I

  In the fourth month, the peach blossoms bloomed in Ye City.

  In the rear garden of the Yuan residence, trees laden with blossoms were at their peak—pink and white. When the wind blew, petals drifted down, settling on the bluestone paths like a rain of flowers.

  Cui Yan stood beneath the eaves, gazing at the spring scenery filling the garden. Her face revealed nothing.

  In her hand, she held a confidential report that had just arrived—Guo Tu had denounced her before Yuan Shao the previous night, accusing her of "colluding with the enemy and releasing a wanted criminal." The evidence was that on the night Li Yan escaped, the guard at the west side gate had been knocked unconscious, and that guard was someone Cui Yan herself had transferred there three days earlier.

  "Young Mistress," Qingwu whispered from behind her, "Guo Tu is trying to destroy us."

  "I know." Cui Yan's response was calm.

  She broke off a peach blossom branch and toyed with it in her hand. The petals were delicate, falling at the slightest touch.

  In chaotic times, human hearts were even more fragile than petals. Yesterday's ally could be today's enemy. Guo Tu and she had never been on the same path—he was from the Yingchuan scholar-official clan, a long-standing subordinate of Yuan Shao; she was from the Qinghe Cui clan, a newcomer who had thrown in her lot later. In Guo Tu's eyes, she was an outsider trying to grab a share.

  "Lord Yuan summons you." A guard hurried over and bowed. "Lady Cui is requested to proceed to the main hall immediately."

  Cui Yan handed the peach blossom branch to Qingwu. "Put it in a vase. It will last a couple of days."

  Then she straightened her robes and walked toward the main hall.

  Inside the main hall, the atmosphere was heavy.

  Yuan Shao sat in the host's seat, his expression dark as water. To his left and right stood several men: Guo Tu, Feng Ji, Xu You, Chunyu Qiong. All wore grim expressions, as if attending a funeral.

  Cui Yan entered and bowed. "Yan pays respects to my lord."

  "Cui Yan," Yuan Shao spoke, his voice not loud but oppressive, "Li Yan has escaped. Did you know?"

  "Yes." Cui Yan's tone was calm. "I heard this morning."

  "The guard at the west side gate—you transferred him there?" Guo Tu interjected impatiently.

  "Yes." Cui Yan looked at him. "Three days ago, I noticed lax security at the west side gate and suggested to Steward Tian that reinforcements be added. Steward Tian asked me to recommend someone. I recommended a man named Chen San—formerly a guard at the Cui residence, loyal and reliable."

  "Loyal and reliable?" Guo Tu sneered. "Then how was Chen San knocked unconscious on the night Li Yan escaped? Did you arrange it?"

  Cui Yan smiled. "Master Guo, if I had arranged it, why would I have gone to the trouble of transferring him there? I could have simply let Li Yan scale the wall."

  Guo Tu was momentarily speechless.

  Feng Ji stepped in to mediate. "Lady Cui's reasoning is sound. However, Li Yan's escape is a fact. This man holds the key to the jade tokens. Now that he's gone, the trail is lost. Lady Cui, do you have an explanation?"

  Cui Yan turned to Yuan Shao and bowed. "My lord, I have three questions for your consideration."

  "Speak."

  "First: which is easier—killing Li Yan, or obtaining the jade tokens?"

  Yuan Shao's eyes narrowed. "What do you mean?"

  "If Li Yan dies in Ye City, the whereabouts of the jade tokens will remain a mystery forever." Cui Yan said. "If we let him live, we may yet have another opportunity. The jade tokens are important, but they are not the urgent matter at hand. For now, Ji Province is not yet secured, and your foundation, my lord, is unstable. Is it worth damaging your reputation over a few pieces of jade?"

  "Second: which is easier—gaining one wanderer, or gaining an entire province?"

  "Li Yan is but a wanderer of the Jianghu. Even with his martial skills, he can hardly shake the realm. Ji Province, on the other hand, can field a million troops and has grain to last a decade. Securing it is the key to contending for the empire. Would my lord prefer to expend energy chasing one wanderer, or to concentrate on taking Ji Province?"

  "Third: which is easier—trusting Guo Tu's words, or trusting Cui Yan's ability?"

