Chapter 4: It is inherent for humans to face death

This matter is quite extraordinary, and Xia Dingmao was somewhat surprised, widening his eyes: "What do you mean?"

Before Ren Hong and Xia Dingmao could discuss their plans in detail, a short, dark-faced man hurriedly emerged from the Hanging Spring and called out to them loudly

Ten days

Xia Dingmao recalled that

Quickly return with me, the steward is looking for you everywhere, saying there is an urgent matter!

Because Ren Hong knew that the Grand General Huo Guang would still orchestrate a major event in the future

He felt a myriad of emotions in his heart, yet continued to speak nonsensically: "I thought that after many years, this phrase could enter my dreams, and it must hold profound meaning!"

The mere position of Xuánquán is insignificant compared to the high-ranking officials of the region, akin to an ant trying to shake a tree

Perhaps so

Thus, what exactly did Sima Qian and Ren An say during their farewell scene? Ren Hong remains completely unaware.

Seize the opportunity of the Han Dynasty's reopening of the Western Regions, achieve extraordinary feats and virtues, and break through this layer of confinement! Then find a way to return to Chang'an

Ren Hong said softly

As for the methods employed by the Han Dynasty to select local talents, the four categories of recommendation for candidates were also unrelated to him

Ren Hong has the answer: "At the latest, in ten days... Fu Jiezai will arrive at Xuanquan Zhi!"

The enemy has now forgotten us, but what if one day he suddenly remembers? If I am content to serve as a minor official in Xuánquán, will I not end up like a small ant, easily crushed?

In the distance, the eternally unchanging Qilian Snow Mountain stands proudly and majestically.

The head of the family and Sima Zichang are indeed close friends

I pondered carefully, but there was not the slightest trace of this scene in my memory

As for the way forward, Ren Hong has a long-term plan; as long as he ensures reaching Chang'an within three to four years, he will be able to seize the next once-in-a-millennium opportunity

Before me, a leaf from a poplar tree gently drifts down

Ren Hong is talking nonsense; he clearly derived this from the "Letter to Ren An" included in the language textbooks of later generations

two thousand stones

Ren Hong stood up, paced for a moment, then turned back and asked: "He must have long forgotten me, the orphan of the Ren family, hasn't he?"

My great-uncle's courtesy name is Shaoqing, and his given name is... is it 'An'?

Ren Hong pointed to the ground and said

Upon mentioning this person, Xia Dingmao raised his head, his originally sorrowful face now filled with anger

The Dunhuang Commandery spans several hundred miles from east to west, featuring nine designated locations. From the Yumen Pass to this area, there are sequentially the Longle Station, Dunhuang Station, and Zheyao Station, followed by the Xuanquan Station. According to the speed of carriages and horses, a round trip...

Xia Dingmao pointed at Ren Hong and said, "By the way, at that time, the old servant was outside, yet he was a gentleman, sharing the same prison with the master!"

What he was thinking in his heart was: "Unfortunately, Sima Qian has been deceased for many years; otherwise, I could still go to Chang'an to seek refuge..."

Thus, there is only one path left now

He gritted his teeth and said: "When I arrived at Xuanquan, I inquired with those who came from Chang'an. I heard that that scoundrel is adept at scheming, relying on the 'merit' of slandering the head of the Hetushu family, and has risen through the ranks all the way to become a governor with a position of 2,000 stones! This world is truly one where the loyal and virtuous are slaughtered, while the treacherous and wicked hold power"

Xia Dingmao expressed his gratitude, saying: "At that time, Sima Zichang had already become the Minister of the Central Secretariat, regaining the trust of Emperor Xiaowu, and was honored with an important position. My old servant later heard that the Ren family had not been exterminated along with their three clans, and the gentlemen were able to survive, thanks to his mediation. Taishi Gong is a great benefactor of the Ren family"

He said, "Every person is destined to die."

I dreamed of many things, including the farewell between the Grand Historian and my grandfather in prison, as well as the letter the Grand Historian wrote in response to my grandfather. It is vividly etched in my memory, and I clearly saw a particular sentence written on it

That grain official can be said to be the sworn enemy of the Ren family.

Ren Hongdao: "Six months ago, after encountering a sandstorm, did I not sleep for several days? During that time, I had a dream"

Later, when Sima Zichang was imprisoned due to the matter of Li Ling, the head of the family still spoke on his behalf

This is merely an excuse to persuade Xia Dingmao. Even if there were no enemies of the Ren family and no unjust grievances, since one is able to arrive in this era, one should leave traces in the long flow of time, rather than fading away without a trace

However, it was the soldier Lü Duoshu, who came running over in a coarse linen outfit and grabbed Ren Hong, pulling him along

Upon thinking of this, Ren Hong mysteriously said to Xia Dingmao: "In fact, Taishi Gong had indeed replied to my grandfather's letter."

