Chapter 7

Li Zhichang and Yin Zhiping walked and stopped, and finally arrived at the capital of Zhongdu, Beijing, on this day. This was the capital of the Jin Dynasty, the most prosperous and splendid place in the world at that time, surpassing even the old capital Bianliang and the new capital Lin'an of the Song Dynasty.

Yin Zhiping, born in the war-torn region of Shandong and raised in the deep mountains, had never seen such prosperity. He saw red pavilions and painted terraces, embroidered doors and vermilion gates, carved carriages competing to stop, and fine horses vying to gallop. High counters and large shops displayed exotic goods; teahouses and taverns were filled with people in fine clothes and pearl-embroidered shoes. The flowers were everywhere, the flutes and drums filled the air; gold and jade shone in the sun, and silk and brocade wafted with fragrance. The young man, who had never seen such a spectacle, was dazzled. Of the things he saw, nine out of ten were unknown to him.

Although Li Zhichang had spent this life on Zhongnan Mountain, his past life had experienced even greater prosperity, ten thousand times more splendid than this. Naturally, he was not surprised or delighted, and remained calm.

Li Zhichang said, "As the saying goes, 'A man is judged by his clothes, and a Buddha by his gold.' If we go to Prince Zhao's mansion in this shabby attire, it would be too disrespectful. It would make us look bad and tarnish the reputation of our Quanzhen Sect. So let's find an inn to freshen up first."

Li Zhichang and Yin Zhiping did not rush to Prince Zhao's mansion. After washing off the dust at an inn, they inquired about the largest tailor shop in Yanjing and had their clothes measured and made. Half an hour later, the two came out of the shop. Li Zhichang wore a moon-white robe and held a folding fan, looking carefree and unrestrained. Yin Zhiping wore a blue robe and carried a long sword, looking spirited and vigorous. They attracted a lot of attention along the way.

It was nearly noon when the two arrived at a tavern. They called a waiter, ordered wine and dishes, and sat down to drink. While they were talking, they suddenly heard the surroundings quiet down. A group of more than a dozen martial artists, old and young, escorted a young nobleman of about fifteen or sixteen years old up the stairs. The young nobleman was dressed in a brocade robe, extremely luxurious. Seeing Li Zhichang and Yin Zhiping's extraordinary demeanor, he couldn't help but glance at them a few times, smiled slightly, and then sat down at a table by the side.

In the group of attendants, there were three people with unusual appearances. One was draped in a large red robe, wearing a golden monk's hat, a Tibetan monk. He was extremely tall, standing a head and a half taller than the people around him. Another was of medium height, with silver-white hair, but his face was smooth and wrinkle-free, like a child, truly youthful and radiant. He wore a hemp robe, neither a Taoist nor a layman. The third was short and stocky, with bloodshot eyes, but his gaze was like lightning, and his mustache curled upward. After the young nobleman sat down, they also took their seats.

Li Zhichang seemed to have an epiphany, raised his cup, and drank it in one gulp. He said, "Little brother, the capital of Zhongdu is indeed prosperous under the rule of the Jin Dynasty. Since we have nothing to do, why don't we talk about the trends of the world and the rise and fall of dynasties to liven up the atmosphere."

The founder of the Quanzhen Sect, Wang Chongyang, was a man of both literary and military talent, and Qiu Chuji aimed to 'save the world and benefit the people.' Therefore, Yin Zhiping, deeply influenced by Qiu Chuji, sometimes criticized the ills of society. The young nobleman, hearing their conversation, was clearly curious and couldn't help but listen.

Yin Zhiping paused and then said, "Emperor Wanyan Jing of the Jin Dynasty is skilled in calligraphy, knowledgeable in music, and admires the culture of Central China. He has reformed the rites and music, revised the criminal law, and established an official system, creating a set of governance rules. In recent years, he has repeatedly asked his ministers about the practical methods of Han Xuan's administrative reforms and the Tang Dynasty's methods of official inspection, indicating his ambition to surpass the Liao and Song Dynasties and rival the Han and Tang Dynasties."

