Chapter 65: Shattering the Blade (IV)

The moonlight condensed into droplets; the cold furnace offered solace, while the east wind seemed to hinder warmth in the heart.
Gazing at the sky as if it were a jade pot, free from any dust, who could share in savoring the beauty of spring? (Note 1) The vast misty expanse stretched over the desolate fields, empty of anyone.
Inside the fur tent made of yellow sheepskin, Li Kuo drank strong liquor alone. Leaning against the copper brazier, he stared at the surroundings, feeling an indescribable sense of desolation.
Taking a sip of the strong liquor, he shook his head; the dim light from the oil lamp added to the somber atmosphere.
As he was lost in thought, he suddenly noticed the candlelight flickering—the tent curtain parted slightly as Chen Wenjing stepped in lightly.
With her hands behind her back, she sighed softly and said regretfully, “The green wine cup weeps easily, yet there’s no one to play the flute—truly ruining such a serene atmosphere.”
Li Kuo snapped out of his reverie upon seeing Chen Wenjing’s melancholic expression and was taken aback.
“Brother Wenjing, you didn’t come to my tent tonight just to talk about wine and beauties, did you?”
With a bitter smile, Chen Wenjing narrowed her eyes and asked Li Kuo, “General Li, what kind of person do you think I am?”
Unsure why she brought this up, Li Kuo bowed slightly and replied loudly, “Brother Wenjing is undoubtedly an extraordinary strategist. Since ancient times, Emperor Gaozu of Han succeeded by having Xiao He by his side, and Cao Cao unified the land with Xun Yu’s help. Any wise ruler who could gain Brother Wenjing’s support would surely achieve great things in troubled times.”
Li Kuo greatly admired Chen Wenjing’s calm demeanor and exceptional strategy during the investigation of the Isotak assassination. He said this not out of flattery, but out of genuine respect!
Shaking her head slightly, Chen Wenjing said softly, “Regardless of whether it’s a time of chaos or not, even you, General Li, are mistaken about me.”
Pausing briefly, she smiled faintly, her gaze distant and dreamy.
“Why wouldn’t I want to live a pastoral life, drinking wine among bamboo groves and enjoying the flow of music by the water? In the past, Tao Qian refused to bow for five bushels of rice and instead farmed by the Loess Plateau, earning eternal fame. As a scholar myself, how could I not wish to leave a name through the ages?”
Her lips twitched slightly as Liu Wenjing replied gravely, “Though being a renowned scholar is admirable, it’s not suitable for us.”
“How so?”
“Does General Li know that even among renowned scholars, there are true and false ones? Since the Wei, Jin, Southern, and Northern Dynasties, there has been a trend toward revivalism. People see the elegance and grace of these scholars but fail to see their frustrations.”
“What frustrations could they have? A dream like the Yellow Millet Dream, a pot of wine, white robes for a lifetime…”

“White robes? Perhaps. That narrow sense of pride inherent in people leads them to turn to landscapes and gardens after failing in politics. But isn’t this attachment to nature mixed with too much political intent?”
“How can there be political intent in retreating to the mountains? Brother Wenjing, your view seems a bit one-sided.”
Unconvinced, Li Kuo countered Chen Wenjing.
“Take these so-called scholars—take the current dynasty as an example. Most of them ‘retire’ to the mountains after failing in politics. Their goal is usually to build a reputation. Imitating the scholars of the Wei and Jin dynasties, they spend their days composing poems in bamboo groves, howling on hills, farming in the fields, and returning drunk. Over time, the title of ‘scholar’ sticks to them.”
After a pause, Chen Wenjing lowered his voice and said, “General Li, if you were a high-ranking official in the court, who would you recommend as a wise person? Naturally, they would be the best candidates for prefectures or the capital. Thus, these ‘scholars’ regain favor with the court by pretending to drink openly and cry in despair. In essence, their retreat is just a trick to return to politics.”
After a long silence, Li Kuo finally spoke, “If that’s the case, Brother Wenjing must despise such tactics, which is why you came to this harsh place in search of a way out.”
Chen Wenjing shook his head. “I’m not as noble as you think. I too once tried to enter the court using such methods. But I was unlucky and wasn’t recommended by local officials. I’ve been in retreat for ten years, during which I’ve lost almost all my edge. Deep down, I refuse to fade away in the mountains. I must fulfill my dreams—I can’t let them be buried with me!”
“Then why didn’t Brother Wenjing pursue the imperial examinations? With your talent, it shouldn’t be hard to become a Jinshi.”
“The imperial examinations? Not to mention tens of thousands of people competing for a few limited spots each year, even if my writings were recognized and reached the emperor’s ears, what chances do I have of becoming a high-ranking official? If I end up as a county magistrate in some remote place for the rest of my life, how can I realize my political dreams? Since ancient times, the elite have come from noble families, and the lower ranks from scholar clans. How easy is it to navigate all these power networks without getting involved? Although the current dynasty created the imperial examination system to recruit talents from all over, the nine-rank system inherited from the Southern and Northern Dynasties still has considerable influence—it can’t be eradicated overnight. I failed the exams three times and have long given up hope.”
Chen Wenjing spoke calmly, as if none of this had anything to do with him.

