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

Luoyang was no small city in scale. The southern city had three gates: the middle gate was called Jianguo Gate, the left gate was called Baihu Gate, and the right gate was called Changxia Gate. The gates were all magnificent in design.

The wide "Sky Street," which runs through the north and south gates, stretches straight out in front of us for seven or eight miles.

The streets were lined with various trees such as cherry, pomegranate, elm, and willow. The central road was the imperial road for the emperor's processions. Shops lined both sides of the main road, and roads were built between the neighborhoods. The roads intersected with the ten main streets that led to the major city gates, creating a well-organized network.

Luoyang City is centered on a north-south axis, with the Luo River running through the entire city, dividing it into north and south districts connected by four large bridges. Within the city, the Luo River connects with the Yi, Chan, and Jian Rivers, creating a network of waterways that brings the beauty of the mountains and rivers into the city, giving people a sense of natural harmony.

In terms of convenient land and water transportation, no city in the world can compare with the Eastern Capital.

In addition to the Luo River running through it, there are also the East Chan River, West Gu River, North Jinshui Canal, South Tongjin Canal, Tongji Canal, Yi River, Cao Canal, Dao Canal, Chongjin Canal, and Danshui Canal, which crisscross the streets and alleys, making it extremely convenient for vehicles and boats to connect.

After strolling around the city for an hour, Yi Huawei and Shan Wanjing casually entered a teahouse.

There weren't many customers in the teahouse, so the two went up to the second floor and chose a square table by the window to sit down.

A waiter dressed in coarse cloth hurried over, wiping the table with a cloth, and bowed with a smile, "What would you two gentlemen like?"

"A pot of tea and two plates of snacks."

Shan Wanjing said, "The desserts are made with fillings."

The waiter nodded and withdrew.

Shan Wanjing's gaze swept across the teahouse. There were about ten tables, five of which were occupied. At the innermost table sat three middle-aged men dressed as businessmen, conversing in hushed tones. At a table near the stairs sat an elderly man, leisurely sipping his tea. To their right sat a young couple, dressed simply but in fine clothes.

On the street outside the window, pedestrians came and went. Several vendors were calling out their wares, and an old man selling sugar figurines pushed his cart past.

Yi Huawei smiled and asked, "What do you think of Luoyang?"

Shan Wanjing placed her hands flat on the table and looked at Yi Huawei: "The streets are wide and there are many shops. But there are more than twice as many patrolling soldiers as in the cities under our Heavenly Dao Alliance. The checks at the city gates are strict, but they are more lenient with the Hu merchants."

After a pause, Shan Wanjing continued, "Prices are relatively high. A shi (a unit of dry measure) of rice costs 300 wen, which is 50 wen more expensive than in Xiangyang, but cheaper than in Chang'an."

"Not bad, you've observed quite carefully."

Yi Huawei nodded slightly: "Go on."

"The forces within the city are complex."

Shan Wanjing lowered her voice: "Wang Shichong controls the main city gates and official granaries, but the markets in the south of the city are mostly run by the Dugu clan collecting protection money. Li Mi's people are active at the docks. I just saw three cargo ships flying Li Mi's flag unloading cargo."

"Sir, your tea is served!"

At this moment, the waiter called out and brought over tea and snacks.

Shan Wanjing paused, and after the waiter had finished setting out the food and left, she continued, "There is the Jingnian Zen Temple in the west of the city, and the Li Clan's residence in the east. Although the Li Clan's main force is in Guanzhong, they have left enough manpower here."

Yi Huawei picked up the teapot and poured two cups of tea.

The tea was pale yellow, with wisps of steam rising gently.

"Luoyang is the hub of the Central Plains, and everyone wants to control it. Wang Shichong had the initial advantage, but he couldn't hold onto it."

Shan Wanjing picked up her teacup but didn't drink it immediately: "Master, who do you think Luoyang will fall into?"

"Li Mi had troops but no foundation, the Dugu clan had power but no troops, and Wang Shichong had cities but no popular support."

