang Wen was aware of some of Shangdang’s affairs. “Could it be due to the garrisoning of troops and training?”
Providing shelter to refugees, cultivating official land, and then organizing them into a military force was somewhat reminiscent of the ancient method of Emperor Wu of Wei. However, with Bing County in such chaos, it was impossible to provide military and financial support. The court had to turn a blind eye to it without asking too many questions.
Hearing this, Wang Rou sighed, “It’s just that this spirit and ambition far surpass the officials in Bing County. Sixth Brother, this is the kind of assistance our family needs!”
What did it matter if an official concealed their talents from the king? The Wang family of Taiyuan was descended from the Zhou dynasty and had its share of generals and nobles during the Qin period. After the Eastern Han, talented individuals continuously emerged. By Wang Hun’s generation, it could be said they reached the peak of the court officials. For such a prestigious family, it hardly mattered who the reigning emperor was. The family’s interests far outweighed any other considerations.
Now, with Bing County in turmoil and no sign of the Xiongnu’s dominance, how could they possibly affiliate themselves? The Wang family’s roots were always in Taiyuan. If they abandoned that, it would be like a floating duckweed with no chance of survival. Finding a suitable marriage partner was a significant matter. What did a solar eclipse’s ominous reputation matter? Wang Jun, far away in Bing County, had married his daughter to the Xianbei people. With a strong military, all other issues could be offset.
Hearing his younger brother’s words, Wang Wen couldn’t help but relax. Liang Zixi was, after all, his close friend, and in his heart, even without those additional conditions, he was a worthy candidate for marriage. However, after some hesitation, he added, “But is it appropriate for Qi Niang to be paired with him?”
He believed he had read the letter. He couldn’t help but feel some resentment towards Zixi for avoiding the matter in the past. However, things were rushed at the time, and he couldn’t consider all these details. Now that a marriage alliance was truly on the table, they needed to be more serious about it.
Immediately, Wang Ruo said, “Zixi is intelligent from a young age, has a good sense of the bigger picture, and is in the prime of his life. Elder brother, do not worry. It’s best to settle the marriage arrangements as soon as possible.”
With Wang Ruo’s persuasion, Wang Wen no longer hesitated and said, “In that case, I will write a letter to Zixi.”
Such a good husband-to-be, there is probably more than one family interested in him. It’s better to finalize the engagement early to avoid complications.
※
“What did you say? Father agreed to the marriage?” Inside a boudoir, a young lady with a pale face sat up, looking incredulously at her personal maid.
“Miss, this Lord Liang is not bad, and he’s quite famous for his good looks. How about considering…” The maid stammered as she tried to advise.
“How about what? I want to marry…” Before the girl could finish her sentence, the maid hastily interrupted, “Miss, be careful with your words, don’t make a fuss!”
Realizing the situation, the girl fell back onto the bed and tears welled up in her beautiful almond-shaped eyes. “I’ve known Zhan Lang since childhood, and we’ve pledged to spend our lives together. Why do I have to marry that widower? And from the unknown Liang family! Father is so heartless! If he doesn’t care about social status, why not give me to Zhan Lang?”
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The maid felt her head was about to explode. She regretted not stopping the two of them from having private interactions two years ago. But now, Zhan Lang was in You County. How could he come back to marry the young lady?
Quickly offering a silk handkerchief, the maid sighed lightly. “Miss, there’s nothing we can do about this. The head of the family has agreed to the marriage, and in a few days, Lord Liang might come to ask for your hand…”
Hearing this, the girl burst into tears. “I don’t want to go back to Bing County, and I don’t want to marry that sickly man…”
Seeing her in such distress, the maid felt her heart breaking. She had to hold back her own feelings and suggested, “Miss, your health will suffer if you continue like this. Why not write a letter and send it to Zhan Lang? That way, he will know…”
Upon hearing the maid’s suggestion, the young lady suddenly lifted her head. “Yes, I will write a letter. If Zhan Lang knows, he will definitely come to marry me!”
The maid couldn’t help but think to herself that it might not be that simple. However, she kept her thoughts to herself. As long as her mistress had something to hold onto, other matters could be discussed later. After becoming someone else’s new bride, these desires might gradually fade away.
Quickly setting up paper and a quill, the maid assisted the young lady in writing a letter. It was unclear whether it was due to excessive anger or fear, but today, the young lady wrote faster than usual. After finishing a short message in haste, she carefully folded the letter and said, “It must be delivered to Lord Zhan so that he comes to marry me!”
“Miss, rest assured,” the maid consoled her again before retreating. Pressing the envelope held against her chest, she let out a sigh in her heart. Not everyone could enjoy the “stealing fragrance” luck. Zhan, who wanted to marry the daughter of the Wang family, might have a tough time. Well, maybe this would be the last letter, and it was better to let him realize the difficulties and withdraw.
