Chapter Twenty-One
Chapter Twenty-One
Peach Blossom Village.
The army was at the gates—the imperial forces, led by the Southern General, had sealed off all four valleys surrounding Peach Blossom Ridge, cutting off any escape routes. The villagers inside found themselves trapped like birds with clipped wings.
An unusual atmosphere permeated the entire Peach Blossom Village—every able-bodied person had taken up arms to defend against the invading enemy.
Within the peach orchards, men, women, young and old alike donned coarse battle robes, wielding a variety of weapons: wooden sticks, bamboo poles, hoes, sickles, kitchen knives, spears, bows and arrows... all awaiting the enemy’s approach. Though these weapons were rudimentary and their martial skills modest, they embodied an unyielding will and indomitable spirit. Even the children were not exempt. There were at least three hundred children in the village now. Watching the adults prepare for battle, they had organized themselves—some carrying small wooden swords, others shoulder-high bamboo spears—patrolling the roads and mountain hollows. Though young, their eyes shone with longing and determination to defend their homeland, as if their small bodies contained boundless strength. In their tender hearts, they struggled to understand: since birth, living peacefully in this secluded peach grove, harming no one and offended by none, why had the imperial court sent soldiers to attack their home, threatening their very lives?
On the steep cliffs encircling Peach Blossom Village, the deputy leader Lu Wenting, clad in iron armor and armed with long spears, stood ready with the village’s warriors. Some were veterans of General Wuwu’s old troops, others their descendants. Weathered faces bore the marks of hardship. “We are simply those who have persistently resisted the northern invaders,” they declared. “Our cause is the unification of the nation! We are innocent! The treacherous ministers of the court are vile—they insist on wiping us out completely before they rest! But we believe Heaven will not spare these villains, and neither will history.”
Lu Wenting was a descendant of General Wuwu, left behind in Peach Blossom Village. For safety, Xing Fannan had him change his name.
Lu Wenting was an outstanding young man, long in love with Xing Chulian. These days, he led the warriors in ceaseless vigilance over the village.
At dawn, a pale fish-belly light crept over the horizon, mist swirling among the acres of peach trees.
Xing Fannan led the “Ten Roses” to first chop down the peach trees around the grave of the venerable monk Guineng and clear away the surrounding weeds—he recalled Liao Enna’s parting warning about the danger of fire attacks—fearing someone might attempt to burn the noble monk’s tomb. Then, he and the Ten Roses knelt before the grave, bowing repeatedly.
“Master,” Xing Fannan said, “the imperial forces have come to besiege Peach Blossom Village. The ten roses before you and I will soon fall in battle and join you in the netherworld. Please wait for us and guide us! Master, I know you loved the peach blossoms dearly, but after we fall, the trees will turn to ashes. To prevent the fire from reaching you, we have removed all the weeds and peach trees around your grave. Please forgive us.” He bowed three more times.
The Ten Roses followed suit, bowing thrice before departing.
Except for the Purple Rose, all the Ten Roses were orphans of General Wuwu’s former soldiers, aged between twenty and twenty-eight. Usually clad in rose-colored battle robes, they rode horses and practiced swordsmanship, moving through the peach groves like ten fairies in colorful garments, picking flowers and peaches.
Each of the Ten Roses bore a distinct charm.
The Red Rose was Yang Jia, only daughter of General Yang Zai, a subordinate of General Wuwu who fell defending against northern invaders. Xing Fannan had found her and her mother in their hometown and brought them to settle in Peach Blossom Village. When the noble monk Guineng formed the female special sword squad, Yang Jia enlisted as its eldest member. Her battle robe was a deep red, like wine or the last glow of sunset. She wielded the Flame Sword, its tip leaping with fierce flames. Her swordsmanship was fierce and destructive, each move filled with overwhelming power. Thus, Xing Fannan nicknamed her the Red Rose.
The Concubine Rose was Wei Wei, youngest daughter of Wei Zhen, a sworn brother of Xing Fannan. When the capital fell, Wei Zhen disappeared. Wei was an old subordinate of General Wuwu, his family residing in Peach Blossom Village. Wei Wei wore a tender pink battle robe, her Falling Flower Sword blooming like a rose. Her swordplay was soft and poetic, every move as light as falling petals. Hence her nickname Concubine Rose.
The White Rose was Xing Fannan’s only daughter, Xing Chulian. Draped in silver-white battle robes, she held the Moonlight Sword, its shadow faint as the clearest moon in the night sky. She mastered her father’s secret techniques—light and graceful swordsmanship, each strike accompanied by a chilling sword wind. Her Moonlight Sword often bested Lu Wenting, whose admiration slowly blossomed into love, reciprocated by Xing Chulian.
The Black Rose was Pan Xiaoni, daughter of General Pan Yuxiong, now the third leader of Peach Blossom Village and a national hero. Pan Xiaoni had fair skin and favored black battle robes, a stark contrast. Her Orchid Sword gave off a faint fragrance, her swordplay gentle but incisive, like the noble and resilient orchid.
