Chapter 3: Oh no, I

The ancestor of the Erzhu clan, Erzhu Yujian, followed Tuoba Gui in the conquest of Yan and was granted three hundred li of Xiurong River land for his merits.

Erzhu Rong’s grandfather, Erzhu Daqin, was the maternal uncle of Empress Jing’ai of Tuoba Tao; leveraging this connection, the Erzhu clan participated in numerous Northern Wei foreign campaigns, earning exemption from taxes for a century due to their service.

Today, the Erzhu clan is a renowned household among both Hu and Han in the provinces of Si, Shuo, and Heng.

Cattle, sheep, camels, and horses sprawl across mountains and fields.

Erzhu Rong stared at the letter delivered from Taipingzhai—his daughter’s handwriting was unmistakable, yet his handsome, pale face bore an unusual expression.

“Where is the man who delivered this letter?”

At Erzhu Rong’s side, his nephew Erzhu Zhao eagerly stepped forward.

“He delivered the letter and collapsed straight into sleep!”

Erzhu Rong was startled, then listened as Erzhu Zhao explained.

“He claims he rode two hundred li in a single day, exhausted three horses, and was utterly spent.”

Erzhu Rong smiled.

“A man of substance. Treat him well.”

“This…”

Erzhu Zhao was bold and combative; upon hearing this news, he secretly assembled troops, waiting only for his uncle’s command.

But to his surprise, Erzhu Rong did not rage—he intended to honor the messenger.

Erzhu Rong’s authority within the Erzhu clan was absolute; he glanced at Erzhu Zhao, who immediately fell silent, many words unspoken for fear of overstepping.

“Send for Tianmu.”

Compared to his nephew Erzhu Zhao, Erzhu Rong placed greater trust in his sworn brother, Yuan Tianmu of the Northern Wei imperial clan.

After Emperor Xiaowen of Northern Wei moved the capital from Pingcheng to Luoyang, the sinicization reforms spiraled out of control.

In Luoyang, the court not only banned the northern tongue and Hu clothing, but even zealously changed the imperial surname from Tuoba to Yuan.

Yuan Tianmu was a quintessential example of a sinicized Northern Wei royal: his hair tied in a topknot, clad in Han robes, refined and scholarly—starkly contrasting with Erzhu Zhao, who wore Hu attire and sported greasy braids.

Erzhu Rong handed the letter to Yuan Tianmu and asked:

“Brother, what do you make of it?”

“Fine prose! To compose a ransom letter with such literary grace is truly remarkable!”

Yuan Tianmu glanced at it and praised it immediately.

Beside him, Erzhu Zhao grew impatient.

“What’s the point of worrying about his writing at a time like this?”

Erzhu Rong watched Yuan Tianmu, who was carefully stroking his beard as he read, and silenced the impatient Erzhu Zhao.

“Brother means Li Shuang is no ordinary bandit?”

Erzhu Rong had sent his daughter to Luoyang not only to present a token of loyalty to the young emperor Yuan Yu, but also to plant spies within the palace.

Now, as events unfolded, Erzhu Rong suspected someone might be manipulating things behind the scenes.

“Since the Liuzhen rebellion, many border garrison soldiers have fled, including descendants of Han aristocratic families. Frankly, I don’t believe a mere bandit could produce such refined writing. Moreover, the letter’s tone suggests he wishes to avoid escalation—perhaps we can negotiate.”

With that, Yuan Tianmu gave Erzhu Rong a meaningful glance; the latter understood and dismissed Erzhu Zhao.

The two were alone in the room; Erzhu Rong spoke:

“Brother, say what’s on your mind.”

“The Erzhu clan has spent a century accumulating wealth beyond measure—in this chaotic age, such riches may not be an advantage.”

Erzhu Rong nodded.

“I know—that’s why I’ve sought to gather brave warriors for my cause. But I’ve had little success.”

Yuan Tianmu chuckled.

“The court has always distrusted the Erzhu clan, and Qifu Moyu lingers at your side like a thorn in the throat. Xiurong may be rich, but it is no foundation for imperial rule. If Tianbao wishes to achieve greatness, you must march south to Taiyuan, seize Jinyang, and thereby expand the Erzhu clan’s legacy. Taipingzhai lies on the southern route; Li Shuang is a true hero—decide quickly.”