  At these words, Guo Tu's face changed dramatically. "Cui Yan! You—"

  Cui Yan ignored him and continued. "I came to you, my lord, offering grain and iron, offering strategies and counsel—for what? For the survival of the Cui clan, and also for your grand enterprise, my lord. If you suspect me, my lord, over a single wanderer, I have nothing to say. But I ask you to consider: who at this moment can offer you practical strategies for taking Ji Province?"

  The hall fell utterly silent.

  Yuan Shao stared at Cui Yan, his gaze as sharp as a blade.

  After a long moment, he spoke slowly: "You say the jade tokens are not urgent. What is?"

  "Ji Province." Cui Yan did not hesitate. "Han Fujian possesses a rich land but cannot hold it. Heaven itself offers this opportunity to you, my lord. If you gain Ji Province, you can ally with Gongsun Zan to the north, make common cause with Cao Cao to the south, and attack Dong Zhuo to the west. Your hegemony will be within reach."

  "How do I gain it?"

  Cui Yan took a silk scroll from her sleeve and presented it with both hands. "I have three strategies to break the deadlock. I beg you, my lord, to examine them."

  Yuan Shao took it, unrolled it, and read carefully.

  The more he read, the brighter his eyes became.

  II

  On that silk scroll were the strategies for seizing Ji Province that Cui Yan had devised through a sleepless night.

  The first: Intimidation.

  Han Fu was by nature indecisive and prone to suspicion. Historically, when he was Governor of Ji Province, he had once reduced Yuan Shao's grain supplies out of fear that Yuan Shao would usurp power. What did such a man fear most? Threats.

  Cui Yan suggested spreading a rumor: "Gongsun Zan is about to invade from the south."

  Who was Gongsun Zan? The warlord of You Province, known as General of the White Horse, commanding the elite "White Horse Volunteers," fierce and skilled in battle. His relationship with Yuan Shao was delicate—part cooperation, part rivalry. But Han Fu knew none of this; he only knew that Gongsun Zan was formidable in battle.

  How to spread the rumor? Simple. Find a few "refugees" to wail throughout Ji Province: "The You Province army is coming! They kill everyone they see and seize all the grain!" Also forge a few "letters from Gongsun Zan to Han Fu," arrogant in tone, demanding grain and troops.

  Once Han Fu panicked, he would be thrown into disarray.

  The second: Co-opting.

  Han Fu had failed to win the support of the local scholar-official clans. He was from Yingchuan, and after becoming Governor of Ji Province, he favored his fellow townsmen and alienated the powerful local families of Ji Province. Those local clans—such as Shen Pei, Ju Shou, and Tian Feng—had long been nursing grievances.

  Cui Yan suggested secretly contacting these scholar-officials, promising them high positions.

  Yuan Shao's family had held high office for four generations; his name was renowned throughout the realm. He was, by nature, a leader of the scholar-official class. As long as he made promises—such as "after Ji Province is secured, local clans will retain their positions and even receive promotions and honors"—these men would likely defect.

  The third: Persuasion to surrender.

  Once Han Fu was terrified by the rumors and alienated from the scholar-official clans, send an eloquent speaker directly to Xindu (the administrative center of Ji Province) to persuade Han Fu face-to-face: "The situation is hopeless. Yielding the governorship can ensure your family's safety."

  Choosing the right person was crucial. He could not be too overbearing, lest he frighten Han Fu; nor too weak, lest he appear lacking in confidence.

  Cui Yan recommended one man: Feng Ji.

  Why Feng Ji? Because Feng Ji was a long-standing subordinate of Yuan Shao and enjoyed his trust. Moreover, the man was quick-witted and skilled at reading people's minds.

  After Yuan Shao finished reading the scroll, he was silent for a long time.

  Then he looked up and gazed at Cui Yan. "These three strategies—who will execute them?"

  "The intimidation plan can be entrusted to Master Feng Ji." Cui Yan said. "For co-opting the local scholar-officials, I am willing to go myself. As for the persuasion mission... Master Guo is an eloquent speaker; he might be suitable."

  Her words were cleverly phrased.

  Feng Ji, responsible for spreading rumors, would naturally be happy if he succeeded and gained merit. As for Guo Tu going to persuade—if he succeeded, it would be Guo Tu's achievement; if he failed, Guo Tu would lose face. Moreover, sending him away from Ye City would keep him from droning on in Yuan Shao's ear every day.

  Guo Tu was not stupid; he immediately objected. "My lord! The persuasion mission is of utmost importance. I am lacking in talent and learning; I fear I am unequal to the task!"

