Chapter 4, Great Talent and Ambition

Xie Shidao: "Hu Bin's 5,000 troops in Shouyang are at the forefront, and Liu Yu's mission remains uncertain in terms of success or failure. Should we send troops for reinforcement?"

The masked man casually tossed aside the oar, pulled off his hood, revealing a radiant smile like sunshine. He looked up at Yan Fei, who was perched high in the tree, and said with delight: "Yan Fei, your swordsmanship has greatly improved. You were able to remain unscathed even under the assault of the two great masters, Tu Fa Wu Gu and Ju Qu Meng Xun. If this were to spread, it would surely make a name for you in the North, and many would undoubtedly find it hard to believe." After saying this, he performed a somersault and landed on the shore, tying the boat to the trunk of a large tree.

Tuoba Gui's lips curled into a faint smile, gradually widening, and finally he laughed heartily, saying: "This is called taking advantage of the situation. Yan Fei, do you know who are the two individuals that agreed to support Fu Jian's southern expedition this time? They are Yao Chang and our uncle Shutang, Murong Chui. If it were not for their willingness to support, how could Fu Jian, in the face of strong opposition from the Fu Di royal family, still insist on marching south alone?"

Yan Fei knew he could not refuse him and said with a bitter smile: "I am listening."

Tuoba Gui stared at him without blinking and said in a deep voice: "For the past seven years, I have been selling the finest warhorses, which the southern people lack the most, at the border market. On one hand, this is to acquire the goods I need to equip and support my soldiers based in Shengle; on the other hand, it is to accelerate the strengthening of the Northern Army's power, indirectly forcing Fu Jian to feel a sense of urgency. To maintain secrecy, although I knew you had come to the border market, I still avoided contacting you for fear of leaking the confidential matters I was handling in the shadows. If I were not well-acquainted with the affairs of the border market, I would not have been able to help you escape great peril today.

Watching him disappear into the depths of the dense forest under the pouring rain, Yan Fei knew that the life of wandering the world for many years had become a thing of the past, and he would be deeply drawn into the whirlpool of the chaotic times ahead

Tuoba Gui smiled and said: "Find Xie Xuan for me and tell him that Murong Chui will not only refuse to assist Fu Jian, but will also hinder him, ensuring that Fu Jian loses this great battle. If Xie Xuan is willing to agree, we can then discuss a method of cooperation based on the situation."

Liu Lao Zhi hesitated for a moment and said: "If there is one person capable of accomplishing this task, it would be one of my subordinates named Liu Yu. This individual is bold and meticulous, possessing both wisdom and courage. Not only is he highly skilled in martial arts, but he also excels in the art of agility and evasion. For many years, he has been responsible for intelligence gathering in the border regions, having secretly infiltrated the border settlements multiple times. He has established connections with the most outstanding informants in those areas and has a deep understanding of the situation among the nomadic tribes. What is most remarkable is that he is proficient in both the Di and Xianbei languages.

Xie Xuan said with a faint smile: "We are now on the battlefield to defeat the enemy and achieve victory, not at a time to evaluate someone's character. Uncle An never misjudges people. We must contact Zhu Xu; if we can persuade him to act as an insider and return to our side, it will greatly increase our chances of success"

The heavy rain, falling incessantly with a "whoosh," strikes the trees, leaves, land, stones, and river surface, creating a symphony of various rain sounds. The surroundings are shrouded in mist, and they seem to have become the core of heaven and earth, determining the future fate of the world, despite the current situation appearing to render such a possibility utterly impossible.

Liu Laozi also felt a bit awkward, as he himself came from a humble background. He owed his current position to Xie Xuan's disregard for the prejudices of social status and his exceptional promotion. However, he could not refuse to answer, stating: "Liu Yu was born into a declining gentry family. In his youth, he lived in poverty, working as a farmer and also as a woodcutter. At the age of sixteen, he joined the Northern Army and participated in numerous battles, accumulating merits and rising to the rank of deputy general."