“Thus, I chose to come to the Dafeichuan Grasslands. Though the lands beyond the Great Wall are harsh, they value a person’s talents the most. By avoiding the complicated interpersonal relationships in the Central Plains, I can better utilize my own abilities. Chief Suta helped me when I was in distress, so naturally, I must do my best to serve him. General Li must think I have a heart of stone after seeing many of my ruthless sides.”
With slightly reddened cheeks, Li Kuo clasped his hands and said with a wry smile, “Brother Wenjing, I really wronged you. I originally thought you would stop at nothing for fame and fortune, but who would have known you had so many ambitions and hardships?”
Chen Wenjing turned away, staring at the glowing flames in the brazier, and said calmly, “It’s not really your fault. After all, I’ve changed a lot over these years in the Naji tribe. To survive in such a harsh environment, one must become hard-hearted and ruthless. Only those more cruel than wolves can survive in this land.”
After a long while, Chen Wenjing regained her composure, shook her head, and smiled helplessly. “Look at me—once I start complaining, I forget the important matters. I did disturb you tonight for a serious matter to discuss.”
Pausing for a moment, Chen Wenjing continued, “As General Li has seen, the Tibetan king explicitly prohibits any tribe in the snowy plateau from trading with the Tang people. However, if we proceed carefully, the profits could be immense. If this market succeeds, both sides will benefit greatly. The Tang army can force the Tibetan officials to return to Jiuqu and deal with dispersing the market, while our Naji tribe can obtain much-needed supplies to strengthen our strength. Chief Suta is far-sighted and has already planned this path for our tribe.”
As she spoke, Chen Wenjing kept her eyes on Li Kuo, with a deep glint in her gaze.
Li Kuo was overjoyed. The Tang army had been staying in the Naji tribe’s camp these days precisely to discuss this trade deal. With the help of five thousand warriors from the White Wolf tribe, their chances of capturing Jiuqu City would increase even further!
Perhaps Chief Suta’s decision was driven by the assassination of Isotak—he urgently needed a major deal with the Tang people to restore order in the Naji tribe and establish his authority.
The young man patted his chest and laughed, “In that case, I’ll take care of this on the Tang army’s side. Why not do something that benefits both sides?”
A hint of suspicion appeared on Chen Wenjing’s face, but it was quickly covered by a bright smile as she laughed loudly, “General Li is truly straightforward. The army will set off soon, so you should get some rest tonight.”

With his hands slightly arched, Li Kuo said softly, “Thank you, Brother Wenjing. When we set off tomorrow, I will surely offer wine as a token of gratitude.” Hearing this, Chen Wenjing burst into laughter and strode out of the tent. Under the vast starry sky, the new moon hung upside down. The light from the lanterns inside the tent was dim; looking afar, whose fields might the beauty of youth be shining upon?…
Note 1: Chunbi: A metaphor for fine wine, from Shi Dazu’s “Xi Qian Ying”.
Note 2: The Nine-Rank System: Also known as the Nine-Rank Official System, it was the main system for selecting officials during the Wei, Jin, and Southern and Northern Dynasties. This system was essentially a continuation and development of the recommendation system used during the Han Dynasty, or another form of that system. Introduced during the reign of Emperor Wen of Wei, Cao Pi, it led to the dominance of powerful families in government positions, denying many commoners the chance to serve in court.