Jinting Han people

Regardless of the era, tiger hunting is always a heroic tale.

As the true king of beasts, the tiger possesses sharp claws and teeth, a body as strong as stone, and a body of bronze and iron. When it moves, it is like a raging storm. Faced with such prey, ordinary people feel apprehensive even at the mere sight of a tiger, let alone have any thought of killing it. Therefore, using tiger hunting to prove one's courage is a universally applicable standard.

During the Former Han Dynasty, Li Guang was known as the "Flying General" for his solo tiger hunt. Despite lacking significant military achievements, he was beloved by his contemporaries. During Wang Mang's reign, tigers were even brought into the army to frighten away bandits. In the Three Kingdoms period, tiger hunting became even more popular. For example, Cao Zhang, the Prince of Rencheng, renowned for capturing tigers on the battlefield in his youth, was famous for this feat. Sun Quan, the Great Emperor of Eastern Wu, also led his troops in tiger hunts on several occasions to boast of his courage.

Unexpectedly, Liu Xian, who had originally planned to hunt bears today, encountered a tiger by chance and managed to shoot it successfully. After resting for a while, Liu Xian and Lu Ji finally regained their energy. They were confident that they would definitely be ranked first in the hunting competition, just based on this tiger alone.

Lu Ji knew Liu Xian was exhausted, so he told him to stay by the tiger's carcass while he went back to get people to carry it. About half an hour later, as dusk settled, about ten people arrived. They all marveled at the tiger's corpse. After examining it for a while, they used a pear tree as a makeshift frame, tied the tiger's carcass to it, and three people lifted the trophy from one end. They took turns carrying it back. Liu Xian, leaning on a tree branch as a crutch, limped along behind.

When the tiger's carcass was brought back to the camp, the hunters were all dumbfounded and made a great commotion. They crowded around, touching the tiger's tail and pinching its claws and teeth. Some even pried open the tiger's mouth to see its bloody, barbed tongue.

Wu King Sima Yan and Yuzhang King Sima Chi also came to see it out of curiosity. Touching the tiger's skin, they exclaimed, "What a rare and magnificent tiger!"

By this time, Gan Zhuo, Wen Xian, Liu Cong, and the others had also returned, each with different prey. Gan Zhuo had hunted four elk, Wen Xian had shot two large eagles, and Liu Cong was the most successful, having found a bear den and, by lying in wait, hunted a nine-foot-tall black bear. However, all of them paled in comparison to the tiger.

Gan Zhuo asked, "So, who's higher or lower?"

Liu Cong rubbed his temples and sighed, "I'm not someone who can't accept defeat. Among the Xianbei people to the north, those who can kill tigers are called 'Yanyu,' which means a beast even stronger than a tiger, and they are revered as tribal leaders. It's a pity, I thought I had won!"

Amidst laughter and chatter, everyone enjoyed themselves immensely. They skinned the tiger and bear they had killed and presented them as gifts to the two princes. In return, the Prince of Wu and the Prince of Yuzhang gave Liu Cong the Taiqiu sword they had agreed upon beforehand, bestowed a silver bow upon Lu Ji, and finally gave Liu Xian a unique gift.

"This is..." Liu Xian took the sword from the Prince of Yuzhang, drew the blade from its sheath, revealing the cold, snow-white blade. Upon seeing the two small seal characters "Zhang Wu," he was immediately filled with surprise and doubt, and couldn't help but ask, "Your Highness, where did this come from?"

Sima Chi said, "This is your ancestor's Zhangwu Sword, which was given to Emperor Wen at a banquet years ago. I loved this sword when I was a child, so Emperor Wu gave it to me. Now, with this opportunity, it can be considered to return it to its rightful owner."

It really is Zhang Wujian!
Liu Xian was somewhat surprised. He had heard his teacher Chen Shou say that when his great-grandfather Liu Bei established the state in the first year of Zhangwu, he mined fine iron from Jinniu Mountain and forged eight swords, each three feet and six inches long. He kept one sword for himself, gave one to his grandfather Liu Shan, one to his third uncle Liu Li, one to his fourth uncle Liu Yong, and the remaining four were given to Zhuge Liang, Guan Yu, Zhang Fei, and Zhao Yun.

Later, Guan Yu died in the Battle of Xiangfan, and Zhang Fei was assassinated, so the whereabouts of the two Zhangwu swords became unknown. After Prime Minister Zhuge Liang's death, the Zhangwu sword was passed to Jiang Wei through the emperor, but it was later broken during the Chengdu Rebellion. Zhao Yun's Zhangwu sword was passed to his second son, Zhao Guang, and it is said that it was also lost in the Battle of Yang'an Pass. The remaining four Zhangwu swords were all handed over to Sima Zhao after the fall of the kingdom.

