Chapter 0001: The Heroes of Jiangdong
After this turmoil, Wang Dun's power became even more substantial, and Shen Chong also reaped considerable benefits. There is no need to elaborate on official titles and authority; the most significant aspect was the elimination of the Zhou family of Yixing, who were also local tyrants in Jiangdong. From this point on, the Wu region was dominated solely by the Shen family of Wuxing. The Zhou family's ancestor, Zhou Chu, had a legend of eliminating the three harms, but the job was not done thoroughly, resulting in their descendants being cut down by Shen Chong.
Young sir, the river water is damp, and you have just recovered from a serious illness
In the early years of the Eastern Jin dynasty, although the gentry of the south were relentlessly pursued and hunted by the Hu tribes in the north, this did not prevent them from asserting their dominance in their own territories. A prominent figure among them was Wang Dun. Wang and Ma shared the world, and the Wang family of Langya supported Sima Rui of Langya in ascending the throne in Jiankang. Although both sides benefited from this arrangement, their relationship was not entirely free of grievances, nor were they the closest of allies.
It is not that these aristocratic families are particularly loyal to the emperor or patriotic, but rather that a weak Eastern Jin royal family serves their respective interests, while they are absolutely unwilling to see the Wang family dominate. With this premise, the outcome of Wang Dun's second rebellion is predictable; even his brother Wang Dao did not have high hopes for it and distanced himself from it.
Future generations, upon witnessing this segment of history, cannot help but lament and sigh deeply. This is the most somber and tragic elegy of the Han dynasty within the five thousand years of the Huaxia heritage, where people resorted to cannibalism, and white bones lay scattered across the fields, with a thousand miles devoid of smoke and fire, and no one in Huaxia wearing crowns or belts. Anyone with even a modicum of blood and spirit cannot help but feel heartbroken over this, wishing they could boldly feast on the flesh of the barbarian invaders and laugh while drinking the blood of the Xiongnu!
"What a truly wicked old society"
Shen Zhen
Success can blind people, and engaging in rebellion and treason may also lead one to savor the taste of power, gaining a glimpse of its allure. As the initial chaos was still unfolding, Wang Dun's second plot for rebellion was already on the agenda. However, this time there was no pretext of "clearing the court of corrupt officials"; it was evident to all that Wang Dun harbored intentions of usurpation, and the reactions this time were markedly different from the last rebellion, with a firm resolve to resist to the end
A soft and melodious voice sounded from behind. Shen Zhezi came to his senses and turned to look. A young maid, dressed in a green shirt and skirt, raised her right hand holding a fine bamboo sunshade, her fair little face filled with entanglement, as if she were hesitant to speak, seemingly afraid of being scolded by her master.
However, Shen Zhezi's father, Shen Chong, was resolute in his decision and once again raised troops in response to Wang Dun, ultimately suffering defeat and losing his life. As a result, the Shen family of Wuxing suffered significant losses in strength, their household declined, and the entire family perished, leaving only a young son, Shen Jin.
Shen Zhezi's father, Shen Chong, as a representative figure of the prominent families in Jiangdong, was a loyal supporter of Wang Dun's rebellion, recruiting local heroes and mustering troops to respond to Wang Dun's call.
Shen Zhezi was slightly taken aback, as he had no impression of this person in his mind. However, judging by the person's attitude, he guessed that they were either a relative or an old acquaintance. He then stopped, stood up, and replied, "I am much better now, thank you for your concern, Uncle."
The middle-aged man offered a few words of concern and then left. Only then did Shen Zhezi inquire about the identity of the person beside him. The maid holding the umbrella replied that this was a relative from the Panxi branch of the family, named Shen Zhen, and by relation, Shen Zhezi should address him as uncle.
After sorting through the residual memories of this body and his observations over the past few days, Shen Zhezi has roughly clarified the environment he currently finds himself in
Shen Zhezi made a show of rising, and soon two young maidservants approached from behind, gently supporting his elbows on either side as they walked towards the distant palanquin. Two strong attendants stood in front and behind, and once Shen Zhezi was seated, they steadily lifted the palanquin and proceeded towards the estate, where the towers were lined up in the background
However, the crux of the matter lies in this "Xian Zhi Di Xi". In this lifetime, Shen Zhezi's adoptive father is named Shen Chong, who is the most prominent figure of the Shen clan from Wuxing during the transition between the Two Jin Dynasties. In terms of literary talent and charm, Shen Chong composed the "Qianxi Qu", which became a renowned piece of Wu music passed down through generations. In terms of military affairs and official rank, he was known for his heroism in the local area and was appointed as the General of Chariots and Cavalry. In terms of family wealth, Shen Chong mined copper in Wukang and minted coins in Longxi. "When the family is poor, Tao Ling drinks wine; when the monthly salary is Shen Lang's money," where Shen Lang's money refers to the five-zhu coins minted by Shen Chong, Shen Zhezi's adoptive father.
