Chapter 1, The Whip Cuts the Flow
The Borderlands are the most desolate regions in Middle-earth; however, paradoxically, the Borderland Settlement, located between the Huai and Si rivers, at the core of the Borderlands and on the west bank of the Ying River, is the most prosperous place in Middle-earth. It serves as the only transit hub connecting the north and south, a bridge for trade between the two sides, a battleground for powerful factions vying for power and profit, and a center where smugglers and various illegal activities operate. As long as one can ensure their survival and leave, anyone—be they merchants, courtesans, or craftsmen—can earn fortunes that are dozens of times greater than elsewhere. This makes it a place filled with an almost magical allure, a paradise for those with survival skills and luck.
When the Western Jin was destroyed by the Xiongnu, Luoyang turned to ashes and scorched earth. Sima Rui, the great-grandson of Sima Yi, the founding emperor of the Jin state, was then stationed in Jianye, the capital established by Sun Quan of the Three Kingdoms, holding military and political power over Yangzhou and the Jiangnan region. With the north in decline, Sima Rui, supported by the exiled noble families Wang Dao and Wang Dun, declared himself King of Jin in Jianye and proclaimed himself emperor the following year. By the time of Emperor Min of Jin, the name Jianye was officially changed to Jiankang.
Naturally, Bianhuangji is the place where news is most readily available in the world. Any stir or movement in the north or south, whether fact or rumor, first spreads there. Therefore, there are specialized vendors of news known as "fengmei". Those engaged in this business must be proficient in various languages, possess excellent connections, and have the ability to discern the truth of the information; it is not a task that just anyone can undertake.
The Qiang general Yao Chang, who stood to the right of Fu Jian, was renowned second only to Murong Chui. Although he was of short stature, shorter than anyone else, he had a thick neck and broad back, a face like cast iron, a large leopard-like head, and eyes as bright as copper bells. Coupled with his dual short spears made of black iron, each weighing over fifty pounds, who would dare to underestimate him? The consequences would be unbearable for anyone.
At that time, the situation in Southern Jin was such that its ruling territory was limited to the middle and lower reaches of the Yangtze River, as well as the Min River and Pearl River basins, among which Jing and Yang provinces were the most significant in both political and military aspects
Xie An served as the Minister of the Central Secretariat for the Southern Jin dynasty, holding the second most powerful position under Emperor Sima Yao. At the age of sixty-four, he was in charge of state affairs. In his youth, he briefly held an official position before retreating to Dongshan. It was not until he was forty that he made a comeback at the persistent urging of others. He adhered to the pacifying policy of the founding Prime Minister Wang Dao, known as "governing with tranquility," which allowed the Southern Jin to maintain a stable position. Together with the great general Huan Chong, who represented military strength, they became the two pillars of the Southern Jin court, earning him the title of "Great Man of Jiangzuo."
Hu Bin was greatly shocked upon hearing the news. After repeated verification, he immediately flew to Jiankang to report this information concerning the life and death of the Jin dynasty.
Emperor Jin, Sima Yao, was so frightened upon hearing the news that he was beside himself with fear. However, he was also concerned that the news would spread, causing widespread panic and leading to the flight of his subjects. In a hurry, he secretly summoned three important ministers, Xie An, Wang Tanzhi, and Sima Daozi, to discuss the national strategy in the inner court of the Jian Kang Palace.
He shouted fiercely: "Zhu Qingjia, what do you have to say about what I have said?"
The Han general Zhu Xu, positioned at the back of the ranks, trembled upon hearing this and quickly responded: "Your Majesty has an unparalleled understanding of the situation in the south, as if it were at your fingertips. I, your humble servant, am in deep admiration, to the point of being utterly awed."
"The Great Qin will surely win! Long live the Great Qin King!" This call first arose from the elite guard units stationed in all directions, and then spread throughout the Sihe Plain, with tens of thousands of warriors responding loudly, their shouts rising and falling like the tides.
