The Prisoner of Beauty

At the northwest bend of the Huai River, where it converges into the Xiao region, there lies a ten-mile-long embankment named Anle, constructed several decades ago.

At that time, although the Han dynasty was in decline, imperial authority still held sway. The governor of Xiao mobilized the local populace, and after three years of labor, the embankment was completed. Whenever the Huai River flooded, it was this embankment that protected the downstream areas, including the eight counties and seventy-two villages of the Xiao region. To commemorate the governor, the local people named the embankment "Anle," after his official title.

Over the decades, the Anle Embankment has endured the relentless erosion of the Huai River. Though it has gradually aged and fallen into disrepair, it still holds firm against the occasional minor breaches during severe floods. It is this embankment that has safeguarded the peace of the nearby populace.

However, today, this once-peaceful embankment is no longer as tranquil as its name suggests.

Yesterday, Xue Tai, the governor of Xuzhou, while pretending to continue the siege to deceive Yang Xin, secretly dispatched his generals Cao Xu and Zhang Biao with a thousand soldiers to quietly bypass the area and forcibly drive a large number of laborers to dig into the embankment from the back slope.

These laborers were all local residents, forcibly rounded up. They knew that if the embankment were destroyed, the surging waters of the Huai River would flood downstream, turning their homes and fields into wasteland. More terrifyingly, once the required one-mile-long breach was dug, the Huai River would immediately pour in, and how could they, mere laborers on foot, escape the engulfing floodwaters? Since yesterday, the laborers had been pleading incessantly. But Cao Xu and Zhang Biao would not listen. Those who refused to comply or argued were all killed with a single stroke of the sword and thrown into the Huai River. The remaining laborers, swallowing their hatred and fear, dared not resist and were forced to pick up their tools and dig into the embankment. Despite the freezing cold, by today, a long, one-mile-long depression had been dug along the back slope of the once-intact embankment. The Huai River could burst through these weak points at any moment, and the situation was precarious.

Near the embankment, many villagers who had heard the news gradually gathered, all weeping and kneeling, pleading for mercy. Cao Xu and Zhang Biao turned a deaf ear, ordering their soldiers to beat the villagers and whip the laborers who dared to stop digging.

Beneath the Anle Embankment, curses and cries mingled together, and the scene gradually descended into chaos.

Xue Tai had given Cao Xu and Zhang Biao strict orders: no matter what, the breach must be dug before nightfall today, and they must take advantage of the darkness to ascend to higher ground. As the sun slowly set in the west, the laborers began to stir, and more and more nearby villagers gathered. Cao Xu, growing anxious, saw an elderly man nearby moving sluggishly and kicked him to the ground, then whipped him several times with a lash.

Zhang Biao, noticing that the nearby laborers had stopped and were looking at him with fearful eyes, thought that making an example would be most effective. He drew his sword, and amidst the gasps of the crowd, he prepared to stab the old man on the ground.

Just as his arm was about to descend, it was suddenly grabbed from behind.

"General, truly impressive, to treat an unarmed old man with such cruelty?"

Lei Yan said.

Zhang Biao did not recognize Lei Yan. Turning around, he saw this man who had stopped him. Though dressed in civilian clothes, it was clear at a glance that he was a military man. Moreover, Zhang Biao's arm strength was not insignificant, yet he was unable to bring the sword down under Lei Yan's grip. In front of everyone, he angrily said, "Who are you? How dare you interfere with my lord's important business?"

Lei Yan sneered, "After I take your head, I'll tell you who I am!"Zhang Biao was furious. With a great effort, he broke free from the grip on his arm and swung his sword, engaging Lei Yan in a fierce duel. Nearby soldiers rushed to assist, but the two were locked in close combat, leaving no room for others to intervene. They could only cheer Zhang Biao from the sidelines.

However, after several rounds of intense fighting, Zhang Biao let out a loud cry as one of his arms was brutally severed.

Zhang Biao fell to the ground, clutching his severed arm in agony. Cao Xu, who had rushed to the scene upon hearing the commotion, was shocked and immediately ordered the surrounding soldiers to close in and surround Lei Yan.

