On a yellow mud road leading to Lingbi County in Xuzhou, a young man carrying a heavy load approached from the direction of the distant county town.
The young man wore a conical hat typical of mountain woodcutters, with the brim pulled low, revealing only the lower half of his face. Even so, one could still discern his handsome features. He was tall and broad-shouldered with a thick back and large joints, yet his body moved with agility and flexibility. Despite the heavy burden on his shoulders, he strode forward with ease, as if carrying nothing at all. His clothes were old but clean, with neat patches mending the worn elbows, the stitches fine and even, suggesting a skilled needlewoman at home.
This young man was Bi Zhi. He and Da Qiao had settled in a hunting village at the foot of the mountains. With some guidance from Old Wang, he quickly became an excellent hunter. Their home never lacked meat, but they needed to trade at the market for grain, salt, and other necessities. This morning, he had left the mountains at the fourth watch, bringing the animal hides he had accumulated to the market to exchange for the sack of new millet now on his shoulder.
He could have gotten an extra measure if he’d chosen old millet instead. Bi Zhi himself didn’t mind; he could eat tree bark and leaves to fill his stomach if he was truly hungry.
But he had chosen a new millet. He wanted Da Qiao, who was accustomed to fine foods, to eat as well as possible. There were endless wild animals in the mountains, and he had inexhaustible strength. Exchanging for a sack of new millet was merely a matter of hunting a few more animal pelts.
He’d had good luck recently, hunting a beautiful fox pelt with smooth, glossy fur. He had initially planned to tan it and keep it for Da Qiao to use in winter, but she insisted he sell it at the market. He had no choice but to follow her wishes. After selling the pelt this morning, he had some extra money and bought a few feet of fabric for Da Qiao.
She would certainly scold him when he got back. But Bi Zhi was willing to let her chastise him.
There were still over twenty li to the village. Noticing the sun beginning to set in the west, he quickened his pace, fearing Da Qiao would worry if he returned late. Just then, a group of people approached from the opposite direction. About a dozen soldiers wearing ochre clothes, with swords at their waists and spears in hand, were escorting a line of people tied together with ropes, slowly walking towards the county town. The man at the front was on horseback, likely an officer. Those bound by ropes were all men, including not only adults but also white-haired elders and a few frail-looking boys no more than fifteen or sixteen years old.
“Young master, please have mercy and release this old man… I’m nearly fifty, how can I possibly serve in the army and fight?” An old man, forced to move forward by the spear at his back, kept turning his head and pleading pitifully.
A soldier replied, “Your family is registered with three sons, but none of them are in the army now. They’ve all run away. If the sons don’t come, the father must take their place. It’s only right!”
The old man wept, “Young master, you don’t understand. Of my three sons, the eldest died under Commander Xue’s campaign against Qingzhou in the seventh year of Yanyou. The second died in battle in the third year of Dingkang. The youngest passed away suddenly from illness last year. The village head can testify for me. It doesn’t matter if I go, but there’s still a bedridden old woman at home…”
The impatient soldier whipped the old man, “When you’re told to enlist, you enlist! Who cares if your family starves? At least you’ll get fed in the army! Stop your endless chatter!”
The old man cried out in pain and dared not speak further. He wiped his tears and stumbled forward.
Bi Zhi knew that this was Xuzhou Governor Xue Tai forcibly conscripting soldiers again. At the market in town, he had overheard people discussing this matter.
From under his hat brim, he glanced at the weeping white-haired elder, then at the ragged children with vacant expressions chained together behind the old man. Finally, he averted his gaze.
Xuzhou’s Xue Tai was one of the most powerful clan warlords in the Huai River region, constantly waging war. War meant casualties, and casualties meant replenishing troops. With able-bodied men depleted, even the elderly and children were not spared.
Bi Zhi sympathized with these forcibly conscripted individuals, but such matters were beyond his control.
Da Qiao was waiting for him at home.
He adjusted his hat brim and quickened his pace. As he brushed past the lead officer, the officer noticed him and blocked his path with a long halberd across his chest.
“Who are you?” the officer demanded.
“A hunter,” Bi Zhi replied.
“Raise your head.”
Bi Zhi slowly lifted his head. The officer was startled by his green eye, then jabbed at the sack on Bi Zhi’s shoulder with the halberd tip. “What’s in there?”
“Millet.”
But the sack had already been pierced, and yellow grains of new millet spilled out of the hole, scattering on the ground.
The officer looked Bi Zhi up and down. “Come with me and enlist!”
Bi Zhi didn’t move. “Please let me go, sir. I’m not a resident and have no obligation to enlist.”
The officer sneered, “Don’t you know that the Governor will soon launch an attack on Yanzhou? I’m doing you a favor by inviting you to enlist. Yanzhou is vast and wealthy. Once we conquer it, riches and women will be yours for the taking. You’re refusing?”
Bi Zhi’s eyes flickered slightly. He pushed away the halberd still across his chest. “Please let me go, sir. I have matters to attend to. I’ll be on my way.”
