Jinting Han people

Chapter 49: Golden Valley Garden (5k, please order first)

The seventh year of the Taikang reign (286 AD) was a quiet year during the prosperous decade of the Western Jin Dynasty known as the "Taikang Reign." Although Li Mi attributed this year to a severe drought in Henan, the reality was that as long as the country was stable and officials were in place, and the people found ways to work hard, they could still get by.

But when Liu Xian and Shi Chao galloped on horseback and saw the Golden Valley Garden from afar, he couldn't help but be shocked by its luxury. Compared with the farmers' barely surviving rural life around Yanshi, this place was simply another world.

Five miles outside Jingu Garden, Liu Xian spotted a vast canal, carved from the north. Its banks were lined with willows and ginkgo trees. Their swaying branches and dense green leaves formed an impenetrable wall of green, leaving only a path wide enough for two vehicles. Entering the canal, the scorching heat dissipated instantly. The gurgling water brought a refreshing vapor, and only feather-like specks of light flowed through him. Looking up, he saw a trellis strung overhead, its snakelike vines weaving a canopy that shone like jade under the blazing sun.

"It is the flowing water brought from the big river that created the wonderful scenery of Jingu Garden." Shi Chao smiled at Liu Xian.

Finally emerging from the corridor, Liu Xian was suddenly struck by a refreshing sight. A vibrant crimson lotus pond greeted him, its leaves and blossoms swaying in the breeze. Seven pavilions, scattered far and wide, stretched out into the distance, where the lake was no longer visible. A stone bridge and a rockery blocked his view.

Beyond the lotus pond, towering green mountains, grotesque rocks, and high terraces and pavilions stand like a constellation of stars, scattered among them, each interwoven with small pools and streams. Almost every hundred steps, there's a stream, and every two hundred steps, a lake. Interspersed among them are tall bamboo, pine, cypress, catalpa, maple, and sycamore trees, as well as countless flowers and fruit trees. Currently in bloom are jasmine, azalea, rose, trumpet creeper, and gardenia, their fragrance lingering and evocative.

After riding for a while, the two finally arrived at the main courtyard of Jingu Garden.

The main courtyard was a patchwork of irregularly shaped buildings nestled against the mountainside. Dozens of attics formed an arc along the slopes and walls, and in the center stood a pavilion for cooling off. In front of the pavilion, a frame covered in ivy, a flock of white pigeons perched on it, and several rare long-haired blue-eyed cats sat on the ground. Liu Xian spotted the inscription "Enjoy and Forget Worries" on the stone tablet in front of the hall, and then surveyed the scenery along the way, feeling a surge of emotion.

Shi Chaoze, holding a horsewhip, pointed at the landscape and said with a smile, "My sixth uncle spent 50 million yuan and 100,000 pieces of silk to build this garden. He also mobilized almost half of the stonemasons in the capital. It's magnificent, isn't it?"

Liu Xian smiled and said, "It is indeed magnificent. Even though I have never seen the Emperor's Journey to the West Garden, I feel there is no difference between the two."

Shi Chao was quite proud and boasted, "When my sixth uncle built it, he wanted to build the best manor in history. You said it was the Journey to the West Garden, but you underestimated it."

Liu Xian was quite puzzled by this. With such extravagance, even the emperor didn't enjoy the same luxury. Wasn't Shi Chong afraid of being suspected? Where did he get the money? Even with the Shi family's wealth as founding fathers, they probably couldn't have such a fortune. To be able to build a manor like this, he must be richer than the emperor's treasury!

At this time, several servants had come over and helped Shi Chao and his group change clothes. Shi Chao spoke to the servant leader and asked, "Is my sixth uncle home?"

The servant bowed and said, "Yes, yes, did the Third Young Master bring back friends?"

"Yes, this is the friend I always talk about, Liu Xian, Liu Huai Chong, the prince of Anle and the ideal son-in-law of Juancheng. Please tell your sixth uncle to add a set of bowls and chopsticks tonight."

"Good, good, it turns out that you are an honored guest. Your Excellency will surely be overjoyed to hear this."

"Then you take these two horses and go get busy. It's still early. I'll show my friend around."

"Then we'll call you Master when dinner's ready."

"Okay!" After finishing his instructions, Shi Chao waved to Liu Xian and said, "Come, let's walk together more often. We haven't walked together for a long time in the past six months."

