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

Early morning, the third day of the twelfth lunar month.

The thick fog had not completely dissipated, and the world was shrouded in mist. The damp and cold air was like an invisible veil, enveloping every inch of space.

At the dock on a tributary of the Minjiang River, mist hangs in the air, and the cold river water, shimmering with a grayish luster, flows slowly eastward. On the bank, withered reeds, covered in fine frost, rustle softly in the breeze.

Several unassuming carriages, escorted by dozens of skilled knights, silently arrived at the dock. These knights, with sharp eyes, agile movements, and strict discipline, maintained a tense yet orderly atmosphere, silently taking control of the area around the dock and handing over the area to the Heavenly Alliance soldiers who had been on guard there.

The first to alight from the middle carriage was Shan Meixian. She wore a snow-white fox fur cloak, the collar adorned with fluffy, soft fox fur, which accentuated her dignified and pure countenance, making her appear untouched by worldly dust. A glimpse of a pale purple brocade skirt peeked out from beneath the cloak, its hem trailing on the ground. Her steps were graceful and composed; though past her prime, her charm surpassed even her youth, her brows carrying the serenity of someone who had experienced the world and the authority of someone long accustomed to a high position. Behind her followed four maids dressed in the distinctive attire of the Dongming Sect, each with a tall, upright figure and calm eyes, clearly skilled in martial arts.

Immediately after, Song Yuzhi jumped down from the carriage beside her. She wore a well-tailored apricot-colored riding and archery uniform, with warm sable fur trim on the collar and cuffs, both neat and warm. Over this, she wore a matching brocade cloak, and a leather belt cinched her waist, accentuating her youthful and agile figure. Her long, black hair was braided into several plaits and secured at the back of her head with silver rings, giving her a clean, energetic look. A faint blush of cold graced her face, and her large eyes were bright and expressive.

The Song Clan guards she brought stood silently to the side, their demeanor calm and composed, clearly distinct from the Dongming faction, yet subtly forming a cooperative relationship.

Finally, all eyes were focused on the carriage at the front. The curtain was lifted, and Yi Huawei stepped down slowly. His thin blue robe fluttered slightly in the biting wind, but his figure remained as steady as a rock. His gaze swept across the misty river and landed on the massive, uniquely designed warship moored beside the dock, flying the flag of the Dongming Sect.

Following Yi Huawei, Zhu Mei and Lian Rou were escorted down from the same carriage by two expressionless female disciples of the Heavenly Dao Alliance.

A month ago, they were powerful and fearsome witches, but now they looked rather disheveled. Both of them wore plain gray cotton robes provided by the Heavenly Alliance. The robes were loose and rough, failing to accentuate their originally graceful figures. Their long hair was simply tied back with strips of cloth, and they wore no makeup. Their faces were pale and weak, showing signs of recovery from serious injuries.

Zhu Mei, the former "Poison Spider," still couldn't hide her natural beauty even in prison clothes. However, her once captivating eyes now seemed like poisoned ice shards, flashing with resentment and bitterness. She stared intently at Yi Huawei's back for a moment, then quickly lowered her gaze, afraid of revealing too much emotion.

Her hands and feet were bound by a special kind of dark-colored cowhide rope. The rope was not very tight, but it was exceptionally tough, and the way it was knotted was extremely peculiar, making it impossible for her to break free. She could only walk with small, unsteady steps.

Lianrou's chestnut-brown hair still stood out in the dim morning light. Her exotic face, though lacking its usual radiance, now possessed a pitiful air. Her vibrant and wild body was concealed by the loose prison uniform, but occasional movements still revealed its original graceful lines. Her hands and feet were also bound, making her steps hesitant and weak.

With her cherry lips, now devoid of color, slightly biting them, Lian Rou's eyes swept over her surroundings with a complex mix of emotions and a hint of bewilderment.

"Board the ship."

Yi Huawei didn't even glance at the two women. He simply uttered two words and walked towards the gangplank extending from the Dongming.