  "Master Guo is too modest." Cui Yan smiled. "In the past, in Luoyang, you were able to sway He Jin with but a tongue three inches long. A mere Han Fu is nothing to worry about."

  This was praise meant to damn. Guo Tu had indeed served as a persuader under He Jin, but He Jin had already wanted to do what he did; Guo Tu had merely gone along with the current. Now, to persuade Han Fu to yield his position—that was asking the man to hand over everything he had. The difficulty was not on the same level.

  But Yuan Shao nodded. "Gongze may try. If he succeeds, it will be a great achievement. If not, it matters little."

  Guo Tu's face paled, but he dared not refuse again.

  "Cui Yan," Yuan Shao continued, "co-opting the local scholar-officials is your task. Within ten days, I want to see results."

  "Yes, my lord." Cui Yan bowed.

  "If you succeed," Yuan Shao looked at her, "your role in releasing Li Yan will be forgiven. If you fail..."

  He did not finish, but the meaning was clear.

  Cui Yan bowed again. "Yan will not fail my lord's trust."

  As she left the main hall, Guo Tu shot her a venomous glare and stormed off.

  Feng Ji, however, was polite. He clasped his hands to Cui Yan. "Lady Cui's strategy is excellent."

  "Master Feng flatters me." Cui Yan returned the salute. "I trust you will exert yourself in spreading the rumors."

  "My proper duty." Feng Ji smiled and departed.

  Xu You lingered at the rear. He walked over and said in a low voice, "Lady Cui, Guo Tu is a man of narrow mind. You have offended him today. Be careful from now on."

  Cui Yan glanced at him. "Thank you for the warning, Master Xu."

  Xu You waved a hand and left.

  Only Cui Yan remained under the eaves.

  She gazed at the peach blossoms filling the garden and exhaled softly.

  The first hurdle was crossed.

  But the real difficulty was only just beginning.

  III

  That night, Cui Yan, accompanied by Qingwu, quietly left the Yuan residence.

  They took no carriage, no horses. They walked, threading through streets and alleys, until they reached a residence in the western part of the city.

  The residence was not large, but elegant. The plaque above the gate read "Ju Residence."

  Ju Shou, courtesy name Gongyu, was a native of Guangping in Ji Province, currently serving as Attendant Official of Ji Province—an important strategist under Han Fu. This man was resourceful and enjoyed high prestige among the local scholar-officials of Ji Province.

  Cui Yan knocked on the gate.

  The gate opened. An old servant peered out. "Who is it?"

  "Cui Yan of Qinghe requests an audience with Attendant Official Ju." Cui Yan presented her name card.

  The old servant took it, glanced at it. "Please wait a moment."

  After a short while, the gate opened. Ju Shou himself came out to welcome her.

  He was in his forties, with a gaunt, refined face, a long beard, and a Confucian robe—a man of considerable character.

  "Lady Cui pays a visit late at night. Might I ask your purpose?" Ju Shou's tone was flat, tinged with distance.

  "I have important matters to discuss." Cui Yan said. "May I enter and speak?"

  Ju Shou hesitated, then stepped aside. "Please."

  The three entered the study. Ju Shou ordered the old servant to serve tea, then dismissed the attendants.

  Only Cui Yan, Qingwu, and Ju Shou remained in the study.

  "Lady Cui may speak now." Ju Shou sat down and lifted his teacup. "Have you come as a persuader for Yuan Shao?"

  Cui Yan smiled. "Master Ju speaks directly. Then I will be direct as well—yes and no."

  "What do you mean?"

  "Yes, because I do indeed serve Lord Yuan." Cui Yan said. "No, because I have not come today to persuade, but for the people of Ji Province, and also for your clan, Master Ju."

  Ju Shou raised an eyebrow. "I would be interested to hear."

  "Han Fujian governs Ji Province, but externally he cannot defend against enemies, and internally he cannot provide for the people." Cui Yan spoke slowly. "During the Yellow Turban rebellion last year, hundreds of thousands died in Ji Province, and Han Fu was helpless. Now Dong Zhuo has usurped power, and the whole realm is in turmoil. Ji Province is wealthy and will surely become a target. With Han Fu's abilities, can he defend it?"

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  Ju Shou was silent.

