Chapter Two: Traveling Alone to the Arena
Overnight, news of Xiao Yan's assassination of the emperor spread throughout the country. The people, who had just begun to rejoice at the news of the tyrannical emperor's death, were immediately dampened by the rising forces of various warlords.
He Yuan of Jiangnan, relying on his ancestors' legacy, became a regional hegemon, while Xiao Yan, with Chang'an at his heart, held sway over the northwest. Meanwhile, the Central Plains were in chaos, the flames of war glaringly bright.
In contrast, the Jiangnan region, after a light rain, appears much more peaceful.
A gentle breeze swept across the river, creating ripples. The fresh scent of grass mixed with the earth wafted through the air, slightly damp and refreshingly cool.
Yang Xiao stood on the riverbank, gun in hand, watching the sunlight filter through the clouds and spread across the land, the rising mist melting the sunlight into a soft, hazy glow. She stretched contentedly and let out a relaxed sigh.
She looked up at the green hills and clear waters shrouded in the hazy sunlight, like a long scroll of ink painting. "Sigh..." Yang Xiao sighed softly, gazing longingly at the shimmering river. "Tongxi, do you think we'll never see such scenery again after heading north?"
A soft laugh came from behind her ear, and a young girl dressed in plain clothes walked gracefully toward her with a smile in her eyes.
"How could I not see you?" The girl parted her lips slightly, her teeth gently clenching the words. Her soft, Wu dialect fell like a veil on Yang Xiao's heart, soothing the sorrow that lingered in her mind. "As long as there are mountains and rivers in your heart, everywhere is the real Jiangnan. Why worry about where you are?"
Having wandered for more than ten years, Yang Xiao has almost never stayed in one place for long.
Aside from the years I spent in seclusion with my master during my childhood, and the three years I've spent in Yangzhou now, I've spent the rest of my time living a nomadic life, drifting with the wind.
But every mile of the journey is a journey towards Chang'an, the city in my heart.
"You're right." Yang Xiao turned around and smiled gently, then followed Cen Xun to the small table behind her.
Cen Xun glanced at Yang Xiao with a smile, "This isn't like you at all, Lingyu."
"Hmm?" Yang Xiao turned to look at her and smiled, "How is it not similar?"
"Now that I'm heading north, I won't be returning easily. I'm getting closer and closer to Chang'an, the city of my dreams, and closer and closer to the place where I can realize my grand ambitions. So why am I now filled with sorrow and longing for Jiangnan?"
"A fine horse is hard to find, and a true friend is even harder to come by." Yang Xiao sighed softly, sat down at the table, filled a cup with wine, and pushed it in front of Cen Xun. "Who knows when we will meet again after this parting?"
Cen Xun took the wine glass, nodded and smiled slightly, then shook her head. She looked up at the teacup beside Yang Xiao, "What's wrong? You're not even drinking to say goodbye to me today?"
“How could I?” Yang Xiao sighed with a laugh. “You know that.”
Cen Xun gently tapped his cup against Yang Xiao's teacup and laughed, "What general doesn't know how to drink?"
"Stop teasing me," Yang Xiao shook his head with a wry smile. "I just have some martial arts skills, I'm no general at all."
Cen Xun smiled, downed her drink in one gulp, and said, "It's only a matter of time." She set down her glass and looked earnestly at Yang Xiao. "You have ambitions for the world, and you've read extensively on military strategy. With both literary talent and martial arts skills, how can you not become a general?"
“A wise ruler is hard to find.” Yang Xiao picked up her teacup and took a sip. “I originally wanted to use my martial arts skills to infiltrate Chang’an and seek justice for my father and brothers from that tyrannical emperor. Who knew that Xiao Yan would murder the emperor and usurp the throne overnight, imprison loyal officials, and order their descendants to serve. My father was one of them.”
"Now, heroes and powerful figures have risen up in the Central Plains, and the land is fragmented." She sighed, raising her eyes to look at Cen Xun. "Where will we end up on this journey north? It remains to be seen."
“Going north is better than staying here,” Cen Xun poured another cup of wine. “Don’t be fooled by the current calm. Prefect He Yuan is indecisive and goes with the flow. The only good thing is that he still has loyal and capable people around him. With his indecisiveness and inability to distinguish between loyalty and treachery, if treacherous officials were to run rampant one day, Jiangnan would be completely finished.”
Yang Xiao nodded. "I plan to try my luck in Jizhou." She looked up at Cen Xun. "I heard that Zhongli An, the descendant of the founding prime minister, has been appointed governor of Jizhou. It is said that he is kind-hearted and eager to find talented people." She sighed softly. "I wonder if he has any intention of attacking Xiao Yan."
“A descendant of Mr. Zhongli Zhao?” Cen Xun nodded and pondered for a moment. “It is worth a try. Moreover, this person is in Jizhou. You can take a boat from here, and Yuzhou is a place you must pass through.”
"Hmm? Yuzhou?" Yang Xiao put down her teacup and looked at Cen Xun with interest. "Is there any particular significance to it?"
