Chapter Summaries

After fleeing to Pengcheng, Liu Acheng slipped across the Si River with Liu Rengong’s refugee party and persuaded them to accept him as a fellow Pengcheng Liu. Learning that refugees could settle south of the Yangtze with tax and labor exemptions, he began dreaming of building his own fortified manor.

• Liu Acheng crossed the Si River by joining Liu Rengong’s orderly refugee party, but Liu Ahu challenged him for sneaking in.
• Liu Acheng claimed descent from the Pengcheng Liu clan, and Liu Ahu let him join the party.
• Liu Acheng learned that Liu Rengong was a respected refugee commander and that the party planned to head south.
• A man explained that refugees on the White Register would avoid taxes and compulsory labor and could clear land in the south.
• Liu Acheng decided that his best future was to establish a fortified manor of his own.

Liu Cheng learned to weave straw sandals while traveling with the refugees, then grew suspicious of the soldiers ferrying them across the Huai River. The boat he and his companions boarded drifted downstream, where its soldier demanded five hundred coins from each passenger.

• Liu Cheng traded mussels for a replacement pair of straw sandals from Grandpa Wang and decided to learn the craft.
• After observing the procession and choosing Grandpa Wang as his teacher, Liu Cheng was initially refused because the family was busy caring for children.
• When the local officer reduced and adulterated the refugees' grain, Liu Rengong negotiated for supplies, but the delay and rain worsened the procession's morale.
• Grandpa Wang taught Liu Cheng to weave sandals during the rainy evening, and Liu Cheng learned the basic technique.
• Liu Cheng struggled to make sandals that met Grandpa Wang's standards as the procession recovered and reached the Huai River.
• Suspecting trouble at the ferry, Liu Cheng filled a bag with pebbles and led his companions onto a small boat; once it drifted downstream, the soldier aboard demanded five hundred coins from each person.

Liu Cheng’s refugee group was robbed by a soldier while crossing the Huai River, and Liu Cheng attacked him with an oar to save Brother Qi’s sheep. The group dumped the unconscious soldier into the river and continued downstream, leaving Liu Cheng to reckon with having killed a man.

• A soldier demanded toll money and robbed the passengers, beating Third Grandpa Liu and taking his purse.
• The soldier tried to seize Brother Qi’s sheep, but Brother Qi refused to let go even as the soldier struck him.
• Liu Cheng tried to intervene, then surprised the soldier with an oar and beat him unconscious.
• Liu Cheng ordered the group to take the soldier’s saber and throw him into the river, and the naked refugee helped him dump the man overboard.
• The boatmen carried the refugees downstream, and Liu Cheng later reflected on his first killing before asking Third Grandpa Liu whether they had forgotten to strip the soldier’s clothes.

After the robbery on the Huai River left the refugees wounded, bereaved, and close to infighting, Liu Cheng gained Liu Rengong’s trust by proposing to organize sandal weavers and other vulnerable survivors. Liu Rengong appointed him to manage the group’s straw sandals, while privately concluding that Liu Cheng was a displaced member of the gentry with a troubled family history.

• The refugees gathered after the soldiers’ robbery, and Liu Cheng saw their grief and heard arguments about abandoning the group or finding new leaders.
• Third Grandpa Liu brought Liu Cheng to meet Liu Rengong, who questioned him about killing the robbers and learned that he claimed to be a Liu from Qiao Commandery who had escaped from the north.
• Liu Cheng warned Liu Rengong that the refugees’ resentment could lead to internal strife and proposed gathering skilled sandal weavers to help the group travel faster and keep control of an essential resource.
• Liu Cheng offered to help Third Grandpa Liu organize the sandal weavers and the wounded, bereaved, and abducted people, and Liu Rengong appointed him to manage the group’s straw sandals.
• Liu Huzi questioned whether Liu Cheng belonged to the clan, and Liu Rengong explained that Liu Cheng’s speech and careful conduct suggested he was gentry who had grown up among the Jie Hu and lost his family.

Liu Acheng’s refugee band settled in the relocated Langya Commandery, where he organized sandal and mat production and went to sell sandals at a Jingkou market. There he met the destitute Liu Jili and learned that the passing aristocratic procession belonged to Xie An.

