Chapter 0002: The northern gate of the Wang family, also known as pig intestines

Seeing Shen Chong's expression brighten, Shen Zhezi felt somewhat reassured. To be honest, facing this rather legendary figure of a father, he felt a bit intimidated. During the Wei and Jin dynasties, the aristocratic families prioritized their family interests above all else, leading to a dilution of human emotions. Shen Zhezi was truly uncertain about the temperament of this father who had repeatedly followed Wang Dun. This was also the reason why he had hesitated for a long time and ultimately decided to take a gamble.

However, what surprised him even more was Shen Zhezi's earlier remarks. In today's world, kings and commoners coexist, among which Wang Dun stands out as a remarkable hero, possessing unparalleled power and prestige. Internally, he has Wang Dao stationed at the center as support, and externally, he has his relatives Wang Shu and Wang Bin as strongholds, which can be considered a trend of the times. This is also one of the reasons why he is determined to share the same boat with Wang Dun and is unwilling to give up.

The gap between the gentry and the commoners is as vast as the difference between heaven and earth. From the Two Jin Dynasties to the Southern Dynasties, the Shen family of Wuxing rose from local bandits and tyrants to the ranks of the gentry, marking a history of blood and tears fought by generations of clan members. In that history without Shen Zhezi's involvement, the death of his father, Shen Chong, who risked his life in a desperate gamble, was merely the prologue. The next chapter was his brother, Shen Jin, who, in order to clear the family name from the stain of treason, fought to the death in Luoyang.

Despite looking down on Wang Dun, Shen Chong had his own difficulties. The Shen family of Wuxing appears prosperous now, but in reality, their lineage is not high. Not to mention comparing with those prominent families from the south, even locally in Jiangdong, their reputation does not match that of the established Gu, Lu, Zhu, and Zhang families. The saying "In Jiangdong, none are stronger than the Zhou and Shen" is merely a joke in the eyes of those truly high-ranking families.

Upon hearing this, Shen Chong's expression of anger had already faded, replaced by a look of contemplation. He pulled his son to sit at the table, his eyes fixed intently on Shen Zhezi. Although he was already in his thirties, he had been busy striving to restore the family reputation, and had not paid much attention to his young son. Now, upon closer inspection, he realized that although Shen Zhezi still bore the innocence of youth, he possessed a calm demeanor, especially his bright and spirited eyes, which were far from the usual mischievousness of ordinary children

For example, in the discussion of war by Cao Gui, the first drumbeat inspires great momentum, but subsequent beats weaken. In the previous year, Wang Dun, with unmatched power, entered Jiankang. He did not dare to abolish or establish a ruler, nor did he dare to face the sovereign. This indicates that he is beneath the common man, lacking the talent to match his position, and is not a decisive leader. If it were not for the circumstances, it would be difficult for him to occupy a high position

Shen Zhezi, in this life, is affectionately called Qingque. Qingque is a sacred bird in Taoism, and many scholars and commoners in the Sanwu region believe in the teachings of the Celestial Master. This name reflects the parents' beautiful expectations for their child. The phrase about going to the temple to invite a master for nurturing refers to the practice of going to the Qingyang Temple, which the Shen family has traditionally served, to request a Taoist priest to perform rituals and administer talismanic water.

However, such a favorable situation was described by his son as an inflated pig's bladder, empty inside, which was utterly dismissive. Shen Chong was both surprised and intrigued by his son's 'aspirational' words, and he was eager to hear why his son held such a view. After pondering for a moment, he softened his tone and gently patted Shen Zhezi's back, asking, 'Little Sparrow, can you tell your father why you think this way?'

Upon hearing this, Shen Chong, filled with rage, laughed instead, bending down to grab Shen Zhezi: "General Wang, with his esteemed position and significant power, is the hope of the people from both the north and south, a hero of the times. How can a mere child like you, whose mouth still reeks of milk, dare to comment on him?"

Ambition does not depend on age, and lacking strategy leads to a long life without achievement. Individuals like Wang Dun are fierce in appearance but weak in courage, resembling a pig's bladder; despite their great power, they cannot withstand a single thrust, and when touched, their energy dissipates, making it difficult to accomplish significant matters

Upon hearing this, Shen Zhezi could not help but be moved. He believed himself to be well-versed in the course of history, capable of providing guidance to his father. However, being born in the present, his father's understanding of the current situation might not be inferior to his own. It was just that he was unwilling to submit to reality; even if it meant risking his life, he was determined to carve out a new world for the family

In order to persuade Wang Dun's father, Shen Zhezi also put in a great deal of effort, carefully considering each word for a long time. Now, having made up his mind to speak openly, he is quite composed.