Collecting herself, she moved towards the outer courtyard.
※
Entering March, the weather gradually warmed up. The army that had been preparing for a long time finally set out. With Zhou Liang as the vanguard, Shi Xian commanded the left flank, and Sima Yu held the center. This hastily assembled force of thirty thousand men and horses swept towards the Xiongnu capital, Lishi.
Linghu Kuang also followed the army this time, responsible for the logistics and supply lines. The provisions sent by Shangdang had helped him establish some connections within the military. Being in charge of the rear guard was a result of this. However, despite his important role, he had no joy in his heart. It was because the soldiers in front of him were a little different from the refugees.
This was the current state of Bing County. As long as they were of age, they had to serve in the military. But after several rounds of warfare, how many capable soldiers could they have left? In the army, there were either the old and weak or the hungry, and the emaciated men in tattered uniforms hardly showed any determination in their eyes.
Lord Dongyin might not be in Bing County, but he was not ignorant of the situation here. With the situation deteriorating to this extent, they still had to attempt the difficult task of capturing Lishi. It was truly a disregard for human lives.
But what could Linghu Kuang do? He could only follow his uncle and Lord Liang’s instructions and hold the rear guard firmly. Even if the frontlines faltered, they had to leave a glimmer of hope for survival.
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However, this battle turned out to be much tougher than expected. The large army was besieged by the Xiongnu as soon as they reached Fen City. The vanguard was defeated immediately, and then Sima Yu fortified his position to continue the fight. However, the strong will of the commander couldn’t determine the soldiers’ combat effectiveness. In just over ten days, the Jin army had lost all four battles. The military that had been painstakingly raised was now reduced to scattered sand.
Seeing the unfavorable situation, the generals began to escape one by one, leaving the mess to the rear guard and Linghu Kuang.
This situation was even more unbearable than what Linghu Kuang had dealt with before! He had to resist the Xiongnu’s siege, send forces to prevent the scattered troops from the rear guard, and ensure that the remaining provisions weren’t seized by the Xiongnu. It took an enormous effort, but he barely managed to regroup the remnants of the army and retreat towards Jinyang.
Strangely, the Xiongnu didn’t pursue with full force this time. It was more like wolves lurking behind a flock of sheep, occasionally pouncing to take a bite, but not intent on wiping them out entirely. Through this cycle of retreat and battle, along with reinforcements sent from Jinyang, Linghu Kuang ended up with a force far exceeding his initial estimation. Out of the original thirty thousand troops, they lost just over nine thousand, which was a stroke of luck in their misfortune.
However, when he returned to Jinyang, news arrived from the west.
The King Donghai’s coalition had finally repelled the defenders of the Hejian King and advanced into Guanzhong.
Chang’an had fallen!
Author’s Note:
The term “stealing fragrance” in this context refers to an incident in Western Jin history. It involves an affair between Jia Wu, the younger sister of Queen Jia Nanfeng, and Han Shou, an advisor to her father. They had a secret relationship, and they exchanged the imperial fragrant pouches. This was discovered by Jia Chong, who had no choice but to marry his daughter to Han Shou. After this, Han Shou’s fortunes rose.
Located in the north of Ji, the Zhuangzi had probably been uninhabited for a decade. The buildings were dilapidated, and there was no scenic pavilion or garden in the courtyard. At a glance, all one could see were bare rocks and overgrown vegetation, an eerie desolation.
Sitting in such a courtyard, how could Wang Wen maintain his usual leisurely mood? Even a casual glance around would stir up boundless melancholy. Because of this, his health had deteriorated significantly, with several illnesses coming and going. It was thanks to the skilled family physician that he had somewhat regained his vitality.
In these melancholic days, receiving a letter from Shangdang couldn’t help but make Wang Wen take it seriously.
A pair of azure glass cups sat quietly on the desk. The cups were adorned with intricate patterns, seemingly crafted by nature itself. However, running a finger over them, they felt as smooth as the cup’s surface. Pouring wine into them was like filling a pool with clear spring water, transparent and lovely. It was as if one could find the tranquility of days gone by within the cup.
Fleeing in haste, many treasures had been left behind in the luggage. Now, receiving these two cups, it did indeed bring some comfort to someone far from home.
After carefully examining the wine cups, Wang Wen opened the letter. The handwriting was still stunning, and after several years, Liang Zixi’s script had become even more mature, with a keen edge as if shedding the illness, displaying a proud demeanor. This kind of writing might not be as palatable to the aristocracy as it once was, but Wang Wen felt that it was better suited for him as the Prefect of Shangdang, the one holding the key to the vital passage in Yan County.
However, as he read further, Wang Wen’s brows furrowed. The contents of this letter differed from what he had expected. After a long moment, he put down the thin paper and said to his servant, “Summon Zihuai to see me.”