Sima Zhao bestowed one sword upon Wei Guan, the Duke of Ziyang; one upon Jia Chong, the Duke of Lu; and one upon Qian Hong, the Governor of Liangzhou. However, with Qian Hong's death in battle on the Liangzhou battlefield, his sword disappeared. Of all the swords in the world, only three Zhangwu swords remained; unexpectedly, he had managed to acquire one today!
Liu Xian was overjoyed and repeatedly bowed to Sima Chi, saying, "If Your Highness has any instructions in the future, as long as it is within my duty, I will do my best to assist you!"

The Prince of Yuzhang waved his hand repeatedly, saying modestly, "I am a man of leisure, what important matters could I possibly have? Lord Liu should just focus on assisting the Crown Prince and doing his best for the country."

He added, “Although this hunting trip was enjoyable, it was still too tiring. If the King of Wu doesn’t mention it again, I would rather stay at home and study. If Lord Liu could lend me a copy of Chengzuo’s original ‘Records of the Three Kingdoms,’ I would be content.”

His refined and modest manner was truly unique among the Jin Dynasty imperial family. Liu Xian had a great liking for him and thought to himself: "A person who can be content with what he has is like a gentle breeze to be around!"

That night, the group gathered to eat tiger and bear meat. Although the mountain camp was rudimentary and the ingredients couldn't be cooked to their best quality—just a sprinkle of salt and pepper, with dogwood as a garnish—perhaps it was precisely because of this environment, coupled with their exhaustion and hunger, that everyone's appetite was whetted by the sizzling aroma of the meat, no matter how simple the conditions. They stuffed their mouths full, and even Lu Ji, who was extremely particular about his table manners, disregarded his elegance and directly reached out to tear off pieces of meat.

While eating, Gan Zhuo felt indignant about the others' harvest. He pressed Liu Xian to ask how they found the tiger. Liu Xian replied, "I relied on luck. Who actively seeks out tigers? But if you ask me how to hunt foxes and wolves, I have some stories to tell."

Upon hearing this, Gan Zhuo expressed his regret. He then turned to Liu Xian and began to discuss military strategy and history. Perhaps influenced by his family tradition, he spoke very frankly and without much restraint.

He first said to Liu Xian, "When we heard the news of Zhou Chugong's death in battle, we were all saying, 'Why wasn't it you who died?' Now it seems that you are indeed quite capable."

Then he added, "I've heard you're a skilled swordsman, and so am I. I've always wanted to spar with you. But I'm afraid you can't compete today. Let's arrange a time another time."

Liu Xian burst out laughing. He had always thought that the scholars of Wu were all talented like Lu Ji, but he didn't expect there to be such a madman as Gan Zhuo. He felt very pleased and agreed.

After finishing their meal, as dusk approached, everyone tidied the campfire and prepared to rest in their tents. Liu Xian, also feeling exhausted, was about to enter his tent when he suddenly heard someone call him. Turning around, he saw it was Liu Cong. Liu Cong looked at him with a half-smile and asked, "Do you still have the strength to walk?"

"Huh? What do you want to do?"

"I have something to say to you, just to clear my head."

"Then I can't go very far."

"You've killed hundreds of people, do you think I could possibly kill you?"

Liu Xian naturally agreed, and the two strolled slowly along the stream, swords at their sides. The late autumn night was chilly; even without wind, the moonlight felt icy on their skin. The howling of wolves echoed from somewhere in the wilderness, yet all around was quiet, creating a profound sense of loneliness.

Liu Cong walked with uneven steps, head held high, and said, "Hey, Liu Huaichong, how long have we known each other?"

Liu Xian replied, "When I met you, you had just come of age and gotten married not long ago. Now, it's been about thirteen years."

Liu Cong nodded and said with emotion, "Do you know how long I've been in Luoyang?"

"I don't know."

"When I turned fifteen and came of age, my lord (Liu Yuan) returned to Taiyuan, and I came to Luoyang as a hostage. Fifteen years have passed in the blink of an eye, and I am now thirty." Liu Xian was also very emotional. He knew that these fifteen years were the most important years of a person's youth, but Liu Cong had wasted them in Luoyang. Over the years, apart from smuggling for his clansmen, he had not accomplished anything. He must be very upset.

Liu Xian then advised, "If you are not content with being alone, I can ask the Crown Prince to let you enter the Eastern Palace. What do you think?"

Liu Cong glanced at him and said, "You mean well, but it's not necessary. I've already found a way out for myself."

"Oh? Where are you planning to take up your official post?"

"Go back to where you came from."