Shen Chong remained silent, but his son's words actually expressed his dissatisfaction with Wang Dun. The year before, when the great army invaded Jiankang, the situation was extremely favorable, and it could be said that the decision to depose or establish a ruler was merely a matter of thought. However, Wang Dun feared criticism and allowed others' words to undermine his resolve, thus missing a golden opportunity. At that time, Shen Chong was filled with indignation and privately told his fellow townsman Qian Feng that Wang Dun was merely a figurehead, only capable of stopping the old soldiers. The term "old soldiers" did not praise Wang Dun's rich military experience; in the current context, it was similar to the later terms "useless" or "fool".

This sentiment may be admirable, but Shen Zhezi does not agree. The status of the gentry that his forebears pursued at the cost of their lives is, in his view, the greatest joke, an absurdity that defies natural justice! Nonsense about the Wei and Jin dynasties' spirit, nonsense about the elegance of the gentry, a group of useless individuals occupying positions without merit, the Southern Dynasties' painting of survival against a backdrop of flesh and blood, no matter how splendid the exterior, the interior is all repulsive!

"Qingque, in the past your father treated you with indifference, yet unexpectedly my son has already developed such talents and aspirations. A unicorn that has never existed in Jiangzuo cannot possibly grow up in a humble household!"

Shen Zhezi noticed his father deep in thought and sensed an opportunity for change, so he continued, "Firstly, Wang Dun's talents do not match his ambitions. Secondly, the timing is unfavorable, and the support of the people has been lost. Last year, when the uprising occurred, the court had no available troops. At the beginning of the year, when Lord Qiao of Gaoping entered the court, the refugees in Jingkou could have been utilized as soldiers for the court, but the best opportunity to undertake significant actions has already been missed"

Upon hearing this, Shen Chong's expression grew even more pained. He had also considered this reason, and as early as the beginning of the year, he had advised Wang Dun to recommend Qi Jian to the court as the Minister of Personnel, elevating his position while distributing his troops. However, he dared not imagine what the outcome would be. It was precisely for this reason that he harbored thoughts of desperation, wanting to take a risky gamble before the court had completely gained control over the displaced soldiers.

"Wretched woman, I entrusted my son to you, what have you made him listen to!"

The migration southward, apart from the prominent aristocratic families, was predominantly composed of displaced persons, among whom were leaders of the displaced who gathered followers, such as Zu Di, who rose to arms at the crow of a rooster. Although these leaders of the displaced commanded a considerable number of troops, they were not part of the aristocratic circle centered around the Wang family of Langya, which led the court to exercise caution and refrain from mobilizing them in the past. However, the arrival of the Qi family changed this situation; the Gao Ping Qi family, being a northern aristocracy and simultaneously controlling the forces of the displaced, provided the court with a means to summon these troops. Historically, the main force that quelled Wang Dun's second rebellion was indeed the displaced troops.

Upon hearing these words, Shen Chong's expression grew even angrier, yet this anger was redirected towards his wife, Wei. In recent years, he had been preoccupied with affairs, seldom having the time to impart teachings to his son at home. It was only upon learning of his son's critical illness that he managed to spare a few days to return home for a visit. Although he was not close to his son and did not know him well, it was evident that a mere eight-year-old child, who could hardly grasp matters of state and military, could articulate such sentiments only due to external influence.

Madam Wei, fearing that Shen Zhezi would be punished, hurriedly stepped forward to help Shen Zhezi up

The Zhou family of Yixing established their dominance in Jiangnan, with five marquises in one family; yet, the rise and fall of fortunes rests solely in the hands of a powerful minister like Wang Dun, who bears a foreign surname. It was precisely because he personally destroyed the Zhou family's reputation that Shen Chong felt a profound sense of crisis, leading him to align himself with Wang Dun, hoping to elevate his own family's status through the support of such an extraordinary achievement. Thus, even though he secretly looked down upon Wang Dun, this ambitious yet incompetent northern upstart, Shen Chong still had to ingratiate himself with him, hoping to leverage the power of the Wang family of Langya to revitalize his own lineage.

At around the age of thirty, Shen Chong was in the prime of his life, clad in armor, which added to his imposing presence. He was bidding farewell to his wife with great fervor when unexpectedly, his son burst into the hall. Upon hearing Shen Zhezi's words, the child's expression was quite displeased: "When elders are speaking, children should not make a fuss; why don't you step back!"

