Chapter 2

In the first year of Guangxi.

Jingzhou, Taiyuan State, Dalin County.

The fierce battle had just ended, and countless bodies were scattered across the undulating, vast mountainous terrain. Stiff bodies entangled with each other, severed arms still clutched weapons. The still-warm blood soaked the dry sand, forming countless small streams that converged into depressions, slowly seeping into the reddish-brown earth.

On a hill, over a thousand fierce cavalrymen surrounded a large, pure white banner. Liu Yuan, the Chanyu of the Xiongnu, gazed at the battlefield, his heart filled with an indescribable sense of exaltation.

Liu Yuan was the son of Liu Bao, the leader of the Xiongnu's left division, and a member of the Xiongnu aristocracy for generations. In his youth, he lived in Luoyang and associated with many notable scholars, and people at the time believed his literary and military talents far surpassed those of his peers. Emperor Wu Sima Yan had even considered entrusting him with the task of pacifying Eastern Wu, but many ministers in the court believed that "those not of our race will have different hearts," so he was never given a major role. Later, he held various positions such as Commander of the Cavalry, General of Tranquilizing the North, and General of Pacifying the North. With his deep scheming and the military strength of the five Xiongnu divisions, he maintained a significant position.

In recent years, Chen Min rebelled in the former territory of Eastern Wu, Li Te carved out a territory in Western Shu, and the Qiang people plundered the two provinces of Yong and Liang. The imperial princes also fought each other, causing the Jin Dynasty to be in turmoil, with bloodshed and chaos reminiscent of the end of the Han Dynasty. Witnessing this, Liu Yuan's ambitions grew day by day.

Since the Chanyu Huhanye submitted to the Han, the Xiongnu people had long been scattered across the northern border regions. During the Wei Dynasty, Cao Cao divided the Xiongnu into five divisions, which were settled in various counties of Jingzhou, such as Zishi, Puzi, Xinxing, Qi, and Dalin. Although there were occasional disturbances, they never amounted to much. However, the current Governor of Jingzhou, Sima Teng of the Dongying Company, governed ineffectively, oppressing the non-Han people and even sending troops to plunder and sell them to Shandong for profit. As a result, the resentment of the northern tribes, the Qiang and the Hu, ran deep, and they were ready to rise up at the call of a leader.

Three years ago, Liu Yuan returned to his homeland under the pretext of recruiting soldiers for Prince Sima Ying of Chengdu. Leaders of various tribes in Jingzhou flocked to him, and in no time, he gathered tens of thousands of followers. Soon after, Sima Ying was defeated and killed, and Liu Yuan immediately raised an army in Zuoguo City, declaring that he was avenging Sima Ying. He proclaimed himself the Han King and the Great Chanyu.

Last year, a severe drought hit Jingzhou, and winter came much earlier than usual. The cattle and horses of the various tribes died in large numbers, and life became extremely difficult. Liu Yuan had to lead his army to Liting for food, and Sima Teng took the opportunity to attack. Liu Yuan feigned weakness, luring the Jin army into a trap in Dalin, and then launched a cavalry charge, causing the Jin army to collapse in a single day.

At this moment, over 50,000 elite warriors from the Xiongnu, Jie, Qiang, and Wuhuan tribes gathered around him. With strong soldiers and brave generals under his command, he needed only to advance southward to capture Hedong and directly threaten the capital of the Jin Dynasty, Luoyang. The northern warriors, skilled in riding and archery, were far superior to the weak Han people.

At Liu Yuan's side, like stars surrounding the moon, were his most trusted tribal leaders and chieftains.

On the left, the tall young man was Liu Yuan's eldest son, Liu He, the Left Xianwang. Liu He spoke loudly, "Our ancestors once formed a brotherhood with the Han emperor, but now the Han court treats our people like slaves, sending greedy officials and deceitful merchants to exploit us! Why should the noble descendants of Chanyu Huhanye be subjugated by the lowly Han? Why should brave warriors serve cowards? Now, Father, with your sharpened axes and swords, punishes the Han, cutting off their heads as offerings to the gods, and the gods will surely bless us!"

