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Eastern Jin, Year of Xianhe Three (328). Su Jun's rebellion.
This was an inevitable result of the development of aristocratic politics and the decline of imperial power. Even if he did not rebel, other aristocratic families would naturally rise against the throne. For someone like me, who is well-versed in historical trends, this was not surprising. However, it sent shockwaves throughout the Jin State. The people and nobles of the Jin State, who had been living in peace and luxury, were left stunned and unsure of how to respond. The entire city of Jiankang was thrown into chaos.
The court quickly reacted by dispatching the old general Huan Yi to quell the rebellion. Yet, within three days, news arrived that the old general had been captured on the battlefield. Three days later, he was brutally killed, his body hung on a railing in front of the rebel camp for three days. This infuriated everyone in the court.
Su Jun was too arrogant and had insulted the old general in a way that enraged both gods and men. Especially for Huan Yi's son, Huan Wen, his temperament changed drastically. He almost rushed to the enemy camp on the spot to avenge his father.
In fact, Huan Wen had every reason to be angry.
The truth was that General Huan Yi should not have died. Before the general went into battle, Su Jun's son, Su Xunnan, had poisoned his food with a slow-acting toxin, leading to his capture during combat. This betrayal by a friend and the death of his father deeply traumatized Huan Wen. Once part of the Jian Kang Five Young Masters, after Su Xunnan betrayed several of them, the other four could hardly believe that their long-time brother would commit such an act. They immediately severed their brotherly ties with him and expelled him from the Jian Kang Five Young Masters, declaring that they had nothing to do with him; instead, they vowed to kill this traitor without mercy if they ever encountered him again.
After the old general's death, the rebels marched northward toward the capital Jiankang. Huan Wen requested to go into battle—not only to quell the rebellion but also to avenge his father. The emperor agreed. However, all military power was in Su Jun's hands, and the court could only allocate thirty thousand troops for him to suppress the rebellion, while the rebels numbered two hundred thousand. Facing such overwhelming odds, no one had any confidence in winning this battle; yet Huan Wen resolutely decided to proceed.
When he left, he came to bid farewell to me in the palace. In truth, he believed he might never return. I had no worries about this; historically, he lived a long life and there was no reason to fear for his safety. But I couldn't say anything.
I simply said lightly, "Trust me; you will be fine." It was both a promise and a hope.
He forced a bitter smile and replied, "I hope so. Before I die, I will make them pay dearly." His expression was haggard and somewhat pale; it seemed he hadn't rested well since his father's death.
I expressed my concern: "Huan Wen, perhaps you need to rest properly. I am very sorry about your father's passing." One day, I will make sure those responsible pay for what they owe your father.
He showed no sadness but coldly stated, "Those people will receive their due punishment."
"Take care of yourself."
I watched his figure fade away, suddenly seeming much older. The once charming Huan Wen, dressed in white, graceful and dashing, now appeared as if he had transformed overnight into a different person. Losing the one you love—does it truly lead to strength and growth through pain and sorrow?
Learning to grow, learning to love. Is it really so cruel to experience everything like this?
"I want to go to battle with Huan Gongzi." The cold tone left no room for doubt.
"Spit—" The hot tea I had just sipped was forcefully expelled from my mouth.
"What did you just say?" I managed to ask after regaining my composure.
Suddenly, Suda knelt directly before me. Her voice, though still as cold as usual, carried a note of pleading and urgency: "Firefly, you have a way, right? Please let me go with Huan Gongzi. I want to be by his side; I want to accompany him. Otherwise, I'm afraid—I’m afraid I might never see him again."
I had never seen Suda like this before—so humble, so desperately pleading with me. Could this be love? To fall for someone means to lower oneself to the dust.
Her face was pale, likely the result of sleepless nights spent contemplating her decision.
"Are you sure? Do you understand how difficult it is for a young woman to march into battle?" I knew that during my absence, when Huan Wen sought me out, her feelings for him had blossomed further. The emotions she had kept hidden in her heart became clear after her encounter in the Cold Palace.
She was choosing to pursue her love without hesitation.
She lowered her head and spoke softly: "I know; I understand all of this, and I am prepared. Moreover, I know that the one he loves is not me and may never be. But I love him! I just want to quietly stay by his side, watch over him, take care of him, and do everything I can for him—not because I want him to love me or notice me. I've never asked you for anything before, but this time, will you promise me?"
I walked over, pulled her up gently, and embraced her softly, saying, "I promise you, I promise you, I will agree to anything. But you must take care of yourself. When the army returns, I want to see you safe and sound." Suddenly, I leaned closer to her ear and whispered, "Trust me, he is fine. He won't die. You don't need to worry."
She was startled. "How do you know?"
I chuckled lightly. "I just know." It was a stubborn answer.
Seeing her somewhat reassured, her cheeks flushed slightly at the thought of him. I silently wished in my heart: Huan Wen, Suda, I truly hope you find happiness.
With such determination and devotion from Suda, I couldn't refuse her. Huan Wen, I hope you cherish those around you.
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