The Xie family's mansion in Wuyi Alley covers an area of over 10 acres, built along the Qinhuai River, consisting of five groups of uniquely styled gardens. Among them, the Four Seasons Garden, where the Wangguan Pavilion is located, is the most renowned. In terms of scenery, the East Garden and South Garden, situated by the riverside, are the most outstanding.

Yan Fei opened his eyes, and a rare expression of joy shot forth from his melancholic gaze. Suddenly, he sprang up from the small boat, leaping to a horizontal branch of a large tree by the shore. He then made two consecutive vertical jumps, reaching a horizontal trunk near the top of the tree, about four zhang above the ground. He parted the leaves to observe the movements in the distance, unaware of when the butterfly love flower had already hung on his back.

The speedboat swiftly traveled downstream for two miles, then turned left into a small tributary to the east, proceeding upstream for a considerable distance before gradually docking in an area dense with trees

This person is of a similar age to Yan Fei, possessing a tall and robust physique typical of the Xianbei people, with shoulder-length hair and a unique appearance. He has a prominent hooked nose and deeply sunken eyes, along with a high and prominent forehead, which can be somewhat intimidating. However, beneath his thick eyebrows, his hawk-like sharp eyes seem to perceive everything, giving the impression that there is nothing he cannot accomplish, making everything about him seem flawless. Coupled with a broad forehead, a wide mouth that often carries a smile, a rounded chin, and large ears that droop below his eyebrows, he gives off an impression of indifference to all matters. Although he may initially appear somewhat fearsome, his hawk-like sharp eyes beneath thick eyebrows suggest an omniscient quality, reinforcing the notion that there is nothing beyond his capabilities, and everything about him seems perfectly coordinated. Only those who know him well, like Yan Fei, understand that holding such an opinion of him could lead to dire consequences without even realizing it.

The fierce wind howled as Tuoba Gui raised his head, his expression grim and fierce. The pea-sized raindrops fell haphazardly from above, gradually turning from sparse to dense, transforming into a torrential downpour, rendering the surroundings a blur. The long-awaited heavy rain finally descended upon the earth, as if in response to Tuoba Gui's words, invoking a resonance between heaven and earth

Outside the main gate is Wuyi Lane, and opposite it is the grand residence of the Wang family, Wei E, which can be compared to the Xie residence in every aspect, featuring pavilions and gardens. Wuyi Lane extends westward to the Imperial Road, stretching half a mile, with straight pathways lined on both sides by the residences of noble families.

Yan Fei nodded in agreement

Yan Fei smiled bitterly and said: "Well! Since you have been scheming for many years, you should have some means against Fu Jian. However, if Fu Jian is defeated, the biggest beneficiaries will be the Southern people, or Murong Chui, or perhaps the slightly less powerful Yao Chang. You can only wait in the distant line at the end that is not visible. Alas! What is the point of this? Do you think Murong Chui will support you? If I were Murong Chui, the first person I would want to kill is you."

Tuoba Gui knelt on one knee, extending both hands to grasp Yan Fei's broad shoulders. His eyes sparkled with a unique brilliance as he spoke each word with conviction: "I, Tuoba Gui, have waited for seven long years. Now, the once-in-a-thousand-years opportunity has finally arrived. Fu Jian owes me, Tuoba Xianbei, a blood debt that must be repaid. I initially lacked full confidence, but with your assistance, Yan Fei, how can we fail in this grand endeavor? In this world, there is only you, Yan Fei, whose swordsmanship and intelligence command my utmost respect and admiration."

Xie Xuan's lips curled into a smile that was unfathomably profound to contemporary people, and he said: "Let us allow Fu Jian to make the first move. When the Di-Qin vanguard army gathers sufficient manpower and resources on the north bank of the Huai River outside Shouyang, we can instruct Hu Bin to cross the Si River and retreat to the Xieshi City in the Bagong Mountain. I want to teach Fu Jian that he cannot step across the Si River even by half a step."