Shan Meixian nodded slightly to Yi Huawei, then followed gracefully, surrounded by her maids. Song Yuzhi waved to the Heavenly Dao Alliance officials who had come to see him off at the dock, then lightly stepped onto the gangplank, curiously observing the renowned Eastern Sea giant ship.

Two female disciples escorted Zhu Mei and Lian Rou, following closely behind. As Zhu Mei crossed the springboard, her foot slipped slightly, and she almost fell. The female disciple beside her expressionlessly steadied her with a force that was neither too light nor too heavy, just enough to keep her steady, but without any warmth.

Zhu Mei let out a low snort, steadying herself, a fleeting glint of resentment in her eyes. Lian Rou walked cautiously, a hint of humiliation flashing in her brown eyes.

On the dock, the core members of the Heavenly Dao Alliance from Sichuan, led by Wanwan, stood quietly, watching them board the ship.

Today, Wanwan changed back into her favorite red dress, with a pure white fox fur coat over it. Standing in the cold morning breeze, her clothes fluttered, making her look like a celestial being.

After watching the man in green disappear behind the ship, her delicate body trembled almost imperceptibly, and her jade-like hand, hidden beneath her fox fur, quietly clenched. Only when the Dongming retracted its gangplank and the sailors began busily raising the sails did Wanwan slowly release her hand, her face regaining its usual enigmatic smile.

Huge sails unfurled slowly on the masts, catching the gentle river breeze. The Dongming emitted a low, grinding sound as it began to slowly leave the dock, turning its bow and heading downstream.

A hazy mist shrouded the river, gradually blurring the massive silhouette of the ship until it merged with the distant sky and water, leaving only a faint outline and the slowly rippling water.

………………

The giant ship cuts through the waves and sails downstream.

Leaving the Chengdu Plain, the mountains on both sides gradually rise. Even in the dead of winter, evergreen pines and cypresses can still be seen stubbornly clinging to the cliffs, adding a touch of somber vitality to the gray-brown mountains.

The river wind was biting, carrying a thick layer of moisture that made the sails flutter loudly, bringing with it a chilling cold. The sky remained a leaden gray, with no sun in sight, only a vast expanse of clouds merging with the distant water and sky, creating a desolate and empty scene.

Yi Huawei sat alone at a small sandalwood table on the bow deck. On the table lay an elegant white porcelain tea set, and a small red clay stove bubbled as water boiled, white steam rising in wisps. Clad in a blue robe, he seemed oblivious to the biting river wind that would make most people's teeth chatter; he simply sat there quietly, his gaze calmly fixed on the receding river scenery. In his hand was a cup of freshly brewed hot tea, its emerald green liquor exuding a delicate fragrance, seemingly blending seamlessly with the vast yet desolate landscape, creating a tranquil haven of its own.

Footsteps sounded softly, carrying a unique, graceful rhythm, as the curtain leading to the cabin was lifted. Shan Meixian, dressed in a snow-white fox fur coat, walked out slowly, stopping a few steps away from Yi Huawei. She curtsied slightly and said in a gentle voice, "Alliance Leader."

Yi Huawei did not turn around, but simply replied, "Madam Shan, please sit down."

"The Alliance Leader has a refined taste. The mountains and rivers of Bashan and Shu are majestic and rugged, with a unique charm. Sitting here and enjoying the view is truly refreshing."

Shan Meixian thanked him and gracefully sat down on the brocade stool opposite Yi Huawei. A maid from the Dongming Sect who was standing at a distance immediately stepped forward, poured her a cup of hot tea, and then silently withdrew.

Yi Huawei withdrew his gaze from the distance, glanced at her, and nodded slightly: "The landscape is like a painting; one can appreciate it in stillness or explore it in motion. Taking this opportunity to experience it is quite a good idea."

Shan Meixian smiled faintly: "The Alliance Leader has the world in his heart and the mountains and rivers in his eyes. It is truly rare for him to have a moment of leisure."

Holding the warm teacup in both hands, Shan Meixian's gaze fell on Yi Huawei's calm profile, then followed his gaze to the vast river. Her eyes gradually became unfocused, as if she were lost in memories.

