Jinting Han people

"Peace talks?" Faced with this proposal, the first thought in the minds of almost all the generals in the city was that Liu Xian had gone mad.

As the war continues to this day, the name Zhang Fang is no longer just a person's name; he is the embodiment of death, the entity of tyranny, the messenger of cruelty. He is the knife, he is fire, he is terror.

It had only been two months since Zhang Fang actually entered the capital. Yet, in those two months, the number of people who died directly or indirectly under Zhang Fang's horses had already exceeded one hundred thousand, and it was still increasing every day. This number could not be compared to the combined death and injury caused by the several coups since the death of Emperor Wu of Jin.

More importantly, Zhang Fang seemed to have no scruples whatsoever. He cared neither for the safety of the common people, nor for the authority of the court, nor for the dignity of the aristocratic families. No matter who he was facing, he could inflict cruelty on them without discrimination. Whether they were prefects, governors, dukes, or princes, they were all just ordinary prey to him.

How can we negotiate peace with someone like that? Or rather, sending someone to negotiate would be like throwing lambs to the slaughter! Now everyone in Luoyang knows that Zhang Fang is a real man-eater!
Similarly, when Zhang Fang heard that Liu Xian was trying to negotiate peace, he was incredulous. He scratched the back of his head in bewilderment for a while, then burst into laughter and said to his generals, "Liu Xian really doesn't take me seriously. Do you think I'd fall for such a simple delaying tactic?"

The implication was that Zhang Fang believed Liu Xian was stalling for time, waiting for reinforcements to arrive, and he had no faith in Liu Xian's sincerity in negotiating. Therefore, he immediately replied, "Negotiations are possible, but only if Liu Xian comes in person. I will not see anyone else!"

This was effectively a rejection. In the eyes of the Western Expeditionary Army Commander, Liu Xian, as the commander-in-chief of the three armies, was of paramount importance. He would never risk his life to personally come to the Western Army for negotiations. Otherwise, if Liu Xian died, the morale of the remaining troops in the city would surely plummet, and what would they use to resist the Western Army?
This was also the common opinion of the generals of the Western Army; they all believed that Liu Xian would not dare to come.

But when the messenger returned, the reply surprised everyone: "Reporting to the Marshal, Liu Xian has agreed."

"What?!" Zhang Fang, who was sitting on a stool warming himself by the fire, couldn't help but stand up.

"He is willing to come in person to negotiate peace."

Zhang Fang asked again, and after receiving an affirmative answer, he frowned for a moment, then laughed loudly as he sat back on his stool and said to the generals, "Liu Xian really doesn't take me seriously! Does he really think this is Xia Yang? Haha, I won't spoil him like Sun Xiu did!"

He then said to the messenger, "Tell him that if he wants to come, let him come!"

"Wait, let me get ready." Zhang Fang waved his hand, then muttered under his breath, "The opportunity is just right, I've been wanting to taste his flavor!"

Two quarters of an hour later, Liu Xian was able to enter the Western Army's command tent.

Unlike Liu Xian's previous impression of the Western Army's simplicity, the Western Army had now become extremely luxurious. Looking around, almost every officer and general of the Western Expeditionary Army wore a gold belt, brocade clothes, and a sable cloak. Some had agate inlaid on their sword hilts, while others had jade inlaid on the backs of their official boots. Each of them was accompanied by several beautiful young women, one holding a glass of fine wine and the other a jade platter of delicacies.

For a moment, Liu Xian almost mistook himself for having entered the Golden Valley Garden. He had no idea how many families they had plundered to obtain all this wealth.

At this time, he was accompanied by only two people, Liu Yi and Guo Mo. When they first saw the enemy camp's dazzling array of jewels and colorful decorations, they were almost blinded. But when they looked at the generals of the western camp, they were all filled with awe.

Dozens of generals from the Western Army lined up in two rows. Though dressed in luxurious attire, they were all seasoned veterans who had killed without hesitation. Upon hearing footsteps, they all gripped their swords and glanced sideways at Liu Xian and his companions, exuding a murderous aura that instantly instilled a sense of impending doom in the onlookers. It was as if they would be devoured and their bones crushed at any moment.

