“Brother Ah, now that Gou Xi oversees Yu County, he will surely cause trouble for us. Why not follow Liu Yueshi’s example and head to Jiangdong early?” In the study, Xie Pou spoke in a low voice.
Since the violent death of Sima Yue, his massive group of subordinates had become like rootless drifters. In theory, these people could return to the court and seek alternative paths. However, Gou Xi was cruel and ruthless. When Xu City fell, he decisively killed the Grand Secretary of Prince Donghai, Pan Tao. Later, he secretly had assassins kill several close relatives of Prince Donghai who were sent back to their fiefs. With such character and great power, how could they deal with him easily?
The former Provincial Governor of Yu County, Liu Kun, was straightforward, resigning due to illness and heading to Jiangdong. He likely joined the forces under Prince Langya, Sima Rui. Now thinking about it, the Xiongnu were powerful, the northern regions were in turmoil, and war might break out at any time. Going to Jiangdong was indeed an ideal choice. Not only Liu Kun, but most of the prominent families also had the intention of fleeing south. It was just a matter of being quick enough. Like the Pei family in Hedong, they fell into the hands of the rebels due to a momentary lapse in vigilance. Even if they could escape Gou Xi’s censure, if the Xiongnu invaded, wouldn’t it still lead to ruin?
What Xie Pou said made sense, but Xie Kun, sitting in front of the desk, shook his head. “Instead of traveling all the way to Jiangdong, why not go to Bing County?”
What? Xie Pou repeated somewhat incredulously, “Go to Bing County? Isn’t that even more dangerous?”
Bing County was near the side of the Xiongnu, and once Liu Yuan launched an attack on Luoyang, Shangdang would be the first to face the calamity of war! Moreover, Bing County had just fought a battle against You County, and the court had appointed a Xianbei person as the commander of You County. Obviously, there were suspicions against Bing County! Going there now, wouldn’t it be throwing oneself into the fire?
However, Xie Kun sighed deeply, “Although Jiangdong is good, my Xie family’s prestige is not evident. Even if we go, we may not be valued by Prince Langya. However, going to Jiangdong with so many aristocratic families will inevitably lead to conflict with the locals. Northerners and Southerners have never been friendly, and who knows how much trouble it will stir up. In that case, it’s better to take a gamble and go north to Bing County!”
Xie Pou was well aware that his brother seemed frivolous and unrestrained, but internally he was extremely intelligent and self-disciplined. His departure from the family tradition, pursuit of the mysterious, and following the wind were all aimed at revitalizing the Xie family. Every move he made was carefully considered, far from being rash.
However, this choice was truly terrifying. Xie Pou voiced his concerns, “The Liang family’s foundation is shallow, and Bing County is surrounded by wolves. If not careful, it could be a disaster. Brother Ah, is it really worth taking such risks for that Liang Feng?”
“I once saw Liang Zixi in the mansion of General Wang,” Xie Kun seemed to recall past events, pondering as he spoke, “This young man’s elegance surpasses all, making even the wise pale in comparison. He might be on par with Minister He Shangshu and Ji Zhongsan from the past. On that day, he didn’t compose poetry, engage in deep conversations, or even drink. Yet, just a few words were enough to captivate hearts. I initially thought he could govern the province because of his benevolence. However, the battle in You County proved otherwise!”
After the dust settled from the Battle of You County, more people learned about the internal details. Just the troops advancing into Bing County numbered eighty thousand. After Sima Yue’s violent death, Wang Jun personally led forty thousand trusted troops. What was the result? The original eighty thousand troops suffered heavy losses, and Wang Jun was ambushed and died, his entire family perishing. Just holding off the attacks from so many Xianbei soldiers was astonishing, not to mention the subsequent thousand-mile raids.
This was no longer a matter of provincial and county-level affairs!
In these chaotic times, everyone knew. However, most aristocrats still adhered to the orthodox path. Even if there were struggles for power among the various Princes of the Sima family, not many harbored rebellious thoughts. Simply because their wealth and lives were tied to the Sima family’s reign. If the emperor was lost, could they still preserve their family fortunes?
