In the first year of the Zhen'guan era, the Tang Dynasty decreased the size of Anding County. The nation began using easy traveling paths across mountains and rivers, leading to ten routes: the first being Guannei Route, the second Henan Route, the third Hedong Route, the fourth Hebei Route, the fifth Shannan Route, the sixth Longyou Route, the seventh Huainan Route, the eighth Jiangnan Route, the ninth Jiannan Route, and the tenth Lingnan Route.
In the late Tang period, due to the rebellion of An and Shi, local leaders rose to power. These routes subsequently became de facto local administrative institutions, accompanying local military commissioners and marking the beginning of feudal separatism.
The world was in chaos, with strife rampant. The populace struggled for survival amid grievances echoed in every corner. There were even local bravos, using tales of gods and ghosts to bewilder the people, inciting them to rise up. Changes in society were as unpredictable as shifting clouds and rain. The Tang Dynasty lost control, and the rulership was up for grabs.
But do gods and ghosts really exist? The ordinary people firmly believed in them and worshipped devoutly.
The east has Jade Spring, the west has Kunlun, the north has Qilian, and the south has the Crane's Call. All of them are renowned rivers and mountains, towering and majestic, with rare birds and exotic animals, flying waterfalls and peculiar rocks, gathering the essence of heaven and earth and are the most suitable places for cultivation. Yet, ordinary people could not enter these places.
These are the top four cultivation sects in the world, with numerous disciples, many skilled individuals, and high prestige – they are the leaders of the righteous path in the cultivation world.
In times of hardship, some cultivators came forth to aid the world before stylishly disappearing. Those in the know understood that these cultivators would not directly involve themselves in worldly battles. But nowadays, in addition to the four major sects, there are countless small sects and independent cultivators. Throughout the vast land of China, it is not uncommon to see gifted individuals and unique talents openly wandering about, boosting the credibility of cultivation.
Butterflies dance and birds soar. It's Qingming time, spring is ending in the south, and flowers are beginning to bloom in the north. "Swift horses and autumn wind in Hebei, apricot flowers and spring rain in Jiangnan," as people often say. As if spring favors Jiangnan and autumn suits Hebei, yet the spring in the north is also captivating, offering a different spectacle.
This is the bustling main street of Taiyuan Prefecture in Hedong Route, crowded with carriages, peddlers shouting out their wares, and bustling with people - a scene of flourishing prosperity.
Even though the nation is in turmoil, the Tang royalty remains, with Taiyuan, known as the second capital city of the Tang Dynasty and comparable to Chang'an, being their birthplace. Taiyuan, a significant military strategic area, with the sturdy fortress of the Great Wall beyond, spares the people from the woes of war.
Along the Jinci route, the place is full of brothels. On this spring evening, with lanterns just lit, every courtyard in the neighborhood is filled with festive music and song. Those elegantly dressed gentlemen, with fans in hand and hearty laughter, are greeted by flirtatious courtesans.
This is a brothel known as "House of a Thousand Flowers", with imposing buildings and a larger scale. From afar, the scent of perfume wafts through the air.
"Brother Chen, here's today's bounty!"
Such a beautiful day, yet beside the brothel in an alley, a group of ragged little beggars is engaged in a vibrant discussion.
The young boy found himself encircled by a group, looking at the small beggar whose face was covered in dirt as he handed over a dozen or so copper coins. The boy frowned, "You've begged all day and haven't even got a bit of broken silver?"
Though he too was clad in rags, eyes bright and resolute, with sword-like eyebrows and radiant eyes; though not very tall, this fifteen-year-old certainly stands out.
"Chen Bro, the outside world is plunged into chaos nowadays. The rich landlords and stingy hens in the town refuse to give even the small copper coins we have. We had to beg from foreigners!" the little beggar replied sheepishly.
"Did the elderly in the courtyard eat today?" The boy called Chen Bro glanced at the busy brothel entrance and asked, his eyes lighting up.
The beggar pouted, rubbing his stomach, "Chen Bro, the elders haven't eaten today! The way the day has gone, my stomach is almost empty! We haven't even had a taste of white bread for three days, not even a grain of chaff! Look at those courtesans living off their looks, making money so easily... it's enviable!" At this, the young beggar drooled, appearing to be around seven or eight years old.
The teenager smiled, "That's their capital, what they rely on for earning a living. I reckon even they themselves couldn't bear to eat."
Seeing no other alternatives, the little beggars wanted to say something, but remained silent as they noticed their leader deep in thought.
"Er Dan, no more of your fantasies about the courtesans. They also live a hard life!" said the teenager, fiercely, seeing Er Dan's expression and giving him a swat on the head.
The teenager's name is Ling Chen, sixteen years old, born and raised in Taiyuan. He was the leader of a group of child beggars. Initially, he was not a beggar but grew up in a brothel, naturally becoming a minor serving boy in the brothel. He could not stand the men who insulted the foster mother who had raised him, and left to become the head of the beggars in Taiyuan. Although not dressed very clean, it is noticeable that his clothing is not as torn as the other beggars.
Ling Chen closed his eyes slightly, lost in thought. His filthy hand found its way to a piece of black jade on his chest, over his clothing.