When the Sima clan of the Western Jin unified the realm, the local inhabitants should have enjoyed peaceful and prosperous days. Unfortunately, the "Eight Kings' Rebellion" and the "Yongjia Disaster" followed in quick succession, and the five major nomadic tribes—Xiongnu, Xianbei, Qiang, Di, and Qiang—rose in rebellion against the Jin. These two monumental storms in history further devastated the Central Plains, leaving it in tatters. By the time the second emperor of the Jin, Emperor Huai and Emperor Min, fell into obscurity, the Jin dynasty was forced to move south, resulting in a situation of confrontation between the North and the South. The Huai and Si rivers became the unwritten boundary between the two regimes, with the borderlands representing a "no-man's land" within both territories. By the time the second emperor of the Jin, Emperor Huai and Emperor Min, fell into obscurity, the Jin dynasty was forced to move south, resulting in a situation of confrontation between the North and the South. The Huai and Si rivers became the unwritten boundary between the two regimes, with the borderlands representing a "no-man's land" within both territories.
Since the decline of the Han Dynasty, heroes have risen in various regions, leading to prolonged warfare and widespread conflict. Production has come to a standstill, resulting in man-made famine. In this vicious cycle, the once prosperous Middle Earth, developed over a thousand years, has been reduced to a land of bones, with not a single fire burning for a thousand miles.
The predecessor of Bianhuangji, Xiangcheng, is a large city that has been reduced to ruins by the ravages of war. Bianhuangji, having not experienced the baptism of war for many years, has reached an unprecedented peak of prosperity. Unfortunately, a storm of war sweeping across the north and south is forming in the north, and disaster is imminent for the people of the wasteland.
In this campaign against the Southern Jin, he appointed his younger brother Fu Rong as the commander, with Generals Murong Chui and Yao Chang as deputies. They mobilized 600,000 infantry and 270,000 cavalry, in addition to 80,000 naval troops descending along the Yangtze and Han Rivers from Bashu to coordinate their operations. Their strength was sufficient to crush any resistance from the Southern Jin, which had a relatively small military force.
It is located in a highland area of hilly terrain between Jilong Mountain and Fuzhou Mountain, connecting to the vast and flat Taihu Plain and the Qiantang River Basin to the southeast, with fertile lands stretching for miles. The Yangtze River flows around the city from southwest to northeast, while the Qinhuai River meanders south of the city and extends into the Yangtze River, presenting a strategically advantageous position with the superior geographical situation of being nestled like a tiger and coiled like a dragon. What Yao Chang referred to as "relying on the dangers of the Yangtze River and the wealth of Jiangnan" is indeed not an exaggeration
The city of Jiankang is surrounded by a radius of twenty li and nineteen steps, with a series of urban clusters including Dongfu City, Shitou City, and Danyang County City, forming a powerful configuration akin to a multitude of stars encircling the moon, centered around the capital city of Jiankang. In particular, Shitou City, located upstream to the west of the city, serves as a formidable military stronghold, acting as the guardian deity of Jiankang; if one cannot capture Shitou City, they should not expect to inflict any harm upon Jiankang.
All the generals echoed in agreement, their spirits soaring, but only Murong Chui and Yao Chang remained silent.
Murong Chui's Di ethnic general, Lü Guang, sneered: "What is Xie An? I see him merely as one of those like Yin Hao, who consider themselves to be elegant and distinguished scholars. No one can surpass him in discussing profound theories and clear arguments, but on the battlefield, he is only fit to serve as a sword polisher." Lü Guang, nicknamed "Dragon King," is renowned for his underwater skills in the Yellow River, and his weapon is a pair of "Murky Water Stabs."
Yao Chang, with a solemn demeanor, stated: "Although the Jin dynasty is weak, it holds the strategic advantage of the Yangtze River and the wealth of the south. Now that we are mobilizing our forces to march south, it is certain that the southern people will unite like never before. Therefore, I do not dare to underestimate the enemy."
