Jinting Han people

In late February of the second year of the Yongkang era of the Jin Dynasty (301 AD), Sima Yi, the Prince of Changshan, and Liu Xian, the Prefect of Changshan, led the Changshan army to Ye City.

At this time, the anti-Zhao sentiment was in full swing and the situation was very favorable.

In the vast land west of Tongguan and north of the Yellow River, the rebel armies responding to the proclamation had already formed a continuous line. Centered on Changshan State and Yecheng Zhengbei Army Commandery, Sima Ji, Prince of Zhongshan, Liu Tun, Prefect of Taiyuan, Li Yi, Governor of Jizhou, Qian Xiu, Prefect of Weijun, Zheng Yan, Prefect of Dunqiu, He Yan, Prefect of Yangping, He Sui, Prefect of Guangping, and others responded one after another, creating a formidable force that directly blocked the influence of the imperial court in the Jijun area.

This caused the newly enthroned King of Zhao to lose direct contact with the various prefectures and kingdoms in Hebei.

As the Changshan army swiftly breached the walls of Fangzi and occupied the state of Zhao, the remaining vassal kings and local officials were terrified. They successively sent letters to Sima Ying and Sima Yi, expressing their support for the campaign against Zhao. Although these vassal states did not have many troops and could not send reinforcements in the short term, they were able to provide substantial supplies of grain, fodder, and artisans. The wealth accumulated in Hebei over decades was sufficient to ensure the rebel army's logistical needs were met.

The only person King Zhao could rely on was General Ning Shuo, who was in charge of military affairs on the frontier in Youzhou. However, Wang Jun had just taken office, and most of his subordinates were former subordinates of Liu Hong, which made him cautious and he dared not provoke the rebel army directly. He only held a military council in Ning Shuo Military Command and ordered all troops in Youzhou not to act rashly, thus forming a de facto neutrality.

In Henan, the birthplace of the uprising, the enthusiasm was even more astonishing. Unlike Hebei, in Henan, the officials often hadn't even reacted before the soldiers had already taken action on their own. Yanzhou and Yuzhou, as the territories of the Eastern Expeditionary Army, naturally saw a surge in activity, but even Qingzhou, Xuzhou, and even Yangzhou and Jingzhou saw large numbers of soldiers spontaneously coming to participate in the campaign against Zhao.

Previously, people in Hebei thought that the King of Qi's claim of calling on 300,000 people was an exaggeration, but various signs in Henan indicate that it was indeed true.

With such a powerful army, attacking Luoyang from both the north and south, the righteous army's momentum has surpassed that of the feudal lords' campaign against Dong Zhuo during the late Han Dynasty.

On the other hand, Sun Xiu's decision to force Sima Lun into power after his hasty killing of Sima Yun seemed somewhat like a forced move. But the die was cast; having embarked on this path, they had no choice but to accept it.

Faced with the rebellions in the north and south, they lavishly bestowed titles of nobility to stabilize the capital region. The sheer number of these titles reached the point where almost everyone in the court was a marquis. So much so that these newly appointed marquises, unable to afford the sable tails that symbolized their status, had to resort to dog tails as a substitute.

With the rebel army about to invade, Sun Xiu tried his best to win over Sima Yong, the Prince of Hejian. After all, Sima Yong was based in Chang'an, and although his army numbered only seventy or eighty thousand, most of them were skilled warriors. Sun Xiu's greatest hope now was to gain the support of the Western Expeditionary Army. That way, even if he suffered setbacks in Chang'an, he could simply replicate Dong Zhuo's strategy, blockade Tongguan, and hold Guanzhong.

Overall, even with Sima Yong's support, Sun Xiu was still at a significant disadvantage in terms of troop strength, with 200,000 against 500,000.

Therefore, the rebel forces were largely optimistic. It was hard to imagine what mistakes the allied forces could have made to lead to their defeat. Even from the most pessimistic perspective, it would simply be a repeat of the old path of fighting Dong Zhuo. They would then each establish their own independent kingdoms, living a carefree life. But Sima Yong had only been in Guanzhong for a little over a year; his power base was not deep, and he lacked prestige within the army. How could he compare to Dong Zhuo, who had deposed and installed emperors?
Even before Liu Xian and Sima Yi's group entered Ye City, they could already feel the vibrant and thriving atmosphere of all things along the way.

To the south of Zhao lies Guangping Commandery. As Liu Xian and his companions passed through cities like Xiangguo and Handan, banners proclaiming loyalty to the king and the suppression of rebellion could be seen everywhere. Despite it being the busy season for spring plowing, many wandering knights and knights could be seen practicing and competing in the fields, shouting slogans of serving the country and killing the traitors.

Among them were some people who, upon seeing Sima Yi's banner, surrounded him and volunteered their services. These people were mostly from humble backgrounds, and they immediately compared themselves to Guan Zhong and Yue Yi, displaying a rather sensationalist spirit.

Unfortunately, when Sima Yi tested them on the spot, the result was as expected. Their abilities were far inferior to Zhuge Liang's; most of them were boastful, few had real talent, and even fewer could meet Sima Yi's approval.