He pinched the torn opening of the grain sack on his shoulder and started to walk past the officer’s horse. The officer, feeling slighted, grew angry and thrust his halberd at Bi Zhi’s back. Bi Zhi turned and caught the halberd shaft with one hand, yanking it so hard that the officer was pulled off his horse, landing sprawled on the ground. Humiliated and enraged, the officer ordered his soldiers to seize Bi Zhi. The dozen or so soldiers immediately surrounded Bi Zhi and attacked him all at once.
Realizing the situation couldn’t be resolved peacefully, Bi Zhi set down his sack of grain, snatched the officer’s halberd, and swept it toward the attacking soldiers. In a fierce battle, he managed to knock down a dozen or so soldiers single-handedly. The injured men clutched their legs, rolling on the ground and howling in pain.
The officer, not expecting Bi Zhi to be as fierce as a wild beast, grew terrified. Seeing Bi Zhi approaching with the halberd, looking as if he was about to impale him, the officer scrambled to his feet, mounted his horse, and fled in panic. The remaining soldiers, seeing their commander flee, had no desire to stay and suffer further. They scattered and ran away, leaving behind several spears and swords strewn across the ground.
This violent clash had stunned the conscripted civilians. Seeing all the soldiers flee, they finally came to their senses and knelt before Bi Zhi, kowtowing and calling him their benefactor and hero, begging him to help untie their bonds.
Bi Zhi picked up a fallen sword from the ground and cut the ropes binding the group. Once freed, they bowed repeatedly in gratitude before scattering like birds and beasts.
Bi Zhi gathered the spilled millet, took off his outer garment, and wrapped it around the torn sack. He shouldered the bundle once more and hurried away.
By the time he returned to the village, night was falling. Mountain birds were returning to their nests, and people were heading home. Da Qiao had already prepared dinner and was waiting anxiously by the wicker gate. Seeing her husband’s figure appear on the mountain path in the distance, she ran out to meet him. They returned home together, and under the lamplight, they shared a simple dinner. Bi Zhi told her about his experiences in the county town that day, omitting the incident on the way back. Finally, he presented her with the fabric he had bought.
Da Qiao was secretly delighted but, as expected, scolded him for spending money frivolously. Bi Zhi just smiled and let her chastise him. In the end, Da Qiao put the fabric away and brought out a pair of newly made shoes. She said his feet were large and he climbed mountains and walked long distances every day, so the pair she had made before was already worn out. She told him to put on the new shoes.
As the moon rose over the misty mountains and spring insects chirped, the young couple, newly married and deeply in love, inevitably became intimate almost every night. Tonight, after their passionate encounter, Da Qiao lay with her eyes closed, her head resting on Bi Zhi’s chest. She asked, “Are you hiding something from me, husband? I noticed you’ve been quieter than usual since returning from town.”
Bi Zhi was always a man of few words, but tonight he was even more reticent than usual.
After a moment of hesitation, Bi Zhi said, “On my way back, I overheard that Xuzhou Governor Xue Tai plans to attack Yanzhou.”
Da Qiao sat up in shock. “I’ve never heard of any grudge between my family and Xue Tai. Why would he suddenly attack Yanzhou? Are you sure you heard correctly?”
Bi Zhi then briefly recounted the incident on the road. Da Qiao immediately became anxious. “If my father is unaware and unprepared, what will happen?”
Bi Zhi reassured her, “Don’t panic. It might just be an idle talk from the officer. Tomorrow, I’ll sneak into town to gather more information. If it’s true, I’ll go to Yanzhou as quickly as possible to warn the Governor so he can prepare.”
This calmed Da Qiao somewhat. Bi Zhi continued to comfort her. They waited until dawn. Early the next morning, Bi Zhi went into town again. When he returned after nightfall, he told Da Qiao that he had captured and interrogated a military officer, confirming the news beyond doubt.
Xue Tai was indeed preparing provisions and troops, planning to deploy 100,000 soldiers to seize Yanzhou. The supplies were already en route, and the army would depart in a matter of days.
…
On the twelfth day of the month, the markets and streets of Dongyi were as bustling and peaceful as usual. However, in the main hall of the Governor’s mansion, the atmosphere was extraordinarily tense.
Qiao Yue, Qiao Ping, and a group of advisors and officials from the government office were discussing news that had struck like a bolt from the blue.
A few days ago, an anonymous informant in the government office reported that Xuzhou’s Xue Tai was marching towards Yanzhou with an army of 100,000, covering fifty li per day and expected to arrive within half a month.
Qiao Yue initially didn’t believe it. The Qiao family and Xue Tai had always kept their distance, with no conflicts between them. Although Xue Tai was known for his ambition and notoriety, his targets had always been around the Huai River region. Why would he suddenly send a massive army of 100,000 to attack Yanzhou? Scouts were immediately dispatched. This morning, a messenger returned on a swift horse, confirming the news was true. Xue Tai’s army had already reached Tengdi and would be near Yanzhou in about ten days.
Qiao Yue was shocked and hurriedly called for a meeting to discuss countermeasures. The group was at a loss, and Qiao Yue felt even more helpless.