Lei Yan showed no fear. He raised a gleaming yellow token of the Wei family in his hand and shouted, "I am Lei Yan, under the command of Lord Wei Shao of Youzhou! My lord, the Marquis of Yan, has led his troops here today. Upon hearing of Xue Tai's tyranny, he could not stand idly by. Xue Tai, in his greed for a mere speck of land, has disregarded the safety of thousands of villagers in the eight counties and seventy-two villages downstream of the Huai River, plotting to breach the dike and flood the area! Such a heinous act cannot be tolerated! Fear not, villagers! My lord will handle everything!"

The crowd was stunned and turned their heads to look. On a nearby hilltop stood a man with a solemn expression, one hand resting on his sword. Behind him stood a dozen guards, all armed with swords. The strong wind whipped at his clothes, accentuating his imposing figure and the aura of a ruler who seemed to command the world.

The Wei family of Youzhou had long been known for their defense against the Xiongnu. In this generation, Wei Shao, the Marquis of Yan, had conquered Ji Province, merged Bing Province, and unified the north, his might and reputation spreading far and wide. In recent years, his name had become known throughout the land.

Half a year ago, Xue Tai had allied with Chen Xiang to attack Yan Province. However, Wei Shao had intervened, not only breaking their alliance but also nearly allowing Yang Xin to seize their stronghold in Xu Province. The enmity between the two sides had long been established, though they had not yet clashed directly, with one in the north and the other in the south.

Cao Xu had only recently heard the news that Wei Shao's army had achieved victory in the battle of Shangdang. He never expected that Wei Shao would personally appear here at this moment. Wei Shao's formidable reputation was known throughout the realm, and Lei Yan had mentioned that he had brought troops. Cao Xu felt a surge of fear, realizing that his own force of a thousand men would be no match in a fight. He decided it would be best to retreat and quickly report the news of Wei Shao's southward advance to his lord.

Having made up his mind, Cao Xu slowly retreated. After moving several zhang away, he suddenly turned, mounted his horse, and galloped off toward Xiao.

Wei Shao's expression remained cold and composed. He raised his arm and took a large bow handed to him by an attendant. Drawing the bowstring, he aimed at the retreating figure on horseback. With a sudden release, the bowstring twanged, and an arrow shot forth like lightning, piercing deeply into Cao Xu's back.

Cao Xu tumbled from his horse and fell to the ground, dead.

"I am Wei Shao of Youzhou! I have led my army here today! Xue Tai's tyranny must be punished by all! Soldiers, lay down your weapons, and I will spare your lives!"

Wei Shao lowered his bow, his voice carrying clearly through the wind, each word resonating with authority.Who among the soldiers in Xue Tai's army did not know the name of Wei Shao from the north? Startled by his sudden appearance, majestic and imposing, none dared to approach him. In a short moment, Zhang Biao was injured and Cao Xu was killed. First losing their leader, then their morale, coupled with the fact that many of these soldiers were forcibly conscripted and not all were vicious, they were all terrified by Wei Shao's deafening roar. Weapons fell to the ground, and soldiers scattered in all directions. On the embankment, only the laborers and commoners remained, gathering in increasing numbers. Suddenly, led by someone, they knelt in droves before Wei Shao, crying out in gratitude to the Lord, with countless tears streaming down their faces.

Wei Shao descended from the stone platform and urged the people to quickly fill in the excavated earth and reinforce it to prevent any danger.

Reminded by his words, under the guidance of the mud and water craftsmen, everyone set to work. At that moment, several laborers ran over, their faces filled with fear, reporting that water had suddenly surged from the back slope, likely due to excessive digging.

Residents on both sides of the Huai River knew that water surging from the back slope indicated a cavity beneath the water's edge. If the cavity was not found and filled in time, the force of the water could enlarge it, potentially leading to a collapse and a breach, which was extremely dangerous.

The people turned pale and rushed over. They saw muddy yellow water continuously surging from the back slope, quickly gathering into a stream. Anxious, they climbed onto the embankment to search for the breach, but with the vast river surface, how could they easily find the hidden currents beneath?

Among Wei Shao's entourage was a man named Chen Shao, a native of the southern state of Chu, who was skilled in water. Seeing the situation, he immediately stepped forward and said, "Lord, you can tie a rope around my waist and let me go down to investigate."

