126 Extra 1: "Records of the Grand Historian, Volume 17, The Family History of Huo Yan, Marquis of Tai'an"

◎Huo Yan: Mingzhu wants to go to the wind and dust.◎

Huo Yan, courtesy name Chunhe, was a native of Pingyang, Hedong. He was the elder sister of Wei Qing, Grand Marshal and General, Marquis of Changping, and the same-born brother of Qubing, Grand Marshal, General of the Cavalry, and Marquis of Guanjun. They were twins. Yan was born two quarters after Qubing. He was also a cousin of Crown Prince Ju (Emperor Ming). The Emperor (Emperor Wu) loved him dearly, often calling him by his nickname "Ayan" and personally bestowing upon him the courtesy name "Chunhe," implying that he "warmed like spring, bringing peace to the world." He treated him like his own son, a treatment unmatched by any other prince. His nickname and famous sayings, as I have heard, were his childhood expressions. Little did I know that he would later become renowned for his eloquence.

Yan possessed a handsome appearance and a slender figure, his brows often imbued with the warmth of the morning glow, evoking a jade mountain reflecting the sun. He was gentle and sensitive, quick to joke and laugh, yet his heart held vast ambitions, encompassing the universe. The two brothers slept together from infancy, inseparable. As adults, they rode side by side, their bond unwavering. People of their time lamented, "The Huo twins were gifted heroes, their brotherly bond unprecedented."

Yan was born with a brilliant mind and a talent for managing the world. When he was young, his uncle Qing rose to prominence. When their mother married a son of the Chen family, Yan and Qubing followed their uncle Qing. The two sons were incredibly intelligent, and Qing often worried they might become undisciplined. He compared them to flowing water, urging them to exercise caution and agility. Later, the two sons achieved fame, their talents flowing like water, a testament to their success.

At the age of six, Yan met the emperor. The emperor loved him and gave him calligraphy as a student of the great master Jiang Gong. At that time, powerful people rose up and exploited the common people. Although still a child, Yan composed "Three Strategies for Controlling the Tyrants" and presented it to Jiang Gong. It advocated "suppressing annexation, equalizing taxes and labor service, and promoting education." His insights were so eloquent that Jiang Gong was amazed and thought him a genius.

The emperor was very fond of him and appointed him as a attendant when he was still young, always keeping him by his side.

In the second year of Yuanguang, when he was just eight years old, the great scholar Dong Zhongshu was giving lectures, and Yan entered his private school to listen to the lectures.

Zhongshu called it a bright pearl, and further said that a bright pearl should be presented in a bright hall. Yan replied, "A bright pearl shines only when it is cast in darkness! When cast in a dark room, its light becomes even brighter. Does it lose its quality because of the obscurity of the room? The way of a bright pearl is to shine naturally, not to be displayed on a high platform!" This is called the "bright pearl in the dark theory." Zhongshu was stunned, then clapped his hands and sighed, "This child's wisdom is shining in the dark room!"

Later, when Zhang Tang was in charge of affairs, Yan Chi argued for him sincerely, and his arguments were like pearls thrown into the dark, which made him famous in Chang'an.

In the third year of the Yuanguang reign, the Yellow River burst its banks at Huzi River. The emperor sent his loyal ministers Ji An and Zheng Dangshi to address the situation. Yan, then nine years old, arrived there on a study tour. Seeing the thousands of miles of marshy land and the widespread suffering, he embarked on a thousand-mile trek to investigate the source of the flood. He invented the "sand-binding embankment reinforcement" method: using large bags filled with sand, stacked them to form a dam, and planting willow trees to reinforce the foundation, diverting the water. He personally led officials and civilians to work tirelessly day and night. The new embankment tamed the turbulent waves, ultimately preventing a major breach in the Yellow River for three hundred years. At the time, laborers carrying soil up the embankment struggled, and many fell and were injured. Watching a windlass draw water, Yan had a sudden realization and invented the "pulley-lifting horse" method. He erected a raised platform on the embankment bank, equipped it with a pulley system, and ropes were tied to large bags filled with soil. Laborers pulled from below, allowing the soil and rock to be easily lifted to the top of the embankment.