Fu Jian looked up to the sky and let out a long laugh, filled with a sense of pride. He expressed the grand ambitions that had been brewing in his heart: "Rest assured, Zhu Qing, I have always implemented the governance of the kingly way, ruling by virtue, treating the world as one family, and I will never indiscriminately kill the innocent. After pacifying the south, I will appoint the people of the Southern Dynasties according to their merits. Sima Yao can serve as the Left Minister of the Ministry of Personnel, Huan Chong as the Chamberlain, and I will assign Xie An as the Minister of Personnel, relying on his ability to discern talent based on the nine-rank system, to select the worthy and capable for my service."
Sima Daozi is thirty-eight years old this year, tall and slender in stature, with a straight and prominent nose, a mustache above his lips, and thick hair and beard. He is dressed in warrior attire, with a well-proportioned physique that exudes the noble demeanor of royalty. However, a pair of eyes that occasionally squint into narrow slits reveal the cold and ruthless nature within. The long sword he carries at his waist is named "Wang Yan," the sharpest and most fearsome weapon within the royal family. In the city of Jiankang, apart from Xie Xuan and Wang Tan's son, Wang Guobao, he has no rivals.
Murong Chui is ten years younger than Fu Jian, with a majestic stature resembling a mountain, standing a little over half a head taller than Fu Jian. His appearance is striking, with long, deep black hair cascading over his shoulders, a steel hoop encircling his forehead, and his deep-set eyes exuding an inscrutable brilliance. His back is straight, and he possesses an indescribable, compelling aura that instills a sense of awe in those around him, resembling a demon from the underworld that has descended to the mortal realm
The ruler of the Di and Qin, Fu Jian, stood on a high ridge on the southern bank of the Si River, watching as the vanguard troops, in splendid formation with banners flying, advanced to the front lines, launching a major offensive against the last remaining enemy—the Southern Jin. The first target of the attack was the strategic stronghold of Shouyang located on the southern bank of the Huai River. The feelings of pride and exhilaration in his heart were truly beyond words
Fu Jian withdrew his gaze, looking around him. A hint of a smile appeared at the corners of his lips as he spoke in a somewhat mocking tone: "People say that if Anshi does not emerge, what will become of the common people? Now that Anshi has emerged, with Sima Yao managing military and political affairs, I am curious to see what tricks he can conjure in my palm"
Sima Daozi is the younger brother of Emperor Sima Yao of the Jin dynasty, recognized as the foremost talent among the royal family. He ranks on the list of "Nine-Rank Experts" and currently holds the position of Minister of the Interior, overseeing the administrative affairs of various departments in the court. His significant authority is sufficient to restrain Xie An, making him a pawn for the Jin court to monitor Xie An. Therefore, his relationship with Xie An has always been poor
The Wang and Xie families are the most renowned aristocratic families in Jiangzuo. Since the Jin dynasty relocated southward, both families have spared no effort in supporting the Jin court, with key positions in the government being alternately held by them. Under the Southern Jin's policy of "promoting the virtuous without favoring aristocratic families, and not allowing the law to be influenced by the powerful," both families thrived and were held in high esteem. The two families have always maintained a close relationship, strengthening their ties through marriage and jointly assisting in governance.
Regarded as the foremost gentleman of contemporary times, the charismatic Prime Minister Xie An, despite having reached his twilight years, still possesses a countenance rich in essence and vitality. With a feather fan in hand, he resembles the legendary Zhuge Liang reborn into the world. His five strands of long beard and tall, slender figure exude an indescribable elegance, leisure, and an air of solitary pride.