After hearing Yuan Tianmu’s words, Erzhu Rong had made up his mind.

“The name Taipingzhai has grown loud these past two years, especially after Li Chong’s failed suppression. Such a hero—if he can be won over, it would be fortunate. If not, he must be eliminated swiftly.”

“Then I shall go myself on Tianbao’s behalf.”

Taipingzhai.

When Li Shuang learned Yuan Tianmu had come in person, he knew matters had not spiraled into the worst possible outcome.

“Uncle Tianmu!”

In this mountain fortress, Er Zhu Ying’e, upon seeing a familiar face, felt all her pent-up grievances burst forth.

Yuan Tianmu comforted her, then ordered her taken away.

He then turned his gaze to the true subject of this visit—Li Shuang.

This famed bandit chieftain of Jinxibei was merely a teenager: sturdy frame, dark skin, yet a face of striking integrity.

Yuan Tianmu instantly took a liking to him.

“You are Chieftain Li Shuang?”

“That’s me.”

Li Shuang invited Yuan Tianmu into the main hall, but Yuan Tianmu did not move immediately; instead, he spoke with polite hesitation.

“Might I be permitted to visit your study?”

Yuan Tianmu had a peculiar habit: he adored touring others’ libraries.

From the books in a man’s study, he could roughly gauge his tastes.

Of course, he seemed to unconsciously ignore the question of why a bandit chieftain would even have a study.

“Well… it’s not impossible.”

Li Shuang reluctantly led him to the study.

As soon as they entered, Li Shuang sensed something was wrong.

Why hadn’t these fools cleaned up?

On the desk lay a poem Li Shuang had been copying.

Yuan Tianmu, showing no sense of being an outsider, picked up the paper and began reading.

“Thirty thousand Han warriors, generals commanding like Huo Qubing… the foe crushed, the enemy’s banners fallen, treading the entrails of the Hu, wading through Hu blood… no Hu remain, the Han way prospers…”

Hearing Yuan Tianmu recite it, Li Shuang went pale.

Wasn’t this like slapping a Xianbei man’s face in public?

“Excellent!”

Li Shuang expected Yuan Tianmu to storm out—but instead, his voice rose sharply.

“Majestic! Truly majestic!”

He turned to Li Shuang, his admiration deepening.

“I was right all along—Chieftain, not only are your martial skills outstanding, your literary talent is exceptional. You must be descended from a noble house—perhaps the Zhaojun Li clan or the Longxi Li clan?”

This question stumped Li Shuang.

In this era, he didn’t even know where he was from.

“I suppose I’m from Guanzhong.”

“So you’re a descendant of the Longxi Li clan—my apologies, I didn’t realize. You must have deep ties to Wuchuanzhen, then?”

Hearing Yuan Tianmu’s words, Li Shuang’s confusion grew even larger.

“I fell into banditry here—how can I speak of family lineage? It would only invite ridicule!”

Confirmed in his judgment, Yuan Tianmu grew even warmer toward Li Shuang.

“Chieftain, have you read the Spring and Autumn Annals?”

“...”

After a long conversation, it was deep night; Yuan Tianmu revealed his purpose: to recruit Li Shuang for Erzhu Rong, offering generous terms.

Money, land, official rank!

Li Shuang pondered long, then finally agreed.

Though the cause of overthrowing feudal corruption was noble, the feudal corrupt forces simply offered too much.

After reaching an agreement, Li Shuang voiced his lingering doubt.

“Seeing this poem, why didn’t the Grand Secretary’s aide grow angry?”

Yuan Tianmu burst into laughter.

“Young friend, you misunderstand. Our Tuoba ancestors were descendants of the Yellow Emperor, sons of Changyi’s younger son—how could we be equated with those savage Hu barbarians? After Emperor Xiaowen changed Tuoba to Yuan, it was precisely to reclaim our ancestral roots. ‘Treading the entrails of the Hu, wading through Hu blood’—what a magnificent line!”

“...”