Xie Yan understood his father's intention and immediately fell silent

Yan Fei stared at him, his mind in turmoil. The Tuoba Gui he knew, even in his early teens, already displayed the demeanor of a great leader, being resolute and wise, ruthless and cunning, a warlord in chaotic times. However, he had never imagined that his methods could be so formidable and sophisticated

Xie Xuan did not wait for Xie Yan to have the opportunity to speak and decisively said: "It is precisely people of this background who understand how to deal with cunning barbarians. You must immediately return and instruct Liu Yu to penetrate deep into enemy territory and deliver a confidential letter to Zhu Xu. It is crucial that he clearly understands the situation, so that he can adapt and respond appropriately in his actions. We will fully support any temporary decisions he makes, and once the task is accomplished, there will be substantial rewards. I, Xie Xuan, will never go back on my word"

The man looked at Yan Fei, the sadness in his expression completely vanished, replaced by a blazing hatred. However, his tone was unexpectedly calm and composed as he said: "The reason why our Yan dynasty fell to Fu Jian was precisely because we did not understand how to cast off the heavy burden of the nomadic peoples like Fu Jian did, we did not know how to integrate with the Han people, and we did not learn the governance methods from the Han. Just one Wang Meng enabled Fu Jian to unify the North, which shows that only the methods of the Han can work. Abandoning the Xianbei language and using the Han language is merely the first step for me, Tuoba Gui, in learning from the Han people."

With a whirlwind-like turn, he raised both hands high and shouted passionately to the heavens: "What I desire is the collapse of the Great Qin, the destruction of Fu Jian's nation and people; otherwise, how can I erase the humiliation of the downfall of my Tuoba Xianbei people"

Tuoba Gui continued, "Another major concern is the emergence of the Five Pecks of Rice sect, which has risen with Hainan as its base. Its leader, Sun Si, not only possesses martial skills superior to the 'Nine-Rank Masters' propped up by the great families of Jiangzuo, but is also adept at using Daoist techniques to confuse the masses. This has attracted the aristocratic families who have been oppressed and bullied by the northern clans, and it is only a matter of time before chaos ensues. Therefore, as long as I can unify the north, the Jiangzuo regime will be left waiting to be slaughtered. As for Murong Chui, Yao Chang, or Tuoba Wugou and Juqu Mengxun, I will take care of them. In the current situation, I only need your assistance to accomplish one thing."

What is his background and origin

Liu Lao Zhi nodded and said: "Once Fu Jian arrives, all the Han people in the border areas will inevitably scatter and flee, and our scouts there will also have to retreat. This matter indeed presents certain difficulties. However..." Xie Xuan's spirit was lifted as he asked: "However, what?"

Xie Shi frowned and said: "He is a traitor of our Great Jin, and this matter is quite difficult to handle. Not to mention that we do not know whether he will come south with Fu Jian, even if we know he is in the camp of the Di-Qin army, finding him for a face-to-face conversation would still be as difficult as ascending to the heavens"

Tuoba Gui's stature was notably short, and he knelt down on both knees, extending his hands and opening his mouth to catch the rainwater, drinking deeply several times. As his emotions calmed, he slowly said: "Yan Fei, do not mock me. Although I do not know where you have been these past few years, Yan Fei is still Yan Fei. Half of the blood flowing within me is from the noble Tuoba Xianbei royal lineage, and the other half is Han blood. Neither half will allow you to willingly become a slave of the fallen state under the iron hooves of Fu Qin. This time, the Tuoba Xianbei will return, no longer the people who only understood eating livestock, drinking their juices, wearing their skins, moving at any time, fearing the construction and defense of cities, despising the hard work of farming and sericulture, living by war, and not valuing the accumulation of resources and taxation. The chaos following the fall of Fu Qin will ultimately be resolved by me, for I am better prepared than anyone else and can learn from past mistakes. Fu Jian's direction was correct, but he made one wrong move: he rashly invaded the south before he could manage the various tribes and establish absolute control over the north. Fortunately, Wang Meng died early; otherwise, this matter would not have been allowed to happen. This is an opportunity granted to me by heaven, Tuoba Gui. Yan Fei, you have no choice but to fully support me."

