Chapter 13 Chapter 9 Roaming the World

Sima Qian stood by the Miluo River where Qu Yuan threw himself into the river and wept bitterly; stood beside Confucius' apricot altar in admiration; The incomparable shock... Came to the Holy Land of Wuyue, where Emperor Yusun was born; climbed Mount Kuaiji, where King Gou Jian lived his life and tasted courage; stepped on the place where Han Xin was humiliated... Sima Qian was full of emotions... "Actually, the real great man is not the aristocratic emperor, but the common people, so writing history should not only praise the emperor, but also the people." Sima Qian said. Tai Shi Gong's mansion.

In the evening, Sima Tan sat in the study and wrote history books behind a few desks. Sima Qian came in and called softly, "Father." Sima Tan put down his pen, raised his head, and said, "Qian'er, I'm getting old and don't have much time, but this history book must be written. This is the mission entrusted by our ancestors. I wanted you to help be a father, but, too The empress dowager wants to drive you out of the capital, so she has no choice but to let you go out to explore the world, otherwise you really don't know the heights of the sky and the earth!"

Sima Tan looked at his young son again, and sighed, "Qian'er, Empress Dowager Dou drove you out of the capital because you were too bold to talk nonsense in the palace. It's good that you didn't take your life." "Father, the emperor is too restrained, the child really can't stand it." "Oh, you are so upright, you don't know how to twist, and you are bound to get into big trouble sooner or later." Sima Tan coughed for a while, and then said: "It's good for you to leave the capital, you can go roaming around the world, go out to learn more, visit historical footprints, listen to folklore, it will be very beneficial for you to write history in the future."

"Yes, father. The child also wants to go out to learn more, visit more elders, and meet historical witnesses, so that the history can be written truly." "Okay, as long as you have the ambition." Sima Qian's mother was packing her son's luggage. Sima Qian said: "Mother, the child is not filial and should stay away from mother." My mother said: "To learn skills well is to have filial piety. Mother doesn't need you to worry about it, but mother can't worry about you. If the empress dowager didn't drive you away, then mother would not let you travel far at such a young age."

The mother said to Qing'er: "Qing'er, you have to be more careful along the way, you have to be more prudent, and stop him when he is impatient." Qing'er said: "Master, Qing'er understands. Mistress, don't worry, I will take good care of Young Master." Outside the city of Chang'an, in the Changting Pavilion of +li, the young Sima Qian said to his old father who was sent far away: "Father, I will send you off a thousand miles away, and there will be a farewell. Please come back." The white-haired Sima Tan encouraged his son and said: "Qian'er, as a father, I want you to roam the world, so that you can write important history books in the future. You must understand that a lot of history is still lost among the people, and you need to go to it." Dig, and do a serious investigation."

"Father, Qian'er understands." "My son knows that Confucius wrote "Spring and Autumn" with the basis of traveling around the world for 14 years." Sima Qian nodded and said, "Qian'er knows that Confucius was trapped in Chen and Cai, was trapped in Kuangdi, and was short of food for a time. Qian'er should follow Confucius's writing of "Spring and Autumn" as an example." "Okay, my son is ambitious, and I believe in you as a father. This time my son must visit historical sites, ancient battlefields, investigate the footprints of saints, go deep into the people, and understand historical figures."

"Father, my child understands that as Mencius said, heaven will send a great mission to all people. Only by working hard on his will, starving his skin, and working his muscles and bones can he obtain first-hand information. From now on, he will complete his father's work and write the best history books." Sima Tan looked at his son lovingly and said: "You have admired Confucius the most since you were a child. As a father, I believe that you will write a history book like "Spring and Autumn". The book must show your personality and integrity." "Father, my son will always remember it in his heart." Sima Qian looked up at his father and said, "It's just that my father is old and sick, and my son can't serve him to show his filial piety. My son feels ashamed." As he spoke, he choked up.

"My son doesn't need to be sad. Since ancient times, loyalty and filial piety have been difficult to achieve. As long as my son assists his father to fulfill his long-cherished wish, it is the greatest filial piety. My son can feel free to lose it." "Thank you father." Sima Tan said to Qing'er again: "Qing'er, you two should be as close as brothers and take care of you along the way." Qing'er nodded and said: "Teacher, don't worry, the teacher's kindness to Qing'er is as great as a mountain, and Qing'er will treat you as a brother."

Sima Tan said to Sima Qian again: "As for your marriage..." "Father, Confucius will stand at thirty, don't worry about the child." "Okay, my son is ambitious, it's getting late, you can set off!" After Sima Qian knelt farewell to his father, he took Tong Qing'er with his book and set off.They boarded a carriage. There were three or four people traveling together. The carriage went far away. Sima Qian looked back and saw his father still waving to him from a distance... On this day, Sima Qian came to the river where the Miluo River and the Xiang River converge?Baitan, also known as Luo Yuan, pays tribute to Qu Yuan here.Miluo River, this is the place where Qu Yuan sank.The river is rolling in, and where it meets the Xiangjiang River, it is even more turbulent and turbulent, with splashing waves.

Sima Qian stood on the steep rocky bank, staring at the deep pool where the black waves rolled, and thinking about what happened to Qu Yuan, he was filled with emotion... Shutong Qing'er climbed up panting, and asked, "My lord, what are you looking at when you stand on this rocky bank?" "In memory of Qu Yuan." "Qu Yuan? Is that the author of "Li Sao" that the teacher told us about?" "Yes. Qu Yuan was a native of the state of Chu during the Warring States Period. When he was King Huai of Chu, he served as Zuotu and Sanlu Doctor. He participated in the discussion of state affairs and drafted the constitution. He advocated uniting Qi and resisting Qin. Qi State was once trusted and reused by King Huai of Chu."