Cen Xun rested his head on his hand and chuckled softly. Then he raised his chin and pointed at the spear standing to the side. "Wasn't the boy who gave you the spear the one we met in Yuzhou?"
Yang Xiao followed Cen Xun's gaze and saw the spear she had planted on the riverbank reflecting a shimmering light, which caught her eye.
Long-buried memories suddenly surfaced, and my heart inexplicably began to beat faster.
“Tongxi, you…” Yang Xiao shook her head with a helpless smile, “We were just casual acquaintances, and so many years have passed. To be honest, I’m afraid I can’t even remember what he looks like.”
Looking at her relieved expression, Cen Xun couldn't help but smile gently, "The kindness of gifting a gun has been appreciated for five years. If I have the chance, I would really like to meet such a talented person."
“Then come north with me,” Yang Xiao said with a smile, standing up. “Just as you said, this place is not the place to start a business. Why don’t you come with me to Zhongli An…”
"I knew you'd be waiting for me here." Cen Xun smiled and tapped her nose. "You have lofty ambitions, and I have inescapable responsibilities. The situation in Jiangnan is currently unstable, and my father is navigating the political arena. Even with my master's help, how can I rest easy?"
"Alright, alright, I knew I couldn't persuade you." Yang Xiao waved her hand, then gave a self-deprecating laugh. "I'm really something, I came north to pursue my own ambitions, but I'm dragging you into this melancholy." She shook her head with a smile, but a soreness welled up in her nose.
Cen Xun stood up as well, walked forward, and gently patted her back. "Once you've settled down in the North and things are peaceful in Jiangnan, I'll come north to find you. By then, you'll be a true general."
Yang Xiao raised her hand to wipe away the tears from the corners of her eyes, and smiled at Cen Xun, "Okay, I'll take your good wishes."
The willows along the river swayed gently, and the cool, misty air settled in Yang Xiao's outstretched palm. She lightly twirled the willow branches and leaves, watching them drift away as the wind caressed her palm.
Just like Chang'an.
After bidding farewell to his master, he went through many hardships to finally reach Bingzhou. Just as he was getting closer and closer to Chang'an, he was unexpectedly driven south by a sudden war. He followed the theater that took him in and drifted all the way to Jiangnan, where he stayed for three years.
“You came from the north, and you will go to the north,” Cen Xun looked up at the swaying willow branches. “Jiangnan is just a place for you to stay. The arena of competition in Jiangbei is your true home.”
Yang Xiao nodded and smiled, "It's a pity that after living in Jiangnan for three years, I haven't picked up the slightest accent."
Cen Xun smiled and placed his hand on her shoulder. "So what?"
The two stood side by side on the riverbank, their narrow-sleeved battle robes and light gauze cloaks reflected like lotus flowers of different colors in the water, their reflections spreading out in layers of ripples stirred up by the fishing boats, transforming into two swimming fish, splashing in the waves.
A fisherman poles his small boat across the river, like a grain of sand drifting in the vast sky, its destination unknown.
"The river is wide and the waves are strong," the fisherman sang, as if he were merging himself with the mountains and rivers.
"The fish's shadow leaps and dives, but it has nowhere to rely on."
The melodious and powerful singing echoed across the river with the waves stirred up by the oars. Each oar steadily glided across the surface, propelling the small boat swaying in the middle of the river forward.
Despite the surging waves, the small boat's course remained unchanged.
Yang Xiao gazed thoughtfully at the small boat and couldn't help but sigh.
"I thought, knowing your personality, you'd definitely have a bit of a verbal exchange with him," Cen Xun said with a smile, watching the small boat drift away. "Where did your usual quick-wittedness go?"
"Tongxi," Yang Xiao smiled helplessly, "who knows how long it will be before we meet again after this separation? Don't you feel even a little bit reluctant to part with me?"
"What can I do if I'm reluctant to part? You have a dream, so naturally you should pursue it." Cen Xun gazed at the center of the river and sighed softly. "Besides, we're only parting temporarily; we'll definitely meet again in the future. So what's there to be sad about?"
"Very well." Yang Xiao looked up at the sky, let out a sigh of relief, and then clenched her fist high towards the heavens. "On this trip, I will definitely overturn this chaotic world, give my family justice, and give all living beings justice!" Her eyes were filled with surging passion as she looked at Cen Xun. "Tongxi, when I see you next time, I will definitely become a true general by my own abilities."
Looking into her determined eyes, Cen Xun smiled and coaxed, "Alright, I believe you. But when we meet again, you must come to see me safely. As long as I am here, there will always be a place for you in Jiangnan."
"Don't worry." Yang Xiao nodded solemnly.
“Oh right, I had forgotten about it if you hadn’t mentioned it.” Cen Xun suddenly seemed to remember something and smiled as he pulled a letter from his sleeve. “How can a general be without a horse? Knowing that you are going to the battlefield to risk your life, your father specially wrote a letter to a horse dealer he knew in Yuzhou, and sent him a silver coin with a chestnut Akhal-Teke horse. It is absolutely perfect for you.”