Liu Xian was taken aback, then understood somewhat. Liu Cong was referring to Guanzhong, but this was far beyond Liu Xian's expectations. Over the years, although Liu Cong had neglected his duties, he had at least made many connections. Even if he couldn't hold an important official position, obtaining a sixth-rank official position in the capital wouldn't be too difficult. What kind of official position did he want to take in Guanzhong? Normally, Liu Cong was a Xiongnu, and the court wouldn't appoint a non-Han as a local governor.

And that was exactly what happened. Liu Cong explained, “The newly appointed Prefect of Xinxing, Guo Yi, is an old friend of mine. I have already spoken with him and we have agreed that I will go to serve as his chief clerk this November. I will set off in a week.”

"Chief Clerk?" This answer puzzled Liu Xian even more. He said, "That's a huge waste of your talent. With your abilities, Xuanming, you'd be more than qualified to be the Commander of the Western Expeditionary Army!"

"So, the only position I can hold is Commander of the Western Expeditionary Army?"

"If you want to hear something nicer, I can say that you would be worthy of being the General Who Conquers the West!"

Upon hearing this, Liu Cong burst into laughter. After a moment, he said sadly, "I also wanted to be the General Who Conquers the West! Unfortunately, I have no other choice now but to become a clerk."

"Why?" Liu Xian really didn't understand why he would give up the opportunity to serve as an official in Luoyang and go to Guanzhong instead.

"Of course, it's to avoid the impending disaster." Liu Cong stopped in an open space, glancing at Liu Xian's expression, and said:
"This turmoil in Luoyang is probably no small matter. I'm not blind, so I can see it. Right now, the whole of Luoyang is either filled with gloating madmen or fools eager to fight. Alas, it's a pity that I, a Xiongnu, have no chance to participate in such a grand drama. Since I can't participate, why not try to avoid disaster instead of waiting for the sword to fall on my head?"

It turned out that Liu Cong had already seen this through. Liu Xian suddenly realized that he deeply agreed with Liu Cong's assessment and laughed, "So it was a madman and a fool. You're right, we really shouldn't stay in a place like this."

At this point, he probably understood Liu Cong's intention: "So, you asked me to come out to say goodbye."

"Yes, I know many people in Luoyang, but few of them catch my eye."

Liu Cong stared intently into Liu Xian's eyes and said solemnly, "You are a worthy opponent for me."

Liu Xian paused upon hearing this, but still said with a smile, "I thought you were going to say friends."

“Friends can also be rivals,” Liu Cong said slowly. “But I know that you and I are ultimately those kinds of rivals.”

Liu Xian understood clearly that he meant a pure adversary who was only there to determine a winner and loser.

Why do you think so?

"Because the world is about to descend into chaos, with heroes vying for power, there will ultimately only be one master. And you, Liu Huaichong, are the kind of person who would never be a subject."

Liu Cong suddenly drew his long sword from his waist and swiftly placed it against Liu Xian's neck. Then, after observing Liu Xian's expression, he spoke with great fervor:

"Why did you just say those pitying things about me? Did you think I would be saddened by wasted years?! Did you think I would let my precious sword go to waste by hiding its edge?! Did you think I would be dejected by being far from home?!"

"Liu Huaichong, let me tell you, this is absolutely impossible! Just as a tiger does not eat grass and trees, and a dragon does not dwell in shallow streams, I will never feel sad because of a small predicament."

"This is merely a trial given to me by Heaven! You have now surpassed me, but you are already bound by your own shackles. Although my departure is a humble undertaking, it won't be long before I return to the sea like a dragon!"

At this point, Liu Cong's passion seemed to have vanished in an instant. He slowly withdrew the sword from Liu Xian's neck, his eyes filled with sadness. Finally, he said weakly, "The next time we meet, it will probably be on the battlefield. You've already become a boring person; don't become a boring opponent."

Feeling the chilling aura emanating from the sword, Liu Xian fully understood Liu Cong's intentions and said calmly, "I'll wait for that day."

Liu Cong burst into laughter, no longer looking at Liu Xian. He slapped his sword and sang as he walked, the moonlight shining on the earth. He then sang:

"Looking afar at the Mengjin River, the willows sway gracefully. I am a captive, and do not understand the songs of the Han people!"

When Liu Xian was at Qiuchi Mountain, he had heard Yang Nandi sing this poem, but he didn't know who wrote it. He never expected to hear it again here today. At this moment, he was both happy to have gained his friend's approval and saddened by his friend's departure. But he knew what he should do now; he should respond with the second half of the poem:

"A strong rider needs a fast horse, and a fast horse needs a strong rider. Braving the yellow dust, only then can the male and female be distinguished!"

As Liu Cong said, after the hunting trip, he immediately left Luoyang and embarked on his journey to Guanzhong.

This hunting trip was also the last time Liu Xian and Liu Cong met before their deaths. Even when they met again on the battlefield, they never saw each other again. (End of Chapter)