• Liu Rengong negotiated permission for the refugees to cross the Yangtze and directed them to settle in the relocated Langya Commandery.
• Liu Cheng persuaded Liu Rengong to keep the sandal weavers together and organize mat makers so the refugees could earn money and trade for supplies.
• Liu Cheng sold sandals at a roadside market while gathering information about Jingkou, its military, and its prominent families.
• Liu Jili traded his bamboo flute for sandals and asked Liu Cheng how the refugees had made so many.
• The market vendors cleared the road when blade-and-axe servants led an aristocratic procession past them.
• Liu Jili identified the procession’s owner as Xie An, and he introduced himself to Liu Cheng as a member of the Liu Clan of Pengcheng.

Xie An traveled north to investigate the failed expedition and encountered Cai Mo, who warned him that celebrated men of pure discourse lacked the ability to shoulder the state’s burdens. In Guangling, Xie An found Chu Pou devastated by the expedition’s failure and the deaths of refugees, but he still hoped to return to his leisurely life on Eastern Mountain once Chu Pou was stable.

• Xie An stopped at Flower Mountain to admire its chrysanthemums, then visited Cai Mo, who criticized the court’s pure-discourse gentlemen and predicted that Chu Pou’s expedition would fail.
• Xie An reached Iron Jar City, where Xie Zhenshi urged him to cross the river and see Chu Pou, and found Chu Pou looking haggard in Huaiyin.
• Chu Pou confessed that he believed the northern expedition was doomed under his command, yet feared surrendering his military post would leave the empress dowager and emperor vulnerable to Huan Wen.
• Xie An advised Chu Pou to withdraw to Guangling, and the two returned there with the army.
• A dispatch reported that two hundred thousand refugees had crossed the river seeking refuge, then scattered without provisions after Chu Pou’s withdrawal; Chu Pou blamed himself, while Xie An stayed in Guangling to watch over him.

Liu Cheng’s successful sandal-and-mat stall drew crowds until armed slaves cleared the market, prompting him to ask Liu Jili about aristocratic abuses and their limits. On the road home, Liu Jili warned him that musical talent alone could not earn a gentleman’s status and might expose him to danger.

• New refugees made Jingkou’s market busier, where Liu Cheng attracted customers by playing the flute beside his well-stocked sandal-and-mat stall.
• Armed slaves cleared the market for an aristocratic procession, and Liu Cheng asked Liu Jili whether they really attacked people.
• Liu Jili recounted how aristocratic abuses persisted through the Wang Dun and Su Jun rebellions, while Grandpa Liu San urged Liu Cheng to avoid trouble with powerful houses.
• Grandpa Liu San warned Liu Cheng that Liu Jili had copied his sandal-making methods and might be trying to recruit him, while the others agreed.
• Liu Jili called after Liu Cheng and warned that without influential family connections, musical skill would not make people treat him as a gentleman and could leave him vulnerable to aristocratic retaliation.

Liu Cheng helped Liu Rengong’s refugee household manage its work and urged them to seek help as winter approached. Liu Rengong agreed to consult Garrison Commander Gao, while the family discussed Liu Cheng’s possible move to better-connected Liu kinsmen.

• Grandpa Liu San urged Liu Rengong to preserve his status, but Liu Cheng defended his sandal-making and reported the day’s sales and rising prices.
• Liu Huzi warned that winter was near and urged Liu Rengong to ask the Grand Commander for aid; Liu Rengong instead agreed to seek advice from Garrison Commander Gao in Jiangcheng.
• Liu Cheng learned that Gao was a banner chief who commanded a garrison, then helped organize the camp before returning to his own shack.
• Grandpa Liu San worried that Liu Cheng might leave for a wealthier Liu family, but Liu Rengong said he would be glad if Liu Cheng found a better situation.

Liu Acheng worried that Liu Rengong’s refugee band might fall apart, then accompanied him to meet his old acquaintance Garrison Commander Gao Jian. Gao Jian welcomed Liu Acheng to the meal as a member of the Liu clan, while Liu Acheng remained uncertain about his place in the camp and his future.