"Then what happened later? Why did you commit suicide?" "Don't worry, let me tell you slowly. Later, he was slandered and attacked by the rich and powerful because he urged the implementation of the reform and touched the interests of the powerful. He was exiled twice." Qing'er blinked her clever eyes, nodded her head and said, "Young master said that when a foolish king is in power, all loyal ministers will be excluded." "Yes, later, King Huai of Chu was deceived by Qin envoy Zhang Yi, who offered six hundred miles away as a condition for breaking diplomatic relations with Qi because of his greed for convenience." "Oh, how did you lie?" Sima Qian said angrily: "Later, Zhang Yi only recognized Liuli. King Huai of Chu was furious and sent troops to attack Qin State beyond his control. The result was a big defeat, so he had to send Qu Yuan as an envoy to Qi State to restore the alliance. In order to disintegrate the Qi-Chu alliance , Qin invited King Huai of Chu to go to Qin on the grounds of marriage, Qu Yuan firmly opposed King Bu of Chu to go to Qin, he refused to listen to the advice and went to Qin, but was detained and died." "Ah, what about after that?" "After the death of King Huai of Chu, his eldest son came to the throne as King Qingxiang of Chu. He also listened to the slander of Shangguan Dafu and Ling Yin Zilan, and exiled Qu Yuan to northern Hunan. Seeing that there was no hope of saving the country, Qu Yuan was so indignant that he threw himself into the river and died." "Ah, Qu Yuan is amazing." Qing'er sighed. Sima Qian looked at the rolling River of Tears. At this moment, he seemed to see the haggard Qu Yuan coming with his long hair loose, and he groaned unconsciously... After chanting, Sima Qian sighed again: "Oh, worrying about the country and the people, this has always been the case for sages and strong men since ancient times." Sima Qian began to pay tribute to Qu Yuan. He took the wine bottle from Qing'er, bowed to the river, then sprinkled the wine into the river, took the incense candle from Qing'er, knelt down to the river, kowtowed, and said silently: After saying that, she burst into tears, and Qing'er was so moved that she sobbed.The two of them were crying bitterly, when they suddenly heard someone say: "The young master is so sad, is he mourning Qu Yuan?" Sima Qian turned his head and saw a young man walking over with the support of a seventy-year-old man. Sima Qian hurriedly wiped his tears with his sleeve robe and greeted him, saluting: "Mr. The old gentleman advises." The old man said: "My surname is Jia, I am a relative of Jia Yi, and I also came to pay tribute to Qu Yuan." "Ah, the old man is a relative of Jia Yi. It's a pleasure to meet you." "My son is..." "Oh, Xiaosheng Sima Qian is the son of Sima Tan." "Ah, you are the son of Ma Tan from the Taishi Company. No wonder you are so smart and polite. You must have come to Miluo River this time to learn about the historical facts of Qu Yuan and Jia Yi!" "Exactly. My father is currently compiling history books, so he entrusted me to travel around the world to collect historical materials." "Oh, then after I pay my respects, please come to the humble house for a while, and the old man can tell you some stories about them." "Ah, I'm really grateful to the old man." Sima Qian saluted the old man again and was supported by the old man. After the old man burned incense to pay his respects, he and Sima Qian called a fishing boat and went down the river. Sima Qian stood on the bow of the boat and watched the river. He stared at the rolling Miluo River, and the river wind blew his hair.At this time, he remembered the dialogue between Qu Yuan and the fisherman in Qu Yuan's "The Fisherman": So he turned around and said to Mr. Jia: "Mr. Jia, Qu Yuan's personality is really too noble." Mr. Jia replied: "Yes, in the poem he expresses his confession: 'I would rather go to Xiangliu and be buried in the belly of a river fish. Can An be covered by the dust of the world with the bright whiteness?'" Sitting on the railing of the boat, Qing'er, who soaked her feet in the river water, listened and sang: Mr. Jia asked after hearing this: "You book boy also understands poetry and books?" Sima Qian said: "Yes, he is also my father's apprentice. He used to be a sheep herding boy. After his parents died, my father took him in. My father treats him like a son, and I treat him like a brother." Mr. Jia sighed: "Oh, oh, no wonder you are so smart." Old Mr. Jia sighed: "The reason why Jia Yi worships Qu Yuan is that he admires his moral integrity of not wanting to join forces with others and not to be polluted by the dust of the world." Sima Qian also felt the same way, saying: "Jia Yi's "Ode to Qu Yuan" was written in Xiangshui on the way of relegation to Changsha to pay tribute to Qu Yuan." "That's right." Old Mr. Jia sighed again, "Jia Yi, like Qu Yuan, was jealous and slandered by others. Both of them were sent from the capital to the north of Hunan. Sigh, it's really confusing right and wrong, patriotism is a crime!" "Yes, once the monarch listens to the villain, the wise men will be excluded, and the country will be in trouble. If King Huai of Chu can reuse Qu Yuan, then perhaps it is the Chu State that unifies the Central Plains, not the Qin State." "What the young master said is very true, very true." While the