Liu Xian nodded with his hands behind his back, following behind him and admiring the most luxurious scenery in the world. He said jokingly, "Don't worry, after I get married and come of age, I'll probably enter the Imperial College. By then, you and I will both have plenty of free time."

"Time flies! You're getting married soon." Shi Chao glanced at Liu Xian, sighing, "But I'm still anxious. The Haihe River is peaceful now, and even the fighting on the border has decreased. We promised to make great achievements on the battlefield, but now it seems increasingly unlikely. Do you think that in a few years, we'll be completely useless?"

Liu Xian had indeed considered this possibility. He analyzed, "It's hard to say about war. As long as the court supports it, there will always be wars to fight. At worst, we can just go and conquer the Western Regions! But what worries me right now is that once the crown prince ascends the throne, the court officials will be more concerned about stability and prefer to avoid more trouble. Then there will truly be no wars to fight."

Shi Chao also agreed with this view. This was the reason for his dismay: "A hero has no place to use his talents! If I had been born thirty years earlier, I would have competed with Jiang Wei and Lu Kang. Now I can only sigh in despair!"

"Hahaha, no one can predict this kind of thing. Don't be too pessimistic. I've never heard of a border without war for decades. As long as you have patience, you will always wait for the day when you can show your strength."

As they talked, they ascended a two-foot-tall pavilion, where the view suddenly widened. They paused to take in the view. The pavilion's railings were carved with hibiscus, peonies, clouds, dragons, tigers, and leopards, brimming with the wondrous fragrance of orchids and Sichuan peppercorns. Beneath the pavilion lay a pond, though instead of lotus flowers, thousands of red carp swam within, a scene as if stained with cinnabar. It was a truly spectacular sight.

Liu Xian said to Shi Chao, "Let's not think about things so far ahead. Let's talk about the near future. You're half a year older than me, and you'll be entering the Imperial Academy soon, right?"

Shi Chao nodded and sighed, "There's nothing much to say about this. Just follow the routine. Go to the Imperial College to build connections, go through the formalities, and wait for a year. My master will use his connections to get a high-ranking evaluation from the Zhongzheng Academy, and then you can arrange a position. After another two years of experience, it's time to consider whether to enter or be sent out."

"Did they say anything about clearing out some kind of job?"

"I think it would be nice to join the Imperial Guards and become a Palace General or a Commander-in-Chief of the Three Departments. It would be more convenient for me to go to Guanzhong or Yecheng in the future."

Shi Chao talked for a long time before asking Liu Xian, "What about you? What are your plans after marriage?"

Liu Xian said truthfully, "I did enter the Imperial College, but you know, my family background isn't as good as yours, so it'll probably be difficult for me to get a high-ranking official position in the Central Court. I'll probably be sent out very early. I don't know whether I'll start as a county magistrate or a chief clerk, but I'm ready to work my way up. I hope that by the time I'm forty, I can become a provincial governor, which would be quite good..."

The two began to stroll in the garden again. Although Liu Xian did not like Shi Chong's extravagance, he was inevitably attracted by the scenery when he was in such a beautiful place.

Shi Chong built numerous towers within Jingu Garden, ranging from two or three stories to the tallest, five, offering commanding panoramic views of the entire garden. Within these towers, he creatively commissioned paintings and carvings, depicting the Three Sovereigns and Five Emperors, the Ten Sages of Confucius, the Four Elders of Shangshan, and the Seven Sages of the Jian'an Period. These towers, adorned with gold foil, reflected the radiance of the morning and evening sun. Gazing down from Mount Mang, the scenery would surely be a dazzling spectacle.

Liu Xian felt a chuckle as he gazed at the beautiful scenery. Back then, countless patriots sacrificed their lives for the sake of peace and unification. Yet, now, after a century of war, he and his friends were complaining about the world being too peaceful. Perhaps we simply don't learn to appreciate what we have, and crave too much for what we don't have!
Soon, evening arrived, and the servants of Jingu Garden arrived as scheduled to inform Shi Chao and Liu Xian of their meal. The meal took place in the main hall of the main courtyard. This hall was extremely spacious, yet it was adorned with numerous decorations: curtains, screens, mats, incense burners, cushions, and hanging swords... The most striking features were the candlesticks. These were shaped like trees, with candles dotted like flowers on copper branches, creating a dazzling blaze of light that bathed the hall in a radiant glow.

This was the first time Liu Xian saw Shi Chong.