Elders along the river wept with emotion and erected a statue of him beside the Hebo Temple, respectfully calling him "Mr. Huo." Incense burned endlessly, and they sang, "When Mr. Huo arrives, Hebo rests, the Yellow Dragon is bound, and the people stand!" However, he was still young and very beautiful, while most statues resembled an old man. Therefore, the people only knew Mr. Huo's name, not his face. Later, when I met Yan and asked him about this, he said that the person the people knew was me. I was deeply impressed.

In the fourth year of the Yuanshuo reign, at the age of sixteen, Yan was promoted to the position of Chief of the Imperial Liquor Bureau, in charge of the entire nation's liquor monopoly. He wrote "Six Strategies for the Liquor Monopoly," which established a system of "government-run monopoly on brewing, grading taxes, prohibiting private brewing, and establishing distilleries to provide relief to vagrants." Annual revenue doubled, the treasury was filled, and vagrants found employment. His policies were brilliant and have been revered as a guiding principle for generations to come.

At that time, Yan was a young man with a successful career and exceptional appearance. At a banquet, a young man from a wealthy family presented him with dozens of beautiful jade rings and pendants. Yan, enamored with their splendor, hung them all around his leather belt. As he walked, the rings clashed, creating a melodious sound. His brother, Qubing, saw this and laughed heartily, "My brother's movements are like music. Why wouldn't thieves come?" Yan smiled, pointed to his face, and said, "No, I resemble you. Seeing me, the scoundrels are terrified. How dare they come near and steal the jade?" Everyone who heard this was stunned.

In the sixth year of Yuanshuo, Yan accompanied his brother, Guanjun Hou Qubing, on an expedition against the Xiongnu. Though young, Yan was a skilled archer and horseman, accompanying the army for a thousand miles and even achieving the feat of crossing a horse. Upon hearing of the victory, Emperor Wu conferred upon him the title of Marquis of Tai'an, with a fief of 1,000 households. The fact that the brothers were all granted marquises at a young age was unheard of.

In the first year of the Yuanshou reign, I was recommended as the prefect of Jiaodong. At the time, some doubted that a scholar would be able to govern a prefecture of this magnitude. Wei Yan smiled and said, "You have a mind full of thousands of books, how could you be confined to bamboo and silk?" He taught me how to boil the sea to make salt, opened up sea trade routes, and established equal prices at the ports. Within three years, Jiaodong's salt was as white as snow, merchants flocked to it, and granaries were well stocked, making it the most prosperous province in the world. The brightness of spring can illuminate a jade from the dusty mud.

In the second year of Yuanshou, a decisive battle took place in Mobei. Yan, then twenty years old, led a detachment to support General Wei Qing. At the time, the general was trapped by the main force of the Chanyu. Acting decisively, Yan led a swift advance with light cavalry, like a divine force descending from the sky. They cut down the Xiongnu's corrupted banners, and the Xiongnu were routed. In this battle, the Xiongnu king was killed, and the Xiongnu fled. Emperor Wu was delighted and further increased his fiefdom and promoted him to the rank of Colonel of Grain Search, with a rank of 2,000 dan.

In the fourth year of Yuanshou, he was the captain of the grain collection department, in charge of agricultural affairs throughout the country. With sympathy for the hardships of farmers, he invented the plow and the curved plow, and wrote the "Order to Encourage Agriculture" to be promulgated in counties and states. He encouraged the people and officials in the countryside. He also established the "Changping Granary" to stabilize the price of grain and the "Poverty Relief Center" to care for the orphans and widows. He cared about the people and benefited all the people. At that time, he and the Minister of Agriculture Sang Hongyang jointly managed the salt and iron industry, harmonizing the yin and yang, and balancing the treasury and the people's strength. During his tenure, Yan occasionally toured counties and states to encourage farming. He often rode a fine horse, wearing a light fur coat and a loose belt. It was spring, and flowers were blooming on the roads. Yan's face was beautiful, his smile was warm, and the sunlight shone brightly. Farmers and mulberry girls on the roadside looked at him and forgot about their work. Some brave girls even picked wild flowers and threw them in front of the horses. A ballad spread in Chang'an: "When Huo Lang passed by, the morning glow fell, and the front of the horse was full of spring flowers."

That winter, Yan fell ill. The emperor, appreciating his talent and concerned about the strain of government, promoted him, making an exception, to the position of Imperial College Director, a rank of 2,000 stone, allowing him to rest and cultivate talent. Yan reformed the school system, eliminating the empty talk of corrupt scholars and creating six "practical" branches: mathematics, agriculture, engineering, commerce, water conservancy, and military affairs. He advocated that "officials must learn practical skills" and personally established performance evaluations, selecting officials based on their talents.