  "He cannot." Cui Yan answered her own question. "Then war will engulf the land, the people will suffer, and even the scholar-official clans will find it hard to survive. Your clan, Master Ju, is in Guangping, with ten thousand acres of land and a thousand servants. When the chaos comes, can these be preserved?"

  "And Yuan Shao can preserve them?" Ju Shou countered.

  "Lord Yuan's family has held high office for four generations; his name is known everywhere. Beneath him are strategists like clouds and generals like rain." Cui Yan said. "More importantly, Lord Yuan has ambition and means. Ji Province, in his hands, can become the foundation of hegemony. Under his governance, the scholar-official clans can be preserved, and the people can live in peace."

  Ju Shou smiled coldly. "Lady Cui speaks prettily. But in chaotic times, who does not raise the banner of benevolence and righteousness while actually pursuing conquest and annexation? If Yuan Shao gains Ji Province, will he truly treat us well?"

  Cui Yan took a scroll from her sleeve and placed it on the table.

  "This is a detailed account of the Cui clan's landholdings in Ji Province." She said. "In total: thirty thousand acres of good land, twelve estates, and thirty shops."

  Ju Shou glanced at it. "Lady Cui flaunts her wealth?"

  "No," Cui Yan shook her head. "This is sincerity."

  She opened the scroll and pointed to an entry. "If you are willing to assist, Master Ju, the Cui clan is prepared to cede these three estates and five thousand acres of good land to you and the other local scholar-officials of Ji Province, as a gesture of Lord Yuan's goodwill in placating the local clans."

  Ju Shou was stunned.

  Five thousand acres of good land, three estates—this was no small gesture.

  "Lady Cui... are you serious?"

  "I am." Cui Yan looked at him. "I know you are not a man who covets wealth, Master Ju. But these properties can help you win support and stabilize your clan. In chaotic times, wealth is an external thing, but it can also be a life-preserving talisman."

  Ju Shou was silent for a long time.

  The study was very quiet, only the crackling of the candles.

  After a long while, he looked up. "What does Lady Cui want me to do?"

  "Contact Shen Pei, Tian Feng, and the other local scholar-officials of Ji Province." Cui Yan said. "Persuade them to support Lord Yuan. When the time is ripe, submit a joint memorial urging Han Fu to yield his position."

  "This is forcing his hand."

  "It is following Heaven's will and responding to the people's wishes." Cui Yan corrected him. "Han Fu lacks both virtue and ability. Occupying Ji Province is a curse, not a blessing. Lord Yuan taking his place is good fortune for Ji Province."

  Ju Shou smiled bitterly. "Lady Cui has a silver tongue."

  He stood and paced the study.

  After three circuits, he stopped.

  "I can agree," he said. "But I have two conditions."

  "Name them."

  "First: after Lord Yuan enters Ji Province, he must promise not to pursue Han Fu or his subordinates, and to spare their lives and property."

  "Agreed."

  "Second: the local scholar-official clans of Ji Province shall retain their positions. Those with merit shall be promoted; those without shall remain. No purges."

  "I can make this promise on behalf of Lord Yuan." Cui Yan said. "If he breaks it, the Cui clan will forfeit all its property as guarantee."

  These were weighty words.

  Ju Shou looked at her deeply. "Lady Cui, you are gambling heavily."

  "In chaotic times, not to gamble is to wait for death." Cui Yan's voice was calm. "I prefer to take the risk."

  Ju Shou finally nodded. "Very well. I agree."

  Cui Yan rose and bowed deeply. "Thank you, Master Ju."

  "Don't thank me." Ju Shou waved a hand. "I am also doing this for the people of Ji Province."

  They discussed some further details. When Cui Yan took her leave, it was already midnight.

  As she walked out of the Ju residence, the night wind was cool.

  Qingwu draped a cloak over her shoulders. "Young Mistress, did we succeed?"

  "The first step is done." Cui Yan said. "Now it's Guo Tu's turn to perform."

  She glanced back at the Ju residence. Its lights were already extinguished.

  She hoped this move was not a mistake.

  IV

  At the same time, outside Linzi City in Qing Province.

  Li Yan crouched by a small river, watching the fish swimming to and fro, swallowing saliva.

  "Brother Horse," he said to his old nag beside him, "tell me, is this fish better steamed or braised?"

  The old horse lowered its head to drink, ignoring him.

  Li Yan sighed, took out his last half of flatbread from his robe, broke off a small piece, and tossed it into the river. Several fish swarmed over to fight for it, splashing water everywhere.