two were sighing, the boatman had already pulled the boat ashore. After landing, Sima Qian and Qing'er followed Mr. Jia to his mansion. Jia's hometown is a typical scholarly family. When entering the hall, there is a strong fragrance of chrysanthemums. "Ah, it smells so good." Sima Qian said. Jia Lao said: "This is to protect the book from moths, so I sprinkled homemade chrysanthemum essence. Let's go to my study to have a look." They followed into the study room, and the bookshelves were filled with all kinds of books.Jia Lao introduced Sima Qian one by one. Jia Lao said that his grandparents were all scholars and petty officials, so they had no property, and the only thing they had were a few books. Sima Qian felt quite the same, and sighed: "It's the same, and there are only a few books in the humble house." "Ah, it's different. Your father is Tai Shiling, who I admire the most. When my father was alive, he was often mentioned. It's a pity that I am too old, or I really want to visit his old man." After leaving the study, they sat down in the living room. After the family offered tea, Mr. Jia started talking with Sima Qian. Old Jia sighed: "I heard from my late father that when Jia Yi was the grand tutor here, he often went to the riverside to pay tribute to Qu Yuan. Alas, their fates are too similar, because they were favored by the emperor and were not tolerated by powerful officials. " Sima Qian also sighed: "Jia Yiwu was only in his thirties at the time. It's a pity that he died young." Qing'er asked: "My lord, is Jia Yi the one who wrote "Diao Qu Yuan Fu"?" "Yes, he is erudite and talented. Emperor Wen admired him very much. He was promoted to be a doctor in Taizhong at the age of twenty. Later, he was jealous and hated by some powerful officials, who slandered him as a young beginner, dedicated to power, and messed up everything. He lost the trust of Emperor Wen and was relegated here to serve as the Taifu of the King of Changsha." "Oh, son, how did he die?" "Later, Jia Yi was recalled to Chang'an and served as the tutor of King Huai of Liang. He was unhappy because Emperor Wenwen of Han did not adopt his political views. Later, King Huai of Liang fell to his death while riding a horse. Jia Yi blamed himself for not protecting King Huai of Liang. And weeping and dying." Old Jia sighed: "He is too loyal." Jia Lao said: "When Jia Yi paid tribute to Qu Yuan, he cried out in pain: Luan and Phoenix are lurking, owls are flying, antlers are respectful, slander and flattery are successful, sages are dragging backwards, Fang Zheng is upside down." Sima Qian sighed: "That's right, that's really the auspicious bird that can't come out, the owl is a villain who succeeds, good and evil are distorted, and right and wrong are reversed!" Sima Qian sighed again: "His "Guo Qin Lun" warned that the fault of the Qin Dynasty's demise lies in the "non-execution of benevolence and righteousness". It really hits the nail on the head!" Qing'er also said: "Young Master's words are very true. Tai Shigong said that "On the Passing of Qin Dynasty" is like a mirror reflecting the lessons of Qin Dynasty." Jia Lao asked Sima Qian: "Your little book boy is very smart. If there is a master, there must be a servant." Jia Lao said again: "Jia Yi has repeatedly advised the emperor to weaken the power of the princes. Alas, how dare Emperor Wen adopt it! Instead, he was hated by others." Sima Qian also sighed: "Yes, his "Security Policy" advised Emperor Wen to reduce the power of the kings and strengthen the centralization of power, but Emperor Wen did not adopt it, so that the power of the princes and kings expanded, and finally the chaos of the seven kingdoms of Wu and Chu occurred. " Sima Qian sighed again: "Oh, what a pity, Jia Yi died of depression because his ideas could not be realized." After hearing this, Mr. Jia also said: "Jia Yi was only in his early thirties when he died. It's a pity. But from what I've seen, he couldn't bear it too much. Mencius said: "Heaven will send a great mission to the people, so we should suffer from it." , Tired of his skin. Although Jia Yi has lofty aspirations, he is narrow-minded, and he is not good at forbearance, so how can he show his ambition?" Sima Qian was quite touched when he heard this: "Yes, realizing one's ambition is easier said than done. If you can't bear it, how can Wen make meritorious deeds. Alas, sad men never meet!" Just as he was groaning, his wife came to call for dinner. Mr. Jia got up and said, "Madam, please prepare some food and wine. Please tell Mr. Sima again. I still have many stories for you to write history." "Thank you sir." Sima Qian's tribute and field trip to Miluo River laid the foundation for his success in writing Qu Yuan Jia Sheng's biography. On this day, Sima Qian and Qing'er came to Qufu, the hometown of Confucius.Sima Qian noticed that the passers-by on the street were well-dressed and polite, and sighed: "Ah, Qufu, everyone has a dignified appearance and a well-behaved manner. They really deserve the title of a state of etiquette." In order to participate in the temple fair of offering sacrifices to Confucius, they stayed in Qufu City.During the day, I went to visit the ruins of the saints, and at night, I went to the folks to chat with people and collect information. The twenty-third day of the eighth lunar month is