To rival the Han and Tang Dynasties naturally means he has the ambition to conquer the world. Li Zhichang remained noncommittal: "The Jin Dynasty appears strong, but it is actually weak inside. In my view, there are three major flaws that can lead to its downfall." At this moment, a light snort came from the table of the young nobleman. Li Zhichang, facing them, saw that it was the short, stocky man who made the sound. He was about to stand up but was held back by the young nobleman. Li Zhichang noticed his gaze like lightning and his steady posture, indicating that his internal skills were already quite advanced.

Yin Zhiping continued, "Brother, why don't you tell us what the three flaws are?"

Li Zhichang smiled and said, "First, the Central Plains region has been plagued by frequent floods, droughts, and locust plagues. In the past dozen years, the Yellow River has breached its banks three times, causing the river to shift southward and flow into the Huai River, which is now a settled fact. This can be called a lack of favorable weather conditions. Second, the former Jin Emperor Wanyan Liang intended to move his troops to Yangzhou and force a crossing of the Yangtze River, but his subordinates strongly opposed it, and finally, a mutiny broke out, killing Emperor Wanyan Liang. The Song army took advantage of this to recapture the former territory of Huainan, thus solidifying the north-south confrontation, which cannot be shaken. Therefore, the Jin Dynasty has lost its advantageous position for unifying the country, which can be called a lack of favorable geographical conditions. Third, the Tartar tribes in the north frequently harass the Jin Dynasty's borders, and the Song Dynasty launched the 'Kaixi Northern Expedition.' Although the Jin Dynasty won both wars, the huge military expenses have left the Jin Dynasty's finances in deficit, and the people are full of complaints, which can be called a lack of favorable human conditions. With these three flaws, the Jin Dynasty is like a withered flower of yesterday."

At this moment, the short, stocky man at the young nobleman's table slapped the table and said indignantly, "I am Peng Lianhu. Who are you, young man, to dare speak so recklessly in the capital?"

Peng Lianhu was known for his intelligence. He first asked about Li Zhichang's background to determine if he was a friend or an enemy. They had traveled a long distance to seek the Ode to the Prince of Zhao, hoping for wealth and honor. Li Zhichang's criticism of the Jin Dynasty was like saying they were blind. Moreover, the young nobleman next to him was the young prince of the Ode to the Prince of Zhao. By scolding Li Zhichang, he could vent his anger and curry favor with the young prince, achieving two goals at once. His calculations were not without merit.

Li Zhichang sighed, "Peng Chief, in Hebei and Shanxi, even the Heavenly King cannot control you, how carefree and independent you are. Why come to the capital and get involved in this murky water, to be used by others?"

Peng Lianhu sneered, "Oh, so you have some background."

Li Zhichang said, "Little brother, my wine is finished. Let's go back."

With that, he ignored Peng Lianhu and the others and got up to leave. Peng Lianhu said, "Since you're here, why not stay and enjoy yourself? Why are you in such a hurry to leave? Since you recognize me, tell me who your master is. Maybe we have some connection."

He moved to block Li Zhichang and Yin Zhiping's path. This move of shifting his position was truly exquisite, and the other two at the table couldn't help but admire it.

Li Zhichang chuckled and ignored him. The young nobleman, who had a good impression of the two, saw Peng Lianhu about to make a move and stood up. He said, "Friends, since we meet, it's a matter of fate. Why not sit down and have a drink?"

Li Zhichang looked at him deeply and said, "We should have a drink."

Suddenly, Li Zhichang had a wine pot and a cup in his hand. He raised the wine pot and said, "We are indeed fated. I offer this wine to you, young sir."

He raised the wine pot, and a stream of wine shot out of the spout, landing precisely in the young nobleman's cup, neither too much nor too little, filling it perfectly. Li Zhichang drank first and then turned to leave.

Yin Zhiping nodded slightly to the young nobleman and followed Li Zhichang. Peng Lianhu tried to grab Li Zhichang, but the latter slipped away like an eel, evading his grasp.

He then tried to stop Yin Zhiping. When their bodies touched, both were jolted, but he couldn't hold them back. The young nobleman only heard a voice from the stairs:

"Seeing him build his red mansion,

Seeing him entertain his guests,

Seeing his mansion collapse.

In this pile of green moss and blue tiles,

I once slept in the wind and rain,

Watching the rise and fall of fifty years."