In fact, Zhang Fang was eating meat at that moment.

Before him sat a bronze pot simmering, and on the table beside him lay a plate of sliced, bright red meat and a bowl of prepared sauce. Zhang Fang sat before the pot, picked up a few slices of meat with his chopsticks, dipped them in the boiling water, then into the sauce, and immediately popped them into his mouth, exclaiming with delight, "Delicious! Delicious!"

Upon seeing Liu Xian enter, he put down his chopsticks, his eyes fixed on Liu Xian, while still chewing. After a long while, he reluctantly swallowed and said, "Grand Commandant Liu, I've missed you so much!"

After saying that, he gave a fawning smile, but the smile looked out of place on his rugged face, and even a little creepy.

Liu Yi and Guo Mo had heard of his cannibalistic deeds, and seeing the plate of red meat in front of them immediately evoked unpleasant thoughts. Even though they were both veterans of the battlefield, their faces turned pale.

But Liu Xian's expression was quite ordinary. He merely glanced at the bronze cauldron, then sat down on the ground, facing Zhang Fang, and returned the smile, saying, "I have long admired Marshal Zhang!"

Although it was just a simple compliment, the generals of the Western Army were all taken aback upon hearing it, then exchanged bewildered glances. After all, everyone who had heard of Liu Xian knew that he was renowned for his uprightness and integrity, and those who received his praise were all virtuous and respected figures in the court and among the people. In everyone's mind, it was already extremely rare for him to speak calmly with Zhang Fang, let alone to offer a compliment; this was truly unexpected.

Zhang Fang was just an ordinary man; as the saying goes, "a sedan chair is carried by many people," and no one dislikes hearing flattery. Hearing Liu Xian's compliments, Zhang Fang was naturally overjoyed. He clutched his stomach and laughed heartily, "Haha, so even the Grand Commandant admires old Zhang like me?"

Liu Xian laughed and said, "Of course, in the past twenty years, I, Liu Xian, have fought many battles in the east and west, and faced many powerful enemies. But in the past two months, Marshal Zhang has swept across the capital region, repeatedly launching surprise attacks. First, he launched a surprise attack on Yiyang, then easily captured Hulao Pass, and then burned Luoyang. Several times he used feints and diversions to capture the enemy, and his strategies were flawless. It has truly broadened my horizons. Anyone who knows how to use troops will be impressed by Marshal Zhang's military prowess, and it's not just me, Liu Xian!"

These words struck a nerve with Zhang Fang. Military strategy is a bloody art, and as such, any commander or leader inevitably craves recognition for their art. And among these recognitions, the admiration of the enemy is arguably the highest form of approval, especially from a universally acknowledged general like Liu Xian.

Therefore, Zhang Fang laughed again, but this time, his laughter contained less bloodlust and more comfort and smugness.

Zhang Fang exclaimed, "To hear Grand Commandant Liu's compliments is truly one of life's greatest pleasures."

But he immediately changed the subject, sighing, "But Grand Commandant Liu doesn't think that I'll let you go just because you say a few nice words to me!"

"My king gave me an absolute order: I must not withdraw my troops until the Grand Commandant is killed! Victory is in sight, yet the Grand Commandant comes to negotiate peace. What kind of pipe dream is he having?"

At this point, Zhang Fang immediately gave the order, pointing at Liu Xian and saying, "Take him down!"

The guards on both sides had been waiting impatiently. Upon hearing Zhang Fang's order, they immediately swarmed forward, pinning Liu Xian to the ground and making to tie him up. Some even pulled out sharp blades to threaten him. Liu Yi and Guo Mo, who were accompanying him, were shocked, but they were no match for the overwhelming numbers and were quickly subdued as well.

But Liu Xian showed no panic as he was bound. He let others do as they pleased, and sneered, "I came here to save Marshal Zhang's life, but I didn't expect that Marshal Zhang would seek his own death?"

