In the second chapter, a gentleman does not seek wealth, lust, or power; with benevolence, wisdom, and integrity, a great general can overcome challenges.
I was quite straightforward and swung my fist to strike. Do not be deceived by my lack of bulk; my bones are quite sturdy. The shopkeeper only took one punch and began to scream as if he were being slaughtered. At that moment, a burly fellow suddenly appeared to defend him, who was none other than Qin Rui, the captain of the cavalry squad in the county. I suspect he had no intention of helping; he was merely looking for a reason to fight.
This fellow stands at eight feet tall, with a broad forehead and a beard that resembles needles. Although he was not wearing a military uniform, the fierce expression on his face made me feel that he was not someone to be trifled with. Therefore, I threw a punch and casually grabbed a wine jar. The other party was equally unyielding, using whatever was at hand—wine jars, bottles, iron spoons—engaging in a chaotic brawl where we exchanged blows. Neither of us sustained any significant injuries, but the tavern was left with almost nothing intact. In the end, the proprietor could no longer tolerate the situation and called over a few patrolling soldiers to mediate, prompting us to reluctantly cease our fighting.
The term "color" refers to Ma Li, a small man whose green bean-like eyes reveal him to be a notorious libertine. In Xiangwu City, there is no brothel or clandestine establishment that he is not familiar with. Thanks to his guidance, I became well-acquainted with the ins and outs of the city within a month of my arrival. It must be acknowledged that Ma Li, also known as Ma Zhonglu, is indeed a libertine but not selfish; he is more than willing to introduce the women he has been involved with to his colleagues for their enjoyment. Because of this, aside from Ma Chi, he maintains good relationships with all the clerks in the office. It must be acknowledged that Ma Li, also known as Ma Zhonglu, is indeed a libertine but not selfish; he is more than willing to introduce the women he has been involved with to his colleagues for their enjoyment. Because of this, aside from Ma Chi, he maintains good relationships with all the clerks in the office
Duàn Xiá and I decided to have a good meal before getting busy, so we posted an invitation to three others. Mǎ Chí and Mǎ Lì both accepted the invitation immediately, although their intentions were not solely focused on the wine. Mǎ Chí was there for the meat—his belly was already quite large, and I advised him to eat more vegetables and less meat, but he refused to listen. Mǎ Lì, on the other hand, had his eyes set on the daughter of the hotel owner. Strangely, Qín Ruì, who usually shows enthusiasm for drinking second only to Duàn Xiá and me, declined the invitation. He sent an old soldier to relay a message, saying, "There have been many matters in the camp recently, and there might be a battle, so be careful!"
The drinking session was exhilarating, so much so that I barely managed to crawl back home, and before I could even take my seat, I quickly fell asleep. The next day, I got up when the sun was already high in the sky, and my head was still throbbing. After dragging myself through my morning routine and getting dressed, I finally opened the door. With a whoosh, a knight, along with his horse, charged right in front of me. I stumbled back in shock, and upon closer inspection, I saw a burly man on the back of a shabby horse; it turned out to be Qin Rui. He had an expression full of excitement and shouted, "There's a battle! There's a battle! Don't dawdle!" I stumbled back in shock, and upon closer inspection, I saw a burly man on the back of a shabby horse; it turned out to be Qin Rui. He had an expression full of excitement and shouted, "There's a battle! There's a battle! Don't dawdle!"
Before the troops are mobilized, provisions must be prepared first, which is why my colleagues are so busy. Once the supplies are ready, it is estimated that this afternoon, around the beginning of the hour of the Monkey, the commander will lead the troops to Didao. Therefore, I hurriedly joined my colleagues to tackle those exasperating tasks.
Thus, Inspector Wang had no choice but to mobilize the provincial troops and gather soldiers from Longxi, Nanan, Tianshui, and other counties, dedicating themselves to the defense of Didao City. However, General Chen also exhibited some confusion, insisting that the troops from Liangzhou did not need to cross the border, allowing over ten thousand of them to merely observe from afar at Wogan Ridge. As a result, before Inspector Wang could reach Didao, the bandits had already occupied Fohan.
