Chapter 26: Sending Off Souls (IV)

“I really never imagined that An Lushan had such ambitions to seize control of the Central Plains; otherwise, I wouldn’t have stayed under his command, helping him commit atrocities all this time.”
Yan Xu shook his head with a bitter smile, gently holding the reins. “Back then, I roamed the world alone with my sword, killing corrupt officials and helping refugees—what a carefree and joyful life! I thought that once all the corrupt officials were killed, the people could live a good life. But as more corrupt officials were killed, I realized they could never be eliminated completely. The reason is that those in power are corrupt. That’s why I hoped to meet a wise ruler to assist him in bringing peace and order to the land.”
Gazing at the distant mountain ridges, Yan Xu said, “From Chang’an to Hedong and then to Fanyang, only An Lushan gave me the impression of a great ruler. Under his leadership, the Fanyang army became invincible, forcing the Khitans and Xis to surrender in defeat. That’s why I accepted the position he offered and worked hard for him. I thought I was just killing for the sake of the people.”
“Haha, I’m truly ridiculous. He works so hard and takes the lead without hesitation—of course, there’s a reason. He wants to win the loyalty of his soldiers and turn the Fanyang army, the Pinglu army, and even the Hedong army into his personal forces.”
Yao Si felt sorry for him and comforted him, “Brother Yan, don’t say that. An Lushan disguises himself so well—how many people can see through his disguise? Look at these ignorant people; some even built temples in his honor!”
“What he does is his business, and what I do is mine. I can’t blame him for my mistakes.”
Yan Xu shook his head. “An Lushan is good at winning people’s hearts, so from high-ranking generals to ordinary citizens, everyone trusts him deeply. That’s why no reports of his rebellion reach Chang’an, no matter how big his actions become.”
“Brother Yao, do you have any plans for our trip to Chang’an?”
Yan Xu casually held the reins and rode forward, asking indifferently.
After this incident, he had resolved to expose An Lushan’s treasonous intentions to the imperial court. But he had always had a poor relationship with the court officials, making it difficult to gain their support.
Yao Si spurred his horse to catch up and laughed, “Brother Yan Xu, don’t you know my status? Not to mention the capital, even in ordinary prefectures, I don’t know any officials well. But if you want to sell some horses, I think I can help with that.”

Slowing down the horse slightly, Yan Xu said in a solemn voice, “Our father had a good relationship with Cao Luo, the Deputy Minister of Rites, during his lifetime. Out of necessity, I plan to seek his help this time. If he remembers our old friendship, he might introduce us. Then the two of us could go to the Imperial Gate and expose An Lushan’s evil deeds. But if he refuses to see us, then it must be fate’s will.”

Ever since he ran away from home to wander the world as a swordsman, he had lost touch with his family. He didn’t know whether this Uncle Cao still remembered their old bond.

Coughing lightly, Yao Si said with a smile, “What are you saying, elder brother? Given your father’s friendship with him, I’m sure that Deputy Minister will surely welcome you warmly.”

It was already July, and the weather grew increasingly hot. Yet walking through the countryside in the early morning was quite pleasant. Warm breezes blew, making one feel relaxed all over.

Gazing at the distant fields, Yan Xu sighed, “Now that we’ve left, I wonder how Qingen is doing.”

Yao Si didn’t want to talk about it anymore, but since Yan Xu had brought it up, he couldn’t avoid it anymore.

“Elder brother Yan, why bring this up again? Didn’t I say? That kid Qingen is clever. He just pretended to submit and admit his fault in front of An Lushan. How could that fat barbarian kill his own son?”

He had already told Yan Xu everything about Qingen single-handedly blocking the pursuers with his sword. Although Yan Xu remained silent and guilty for a long time, in such a situation, quick action was better than prolonged suffering. It was inevitable that he and Qingen could never be together again.

Seeing Yao Si so carefree now, the weight in Yan Xu’s heart finally lifted. Going through so many separations and deaths was beyond what an ordinary person could bear.

Shaking his head slightly, Yan Xu said with a bitter smile, “I certainly won’t blame you. But after all, I owe him a favor. I thought giving him a sword strike would settle things, but now he’s saved me again. If the emperor, in a fit of anger, sends the imperial army to besiege Fanyang City, that kid might not survive. Sigh, I feel guilty toward him.”