This statement was so bizarre that everyone in the Western Army laughed. Zhi Fu, who was standing nearby, said, "Liu Huaichong, you're right here, and you still want to kill the Marshal? Don't dream! Our Marshal isn't Xiang Yu. Even if you were Zhang Liang or Chen Ping, with your silver tongue and ability to revive the dead, it would be useless!"

After he finished speaking, the crowd echoed his words and burst into laughter, seemingly mocking Liu Xian's ignorance. Liu Xian, however, remained unaffected, still staring at Zhang Fang, and said, "Brother Zhang, please give me a moment to say a word. If I cannot persuade you, I am willing to commit suicide."

This did indeed pique Zhang Fang's curiosity. He said "Oh," and figured that in this situation, there was no harm in listening to a bit, so he said, "Then I'm all ears."

Liu Xian smiled and said, "I wonder if Brother Zhang has ever heard this saying?"

"Which line?" "When the cunning rabbit dies, the hunting dog is cooked; when the birds are all gone, the good bow is put away."

These words were like a thunderclap in a clear sky; the entire scene fell silent, and the generals of the Western Army looked at each other, none daring to utter a sound.

The reason is simple: everyone has heard this phrase; these twelve words are simply too well-known.

This saying was written by Fan Li, a famous prime minister of the Yue Kingdom during the Spring and Autumn Period, and was specially given to Wen Zhong, a famous general of the Yue Kingdom.

King Goujian of Yue endured hardship and humiliation, eventually conquering the state of Wu and achieving hegemony. However, he was not only ungrateful to the ministers who had helped him achieve this, but also deeply resentful. Fan Li sensed something amiss and quickly retreated to a life of seclusion, offering his advice to Wen Zhong. Wen Zhong, oblivious to the danger, repeatedly argued with Goujian in court, ultimately being driven to his death by Goujian. Thus, a renowned general perished—a truly tragic end.

At this moment, Liu Xian uttered these words, and the meaning behind them was self-evident.

Under the watchful eyes of the generals, Zhang Fang remained silent for a long time before gesturing to Lü Lang. Lü Lang immediately understood, drew his sword, took a few steps to Liu Xian, and held the sword to Liu Xian's neck, coldly saying, "Liu Xian, you're courting death! You think you can sow discord?!"

Liu Xian wore an indifferent expression and said to Zhang Fang, "Brother Zhang, you can kill me with one stroke and then you'll know whether this is true or false."

When Liu Xian uttered those words, he had already succeeded halfway, because he knew that although Zhang Fang was tyrannical towards others, he was very cautious about his own life.

Liu Xian's comparison of himself to a cunning rabbit and a flying bird, and Zhang Fang to a hunting dog and a fine bow, is a clear message to Zhang Fang: if he were killed, Zhang Fang would lose all value and reason for existence in Sima Yong's eyes. As long as Zhang Fang harbors even the slightest suspicion towards Sima Yong, he would certainly not take his life.

Indeed, this was the case. Although Zhang Fang was sincerely grateful to Sima Yong, without the bold delegation of power by the Prince of Hejian, where would he be today? But Zhang Fang would never truly trust anyone from the bottom of his heart, because he had long been accustomed to the wickedness of the world, and thus willingly embraced it.

At this moment, Zhang Fang couldn't show his true feelings in front of everyone, so he pretended to be tough and said, "Ha, you want to die quickly? That's too easy! I'm starving now, so I'll just slowly slice you alive and have a good meal!"

After saying this, he used the excuse that he wanted to torture Liu Xian himself to dismiss the other generals, leaving only Liu Xian and himself in the commander's tent.

After everyone dispersed, Zhang Fang did not rush to talk to Liu Xian. Instead, he cooked a few more slices of meat for himself, staring at Liu Xian with eyes as fierce as a venomous snake, while loudly chewing and swallowing, as if the person in his mouth was none other than Liu Xian.

After a moment, his expression returned to calm, and he said, "Liu Xian, why should I trust someone as cunning as you?"

Instead of answering directly, Liu Xian asked in return, "Could it be that Brother Zhang hasn't heard of that story?"