Sima Yi only selected a few men with basic literary and military skills to serve as warriors under his command, and ordered Shangguan Si to send the rest away. Even so, people still came in droves to see him, which caused them considerable delays on their journey.

After leaving Guangping and arriving in Weijun, the lively atmosphere became even more intense.

About thirty li from Ye City, one could see vast military camps scattered across the plains. Hundreds, even thousands, of black tortoise banners fluttered in the wind, like patches of thick clouds suddenly appearing in a clear sky. Knights rode freely across the plains, cheering and howling. It seemed as if they hadn't come to fight, but rather to attend a celebratory feast they couldn't miss.

The young women were also infected by this atmosphere. Whenever an army marched into the vicinity of Ye City, they would gather apricot blossoms, peach blossoms, cherry blossoms, and other spring flowers, and vie to scatter them on the official road to show their hospitality. When Sima Yi arrived, the fallen petals at his feet were colorful and fragrant, as if a dreamlike rain of seven colors had fallen.

Upon learning that Changshan Prince Sima Yi was about to arrive in Ye City, Chengdu Prince Sima Ying immediately led his officials and entourage ten miles outside the city to welcome him.

The Northern Expeditionary Army Command truly lived up to its reputation as the most extravagant of all the military commands. The grandeur of the Chengdu Prince's processions was almost comparable to that of the Crown Prince Sima Yu.

As Liu Xian approached the welcoming party, he saw Sima Ying riding in a three-horse carriage with a blue canopy. The canopy was painted with twenty-eight golden fleas, and a nine-tasseled dragon-subduing banner stood in front of the carriage. The carriage shafts were painted with black patterns and five-colored gold powder. There were also three auxiliary carriages, all of the same design as the main carriage.

Around the carriage, dozens of officers and subordinates of the Northern Expeditionary Army could be seen, led by Lu Zhi, standing on horseback in a square formation. They whispered among themselves, seemingly discussing something. On either side of these officials were a special band of musicians, playing the "Xuanyun" music in public. The music was solemn yet stirring, stirring the hearts of the people.

Behind these men stood ten cavalry squadrons, two squadrons of halberd corps, two squadrons of nine-foot shield corps, two squadrons of sword shield corps, two squadrons of archers, and two squadrons of crossbowmen, each squadron forming a small square formation of about fifty men. All of them wore exquisite, gleaming armor, and the cavalry were also equipped with horse armor. The army of over a thousand men was truly dazzling and solemn in the sunlight, inspiring awe and fear.

Upon seeing this, Liu Xian couldn't help but mutter to himself, "I didn't realize it when we were in Luoyang, but the King of Chengdu is such a spendthrift, putting on such a grand show!"

Sima Yi's expression darkened upon seeing this. Both were descendants of Emperor Wu, and Sima Ying was even younger than him, yet this behavior was undeniably overly arrogant. Ostensibly, it could be said that this was to show respect for Sima Yi, but in reality, it revealed the disparity in their status. It seemed as if Sima Ying was the ruler, and Sima Yi the subject.

But after seeing Sima Ying get out of the carriage to greet him, he quickly put his dissatisfaction aside, dismounted and stepped forward. The two clasped hands tightly, and as they looked each other over, he couldn't help but choke up and said, "Sixteenth Brother, it's been a long time!"

He paused, tears welling in his eyes, which he forcefully wiped away with the back of his hand, moving everyone present. Indeed, Emperor Wu of Jin, Sima Yan, had over twenty sons; excluding those who died young, more than ten survived. But after so many upheavals, only five of Emperor Wu's sons remained alive: the current emperor, Prince Changshan Sima Yi, Prince Chengdu Sima Ying, Prince Wu Sima Yan, and Prince Yuzhang Sima Chi! The emperor was mentally challenged, the Prince of Wu suffered from a congenital illness, and the Prince of Yuzhang was far removed from politics. Didn't the hopes of Emperor Wu's lineage rest entirely on these two?
Now, after ten years apart, the brothers are finally reunited in this time of crisis. How could they, being of flesh and blood, not shed tears and be moved?

Unfortunately, although Sima Ying outwardly cooperated with Sima Yi, he could not hide the confusion in his heart. After all, he was only twelve years old when he last parted with Sima Yi, and their feelings for each other were not that deep.

Fortunately, Lu Zhi had suggested beforehand that Consort Cheng sit in the secondary carriage and come out with Sima Ying.

Consort Cheng was over forty years old this year. Back when she was in the West Palace, she had a very good relationship with Sima Yi's mother, Meiren, like sisters. Seeing Sima Yi burst into tears in public, she quickly got out of the carriage, took Sima Yi's hand, looked him up and down, and slowly, tears also began to flow uncontrollably from her eyes. She said softly, "Shidu, my poor, good son!"

Consort Cheng had been feeling weak lately. After crying for a while, she began to pant. She pulled Sima Yi to sit down on a stool. From beginning to end, she held onto Sima Yi's hand without letting go.

She said to Sima Yi, "When you were little, you and your fifth brother often came to my palace to ask for pomegranates to eat, do you remember?"

Sima Yi nodded repeatedly.