Anshi is the courtesy name of Xie An, the chancellor of the Southern Jin dynasty, and is hailed as the foremost gentleman of the Central Plains. However, after retreating to Dongshan, he refused to serve in an official capacity for sixteen years, leading to the saying, "If Anshi does not emerge, how will the common people fare?" This reflects the expectations and admiration the Southern Jin people had for him. Yin Hao was also a highly respected gentleman of the Southern Jin. Although he was well-versed in literature, he lacked military knowledge and, overestimating his abilities, took command of the Northern Expedition following generals such as Zu Ti, Yu Liang, and Yu Yi. He returned in disgrace after a disastrous defeat, not only tarnishing his reputation as a gentleman but also becoming a laughingstock. Lü Guang regarded Xie An and him as one and the same, representing the disdain and contempt that Northern barbarian generals held for self-righteous gentlemen like Xie An.
Fu Jian, at the age of forty-five this year, possesses a tall and robust physique typical of the Di people, capable of withstanding the harsh winds and cold of the frontier, with boundless energy. He has a distinctive purple complexion, a short beard resembling a spear, and a mustache that connects to his lips, complemented by a high nose and deep-set eyes, giving him a striking appearance. Sitting atop his horse, he exudes an air of sovereign authority. At this moment, his gaze is fixed on the horizon, sparkling with brilliance, as if he can foresee the Southern Jin army collapsing in defeat under the onslaught of the united forces he has assembled, comprising Han, Di, Qiang, Xianbei, and Jie troops.
During the Three Kingdoms period, Sun Wu and Cao Wei were in a standoff, and whenever there was warfare, it often erupted between the Huai and Si rivers, leading to the destruction of city walls in the region, the desolation of fields, the scattering of the populace, the abandonment of homes, and a hundred miles devoid of inhabitants
When Fu Jian turned his gaze towards Murong Chui, the first general of the North, who was calm and composed, said: "The military strength of the southern forces is indeed far inferior to ours, but the Northern Army, established under the guidance of Xie An and trained under the command of his nephew Xie Xuan, though numbering no more than 100,000, should not be underestimated. I hope Your Majesty will discern wisely."
Here, the rule of law no longer exists. Those who enter this region are referred to as wild people, belonging neither to the Southern Jin nor to the various northern Hu tribal regimes
Wang Tanzhi, the son of the founding Prime Minister Wang Dao, holds the position of Left Chancellor and is the most influential minister outside of Xie An in the Jiankang court. At the age of fifty-two, he is considerably less impressive in appearance compared to Xie An, being slightly short and stout, with a hint of gray in his hair. Fortunately, he often wears a smile on his face, and his voice is soft and pleasant. His jaw is solid, and although he is plump, he does not appear bloated. He possesses the confidence and amiability characteristic of a prominent family, which does not provoke dislike.
Fu Jian drew his sword, pointing directly at the rising sun on the eastern horizon, then slightly shifted southward, directing it towards the location of the capital of the Eastern Jin. He shouted, "Our army will surely win!"
For the Hu people, who originated from the nomadic tribes of the north, it is customary to leave a buffer zone known as "Otuo" at the boundary between the two ethnic groups, where neither the Hu nor the Han may enter in times of peace. Pedestrians must stop at this boundary; otherwise, it will be regarded as provocation and disturbance. For the southern regime, this piece of land, which is at the forefront, is also deemed unsuitable for habitation by the people and is only suitable for implementing the strategy of "fortifying walls and clearing the countryside" to prevent the Hu cavalry from advancing southward, thereby rendering them unable to resupply within hundreds of miles.
They all conversed in Chinese, which was the most popular lingua franca at the time, incomparable to the various Hu languages, and became the official language symbolizing the identity of various Hu ethnic groups. The Di-Qin was the most Sinicized state among the Hu, and Fu Jian always believed that he understood the Confucian principle of "royal way" more deeply than the Han people, lamenting that "the four directions are generally pacified, yet the southeastern corner remains untouched by royal influence." Now, the historic moment has finally arrived to eliminate this regret. The Di-Qin was the most Sinicized state among the Hu, and Fu Jian always believed that he understood the Confucian principle of "royal way" more deeply than the Han people, lamenting that "the four directions are generally pacified, yet the southeastern corner remains untouched by royal influence." Now, the historic moment has finally arrived to eliminate this regret
When Fu Jian's Great Qin army entered the border area of Huai and Si, General Hu Bin of the Southern Jin, stationed at the important stronghold of Shouyang on the southern bank of the Huai River, had already received a message via carrier pigeon from frontline scouts who had infiltrated the border area, informing him that the Great Qin's million-strong army was advancing directly towards the Huai River
The southern capital of the Jin Dynasty, Jiankang, is located on the southern bank of the lower Yangtze River, strategically positioned at the estuary of the Yangtze River. It serves as the most important military, political, and economic center in the lower Yangtze River region, a crucial hub for transportation by river, land, and sea, and a key city for the transfer of goods between the north and south.