A gentle breeze ruffled the fur of her fox fur collar, carrying with it a faint, elegant fragrance. Shan Meixian paused for a moment, then spoke softly, her voice carrying a distant echo in the wind: "Whenever I see this mighty river flowing, the vastness of heaven and earth, I can't help but recall the time when I first met the Alliance Leader." Yi Huawei picked up his teacup, gently blew away the foam, took a sip, and listened quietly without replying.

Pulling herself back to reality, Shan Meixian sighed softly, then smiled brightly: "The outside world is in turmoil because of the change of power in Sichuan, and all forces are restless. Yet the Alliance Leader can leisurely enjoy the scenery and savor the fragrant tea here."

Yi Huawei glanced at her, a fleeting smile playing on his lips: "The winds and clouds are already in my grasp, so why hold on to them all the time? Watching them unfold is also a pleasure."

After a moment of contemplation, Shan Meixian finally asked the question that had been lingering in her mind: "Meixian has a question, and I hope the Alliance Leader can enlighten me."

"But it doesn't matter."

"Today, the Heavenly Dao Alliance is based in Jiangnan, Lingnan, and Jingxiang. Now it has also gained the land of abundance in Bashu. Its troops are well-trained and well-supplied, and its morale is high."

Shan Meixian looked at Yi Huawei with clear eyes: "The Tang Dynasty has just been established, and its internal affairs are not yet stable; Wang Shichong is trapped in Luoyang, and the people's hearts are scattered; Dou Jiande, Du Fuwei, and others, although they have troops in their respective regions, are unlikely to achieve great things. With the leader's ability, he could lead his army north with overwhelming force, either through Hanzhong to take Guanzhong or down the Yangtze River to conquer the Central Plains. He might be able to quickly pacify the world. Why... why is he holding back, instead... why is he wasting his energy on integrating internal affairs and sorting out trivial matters such as land and commerce? You must know that speed is of the essence in war. If we wait for all parties to recover and form an alliance, wouldn't that only increase the variables?"

She was genuinely puzzled. Based on her understanding of Yi Huawei's unfathomable strength, if he truly wanted to sweep across the land with force, it would be no difficult task for him.

That divine sword strike was still deeply etched in Shan Meixian's mind. With such power, if he were to raise an army to punish the guilty, who could stop him? Li Yuan's so-called royal army? Wang Shichong's Zheng army? They would probably be nothing but clay chickens and earthenware dogs in the face of that sword intent.

Yi Huawei picked up his teacup, gently blew away the foam, and took a sip. The tea's aroma was refreshing and invigorating. He set down the teacup, his gaze returning to the vast, misty river, his voice as calm as ever:

"Madam Shan, do you know that it is easy to destroy an old object, no matter how large or sturdy it may be?"

"but,"

Yi Huawei changed the subject, shaking his head slightly: "What happens after destruction? A wasteland and chaos remain. And then what? Unifying the world is easy. The difficult part is what happens after unifying the world."

"Force can destroy the old order and eliminate visible enemies. But force cannot easily change the deep-seated problems in people's hearts, cannot immediately establish new rules that can operate for a long time, and cannot instantly revitalize a land that has suffered from war and poverty."

Yi Huawei pointed to a desolate mountain village that flashed past the ship's side, its crumbling walls shivering in the cold wind: "Look at that village, destroyed by war, its people displaced. If I were to raise an army and conquer cities and territories along the way, I could certainly sweep through like a whirlwind, but how many more ruins like that would be added along the way? How many families would be torn apart and people would die as a result? Even if I eventually sat on that dragon throne, what would be the point of facing a world riddled with problems and filled with resentment?"

"What the Heavenly Alliance seeks is not temporary hegemony, but a foundation for all ages. What we need is a self-sustaining, ever-improving, and dynamic system, not a fragile empire that relies on individual military force, is riddled with internal conflicts, and could fall apart again at any time."

"The purpose of surveying and registering land in Sichuan was to fundamentally curb land annexation, ensure that farmers had their own land, and stabilize the foundation of public sentiment; verifying household registration was to grasp the population, rationally allocate taxes and corvée labor, and also to provide a basis for governance; integrating trade routes, establishing banks, and promoting new technologies were to promote economic prosperity, accumulate wealth, and enable people to live and work in peace and contentment; promulgating laws, establishing provincial inspectors, and rectifying officialdom were to establish a fair order, so that power would operate under the rules, rather than being used arbitrarily."

