The world of film and television starts from the flow of money

Chengdu, an ancient capital nestled deep in fertile land, derives its name from the ancient legend of "a town formed in one year, a city formed in two years," symbolizing its burgeoning vitality and rapid rise in the past.

Back in the Warring States period, in the autumn of the ninth year of King Huiwen of Qin's reign (316 BC), the ambitious King Huiwen adopted Sima Cuo's strategy, believing that "to gain Shu is to gain Chu, and to gain Chu is to gain the world." He then dispatched the famous minister Zhang Yi and the fierce general Sima Cuo to lead a powerful army south along the Shiniu Road. With unstoppable momentum, they annexed the ancient Shu Kingdom in one fell swoop, established the Shu Commandery, and made Chengdu the capital of the commandery, thus ushering in a new era in which Chengdu was integrated into the Central Plains civilization system.

The following year, Zhang Yi, who was well-versed in the principle of "building cities to protect the ruler and constructing outer walls to safeguard the people," presided over the construction of the great city of Chengdu, modeled after Xianyang, which was "twelve li in circumference and seven zhang high," laying the foundation for the core site of Chengdu for more than two thousand years thereafter.

Throughout Chinese history, the construction of famous cities has often relied on natural mountain passes, resembling a crouching tiger or a coiled dragon, or on advantageous waterways, like a long dragon finding its place in the water. However, the location of Chengdu is quite exceptional.

Located in the heart of the vast Chengdu Plain, it is surrounded by open fields with no natural barriers. Although adjacent to the Min River, the riverbed is untamed, lacking both the advantages of navigable waterways and the threat of devastating floods. The city site is situated in a low-lying area with a high water table, making it damp and rainy, surrounded by dense marshes and overgrown reeds—an environment inherently unsuitable for large-scale urban development and settlement. The ancient inhabitants of Sichuan, however, devoted astonishing wisdom and manpower to a massive transformation.

At the beginning of the city's construction, to solve the problem of the large amount of soil needed, soil was extensively taken from around the city walls, and the excavated land was transformed into numerous artificial ponds and marshes, scattered like stars around the city. Among them, the Willow Pond in the west of the city, the Tianjing Pond in the northwest, the Ink Washing Pond and the Longevity Pond in the north, and the Thousand-Year Pond in the east are the most famous. These ponds and marshes were not wasteland, but were cleverly transformed into multifunctional water conservancy hubs integrating irrigation, aquaculture, flood control, and military defense: leveling fertile fields and irrigating good farmland; breeding fish and turtles and enriching the grain; in times of war, the vast expanse of water became a natural barrier protecting the east, west, and north sides, making invading enemies fear the water.

What truly and thoroughly changed the fate of the Chengdu Plain and bestowed upon it the reputation of "Land of Abundance" was the Dujiangyan Irrigation System, a monumental water conservancy project overseen by Li Bing, the governor of Shu Commandery, during the reign of King Zhaoxiang of Qin (around 256 BC).

Li Bing and his son, guided by the philosophical wisdom of "following the natural way" and "adapting to local conditions," carved out the Lidu Dam, dug through the two rivers (Pijiang and Jianjiang), built the Feisha Weir, and established the Baopingkou (Bottle-Neck Pass), successfully achieving the grand goal of "diverting floods to reduce disasters and diverting water to irrigate fields." This massive and ingenious engineering project eradicated the flood scourge that had plagued the Chengdu Plain for millennia, formed a vast gravity-flowing irrigation network, and greatly improved navigation conditions.

The *Huayang Guozhi* praises it highly, saying, "In times of drought, water is drawn to irrigate the land; in times of rain, the sluice gates are closed. Water and drought are controlled by man, and there is no fear of famine. There are no years of barrenness, and the world calls it the Land of Abundance." From then on, the Chengdu Plain became a fertile land, free from famine, providing a solid strategic rear for successive dynasties.