the day Confucius was born.On this day, the most lively and grand temple fair for worshiping Confucius arrived in Qufu, and Sima Qian watched the grand event with great interest. They first went to the Confucian Temple to watch the ceremony of offering sacrifices to Confucius. Zhuao Sima Qian and Qing'er followed the crowd through the holy gate, and then squeezed into the apricot altar. The banners were fluttering in the wide colored shed, and three pigs, cows, and sheep were placed on the sacrificial table. Wreathed. Under the altar are officials and direct descendants of Confucius on one side, celebrities and officials on the other side, chime bells and drum bands line up on both sides, and eight rows of musicians and dancers stand in the center of the field. This is a piece of music that is performed only when offering sacrifices to the Son of Heaven, and the use of the Bayi Dance for offering sacrifices to Confucius was specially approved by the imperial court.The back is full of people. When the auspicious day arrived, the master of ceremonies sang: "The Qufu sacrifice to Confucius begins." So the drums played in unison, and the Bayi dance was danced in the center of the arena. The master of ceremonies sang again, "Recite the sacrificial speech." So the special envoy sent by the court, accompanied by two officials, boarded the altar, took the incense candles, bowed three times and kowtowed nine times to the apricot altar and the statue of Confucius, then stood up and recited the sacrificial speech: After finishing the reading, the three of them retreated from the altar amidst the music. The master of ceremonies sang loudly: "Everyone from all walks of life will perform a sacrificial ceremony." So local officials, descendants of Confucius' relatives, celebrities, and Confucian scholars... climbed up the altar from the steps on both sides of the altar one by one, held incense sticks in their hands, bowed three times and kowtowed nine times to the statue of Confucius, and then retreated amidst the music. After knocking and kneeling, the master of ceremonies announced: "The sacrificial performance begins." So the sixty-four musicians in the center of the arena danced the solemn Bayi dance.At the end of the dance, a hundred people danced the Hundred Beasts Dance, and finally ninety-nine and eighty-one Confucian students came on stage to play Sikong. After the sacrifice, a ceremony of appreciating teachers at the apricot altar was held. There were rich people and poor people who went to the apricot altar to worship teachers.Sima Qian sighed to Qing'er: "This is what Confucius pioneered, teaching without discrimination. From then on, poor people can also receive education. Confucius is really great." Sima Qian saw that no matter the high-ranking officials or the poor people were very devout and respectful of Confucius, he was deeply impressed by the status of Confucius in people's minds.He said to Qing'er: "I must write about Confucius well." On the next day, rural archery was held. People in costumes gathered in the square in front of the Confucius Temple. Hundreds of archers wore military uniforms and rode on strong horses.After the sound of the order, the strong men rushed out on horseback and fired arrows at the target cards. Their shooting skills won rounds of applause and applause from the people. Officials awarded prizes to the winners. Sima Qian sighed to Qing'er: "It's really great to hold such an event, so that the men can both admire literature and martial arts. Qing'er, we will practice riding and shooting more in the future." "Okay, son." On the afternoon of the third day, another piano competition was held in front of the apricot altar. Qin players from all directions came, and each of them won thunderous applause.Sima Qian and Qing'er sat under the apricot altar and listened. Sima Qian was immersed in the music. He said excitedly: "It's so good and beautiful. Qufu deserves to be the hometown of ritual and music. Confucius advocated ritual and music. So great." In the evening, a bonfire party was held inside and outside Xingtan Square. People lit the bonfire, and people from all over the world who did not know each other sang happily together, just as Confucius said: The ceremony of offering sacrifices to Confucius lasted for three days and three nights before it came to an end. Sima Qian went to visit the ruins of Confucius Lin, Confucius Mansion, Nishan and Yanhui. In Konglin, Sima Qian stood at the tomb of Zigong guarding the tomb. The three thousand disciples of Confucius guarded the tomb for three years and then withdrew. Only Zigong guarded the tomb for another three years.Sima Qian was deeply moved by the teacher-student relationship between Confucius and his disciples. He said to Qing'er: "The relationship between teachers and students is really better than all the relationships in the world." After hearing this, Qing'er said, "Young master, after a hundred years, my disciple will guard your tomb for six years like Zi Gong." After hearing this, Sima Qian was moved and said: "You don't need to keep it for so long, as long as you fulfill my last wish." Of course, the young Sima Qian did not expect that his death would be so tragic, and his last wish actually wrote down the history of China. most valuable page. They went to pay their respects to the hometown