After a pause, seeing the understanding look on Shan Meixian's face, Yi Huawei continued, "These things, though seemingly trivial and slow, are laying the most solid foundation for the future of the world. When our system is superior to others, when our people live prosperous lives, when our army not only knows how to fight but also why it fights... then the hearts of the people will naturally turn to us. Perhaps we can win over all without bloodshed. Even if there is still resistance, with my fully tempered foundation and the power of unity, crushing them will be a natural outcome, and the aftermath will be much smaller."

"This is like controlling floods."

Yi Huawei concluded with an analogy: "Blocking may temporarily stop the flooding, but the accumulated pressure will eventually lead to a breach. Dredging, on the other hand, guides the flow and regulates the river channel. Although it takes time and effort, it can ensure long-term stability and benefit all people. What I want to do is 'dredge,' not 'block.'"

Shan Meixian raised her eyes, her gaze falling on Yi Huawei's calm and composed profile. Her tone was even gentler than before: "Meixian has a question, which may be presumptuous, but I am curious and wonder... whether I should ask it?"

Yi Huawei turned his gaze back to a lone wild goose skimming across the river and said calmly, "Sect Leader Shan, please ask whatever you wish."

Shan Meixian took a slight breath and softened her voice: "Alliance Leader is exceptionally talented, possesses unparalleled martial arts skills, and has the ambition to govern the world. In such a short time, you have built such a great foundation... Surely... you must have no shortage of beautiful women by your side, beauties who are devoted to you? I wonder... if the Alliance Leader has ever had someone in mind?"

"The one I love?"

Yi Huawei repeated it softly, then shook his head, a faint smile playing on his lips, a smile that carried a sense of indifference, or rather, apathy.

"Heaven and earth are the furnace, and creation is the craftsman; yin and yang are the charcoal, and all things are the copper. In this great furnace, personal love is but a spark, fleeting and ephemeral."

Turning his head, Yi Huawei's gaze fell on Shan Meixian's face. His gaze was clear and deep, yet seemed capable of swallowing all light and shadow.
"The path I walk is one of order, of rules, of ending chaos and reshaping the world. It is a long and perhaps lonely road, but... this is my choice."

Shan Meixian paused, about to reply, when suddenly her senses alerted her. A faint smell of burning mixed with shouts of killing drifted in on the biting river wind.

Suddenly looking up, her still-charming eyes instantly sharpened like a hawk's, gazing intently into the distance ahead of the river. About ten miles away, the river formed a sharp bend due to the mountain's contours. The view beyond the bend was mostly obscured by cliffs, but through the gaps in those cliffs, one could vaguely see flames shooting into the sky and thick smoke billowing, illuminating the gray sky with a dark red hue.

"Leader, ahead..."

Shan Meixian subconsciously looked at Yi Huawei, her tone tinged with seriousness. Such a large-scale battle occurring on this vital waterway connecting Sichuan and the Central Plains was far more than a simple case of ordinary river bandit raids.

Yi Huawei remained seated, slightly raising his eyes, his gaze seemingly piercing through distant distances and towering mountains, landing on the spot where the fire had started. His brow twitched almost imperceptibly, and the corners of his mouth opened and closed slightly.

The next moment, the massive hull of the Dongming shuddered slightly, and the command bells inside the cabin rang out crisply and urgently. The well-trained Dongming sailors and shipwrights immediately sprang into action, the huge rudder began to turn under the steady and powerful control of the helmsman, and the angle of the sails was quickly adjusted.

With a dexterity disproportionate to its enormous size, the giant ship traced a graceful arc through the turbulent river, its speed increasing rather than decreasing, heading straight for the fiery bend in the river.

Shan Meixian sensed the slight inertia from the ship's acceleration and understood. She said nothing more, turning her gaze back to the distance, her inner energy circulating silently, ready for any eventuality. (End of Chapter)