Xie Xuan and Xie Shi frowned upon hearing this. At a time when the dynasty was as precarious as a house of cards, Xie Yan still could not let go of his prejudices regarding social status, meticulously calculating a person's background, leaving one unsure whether to be angry or amused

Before the establishment of the Former Qin, three powerful nomadic regimes emerged in the north: the Liu clan of the Xiongnu, the Shi clan of the Qiang, and the Murong clan of the Xianbei. However, they all perished one after another due to insufficient assimilation into Han culture and the implementation of a high-pressure ethnic policy that separated the Hu and Han peoples. The brilliance of Tuoba Gui lay in his understanding that the ethnic integration policy of Fu Jian was the only way forward, while Fu Jian's sole and fatal mistake was launching a southern expedition prematurely, before the ethnic integration had matured.

The speedboat swiftly glided away from the western shore of Ying Shui, leaving the pursuers far behind on the bank under the guidance of the masked rower. Yan Fei placed the "Butterfly Loves Flower" on her lap, closed her eyes, and sat at the bow of the boat, regulating her breath to restore her strength

Yan Fei tilted his head back, allowing the rain to hit his face and flow into his collar. At this onset of early winter, the cold air invaded his body, yet he found it extremely refreshing. Moreover, he felt a greater need for such intense cooling and adjustment.

Yan Fei exclaimed in astonishment: "Murong Chui?"

Yan Feihu's body trembled slightly, his eyes flashing with divine light as he fixed his gaze on Tuoba Gui

Tuoba Gui suddenly stood up, took out a sheepskin pouch from his bosom, and handed it to him, saying: "I do not have time to explain. Inside the pouch is the renowned heirloom jade of the Murong Xianbei. You can use this as evidence to prove to Xie Xuan that you are not merely speaking empty words. This matter is extremely urgent, and only you can accomplish it for me. Xie Xuan is a clever man and will not miss any opportunity to defeat his enemies."

Xie Yan coldly snorted and said: "A gentleman may be killed but not humiliated. A true man, when establishing himself in the world, prioritizes integrity and character. It is utterly unacceptable for someone of noble lineage, like Zhu Xu, who hails from a prominent family in Luoyang, to betray his own people and seek refuge with the enemy. This person's character is fundamentally unworthy. Even if we manage to win him back, the outcome remains uncertain."

After the Battle of Chibi, the Three Kingdoms of Wei, Shu, and Wu stood in a tripartite division, with Cao Wei, which controlled the Yellow River basin, being the strongest. The Sima clan took advantage of this momentum to establish the Western Jin, which soon unified the realm. Unfortunately, the "Rebellion of the Eight Kings" broke out, leading to uprisings among various ethnic groups in the northwest, resulting in a large-scale ethnic conflict. The "Disaster of Yongjia" further caused the collapse of Western Jin's rule, prompting the Jin dynasty to move south.

Tuoba Gui released him, stood up, turned around with his hands clasped behind his back, and cast his gaze towards the river. He chuckled softly and said: "No one understands me better than Yan Fei. After all, we have known each other since childhood and lived together for many years. Ha! Killing Fu Jian brings me no benefit, only serving to advantage Fu Rong, who ranks just below him. This man is more astute and insightful than you, and he is one of the strongest opponents of this southern expedition. If he takes control of the Di-Qin regime, he will immediately withdraw the troops, turning my good dreams into nothing."

After discussing the general arrangements regarding the war, Xie Xuan suddenly fell into deep thought. After a considerable time, he decisively stated: "We must bring Zhu Xu back to our side."

Xie Shi and the other two were greatly surprised, and at the same time, they understood that Xie Xuan had already formulated a comprehensive battle plan, leaving no trace of fear towards Fu Jian

At this moment, in a corner of Songbai Hall, Xie Xuan, Xie Shi, Xie Yan, and Liu Lao are discussing important matters

He gazed up at the swiftly moving dark clouds in the sky, his eyes revealing a look of sadness, and slowly said: "It is going to rain heavily! That night, it was also pouring rain. We were still just ten or so years old, surrounded by enemies from all directions. We fought our way out together, watching as our uncles and brothers fell one by one beside us... Sigh! How long ago was that?"