He once lectured on the Book of Documents for five days, analyzing the classics and discussing current affairs with such eloquence that he captivated the world. Students flocked to his lecture hall, filling the streets and alleys, and the Imperial College was unprecedentedly prosperous. Later, many of the pillars of the imperial court came from his disciples, known as "Chunhe disciples." In later years, Tai'an was always mentioned in discussions about the Book of Documents.

While serving as Jijiu (official priest), Yan was a young military genius. He was deeply impressed by his uncle's masterful military tactics, his imaginative and unconventional skills difficult to convey in words. He urged them to orally convey their life's insights, while he himself, working by candlelight, penned down a brilliant diction, summarizing and refining them in five volumes, combining their strengths with his own insights into logistics, strategy, and equipment. The "Wei Huo Art of War" has since been passed down through the ages. The book was stored in the Imperial Academy's armory and later became a required study for generals. People of his time often said, "To learn the art of war, one must first memorize the Wei Huo Art."

In the second year of the Yuanding reign, at the age of 26, he was promoted to the position of Grand Minister of Agriculture, becoming the youngest of the Nine Ministers of the dynasty. During his tenure, he diligently promoted state governance. He imported alfalfa, grapes, and sesame from the Western Regions and promoted new agricultural methods. He expanded the Maritime Silk Road, sending large ships to the South China Sea. He used work-for-relief measures, dug the Longshou and Lingqu Canals, and fertilized thousands of miles of land. He established a "Medical Office" and compiled the "Hundred Herbal Prescriptions" to benefit the people. He and his brother exercised an iron fist to control the Western Regions, stationing troops and cultivating farmland. They also signed "Gang Mutual Trade Agreements" with various countries, and the Han Dynasty's prestige spread far and wide. His contemporaries praised him, saying, "Mr. Huo, you never have to worry about food and clothing. You have good crops in the fields and fine furs in the market."

After Emperor Wu's death, Emperor Ming (Liu Ju) ascended the throne. Yan was promoted to Imperial Censor and then Prime Minister. He eliminated long-standing corruption, rectified official administration, reduced taxes and levies, and gave the people peace. Domestic waste was completely eradicated, the treasury was abundant, the people were prosperous, the barbarians were submissive, and all nations came to pay tribute. People of his time often said, "Mr. Huo is truly the prime minister of a prosperous era."

In the thirty-fifth year of Emperor Ming's reign, Grand Marshal Qu Bing died. Yan was seventy-three years old at the time, holding the highest position among the officials, enjoying unparalleled honors. Upon hearing the tragic news, he remained calm, caressing his brother's remaining sword and armor, muttering, "Brother, I am gone too."

Three days later, he lectured on the Book of Changes at the Imperial Academy.

That day, the sky was clear and the air was fresh. Yan once again ascended the Biyong, offering insightful analysis, his knowledge surpassing that of years past. He lectured on the Book of Changes for three days, leaving the streets of Chang'an deserted. After the lecture, the students gathered around to ask for his advice. Yan continued to chat and laugh as usual, then took out his qin and personally played the "Deer Calling" section. When the piece concluded, he ordered wine and joined the students in their rejoicing. As they drank, he suddenly put down his scroll and smiled, "Follow my students, my path is not alone."

After saying this, he passed away at his desk. A breeze blew through the hall, pear blossoms dotted his robes, and his expression was as peaceful as if he were asleep. Everyone in the room was stunned, and then a cry of grief shook the sky.

Upon hearing the news, Emperor Ming was overcome with grief. Touched by the deep bond between the brothers, he decreed that the coffin of Grand Marshal Huo Xian (son of Emperor Qubing) and Grand Minister of Agriculture Huo Guang (brother of Emperor Yan) be held for three days, and that they be buried together with Emperor Wu in Maoling Mausoleum. Furthermore, in compliance with Yan's last wish to "not burden the people," a separate tomb was not built, and the brothers were buried together. Furthermore, he was buried in his ordinary clothes on the bank of the Yellow River, which he had fortified in the past, in the hope that he would forever protect the people and keep the River God in check. On the day of the funeral, the market in Chang'an was closed, and shipping was stopped in Jiaodong. Along the Yellow River, people in mourning gathered along the roadsides, weeping for days.