The strange existence of the border wilderness has its long history and objective factors, with each chapter of history written in the blood of warriors and the suffering of the people
The borderlands were formed under such strange and unique circumstances, with the recognition and tacit approval of various forces from both the north and the south
The generals all drew their weapons, and Yao Chang struck his twin short spears against each other, producing a deafening sound of metal clashing, as they all responded in unison.
The other generals, each with their distinct appearances, are all fierce and formidable individuals, capable of enduring the great storms and tempests of the battlefield
Clang
Fu Jian nodded in approval and said: "Well said, as Sunzi once stated: 'Know yourself and know your enemy, and you will never be defeated in a hundred battles.' The Northern troops have long been part of my calculations. This time, we will march straight towards the southern capital of Jiankang. The southerners have only two choices: either to empty their city and engage in a frontal battle, or to close their gates and defend to the death. Regardless of which choice they make, the southerners will have no luck. I have endured hardships for many years, and at this moment, having secured the northern borders, I no longer have any worries from behind. Only then can I mobilize the strength of the entire nation to crush the delusional dreams of Sima Yao and Xie An with overwhelming military might. Although Xie Xuan is known as the foremost master of swordsmanship in the south, a top-tier expert among the nine ranks, his lack of experience in military operations is regrettable. His repeated victories are merely due to never having encountered a strong opponent. Among the generals of the Southern Dynasty, only Huan Chong can be considered a significant figure, possessing some of the abilities of his father Huan Wen. Unfortunately, he is constrained in Jingzhou and can only defend Jiangling, unable to move an inch.
Seven years ago, he deployed troops and generals to annihilate the formidable enemy, the Tuoba Xianbei, unifying the north under the iron hooves of his Great Qin army. The five major tribes of the Xiongnu, Xianbei, Qiang, Jie, and Han all bowed to him, bringing an end to the chaotic situation of the past seventy-two years since the "Disaster of Yongjia" during the Jin Dynasty, when various tribes vied for dominance both inside and outside the borders, lacking a leader. His unparalleled achievements have resounded throughout history; entering the Central Plains as an outsider is unprecedented. Now, all conditions for the southern campaign have matured, with the provinces of Liang and Yi in Southern Jin and the strategic stronghold of Xiangyang already in his hands. The bountiful fruits of unifying the world are within reach; who can still rival him?
Fu Jian revealed a look of understanding and said proudly: "The people of the south have always lived in comfort and luxury, indulging in pleasure, neglecting military preparedness; coupled with the incessant conflicts between the prominent families of the south and the local aristocracy, even if there were an unprecedented unity at the moment when the enemy is at the gates, it would be too late. As for the so-called natural barrier of the Yangtze River, with our million-strong army, as long as we throw a whip into the river, we can sever its flow. What are the southern children worth discussing?"
Between the Huai River and the Si River lies a vast expanse of desolate land, stretching hundreds of miles, filled with ruins and abandoned villages, resembling a ghostly realm: the southern Han people refer to it as "Bianhuang," while the northern Hu people call it "Outuo." Although the names differ, it is undoubtedly a unique place in the world today: it serves as a refuge for the good citizens, yet it is also a paradise for those who thrive on bloodshed; it is fraught with danger, yet opportunities abound; it can be a place where heroes and great men find no burial ground, and also a stage for the fearless to achieve fame and fortune. Moreover, various powers regard it as an ideal location for conducting secret diplomacy, while those without a place to call home see it as a haven of refuge. At one moment, it may resemble a utopia in a chaotic world, and the next, it could transform into a hellish battlefield. No place is more terrifying than Bianhuang, yet at the same time, it is so endearing. Bianhuang is a domain set aside by heaven for the capable, where a different philosophy and set of laws for survival exist.