The water was bone-chilling, and if there was a cavity underwater, the suction would be immense. Sending someone down like this, even with a rope, was extremely dangerous if they were sucked into a hidden cavity.

As Wei Shao hesitated, an elderly voice suddenly spoke from behind, "This old man has a method! The Lord need not send anyone down into danger!"

Wei Shao turned and saw a traveler dressed in hemp clothes, an old man with a medicine bag on his back, white hair and a youthful face, his beard fluttering in the wind. He strode towards Wei Shao and, upon reaching him, merely nodded slightly. He then ordered people to quickly fetch cloth curtains and mats, tie them with ropes, and weight the lower edges. They were to be submerged along the embankment slope, pressed tightly against it, and slowly moved.

Everyone followed his instructions. As they moved slowly, they suddenly felt a resistance in the pull, and the water flow from the back slope outlet decreased. They cheered, knowing they had found the breach.

Once the breach was located, the mud and water craftsmen immediately led the effort to fill it. After the breach was repaired, the water surge from the back slope gradually disappeared, and the others returned to filling in the earth. Previously forced to dig, they had all been reluctant. Now, they vied to be the first, fearing to fall behind.

……

With the danger averted, Wei Shao turned to gaze in the direction of Jiuli Mountain, hesitating. At that moment, he saw the hemp-clad old man striding towards him.

The wind swept through the old man's white beard, giving him an air of immortality.

"This old man pays his respects to the Lord," the old man stopped before Wei Shao and said.Wei Shao noticed that the elderly man before him was no ordinary person; he carried an air of a transcendent sage. Not daring to be presumptuous, Wei Shao respectfully saluted the old man and said, "May I ask where you come from and where you are heading? It was entirely thanks to your intervention that the threat to the dam was resolved. I am deeply impressed."

The old man in hemp robes gazed at Wei Shao with bright, piercing eyes and smiled gently. "I have some knowledge of medicine and, seeing the suffering in the world, I wander to help where I can. A few days ago, while observing the stars at night, I noticed the four symbols and three enclosures aligned above this land. The Purple Forbidden Emperor was at the center, flanked by the Supreme Palace and the Celestial Market, the celestial signs were resplendent. I found this phenomenon unusual and thus came to investigate. Coincidentally, I heard of the anomaly at the Anle Dam and came here, unexpectedly encountering you, Lord. Seeing you in person, I can confirm that you possess both martial prowess and wisdom, and your heart holds benevolence. The common people of the world now have hope."

As the two spoke, the surrounding villagers gradually gathered, listening intently. While they only partially understood the old man's words, the mention of the "Purple Forbidden Emperor" seemed to strike a chord. They looked at Wei Shao with reverence, whispering among themselves.

Wei Shao, by nature, was fierce and lacked compassion, even harboring a vengeful streak. Otherwise, he would not have earned the nickname "Little Overlord" in his youth.

When the Qin lost its deer, the whole world chased after it.

Wei Shao was no exception. Holding his position, he had always harbored such ambitious aspirations.

To dominate, and even to seize the realm by force, was the grand ambition he had long been obsessed with.

However, over the years, he had been constantly reminded by Madam Xu and advised by Gongsun Yang. As he grew older and traveled extensively, witnessing the hardships of the people, he began to feel a sense of responsibility for their suffering, as if it had been imposed upon him later in life.

Today, the reason he had changed his route was twofold: firstly, to extend a favor to Yang Xin, and secondly, he was genuinely moved by the pitiful state of the villagers he encountered along the way.

Unexpectedly, he met such an old man here.

Naturally, he understood the implications of the old man's words and was momentarily taken aback.

After speaking, the old man bowed to him with a gesture of respect, then turned and strode away as he had come.

Watching his retreating figure, Wei Shao couldn't help but call out, "May I ask your name, venerable sir? Will we meet again?"

"I have a half-disciple of three months, who now serves under you, Lord. If fate allows, we shall meet again. I hope you will live up to what I have seen today and bring prosperity to the people in the future. That would be a great fortune for the world!"

The old man did not turn back, his words drifting on the wind. His hemp robes fluttered as his figure quickly disappeared into the wilderness by the Huai River.