Jinting Han people

Liu Xian rode alone on the official road, the bright moon overhead and the earth beneath his feet. A cool breeze brushed his hair, carrying the quiet fragrance of rapeseed flowers from the fields along the roadside. In addition, the soft chirping of orioles and the bleating of deer combined to create a beautiful and enchanting scene of a late spring night.

Normally, Liu Xian would probably have stopped to admire the scenery and even composed a poem, but now, he had no heart for it. Riding his horse through the endless fields of rapeseed flowers, he knew he was still within Sun Xiu's territory. Only when he crossed the Beiman Mountains and reached the agreed-upon river crossing would the danger be completely over.

But the more you worry about something, the more likely it is to happen.

As Liu Xian headed east, just as he was about to reach the entrance of the Jingu Garden canal he had come from, he vaguely saw several blurry figures standing on the side road. His heart sank, but this was the only way he could pass, and he had no choice but to rein in his horse and slow down, praying in his heart: Please don't let them be Sun Xiu's men.

But as the other person's figure gradually became clearer, Liu Xian's heart sank to the bottom. The one blocking his path was none other than Meng Guan.

He was dressed in full military attire, riding a pure white horse of exceptional quality, with a cleaver at his waist, a bow on his back, and a quiver full of arrows in his saddle—clearly a posture ready for battle. Behind him followed two mounted riders, their eyes revealing a blatant killing intent.

Meng Guan, however, did not show such an expression. He gently stroked his hunched back and said to Liu Xian in a sighing tone:
"Huai Chong, the matter is not yet finished, why are you leaving in such a hurry?"

Liu Xian had already reined in his horse, circled twice on the spot, and looked at his old friend whom he had known for many years. He couldn't help but sigh in his heart, it seemed that he still couldn't avoid this scene.

It's not hard to guess what happened: Liu Xian came out from the south intersection and had to take a detour to reach the intersection, which was not as quick as Meng Guan's route from the north. However, the fact that he was able to react so quickly and stop him here must mean that he had been keeping an eye on him all along.

Thinking this, Liu Xian smiled and said, "With Brother Shushi here, do I need to worry about the finishing touches? I have an urgent matter at home and plan to go back first."

Meng Guan said, "It just so happens that I was also planning to go to the Prince of Zhao's residence to report the victory. Huai Chong might as well come along."

"No need," Liu Xian waved his hand and said, "I meant I need to go to my private residence in Yanshi to take care of some personal matters."

"Private matter?"

Meng Guan shook his head slightly and said, "Today is a day of great national events. How can we only care about our own personal matters? Huai Chong, you should go back."

"What if I don't go back?"

"I hope this doesn't happen, otherwise I'll have no choice but to disregard our friendship and forcibly take you back."

Upon hearing such heartless words, Liu Xian's face turned cold. He hadn't expected that Sun Xiu's meddling would lead the two of them to the point of drawing their swords against each other.

After a moment of silence, Liu Xian still refused to give up hope. He said, "Marshal, we've known each other for ten years now. I've always regarded you as my best elder."

The title "Marshal" deeply moved Meng Guan. Upon hearing the second half of the sentence, he recalled many past events and felt a pang of sadness.

Then, Liu Xian asked, "What exactly did Sun Xiu promise you that made you go to such lengths for him?"

After a slight hesitation, Meng Guan said, "After this matter, he agreed to let me be solely in charge of Jingzhou."

"To be the sole governor of Jingzhou?" Upon hearing this, Liu Xian was startled and thought to himself, "No wonder Meng Guan was tempted; this is indeed a significant bargaining chip."

After the initial pacification of Jiangdong, the Sima clan reclaimed the power of the feudal lords, prohibiting all generals of non-Sima clans from being stationed in other regions, except for princes. Later, Shi Chong and Wang Jun, members of the Sima clan, were given immense favors and, even when appointed to local posts, were required to cooperate with members of the imperial family. Unexpectedly, Sun Xiu made such a significant offer, granting Meng Guan sole command of Jingzhou—essentially giving him the entire province. Benefiting from this, Meng Guan can be considered the most prominent figure since Emperor Wu's reign.

But can he really hold onto this position?

Liu Xian then tried to persuade Meng Guan from this angle, saying, "Marshal, you should be able to see that the Prince of Zhao is not fit to be an emperor. After eliminating the Empress Dowager's faction, if he wants to become emperor, how can the princes of the world be convinced? At that time, as long as someone raises a voice, chaos will surely break out everywhere and spread throughout the land. Can you really help Sun Xiu pacify the world?"