In the past two years, Jiang Wei invaded, primarily targeting Didao. Due to the defection of Li Jian, the long-standing leader of Didao, the Shu army was able to advance swiftly and besiege Xiangwu City. Therefore, it is said that Didao is the gateway to Longxi. It seems that the Confucian master, Governor Wang, is well aware of this. He sent a message early on, instructing Governor Jiang to assemble the local troops, to be led by the Didao Commandant to defend Didao City, awaiting his arrival with the main army for a rendezvous. Thus, it is reiterated that Didao is indeed the gateway to Longxi. It appears that the Confucian master, Governor Wang, is quite cognizant of this, as he sent a message early on, instructing Governor Jiang to gather the local troops, to be led by the Didao Commandant to defend Didao City, awaiting his arrival with the main army for a rendezvous.
I was taken aback and did not have time to ask him whether he was still half-asleep and talking in his dreams; that fellow had already dashed away like the wind. I hurriedly locked the door, mounted the sturdy mule gifted by Governor Wang, and jogged my way to the magistrate's office. The situation indeed looked dire; both inside and outside were in disarray, with seven or eight subordinate officials and over ten clerks rushing in and out, making it seem as if the number of people had doubled at first glance.
When I heard that the Shu bandits were coming to attack, my first thought was to sew up the little horse's mouth, so that he could no longer speak recklessly and bring about a self-fulfilling prophecy
It turns out that that old rascal Jiang Wei completely disregards conventional military strategy, and indeed, he did not rest for two years before launching another northern invasion. It is said that he, along with the traitor Xiahou Ba and others, led an army of one hundred thousand, dividing into three routes, each heading towards Qishan, Shiying, and the direction of Jincheng in Liangzhou—altogether one hundred thousand troops. He even split his forces; I really do not understand what he was thinking.
Even if the Shu bandits were to attack, it would at least be after this autumn. Compared to the certain death of heading east, I can only continue westward towards the county seat of Xiangwu in Longxi. As the saying goes, one must cut flesh to heal a wound; living one more day is still a day. I am filled with hope that Governor Jiang will be reassigned soon, and that I might be taken to another county or even to the central government, so that I can escape these days of constant anxiety.
Is this dog so happy when fighting? Is it so depressed when there is no battle? Fighting can lead to death; isn't being alive better than anything else?
Regardless, they are merely fair-weather friends. I still want to find time to bid farewell to Qin Rui. That fellow, San Buzhi, ran straight to the governor's office, spoke with Governor Jiang for less than a quarter of an hour, and then stormed out with a grim face. I stopped him to inquire, and he spat on the ground in frustration: "Damn it! The Captain insists that there are not enough warhorses, and the purpose is to defend the city, so this time he won't take the cavalry from the county. Damn it, I still have time this year—better find a way to follow the Captain!" The Captain insists that there are not enough warhorses, and the purpose is to defend the city, so this time he won't take the cavalry from the county. Damn it, I still have time this year—better find a way to follow the Captain!
I estimate that Qin Rui must have found some trouble again, which is why he would rather give up the opportunity to drink, eat meat, and flirt with women. Among wealth, lust, and power, if I had to prioritize, I would certainly place wealth first, followed by drink and lust, with power at the end. Although fighting can be quite entertaining, doing it every day becomes tiresome, and moreover, causing trouble without reason is not the behavior of a gentleman
However, it is more appropriate to call him "the wine barrel"; that fellow does not merely drink, he practically gulps it down. Although I do not possess his remarkable capacity for alcohol, among the more than ten clerks in the governor's office, I am the only one who can clink my small cup against his large bowl and drink for an hour without getting drunk. Naturally, when a man drinks too much, he becomes talkative, his waist becomes strong, and he starts to boast and ramble. It was in this manner that I became acquainted with Duan Xia, Duan Siren—though I suspect he is called Siren because he has no benevolence in his heart. Confucius said, "If I desire benevolence, then benevolence will come to me," which has long been proven to be the words of a drunkard. Naturally, when a man drinks too much, he becomes talkative, his waist becomes strong, and he starts to boast and ramble. It was in this manner that I became acquainted with Duan Xia, Duan Siren—though I suspect he is called Siren because he has no benevolence in his heart. Confucius said, "If I desire benevolence, then benevolence will come to me," which has long been proven to be the words of a drunkard
Moreover, the assessment of Governor Wang's military capabilities should be taken with a grain of salt. I have just heard from the water tank that the so-called three-pronged advance of the Shu rebels is entirely a misjudgment on Governor Wang's part. In fact, Jiang Wei would not dare to divide his forces; he is still following the old route, heading straight for Fuhan, advancing towards Didao, hoping to rely on the assistance of the Qiang people in the west to establish a foothold in Longxi. It is said that Governor Wang initially planned to send the Liangzhou troops to defend Fuhan, support Didao, and confront the Shu Protectorate's Wang Bi's forces advancing towards Qishan, while he himself would go to assist them. However, this plan was resolutely rejected by General Chen Tai. General Chen slammed the table and said, "With someone like Jiang Wei, how could he dare to divide his forces? What nonsense is this!" It is said that Governor Wang initially planned to send the Liangzhou troops to defend Fuhan, support Didao, and confront the Shu Protectorate's Wang Bi's forces advancing towards Qishan, while he himself would go to assist them. However, this plan was resolutely rejected by General Chen Tai. General Chen slammed the table and said, "With someone like Jiang Wei, how could he dare to divide his forces? What nonsense is this!"