• Liu Acheng comforted Brother Qi and continued organizing the sandal- and mat-weaving crew while waiting to see whether Liu Rengong could secure help.
• Liu Rengong sent his eldest son ahead with a calling card, then arranged to meet Garrison Commander Gao after Gao’s military duties.
• Liu Rengong chose a small party to visit Gao Jian, and Liu Huzi pulled Liu Acheng onto his horse despite Liu Acheng’s protests.
• Liu Rengong and his companions reached the Riverside Garrison and waited for Gao Jian, who greeted Liu Rengong and allowed Liu Acheng to join them at the table.
• Liu Acheng shared a meal of millet, greens, and bean soup with Gao Jian’s party and was treated as one of the guests.

Liu Zhi asked Gao Jian for help securing winter relief for his refugee clan, and Gao explained how to seek an audience with the Grand Commander while warning them not to expect official positions. On the way home, Liu Ahu led Liu Acheng toward a stream to steal a robe for him, leaving the outcome unresolved.

• Liu Zhi told Gao Jian that his hundreds of refugee households lacked food and shelter, and Gao promised to help them seek government relief through the Grand Commander.
• Gao Jian told Liu Zhi to ask only for a place to settle and winter aid, warning the family that refugee gentry had little chance of gaining office and that complaints could hinder their request.
• Gao Jian explained that his own garrison post had come through his elder brother's sacrifice, and Liu Zhi accepted that his sons might have to settle for humble positions or white registration.
• Gao Jian sent the family off with supplies and ordered a bonded retainer who had stared at Liu Acheng to be whipped and expelled.
• On the ride home, Liu Huzi proposed hunting a tiger as a gift for the Grand Commander, but his brothers dismissed the idea.
• Liu Ahu told Liu Acheng he had spotted a robe by a stream and urged him to steal it, and Liu Acheng dismounted and headed toward the bank.

Liu Cheng and Liu Ahu met Liu Jili, a Pengcheng clansman who had left Liu Agan’s household and was living alone by fishing. As Jili joined their camp, Liu Cheng declared his ambition to march north and avenge his family, leaving Jili and Ahu impressed.

• Liu Cheng and Liu Ahu found Liu Jili fishing naked in a stream and learned he had left Liu Agan’s household after being accused of stealing money.
• Liu Cheng persuaded Liu Ahu to invite Jili to their camp, noting that Jili knew the local terrain and could help with the tiger hunt.
• Liu Ahu rode ahead while Liu Cheng stayed with Jili, who warned him that refugees without secure status could lose their patrons’ goodwill.
• Jili asked Liu Cheng what he wanted to do, and Liu Cheng said he wanted to enter office and march north to avenge his family and reclaim the Central Plains.
• Liu Ahu returned and declared that he too wanted to fight in a northern campaign, while Jili caught the large fish he had been pursuing.

Liu Cheng learned more about Eastern Jin’s political balance and the Way of the Celestial Masters while accompanying Liu Jili and Liu Huzi to buy equipment for a tiger hunt. At Master Du Ming’s private market, Liu Cheng invoked his companions’ connections and the hunt’s purpose to challenge the shopkeepers’ refusal to sell them weapons.

• Liu Cheng discussed the collapse of Later Zhao with Liu Jili, but stumbled over questions about Pu Hong, the Qiang, and the northern contenders.
• Liu Huzi and Liu Jili persuaded Liu Cheng to join the trip to buy tiger-hunting equipment instead of staying behind to weave sandals.
• Liu Jili led Liu Cheng, Liu Huzi, and their men to a busy private market owned by Master Du Ming, leader of the Way of the Celestial Masters in Jingkou.
• Liu Cheng considered how the Way of the Celestial Masters gathered followers and resources as the group saw its customs and learned about its influence.
• The market’s shops offered nets, ropes, and inadequate weapons, while a manager appeared to prevent the outsiders from buying better equipment.
• Liu Cheng entered the shop and introduced the group as allies of Garrison Commander Gao who were hunting a tiger for Grand Commander Chu, leaving the shopkeepers bewildered.