of the sage Yan Hui, and were very moved by Yan Hui's "a sack of food, a ladle of drink, living in a back alley, people are unbearable, and they will not change their joy when they go back". Sima Qian went to Zou County to pay homage to the temple of Mencius, the sub-sage. Sima Qian said: "Qing'er, this is the place where Mencius listened to Zisi (Confucius grandson Kong Ji) lecture, and it is the birthplace of the Sima School." "Young master, why is Mencius called the sub-sage?" Sima Qian solemnly said: "Mencius is the most influential master of Confucianism after Confucius. He carried forward Confucius' academic thoughts to the highest level. Confucius together became the forerunner of Confucius and Mencius thought.” After seeing the Mencius Temple, they went to Fu Village in the south of Qufu City to visit the former residence of Mencius. Qing'er asked: "My lord, where did Meng move every three times from?" "Oh, like Confucius, Mencius also lost his father at the age of three, and lived with his mother. There used to be a cemetery not far from where they lived. Meng's mother saw that Mencius often played funeral ceremonies with the villagers. She felt that it was not good for the child's growth. Convenience moved his family to Miaohuying. But there was a lively commercial market, and the little Mencius also yelled and hawked like the peddlers. Meng's mother moved her family to Zouxian City because of its influence. It was Kong Ji who gave lectures. Xingtan, Little Mencius often went to listen to lectures, which had a great impact on his life." An old man next to him heard this and asked, "Are you from other places?" "Yes, old sir, we are from Chang'an, and we are here to pay homage to the holy site." "Oh, okay, okay, I am a descendant of Mencius, let me introduce you." "Great, thank you sir." So Sima Qian and Qing'er followed the old man into the Meng Temple. While visiting, they carefully wrote down the old man's introduction. Sima Qian came to the ancient capital Pengcheng (now Xuzhou, Jiangsu), which used to be the capital of Xiang Yu, the overlord of Western Chu who ruled the world and ruled the world. After they stayed in the inn, they went to visit the ruins of the ancient battlefield the next day.The two came to an open hill, and saw some strong men dancing with swords, singing while dancing: "Ah, this is the song Xiang Yu sang when he was ambushed by Liu Bang on all sides and he was besieged on all sides at Gaixia." Sima Qian sighed. Sima Qian looked around, thinking about how many bloody battles and sword fights he had experienced on this ancient battlefield.Some are powerful in this battlefield, and they stand on the stage to carry the tripod, and some are killed so that they turn their backs, and the flag falls... Yes, in this land, there was a battle between Qin and Han, Chu and Han, and Liu Bang set up an ambush on all sides , Xiang Yu was forced to Farewell My Concubine by being besieged from all sides, and finally Wujiang slayed himself... A gust of mountain wind passed by, blowing Sima Qian's hair scarf, Sima Qian stared at the distance for a long time, the scene of Xiang Yu and Yu Ji's life and death parting seemed to be in front of him... Xiang Yu lamented: Concubine Yu, we have been ambushed by Han Xin on all sides, and now we are besieged on all sides. Look, the homesick soldiers are almost gone. Alas, if you have the strength to pull mountains, you are in vain to be an unrivaled hero. The luck is bad, even my steed is hard to ride!Concubine Ai, the only thing I am worried about is you! After hearing this, Concubine Yu danced with tears in her eyes. In order to let the king let go of her worries and rush out of the siege, she had to sacrifice herself for love... what!Aifei, Xiang Yu picked up Concubine Yu who was lying in a pool of blood... that beautiful and heartbreaking Aifei. Concubine Yu died, Xiang Yu jumped on the steed, and led his troops to rush out with his sword held high. Sima Qian seemed to see his majestic posture of "strengthening the mountain and surpassing the world"... Sima Qian seemed to have seen the tragic scene of Xiang Yu's suicide in Wujiang again, and he sighed: "Oh, it's a pity that this hero who had vowed to replace Qin Shihuang died." Sima Qian was deeply shocked by Xiang Yu's spirit. "Is the young master sighing at Xiang Yu? If he doesn't kill himself, he can make a comeback." "Oh, this is the tragedy of a lonely hero!" Sima Qian came to Pei County again. Pei County is a remarkable place. It is not only the hometown of Liu Bang, the emperor of the Han Dynasty, but also the birthplace of many famous ministers and generals.Such as Prime Minister Xiao He, Cao Can, General Fan Kuai. What shocked Sima Qian the most was that the founding fathers of the Han Dynasty were almost all civilians, some even the lower classes. Fan Kui was a dog meat seller, Xia Houying was just a coachman, and Cao Shen was just a small jailer.He sighed: "In fact, the real great man is not the noble emperor but the common people, so writing history should not only praise the emperor, but also the people." Qing'er nodded and said, "What you said is very true." After dinner that day, they boarded the Gefeng Terrace in the city. Sima Qian looked at the red clouds in the sky in the west, and the red sunset was about to disappear behind the mountain. "Ah, young