But no one considered this: fifty years ago, the world belonged to Cao Wei; a hundred years ago, Liu was the imperial surname!
The Xiongnu Han, just barbarians, even if they established a country, weren’t worth bowing down to. But what if there were rulers like Cao Mengde or Liu Xuande? How should one choose?
Now, he saw a person named Liang with a Buddhist name, who had risen unexpectedly in just three years. The Battle of You County, how different was it from the Battle of Guandu?
Should they head south or north? Adhere to the orthodox or choose another enlightened lord?
Xie Kun was truly moved. Since childhood, he had been familiar with classics, but he followed Laozi, indulged in wine and wild songs, and engaged in philosophical discussions—all for the sake of the Xie family. And today, a new path lay before him. How could he not be moved?
This decision is crucial, as it concerns the rise and fall of the Xie family over a century!
Xie Pou, knowing his elder brother so well, could tell from his expression that his mind was made up and couldn’t help but call out, “Brother Ah…”
Xie Kun raised his hand, silencing his younger brother, “The Liang family hails from Zhe County in Chen Commandery, which is close to the Xie family. Liang Zixi has also made significant contributions in Bing County, promoting and appointing talents. Just this alone is highly advantageous for our brothers. If we want to revive the Xie family, how can we go with the flow? It’s better to risk our wealth and make a bold move!”
The Xie family originates from Yangxia in Chen Commandery, while the Liang family is from Zhe County in the same commandery, making them close neighbors. They had met before in Wang Yan’s mansion, creating a slight acquaintance. If Liang Zixi truly valued talents, he shouldn’t reject them outright. As long as they obtained official positions, would they still worry about being incapable?
Seeing his elder brother decisive in his words, Xie Pou also slowly clenched his fist, “Since Brother Ah says so, let’s give it a try. If it doesn’t work out, at least there’s Jiangdong to turn to.”
This was a straightforward statement, but Xie Kun didn’t seem concerned. This journey might be a vast difference from anything they had experienced before.
※
“Father…”
“Father…”
The childish voice rang twice before Liang Feng snapped back to reality. He saw Liang Rong with a worried expression, “Did Rong’er delay Father’s official business?”
Even with a thick skin, Liang Feng blushed. Rarely did he spend time reading and practicing writing with his son, and now he found himself daydreaming. Clearing his throat, he replied, “No issue, Father just got caught up in some trivial matters.”
Indeed, they were “trivial matters.” After handling the accumulated official duties in recent days, he spent even more time in the backyard. Most of it was consumed in the company of Yiyan.
Initially, his thoughts were quite innocent. Yiyan, upon returning, exhibited signs of post-traumatic stress disorder. He had frequent nightmares, mental anxiety, and even excessive dependence. It seemed that the brutal and perilous expedition had inflicted certain trauma on his body and mind. How could Liang Feng watch him self-torture like this?
So, companionship and teasing increased, along with some deliberate distractions. The results were quite satisfactory. However, as Yiyan gradually returned to normal, the situation took a different turn. After all, the young man was in the prime of his passionate youth, with his beloved by his side and mutual affection growing. How could he resist such temptations?
Even with injuries, the subtle gestures became more frequent. Liang Feng initially thought he would have some psychological resistance to this matter but in reality? Years of abstinence, and a small spark could ignite a fire. If Yiyan hadn’t been genuinely injured, who knows how far they would have gone.
One thing led to another, and it turned into an indulgence. Liang Feng’s own “hidden ailment” hadn’t healed, and with it dangling in front of him, it was truly agonizing. How could he not think about it all the time?
No matter how much he speculated, he shouldn’t have drifted off at this moment. Sheepishly accepting the calligraphy presented by his son, Liang Feng began to read. The little guy’s handwriting was starting to take shape, and starting with Zhong Yao was indeed a wise choice.