  "See, even the fish know what's good better than you do," he said to the horse.

  The old horse snorted disdainfully.

  Li Yan laughed, stuffed the remaining bread into his mouth, and chewed.

  He had arrived in Qing Province three days ago.

  After leaving Ye City, he had traveled east, sticking to back roads. When hungry, he gnawed on dry rations; when thirsty, he drank from streams; when tired, he slept in broken-down temples. Though his old horse loved eating tree bark, it wasn't slow. In three days, they had covered over two hundred li.

  The situation in Qing Province was even worse than in Ji Province.

  Although the Yellow Turban rebellion had been suppressed, remnants remained. Local strongmen had seized the opportunity to raise troops, some calling themselves "Yellow Turban Divine Envoys," others claiming to be "Reincarnations of the Heavenly General"—but in truth, they were all bandits, looting grain, money, and women.

  Li Yan had passed through several villages. Nine out of ten houses were empty, fields lay fallow, and wild dogs gnawed on corpses.

  He couldn't save everyone, only do his best.

  The old man and child he had rescued in Zhongshan Kingdom, he had entrusted to a relatively safe village. When they parted, the old man knelt and kowtowed, the child clung to his legs and wept. Li Yan's heart was heavy, but he had no choice—he had to keep moving.

  As he was thinking, hoofbeats sounded in the distance.

  Li Yan's ears pricked up. He pulled his old horse behind a tree and hid.

  A troop of cavalry galloped past on the official road, about twenty strong, dressed in a motley assortment. Some wore yellow scarves, some didn't. They carried swords and spears, and their horses were laden with large and small bundles—clearly they had just finished looting.

  Their leader was a dark-faced brute with fleshy features, two flags stuck in his back. One read "Yellow Heaven Stands Established," the other "Acting on Heaven's Behalf."

  "Pah," Li Yan cursed under his breath, "acting on Heaven's behalf—more like acting on your own behalf to steal grain."

  He waited until the cavalry had passed, then emerged and continued on his way.

  By dusk, he had arrived outside Linzi City.

  Linzi was the administrative center of Qing Province, with high walls and tight security. A long queue stretched from the city gate—all refugees seeking shelter. The guards checked everyone carefully: those with travel permits were allowed in; those without were turned away.

  Li Yan had travel permits—several that Shopkeeper Sun had prepared before his death, usable in various places.

  But he didn't rush to enter the city.

  Because he saw, not far outside the city, a vast area of shacks, densely packed, filled with people. A refugee camp.

  He led his horse over.

  The shack area was chaotic, stinking to high heaven. Old people sat in front of their shacks staring blankly; children ran around naked; women cooked meals—if you could call it that: a pot of thin gruel, clear enough to see one's reflection.

  Li Yan found the person in charge—a Confucian scholar in his fifties, surnamed Chen, formerly a teacher at the county school. In these chaotic times, he distributed gruel here.

  "Master Chen," Li Yan clasped his hands, "how many people are living here?"

  Master Chen sighed. "Over three thousand, and still increasing. The city won't let them in, so they have to stay here."

  "Is there enough grain?"

  "No." Master Chen shook his head. "The authorities give out gruel once a day, one bowl per person, watery as anything. Some are so hungry they dig up grass roots and tree bark. Some... exchange their children for food."

  His voice choked on the last words.

  Li Yan was silent.

  He took out a few gold leaves from his robe—the ones Cui Yan had given him—and handed them to Master Chen. "Buy some grain. Keep them going as long as you can."

  Master Chen accepted them, his hands trembling. "Righteous man... this..."

  "Take it." Li Yan said. "I'll stay here tonight. I'll leave tomorrow."

  Master Chen thanked him profusely and arranged for him to stay in a relatively clean shack.

  The shack already had three occupants: an old man, a child, and a young man.

  The young man was about twenty-seven or twenty-eight, tall and powerfully built, with a back like a tiger's. Though his clothes were shabby, his eyes were sharp, his back straight—clearly not an ordinary person.

  When Li Yan entered, he was sharpening a knife.

  The knife was old but polished bright.

  "Greetings, brother." Li Yan said.

  The young man looked up at him, nodded, and continued sharpening.

  Li Yan didn't mind. He found a corner, sat down, took out his dry rations, and shared them with the old man and the child. The old man accepted them, thanking him profusely. The child took them timidly and ate in small bites.

