Volume Two, Chapter Three of Guan Ju
Jinyang, which originated in the Spring and Autumn Period, was destroyed in the fourth year of the Taiping Xingguo era and became the place where the Li Tang dynasty hid its power.
Emperor Taizu of the previous dynasty twice attempted to conquer Hanzhong but failed. When Emperor Taizong ascended the throne, he issued an edict to personally lead the campaign and finally destroyed the Han dynasty under Liu Bei. It was said that "the royal aura of Hanzhong would last for five generations." Emperor Taizong, fearing its powerful influence, ordered the city to be burned, a fire that continued for three years without ceasing. He then diverted the Fen and Jin rivers to flood the city. This vital town, a place of imperial grandeur for a thousand years, was ultimately destroyed.
The following year, the capital was moved from Bingzhou to Yangqu, which is now Taiyuan, the first prefecture of the Jingxi Road. Of the ancient Jinyang region, only one county remains, named Ping.
The Great Wei Dynasty Gazetteer - Jingxi Road - Taiyuan Road - Supplement
"The Jin River flows mightily, the Fen River stretches far and wide. Whose thoughts linger? Only those of Jinyang. The rise and fall of the dragon are ordained by Heaven, why must we set fire to our homeland? From Song to Wei, the great river flows on, when will I see my beautiful maiden again?"
A rough male voice echoed the surging waves of the river, crashing against the shore like a never-ending tide. In an old inn not far away, the innkeeper cautiously approached the person by the window.
"Master, it's time to close up shop."
The man ignored him and continued staring at the ferry crossing, putting him in a very difficult position.
"Master," he called again.
His beautiful, long eyebrows furrowed impatiently as he stood up, his gaze still fixed on the distance. "Do you always close this early?" Although the sky was dark, it was still only early morning.
"This only happens during flood years. This year, the Guanzhong Plain is experiencing abundant rainfall, and the Jin River is already close to its embankment before July. Although Ping County is not on the main stream of the river, it is likely to be affected by this flood."
Seeing that he seemed somewhat nonchalant, Zhang Gu bowed and let him pass.
“Since the relocation from Taiyuan, Ping County has only been a post station, serving the business of passing merchants. Now the river is almost full, and in addition…” The innkeeper looked towards the riverbank, then examined the man’s face before him, and said carefully, “The ferry crossing is closed, so there are no more customers coming.”
Ten days ago, the master of the house suddenly came to Ping County. At the time, he thought it was a routine inspection and was so frightened that he stayed up all night to sort out the account books. Who knew that when he brought them over with trepidation, the master of the house didn't even look at them, but just sat by the window every day, as if waiting for someone. It's just a pity that at this time, boats were closed on the shore and crossings on the river were prohibited, so this person was destined never to come.
Seeing that the host had finally left his seat, he hurriedly told the waiter to close the windows and doors. With the sound of the tide gone, the inn became much quieter. A figure in apricot-white robes slowly ascended, the jade belt hook at his waist jingling softly, adding a touch of loneliness to the tranquil room.
"Master, would you like dinner to be eaten downstairs or delivered to your room?" the innkeeper asked, looking up.
"Need not."
Not needed again? Now Old Liu, the cook, is going to be heartbroken and cry again, then drag him out for a whole night of drinking. Sigh, being a shopkeeper is tough these days.
Just then, there was a few light knocks on the door.
It must be one of those wine-loving laborers on the embankment who disturbed the master's peace yesterday. The shopkeeper frowned and gestured for his staff to be quiet.
"Is anyone there?" Surprisingly, it was a woman's voice.
The waiter was taken aback and was about to reply when he heard someone upstairs say, "The shop is already closed."
Amidst the astonished gazes of the crowd, Shangguan Yi gracefully descended, his handsome face no longer showing the gloom of before, his eyes brimming with joy like water about to overflow from the dam.
The person outside the door was clearly surprised as well, pausing for a moment before smiling and saying, "Could you make an exception for me?"
"That depends on who you are." With undisguised delight in his handsome eyes, Shangguan Yi yanked open the wooden door.
The woman stood in the wind, her faded Taoist robe fluttering wildly. She seemed to have grown taller, her figure more delicate than two years ago, radiating the captivating beauty of a mature woman. What remained unchanged were her moon-like eyes, still bright and sparkling, and the dimples at the corners of her lips that seemed to overflow with moisture.
His eyes were greedy, fixed on her with a starving thirst, as if he wanted to make up for the two years he had missed in one fell swoop. She blushed slightly at his gaze and finally couldn't help but speak first.
"Years have passed since we parted. How are you, Ziyu?"
Upon hearing this, Shangguan Yi narrowed his handsome eyes slightly in displeasure and extended his hand to her. The scene seemed familiar, but this time she did not hesitate and generously gave him her hand.
She thought to herself, feeling the grip tighten; this man was becoming increasingly domineering. She glanced up furtively, only to be met with a dense, unwavering gaze.
"You're too late."
His dark eyes were fixed on her, which made her slightly stunned. After a long while, she smiled and said, "I had just entered Hanzhong when I encountered the Yellow River being blocked from navigation. Fortunately, I met some villagers who came to call for grass, which allowed me to bypass the shallows downstream." She tilted her head slightly. "But you, how did you know that I came to Ping County? After all, when people mention Jinyang, they usually think of Taiyuan."
"Am I a normal person?" He raised an eyebrow dismissively, then leaned down, staring intently at her, and whispered in her ear, "Zigui, you're testing me, I don't mind, just don't keep me waiting too long."
She blinked. "Sorry, how many days have you been here?"
"I waited for two years."
His answer was irrelevant yet sincere, making her blush. She tried to pull her fingers away, but he grabbed her chest in the next instant.
"I only allowed you to escape once, and you've already used it up at Slender West Lake." His gaze followed her slightly flushed face, finally settling on a wine jar that separated the two of them.
"One must not overstep the bounds in front of one's elders." Gently creating some distance, she smiled and held up the small jar. "These are my parents."
"It will be mine someday."
Ignoring her hints, he closed his fingers and led her into the store.
"Master...Master's household." The shopkeeper stared at the two of them, speechless.
Ping County has a conservative social atmosphere; it's considered immoral for men and women to walk together, let alone hold hands. Besides, this girl is clearly a Taoist nun, a Buddhist nun.
He winked and tried desperately to hint, but the host not only didn't get it, but instead pulled the nun upstairs.
It wasn't that he had filthy thoughts, it was just that the master's gaze was too... He didn't have time to think of a less beastly word. Ah, there was no time left, or they would have to "do the deed"!
"Master!" The innkeeper suddenly said the moment the two finished climbing the steps, "Would you like porridge or noodles for dinner, sir? Would you like fish or meat? Would you like to eat in your room or in the main hall?"
His tone was clear, and his speech was fluent, completely unlike his initial dazed state. He subtly hinted, fearing that dry tinder might meet a raging fire and burn down his house in a flash.
As if he had been truly awakened by his words, Shangguan Yi, who was usually not very interested in food, stopped and looked at Yu Zigui, saying, "The noodles here are quite unique."
"Chef Liu, you've finally made it," the shopkeeper thought with some relief.