Yi Huawei calmly said, "The Li clan has its base in Guanzhong, with well-trained troops and ample supplies, and is also supported by capable people. If I were Li Yuan, I would definitely take Luoyang."

Shan Wanjing took a sip of tea: "But our Heavenly Dao Alliance..."

"We will not get involved for the time being."

Yi Huawei interrupted her: "Let Li Mi and Wang Shichong stall for time."

Just then, the conversation of three merchants at the next table reached their ears. One of the fat merchants said, "I heard that the Heavenly Alliance is promoting new agricultural tools in the south, with low rental fees. I wonder if it's true or not."

Another, thinner merchant chimed in, "It's true. My cousin wrote from Jingling saying they've rented new waterwheels, increasing irrigation efficiency by 30%! 30%! This Heavenly Alliance is truly extraordinary!"

The third bearded merchant lowered his voice: "What's even more impressive is the new crop they've introduced. It's said that one acre can produce 800 catties of sweet potatoes, which are drought-resistant and can withstand poor soil, so you won't go hungry even in famine years."

The two exchanged a glance, then exclaimed in shock, "Is this really true?!"

Seeing that Yi Huawei's gaze was slightly lowered, seemingly focused on the teacup in his hand, Shan Wanjing knew that her master was listening attentively, so she stopped talking and also paid attention to the conversation around her.

The old man at the table by the stairs called for a waiter to refill his water and casually asked, "I heard that the Heavenly Dao Alliance Leader, Mr. Nameless, quelled the Jingling rebellion overnight. Is that true?"

While pouring water, the waiter replied, "Sir, you are well-informed. It is said that the nameless gentleman entered the city alone, and the rebel leader surrendered the next day."

The young couple by the window were also drawn to the conversation.

The man said, "Taxes are light under the rule of the Heavenly Alliance, and merchants can travel easily. I returned from Xiangyang last month. The market there is prosperous, and prices are stable. It's much better than Luoyang."

The woman replied softly, "But I've heard they're implementing some new imperial examination system, which allows people from poor families to become officials. Isn't that disrupting the established order?"

Yi Huawei smiled slightly and tapped his finger lightly on the table. Shan Wan understood that this was her master signaling her to pay attention. She couldn't help but turn her head to look at the couple. When the two seemed to notice, she quickly looked away.

Just then, two new guests came up the stairs. They were dressed in ordinary blue cloth robes, but their steps were steady, and their temples were slightly bulging, clearly indicating that they were skilled in martial arts.

The two sat down at the table diagonally opposite Yi Huawei and ordered a pot of tea.

One of them whispered, "The Li family has won another victory this time. Erlang is indeed formidable."

Another person replied, "Xue Ju and his son were said to have an army of 100,000, yet they were defeated by Li Shimin's 5,000 elite troops. They were truly remarkable."

Yi Huawei's gaze did not move, but Shan Wanjing noticed that her master's earlobe twitched slightly.

The first person to speak continued, "Li Yuan has already secured Guanzhong, and his next move will definitely be eastward. Luoyang will sooner or later fall into the hands of the Li clan."

"Wang Shichong will not give up easily."

"Wang Shichong?"

The man scoffed, "He can't even handle Li Mi, let alone the Li clan's army. Have you heard? The Li clan has already sent people to infiltrate Luoyang and make contact with the Dugu clan."

Shan Wanjing's fingers unconsciously rubbed the hilt of the knife. She looked at Yi Huawei and saw that her master was still calmly sipping his tea, seemingly unconcerned about the news he had heard.

The two continued their conversation.

"Li Shimin was indeed a talented general, but the Li clan was not at peace internally. I heard that Li Jiancheng was very dissatisfied with his younger brother's military achievements." "It is common for brothers to quarrel. But right now the Li clan is powerful, and even the Turks are sending them horses."

Yi Huawei gently put down his teacup and smiled: "The Li family certainly has capable people. Li Yuan was good at accepting advice, Li Shimin was good at military strategy, and Li Jiancheng was good at governing. The three of them each had their own strengths."

Shan Wanjing frowned: "But the brothers don't get along..."

"It's fine for now."