  The young man saw this. His hand paused on the knife.

  "Where are you from?" he suddenly asked.

  "Ji Province." Li Yan said.

  "Ji Province..." the young man mused. "I hear Yuan Shao is going to take Ji Province. True or false?"

  "True." Li Yan gnawed on his flatbread. "And it'll happen soon."

  "What's Yuan Shao like?"

  "His family's held high office for four generations. He's famous, and he's ruthless." Li Yan thought for a moment. "Better than Han Fu. But whether he can succeed—hard to say."

  The young man nodded, asked no more, and continued sharpening his knife.

  Li Yan watched the way he sharpened and suddenly said, "Brother, that technique you're using—it's the military style."

  The young man's hand stopped. He looked up. "You can tell?"

  "My father was in the border army." Li Yan lied—actually, his master had taught him. "Brother, were you in the army?"

  The young man was silent for a moment, then nodded. "I was a commandery soldier. Later... I offended someone and ran."

  "What's your name?"

  "Surname Taishi, given name Ci, courtesy name Ziyi."

  Taishi Ci?

  Li Yan's mind raced—he seemed to have heard that name before. Right, his master had mentioned it: there was a righteous man in Qing Province named Taishi Ci, exceptionally brave and valiant, who valued his word more than his life.

  "So it's Brother Taishi." Li Yan clasped his hands. "I am Li Yan."

  Taishi Ci returned the salute. "Brother Li."

  They were now acquainted.

  At night, the shack area was very quiet, broken only by occasional coughs and children's cries.

  Li Yan couldn't sleep. He sat outside the shack, looking at the stars.

  Taishi Ci also came out and sat down beside him.

  "Brother Li, where are you headed next?" he asked.

  "Haven't decided yet." Li Yan said. "Maybe Xu Province, maybe Jing Province. What about you, Brother Taishi?"

  "Me?" Taishi Ci smiled bitterly. "My mother is in Donglai. I want to go back and see her. But the road is dangerous—the Yellow Turban bandits are causing trouble."

  "Which Yellow Turban bandits?"

  "Guan Hai." Taishi Ci said. "He's gathered several thousand men, occupied a mountain stronghold, and plunders the countryside. A few days ago, he besieged a manor outside Linzi and killed over a hundred people."

  Li Yan frowned. "The authorities don't do anything?"

  "They can't." Taishi Ci shook his head. "The Inspector of Qing Province, Jiao He, is a useless mediocrity. He spends all his time praying and divining, hoping Heaven will punish the Yellow Turbans. Relying on him is like hoping a sow will climb a tree."

  Li Yan laughed. "That's a good one."

  They chatted a while longer. Taishi Ci said he wanted to organize local volunteers to resist, but he lacked weapons, grain, and manpower.

  "Brother Li, how skilled are you in martial arts?" he suddenly asked.

  "So-so." Li Yan was modest.

  "I doubt that." Taishi Ci stared at him. "You walk without a sound, and your breathing is long and steady—you're a trained man. And that knife at your waist—though you haven't drawn it, I can tell from the scabbard it's no ordinary blade."

  Li Yan's heart tightened—this Taishi Ci had sharp eyes.

  "I know a few moves for self-defense," he said.

  Taishi Ci nodded and asked no further.

  It was late. They returned to the shack to sleep.

  Li Yan lay on his straw mat, listening to the wind outside, thinking.

  Taishi Ci seemed like a real man. Should he help him?

  If he helped, it might delay his journey. If he didn't, it would weigh on his conscience.

  Ah, well. He'd decide tomorrow.

  He closed his eyes and slept.

  V

  Early the next morning, Li Yan was awakened by noise.

  Shouts and hoofbeats came from outside the shack.

  He sat up, rolled off his mat, and rushed out.

  A troop of cavalry was charging into the shack area, cutting down anyone they saw, seizing anything they could. Their leader was a one-eyed man, brandishing a large blade and laughing uproariously: "Loot! Loot it all, boys! Grain! Women! Take everything!"

  It was the fake Yellow Turban band from yesterday!

  The refugees scattered in all directions, but where could they run? The shack area was small, surrounded by open ground.

  Master Chen rushed out and stood in front of the cavalry. "Stop! This is a refugee camp—these are innocent people!"

  The one-eyed man swung his blade. "Get out of the way!"