“Rong’er’s penmanship is improving. In some time, you’ll be able to imitate Father’s handwriting.” After all, the regular script was currently dominant, and Zhong Yao was a respected figure in that style. Once the foundation was solid, learning a more novel style like a regular script would be even better. After all, Liang Feng had learned calligraphy under his father’s strict guidance, and his foundation wasn’t suitable for use as a model.
Liang Rong nodded but still seemed hesitant. Liang Feng, rubbing his son’s head with a smile, said, “Rong’er, do you have something on your mind?”
Seeing his father’s smiling face, Liang Rong finally nodded, “Rong’er has heard some words from the teacher and is very anxious… Father, do you want to be like Wei Wu?”
This was a direct and intense question. Liang Feng couldn’t help but chuckle, “Not like Wei Wu, just… having some aspirations to bring peace to the chaotic world.”
This statement left Liang Rong somewhat bewildered. After pondering for a while, he said, “Sacrifices are made, offerings are pure, ancestral rites are timely, but if water is dammed too early, it will change the placement of the altars.”
This was a line from the chapter “Wholehearted Devotion” in the Book of Mencius, an extension of the philosophy of “the people are precious, the ruler is light,” evolving into revolutionary thinking. Liang Feng didn’t expect Liang Rong to grasp it so quickly, and he couldn’t help but sigh lightly. It seemed that Cui Ji, Fan Long, and the others had taught him very well.
With a more solemn expression, Liang Feng replied, “What Rong’er said is not wrong. Altars and offerings are secondary; the well-being of the people is fundamental. Without this intention, the power struggle is just the beginning of calamity, just like the great harm caused by the various princes of the Sima family over the past decade.”
Liang Rong’s expression was somewhat conflicted. He had studied the Book of Mencius, but the emphasis had been more on the principles of monarch and minister, loyalty, and filial piety. If he had to change the altars and offerings of the Sima family, wouldn’t that be usurping the world? As the only son of his father, what should he face in such a situation?
Seeing Liang Rong’s expression, Liang Feng sighed softly, “Rong’er, thinking about these matters is premature. Even if we were to change the altars and offerings, it’s not something that can be accomplished overnight. Instead of worrying, it’s better to start with what can be done.”
Liang Rong immediately asked, “What can Rong’er do?”
“From managing the family estate to governing a province. Rong’er already has a noble title and could receive a fief. How would you govern all of this?” Liang Feng asked in return.
“To tend to the people, ensure their well-being, listen to advice, and keep close to virtuous individuals,” Liang Rong replied. He had known from a young age the responsibilities he would bear, and he spoke with a sense of understanding.
“Yes. As it is in a family, so it is in the world,” Liang Feng nodded. “However, there are still many disasters and challenges that need to be addressed one by one. Rong’er is still young, take your time to learn. One day, you will inherit everything your father leaves for you. Whether it’s the family or the country.”
These words uplifted Liang Rong. Indeed, what he needed to inherit and continue ultimately originated from his father. Now, he was still young and couldn’t help much, but everyone around him was teaching and assisting him, helping him grasp more about governing and even military strategy, and there was no lack of diligence.
This was exactly what his father hoped for him, a responsibility he would inevitably shoulder. And this, far more than an unseen emperor, was more critical.
He needed to grow up quickly. Liang Rong silently repeated this in his heart.
Looking at his son’s solemn little face, Liang Feng smiled, “As the autumn harvest approaches, Rong’er, come with me to the outskirts.”
Only by seeing the common people in the fields, experiencing the labor firsthand, would a child from a noble background, and possibly an heir to a great enterprise, understand what exactly he needed to uphold. If he was to truly rule this world, he hoped to leave behind someone who understood what he needed to protect, rather than another Sima Dynasty.
Seeing his father’s warm smile, Liang Rong’s tightened heart slowly returned to its place. Without any resistance, he held his father’s hand, following him as always, walking towards the door.
Author’s note:
Xie Kun appeared before, the one who flirted and got two teeth knocked out. Xie Pou hasn’t shown up, but he has a son everyone is familiar with, named Xie An.