At a feast hosted by Master Xu, Liu Cheng discussed the turmoil in Hebei and argued that Ran Min and Li Nong could not defeat the Murong without the trust of the Han people. His insight won the Lius the weapons they needed for tiger hunting, including military crossbows, bows, and spears.

• Master Xu questioned Liu Huzi and Liu Cheng about their family ties, and Liu Cheng met Lu Gu and Lu Song, fellow refugees from northern aristocratic clans.
• Liu Cheng comforted the grieving Lus, and Master Xu arranged food and wine for the three Lius after seeing their restraint.
• Liu Jili, Liu Huzi, and the Lus debated the Murong Xianbei, Later Zhao, and the prospects of Ran Min and Li Nong, while Liu Cheng explained why he thought Ran Min and Li Nong could not rely on the Han people.
• Liu Cheng argued that the Murong would eventually oppose Great Jin and rule Hebei as a minority power, leaving the room silent.
• Liu Cheng asked Master Xu for hunting weapons, and Master Xu offered the Lius bows, spears, and crossbows after Liu Huzi demonstrated his strength by drawing a stiff bow.

Liu Acheng returned to the Way of the Celestial Masters’ market to investigate Water Slave’s attempted recruitment and secured winter clothes for himself and Liu Jili. He brought Water Slave back to camp, gave Liu Jili one set of clothes, and learned that Water Slave could not join without the required offering.

• After discovering Water Slave was missing, Liu Acheng returned to the market while Liu Huzi and Liu Jili took the equipment toward camp.
• Liu Acheng asked Lu Song to investigate Water Slave and requested two sets of winter clothes, then questioned Lu Song about the faith’s crimson headcloths.
• Lu Song explained that Water Slave could not join without five pecks of rice or another offering, and said recruiting him would risk antagonizing Liu Huzi and the Liu clan.
• Liu Acheng reassured Water Slave and escorted him back, waiting for Liu Jili to meet them before crossing the wooded path.
• At camp, Liu Acheng gave Liu Jili the longer set of winter clothes.

Liu Huzi’s tiger hunt finally found its wounded quarry, and Liu Acheng joined the chase as support. The tiger fled onto Flower Mountain and burst into the Xie clan’s gathering, leaving the young aristocrats and their attendants scattering in terror.

• Gao Heng informed Liu Zhi that refugee leaders would meet the Grand Commander in early September, and Liu Zhi prepared to travel to Iron Urn City.
• Liu Jili reported blood and tiger hairs at a pit, and Liu Huzi immediately rallied his hunting team to pursue the wounded tiger.
• Liu Zhi sent Liu Acheng and a group of armed men to support Liu Huzi, and Liu Acheng fired a crossbow bolt at the tiger as it fled up Flower Mountain.
• The tiger’s roar alerted the Xie clan’s gathering on Flower Mountain, and Steward Qian warned Xie Quan that a tiger was nearby.
• The wounded tiger burst through the curtains into the Xie clan’s enclosure and roared, while the attendants hurried the children to safety.

Liu Acheng and his companions rushed to the Xie Clan’s pavilion and killed the tiger that had charged into it. After Liu Jili introduced them, the Xie household’s steward dismissed the woodcutters, and Liu Jili returned outraged.

• Liu Acheng told Liu Ahu, Liu Huzi, and Liu Jili to pose as nearby woodcutters and rush to help the aristocratic family.
• Liu Huzi led the men into the pavilion, where they bound the wounded tiger and beat it to death with clubs.
• Xie Daoyun urged the Xie servants to help subdue the tiger, and Xie Quan hurried to stop her from approaching it.
• Liu Acheng instructed his men to carry the tiger out with cheers and present it as a gift to the Grand Commander while seeking a reward from the family.
• Liu Jili identified himself and his companions to the Xie household, but Qian Agong blocked him and said the Xie family’s young masters and ladies would not receive them.
• Liu Jili understood the steward’s dismissal, threw down his bloodstained club, and walked away in outrage.