Yi Huawei said, "With external enemies at hand, internal conflicts can be suppressed for the time being."

At this point, the merchants at the table returned to discussing the Heavenly Alliance.

The fat merchant said, "It is said that Mr. Wuming is a peerless martial artist who once fought against the wandering martial artist Ning Daoqi and the Heavenly Blade Song Que without being defeated."

The thin merchant shook his head: "That's an exaggeration. But I have heard that he reformed the bureaucracy and promoted people from humble backgrounds, which has made many scions of aristocratic families very dissatisfied."

The bearded merchant lowered his voice: "That's not all. He has also opened up overseas trade and cooperated with the Dongming faction. It is said that his navy is already taking shape."

The two men at the table diagonally opposite had clearly overheard the merchants' conversation. One of them sneered, "No matter how powerful the Heavenly Dao Alliance Leader is, he can only hold onto power in the south. When it comes to the struggle for supremacy in the Central Plains, we still have to look to the Li Clan."

Another person said, "Not necessarily. I heard that the Heavenly Alliance has suspended its expansion to accumulate strength. They are implementing new policies, stockpiling food and supplies, and training a new army. Once they make their move, it will be a thunderous attack."

Shan Wanjing leaned forward slightly, her voice extremely low: "Master, it seems that all sides are paying attention to us."

Yi Huawei nodded and smiled: "This is a good thing. It's better to be respected than to be looked down upon."

There was another sound on the stairs, and this time a man who looked like a storyteller came up with a boy. The storyteller found an empty table and sat down, and the boy helped him set up the gavel.

The guests at several tables all looked at the storyteller, clearly recognizing him.

The waiter quickly brought over tea: "What will Mr. Zhang say today?"

The storyteller cleared his throat: "Today I will tell you the story of the second son of the Li family who defeated Xue Ju."

The tea drinkers cheered. The young couple were clearly interested and shifted their chairs to face the storyteller.

The storyteller struck the gavel: "Now, Xue Ju proclaimed himself the Hegemon-King of Western Qin, commanding an army of 100,000, eyeing Guanzhong with predatory intent. Li Yuan ordered his second son, Shimin, to lead 5,000 troops to meet the enemy… The two armies faced off at Gaozhi City. Li Shimin fortified the city with deep trenches and high walls, avoiding battle. The Western Qin army, unable to fight, gradually ran out of supplies…"

One of the two martial arts experts at the table whispered, "Li Shimin's plan is brilliant. Xue Ju is impatient and will definitely launch a strong attack."

Another person replied, "But I heard that Li Shimin fell ill at the time, and military affairs were handed over to Liu Wenjing and Yin Kaishan. The two underestimated the enemy and went into battle, resulting in a great defeat."

The storyteller was recounting this passage when he said, "Unexpectedly, Li Shimin fell ill and was bedridden, leaving military affairs to his subordinates. Liu Wenjing disobeyed Li Shimin's order to hold the line and went into battle on his own, resulting in a great defeat at Qianshuiyuan!"

The tea drinkers sighed with regret. Shan Wanjing saw Yi Huawei nod slightly, seemingly agreeing with Li Shimin's actions.

The storyteller continued, "After Li Shimin recovered from his illness, he rallied his defeated troops and regrouped. This time, he again fortified his position with deep trenches and high walls, refusing to engage in battle no matter how the Western Qin army insulted and challenged him."

Yi Huawei suddenly whispered to Shan Wanjing, "The most important thing for a general is to remain calm."

Shan Wanjing nodded: "Li Shimin is indeed very composed."

As the storyteller reached a thrilling point, he struck the gavel again: "After more than sixty days of this stalemate, the Western Qin army ran out of food and their morale plummeted. Li Shimin, seeing that the time was ripe, ordered Liang Shi to lead troops to lure the enemy, drawing the Western Qin army to Qianshuiyuan."

One of the two martial arts experts at the table couldn't help but interject: "Then he ordered Pang Yu to charge down from the southern plains to attack the enemy, while he himself led elite cavalry to launch a surprise attack on the enemy's rear from the northern plains!"