Through continuous development during the Qin, Han, Wei, Jin, and Northern and Southern Dynasties, and with the unification under the Sui Dynasty, Chengdu had become the undisputed political, economic, and cultural center of Southwest China. At the beginning of the Sui Dynasty, the Yizhou General Administration was established here, later renamed Shu Commandery, further enhancing its prominence.

Chengdu itself was meticulously laid out with clearly defined functions. Within the imposing city walls, twelve li in circumference and seven zhang high, it was divided into two main parts: the Taicheng (also known as the Great City) and the Shaocheng (Lesser City). The Taicheng, located in the east and about seven li in width, was the main seat of the prefectural government offices, the center of power, with numerous government offices and a solemn atmosphere. The Shaocheng, located in the west and less than five li in circumference, was a bustling commercial and handicraft center, especially famous for its South Market. There, artisans gathered, wealthy merchants flocked, and peddlers and laborers thronged. Taverns, teahouses, inns, and workshops lined the streets, and rare treasures from all over the country, Shu brocade, salt and iron, Qiong bamboo canes, and other goods were traded here. Day and night, it was bustling with activity and vitality, vividly illustrating the wealth and prosperity of Yangzhou and Chengdu.

At the end of the Sui Dynasty, the country was in chaos, with war raging and warlords vying for power. However, Sichuan, a region confined to a corner of the country, presented a relatively unique situation. As the old Sui bureaucratic system was on the verge of collapse, the three most influential local leaders in Sichuan—Jie Hui, the lord of Duzun Fortress, known as the "Judge of the Martial World"; Fan Zhuo, the leader of the Sichuan Gang, a master of spear fighting, known as the "King of Spears"; and Feng Zhen, the leader of the Ba League, known as the "Monkey King"—demonstrated extraordinary political wisdom and foresight. Instead of rushing to declare themselves kings and establish their own independent regimes, they jointly held a crucial meeting that would determine the fate of the people of Sichuan.

After consultations, the three parties reached a consensus: to retain most of the officials and administrative system inherited from the old Sui Dynasty in order to maintain the basic operation and stability of society, and to change "Shu Commandery" to "Yizhou" to show that they were breaking away from the previous dynasty and adapting to the changes of the times. The new political system was jointly supported by these three forces behind the scenes. They neither claimed to be kings nor hegemons, forming a unique "co-governance" situation, waiting for a true "enlightened ruler" to appear so that they could submit.

Rumor has it that this proposal was strongly advocated and promoted by Jie Hui of Duzun Fort. Jie Hui was a highly skilled martial artist, known as the "Judge of the Martial World," but even more remarkable was his exceptional political foresight. He knew that although Sichuan was wealthy, its basin terrain, surrounded by treacherous mountains and rivers, made it easy to defend and difficult to attack; self-preservation was sufficient. Furthermore, the people of Sichuan were simple, easygoing, and content with their peaceful, self-sufficient lives, lacking the ambition and geographical conditions to contend for supremacy. Forcibly claiming dominance would not only be useless but might also attract powerful enemies from all sides, bringing war to this idyllic paradise. Therefore, adopting an open yet cautious wait-and-see attitude was undoubtedly the best strategy, in line with the overall interests of Yizhou.

As soon as the three of them stepped into the gates of Chengdu, they were greeted by an atmosphere of peace, prosperity, luxury, and tranquility that was completely different from the war-torn Central Plains, making them feel as if they had been transported to another world.

The first thing that catches the eye is not the grim sight of war and the panicked refugees, but the chrysanthemums swaying gracefully and dazzlingly throughout the city.

The city was transformed into a sea of ​​chrysanthemums. Everywhere, from the gates of shops and residences to the hands of passersby and tourists, one could see carefully cultivated chrysanthemums of various shapes and sizes. Golden "Commander's Flag," elegant "Green Peony," snow-white "Jade Pot Spring," and "Ten-Foot Curtain" with petals as fine as silk threads... the varieties were numerous and competed for beauty, adorning the entire city in magnificent splendor, exuding boundless vitality and luxury amidst the autumn atmosphere.