"Don't forget how much trouble Sun Xiu caused in Guanzhong. Even if you were Han Bai reincarnated, you probably wouldn't be able to do anything about it."

Meng Guan did indeed have these concerns, but he had thought about these issues long ago, and now he answered Liu Xian:
“Huai Chong, I should have told you this before. At my age, with wealth and status in hand and no worries about food and clothing, I have become quite indifferent to things like honor and disgrace, success and failure, dignity and ambition.”

"The only reason I'm still willing to risk my life for Sun Xiu is because I still have that sliver of hope. Huai Chong, tell me, if such an opportunity is presented to me, allowing me to personally change this country, can I give it up?"

Faced with this question, Liu Xian was speechless. He thought to himself, "This is indeed a temptation that no one can resist."

Having reached this point, both of them knew that the other had long harbored feelings for them, and it seemed that there was no possibility of a peaceful resolution.

Liu Xian subconsciously placed his hand on the hilt of the Everlasting Victory Sword, while Meng Guan gripped the back of the bow with one hand.

Liu Xian reasoned that, judging from the distance, the two were only a dozen paces apart, and with a sudden charge, the swift horse could reach Meng Guan in no time. If he struck first, cutting Meng Guan's bow and breaking through the ranks of his riders, he would have a chance to escape. Conversely, if he were entangled by Meng Guan's two riders and allowed him to fire an arrow, he would likely be dead.

He knew of Meng Guan's archery skills; it was no exaggeration to say that he hit the bullseye every time. In the whole world, perhaps only Li Ju could rival him.

However, facing three opponents alone, Liu Xian was still at a significant disadvantage, making it difficult for him to make a decision.

Just as he hesitated, he faintly heard the sound of horses' hooves behind him, which startled Liu Xian. He thought to himself: Oh no, how come there are pursuers behind me! I just obtained the Serpent-Slaying Sword, but is fate not on my side?

But he soon noticed that Meng Guan also looked surprised, and then he heard a young voice say, "My lord, my lord, what are you doing here?"

Liu Xian recognized the voice; it was Meng Ping. Meng Ping rode up to Liu Xian, glanced at the two men, and then said to Meng Guan, "Sir, the inventory of the garden's valuables has been completed. We need you to go back and verify it." Meng Guan grunted in acknowledgment, spurred his horse forward, and made as if to restrain Liu Xian and escort him back to the Golden Valley Garden. Unexpectedly, Meng Ping then said to Liu Xian:

"My lord, why have you come out at this hour? Is there some urgent matter?"

Liu Xian gave the same answer: "I have some personal matters to attend to, so I'm afraid I'll have to go home temporarily."

Meng Ping stared at Liu Xian for a while and said, "Is that so? Then you can go. I and the master are here, so you won't have to worry."

After he said that, everyone present, except for him, was stunned.

Meng Guan immediately retorted angrily, "Ziheng, do you know what you're saying? Public and private matters must be distinguished; how can you be so reckless?"

Faced with his father's outburst, Meng Ping remained calm, only looking at his father with bright eyes and sincerely saying, "I know Lord Liu. He always puts the greater good of the country first in his conduct and actions. He would never leave unless something extremely serious happened."

"My lord, you have always taught me that to be a role model for the army, one must be considerate of the difficulties of others. If you are too demanding, you should first ask yourself if you can set an example. Among the army, besides you, only Lord Liu can do this. How can we let the meritorious officials of the country feel disheartened?"

Meng Ping's words left Meng Guan speechless.

It must be said that Meng Guan was greedy for money and power outside the home, but at home he liked to put on a stern face and boast about his high moral character to his children. After all, all fathers in the world want to appear great in front of their children. But who could have imagined that at this crucial moment, Meng Ping would actually use morality to restrain him?

Meng Guan tried several times to speak to his eldest son about the practical pros and cons, but looking into his son's eyes, some words stuck in his throat, like a fishbone, rendering him speechless. After much internal struggle, he steeled himself, finally waved his hand, spurred his horse past Liu Xian, and said:

"Go now, have a good night's sleep. I'll take care of these things. We'll meet again someday."

Having said that, he stopped looking at Liu Xian, cracked his whip, and his horse kicked up clouds of dust. He immediately rode back to Jingu Garden with his two attendants, leaving the intersection to Liu Xian and Meng Ping.

Under the moonlight, the rapeseed flowers beside him undulated like pale golden waves, just like Liu Xian's mood at this moment. He never expected that things would take such a dramatic turn today, allowing him to get what he wanted.

He turned to look at Meng Ping, bowed slightly, and said sincerely, "Ziheng, thank you."