Pulling his horse closer, Yao Si casually said, “A man of seven feet tall shouldn’t be tied down by emotions. With your talents, achieving fame and rank should be as easy as reaching into a bag. If your ambitions are hindered because of one person, I’ll be the first to object. Besides, the emperor is kind-hearted—he should only punish the main culprits, not the accomplices. As long as that kid is smart, he shouldn’t get involved.”

“I hope so.”

Sighing lightly, Yan Xu whipped his horse into motion again, speeding forward. …

After about the time it takes to drink a cup of tea, they faintly saw an inn with a rather large front entrance. A huge plaque bearing the name of the inn was particularly eye-catching, and there was a constant stream of people coming and going, making it quite lively. The two lightly cracked their whips and rushed to the inn. After traveling for such a long time, it was time to rest for a while. They tied their horses to the pegs in front of the inn and then hurried inside. This inn was located at the border between Loufan Commandery and Taiyuan Commandery, so there were endless streams of merchants and travelers passing by. With such a strategic location, how could it not be prosperous? As soon as they reached the entrance, they saw a girl in her late twenties dressed in green silk, who bowed politely and said, “Welcome, sir. Please consider supporting our humble inn. Please come in.” Although she was not wearing makeup and had a natural appearance, her smiles and frowns carried a unique charm. Her fresh and refined demeanor removed any rustic feel from her clothing, adding instead an air of elegance, as if she were a fairy from the heavens. Truly, there is a beautiful woman living in a secluded valley—she doesn’t pin flowers in her hair, but gathering cypress branches fills her hands. In the cold, her green sleeves are thin, and at dusk, she leans against tall bamboo. Even without makeup, she remains infinitely beautiful. Yan Xu gently tapped his own shoulder, reminding Yao Si of her mistake. She smiled apologetically at the plain-faced girl and followed her brother into the inn. As soon as they entered the hall, they felt a sense of ancient simplicity. Although it was in a northern commandery, the tables and chairs were not the usual rough stools but soft cushions passed down since the Wei and Jin dynasties. The guests sat cross-legged drinking or kneeling to converse, their manners reflecting that of scholars. The fragrance from carved incense burners filled the air, refreshing everyone. They sat down at a table by the window. A waiter came to ask what dishes they wanted. Although he wore ordinary white linen clothes, they were clean and tidy, giving off a sense of freshness. Yao Si secretly admired the inn’s owner for paying attention to details and taking care of the guests so well—this was not something an ordinary person could achieve. After looking through the menu, Yao Si ordered two pounds of braised beef and a pot ofshochu. After confirming the order, the waiter hurried off to the back yard. Holding the free tea provided by the inn, Yao Si shook her head and said, “Brother Yan Xu, don’t you think this inn is a bit strange?” Yan Xu frowned slightly and said in a low voice, “Xiao Si, have you noticed something? I think the inn is quite interestingly decorated. After all this travel, we can finally rest properly.”

With a wry smile, Yao Si continued, “It’s precisely because this inn is so uniquely decorated that I began to suspect something. Have you ever thought that although Taiyuan Commandery is prosperous, it still belongs to the Northern Regions? The northern regions are heavily influenced by barbarian customs, and many local traditions have been altered by them. Just take these barbarian-style stools and beds—weren’t they also brought over from the barbarians? Moreover, this inn is located on a major trade route, frequented by traveling merchants and soldiers who are in a hurry. How would they care about such trivial decorations?”
Hearing this, Yan Xu also fell silent. After a long while, he sighed and said, “Yes, as merchants, they indeed wouldn’t pay attention to such deliberate decorations. But earlier, I noticed that those travelers had quite remarkable appearances and demeanor. Could they possibly be merchants?”
Yao Si said softly, “Now, we can only keep an eye out and observe more carefully.”
In about the time it takes to drink a cup of tea, the waiter brought the ordered dishes. After refilling the tea, he naturally received a tip from Yan Xu. Taking a piece of silver, the waiter thanked him profusely before leaving.
Just as they were about to start eating heartily, they heard a debate coming from the desk behind them.
“I heard that An Lushan is currently recruiting troops—he seems to be planning a rebellion!”
“Which An Lushan? Could you be clearer?”
“Heh, in our Tang Dynasty, aside from the military governors of Pinglu, Fanyang, and Hedong, who else could it be but An Lushan? This barbarian holds two hundred thousand elite soldiers. If he really attacks, the imperial court might not be able to resist!”