Chapter 2, A Great Calamity Approaches

Two individuals walked along the small stone path flanked by lush green bamboos, entering the central garden of Xie An's study. This garden, primarily featuring bamboo and rocks, showcases seasonal rock formations, with four mountains representing spring, summer, autumn, and winter, constructed from bamboo shoots, lake stones, yellow stones, and Xuan stones, each creating its own unique scenery. The study pavilion is situated between the summer and autumn mountains, facing south from the north, with a grand and substantial layout featuring three bays and seven beams in a hip roof design. The horizontal plaque is intricately carved with the words "Wangguan Xuan" (Forget Officialdom). On the front columns, there is a couplet: "In officialdom, there is no matter of officials; in handling affairs, there is no heart of affairs." The study pavilion is located between the summer and autumn mountains, facing south from the north, with a grand and substantial layout featuring three bays and seven beams in a hip roof design. The horizontal plaque is intricately carved with the words "Wangguan Xuan" (Forget Officialdom). On the front columns, there is a couplet: "In officialdom, there is no matter of officials; in handling affairs, there is no heart of affairs."

Xie An's gentle voice came from the Wangguan Pavilion, saying: "Is Xiao Xuan here? Perfect timing! I was just looking for someone to play chess with."

Yan Fei's low and gentle melodious voice resonated in his ears, softly saying: "Do you remember you once said not to develop any feelings for the people or things in the outskirts? Once you've made enough money, you can go as far as you wish and then forget everything that happened here. We had an agreement long ago; you provide me with wealth, and I, Yan Fei, will help you avert disaster. It is a transaction, and we owe each other nothing. Let us go! Live a good and peaceful life, without having to worry every night that the first building will be demolished tomorrow." We had an agreement long ago; you provide me with wealth, and I, Yan Fei, will help you avert disaster. It is a transaction, and we owe each other nothing. Let us go! Live a good and peaceful life, without having to worry every night that the first building will be demolished tomorrow.

Everything, including the past, present, and future, has lost its inherent meaning due to the concerning situation at hand

The pair of eyes of Yan Fei, imbued with the ethereal essence of heaven and earth, are devoid of any impurities, clear yet seemingly bottomless, revealing a unique brilliance steeped in nostalgic reminiscence

Xie Xuan dismounted from his horse, and Xie Shi came forward in surprise, saying: "Nephew Xuan, you have arrived quite swiftly; I only sent you a message by carrier pigeon last night"

Under the leadership of Xie Xuan, the group of riders entered the grand square in front of the main hall of the Xie residence through the widely opened main gate, where more than ten servants of the residence gathered to tend to the horses of each individual.

Yan Fei drank the remaining wine in his cup until not a single drop was left, tilting his head to gaze at the sky weighed down by dark clouds, as if he could already see the approach of his own demise. What joy is there in life? What fear is there in death?

Pang Yi stood up and released his hand, bowing deeply to Yan Fei, saying: "You should be aware of where the wine is hidden; when necessary, it may become your safest refuge." His gaze swept over the butterfly's love flower, his eyes reddened, radiating a sense of resentment and helplessness, and he hurriedly ran down the stairs.

Pang Yi ascended to the second floor, reluctantly glancing around, tenderly caressing the table closest to him, as Yan Fei's silhouette came into view. Every time he saw Yan Fei's back, he felt that Yan Fei's broad shoulders could bear any heavy responsibility, should he choose to do so. If it were not for Yan Fei's willingness to take on the duty of protecting the first floor, Pang Yi truly did not know what his fate would have been, and although it came at a cost, he was still very grateful.

The sound of crying suddenly arose, traveling from the other end of the long street

It has been a whole year

At this moment, a group of people swiftly crossed the Zhuque Bridge, turned right onto the Imperial Road, and galloped into Wuyi Alley without stopping. The guards not only dared not obstruct them but also stood at attention in salute, their faces revealing expressions of admiration.

Outside the Grand Marshal's Gate lies a broad east-west street, connecting the East City Gate and the Spring Gate to the east, and the West City Gate and the West Ming Gate to the west, effectively dividing the capital city into two major parts: the northern section, which is the palace city, and the southern section, which houses various government ministries. Other government institutions, important commercial areas, residential districts, and even the residences and villas of prime ministers and ministers are located outside the city, primarily distributed along both sides of the imperial street that stretches five li from Xuan Yang Gate to the Qinhuai River. Since the fall of the Western Jin Dynasty, the north has suffered greatly from the ravages of war, leading to a massive migration of Han people to the south, amounting to over one million. Consequently, the Southern Jin Dynasty established expatriate prefectures in the Jiankang region, resulting in a flourishing scene along the banks of the Qinhuai River, with both the inner and outer city filled with northern migrants from the south, transforming Jiankang into a city that blends southern and northern styles, thriving and bustling.