Amidst a group of lavishly dressed maids, he sat barefoot, his hair loose and robes loose, his manners unreserved, the attire of a wild and uninhibited hermit. Yet, he was handsome, his skin white as jade, and though he was already thirty-eight, his air of elegance and elegance made him appear unusually youthful. He was drinking with his eyes closed. Behind a screen beside him, a woman was playing the flute. Liu Xian could tell she was playing "Now There Are Some People," a short folk song adapted from Qu Yuan's "Nine Songs: Mountain Ghost."

"Now there is a man in the mountains, wearing a blanket of lychee and vine.

You have a charming look and a pleasant smile. You admire my graceful figure.

Riding a red leopard, followed by a fox, his carriage is decorated with magnolia flags.

Covered with stone orchid, wearing Duheng, picking the fragrant flowers and pulling out the sweet willows, leaving behind what I think of.

In the dark room, I can never see you; the road to heaven is dangerous and difficult, and I come alone.

It represents independence, on top of the mountain, how can it be so quiet below?

It is dark and gloomy, the day is dark, and the east wind brings the divine rain.

"The wind rustles, the trees rustle, and my longing for you is in vain." This Yuefu piece has a clear and melodious sound, yet the melody is mournful, sometimes resembling the cessation of rain, sometimes like moonlight shining on snow. As a disciple of the "divine interpreter" Ruan Xian, Liu Xian naturally recognized the subtle yet extremely clever adaptation made by the performer, making the content less entangled, more emotionally charged, and more elegant. This requires a deep understanding of music.

Just as he was absorbed in his music, a piece of music ended. Shi Chong opened his eyes, glanced around the hall, and his gaze rested on Liu Xian. He smiled and said, "My nephew is the Prince of Anle, right? I've heard of him for a long time, and seeing him today, I can see that he is indeed a handsome man. Come, take a seat!"

Liu Xian quickly bowed and said, "I have long admired your great name, uncle. It is truly an honor to meet you now."

After he sat down, Shi Chong asked him kindly, "I heard that Xi Nu brought you to my garden today. Is there anything wrong with you?"

Shi Chao complained, "Sixth Uncle, what are you talking about? How could my friend make him feel uncomfortable?"

"I do feel a little uncomfortable," Liu Xian replied. "Today you rode that black dragon horse so far ahead, and I couldn't catch up no matter what I did. I feel very uncomfortable!"

This was clearly a slightly flattering joke, and after Liu Xian said it, all three of them burst into laughter. Shi Chong raised his glass of wine and asked with a smile, "Why, Huai Chong doesn't have a good horse?"

Before Liu Xian could answer, Shi Chao beside him laughed and said, "Sixth Uncle, you're asking even though you already know the answer. I don't even have a horse as good as Black Dragon Colt."

"When you become a general, I'll give it to you." Shi Chong smiled at his nephew, then turned to Liu Xian and said, "It's a pity that I only have one Black Dragon Colt in my stable, and I can't give it to anyone else. How about this, I have another horse, Qianlixue. It's not as good as Black Dragon Colt, but it's still a thousand-mile horse. How about giving it to Huai Chong?"

Liu Xian was taken aback and declined, saying, "As the saying goes, no merit, no reward. Uncle Shi is so kind to me, but I have nothing to offer in return. How can I dare to accept it?"

"Don't say that. This is just a small gift. I heard that you and Xi Nu have been making a promise since you were little, saying that you would ride on the battlefield in the future. How could you do that without a good horse? I am also training talents for the country. If Huai Chongru is grateful, he will fight more for the country in the future and protect the peace of this area."

Liu Xian's opinion of Shi Chong changed dramatically after hearing these words. He had seen Shi Chong's vast expenditures on such a magnificent manor, and had assumed he was a man of indulgence, devoid of any regard for his country. Unexpectedly, his words now evoked a touch of patriotism. Liu Xian also felt that he had been judging people by hearsay. For Shi Liulang, renowned for his extravagance, to rival Wang Kai, the emperor's uncle, in wealth, he must have had some exceptional qualities.

"Then I'd like to thank my uncle."

"Great! It's a great honor for me to meet your nephew today." Shi Chong raised his wine glass and said solemnly to the maidservant beside Liu Xian, "Ah Qing, pour some wine for your nephew."

Ah Qing? Liu Xian was stunned when he heard this. Xiaomei's words flashed before his eyes, and he quickly looked at the maid in front of him.