Having dismounted from the sedan chair, Shen Zhezi strode into the manor, heading straight for his father Shen Chong's residence. Along the way, numerous sentinels stood guard, all of whom dared not obstruct this young master. Upon bursting into the room, Shen Zhezi heard his father, clad in military attire, addressing his mother, Wei, saying: "This journey shall not end without a leopard's tail; death shall not return home"
Understood
In the midsummer of May, the sky is blue and the sun is scorching, and a few wisps of gentle breeze are insufficient to dispel the heat
Father's ambition is as fierce as a leopard's tail, this journey is magnificent, please kill the son to sacrifice to the flag
Shen Zhezi rushed into the room, knelt down, and bowed, his tone filled with sorrow. The Shen family originated from Wuxing, and later generations adopted the surname Shen, recognizing Shen Chong, the ancestor of the Wuxing Shen family, as their forefather, which posed no psychological barrier for them
As he reached the front of the gate, a bullock cart approached from the courtyard. As it passed by, a middle-aged man in a large-sleeved shirt sitting in the cart waved to Shen Zhezi: "Zhezi, has your health improved?"
The distant mountains stretch endlessly, with peach, plum, orange, and apricot trees growing along their slopes. Clear streams meander around the mountains, converging on the flatlands, where a jade belt flows across, dividing the rice fields. Weeping willows line the water's edge, while reeds and lotuses intertwine in a mixed tapestry, home to fish and shrimp, all thriving joyfully in the water. As far as the eye can see, it is a vibrant and harmonious painting of the Jiangnan water town.
Such a family background is simply a high-end configuration that has not been seen in years of time travel. Wealth is abundant, and connections are plentiful. One is destined to be a brainless supporting character who is completely dominated and used for experience points by those time-traveling losers! However, the current situation is very favorable, while the future is quite bleak. As the saying goes, if one does not seek death, one will not die. Why should I take advantage of this opportunity and choose to rebel!
After realizing his precarious situation, Shen Zhezi has been racking his brain over the scant historical knowledge he possesses, hoping to find a way to break through. Living in this chaotic era of the Five Barbarians disrupting the Han, if there is no desire to raise troops for a northern expedition, may heaven strike me down! However, the prerequisite is to ensure his own safety first. Yet, relying on his meager historical knowledge as a time traveler to navigate the treacherous political landscape of the early Eastern Jin is no easy task, which is why Shen Zhezi is in a very poor mood
Currently, Shen Zhezi's identity is that of a member of the prominent Jiangdong family and a descendant of the Shen clan from Wuxing. Among the distinguished families of Jiangdong, none is more powerful than the Zhou and Shen families. These two families are renowned in Jiangnan, with the Zhou family of Yixing credited with the so-called "Three Determinations of Jiangnan" and producing five marquises from a single lineage. The Wuxing Shen family has also been deeply involved in the rise and fall of dynasties, holding the position of three dukes when entering the court and that of a regional lord when leaving, excelling in both civil and military affairs. The term "Shen Waist and Pan Sideburns" in later generations refers to Shen Yue of the Wuxing Shen family. From Shen Zhezi's experiences and the esteemed treatment he enjoys, one can discern the prosperity of the Wuxing Shen clan.
There are not many good days left
Other time travelers are either from humble backgrounds or are illegitimate sons, and some are even pitiful enough to be disloyal sons-in-law who have betrayed their ancestors, making their identities quite lowly and tragic. Being in such a powerful family in Jiangdong, and being a legitimate descendant of a prominent lineage, coupled with the advantages of foresight that time travelers possess, Shen Zhezi's resources are indeed substantial. Even without a system accompanying him, his future is destined to be bright.
Shen Zhezi sat astride on the smooth pebbles by the water's edge, her wooden clogs submerged in the cool water, the hem of her shirt completely soaked by the flowing water, yet she remained oblivious, simply staring blankly at the river.