Zhang Pu said, “My lord, there’s no need to panic. I have a strategy that can solve this crisis.” Qiao Yue asked what it was.
“Xue Tai is known as a fierce tiger, with strong troops and horses, and he’s coming with great momentum. Yanzhou cannot directly confront him. We must quickly send someone to inform the Marquis of Yan. The Wei and Qiao families are bound by marriage. If he doesn’t come to our aid, he would be betraying his word and righteousness, and the world would condemn him.”
Qiao Yue was immediately reminded and hurriedly ordered the chief secretary to draft a letter. It was sealed with wax and sent by swift horse, day and night, to Wei Shao’s hands.
Qiao Ping was also puzzled as to why Xuzhou’s Xue Tai suddenly decided to attack. He was not particularly willing to ask Wei Shao for help again. Last time, because of Zhou Qun’s attack on Rencheng, he had to send away his beloved daughter. Now, with Xue Tai’s invasion, they had to ask Wei Shao for troops again. If Wei Shao cherished his daughter, it would only be a matter of losing face for the Qiao family leaders. But if Wei Shao didn’t love his daughter, this repeated plea for help might only make him look down on her more, further lowering her status in the Wei family.
However, with his elder brother being weak and himself unable to act alone, and with 100,000 troops at their doorstep putting Yanzhou in imminent danger, he could only return home dejected. It was then that he discovered his son, Qiao Ci, was missing. He learned that Qiao Ci, worried about his aunt, had secretly accompanied the messenger to Youzhou on horseback. Alarmed, Qiao Ping immediately ordered people to chase after him, but Qiao Ci had already galloped out of the city gates on his swift horse. How could they possibly catch up to him now?
…
On the same day, Wei Shao finished his border inspection and finally returned to Yuyang from Maye.
He had been gone for half a month. With the sound of horse hooves, he passed through the north gate of Yuyang, returning to the familiar city.
He was in a rather good mood. After entering the city, he dismissed his escort and didn’t go to the government office. Instead, he went straight home to the western chamber. Upon entering, he didn’t see Xiao Qiao, and Spring Maiden wasn’t there either. When he asked a maidservant, he learned that his wife had been invited to the Temple of the Golden Mother of the West in the east of the city to inscribe a mural of the Queen Mother.
At that time, Buddhism and Taoism were both flourishing. Besides following Buddhism, many people also worshipped Taoist deities. The Queen Mother was the foremost female immortal, blessing the land with good weather and bountiful harvests. The local people had lived in peace and prosperity for many years, with many wealthy households. They had pooled their resources to build a temple. Although Madam Xu was a Buddhist, she had generously contributed upon hearing the news.
The temple had just been completed recently, built beautifully and magnificently. A mural wall was erected in front of the main hall, depicting the image of the Queen Mother. The painter was Gao Heng, known as the “Crown of Bohai,” who had come to congratulate Madam Xu on her birthday previously. Gao Heng had accepted the invitation to paint, intending to leave his mark in Yuyang.
Now that the mural was almost complete, it was time for the inscription. He suddenly thought of Wei Shao’s wife’s excellent calligraphy. If she could inscribe the mural of the Queen Mother, it would perfectly complement his painting, adding the finishing touch. He was a clever man and acted on his idea immediately. He had visited two days ago. When Madam Xu learned of his intentions, she readily agreed. Since Madam Xu had nodded her approval, Xiao Qiao didn’t refuse. She had gone there these past two days and hadn’t returned yet today.
Wei Shao felt somewhat disappointed. He also felt slightly displeased, though he didn’t show it in the slightest.
He had been away for half a month, traveling tirelessly between cities every day. He returned covered in dust from his journey. After washing up and changing his clothes, he first went to the northern chamber to pay his respects to his grandmother, Madam Xu.
Madam Xu was very happy to see him return and asked him to sit beside her to talk. Wei Shao accompanied her, speaking little and only occasionally agreeing with Madam Xu’s words.
Madam Xu mentioned the Zhu family, noting that they had just returned from the ancestral hall a few days prior. She said, “Zhonglin, your mother is the matriarch of the Wei family. That aside, for your sake, I shouldn’t have acted this way. However, what she did this time was truly excessive. I hope she remembers this lesson and doesn’t make such mistakes again.”
Although some days had passed since the incident, Madam Xu’s tone still reflected a hint of anger.
Wei Shao nodded in agreement.
Madam Xu cast him a glance, thought for a moment, and then smiled faintly. “You should know that your wife was borrowed by your grandmother a few days ago. It’s getting late, and if she hasn’t returned yet, you can go and fetch her. There’s no need for you to stay here chatting with an old woman like me.”
Wei Shao maintained a serious expression. “I’ll assess the situation. If nothing is pressing, I’ll go as Grandmother instructed.”
Madam Xu nodded, urging him to set off. Wei Shao bowed to his grandmother and then rose to leave.
As he stepped out of the north room, he gradually quickened his pace. Upon reaching the fork leading to the east room, he paused to look back, hesitated for a moment, but ultimately continued onward. He walked straight out the main gate and instructed someone to prepare a horse to head east toward the city.