Wang Rou, also known as Wang Zihuai, was his younger brother and the father of Qi Niang. The marriage between the Wang family and the Liang family had been a joint decision made by the two of them. Now, with these unexpected developments, they needed to discuss it with one another.
In no time, a well-dressed and handsome young man entered the courtyard. “Sixth Brother, what can I help you with?” he asked.
“Jiulang, a letter has arrived from Shangdang, and I was just thinking of discussing it with you,” Wang Wen said without much preamble, handing the letter over.
After a brief reading, Wang Zihuai’s brows furrowed as well. “Shangdang took Yangyi during the New Year period?”
On New Year’s Day, there was a solar eclipse! Such an inauspicious event on a day when they shouldn’t have raised an army was truly foreboding. Furthermore, the letter explicitly mentioned the appearance of some kind of celestial thunder, which shattered the city walls. It was unbelievable!
“Could it be that the gods and Buddhas are truly assisting us?” Wang Wen couldn’t resist fiddling with the seven treasures Buddhist beads on his wrist. It was a recent fashion accessory. Ordinary families could only afford sandalwood or coral beads, but he had genuine Buddhist seven treasures: gold, silver, glass, coral, amber, agate, and carnelian. The colors were vibrant and dazzling. Wearing it on the wrist and giving it a spin when feeling troubled did indeed bring some tranquility to the mind.
However, Wang Rou wasn’t as devout in his belief in gods and Buddhas as his elder brother. After pondering for a moment, he said, “Regardless of the good or bad omen, Yangyi has finally been captured. Shangdang previously repelled the Xiongnu’s attack once, and the military strength has increased significantly compared to the past.”
Wang Wen was aware of some of Shangdang’s affairs. “Could it be due to the garrisoning of troops and training?”
Providing shelter to refugees, cultivating official land, and then organizing them into a military force was somewhat reminiscent of the ancient method of Emperor Wu of Wei. However, with Bing County in such chaos, it was impossible to provide military and financial support. The court had to turn a blind eye to it without asking too many questions.
Hearing this, Wang Rou sighed, “It’s just that this spirit and ambition far surpass the officials in Bing County. Sixth Brother, this is the kind of assistance our family needs!”
What did it matter if an official concealed their talents from the king? The Wang family of Taiyuan was descended from the Zhou dynasty and had its share of generals and nobles during the Qin period. After the Eastern Han, talented individuals continuously emerged. By Wang Hun’s generation, it could be said they reached the peak of the court officials. For such a prestigious family, it hardly mattered who the reigning emperor was. The family’s interests far outweighed any other considerations.
Now, with Bing County in turmoil and no sign of the Xiongnu’s dominance, how could they possibly affiliate themselves? The Wang family’s roots were always in Taiyuan. If they abandoned that, it would be like a floating duckweed with no chance of survival. Finding a suitable marriage partner was a significant matter. What did a solar eclipse’s ominous reputation matter? Wang Jun, far away in Bing County, had married his daughter to the Xianbei people. With a strong military, all other issues could be offset.
Hearing his younger brother’s words, Wang Wen couldn’t help but relax. Liang Zixi was, after all, his close friend, and in his heart, even without those additional conditions, he was a worthy candidate for marriage. However, after some hesitation, he added, “But is it appropriate for Qi Niang to be paired with him?”
He believed he had read the letter. He couldn’t help but feel some resentment towards Zixi for avoiding the matter in the past. However, things were rushed at the time, and he couldn’t consider all these details. Now that a marriage alliance was truly on the table, they needed to be more serious about it.
Immediately, Wang Ruo said, “Zixi is intelligent from a young age, has a good sense of the bigger picture, and is in the prime of his life. Elder brother, do not worry. It’s best to settle the marriage arrangements as soon as possible.”
With Wang Ruo’s persuasion, Wang Wen no longer hesitated and said, “In that case, I will write a letter to Zixi.”
Such a good husband-to-be, there is probably more than one family interested in him. It’s better to finalize the engagement early to avoid complications.
※
“What did you say? Father agreed to the marriage?” Inside a boudoir, a young lady with a pale face sat up, looking incredulously at her personal maid.
“Miss, this Lord Liang is not bad, and he’s quite famous for his good looks. How about considering…” The maid stammered as she tried to advise.
“How about what? I want to marry…” Before the girl could finish her sentence, the maid hastily interrupted, “Miss, be careful with your words, don’t make a fuss!”
Realizing the situation, the girl fell back onto the bed and tears welled up in her beautiful almond-shaped eyes. “I’ve known Zhan Lang since childhood, and we’ve pledged to spend our lives together. Why do I have to marry that widower? And from the unknown Liang family! Father is so heartless! If he doesn’t care about social status, why not give me to Zhan Lang?”