She added, "It's a pity you didn't see your mother one last time. Ever since your fifth brother died and you were demoted to Changshan, your mother has been weeping every day. She would come to my palace and cry to me, saying, 'It would have been better to have a daughter, who could have married into a good family in Luoyang. Otherwise, so much trouble would have happened, and I would never see her again!'"

"The following year, your mother cried until she went blind and then passed away. I never imagined that marrying into the royal family would bring such suffering! Today, seeing you, you've grown into a handsome young man. I'm sure your mother, if she could know this in the afterlife, would rest in peace!"

Upon hearing these words, Sima Yi was deeply grieved, but he simply held Consort Cheng's hand and remained silent. The officials present also felt the cruelty of fate and all looked on with sorrow.

At this moment, even Liu Xian was moved by the scene before him, thinking of his mother, Zhang Ximiao. He wondered if she, if she could know from beyond the grave, would feel any comfort seeing him as he was today.
And so, in an atmosphere of deep familial affection, Sima Yi and Sima Ying chatted for a while longer. Afterwards, the two rode hand in hand in a carriage, heading straight to the palace in Ye City to reminisce about the past.

Liu Xian and other officials of the Prince of Changshan naturally could not accompany him; they were received by Lu Zhi, the Left Chief Secretary of the Prince of Chengdu. After confirming the number of their entourage, Lu Zhi pondered for a moment and then discussed the matter:

"There aren't many suitable places to stay in the city right now. One is the military camp next to Jinming Gate, which is close to the West Market and is more lively. Another is the pavilion north of Guangde Gate, where you can make friends. Many of the leaders of the rebel armies that have arrived from all sides are staying here. And another is the literary hall in front of Sima Gate, which is close to Ye Palace. If you have important matters to discuss, it will be easier to go to the palace."

After a brief discussion, Liu Xian and Shangguan Si quickly replied, "Then let's go to the military camp. Thank you for your trouble, Lord Lu. We came here to fight, so there's no need to make things so complicated."

Upon hearing this, Lu Zhi couldn't help but laugh and say, "Yes, the Prefect had already won a great victory when we arrived, and everyone is talking about you!"

Liu Xian humbly replied, "It was merely eliminating a petty thief who didn't even participate in the battle; there's nothing to boast about."

"Your words make us feel ashamed," Lu Zhi said with emotion, leading Liu Xian on horseback while complaining, "Don't be fooled by the fact that Ye City seems to be in full bloom right now, with everyone full of enthusiasm and the situation looking great, as if we can march into Luoyang and capture Sun Xiu alive tomorrow. But these people have caused me quite a bit of trouble these days."

"They run amok and injure people, cause trouble while drunk, refuse to pay for prostitutes, and even break into people's homes to seize wives and daughters—it's utterly despicable. When the people complain to me, I arrest them, and they whine like chickens. All they do is kowtow and beg their relatives to bail them out. Can you call these people a righteous army? Can you expect them to win battles?"

Upon hearing this, Liu Xian couldn't help but ask, "Then how did Lord Lu handle it?"

Lu Zhi sighed, "Of course we should arrest a few of the ringleaders, cut off their heads, and hang them on the city gate as a warning. Everyone inside has connections, and killing them would cause me a lot of trouble. We can't just ignore it!"

Liu Xian comforted him, saying, "That's just how the world is. People's hearts are like water; without restraint, they will flow everywhere. Only by using laws as dikes and moral education to dredge them can we prevent people's hearts from running rampant. What you've said and done, Lord Lu, is exactly what a gentleman would do!"

Liu Xian spoke in Legalist terms, which were never popular with the mainstream. Unexpectedly, Lu Zhi agreed wholeheartedly, praising, "Indeed! The people's hearts are like water! It's easy to breach the dikes and let them overflow, but it's very difficult to bring them back. As Xunzi said, water can carry a boat, but it can also capsize it. We must consider this carefully!"

He then spoke with Liu Xian about his views on the war: "Now, the mighty troops of Hebei are gathered in Ye City, and their strength is undeniable. However, all the generals involved are blindly arrogant, relying on their own strength. While their courage is commendable, they are also easily defeated. If there were enough time, I would really like to find an opportunity to temper their arrogance! It seems that this great battle will require the assistance of you, my lord, and renowned generals like the Duke of Xuancheng."

Liu Xian, hearing the implication in his tone, agreed with him to a great extent, but that didn't stop him from being curious and asking, "Oh? The situation is so favorable now, why is Lord Lu so pessimistic?"

Lu Zhi glanced at Liu Xian and said solemnly, “Lord Liu, we are dealing with matters of national importance, concerning the safety of all people. Therefore, we can be optimistic and bold when making resolutions, but we must be cautious and prudent when doing things. We must know that once a mistake is made, failure is a small matter, but the dead can never be brought back to life.”

Upon hearing this, Liu Xian dared not fail to immediately bow and apologize to Lu Zhi, saying, "What you say is very true, Lord Lu. I will keep it in mind."

On the surface, that's what he said, but Liu Xian was secretly delighted, thinking to himself: "Lu Zidao and I are truly kindred spirits, upholding our promises, clarifying our intentions, and being cautious in enforcing the law!" (End of Chapter)