In a moment of life and death, Shen Zhezi did not indulge in the frivolities of breaking superstitions; instead, he bowed his head to the ground and urgently said to his father, "Father, raising troops to assist the rebels is a grave misfortune, and it may lead to the destruction of our family! As your son, I must follow you through life and death. Being young, I am unable to wield weapons, so I can only repay your kindness with my blood, accompanying you to the underworld, and not allowing you to act alone in your resolve!"

Having said this, he suddenly rose to his feet and deeply bowed to Madam Wei, who was weeping with her head lowered in the corridor: "Madam, your management of the household and the upbringing of Lin'er are a great blessing to my family! I previously acted rashly and wronged you; please do not take it to heart. After I leave, regardless of whether I succeed or not, the family will have support, so there is no need for you to worry."

The Wei family was unjustly blamed, and in a state of panic, not knowing how to respond, Shen Zhezi rushed forward and hugged Shen Chong's calf: "Everything I said was my own thought, and has nothing to do with my mother! Father, you must not be obsessed any longer; the Wang family is by no means a worthy ruler for whom one should sacrifice their life! Collaborating with such mediocrity on great matters only places your wife, children, and relatives in the path of the slaughterhouse, making a good ending unlikely!"

Hearing this, Shen Chong's expression became rather unnatural. Upon further investigation, it was he who personally took action against the Zhou family, using Wang Dun's power to eliminate this longstanding enmity. However, through this incident, he could also discern Wang Dun's harshness and ingratitude, treating the various families of Jiangdong as if they were lambs awaiting slaughter. Moreover, the previous patriarch of the Zhou family, Zhou Xi, on his deathbed, left a final message to his son Zhou Xie: "The one who seeks my life is the northern barbarian; if you avenge me, then you are truly my son!" The deep-seated grievances between the north and south are evident.

Shen Chong threw his head back and laughed heartily, embracing Shen Zhezi, his eyes filled with even greater determination: "At the time of parting, to hear my son speak such profound words, I would have no regrets in death! You stay at home to rest and take care of your mother and younger brother, and when I return triumphantly, I shall reward you with titles and benefits for your wife and children!"

Shen Zhezi was taken aback by this scene, not expecting that his earnest persuasion would instead strengthen his father's resolve to rebel. Indeed, the thought processes of ancient people were different from those of later generations. Seeing his father laugh as he walked out, he steeled himself and decided to employ his trump card: "Father, please wait, I have one more matter to discuss with you!"

Husband, Que'er has just recovered from a serious illness, and it seems he has relapsed into hysteria. I will take him to the temple shortly to seek Mr. Wu for careful treatment.

Although Shen Chong had deep concerns, he still harbored a sense of luck in his heart: "The military strength of Jiangdong is at its peak with the Shen family. If we are to maintain stability in the Three Wus and the major affairs are not yet accomplished, how could he dare to turn against me? A man in this world cannot live in vain; if one does not achieve the five cauldrons of food in life, one will end up in the five cauldrons of boiling in death! Without such heroism, death would be a regret!"

Therefore, Shen Zhezi aims to prevent his father from raising troops in response to Wang Dun. In his mind, it is no longer merely a matter of preserving his life, but rather about retaining this ambition to be utilized where it is needed. In this time and place, as a descendant of the Han dynasty, he also harbors great aspirations, looking northward towards the Central Plains. Even if he must die, he wishes to die on the land of the Central Plains! Since the Eastern Jin dynasty, there have been no righteous armies in the successive northern expeditions, each with their own ulterior motives. He intends to devote his entire life to creating a purely righteous army for the purpose of defeating the Hu people, restoring the Central Plains, and reviving the Han dynasty!

Shen Chong, filled with rage, stepped forward, pointing his spear at Madam Wei, his eyes nearly bursting with fire

The so-called Gao Ping Xi Gong refers to the northern gentry Xi Jian, who crossed the river later. He is best known in later generations for the anecdote of "the quick son-in-law of the east bed," in which Xi Jian is the convenient father-in-law of the story's protagonist, Wang Xizhi. Although he crossed the river too late and could not seize political advantage in the Eastern Jin court, the power he possessed should not be underestimated, namely the control he had over the displaced soldiers.

However, the next reason presented by Shen Zhezi directly pointed to the situation he was most concerned about: "The Wang family is like a pack of wolves in official robes! They are full of empty fame and lack of virtue, and their shamelessness is unparalleled! What are the achievements of the Zhou family? The three pacifications of Jiangnan were not accomplished through their own efforts in battle; how could the expatriates cross southward? To be condemned for words, their accomplishments would be entirely destroyed"