The storyteller chuckled, "This gentleman is quite right! Li Shimin personally led his elite cavalry, like heavenly troops descending suddenly, charging straight into the enemy ranks. The Western Qin army was thrown into chaos, suffering thousands of beheadings, and Xue Renguo was forced to retreat to Zhezhi City..."

The tea drinkers listened intently, and even the waiter stopped what he was doing to listen.

The storyteller continued, "Li Shimin pressed his advantage, completely besieging Zhezhi City. In the dead of night, the defending soldiers turned on each other and surrendered. Xue Ren was indeed captured alive, and Western Qin was thus pacified!"

A murmur of admiration rippled through the teahouse. The young couple clearly admired Li Shimin greatly, and they were discussing something in hushed tones.

Shan Wanjing looked at Yi Huawei: "Master, Li Shimin is indeed a formidable opponent."

Yi Huawei calmly poured more tea: "A skilled warrior achieves little without a glorious victory. Li Shimin's battle, though seemingly brilliant, was actually risky. If he fails to lure the enemy and is instead surrounded and annihilated, Guanzhong will be in grave danger."

Shan Wanjing tilted her head and smiled, "But he succeeded."

"So he is a formidable rival."

Yi Huawei put down the teapot: "With Guanzhong as its base, the Li clan has no worries about the west, and it's only a matter of time before they expand eastward."

The merchants at the table began to talk again. The fat merchant said, "Although the Li clan is powerful, I've heard that Taiyuan is not stable. The Turks often harass the border."

The thin merchant chimed in, "Not only that. Dou Jiande is powerful in Hebei, Wang Shichong occupies Luoyang, and Li Mi is eyeing us covetously. It won't be easy for the Li clan to expand eastward."

The bearded merchant said, "But I've heard that Li Yuan has already sent Li Jiancheng to guard Chang'an, while Li Shimin continues to conquer various forces. At this rate, within a year, half of the Central Plains will belong to the Li clan."

Shan Wanjing noticed that the two martial arts practitioners at the table exchanged a glance, and one of them nodded slightly. She whispered to Yi Huawei, "Master, those two might be spies from the Li clan."

Yi Huawei nodded slightly, not surprised: "There are spies from all sides in Luoyang City."

The storyteller had already begun the next tale, about the most recent conflict between Li Mi and Wang Shichong. The tea drinkers listened with rapt attention, occasionally letting out gasps of surprise.

Yi Huawei stood up and placed a few coins on the table. "Let's go."

Shan Wanjing immediately picked up the long knife and followed her master downstairs.

The sun was high in the sky, and the streets were even more bustling. Yi Huawei walked along the street at a leisurely pace, with Shan Wanjing following closely behind: "Master, where do we go next?"

Yi Huawei smiled and said, "Your grandmother should have arrived by now. Go and see her!"

…………

The streets and alleys in the west of the city were narrower and more winding than those in the south. Yi Huawei led Shan Wanjing through them. Most of the houses here were low and old, with peeling paint revealing the mud bricks underneath. Several children were chasing and playing in the alleys, stopping immediately when they saw strangers and staring at them with wide, curious eyes.

Yi Huawei stopped in front of an inconspicuous wooden door. This door was no different from the dozens of doors around it, with mottled wood and rusted door knockers. He raised his hand and knocked three times lightly, paused for a moment, and then knocked twice more.

The door opened silently a crack, and a pair of wary eyes peered at them from behind it. Yi Huawei took out a bronze token from his sleeve and waved it in front of the crack. The door immediately opened, and a young man in a gray short-sleeved shirt bowed and stepped back, making way for them.

But the courtyard is a completely different world.

The house appears to be an ordinary dwelling from the outside, but its interior has been meticulously renovated. The courtyard, paved with bluestone slabs, is spotless, with several green bamboos planted on the west side and a carved stone well on the east side. The doors and windows of the main house have all been replaced with new ones, covered with clean white paper.

In the center of the courtyard stood a stone-lined well, and to the left grew an old locust tree with lush foliage. Facing the main building were three interconnected rooms, all with their doors and windows closed. (End of Chapter)