"May the gods protect us!" another young general responded. This man, draped in a warrior's robe with his hair loosely flowing, was Liu Yuan's kinsman, Liu Yao: "Great Chanyu, we are willing to follow your horse's hoof prints and kill our way into the Han emperor's capital! We will plunder their treasures with our swords, enjoy their women, and turn their farmlands into pastures!" This statement was met with immediate and enthusiastic agreement from the other generals.

Liu Yuan laughed heartily, "Well said! A man of great ambition should aim to be a towering mountain, not a mere flower or grass. Throughout history, there has been no fixed rule for achieving imperial power. Emperor Yu was from the Western Rong, and King Wen of Zhou was from the Eastern Yi; they achieved greatness through their virtue and might! Now, we have gathered over 100,000 men, all of whom are valiant and capable. Let us advance and destroy all who dare to resist! We will achieve even greater glory than the great Chanyu Modu and establish a powerful dynasty on the fertile lands of the Han!" With these words, Liu Yuan, amidst the nearly fanatical cheers of his men, lightly tugged the reins and rode forward, with the generals following closely behind.

Behind them, tens of thousands of fierce non-Han warriors formed a mighty and unstoppable flood, charging forward.

******

Jingzhou, being close to the barbarian territories, had a fierce and martial culture. Therefore, every Governor of Jingzhou in the Jin Dynasty held a military title and commanded a strong army. The current Governor of Jingzhou, General of the North, and Commander of the Military Affairs of Jingzhou, Sima Teng of the Dongying Company, was the younger brother of the powerful Minister of the Eastern Sea, Sima Yue. He commanded a large number of elite soldiers and generals, and together with the Anbei General of Youzhou, Wang Jun, they were known as the "strongest vassals in the land." These two vassals were the wings of the Eastern Sea Minister, and if there were any trouble in the court, they could lead their troops from Youzhou and Jingzhou to cross the Yellow River, and no one would dare to stand in their way. This made the position of the Eastern Sea Minister, Grand Tutor and Chancellor, even more secure.

The administrative center of Jingzhou was in Jinyang, but Sima Teng had his headquarters in Shangdang County. This was because Shangdang was high and strategically located, surrounded by mountains, overlooking the Central Plains, and controlling Hedong. It had been a strategic stronghold since ancient times. The center of Shangdang County was Huguan, a key town where the four passes of the Taihang Mountains—Zhiguan, Taixing, Bai, and Fokou—converged. Since the establishment of Shangdang County in the late Spring and Autumn period, every dynasty had continuously fortified Huguan. By now, the city walls were over three zhang high and wide enough for four horses to walk side by side, with numerous watchtowers, making it a formidable fortress.

One day, a scout rode in at dusk, bringing the bad news of the defeat of 30,000 Jingzhou troops. General Li Yun, who was stationed in Shangdang, was shocked and hurriedly reported to Sima Teng. Sima Teng urgently summoned his confidants to the "Phoenix Pavilion" to discuss a strategy.

The Phoenix Pavilion was a four-story building with green tiles and layered eaves, surrounded by gardens, lakes, and pavilions. From the top, one could see the majestic and rugged mountains of Shangdang in the night, making it an excellent place for drinking and entertainment. However, the few people in the pavilion had no such mood now.

Sima Teng leaned against the main seat on a Hu bed. He was about thirty, with an elegant demeanor befitting a member of the royal family. However, perhaps shaken by the news of the army's defeat, his mental state was poor. In the dim light, his sagging skin looked loose and lifeless, exuding a sense of decline.

He gently pressed his forehead, sighing in distress. For years, the Jin army and the Xiongnu had been engaged in a seesaw battle in southwestern Jingzhou, maintaining a roughly equal balance. But with the loss of 30,000 main troops, the balance of power had shifted, and there were no more forces in all of Jingzhou capable of opposing the Xiongnu. What should be done in this situation?

"Li Yun, report the military situation first," he said, mustering his strength.