The maid, named Ah Qing, was dressed in exquisite attire. Her oval face was painted with the popular Xiaoxia makeup, her blush thick, her eyes radiant. She was beautiful, but his face was unclear, and Liu Xian couldn't tell if she was He Qing. But he noticed something odd: her hand trembled as she poured the wine, and a hint of nervousness lingered in the corners of her smiling eyes.

When the wine was full, Ah Qing raised the cup above her head and passed it to Liu Xian, saying softly, "Please drink, young master."

Liu Xian didn't like drinking. Firstly, he didn't like the taste of wine, which he found fishy and bitter, and secondly, he thought it was a waste of food. But now, he had just received a generous gift and was in need of something, so he couldn't refuse. After a moment's hesitation, he took the wine cup and drank it all in one gulp. He then said to Shi Chong, "I can't hold my liquor well. If I make a fool of myself, please forgive me, uncle."

"No, no." As Liu Xian drank, Shi Chong also drank a glass, then filled his glass again, and said with a carefree smile, "Then let me ask you another question, nephew, what are you most satisfied with after coming to this Jingu Garden?"

"Satisfied..." Liu Xian pondered for a moment and smiled, "It's probably the piece I just heard! My teacher, Mr. Ruan, has been teaching me flute music for seven years now, but I still can't reach the level of what I just heard. I'm really envious."

"Oh?" This remark clearly hit the spot for Shi Chong. He slapped his thigh, turned to face the screen, and laughed at the woman inside, "Lüzhu, did you hear that? The disciple of the music master, Xiao Ruan Gong, claims he's not as good as you!"

The woman behind the screen replied gently, "Sir, you are too kind. Little Ruan is the bright moon in the sky, and I am but a fluorescent light on the green grass. How dare I be worthy of him?"

Liu Xian replied, "I'm just telling the truth."

"You are telling the truth." Shi Chong was very happy and ordered Ah Qing again, "My nephew and I will have another drink."

Upon hearing this, Liu Xian took the wine and drank it again.

Shi Chao was a little unhappy at this point. He said to Liu Xian, "Biji, you've been hunting with me several times, why don't you drink with me? Come, let's have another drink!"

Liu Xian smiled bitterly and could only take the wine and drink more.

Liu Xian didn't usually drink much, but after three cups of hot wine, he felt a bit dizzy. He held his head and heard Shi Chong say, "I heard that our nephew's wedding is next year. When is it scheduled?"

"It should be in February."

"February... I have to go to Xuzhou then, so it seems I won't be able to attend my nephew's grand ceremony. What a pity. So I'll have to toast him again in advance."

Hearing that he was going to have to drink more, Liu Xian felt a headache and subconsciously declined, "I can't hold my liquor well. If I drink any more, I'm afraid I won't be able to make it home. Thank you so much for your kindness, uncle."

He thought Shi Chong would say a few more words of greeting, but after some decline, the drinking incident was over.

Unexpectedly, there was silence in the hall at this time, a silence that was a bit chilling.

Shi Chong suddenly said, "Ah Qing, you ruined my nephew's drinking mood. Do you know what will happen to you?"

What will happen? Liu Xian was stunned. He looked up at the maid beside him and found that her face was full of fear and her whole body was trembling. She wanted to beg for mercy but was too scared to say anything. Tears were already flowing like a spring.

Liu Xian had a premonition that something bad was going to happen. He wanted to dissuade them and struggled to stand up, but he had drunk too much and his body was not responding.

Unexpectedly, a guard at the door strode over. The guard quickly drew the snow-white sword from his waist, grabbed the maid's hair with one hand, and stabbed the sword into her back. It was like scratching through paper. With a swish, the tip of the sword pierced through her chest.

The guard remained calm as he deftly pulled the knife back. A torrent of blood immediately gushed out from the wound, dripping onto the floor, the table, the cups, Liu Xian's face, and his eyes. Liu Xian felt his eyes were bloodshot. He tried to wipe them, but a layer of blood mist remained in front of him that he couldn't wash away.

He looked down at the maid named Ah Qing. She lay on the ground, her lips slightly parted, her eyes blank, as if she had a thousand words to say, but didn't know who to tell them to. As she bled more and more, she soon died.

Liu Xian glanced at the wine cup on the table, and saw bright red blood foam floating on the wine.

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(End of this chapter)