master, the wind is blowing, let's go down!" Sima Qian didn't seem to have heard Qing'er's cry. Amidst the rustling wind, he seemed to have heard Liu Bang singing "Great Wind Song" back then, and sang it himself: "Qing'er, do you know who sang this?" "Liu Bang, Emperor Gaozu of the Han Dynasty." "Under what circumstances did you sing it?" "Qing'er doesn't know, please enlighten me, young master." "It was sung by Liu Bangping when he rebelled against Yingbo. He returned to Chang'an and passed by here to entertain his fathers and folks in his hometown. At that time, Liu Bang sang while beating the building, and then danced and sang. After singing, tears streamed down his face." "My son, why did Gao Zu cry after he won the victory?" "This is the hero's sorrowful tears! At that time, King Yingbu of Huainan rebelled, and Gao Zu led the army to fight the rebellion and returned. When he passed by his hometown, he lamented the difficulty of starting a business during a banquet. He lamented that although his power spread far and wide, the crisis still existed. , he was worried about the difficulty of keeping his career, so he issued a call to the warriors of the country." Sima Qian sighed: "This is the emperor's admiration for the difficulty of defending the country!" Sima Qian came to Gusu, which experienced the famous Wuyue Spring and Autumn Period in Chinese history.This is also the holy place where the ancient emperor Shunyu was born. A small boat was speeding in the middle of the river. Sima Qian stood on the front cabin of the awning boat and looked around: "This Gusu is really a veritable water town. You can see that there is a river in three steps, a bridge in five steps, and the city faces three sides. The lake, facing the river in all directions, is so different from Chang'an!" The old man who was drinking alone at a small table in the passenger boat heard this and said, "Isn't it? Please look, my lord. There are five lakes in front of you, and the Kuaiji Mountains in the southeast. It can be said that it is surrounded by mountains and rivers. It is an outstanding place!" Sima Qian looked around and saw the five lakes shining golden waves in the sun, and Kuaiji Mountain in the southeast like a green curtain, covering the plump body of a slim fisherwoman beside the white sails... There are white clouds floating in the blue sky, and the melodious singing of the fisher girls startles gulls and herons. The red lotus in the river pond is just about to bloom, and the fish jump out of the water happily from time to time. The girl who washes the yarn next to her is washing the yarn, and the melodious singing is blowing in the wind... "Ah, Gusu is so beautiful. Compared with Chang'an, which is located on the northwest plateau, it is refreshing." "Young master, you are new to Gusu, please come and have a drink with me, and I will tell you about the celebrities in Gusu." "Okay, thank you elder." Sima Qian and Qing'er walked to the table and sat down, drinking with the old man. "Come, try our Gusu wine, which is a well-known wine." "Okay, thank you." "Young master, please try the crucian carp in the five lakes, it is also the most delicious fish." "Okay, thank you." "My lord, you are riding a black awning boat, drinking Gusu wine, and eating crucian carp soup. Have you felt the spirituality of Gusu water?" the elder asked with squinted eyes. Sima Qian smiled and replied: "That's right, what I felt in Chang'an was the mountain air, and here I really appreciate the nature of water." "Our girls in Gusu are very beautiful, and they are all watery. You see, the place in front of you is the place where Xi Shi used to wash the yarn. You can see that the stone where Xi Shi washed the yarn will float and sink according to Xi Shi's wishes. When the water is shallow, it will fall. Sinking, when the water rises, it will rise again, and when the moon is dim, Xi Shi will still appear!" "Oh, really, Xi Shi can still show spirits?" Qing'er said. "This is a legend, maybe let it go!" said the old man. The boat stopped by the Huansha River, Sima Qian and Qing'er followed the old man to the stone of Xishi Huansha, and the three sat down. "It was here that Fan Li found the beautiful Xi Shi." Sima Qian asked: "Does the elder know where Xi Shi is going?" "Oh, there are two versions. One said that King Goujian of Yue brought her back to the palace after destroying Wu. Mrs. Goujian thought she was a subjugated thing and could not be left behind, so she was tied up with stones and sank to the bottom of the river. One said that Xi Shi and Fan Li traveled around the five lakes by boat." Sima Qian nodded silently. Sima Qian and Qing'er boarded Kuaiji Mountain. Sima Qian looked at the famous mountain left by the Wuyue Spring and Autumn Period with emotion. Yes, once upon a time, King Goujian of Yue was besieged by King Fuchai at the foot of Kuaiji Mountain. There were only five thousand remnants of tens of thousands of horses left. In order to keep the country, Gou Jian had to bow his knees and beg for surrender, and began his long life of humiliation. He and the queen became slaves to Fuchai, the king of Wu, leading and feeding his horses, cleaning him, washing the toilet, and even treating him and tasting his excrement. After three years of release and returning home, King Gou Jian of Yue lived on his