  Master Chen closed his eyes in terror.

  Just as the blade was about to fall, a figure flashed by.

  Clang!

  The blade was parried.

  It was Taishi Ci.

  He held the knife he had been sharpening all night, blocking the one-eyed man's blade. His gaze was icy. "Bullying innocent people—what kind of hero are you?"

  The one-eyed man was startled, then furious. "You're asking for death!"

  He withdrew his blade and struck again. Taishi Ci, instead of retreating, advanced. He slashed at the man's wrist.

  The one-eyed man screamed, his blade flying from his grip. Taishi Ci seized the opportunity and kicked him in the chest, knocking him off his horse.

  The other cavalrymen saw this and closed in.

  Li Yan sighed. He drew his short knife from his belt.

  "Brother Horse," he said to his old nag beside him, "looks like we'll have to stretch our legs today."

  He charged forward.

  His figure moved like the wind. Before anyone could see his form, his blade flashed all around.

  Two cavalrymen hadn't even reacted before their wrists were slashed and their weapons clattered to the ground. Li Yan didn't kill—only wounded. These were bandits, but they didn't deserve death. Just disabling them was enough.

  Taishi Ci was even fiercer. He was like a tiger among sheep—one slash, one man down. He cut down three or four cavalrymen. The rest, seeing the tide turn, tried to flee, but Taishi Ci wouldn't let them. He caught up and struck again.

  In less than the time it takes an incense stick to burn, over twenty cavalrymen lay strewn about, dead or wounded.

  The one-eyed man tried to crawl away, but Li Yan stepped on him.

  "Spare me, good sir!" he begged.

  "Who sent you?" Li Yan demanded.

  "It was... it was General Guan Hai..."

  "Where is Guan Hai?"

  "Thirty li east, at Black Wind Stockade."

  Li Yan looked at Taishi Ci. "Brother Taishi, what do you say?"

  Taishi Ci wiped the blood from his blade. "We wipe him out."

  "Just the two of us?"

  "Plus the able-bodied men among these refugees—we can muster a hundred." Taishi Ci said. "Guan Hai may have a large following, but most are rabble. With a good plan, we can defeat them."

  Li Yan thought for a moment, then nodded. "Alright. Count me in."

  He had always despised those who bullied the weak.

  They began organizing. There were indeed some able-bodied young men among the refugees, long frustrated by the bandits' oppression. When they heard about attacking Guan Hai, they eagerly volunteered.

  Soon, they had over a hundred men.

  Their weapons were crude—hoes, clubs, cleavers, anything—but their morale was high.

  Taishi Ci divided them into three groups: one to ambush, one to lure the enemy, one to lead the main assault. Li Yan was tasked with infiltrating the enemy camp and setting fire to their grain stores.

  The plan was set. They had a good meal—Master Chen used the gold leaves Li Yan had given him to buy grain and cooked a large pot of thick porridge.

  After eating, they set out.

  Before leaving, Li Yan entrusted his old horse to Master Chen. "Brother Horse, you stay here. Don't run off, and don't eat any tree bark—especially not Master Chen's vegetables."

  The old horse snorted, as if agreeing.

  Li Yan patted its neck, then turned and followed the group.

  The column of men vanished into the morning mist.

  Master Chen stood before the shack, gazing in the direction they had gone, murmuring, "Righteous men..."

  Beside him, an old man pulled a child to their knees, kowtowing.

  The child asked, "Grandfather, will Uncle Li win?"

  The old man stroked his head. "He will. Good people are rewarded."

  They could only hope so.

  VI

  Black Wind Stockade was situated in a mountain hollow, easy to defend and hard to attack.

  The stockade walls were made of wood, not very high, but there was a watchtower with men on patrol. The gate was closed, with barricades in front.

  Li Yan and Taishi Ci hid in the woods, observing.

  "A direct assault won't work." Taishi Ci said. "We're too few, and our weapons are too poor. We can't breach the walls."

  "Then we lure them out." Li Yan said. "Guan Hai is short of grain. Let's pretend to be a grain convoy passing by the stockade. He's greedy—he'll come out to seize it."

  "How do we pretend? We don't have any grain."

  Li Yan grinned. "Master Chen has some, doesn't he? Not much, but enough to make a show. If that's not enough, we can stuff sacks with straw."

  Taishi Ci thought about it and nodded. "It's worth a try."