However, Xia Dingmao was also somewhat worried: "Not long ago, after the Western Inspector learned of Junzi's identity, he abandoned the idea of promoting him. How can Junzi earn the favor of Fu Jiezai? In the future, will he be able to take you on a mission to the Western Regions?"

... ...

Indeed, they are the descendants of Ren Shaoqing

A gentleman takes revenge; ten years is not too late. While it is certainly important to clear the name of the old family head, it is even more crucial to preserve the bloodline of the Ren family. This matter should not be rushed

I once heard Elder Xia mention that my grandfather was a close friend of Sima Qian, the Grand Historian, during his lifetime

In the words of later generations, even the political review stage cannot be passed

Ren Hong, however, was confident: "I have my own methods; I just need a few days to prepare. This matter still requires the assistance of Elder Xia!"

Upon realizing this, Xia Dingmao suddenly felt a sense of fear

or heavier than Mount Tai

Regarding the future of the young master, Xia Dingmao could not help but feel a bit anxious: "How much longer will Fu Jiezai be gone?"

It was not until the head of the family was imprisoned and awaiting execution that Sima Zichang went to visit...

The law of confinement does not apply to military achievements

or lighter than a feather

At this point, Xia Dingmao suddenly realized something and said with some excitement:

Either it was thought that I could not endure the bitter cold of Dunhuang, or it was because the exiled and imprisoned sons of officials, no matter how much they struggled, found it difficult to rise again

Xia Dingmao looked at Ren Hong and asked, "How can a gentleman know?"

Cough, it must be that my great ancestor has blessed me, allowing me to gain insight

Indeed

That famous quote often seen on classroom walls, who would have thought that behind this final letter by Sima Qian, which he ultimately could not send, lies such a convoluted story

It is not that I fear for myself, but rather that I fear that Ren Hong, in his youthful exuberance, may inadvertently invite disaster. He continued to advise:

During the Taichu period, the two families often visited each other. Sima Zichang had traveled across the country and enjoyed trying the flavors of different regions. To welcome him, the head of the family specifically asked me to prepare dishes from Shujun.

Ren Hongdao: "The incident of Fu Jiezhi killing the Xiongnu envoy in Kucha has already been reported back by the Hu merchants along the Silk Road. As for him personally, he is likely nearing the Yumen Pass. Therefore, the deputy commander in the central part of Dunhuang has sent Su Yannian and Chen Pengzu to welcome him"

I am even less willing for this life to be perpetually shackled by unfounded grievances, ultimately dying as lightly as a feather

Since the gentleman encountered that sandstorm, he seems to have transformed into a different person, devising strategies for the Hanging Springs and teaching the old servant many novel dishes. Initially, the old servant thought that it was due to the remarkable abilities of Mr. Zheng from Xiaogu County that the gentleman underwent such a significant change. However, upon further inquiry, it turned out not to be the case. Now it seems that perhaps it is also related to that dream? Truly, it is the blessing of the old master!

However, it is merely a thought, for an ordinary person wishing to travel from Dunhuang to Chang'an would find the process of applying for a travel permit from the authorities so arduous that it would lead one to question the meaning of life. If one were to escape privately, there would be countless inspections at various checkpoints along the way awaiting them

Unknowingly, he has grown so tall

Old Man Xia

But from now on, I must become a towering Qilian Mountain, heavy as ten thousand jun, to crush my enemies to death

Ren An, this is the name of Ren Hong's grandfather

"Ren Jun, it turns out you are here."

There is actually such a layer of relationship, Ren Hong nodded and said, "I will keep it in mind"

Although I am currently just a small stone on the Dunhuang Gobi Desert

Ren Hong said earnestly: "Master Xia, my grandfather has suffered injustice, shedding blood in the capital. You and I have been implicated and exiled, enduring countless hardships and humiliations"

Xia Dingmao looked up at the young master, recalling the arduous journey from Guanzhong to Dunhuang, where through wind and snow, he carried Ren Hong on his back, who was so small and light.

Equivalent to high-ranking officials in later generations

Ren Hong, however, did not respond, and after a long while, he finally said

Ren Hong quickly changed the subject: "Nowadays, I am confined, like my grandfather, slowly accumulating merit from a pavilion chief to a county magistrate, hoping to emerge from a mere minor official. This path is no longer viable."

Xia Dingmao pondered over this statement for a long time before saying: "I particularly remember the eloquence of Sima Zichang; such words seem to be his. Could it be that the gentleman heard and saw this during his youth in prison?"

Xia Dingmao strengthened his resolve, raising his thumb: "This stubbornness of a gentleman truly resembles that of the old master back home"

What of the enemy who falsely accused my grandfather, even if he holds the position of 2,000 stones? What of a tree that is tall and has deep roots?

"Gentleman, please go ahead and do it! This old servant will give his all, even at the cost of his life, to assist you to the very end"

After that, the two did not correspond much. When the head of the family was still serving as the governor of Yizhou, he once sent me to deliver a letter to the Grand Historian, urging him to uphold the righteousness of the ancient wise ministers. However, Sima Zichang never replied.