salary and tasted courage. After ten years of living and ten years of lessons, he finally defeated Fu Chai, destroyed the state of Wu, and was ashamed. Qing'er asked Sima Qian: "Teacher, King Goujian of Yue begged for peace with King Fuchai of Wu at Kuaiji Mountain. Does your master think he has integrity in doing so?" "Of course he has integrity. He endured the humiliation in order to avenge his shame and return to the country one day!" Sima Qian replied without hesitation. Sima Qian never imagined that it was his point of view that prompted him to argue for Li Ling's surrender, which brought great disaster to his life. Sima Qian went north and arrived at Han Bei's hometown Huaiyin (now Huaiyin County, Jiangsu Province). They stayed in an inn and went to the downtown after dinner the next day. Sima Qian wanted to know whether Han Xin was really "humiliated" when he was young. Han Xin was a powerful general who was famous all over the world during the Qin-Han War. He liked to read military books since he was a child. He was ambitious, courageous and resourceful. reuse.During the Chu-Han War, he demonstrated his outstanding military talents. He once ambushed Xiang Yu from all sides in Gaixia, forcing Xiang Yu to slay himself in Wujiang.Later, because of his great achievements, he was killed by Empress Lu Xiao He with tricks. Sima Qian saw that a small restaurant was very lively, so he said, "Qing'er, let's go to this small restaurant for dinner!" "it is good." The two went in and sat down, and the waiter brought food and wine, and the two began to eat.Sima Qian ate and listened to the people around him. An old man with all white hair on his temples was drinking with his friend, and the old man said: "You, why are you so pessimistic? Han Xin still has the humiliation of his crotch! Let's endure this for now, and when he makes a comeback in the future, there will be a chance A day of elation." "Has Han Xin really been humiliated by his crotch?" "Isn't it?" The old man sighed and said, "I saw it with my own eyes. At that time, I was only a child of seven or eight years old, playing in the street. Suddenly, a wicked man stopped a ragged boy and asked him to Get under his crotch, otherwise he will beat him. The boy endured his anger and finally got under his crotch. Some of the onlookers laughed, and some sighed, but he later became famous all over the world. General." Hearing this, Sima Qian hurriedly got up and walked over to the old man, bowing to the old man and saying, "Mr., Xiaosheng is so polite. I really didn't expect the old man to see it with his own eyes." The old man returned the courtesy: "This young master is..." "I'm Sima Qian. My father is Sima Tan." "Oh, it's the son of Taishi Ling Sima Tan." "Exactly." "Oh, well, it looks like a scholar. Did you come to this place to write history?" Sima Qian nodded his head humbly, and said: "Exactly. This time my father asked me to travel around and investigate history alone in order to write about ancient and modern characters. I heard what the old man said just now. Han Xin was really humiliated by his crotch. When I go back, I must This is going to be written in the history books.” "Okay, okay, let me tell you that Han Xin was made a prince when he became famous. After he came back, he found the rinsing lady who gave him food, thanked her, and rewarded her with a thousand gold. He summoned again The man who had humiliated him in the crotch was so frightened that he thought he was going to kill him, but Han Xin said: Thank you for giving me deep shame, otherwise I would not be able to achieve what I am today." Sima Qian said: "I must write these stories into the history books." Sima Qian came to Daliang, the capital of the Wei Dynasty. He and Qing'er went to the inn to stay first. After dinner, Sima Qian talked about Daliang to Qing'er while soaking his feet. "Daliang is a famous historical city. When the Qin State destroyed the Wei Dynasty, it was unable to attack by force, so it attacked with water. The Qin soldiers pushed aside the Yellow River embankment hanging high above the city head. As a result, the Yellow River rushed into the city like the sky collapsed and was flooded. Thousands of people died." The old shopkeeper who passed in front of their house heard this and said, "Isn't it? When I was young, I heard from my father that the water of the Yellow River was as high as the head of the city, and almost all the people in the city were drowned." Qing'er heard this and said in shock: "Qin Bing is too cruel." Sima Qian asked: "May I ask the old man, the Yimen prefect Hou Ying who stole the talisman to save Zhao Xianji to Lord Xinling back then, is the Yimen still there? I want to visit tomorrow." "Oh, do you mean that Mr. Xinling personally drove to meet that strong man's Yimen?" "yes." "At the east gate, the east gate of the city is the Yi gate." After soaking his feet, Sima Qian put on his shoes, stood up and asked, "May I ask the old man, after stealing the amulet to save Zhao, did Hou Ying really kill himself?" "Of course it is true. My ancestor was friends with him. When he slayed himself, my ancestor was also there. My father said that he slayed himself to the north." Sima Qian sighed: "He has fulfilled his promise to die in the direction of Mr. Xinling's victory. He is a true martyr." The next day, after breakfast, Sima