  He sent someone back to have Master Chen prepare twenty donkey carts, with sacks filled with straw and a layer of grain on top for appearance.

  By afternoon, everything was ready.

  The "grain convoy" slowly passed in front of Black Wind Stockade.

  Just as expected, the stockade gate opened.

  Guan Hai himself led the charge—about two hundred men, all armed.

  "Halt! Leave the grain!" Guan Hai roared.

  He was a dark-faced giant, eight feet tall, broad-shouldered and thick-waisted, wielding a massive battle axe—quite intimidating.

  The "convoy" abandoned the carts and fled. Guan Hai was overjoyed. He ordered his men to seize the grain. After hauling a few sacks and discovering they were filled with straw, they realized they had been tricked.

  "Retreat! Quick!" he shouted.

  But it was too late.

  Taishi Ci led his men charging from both flanks, straight for the stockade gate. Li Yan took advantage of the chaos to slip into the enemy camp—his lightness skills were good; scaling walls was like walking on level ground.

  Once inside, he headed straight for the granary.

  The granary was large, filled with stacks of sacks. Li Yan opened a few—they contained grain. Guan Hai had obviously plundered a lot.

  He took out his fire starter and lit several sacks. Flames leaped up and quickly spread.

  Outside, Taishi Ci had already broken through the gate and was charging in. Guan Hai's men resisted, and a melee ensued.

  Li Yan emerged from the granary and saw Guan Hai locked in combat with Taishi Ci.

  Guan Hai was powerful, his battle axe whistling fiercely. Taishi Ci's blade-work was exquisite, but he was slightly outmatched in strength; gradually, he was losing ground.

  Li Yan crept up behind Guan Hai and, taking him unawares, stabbed at his lower back.

  Guan Hai sensed the danger and turned to parry. Li Yan sidestepped and slashed at the man's wrist.

  Clang!

  The battle axe fell. Taishi Ci seized the opportunity and slashed at Guan Hai's shoulder.

  Guan Hai screamed and collapsed.

  "Tie him up!" Taishi Ci ordered.

  The fight ended quickly. Most of Guan Hai's men were dead or wounded; the rest surrendered.

  Taishi Ci ordered the granary opened and freed the imprisoned villagers—men and women, all abducted. The granary was full of stolen grain, and the storehouses held gold, silver, and cloth.

  "Distribute these goods back to the people," Taishi Ci commanded.

  The villagers cheered and knelt, kowtowing. "Thank you, Righteous Man Taishi! Thank you, Righteous Man Li!"

  Li Yan stood aside, watching, his heart warmed.

  This Taishi Ci was indeed a true hero.

  VII

  That night, they celebrated in the stockade.

  Taishi Ci produced the wine Guan Hai had hidden. They drank from large bowls and feasted on meat. Everyone rejoiced in their victory; the atmosphere was lively.

  Li Yan sat in a corner, slowly sipping his wine.

  "Brother Li!" Taishi Ci came over with a bowl. "Today, we owe it all to you. Come, I toast you!"

  Li Yan clinked bowls. "Brother Taishi is brave and skilled. I admire you."

  They drained their bowls.

  Taishi Ci sat down beside him and looked at him. "Brother Li, your martial skills are superb, and your insight is uncommon. Why not establish yourself and make a name? In these chaotic times, this is exactly when a man should use his abilities."

  Li Yan smiled. "I'm too used to the free life. I chafe under约束."

  "Then join me!" Taishi Ci clapped his shoulder. "Let's join forces and carve out our own territory in Qing Province! Protect the people and bring peace to the land—wouldn't that be satisfying?"

  Li Yan looked into his sincere eyes and felt moved.

  But he still shook his head. "I appreciate your kindness, Brother Taishi. But... I still have unfinished business. I must see to it."

  "What business?" Taishi Ci asked. "Perhaps I can help."

  Li Yan hesitated.

  He couldn't speak of the jade tokens. Nor of Cui Yan.

  "Personal matters," he finally said. "When they're done, if you'll still have me, Brother Taishi, I'll come back and drink with you."

  Taishi Ci wanted to persuade him further, but seeing Li Yan's determined expression, he knew it was futile.

  "Alright," he raised his bowl. "It's settled then. When you come back to Qing Province, you must find me!"

  "Certainly."

  They drained another bowl.

  The night grew late. Gradually, everyone dispersed.

  Li Yan lay down in the room assigned to him...