Songbai Hall is the most magnificent building within the residence, grand and luxurious. It features a layout of the Mandarin Duck Hall, with eight folding screens dividing the central area, furnished in an elegant and refined manner. This hall also serves as the main hall of the Xie family, connected to the main entrance's large square. During celebrations, the screens can be removed to accommodate more than thirty tables, allowing for hundreds of people to gather together.

Yan Fei bowed his head in silence, yet he understood that Tuoba Gui's words revealed a profound insight into the political landscape of the North and South

The man sat down on a stone by the shore, and a gust of wind blew, causing his clothes to flutter and his long black hair to dance in the breeze, enhancing his imposing and unparalleled appearance

Yan Fei sighed and said, "It is not that I am unwilling to help you, but what difference does it make if Qin has fallen? The north is still in a state of fragmentation, with various tribes swearing not to unite! Those who cannot die must endure the suffering of the living. Since I came into this world, not a single day has passed without such a life; I am utterly weary of it!"

Yan Fei smiled faintly, reached out to pat his cheek, and said: "Good boy! You aren't foolish enough to be thinking of assassinating Fu Jian, are you?"

The graceful figure, light as a swallow, lightly leveraged the horizontal branch beneath her feet, landing beside him. She sat down against the tree trunk opposite him, hugging her knees, her eyes reflecting an increasingly profound melancholy. She said calmly, "It has been seven years! Why do you only speak Chinese?"

Xie Shimei furrowed his brow and said: "Until we cross the Huai River to attack Shouyang, the areas where the Di and Qin armies march are all desolate borderlands. How can we possibly make contact with Zhu Xu without anyone noticing?"

Tuoba Gui chuckled in disbelief and said: "You overestimate my opponents too much. Let us speak of the southern people; they are destined for the misfortune of national demise. The Jin Emperor Sima Yao and his own brother Sima Daozi are two of a kind, utterly corrupt. No one understands better than I that they are merely seeking to maintain their power in the Jiangzuo region with their ridiculous mindset. Not to mention the lofty ideals and empty discussions of the prominent families residing in Jiangzuo, the most fatal flaw is their belief that whoever can drive out the Hu people is qualified to claim the throne. This has led the central Jin court to harbor suspicions against anyone with intentions of a northern expedition, resulting in not only a lack of support but also all possible efforts to hinder and suppress such endeavors, rendering the northern expedition impossible. Furthermore, the Southern Jin faces two major hidden concerns. One is the 'Double Xuan of Jiangzuo,' with Xie Xuan being the more renowned, while the other, second only to him, is Huan Xuan, a master of the blade and the brother of Huan Chong. He wields the influence of his family’s legacy in Jingzhou and possesses great ambition, often contemplating seizing opportunities to rise. Although he would originally be difficult to contend with, if Fu Jian were to be defeated, the Xie family would inevitably face oppression from the Jin court, thus providing Huan Xuan with his chance.

The two individuals further discussed the methods of communication, various contingency measures, and the places within the group where they could hide, including the secret wine cellar of Pang Yi. Tuoba Gui left in a hurry

Yan Fei was drenched to the skin, yet within his heart, there burned a fierce flame. Tuoba Gui had finally matured, having learned the way of national survival through death and suffering, transforming into a visionary and capable leader. No one understood Tuoba Gui's abilities and strengths better than he did. Once he set a goal, he would pursue it relentlessly, with only death able to halt him. He sighed and said, "What gives you the right to bring down Fu Jian's million-strong army?" No one understood Tuoba Gui's abilities and strengths better than he did. Once he set a goal, he would pursue it relentlessly, with only death able to halt him. He sighed and said, "What gives you the right to bring down Fu Jian's million-strong army?"