Zhang Fang tapped the bronze cauldron with his bamboo chopsticks and sneered, "Haha, of course I've heard of it, but I'm not Wen Zhong, and my king isn't Goujian, nor is this the Spring and Autumn Period! Do you even know the phrase 'marking the boat to find the sword'? On the contrary, Liu Xian, you're good at intrigue and trickery. Last year, you assassinated Chief Secretary Li, that's undeniable."

“Ah, Brother Zhang, you’ve misunderstood.” Liu Xian shook his head slightly and said with lowered eyes, “The twelve words I mentioned do not refer to Goujian and Wen Zhong.”

Who are you referring to?

“Brother Zhang, have you not heard of the affair between Zhong Hui and Deng Ai?!” Liu Xian asked, looking up.

The cold blade is drawn, and a single strike is fatal.

Any general involved in the Western Expeditionary Army would be familiar with the precedents of Deng Ai and Zhong Hui. Back then, the confrontation between Shu Han and Cao Wei had disrupted the Guanzhong Plain for decades, to the point that everyone had given up hope of conquering Shu Han. It was Zhong Hui who saw the weakness in Shu Han, and against all odds in the court, organized the campaign against Shu; it was Deng Ai who took a desperate gamble, secretly crossing Yinping and achieving a decisive victory.

But what was the result? At that time, Shu Han had just been pacified, its territory was not yet settled, and it was also threatened by Sun Wu in the east. Yet Emperor Wen of Jin, Sima Zhao, couldn't wait to frame Deng Ai and force Zhong Hui to commit suicide. Although Jiang Wei played a role in this, no one can deny that Sima Zhao was happy to see it all happen. In the end, before the world was at peace, both famous generals and their families were exterminated.

And wasn't Liu Xian himself one of the orphans of this tragedy?
Liu Xian need not say more; faced with this bloody precedent, anyone can feel what it means to have merit that overshadows the ruler. And now, Sima Yong is far less prestigious than Sima Zhao, while Zhang Fang's influence on the Western Army is far greater than that of Deng Ai and Zhong Hui.

Therefore, the outcome between the two is already obvious. Once the dangerous enemy is gone, only one of them can survive to the end, and Zhang Fang is undoubtedly the weaker one.

Zhang Fang drew a short knife from his waist and silently turned it over in the firewood beneath the bronze cauldron. The boiling soup mirrored his restless state of mind. He was also making a fierce choice within himself. He had to choose between two paths: one leading to death, the other to the unknown. For anyone, this would not be an easy task.

But Zhang Fang would never choose death, especially not such a pointless one. And when he made up his mind, Zhang Fang's face was so sinister that it was indescribable, seemingly more elusive than a ghost.

"Grand Commandant Liu, you are right. It seems that it is not the right time to kill you yet."

He approached Liu Xian, cut the ropes binding him with his knife, and then lightly ran the blade across Liu Xian's chin, sneering, "But in this world, no one can order me around for free, not even you."

Zhang Fang's face drew closer, his voice gradually deepening yet becoming clearer, until it stopped right next to Liu Xian's ear:

"Want to make peace with me? Fine. But Liu Xian, remember this: you owe me a debt, and I will collect it sooner or later. I want nothing but you. I will slice you into pieces, roast your liver, sear your heart, and savor the taste of your fear."

After saying that, he took a deep breath, then moved away, grinning greedily as if he were already there.

This was the first time Liu Xian had faced such a threat. Unfortunately, he was not afraid. Instead, he stood up without changing his expression and said softly, "Fine, I'll wait for this day."

That night, the sound of drums rang out again from the edge of the earthen hill. But this was no longer the drumbeat of a troop advance, for the drumbeats were not hurried, but rather as gentle and distinct as the footsteps of a spring outing, reminiscent of the crisp, crackling sound of ice and snow breaking apart. This was the drumbeat of a retreat to relieve the siege.

As the drums beat, the moonlight was gradually obscured by dark clouds, and then a faint sound rang out in the air.

Has it started snowing again? People in and around Jinyong City looked up as silky raindrops slid down their cheeks like tears falling to the ground.

The long winter has ended; it is now spring of the third year of the Tai'an era. (End of Chapter)