Children, holding small, colorful sachets of dogwood or wearing adorable chrysanthemum headdresses, chased and played in groups, their laughter as clear as silver bells, filling the long street.

The young women, whether Han girls or Qiang girls, were all dressed in bright and beautiful attire. Han women mostly wore brocade skirts embroidered with chrysanthemum patterns and draped with light silk shawls; while Qiang girls wore more vibrant and colorful ethnic costumes, their multicolored belts adorned with silver ornaments that jingled with their dance steps, exuding a captivating exotic charm. Laughter and cheerful voices rose and fell, drowning out the shops lining the main street of the city gate.

The streets were packed with people, shoulder to shoulder. The air was filled with the faint fragrance of dogwood, the mellow aroma of chrysanthemum wine, and the sweet scent of freshly baked Double Ninth cakes (flower cakes), making one's mouth water. Occasionally, firecrackers crackled, adding to the festive atmosphere. Wisps of smoke rose everywhere, mingling with the heat of food and the fragrance of women's perfumes, creating a vibrant and fragrant picture of folk customs in a prosperous era.

"In a peaceful and prosperous era, being content with a corner of the world, perhaps this is what it should look like..."

Yi Huawei couldn't help but feel a slight sense of emotion. The prosperity of Chengdu stood in stark contrast to the devastation and starvation he had witnessed along his journey, leaving him with a mixture of relief and complex emotions.

Just as he was pondering this, a group of girls dressed in brightly colored Qiang ethnic costumes, hand in hand, singing melodious folk songs, and giggling, passed between him and his two female companions.

The young women, in the prime of their youth, were radiant and spirited. Upon seeing Yi Huawei's handsome appearance, tall and imposing figure, and deep, star-like eyes, their eyes lit up, and they boldly exchanged flirtatious glances. Some even tossed him their fragrant dogwood sachets, their laughter growing even more joyful and enthusiastic. Yi Huawei was momentarily blocked by this group of passionate Qiang women. Just as he was about to politely let them pass, Wanwan beside him chuckled softly, her slender hand naturally and affectionately linking with his right arm. As if asserting her ownership, she playfully made a cute face at the group of Qiang women, her eyes filled with a hint of mischief and defiance.

On the other side, Shi Feixuan remained serene and composed, like a lotus in bloom. However, upon seeing this scene, her delicate eyebrows, as graceful as distant mountains, subtly twitched slightly, and her clear gaze swept calmly over the group of girls who were still laughing and joking. She neither spoke nor made any move, but suddenly, an indescribable, ethereal, and lofty aura seemed to emanate from her. It was not murderous, but rather carried a sense of awe that instantly calmed the mind and made one dare not profane her.

The surrounding clamor and laughter, which was almost boiling over, seemed to be swept away by an invisible, cool current, instantly subsiding and receding. The Qiang girls also seemed to feel some indescribable pressure and distance; their laughter gradually subsided, they stuck out their tongues, held hands, and like colorful butterflies, playfully merged into the crowd further away.

Shi Feixuan withdrew her cool gaze from the group of laughing and departing Qiang women and placed it on Yi Huawei. Her voice, like a clear mountain stream, washed away the surrounding noise: "Sir, you have just arrived in Chengdu, and I suppose you have not yet found a place to stay?"

Yi Huawei nodded slightly, his expression calm: "That's right. I originally intended to find a quiet place at random."

Upon hearing this, Shi Feixuan pondered for a moment before speaking, "There is a place called 'Yuelai Inn' in the south of the city. The environment is quite quiet and elegant, and the backyard overlooks Huanhua Creek, which is less noisy than the city. I stayed here when I last visited Sichuan and found it quite pleasant. If you don't mind, sir, why don't we go together?"