The fierce-looking commander, Li Yun, bowed and reported, "Lord, my lords, according to the urgent report from the scouts, our army was ambushed by the Hu people in Dalin on the sixth of this month, resulting in a total defeat. Over ten thousand soldiers were killed, and the bodies piled up like mountains, blocking the river. Now, Liu Yuan is leading the main Xiongnu forces southward, heading for the Mengjin crossing. His general, Liu Cong, the Left Guoliwang, is leading a separate force eastward, having already captured Xian, Tunliu, and Zhongdu, with a sharp and unstoppable momentum."

Upon hearing this, the people in the hall immediately became restless.

Sima Teng, seeing his trusted subordinates in a state of panic, felt extremely frustrated. He tried to maintain his composure and asked, "Gentlemen, Commander Li has explained the situation clearly. What are your suggestions?"

The few people in the hall looked at each other, exchanging glances, and no one wanted to speak first. Zhou Liang, the chief clerk, who was deeply trusted by Sima Teng, hesitated for a while. Seeing no one stepping forward, he cleared his throat and said, "Lord, the Xiongnu forces are overwhelming... Huguan has less than 10,000 troops, many of whom are old and weak... It is difficult to resist them. What should we do next, please make a decision, my lord..."

Before he finished, a cup of scalding tea was thrown in his face.

"What decision? What nonsense!" Sima Teng sneered, "You always have plenty of ideas when it comes to extorting the people, selling slaves, robbing merchants, and making money... Now you want me to make a decision? Do I keep you all for nothing? Guards, take him out... and beat him severely!" Fierce warriors appeared from nowhere and immediately grabbed Zhou Liang.

A fat, well-dressed man hurriedly bowed and spoke, "Please calm down, Lord. You have treated us well, and we would gladly die for you! However, the defeat of the army is not the fault of one person. Please consider Zhou's years of loyal service and forgive him."

Sima Teng glanced at him, "Then, what do you suggest, my kinsman?" This man was Sima Yu, the Governor of Shangdang, from the distant branch of the Sima family of Henan, and thus a distant relative of the Jin royal family, which is why Sima Teng called him kinsman.

Sima Yu stroked his beard and pondered, "The Xiongnu are powerful, and our forces are weak. It is difficult to defeat them in battle. In my humble opinion, we should first try to negotiate and make long-term plans."

"Enough!" Sima Teng's hand trembled, almost throwing the teacup at Sima Yu's fat face.

Even if Sima Teng was not a military strategist, he knew the situation was critical. The Xiongnu army could arrive at any moment, and a negotiation envoy might not even reach the Chanyu's court before he was trampled to death by the Xiongnu cavalry.

Sima Yu's face turned pale as he stepped back. Another man stepped forward, Shi Xian, the Deputy Governor of Jingzhou: "The governor's suggestion is too slow. I have a plan to repel the Xiongnu!"

"Tell me quickly!" Sima Teng's face lit up.

Shi Xian spoke passionately, "General Wang Jun of the Anbei has a strong and well-equipped army, abundant resources, and alliances with the Xianbei and Wuhuan, making him a pillar of our great Jin. I have heard that you and General Wang have a history. With just a messenger and a letter, General Wang will send Xianbei cavalry to our aid. Although I am not talented, I am willing to go to Youzhou to seek reinforcements and crush the rebel Liu Yuan!"

Sima Yu, who was stepping back, became angry: This fellow has the nerve to say my suggestion is too slow! How can your plan be any faster? Wang Jun's army is in Jicheng, a thousand miles away, with the Taihang Mountains in between. It would take more than a day or two to arrive. Suddenly, he realized: You, Shi Xian, are pretending to send a message to escape!

With this thought, Sima Yu hurriedly stepped forward, "Lord, Shi Xian is a key figure in the administration. How can he leave? I have always regretted not making any significant contributions. Today, I am willing to risk my life to seek reinforcements in Youzhou for you!"

Zhou Liang, who was being held down by the guards, also reacted and shouted, "Lord! Lord! Although I am incompetent, I still have a loyal heart. I am willing to take on this mission!"

For a moment, the three men expressed their loyalty and accused each other, creating a chaotic scene.

Sima Teng slammed the table and roared, "Such noise, what a disgrace!"

Everyone immediately fell silent.