This time, Fu Jian personally led a large army to invade, possessing an overwhelming numerical advantage and the assistance of renowned generals such as Murong Chui. Even someone as skilled in martial arts and military strategy as Xie Xuan had no confidence in being able to contend with them.

Pang Yi was a robust and burly man, with a face full of thick beard. At this moment, he stared at Yan Fei, frowning in confusion and said: "When all the members of the Han Gang have withdrawn, will the Di Gang's 'turtle eggs' speak to you about righteousness and morality? Just the day before yesterday, you injured two of them. Do not act foolishly! Come with us!"

Xie Xuan donned a white warrior's attire, complemented by a plain blue long cloak. He bore the renowned "Jiu Shao Ding Yin Sword" on his back, riding a pure white steed. His handsome face was as cold as iron, revealing not a hint of inner emotion. Even while mounted, his tall stature exuded an extraordinary presence, brimming with strength and confidence, akin to a drawn sword. This year, he had just turned 40, yet his appearance belied his age, making him look no older than 30, full of vitality. Even while mounted, his tall stature exuded an extraordinary presence, brimming with strength and confidence, akin to a drawn sword. This year, he had just turned 40, yet his appearance belied his age, making him look no older than 30, full of vitality.

He felt that the most precious period of his life had dissipated like smoke and clouds with the storm of war sweeping across the north and south. Regardless of who emerges victorious in this battle, the world will no longer be the same as it once was. Although the previous world did not hold much worth clinging to, the ensuing nightmare is something that no one can endure.

Pang Yi's expression changed dramatically: "Those little bastards! Do they really want to add insult to injury and commit murder and robbery?" His gaze involuntarily turned to the chaos on the street, a crowd fleeing as if facing the end of the world, instilling a sense of fear for both his own future and that of the others.

Yan Fei reached out and grasped the edge of the wine jar, yet did not lift it to pour. For the first time, he turned his gaze towards Pang Yi and smiled, saying: "Last night, upon receiving the news, the Di Gang, Hong Nu Gang, and Qiang Gang immediately mobilized their entire forces. They first joined hands to seal off all the large and small docks in the northeast of the city, confiscating all the ships moored at the shore, injuring and killing over a hundred people, forcing the Han Gang and Han people to flee only by land. What do you think their purpose is?"

When the news of Fu Jian's army coming south reached Bianhuangji, the southern, northern, and western gates were immediately sealed off by other ethnic groups, leaving only the eastern gate controlled by the Han people available for Han individuals to escape and avoid disaster

Liu Lao Zhi, who was beside Xie Xuan, hurriedly paid his respects to Xie Shi. Xie Shi responded with pleasure, saying: "Lieutenant Liu and all the brothers have worked hard on the road; please take a moment to rest and enjoy some hot tea."

The buildings and shops within the community have been constructed gradually over the past decade or so, primarily characterized by practical and unadorned wooden and stone architecture. They are imbued with the distinctive styles of various ethnic groups congregating at the market, reflecting their diverse lifestyles and beliefs

Beside him was his top general Liu Lao Zhi, a military officer from the Northern Army, around twenty-five or twenty-six years of age. Behind him were more than ten personal attendants, each with a robust physique, all seasoned elite warriors who had long been through the rigors of battle

The capital of Jiankang is situated to the north facing south, with the Jiankang Palace located in the northern part of the city. The southern gate of the palace city is the Grand Marshal Gate. From the Grand Marshal Gate to the outer city's southern gate, the Xuanyang Gate, there is a royal road that stretches for 2 li. Beyond the Xuanyang Gate, the Zhuque Bridge over the Qinhuai River marks another section of the royal road, extending for 5 li. In total, the royal road measures 7 li, forming the central axis that runs through the urban area of Jiankang.

A surge of excitement welled up in Pang Yi's heart. It was not until this moment that he understood the noble sentiments hidden within the seemingly unfeeling swordsman. He was momentarily at a loss for words, only able to stand there with his mouth agape.