Liu Acheng and his companions subdued a tiger near Flower Mountain and obtained the Xie household’s discarded fabrics and utensils for their refugee camp. As Acheng and Liu Jili rested, they discussed their ambitions and dreams, and Acheng fell asleep without answering Jili’s questions about his family.

• Xie Daoyun approached Liu Jian, thanked the men for killing the tiger, and gave Liu Cheng permission to take the household’s soiled curtains, canopies, and utensils.
• Liu Cheng directed Liu Huzi to take the group and tiger back to camp while he and Liu Jili circled around Flower Mountain to recover their equipment.
• Liu Cheng and Liu Jili rested beside the stream, where Jili apologized for nearly losing his temper and asked how Acheng endured being looked down on.
• Liu Cheng and Liu Jili discussed hypothetical marriages, their hopes of restoring their families, and the need to dream while remaining clear-eyed.
• Liu Jili asked who Liu Cheng’s father and grandfather were, but Acheng closed his eyes and fell asleep without answering.

Liu Acheng distributed the tiger meat, cookware, and cloth among the refugees, then entrusted the remaining goods and silver to Liu Rengong’s household. The camp celebrated, but Liu Acheng reflected on how difficult it would be for thousands of displaced people to rebuild their lives, and the chapter ended with Liu Huzi’s eldest sister bringing him the silver.

• Liu Acheng weighed and distributed the tiger meat and cookware among the camp’s mess groups.
• Liu Acheng gave each of the thirty-seven tiger hunters a bolt of cloth, rewarded other contributors, and left the remaining cloth with Grandpa Liu San to distribute among vulnerable members of the Liu clan.
• Liu Acheng entrusted the silver and bronze objects to Liu Huzi’s eldest sister, arranging for the silver to be given to him the next morning.
• Several tiger hunters used their cloth and food to find wives, while Liu Acheng declined to officiate and suggested Grandpa Liu San and Grandpa Wang instead.
• Grandpa Liu San told Liu Cheng that Liu Rengong’s younger cousin’s household had warned Liu Huzi’s eldest sister not to give him the silver, but Liu Cheng said they could simply stay behind.
• Liu Cheng worried that the refugees could not easily rebuild their livelihoods, and Liu Huzi’s eldest sister brought him the bundled silver.

Liu Acheng and Liu Jili reached Beigu Mountain with the Xie Family’s silverware and reported to Liu Rengong, whose family was seeking winter relief from the Grand Commander. As they explored their hopes for official positions, Liu Agan and Liu Huzi discussed Liu Acheng’s family background and the possibility of serving as Elite Soldiers.

• Liu Acheng and Liu Jili traveled to Jingkou Ward, spent the night outside a garrison town, and ate before making inquiries beneath Beigu Mountain.
• Liu Acheng found Liu Zhi and his sons waiting outside Iron Urn City and reported how the camp had received the cloth and how he had brought the silverware.
• Liu Rengong praised Liu Acheng’s handling of the cloth and explained that Garrison Commander Gao had helped the family secure a place to seek relief from the Grand Commander.
• Liu Acheng and Liu Jili left to exchange the silverware for smaller pieces of silver while discussing the families’ ambitions for official posts and Elite Soldier positions.
• Liu Agan told Liu Huzi that he suspected Liu Jili’s branch was connected to a powerful northern family, and Liu Huzi defended the branch before agreeing that they should seek an Elite Soldier post first.

Liu Acheng and Liu Jili went to Jingkou’s military families’ quarter to exchange gold and silver and learn about the returning troops. As they approached, they heard widespread mourning, and Liu Jili went pale at Liu Acheng’s question about Xun Xian.

• Liu Acheng learned that local precious-metal shops had closed so their owners could meet the returning troops’ families.
• Liu Jili and Sun Yunu told Liu Acheng that most of the troops had returned in batches with few reported casualties.
• Liu Acheng and Liu Jili decided to visit Captain Zhao’s house in Tupuli and set out toward Beigu Mountain.
• The two Lius heard people crying at the military ferry and continued into the military families’ quarter, where the weeping grew louder.
• Liu Acheng asked Liu Jili to recall the name of the celebrated descendant of Xun Yu, and Liu Jili turned deathly pale.