Qian and Qing'er went to Yimen to investigate. They walked out of Yimen. Under the sun, it looked very majestic. Sima Qian stared at the historical city gate under the morning glow for a long time. Qing'er asked: "My lord, why did Lord Xinling drive for Hou Ying himself?" Sima Qian thought for a while and said: "This is exactly the character of Lord Xinling's courtesy and virtuous corporal, but we still need to investigate the specific reason." Two days later, Sima Qian met with the guard of the Yimen under the introduction of the old innkeeper. The guard of the Yimen knew that Sima Qian was the son of Tai Shiling and was very polite to him. The guard met Sima Qian in the yamen. After Sima Qian saluted the guard who was nearly forty years old, he was asked to sit down, and Qing'er stood aside. "The young master came from afar, what do you want to inquire about?" "My lord, Sima Qian, the younger generation, wrote history books. If you want to know something about Hou Ying's advice for Mr. Xinling, please give me your advice." "Oh, well, when my ancestor was young, he worked for Hou Ying. My father once heard about this history from his ancestors. How about this? After I finish my business, please come to my house, and you can ask my father about it. .” "That's great, Sima Qian thanked you sir." "You're welcome, you can drink tea in the next guest room and wait." "Okay. Sir, you are busy." In the evening, Sima Qian and Qing'er arrived at the guard's mansion, and the guard took them to the old man's bedroom.The old man was over eighty, and Sima Qian hurriedly saluted the old man. "The younger Sima Qian met the old man and asked him how he is." “啊，不必客气，知道你是太史令之子，来打听侯赢的情况，欢迎欢迎，请坐，请坐。” “老先生，那侯赢是一个什么样的人，为何信陵君如此礼遇他，还亲自为他驾车？” “噢，侯赢当时是我父亲的上司，他不但善谋，而且仗义，对下属也很好，信陵君于是拜他为客卿。一次设宴时，宗自驾车把侯赢迎接去府上拜为上座，侯赢十分感动，回来后对我父亲说，信陵君公子豪侠仗义，他如此礼遇我，以后他有难我一定要帮助他。” “那么，窃符救赵真是侯赢出的计策了。”司马迁问。 “是的。那年秦军围住了赵国都城邯郸，平原君派人来向信隧君求援，信陵君是平原君夫人的弟弟，岂有不救之理！信陵君便芝向魏王请兵，谁知魏王胆小坚决不同意出兵，信陵君无法，只好旁率自己的门客，准备去与秦军拼个你死我活。信陵君的百余车舞经过大梁的夷门时，见侯赢不出来送别，信陵君觉得奇怪，心想侯赢一定有想法，便拨马回去问他。” “后来呢，老先生。”青儿急问。 “后生莫急，听老夫讲来，果然，侯赢有计策，就给信陵君出了窃符救赵之计。当时，大将晋鄙率十万大军镇守边关，必须有魏王的虎符与他的一半相合才能调兵。那时魏王有个宠妃叫如姬，与信陵君有交情，信陵君公子曾经为她报了弑父之仇，如姬对他感思不尽。侯赢出计，让如姬从魏王寝宫中盗出虎符，便可去调晋鄙之兵，如不从，可杀了晋鄙，于是信陵君采纳了他的计策，救赵终于获得了成功。” “那侯赢为何自刎？”司马迁问。 “侯赢见信陵君救赵成功便在城门内朝北自刎，以示忠心。当时我父亲和两个差役都在场，他们哭着把化的尸体送回了他的府上。” “太悲壮了。”司马迁叹道，“小国出壮士，这话不假。” 晚上，司马迁在烛灯下把白天的所见所闻都详细地写了下来，他对青儿说：“这些资料都是非常珍贵的。一定要保存好。” 青儿点了点头，说：“青儿牢记。” 黄昏，司马迁和青儿还在赶路，前面就是薛地（今山东滕州市东南），这是当年齐国孟尝君的封地。远远地已见城门，他们于是加快了脚步，想在关城门前到达。 太阳已经落山，这时，行人已经很少，大多低头赶路，走到一个岔路口时，司马迁听见走在前面的两个人说：“咱们走小路吧，小路近些，要不该关城门了。”司马迁便说：“青儿，我们也走小路吧。”于是，便跟在那两个人的后面走上了小山路。 经过一片松林地时，天色渐暗了下来，乌鸦嘎嘎地惊飞，青儿说道：“公子，前面那两个人怎么不见了？” 司马迁朝前望了望，果然不见了，正疑惑着，只见从树后蹿出两人把刀顶在司马迁和青儿的脖子上，声音不大但杀气腾腾地说：“把钱交出来，否则就不客气了。” 青儿忙说：“我们是从远处来的，已出来多日，盘缠早已用光，哪里还有什么钱？” 司马迁却大叫：“拦路抢劫哪……” 两个匪徒见势不妙，一拳把司马迁打翻在地，抢了他们的行囊，又对他们洗劫了一番才跑了。 “公子醒醒，公子醒醒……” 司马迁醒来后，发现装在行囊里的记录帛巾被抢走了，急得几乎晕了过去。 青儿忙脱开外衣，露出写满了字的衣服，说：“公子，在这儿呢！” 司马迁见了又惊又喜，用衣袖擦了擦额头上渗出的汗，问：“好青儿，你何时抄上去的？” 青儿说：“公子，昨晚你睡着了，我把您写在帛上的字抄在内衣上了。” 司马迁笑着拍了拍青儿的肩说：“你真聪明，真是我的好兄弟。” “青儿，装在衣袋里的钱都被抢走了，怎么办？” 青儿说：“公子，我们还是赶快进城去想办法吧。” 司马迁叹道：“我还以为那两个人可以做伴，没想到是两个强盗，唉，走吧，没有被他们杀了就万幸了。” 青儿扶着司马迁终于走到了城门，到了街上，只见市面虽然很萧条，但到处都是三五成群的人聚在一起，有的赌博，有的聊天，有的和女人调笑。 司马迁叹道：“真是乌烟瘴气。”他们没了钱，只好找到衙吏处，说明了情况，老衙吏听说是太史令的儿子下来考察遭了抢劫，便对他们作了一些安排并给予了一点补贴，于是两人便在衙门内暂住了下来。 安排他们住宿的一个老差役，把他俩带到一间小屋里，给他们拿来了饼和粥。司马迁两人便吃了起来。老差役说：“这薛地原本是很清静的，就是被孟尝君给搞坏了。他好养门客是出了名的，收留了不少侠士，但却不分好歹，管他什么鸡鸣狗盗之徒都兼收并蓄。结果把个好好的薛地变成了残渣余孽的收容所。你们可要小心儿。” 第二天，司马迁和青儿到市井去看看，只见太阳下，店铺倒是不少，酒馆、饭铺、杂货店、客栈……什么都有，可惜铺门前和街中心却聚集着各种各样的人，有的在大声叫嚷着什么，有的在斗殴，有的在打牌赌博，有的在卖艺……围聚的有富人也有穷人。 司马迁对青儿说：“这个地方果然是鱼目混珠，龙蛇混杂之地。”两人正说着话，听见一个姑娘在喊：“救命啊！”司马迁跑了过去，只见三个恶汉正在拦住一个姑娘调笑。 “你们要干什么？”司马迁大喝道。 “小白脸，关你什么事，快给我滚开。”个高一点穿着华丽的纨绔少年对司马迁吼道。 “欺侮人吗？” “欺侮人又怎样？”恶少从头到足打量了一下司马迁，说，“我看你是从外地来的吧，一副寒酸相，还管别人的闲事。” “你敢侮辱人？” “老子就是欺侮你，咋的，你知道我是谁吗？给我上！” 两个恶少便猛地扑向司马迁，司马迁被打倒在地，青儿也奋勇还手，正在危急之时，只听一声喝叫：“给我住手！”随即闪进一壮士。 我一定要把他们写进史书里。 “好，我给你们讲，今天讲不完，可以多讲几天。” “多谢老先生。” 司马迁和青儿在街上走着，忽见一妇人扯住一个中年男人，她哭着对一矮个子壮汉说：“兄弟，他就是打死你外甥的凶手。”壮汉朝那男人走了过去…… “大侠士，饶了我吧，因为他的儿子是个恶少，他强拉我喝酒，我不喝，他就用手摁住我的头强行灌下，我实在受不了就拔刀反抗，没想到竟把他刺死了，我认罪。”他说着扑通跪了下来。 壮汉盯着那男人看了一阵，摆了摆手，说：“滚吧，滚得远远的，别让老子看见你。” “谢壮士、谢壮士。”那男人对壮士磕了几个头忙跑了。 妇人揪住壮士哭骂道：“你怎么放他走了，他打死了你的外甥，你难道不为姐姐报仇！” 壮汉说：“姐，他是失手，他不是故意杀人。再说你的儿子也太作恶多端了，谁不知道他是个恶少，这也是他应有的报应。” 妇人骂道：“亏你还是他的舅舅，不为甥儿报仇，反倒放了凶手，我把你拉扯大，你却不为姐姐报仇，你这个忘恩负义的东西，从此我没有你这个兄弟。” 妇人哭着走了。 街上的人赞道：“郭解量刑于人，不报私仇，真仗义。” 啊，郭解，司马迁钦佩地注视着他。 司马迁问青儿：“青儿，如果换了你，你会怎么处置他？” 青儿老实地说：“老师，我可能会为姐姐报仇，我还达不到侠士的胸怀。” 司马迁叹道：“是啊，侠士的胸襟不是一般人所能达到的。” 这天下午，司马迁和青儿撑着伞互相牵着在过一独木桥，雨愈下愈大，司马迁脚下一滑便跌到了河中，青儿忙跳下去救他。 “公子，快，抓住我的手。” 汛期的河水汹涌澎湃，司马迁被冲了下去，青儿边追边喊：“人啊！救人啊！”正危急时，只见一汉子从岸上跳到水中，急速地向司马迁游去，并奋力把他救了上来，青儿也跑了过来。司马迁嘴都冻紫了，再晚点就没命了。 汉子把司马迁背上，走到前面的一个破庙里，汉子又找了些树枝，点燃了火，说：“快把你们的衣服脱下来烤烤，我去弄点吃的来。” 不一会儿，汉子拿着吃的东西来，说：“快吃点东西，喝点酒，暖暖身子。” 司马迁这时已缓过气来。司马迁看那汉子个子不高，但一双大眼如铜铃……啊，郭解，便向汉子作揖谢道：“在下司马迁谢过壮士救命之恩。敢问恩人尊姓大名？” 那汉子淡然一笑：“救人是应该的嘛，还留什么姓名。” 司马迁一震，又问：“敢问大侠为何走上侠士的道路？” 那汉子脸色变得凝重起来，眼睛看着远方不说话。司马迁想，他可能有什么不愿意讲的隐情，便改口说：“大侠，在下是写史的，对侠士的见义勇为极力钦佩，想写进史书，所以问您。” 那侠士淡然一笑：“路遇不平，拔刀相助，乃大男人的精神，岂稀罕青史留名。” 看看雨住了，那侠士站了起来，说：“走吧，我背你回客栈。”然后，只轻轻一提，便把司马迁背在背上，青儿跟在后面。 到了客栈门口，那侠士放下司马迁，说了声：“公子，后会有期。”便无影无踪了，司马迁看着他的背影，叹道：“真高人矣。” 晚上，司马迁高烧起来，脸红红的，又喘又咳，急得青儿团团转。“公子，我去请医生吧！” “天亮再说，也许天亮就会好的。” 天亮时烧果然退了，青儿给司马迁端来了粥，司马迁摇了摇头，说：“不想吃。”到了晚上，又烧了起来，而且咳喘更厉害了，青儿忙去找店主想办法。店主差人带着青儿请了一位老医生来，他给司马迁把了脉，开了药方，并说：“病邪已经人肺了，赶快熬药吃吧，要是再烧到明天就会昏迷的。” 青儿忙问：“老先生，公子的病危险吗？” “是很危险，不过吃了这几帖药，就会好的。” “多谢老先生。” 青儿付了钱给医生，又把他送到门口。 青儿回到屋里连忙给司马迁煎药，司马迁服药后，半夜时烧渐渐退了下去。 一周后，司马迁大病初愈，在青儿搀扶下坐上马车又奔向考察地去了…… 踏遍名山大川，拜谒历史足迹，寻访历史见证人，搜集民间传说，司马迁历时两年，为撰写《史记》奠定了基础。