The alley of Wuyi, flanked by red towers and adorned with painted beams and carved rafters, is a restricted area that ordinary citizens find difficult to enter. The term "Wuyi aristocracy" has become a contemporary synonym for the most prominent families.

Xie Shidao said: "Your second uncle spoke very tactfully. He advised the Emperor: 'Since ancient times, it has been the principle of a righteous nation to punish an unrighteous ruler. Now, the Qin ruler comes with arrogance, unjustly attacking our great Jin, which not only goes against righteousness but also loses the support of the people. The military saying goes, 'When two nations go to war, the unrighteous will surely be defeated.' As long as the Emperor issues orders to the military and civilians nationwide to resist the unrighteous with righteousness, the nation and its people will surely be protected.' The Emperor certainly understands who among your second uncle and Sima Daozi has greater support from the people. Moreover, General Huan Chong has always been unfavorable towards Sima Daozi, and the Northern Army is firmly under your control. Even if the Emperor is reluctant, he has no choice but to promote your second brother to the position of Grand Commander for the campaign, granting him full authority to manage the defense against the enemy.

In this borderland of endless struggles and vendettas, the desolate land surrounding it for hundreds of miles bears witness to the suffering of the times. In contrast, the pair of eyes of Yan Fei possesses a distinctly different quality, allowing Pang Yi to momentarily forget the harsh and unfeeling reality.

Dongmen Street was crowded with Han men and women who were about to leave the border town of Bianhuang, and more people were continuously pouring in from the side roads to join the ranks of the exiles

Pang Yi gasped, looking at the helpless crowd packed on Dongmen Street, horrified, "What will they do?"

The first light of dawn appeared beyond the horizon outside the eastern gate of Huangji, where thick clouds filled the sky, seemingly brewing a storm, and the hearts of the people were even heavier.

The situation of the Han Gang is quite unique, as they are the only gang capable of controlling the goods coming from the south. Other ethnic groups must rely on the cooperation of the Han Gang to be profitable. However, this situation has completely reversed with the southern expedition of the Di and Qin.

Yan Fei raised the cup and poured the wine, bitterly smiling as he said: "I am twenty-one years old this year. Apart from the time of childhood, all I have seen are things that are beyond my control, and all I have heard are the tragedies of the world. Everything depends on whose fist is strong enough. Fortunately, I have finally come to understand one thing: I have reached an inescapable dead end, and I can no longer remain aloof. Although my relationship with the leader of the Han Gang, Zhu, is not good, I must admit that he is a shrewd veteran. He will find a way to minimize the casualties and losses of those under his protection. Moreover, the people from the three gangs must first pass through the eastern gate guarded by me, Yan Fei. Do not persuade me any further; you should leave immediately. If it is only me with a sword, without any other concerns, Yan Fei still has a glimmer of hope."

The Zhuque Bridge, also known as Zhuque Navigation or Zhuque Floating Navigation, is the main bridge that spans the Qinhuai River and connects to the Imperial Road. The term "floating navigation" refers to a bridge made of connected boats, which serves as a floating bridge in peacetime. In the event of war, the boats can be dismantled to effectively sever communication between the two banks. There are as many as twenty-four such floating bridges on the Qinhuai River, but none are as renowned as the Zhuque Bridge in contemporary times

The first building is a rare all-wood structure within Bianhuangji, standing two stories tall. Each floor accommodates nearly thirty large round tables, yet it remains spacious and comfortable. On one side of the upper level facing the street, there is a platform surrounded by a wooden railing, which features only one table.

Do not assume that the gathering is merely filled with strong individuals who seek to show off their strength and engage in fierce competition. In fact, the four main streets are bustling and lively, with people from various ethnic groups jostling against one another. Numerous shops line both sides, and establishments such as brothels and casinos are readily available, along with restaurants, taverns, tea houses, and inns. Among them, the most renowned is the First Tower of the Border Wilderness, located within the sphere of influence of the Han Gang on East Gate Street. The owner, Pang Yi, is well-versed in the art of business and possesses exceptional culinary skills. The food offered is not only diverse but also caters to the tastes and dietary habits of various ethnic groups. However, the primary reason for its fame is the exquisite brew he personally crafts, known as "Snow Stream Fragrance," which is unique in the world, with no other establishment offering it.

