Chapter 3, National Affairs and Domestic Affairs

A group of people walked quickly, the sound of their hooves echoing, and before the hour of You had arrived, Jinyang City was already in sight. Jinyang City is a standard stronghold, majestic and imposing. Originally built during the Spring and Autumn period, after several hundred years of renovations and expansions, the current city walls of Jinyang City stand over 5 zhang high, with a base width of 7 zhang and a top width of 5 zhang

Upon arriving at Anyuan Gate, although it was already the curfew hour when the city gates were closed, the soldiers guarding the city respectfully opened the gates upon seeing Zhao Ping and his companions. The group did not linger and headed straight for the inner city. Like other places, the inner city of Jinyang was also the political center of Bingzhou and the residence of official families.

The sun has quietly set, leaving only the still brilliant evening glow illuminated by the afterglow of the sunset, gently drifting across the western horizon. Zhao Ping cleared his throat and said to his wife, "It is getting late, let us continue our journey."

Although the Eastern Xianbei were destroyed under the iron hooves of the Tuoba Xianbei, their remnants were unwilling to submit to Tuoba rule. After all, they were once one of the three major tribes that stood alongside the Tuoba and Hexi tribes. Despite their disappearance, the glory of the past and their national dignity have fueled their resistance against the Tuoba Xianbei, which has never ceased.

Zhao Ping can enumerate numerous reasons to prove that the decayed Later Han Dynasty is not worthy of his loyalty, yet he cannot persuade himself to watch his fellow countrymen being enslaved by foreign tribes! Therefore, he must utilize all available resources to resist the Xianbei. A true man knows what he must and must not do; he must spare no effort to defend his homeland and uphold the dignity of his nation! Even if the consequence is an irretrievable failure, it is a price he is willing to pay! A true man knows what he must and must not do; he must spare no effort to defend his homeland and uphold the dignity of his nation! Even if the consequence is an irretrievable failure, it is a price he is willing to pay!

Zhao Ping pondered privately whether his actions were somewhat hasty. Ten years ago, the Tuoba Xianbei launched an expedition against the Hexi Xianbei, and within just six months, under the powerful military might of the Tuoba Xianbei, the Hexi Xianbei was annihilated. Three years later, the Tuoba Xianbei again defeated the main forces of the Eastern Xianbei, with their leader Yiloubo managing to escape with only over a thousand cavalry. Although Yiloubo quickly regrouped the remnants to engage in guerrilla warfare against the Tuoba Xianbei, the disparity in strength was too great, and ultimately, he was defeated two years ago.

As the last remaining bloodline of the Yilou clan, the Eastern Xianbei leader Yilou Zhen is precisely the identity that Zhao Ping intends to exploit to create chaos within the Xianbei. Currently, the Xianbei have been growing increasingly powerful. Although they suffered a devastating defeat in a battle several months ago, which significantly weakened their vitality, relying solely on the strength of Bingzhou cannot fundamentally eliminate the threat that the Xianbei pose to the Central Plains.

The interactions among women can sometimes be simpler and more direct than those among men. Women are inherently emotional; sometimes, a smile or a kind glance can bridge the distance between them. The three individuals before us are living examples of this, having become intimately close in just a short span of time

The two sisters, Xiao Xi, are still quite young and lack an objective understanding of things. They have only heard through hearsay about how the Xianbei people are ruthless and are described as demons who kill without blinking. However, they have never truly seen a Xianbei person. Now that they have the opportunity to see them, they cannot help but take a good look at what distinguishes these murderous demons.

The two little girls certainly do not understand what romance is; they simply think that this beautiful Xianbei sister is very nice, and that is enough. However, Yilou has never seen such identical twin sisters before, and he cannot help but grow fonder of these two delicate little girls the more he looks at them.

Before long, the sound of chattering voices emerged from the carriage. The picturesque scenery of the grasslands described by Yiluzhen greatly fascinated the two young girls, who had never traveled far, prompting them to ask numerous questions. Although Yiluzhen's Chinese, influenced by the Han culture, was somewhat awkward, the Xianbei people, especially the Xianbei nobility, took pride in wearing Han clothing and speaking the Han language. As a princess of the former Eastern Xianbei, Yiluzhen naturally received a good education, allowing her to engage in lively conversation with the two young girls.