Seeing Yang Xiao's stunned expression, she smiled and handed the letter to Yang Xiao, saying, "The horse trader's address is on the back of this letter. Just give it to him, and he'll know."
Yang Xiao's hand holding the letter trembled involuntarily, a thousand words stuck in her throat. She could only raise her hand to embrace Cen Xun and rest her chin on her shoulder.
"Alright, alright," Cen Xun gently patted Yang Xiao's back, "I don't like hearing words of thanks, so you'd better not say a single one."
Yang Xiao leaned on Cen Xun's shoulder and couldn't help but laugh when she heard this. "Okay," she nodded gently, then let go of Cen Xun and straightened up.
The ferry that had been arranged was already moored and waiting on the riverbank. Yang Xiao glanced back at the small boat, then turned to look at Cen Xun, "It's getting late, Tongxi, I have to go."
Cen Xun sighed, smiled, and patted her shoulder. "Alright, go. Be careful on your journey. I wish you a smooth journey and that all your wishes come true." She took a step back, folded her hands, and bowed, saying, "Lingyu, take care."
"treasure."
Yang Xiao frowned slightly, clasped her hands in a salute to Cen Xun, then picked up her silver spear, strode onto the small boat, and used the pole to push against the silt underwater, creating ripples.
She stood at the bow of the boat, gun in hand, gazing up at the vast sky. The sound of water, accompanied by distant singing, reached her ears once more. The fishing boat in the middle of the river had long since sailed away, becoming a shadow on the horizon, drifting away.
"...When the world is in chaos, heroes rise up, breaking through the clouds and traversing the seas to bring peace to the world."
-
The small boat drifted gently northward, and as she gazed upon the magnificent scenery along the way, her initial reluctance was gradually replaced by joy and excitement.
Clutching the letter Cen Xun had given her tightly, she rushed off to find the horse trader as soon as they reached the shore. She was naturally good at recognizing maps and routes, and within three days, she had found out exactly where the horse trader was.
She excitedly handed the letter forward, and the horse trader immediately knew her purpose. In no time, he led out a chestnut-red Akhal-Teke warhorse.
This horse is beautiful, but it seems to be even more stubborn than Yang Xiao.
The horse trader told her that the final step in taming these horses, which were to be sent to the battlefield, was for the general himself to train them.
Yang Xiao didn't mind at all upon hearing this; on the contrary, she grew to like the somewhat temperamental horse even more.
Now, with a silver spear and a fine steed, the so-called military general's life and fortune are secured. The next step is to find a worthy lord to work together on great undertakings.
Thinking of this, Yang Xiao felt a surge of joy. She twirled her silver spear, patted her horse's hindquarters, and galloped straight towards Jizhou.
-
After several days of travel, we finally arrived at the city gate.
“Anping County…” Yang Xiao rode his chestnut horse, squinting at the signboard under the scorching sun. He wiped the sweat from his forehead and patted the horse’s head.
She sat on her horse, spear in hand, watching the bustling crowd at the city gate, a smile involuntarily spreading across her face.
Finally, she arrived at the place where she could realize her grand ambitions.
Just as he was about to put away his gun and dismount to enter the city, he suddenly heard the sound of bells and the sound of horses' hooves from inside the city. A path immediately parted in the crowded crowd.
Suspicion arose in Yang Xiao's heart. He held the reins, sat steadily on the horse, and frowned as he looked inside.
A black warhorse galloped out of the city, and the young general landed lightly on the saddle like an eagle, holding a long saber, and charged towards her with a gust of wind.
The black horse charged in front of Yang Xiao in an instant. The young man suddenly pulled on the reins, and the warhorse neighed, raising its hooves high and kicking up a cloud of dust.
Yang Xiao frowned, and the chestnut horse, as if it had been swept away by sand, took two steps back in dissatisfaction and shook its head.
"State your name!" The young man slung his long sword behind his back, settled himself on his horse, and looked at Yang Xiao. His brows were full of unyielding sharpness, as well as a hint of the satisfaction of meeting a worthy opponent.
"My name is Yang Xiao, courtesy name Lingyu. I came from the south of the Yangtze River," Yang Xiao said, raising his spear and examining the young man in front of him. Although he was puzzled, he still raised his head and said, "I have long admired the name of Lord Zhongli and have come here to seek refuge."
"Hahahaha, good!" The young general laughed heartily upon hearing this, then nodded approvingly at Yang Xiao. "You have good judgment! But I'll have to test whether you have the ability to join him!"
The boy slung the scabbard behind his back, and with a swift movement, he drew the horse-slaying sword from his neck. The long blade, reflecting the blazing sun, flashed with a blinding white light. "Giddy up!" He tugged on the reins, and the black horse galloped lightly to an open space to the side. "Come on, let's have a contest!"
Seeing his spirited demeanor, Yang Xiao couldn't help but feel moved as well.
"Let's compete!" She twirled the spear in her hand and spurred her horse toward the boy.
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