Hearing this expression of gratitude, Meng Ping smiled, a smile both resolute and refreshing, like the shimmering patterns of water in the canal beside him. He said, "You flatter me, Your Excellency. You are a good person. Although I don't know what happened, I know that the Lord also likes you very much. He was just having a moment of despair."

Liu Xian agreed; life always has its dead ends. But seeing a pure smile like that of a young man makes many things clear. He said to Meng Ping, "Then please thank the Marshal for me, and tell him that he will always be my Marshal."

"Alright!" Meng Ping didn't intend to stay any longer. He was genuinely happy that he had upheld his father's friendship. Before parting, he added, "My lord, if there is an opportunity in the future, I would like to ride alongside you on the battlefield again!"

Liu Xian also liked the young man very much. He waved his hand and promised, "Alright! We'll drive straight into the Xiongnu and look left to the Xianbei! If I have the chance, I'll definitely take you with me!"

Having said that, the two spurred their horses and rode off in opposite directions.

After passing through the canal intersection and walking three miles east, you will reach a crossroads in Mangshan. As is customary, there is a roadblock here, but there are only a few guards and no officers, so they cannot stop Liu Xian.

After passing through the checkpoint, he encountered no one else on the mountain path for the next hour. His only companions, besides the ever-present moonlight cast by the treetops, were the cawing of owls and crows.

When Liu Xian reached the top of Mangshan Mountain, he couldn't help but look back, where he could see Luoyang City.

At this time, Luoyang was brightly lit, and even from a distance of several miles, Liu Xian could see the bustling crowds on the city walls.

If I'm not mistaken, Sun Xiu should have already achieved great success and captured the Empress and her faction! What are his plans now? And how long can the peace among the princes last?
Liu Xian already knew the answer: all of this would be very short-lived, and he had to seize the time to prepare for the next war.

After descending Mangshan Mountain, they sped northwest. The great river, shimmering like a jade ribbon in the dead of night, carried a small boat that bobbed gently on the current amidst an inconspicuous reed bed. Liu Xian approached and saw two men and a woman on the boat. The woman, wearing a bamboo hat and a black veil, was none other than his wife, A'luo. The other two men were a ferryman and Hua Tao, a retainer of the Prince of Yuzhang.

It turned out that after the last hunting trip, Liu Xian had a very good impression of Sima Chi, the Prince of Yuzhang. Considering that he needed to secretly arrange a boat to cross the river without anyone noticing, he needed to ask a powerful person who could remain unnoticed for help, and Sima Chi was the best candidate.

So Liu Xian asked Xiu Hua to secretly contact Sima Chi, the Prince of Yuzhang, in exchange for giving him a draft of the *Records of the Three Kingdoms* in exchange for his secret assistance. Sima Chi had a good impression of Liu Xian and naturally agreed readily. This was the second letter Liu Xian received before the coup.

Hua Tao was the grandson of Hua Yi, Liu Xian's former superior. When he saw Liu Xian arrive, he breathed a sigh of relief and stepped forward to greet him, saying, "You've finally come. I thought you were going to break your promise."

"How could I dare? Thank you so much, Lord Hua. Please also convey my message to His Highness Prince Yuzhang: these are extraordinary times, so please be extra careful in Luoyang."

"I know." After being polite, Hua Tao continued, "After crossing the river, there is a carriage on the other side, but there is no coachman. It contains ten gold coins as travel expenses. As for where to go next, I won't ask any more questions. You'll have to rely on yourself."

After saying this, Liu Xian bowed to him and took his leave, leading his horse onto the boat. Once on board, he grasped A Luo's hand tightly. Although A Luo didn't say much, Liu Xian keenly noticed that her palms were sweaty and her body was trembling slightly. Only then did Liu Xian realize that this was the first time she had left Luoyang.

Liu Xian comforted her with his eyes: With him here, there's nothing to be afraid of. Everything is arranged.

And indeed, after crossing the river, Liu Xian and his wife boarded a carriage and headed straight for Heyang County. The next day, Liu Xian first made some supplies there, buying some dry food and clothing, and then in the afternoon he met up with Zhuge Yan and Li Sheng. From them, Liu Xian learned that the coup had ended, and that Sun Xiu seemed to have realized he had been tricked and was sending people to investigate Liu Xian's whereabouts.

But as Liu Xian said, Sun Xiucai had only just taken control of Luoyang; he still had a long way to go if he wanted to further expand his authority. Right now, Liu Xian and his party were traveling north to Jizhou, encountering no further obstacles along the way. (End of Chapter)