By chance, I came to know those few inept individuals who are more likely to cause failure than success in Xiangwu
On that afternoon, the Commandant led three thousand infantry and cavalry to guard Didao. Governor Wang was quite swift; by the morning of the third day, he personally led over ten thousand troops through Xiangwu. The Governor did not enter the city but directly departed from the south of the city. When I climbed the city wall to take a look, I saw the high canopies raised, banners fluttering, armor covered in dust, and the soldiers showing signs of fatigue. It was truly a case of being more visually impressive than practically useful. With such a force, how could they possibly engage the Shu bandits? I could only pray for the reinforcements from General Chen Tai, the Commander of the Western Expedition, to arrive quickly. The Governor did not enter the city but directly departed from the south of the city. When I climbed the city wall to take a look, I saw the high canopies raised, banners fluttering, armor covered in dust, and the soldiers showing signs of fatigue. It was truly a case of being more visually impressive than practically useful. With such a force, how could they possibly engage the Shu bandits? I could only pray for the reinforcements from General Chen Tai, the Commander of the Western Expedition, to arrive quickly.
Afterwards, when Qin Rui learned my identity, he said: "I have never seen a young master from a prominent family who fights as fiercely as you do." I smiled and teased him, saying: "You flatter me; we from the northeastern families all fight like this." Thus, having met through fighting, we linked arms and headed to another hotel, where we enjoyed ourselves thoroughly.
He himself is aware of this nickname, yet he does not mind it. On one occasion, he even laughed and said: "Being a beast is not bad; it can instill fear in people. Moreover, it is certainly more straightforward than being a well-dressed beast!"
Ma Chi is synonymous with "wealth". This individual hails from a prestigious family, reportedly descended from the Han general Ma Yuan, and is the foremost surname in Fufeng County. He possesses immense wealth, spends money lavishly, has an impressive appearance, and is quite portly. Almost every time I and Duan Xia host a banquet, we invite Ma Chi, for his presence guarantees that someone will cover the bill. It seems that Ma Chi, also known as Ma Xinxiang, is quite willing to let his colleagues help alleviate the burden on his wallet; it is not out of hospitality, but rather because he is unconcerned about his abundant wealth.
I cannot understand the mindset of those soldiers and officials. While drinking with Lao Ma and the others, when this matter was brought up, Xiao Ma chuckled mischievously and said, "Why do you care so much? As long as the bandits don't reach the outskirts of Xiangwu City, that's all that matters. Actually, I discovered a pretty girl today..."
However, among my friends, there is indeed a genuine Hu ethnic person, and that is Qin Rui, who befriended me due to our shared "spirit." We first met on the fourth day after my arrival in Longxi, just after I received my grain allowance from the governor's office. In high spirits, I went alone to a tavern to buy some wine. At that time, I was not yet aware of Duan Xia's drinking abilities, nor had I ever drunk with him before. That shameless shopkeeper actually took advantage of the fact that I was an outsider and diluted the wine with nearly seventy percent water! I understand that business is tough in such a remote area, but isn't diluting it by thirty or forty percent already excessive? Does he think I am a novice who has never drunk wine before?
Autumn is the busiest season, not only for the common people but also for us minor officials. Generally, by mid-September, the tribute grain submitted by each county must be uniformly transported to the prefectural seat, where we will verify and approve the statistics before sending it to various warehouses and military camps in different regions. Although I have never served as a clerk before, I still possess this basic knowledge
In the context of matchmaking for men, it primarily relies on the four elements of wine, women, wealth, and power. Among the few individuals I met at the residence of Governor Jiang in Longxi, each one embodies one of these elements. "Wine" certainly refers to Duan Xia, who is originally a Hu from the north. His ancestors submitted to the Han Dynasty and migrated to the Bohai region. However, after so many generations of intermarriage with Han people, his appearance still retains the characteristics of his Hu heritage: narrow eyes, broad nose, a full beard, and a belly that protrudes larger than a water tank. Indeed, his nickname is "Water Tank."