Zhu Xuben was a general of the Southern Jin dynasty. Four years ago, he was stationed in Xiangyang, but after a military defeat, he surrendered and was highly valued by Fu Jian. Fu Jian also learned from him about the distribution of the strengths and weaknesses of the Southern dynasties' military forces, but that was the situation from four years ago
The subtle situation of the border wilderness arises under such circumstances
The Qingzheng Hall was the place where Emperor Jin Sima Yao handled official matters within the inner court. This was the most critical military meeting since the founding of the state, lasting for two hours. Outside the palace, Xie An's younger brother, Xie Shi, waited from noon until dusk, finally seeing Xie An emerge leisurely. On the surface, he still appeared relaxed and natural, but Xie Shi, who was well acquainted with Xie An, caught a fleeting glimpse of exhaustion and strain in his brother's eyes, a look he had never seen before. This indicated how heavy and intense the meeting had been.
Fu Jian noticed something unusual, frowned in displeasure, and said: "Do the two lords have any other thoughts? Speak frankly to me."
Yangzhou serves as the vanguard to the north of the capital Jiankang, and its importance is self-evident. Jingzhou is situated in the middle reaches of the Yangtze River, with a strategically advantageous position, and is also a military stronghold in the western part of Southern Jin. Additionally, Jingzhou governs the areas around the two lakes, and its governor often concurrently oversees the military affairs of nearby provinces to counter the strong northern Hu tribes, thus making it a region of vast territory and strong military power. Anyone appointed as the governor of Jingzhou must become the most powerful local authority. Therefore, during the era of Southern Jin, the turbulence and contention between the central government and local powers were largely related to the rivalry between Jing and Yang. In the previous generation, Jingzhou was under the control of Huan Wen, who wielded significant power over the court and the populace. Fortunately, the current governor, Huan Chong, although the son of Huan Wen, lacks the ambition of his father, allowing for a period of relative peace between Jing and Yang. Among the three individuals valued by Fu Jian, besides Emperor Jin and Xie An, Huan Chong is also included, which further illustrates his significance.
Endless and unbroken, with no sight of the front or the rear, the vast army of the Di and Qin, composed of various military units, marched grandly towards the direction of the Huai River. Once they captured Jiankang City, the Han people of the Central Plains would lose their last stronghold, becoming all subjects of a fallen nation, reduced to the status of slaves under the rule of invading foreign tribes.
Among them, the most renowned is undoubtedly his top general, Murong Chui of the Xianbei tribe, who stands to his left. This individual possesses unparalleled martial prowess, wielding the "Northern Overlord" spear, which is invincible in battle, and is an undefeated commander on the battlefield. The Xianbei warriors under his command are valiant and skilled in combat, contributing countless achievements to Fu Jian, instilling fear both within and beyond the borders. Having him at his disposal is Fu Jian's greatest fortune; otherwise, he would face a formidable adversary that instills dread.
Xie Shi stepped forward, and Xie An suddenly came to a halt, speaking in a deep voice: "Bring Xie Xuan to me"
Surrounded by more than ten generals, who were the most outstanding leaders of the northern tribes, he was like the moon encircled by stars. This was a remarkable achievement that he, Fu Jian, took great pride in, resulting from his unwavering policy of "unifying the four seas." It made the grand occasion before him a reality. In the past, the losers of wars often faced the tragic fate of national destruction and ethnic extermination. However, he treated the defeated with kindness; for every nation he conquered, he granted titles to its rulers and officials, allowing them to lead their former subordinates and implement benevolent governance. For him, this was a necessary strategy for unifying the world.