Li Yannian, the sister of Li Yannian, the commander of the Imperial Music Department, was renowned for her dancing skills. Upon hearing of Li Yannian's death, Li was overcome with grief. On the day of the funeral, Li danced gracefully, not to any languid music, but to the ancient Qingshang tune "Huai De Yin." Her movements were melancholy and rhythmic, a lamentation of sorrow. At the end of the dance, she bowed twice, facing west, her blouse wet with tears. The audience was deeply moved, and the Wei River itself wept.

Sima Qian said: "When I was young, Chunhe recommended me. I bravely presented my talents to the emperor, regardless of suspicion. Later, when I was in charge of Jiaodong, I relied on him to generously teach me about salt policy and guide me in governing the county. His kindness to me was like a rebirth. We cherished each other and became close friends."

His life truly lived up to his childhood adage, "a pearl cast into obscurity": In his youth, he was a brilliant talent, like a pearl shining on the steps of a palace. As he grew older, he fought on the battlefield, managed the salt and iron industries, governed the rivers and streams, established schools, and nurtured the people. Like a pearl sunk into the abyss, its brilliance only brighter! His benevolence helped the world, and he brought peace to the nation. Like his brother Qubing, in life they shared the same robes and clothing, and in death they shared the same school and a common home. The people are grateful, not only for their achievements, but also for their virtue. Mr. Huo Chunhe was truly a true pearl. Mr. Huo had a son who shone brightly in the Han court. His elder brother defeated the barbarians, his younger brother saved the people. A pearl sunk into the abyss, its brilliance shining forth. The mighty Yellow River forever testifies to his benevolent heart. Three days after his brother's passing, he followed him. The pines and cypresses of Maoling Mausoleum, together they lean on the evergreen trees. Mr. Huo's legacy will be celebrated for generations to come!

【Author’s words】

There's a sequel to "Champion Falls from the Sky" that's a bit sadistic. There's also a tomb raider and a dungeon boss.

Tell me what you want~

I originally wanted to write a free tea party for the master to introduce the child in the next book.

But I really want to write a sweet love story.

Alas, the next book about the Tang Dynasty will have to be put at the back of the queue.

This chapter can be paired with the song "Wu Lin Tavern", edible

May the years live on, and let us listen to the sound of the Wei River. Baby Yan was truly magnificent. He was born in summer, and died in spring.

He was in the Imperial College, and that was his way. The students lived for him.

Everyone, please keep going, I am not alone.

Lihua is because his brother knows that he likes to eat pears.

But he didn't get to taste the dried pears that year.

Wear fine clothes, buy beautiful jewelry, sing and dance, and be happy.

He went to find his brother.

I am very happy, Ayan is a very nice person.

I just said I wouldn't cry.

This is actually the first time I've written about him, a self-assured, all-controlling demon. His way of thinking is very different from Xiuying's. He's also sharp-tongued and doesn't have a very good personality. He has many bad habits, holds grudges, is stubborn, and occasionally loses his temper. He's like a calm sun.

He feared the sun's heat, afraid of burning others, so he always tried to keep himself calm. He wasn't easily discouraged, and was naturally strong. I was too soft, so I never met his expectations.

But he is very nice.

Huo Yan initially disliked the human world. He felt nothing for death. He cared only about money and how the scumbag died. He never considered whether anyone who loved him would shed tears for him after his death, because he had no one to love. He was an empty shell, unable to give love, so he didn't covet it.

It’s just that the relationship between twins is too close. I have thought of many identities for Ayan, but this is the only one he likes the most.

Only a close bond can pull him out of his shell.

It is particularly difficult to write about Qu Bing. You have to hold him tightly and let him run out.

Look, look.

You laugh.

Ayan, Ayan.

Really, Qubing is the most frustrating, he is really, I am afraid that I will write badly, Ah Yan came to me in the middle of the night and scared me. (This bastard is not the first or second time)

A Yan began to have emotions and was no longer guided by interests. He would learn medicine for Huo Qubing, go to the battlefield for Wei Qing, and go to find Chen Zhang for his mother.