Zhao Ping turned his head to glance at his understanding wife, a hint of warmth appearing at the corners of his mouth. The unspoken warmth and tacit understanding between the two was palpable, even the brilliant and dazzling sunset in the West seemed to soften in response to their demeanor

The Later Han Dynasty is already in its twilight, and the current chaos in the Central Plains has emerged. Emperor Zhi is indulgent and tyrannical, heeding slanderous words, leading to the demotion or execution of several veteran officials and renowned ministers, resulting in a decline in governance. In contrast, the Xianbei is a nascent state, currently in a period of flourishing growth.

As the center of Taiyuan County and even the entire Bingzhou, Jinyang City can be regarded as the largest city in Bingzhou. It is rectangular in shape, measuring 10 li in length from east to west and 8 li in width from north to south, with a population of over 100,000 within the city. The layout is symmetrically arranged along the central axis, consisting of an outer city, an outer wall, and an inner city. The streets within the city intersect in a crisscross manner, dividing the area into more than 80 neighborhoods. Additionally, there are large industrial and commercial districts such as the East Market and the West Market.

Jinyang is a territory under Taiyuan Commandery, which was established during the Qin Dynasty and consists of thirteen counties. However, the history of Jinyang dates back even further, to the late Spring and Autumn period, specifically in the fifteenth year of Duke Ding of Jin, when Jinyang City was first built on the banks of the Fen River. After Emperor Qin Shi Huang unified China, he divided the land into thirty-six commanderies and established Taiyuan Commandery, with Jinyang as its administrative center

The old gentleman was extremely pleased to see his grandson and granddaughter-in-law. He transformed his serious demeanor in front of his son and daughter-in-law, smiling broadly as he pulled Zhao Ping aside to ask various questions. After inquiring for a while, he waved his hand and said: "First, go meet your parents. Later, Cang Shu and your father should come to my study."

Zhao Ping was initially worried that Ilou Zhen would be unable to get along with him and others, but due to the relationship between the two young girls, this concern clearly became unnecessary. Yue Yao understood her husband's thoughts, smiled gently, quietly held his hand, and said softly: "This young lady Ilou is truly pitiful; I hope Xiao Xi and Xiao Rong can help her feel better"

Little did one know that this Xianbei woman, despite her tattered clothing and blood-stained body, bore no resemblance to the image of a murderous demon in any other aspect. She was tall and graceful, with large eyes, a high nose, and an oval face. Her hair was not styled in the intricate manner typical of Han women, but was simply tied back in a bundle, somewhat disheveled due to the battle, exuding a unique charm.

The two little girls, with their pairs of bright, sparkling eyes, involuntarily gazed at Iluzhen, who was engrossed in a picture book. Iluzhen, equally curious about the two almost identical little girls, happened to look over as well. Their six eyes met; the two little girls were completely innocent, while Iluzhen was naturally straightforward, so they all unabashedly took in each other's appearance.

Yilou Zhenjie has undergone great changes and has been on the run for several years. Although she has repeatedly escaped from dire situations relying on her martial arts skills and a bit of luck, she is now utterly exhausted. Currently, she has reached a temporary agreement with Zhao Ping, but the years of fleeing have made her unable and unwilling to fully trust the other party. Therefore, she remains cautious and vigilant, even lagging behind while traveling. However, the pure and innocent gazes of the sisters Xiaoxi and Xiaorong have caused a slight thaw in her frozen heart, prompting her to smile at them. The two young girls, encouraged, smiled back at her. Before long, the three of them became quite close and engaged in lively conversation.

Upon returning home, after instructing the two sisters, Xiao Xi, to take Yi Louzhen to wash up, the Zhao couple first paid their respects to their grandfather, Zhao Lin. This renowned general of the Later Han Dynasty was already sixty-eight years old. Although he was nearing the age of seventy, with a head full of white hair, his spirit was remarkably vigorous, and his health was excellent. He stood tall with a straight back and a rosy complexion; if it were not for his white hair, one would hardly discern that he was an elderly man in his sixties, approaching the age of seventy.