Advertisement
AD
The maid felt her head was about to explode. She regretted not stopping the two of them from having private interactions two years ago. But now, Zhan Lang was in You County. How could he come back to marry the young lady?
Quickly offering a silk handkerchief, the maid sighed lightly. “Miss, there’s nothing we can do about this. The head of the family has agreed to the marriage, and in a few days, Lord Liang might come to ask for your hand…”
Hearing this, the girl burst into tears. “I don’t want to go back to Bing County, and I don’t want to marry that sickly man…”
Seeing her in such distress, the maid felt her heart breaking. She had to hold back her own feelings and suggested, “Miss, your health will suffer if you continue like this. Why not write a letter and send it to Zhan Lang? That way, he will know…”
Upon hearing the maid’s suggestion, the young lady suddenly lifted her head. “Yes, I will write a letter. If Zhan Lang knows, he will definitely come to marry me!”
The maid couldn’t help but think to herself that it might not be that simple. However, she kept her thoughts to herself. As long as her mistress had something to hold onto, other matters could be discussed later. After becoming someone else’s new bride, these desires might gradually fade away.
Quickly setting up paper and a quill, the maid assisted the young lady in writing a letter. It was unclear whether it was due to excessive anger or fear, but today, the young lady wrote faster than usual. After finishing a short message in haste, she carefully folded the letter and said, “It must be delivered to Lord Zhan so that he comes to marry me!”
“Miss, rest assured,” the maid consoled her again before retreating. Pressing the envelope held against her chest, she let out a sigh in her heart. Not everyone could enjoy the “stealing fragrance” luck. Zhan, who wanted to marry the daughter of the Wang family, might have a tough time. Well, maybe this would be the last letter, and it was better to let him realize the difficulties and withdraw.
Collecting herself, she moved towards the outer courtyard.
※
Entering March, the weather gradually warmed up. The army that had been preparing for a long time finally set out. With Zhou Liang as the vanguard, Shi Xian commanded the left flank, and Sima Yu held the center. This hastily assembled force of thirty thousand men and horses swept towards the Xiongnu capital, Lishi.
Linghu Kuang also followed the army this time, responsible for the logistics and supply lines. The provisions sent by Shangdang had helped him establish some connections within the military. Being in charge of the rear guard was a result of this. However, despite his important role, he had no joy in his heart. It was because the soldiers in front of him were a little different from the refugees.
This was the current state of Bing County. As long as they were of age, they had to serve in the military. But after several rounds of warfare, how many capable soldiers could they have left? In the army, there were either the old and weak or the hungry, and the emaciated men in tattered uniforms hardly showed any determination in their eyes.
Lord Dongyin might not be in Bing County, but he was not ignorant of the situation here. With the situation deteriorating to this extent, they still had to attempt the difficult task of capturing Lishi. It was truly a disregard for human lives.
But what could Linghu Kuang do? He could only follow his uncle and Lord Liang’s instructions and hold the rear guard firmly. Even if the frontlines faltered, they had to leave a glimmer of hope for survival.
Advertisement
AD
However, this battle turned out to be much tougher than expected. The large army was besieged by the Xiongnu as soon as they reached Fen City. The vanguard was defeated immediately, and then Sima Yu fortified his position to continue the fight. However, the strong will of the commander couldn’t determine the soldiers’ combat effectiveness. In just over ten days, the Jin army had lost all four battles. The military that had been painstakingly raised was now reduced to scattered sand.
Seeing the unfavorable situation, the generals began to escape one by one, leaving the mess to the rear guard and Linghu Kuang.
This situation was even more unbearable than what Linghu Kuang had dealt with before! He had to resist the Xiongnu’s siege, send forces to prevent the scattered troops from the rear guard, and ensure that the remaining provisions weren’t seized by the Xiongnu. It took an enormous effort, but he barely managed to regroup the remnants of the army and retreat towards Jinyang.
Strangely, the Xiongnu didn’t pursue with full force this time. It was more like wolves lurking behind a flock of sheep, occasionally pouncing to take a bite, but not intent on wiping them out entirely. Through this cycle of retreat and battle, along with reinforcements sent from Jinyang, Linghu Kuang ended up with a force far exceeding his initial estimation. Out of the original thirty thousand troops, they lost just over nine thousand, which was a stroke of luck in their misfortune.
However, when he returned to Jinyang, news arrived from the west.
The King Donghai’s coalition had finally repelled the defenders of the Hejian King and advanced into Guanzhong.
Chang’an had fallen!
Author’s Note:
The term “stealing fragrance” in this context refers to an incident in Western Jin history. It involves an affair between Jia Wu, the younger sister of Queen Jia Nanfeng, and Han Shou, an advisor to her father. They had a secret relationship, and they exchanged the imperial fragrant pouches. This was discovered by Jia Chong, who had no choice but to marry his daughter to Han Shou. After this, Han Shou’s fortunes rose.