When she extended the invitation, her tone was calm and natural, neither overly enthusiastic nor at all awkward, as if it were just a common suggestion between like-minded people, consistent with her elegant and refined style.

Before Yi Huawei could answer, Wanwan, who was holding his arm, immediately chimed in, "Yuelai Inn? The name sounds alright~ Since Fairy Shi has so kindly invited us, shall we go and take a look? Alliance Leader, what do you say?"

She shook Yi Huawei's arm, her pretty face tilted up with an expectant expression, but her eyes secretly gave Shi Feixuan a look that said, "Don't even think about leaving me behind."

Yi Huawei glanced at Shi Feixuan, then at Wanwan "hanging" beside him, and couldn't help but smile: "Very well. Then I'll trouble Fairy Shi to lead the way."

So the three of them followed the bustling crowd and headed south of the city.

Passing through the city gate, one truly enters the bustling world of Chengdu. The scene before one's eyes is several times more lively than at the city gate. On the wide main street paved with bluestone, crowds surge like a tide, shoulder to shoulder. Shops line both sides of the street, their banners fluttering in the breeze. Restaurants and teahouses are filled with diners admiring chrysanthemums, drinking wine, and engaging in lively conversation; silk shops, gold and silver shops, and general stores are packed with customers; and countless peddlers and porters carry loads on shoulder poles and push carts, hawking seasonal chrysanthemums, dogwood, Double Ninth cakes, various fruits, and all sorts of exquisite handicrafts.

The air is filled with a variety of aromas: the sweet fragrance of freshly steamed Chongyang cakes, the salty aroma of piping hot oil tea, the refreshing aroma of chrysanthemum wine, the fragrance of powder in women's hair, the spicy aroma of dogwood sachets, and the subtle scent of Sichuan peppercorns and spices, all of which together create a rich and appetizing flavor of everyday life.

Many shops were adorned with potted chrysanthemums in full bloom, while wealthy families erected towering chrysanthemum mountains and pagodas, attracting crowds of onlookers. Children, wearing chrysanthemum wreaths, laughed and chased each other through the crowd. Occasionally, groups of two or three people dressed in Taoist robes or scholar's gowns could be seen, carrying food and drink, seemingly preparing for or having just returned from a climb.

Shi Feixuan walked slightly ahead, leading the way. Even amidst the bustling crowd, an invisible barrier seemed to separate her from the surrounding noise, allowing her to skillfully avoid collisions and maintain her unique, serene aura. Her elegant figure, dressed in men's clothing, stood out in the colorful crowd, yet her aloof demeanor deterred people from easily approaching her.

Yi Huawei walked slightly behind her, his steps leisurely, as if strolling in a garden. His gaze calmly swept over the bustling scene on both sides, a faint smile on his face. The surging crowd around him seemed to have no effect on him; whenever he was about to collide with someone, the other person would be gently pushed aside by a soft force without even realizing it.

Wanwan still clung affectionately to Yi Huawei's right arm, like a little bird seeking shelter. But her bright, charming eyes darted around restlessly, filled with curiosity about everything around her. Whenever she saw something new or interesting, like a gadget or snack, she would tug at Yi Huawei's sleeve and offer her comments in a sweet voice.

"Leader, look at that mask! It's so ugly!"

"Wow! What kind of cake is that? It smells so good! Shall we buy some and try it later?"

She seemed completely immersed in the festive atmosphere, a stark contrast to Shi Feixuan's silence. Occasionally, a lecherous man would be attracted by her stunning beauty, gazing at her with infatuation. Before he could see clearly, he would feel a slight blur in his vision, as if pricked by something, and would hurriedly lower his head, not daring to look any longer.

And so, the three of them—one aloof, one composed, and one alluring—each with a distinct temperament, strangely formed a unique scene as they slowly made their way south through the bustling streets of Chengdu on the Double Ninth Festival. (End of Chapter)