In his early days, he was like a child exploring his emotions, which is why he softened for Liu Che. His worldview was shaped by his uncle and Qu Bing. In his heart, his uncle was a father figure, and Qu Bing was his closest person, believing his uncle could do no wrong. This was also true of Zheng, who disliked Wei Qing because they looked down on him. He was highly authoritarian, favoring what Qu Bing liked. In his mind, he compared himself to Liu Che, leading to a strong sense of hostility.

But later, as he experienced more things, he began to become more fulfilled. He would joke with Sang Hongyang and protect Zhufu Yan. Because he began to be complete, he was no longer an empty shell.

His flesh and blood have grown wildly, and he is loved. Huo Qubing really gave him a lot of love, so he said that this world is so good that there is such a good Huo Qubing.

Qubing is different from Azheng. Azheng is like Xiuying, "Love me, I am your anchor." Qubing, on the other hand, is like, "Ayan, love yourself, love everything, the world is lovely. You are lovely too."

He taught A Yan to love the world, because Huo Qubing had infinite vitality, and he generously allowed Huo Yan to draw on it.

Huo Yan doesn't rely on him to survive, but when he can't hold on any longer, he allows Huo Yan to absorb his energy. Qu Bing is Ah Yan's brother, the one and only.

Huo Yan doesn't like things that are out of control. He's very smart. I told you he's the smartest person in this book. Everyone makes choices, but Huo Yan knew from the beginning what he should do. If you, Liu Che, were afraid of witchcraft, I'd put the dolls in the streets. You're afraid, right? You're afraid. He wants to help the people, so from the beginning he's been building heavy industry, cultivating talent, and facilitating reform.

Sometimes the barrage is an amplification of his emotions.

In fact, he only has one particularly violent outburst throughout the entire story, which happened on the morning after Huo Qubing was injured. Unable to restrain his murderous intent, he had already prepared poison. Qubing wanted to leave because he knew Huo Yan was dangerous to Emperor Wu. But Huo Yan didn't kill him because of Qubing's words. So he said he hated her, but it was because he truly loved her.

He took a slower approach. Qubing thought Huo Yan couldn't bear to leave Liu Che, but in reality, when Liu Che struck Huo Qubing, Huo Yan and him became irreconcilable. Huo Qubing was uncontrollable, another life of Huo Yan. Ah Yan had to absorb his brother's vitality from time to time, because his sometimes half-dead state of mind required encouragement. So Qubing's guess was completely wrong; Ah Yan didn't tell a single truth that day.

He wasn't even considering Liu Che; he was only thinking about Qu Bing. He even wanted to get rid of his brother without even having to argue. He knew Yang Shi had already made a move, even the knife was handed to him. So Yang Shi called him two-faced. To him, whether he was right or wrong was irrelevant. So he stopped pretending and posed a challenge to his brother: choose me or Liu Che.

It was obvious that Qubing chose him, so he was very happy and gave up decisively so as not to make his brother angry. He was very brotherly.

It's bright again.

He gave up on stopping Yang Shi from killing Liu Che because Wei Qing was really going to die, so he cursed the disaster star in his heart.

Because Wei Qing was not only his father, but also his mother, so you can imagine how devastated he must have been when both his parents died.

Qu Bing was just like him. When he said, "We'll die together," he was telling Wei Qing, "Don't die, uncle. Get well! We will definitely get well!"

So A Yan really went to find Yang Shi, and stopped poisoning him. If you put forward conditions, I will lose my father and mother soon.

His uncle had indeed given him another shock, a hammer that had woken him up. Liu Che had to die after his uncle, otherwise he would have been an orphan.

Liu Che died earlier than expected because A Yan was so cruel to send him down to accompany Wei Qing.

As for killing Jiang Chong, that wasn't a breakdown at all. He had a desire to eliminate future trouble, and he also needed the blood to cover the mare's genitals. (This is my guess, because his emotions were very abnormal, and I didn't get stuck in that part.)

During this period, it was as if he was writing, without any lags at all, and the final ending was exactly what he wanted.

In the end, I felt that he couldn't help but think that I was stupid, so he started to set up the chess pieces himself.

He doesn't feel any of the things you think are abusive. He is a Leo.

Chunhe is the best!

The person who wrote the letter wrote an analysis of A Yan’s character.

But the secret investment of the pearl is true! Liu Che, you dog!

If it weren’t for Qubing and your uncle, you wouldn’t be alive!

Humph~