The young horse raised the alarm that the bandits were approaching Xiangwu City, and indeed, the bandits did not disappoint expectations and came to attack. Ultimately, it all boils down to the incompetence of Governor Wang. He gathered troops from various prefectures, numbering as many as 40,000, but in a fit of excitement, he chose not to defend Didao City and instead crossed the river to confront Jiang Wei head-on. One must consider that even if Jiang Wei is a scoundrel, he has fought for many years; how could a mere scholar, who only knows how to recite the Five Classics, dare to face him? As a result, Governor Wang suffered a great defeat at Guguan, and while retreating eastward and crossing the Tao River, he was ambushed from behind by the enemy, resulting in tens of thousands of casualties and losing more than half of his troops. One must consider that even if Jiang Wei is a scoundrel, he has fought for many years; how could a mere scholar, who only knows how to recite the Five Classics, dare to face him? Consequently, Governor Wang was completely surrounded in Didao City, and several detachments of troops were sent out to roam around, one of which made its way all the way to the foot of Xiangwu City.
I truly was slow to realize, only discovering later that Xiao Ma had a nickname, "Xiangrui." This was because whenever he spoke of misfortunes, they would inevitably come to pass, and whenever he spoke of good deeds, the opposite would occur, with a perfect track record. In the beginning, in an effort to mitigate the impact of his words, people often said: "Silence, all is auspicious." Although it was later proven that this method was completely ineffective, the nickname "Xiangrui" became widely used.
War? I hardly believe it. Just two years ago, the Shu rebels besieged Xiangwu City, only to be driven into a panic by the former General Guo Huai and the former Governor of Yongzhou, Chen Tai. Does Jiang Wei dare to come again? He must need to stay quiet for a few years before considering it again
Qin Rui is indeed of Hu descent; his grandfather was the first to migrate inward. Because they resided in the Qin region of Yongzhou, he took the surname Qin, which cannot be concealed at all, as everyone in Xiangwu City is aware of it. It is said that this Qin Rui, Qin Shouzhang, has always bullied men and oppressed women, committing all sorts of evil deeds. Relying on his strong fists, he is truly feared by all, which is why people secretly refer to him as "the beast".
The seating arrangement for our drinking was also quite similar. Ma Chi, who is a professional accountant, naturally sat at the head of the table. I, relying on my esteemed background, took the second seat, while Duan Xia occupied the third and Ma Li the fourth. Ma Chi looked down on Ma Li and often said, "Keep that dog head away from me. If he doesn't sit at the end, I won't take care of the bill!" Money talks, so we all followed his orders. Even though it felt a bit unfair to young Ma—Ma Chi is two or three years older than Ma Li, which is why we habitually referred to these two as Old Ma and Young Ma—we were magnanimous and didn't take it to heart.
San Buzhi has been outwitted by the magistrate Wang in Chang'an. At this point, what else can I do? I want to escape back to my hometown, but the money in my pocket is barely enough to get me back to Luoyang. If I stubbornly insist on this, I will inevitably end up as a starving corpse by the roadside. Forget it, forget it. There have been wars every year; perhaps this year there will be none? Moreover, the traitor Jiang Wei, who is currently in charge of Shu, is far less capable than my master Zhuge Liang. Zhuge Liang only managed to capture Longxi once, and if Jiang Wei can cross the Tao River, that would be a miracle.
I jumped off the horse and grabbed Ma Li, who was holding a thick stack of documents and was about to leave, asking him, "What happened?" Ma Li's face was pale, and he had dark circles under his eyes, suggesting that he had probably left the hotel last night to go to a woman's bed, perhaps playing around until dawn without even getting any sleep before coming straight to work. That guy was panting and rambling for quite a while before I finally understood the general situation.
Though both belong to the Fufeng Ma clan, Ma Chi looks down upon Ma Li, claiming that the latter is not a true descendant but rather a Qianghu from Longyou, who changed his surname to Ma after serving as a horse attendant under General Fubo. I fail to see any resemblance of Ma Li to the Qiang people; if all Qiang were as short, sycophantic, and weak as he is, even General Fubo, who subdued them, would hardly be considered exceptionally talented.