Xie Xuan was appointed as the governor of Gunzhou and stationed in Guangling. With the full support of his uncle Xie An, he recruited the people from the north of the Yangtze River in Huainan to serve as soldiers. The people in the northern Yangtze region were known for their strong character and exceptional martial skills, and under Xie Xuan's rigorous training, they quickly became a formidable force known as the "Northern Army." The Fu Qin repeatedly invaded the south, and the Northern Army successfully defended against them, achieving victories in every battle, which earned them a remarkable reputation. The respect shown to them by the street guards was not feigned.

The remnants left by Xiangcheng to Bianhuangji include, apart from the crumbling city walls and the filled-in moat, only the bell tower that rises fifteen zhang in height at the center of Bianhuangji, within which the bronze bell has been preserved like a miracle.

Everyone walks together

Since a year ago, when Yan Fei first set foot in the Border Wilderness Market, he transformed from an obscure swordsman into a figure of renown, becoming someone whom no one dared to provoke; from despising this place to deeply falling in love with it. The nuances and twists of this journey are not for outsiders to know. Initially, he was unaccustomed to this city where all facades were stripped away, and everyone resorted to unscrupulous means for their own gain. However, gradually, he came to realize that even in such a vile and degrading environment, there remains a radiant side to human nature. Now, the balance of power in the Border Wilderness Market has been completely disrupted by the arrival of Fu Jian, leaving him in a state of confusion.

The two exchanged glances, and then Xie Shi shook his head and sighed. Wang Guobao is the son of Wang Tanzhi and the son-in-law of Xie An. He possesses exceptional swordsmanship, but unfortunately, he is a man of no virtue. Given the circumstances, it is clear that Xie An refused to employ him in the anti-Qin campaign, which led to his outburst and the utterance of such harsh words.

At present, the servants led by Liu Lao have entered the main hall. Xie Shi, holding Xie Xuan's arm, walked slowly towards the inner residence of Xie An's study, lowering his voice and saying: "We are in a state of urgency, yet my second brother remains as leisurely as ever. He only arrived at the Qinhuai Tower last night to enjoy Ji Qianqian's singing and dancing, and this morning, before dawn, he went to Xiao Dongshan for sightseeing. Fortunately, you are here; at least we can ask him for a clear understanding."

Even at the height of the Di Bang's power, under normal circumstances, they would not dare to recklessly attack any other faction; otherwise, in a mutually destructive conflict, they would inevitably face the misfortune of being expelled from the border wasteland gathering.

Compared to the "movement" on the street, Yan Yan's "stillness" is even more extraordinary. The formidable blade "Butterfly Loves Flower," which intimidates the wild and instills fear in all, is sheathed and placed on the right side of the table, further heightening the sense of unease. The contrast between movement and stillness is filled with the tension that precedes a storm

The two main streets that run through the four gates intersect at the bell tower. From the bell tower, the main streets leading to the southeast, southwest, northwest, and northeast gates are respectively Dongmen Street, Nanmen Street, Ximen Street, and Beimen Street. Other side streets are distributed parallel to these four main streets, and the twelve li surrounding the city represent the scale of a medium-sized city at that time

The sharp footsteps ascending the stairs interrupted his fluctuating thoughts. Without needing to turn around, he already knew it was the building's owner, Pang Yi. Moreover, from the weight and rhythm of the footsteps, he sensed the other person's inner anxiety and fear, which is a common human emotion

Suddenly, a young warrior rushed out from the Wangguan Pavilion, and upon seeing the two, he angrily exclaimed: "The world belongs to your Xie family! I, Wang Guo, truly want to see how you will deal with Fu Jian." After saying this, he disregarded them and left.

Despite the heavy worries of the two individuals, immersed in such a lofty and untainted, slender and ethereal environment, they momentarily cast aside their concerns and completely forget the mundane world.

Xie Xuan exclaimed in astonishment: "What flying pigeon message? Three days ago, my nephew received news that the King of Qin, Fu Jian, was advancing from Chang'an to Luoyang. The vanguard has already stepped into the border wasteland, with their military might directly aimed at Jiankang, boasting an army of one hundred thousand. Therefore, I hurried here to see Uncle An."

Xie Xuan, upon hearing the name of Sima Daozi, had a strong light flash in his eyes and asked again: "How did my second uncle impress the Emperor?"