At this moment, Shen Zhezi felt a similar emotion to that of Zizunbao in "A Chinese Odyssey" when he saw his monkey face in the mirror. To be fair, the youthful figure reflected in the water was quite handsome, with red lips and white teeth, far more attractive than his former self. Yet, he could not shake off the strange feeling in his heart, even though he had accepted the fact of his transmigration three days ago when he woke up that afternoon.
Shen Zhezi sat in the sedan chair, ahead of her were two attendants with swords clearing the way. Beside her, a maid held an umbrella to shield her from the sun, and further back, four other maids followed, each carrying incense, feather fans, and soup bowls. On this rural dirt road, they were quite a sight to behold. Occasionally, when they encountered pedestrians, everyone would step aside and bow down to the dust, only daring to rise once this procession had passed.
Shen Zhezi was deep in thought, and only when he reached the door did a flash of inspiration strike him, reminding him of who this person was. He quickly instructed a servant: "Hurry and bring back Uncle Wu, and ask him to wait for a moment."
Shen Zhezi felt the same way. After realizing the era he was in, he was overwhelmed with emotions for a long time, wishing he could immediately cross the river and head north to take revenge on one or two Hu people to vent his anger. However, at only eight years old and having just recovered from a serious illness, these thoughts only swirled in his mind and could not be realized. Upon learning about his current identity, he felt an even greater sense of despair.
This year is 324 AD, the fifth year since the establishment of the Eastern Jin Dynasty after the migration of its officials and nobility to the south. Currently, the reigning emperor is the second emperor, Emperor Ming of Jin, Sima Shao, in the second year of the Tai Ning era. At present, Shen Zhezi is located in Wuxing, in the region of the Three Wus, far from the turmoil of the Central Plains, and is still able to maintain a temporary peace.
Shen Zhezi was enjoying such esteemed treatment, yet felt somewhat uneasy in his heart. His mind recalled the moment he had just awakened, when he called out several times due to thirst, but the maidservant who was serving the soup carelessly did not hear him, resulting in his being driven away and subjected to a punishment, after which he never saw her again. The world was like this, leaving his modern soul filled with a sense of guilt
Regarding the history of the transition between the Two Jin Dynasties, I have a slight understanding from previous lives. The Sima family and the royal clan seized power, leading to the chaos of the Eight Kings' Rebellion, which caused immense suffering among the people and directly triggered the turmoil of the Five Barbarians invading China. The ruling authorities shamelessly fled south, continuing to act as puppet emperors, creating the so-called "Kings and Horses Share the World," while passively watching the Central Plains being trampled by the barbarian invaders, with the common people subjected to indiscriminate slaughter and harm, a series of tragic human events recorded throughout history. The ruling authorities shamelessly fled south, continuing to act as puppet emperors, creating the so-called "Kings and Horses Share the World," while passively watching the Central Plains being trampled by the barbarian invaders, with the common people subjected to indiscriminate slaughter and harm, a series of tragic human events recorded throughout history
The water's surface reflected a delicate and unfamiliar face, adorned with a fine gauze hat, with hair falling to the side and a youthful innocence, which was precisely the appearance of Shen Zhezi at that moment
Shen Zhezi saw the soldiers coming and going, and his mood worsened. He urged the steward to hurry along, having made up his mind to confront that oblivious old man Shen Chong today, hoping he would not continue to court death.
Not long after Sima Rui ascended to the throne, he began to plot against the Wang family, employing low-born individuals like Liu Wei to undermine the Wang aristocracy. Wang Dun, holding significant power, was unwilling to be constrained by this so-called "Niu Rui" of later generations, a mere puppet emperor. He raised troops to besiege the palace and imprisoned the emperor. This action aligned with the interests of the prominent families, leading to their silent cooperation. Wang Dun's rebellion was remarkably easy, as he marched into Jiankang without any obstacles, akin to a leisurely outing, effectively quashing Sima Rui's intentions to restore imperial authority. This action aligned with the interests of the prominent families, leading to their silent cooperation. Wang Dun's rebellion was remarkably easy, as he marched into Jiankang without any obstacles, akin to a leisurely outing, effectively quashing Sima Rui's intentions to restore imperial authority
The sedan chair arrived at the manor, and along the road, there were already armored soldiers wielding weapons patrolling. These are all private troops of Shen Zhezi's cheap old man, Shen Chong. Counting on my fingers, it is almost certain that in the coming days, they will dispatch troops westward to Jiankang, and disaster is not far off