Xie Xuan and Xie Shi exchanged glances, both unable to grasp Xie An's intentions. In such a critical moment of life and death, they still had the leisure to play chess

Yan Fei still maintained that calm and leisurely demeanor. This: "Remember to bring your chopping knife, after leaving the gathering, stay away from crowded places, and specifically choose remote areas to flee, which may help preserve your life"

If the Zhuque Bridge is the most famous bridge in the urban area of Jiankang, then Wuyi Alley, located not far from Zhuque Bridge, to the east of the Imperial Street outside the city, along the banks of the Qinhuai River, must be the most renowned street in Jiankang. This is because the most prominent noble families of the Southern Jin dynasty, including the Wang and Xie families, all resided within the alley

Yan Fei raised her long, translucent right hand and shook hands tightly with Pang Yi, unprecedentedly displaying a radiant smile like sunshine. She said: "Everyone has the right to choose their own destiny. Those who know what they are doing are not fools. You should leave immediately, forget everything here after the gathering, and refrain from saying anything unnecessary. Ha! You give me wealth, and I will help you avert disaster. The agreement remains valid."

No one is clear about Yan Fei's origins. He seems to be full of flaws, yet he gives the impression of being flawless. This is not only due to his tall and elegant physique, which resembles the finely carved contours of translucent marble, but also because of his seemingly innate nonchalance. However, when measured by Pang Yi's own standards, Yan Fei is not only lazy, with a passive attitude towards life that amounts to living day by day, but he is also an unambiguous, despondent drunkard, completely unaware that he is wasting his prime youth. Yan Fei must have Hu blood in him; otherwise, he would not possess the literary elegance of the Han people alongside the rugged boldness of the northern nomadic tribes. In summary, Yan Fei is an exceptionally outstanding individual. From the very beginning, Pang Yi did not dare to underestimate him, believing that his role as a bodyguard in the borderlands was a gross underutilization of his talents.

Yan Fei said softly: "Remember to leave two jars of good wine for me, consider it a farewell!"

Yan Fei seemed unaware as Pang Yi walked straight to his side, pulled out a chair to sit down, yet remained fixated on the stream of refugees emerging.

Xie Xuan said in a deep voice: "What is the response from the court?"

Pang Yi let out a bitter laugh, reached out to snatch the freshly poured Xuejianxiang from him, and almost poured the wine down his throat in despair, saying: "A good life of comfort? Alas! Where is there still a good place to live a comfortable life? We Han people have lost all hope. I, Pang Yi, have endured countless hardships to escape from the North to here, with the sole intention of earning enough to support my children through my skills, and then settling down in the South to establish a family and live a stable life. Now everything is over, the border town is also finished, and the beautiful mountains and rivers of the South will turn into a hellish place like the North, where living beings suffer. We can only live day by day, like a monk striking the bell for a day. Whether you consider me a brother or not is not important; I just cannot bear to see you being cut to pieces by others. Let’s go!"

The sounds of people shouting, horses neighing, and donkeys braying, along with the grinding of wheels against the ground, filled the once prosperous Dongmen Street yesterday. All the shops were tightly locked, as no one wished to become Fu Jian's slave; they could only gather their valuables and hurriedly leave, embarking on an uncertain path of escape

At this moment, the second floor of the first building is empty, with only Yan Fei sitting alone at a table on the street-facing platform, a jar and a cup before him, pouring and drinking by himself, his somber gaze directed towards Dongmen Street below

In the borderlands, everything is driven by self-interest; there are no eternal friends, nor are there eternal enemies. The animosities between ethnic groups continue to deepen, yet reality compels people of different ethnicities to tolerate and compromise with one another, achieving a delicate balance that is unstable and subject to change at any moment

Xie Shi displayed an expression of indignation and said: "Sima Daozi insists on relying on the natural defenses of the Yangtze River and Qinhuai River to firmly hold onto Jiankang, and he also suggested that the Emperor retreat to Xuancheng, clearly intending to seize military power at the opportune moment. Fortunately, my second brother and Prime Minister Wang opposed this with all their might, and your second uncle further swayed the Emperor by appealing to the people's sentiments. These matters were conveyed to me by Prime Minister Wang. Aside from the words 'Let my Xie Xuan come,' your second uncle had no other remarks."

A single region serves as a specific and miniature reflection of the overall situation in Middle-earth. The most powerful is the Di faction, followed in order by the Xianbei faction, the Xiongnu faction, the Han faction, the Qiang faction, and the Jie faction. These six major forces divide the interests of the borderland gathering.

Yan Fei took a sip of the fragrance from the snow stream, watching Pang Yi carry his bundle as he joined the last group of people leaving the gathering, disappearing outside the East Gate. The entire East Gate Street became as silent as a ghostly realm, devoid of any human presence

Yan Fei raised his cup and drank it all in one go