The Yellow Rose was Du Nunu, daughter of Xing Fannan’s groom. Clad in orange battle robes, she wielded the Dawn Sword, sparkling with dazzling light. Trained by the noble monk Guineng since childhood, her swordplay was upright and powerful, warm and strong like the rising sun. She was hardworking and resilient, like her father.
The Blue Rose was Jiang Biyi, Lu Wenting’s cousin. Her family had all been beheaded in retaliation for General Wuwu’s rebellion. She and Lu Wenting were survivors in Peach Blossom Village. Jiang Biyi wore a deep blue battle robe, and the Blue Condensation Sword in her hand seemed to crystallize eternal frost. Her swordplay was cold and precise, each strike like a freezing wind sealing all life. Xing Fannan dubbed her the Blue Rose.
The Orange Rose was Wu Hanzi, a martyr’s descendant. She favored vibrant orange battle robes. Her Thunder Mother Sword flashed with dazzling electric light. Her swordplay was swift as lightning, each strike accompanied by thunder and lightning.
The Rainbow Rose was Chen Mengdie, another martyr’s daughter. She wore multicolored battle robes, and her Dream Butterfly Sword fluttered like butterfly wings, its colors and luster ever-changing. Her movements were light and graceful, like a dancing butterfly in the peach groves, often mesmerizing onlookers.
The Green Rose was Wang Liyun, also a martyr’s daughter. She preferred green battle robes, wielding the Green Steel Sword, which resembled a slithering bamboo viper. Her swordsmanship was lively and graceful, as clear and transparent as a stream but laced with hidden lethality.
The Purple Rose was Xiao Nannan, a wandering girl Xing Fannan had found on the road. Though young, she was skilled in martial arts, especially the Xiao family sword style. Her father Xiao Tianxiong was a retired imperial general who died of illness, and her uncle Xiao Tianjian, a high-ranking officer and prospective prince consort before the capital’s fall, was also a former general. Purple Rose was the youngest of the Ten Roses. She practiced the Xiao sword style diligently, her swordlight quick and variable. The noble monk Guineng often praised her: “She moves like a ghost through the enemy ranks.”
Except for Yang Jia, the Red Rose, who was a young woman, the others were all maidens. Over the years, they had created many legendary tales during the anti-crime campaigns in the southern provinces.
Watching the ten girls depart from the graveyard, Xing Fannan felt a deep pain but no hatred. “They are so young! Yet soon they will die!”
Suddenly, he knelt again before the noble monk’s grave and silently vowed, “Master, rest assured. I will not let the descendants and families of the martyrs perish so easily...”
Meanwhile, Gu Yuru and two scouts had ventured out at night to scout the terrain and enemy positions around Peach Blossom Village.
At midnight, Gu Yuru and her two scouts hid motionless atop the highest building in the village. They noted the torches flickering all around—clearly, the village was on guard.
Scout A whispered to Gu Yuru, “General Gu, do you see? This place feels like a paradise, so beautiful!”
Gu Yuru turned and quietly cautioned, “Speak less, don’t reveal ourselves.” But her foot accidentally dislodged a tile from the eaves.
Lu Wenting, patrolling nearby, heard the tile fall and shouted, “Who’s there?... Scouts! Guards, capture the spies!”
Gu Yuru quickly told the two scouts, “We’ve been discovered! Retreat!”
Lu Wenting called out, “Where do you think you’re going?”
Gu Yuru urged, “You two retreat quickly! I’ll cover your escape.”
Lu Wenting warned, “Stop! Or I’ll fire!”
Gu Yuru fled swiftly across the rooftop, disappearing into the night.
Lu Wenting admired her agility. “Truly light as a swallow!”
Lu Wenting was the future son-in-law of the village leader Xing Fannan. Young and capable, his archery was especially superb—able to shoot a leaf from a hundred paces. He returned to the assembly hall where Xing Fannan awaited anxiously.
“Brother Wenting, did you catch the spies?” Xing Fannan asked.
Shaking his head, Lu Wenting replied, “No! They were fast, especially the one covering the rear—her agility was remarkable!”
Xing Fannan said, “Brother Wenting, I hear the general leading the imperial forces is the newly minted top martial candidate and very skilled. It seems we face a formidable enemy!”
Lu Wenting responded, “Brother Fannan, no need to dampen your spirit or raise theirs. Our brothers in Peach Blossom Village are heroes—should we fear them?”
Xing Fannan sighed, “Brother Wenting, the treacherous ministers hold sway, the people suffer. Though Peach Blossom Ridge is a good place to live, we’ve offended the powerful at court. They won’t rest until we’re destroyed.”
Lu Wenting said, “Brother Fannan, when the enemy comes, we’ll meet them head on. Let’s prepare for their attack and see how it goes.”
Xing Fannan agreed, “Very well.”
A few days later, at dawn, the Southern General left the right wing to guard the camp and led over two thousand from the left wing to the gate of Peach Blossom Village to issue a challenge.
Mounted on a tall horse, she proclaimed, “Order the messenger to deliver a live message to the bandit nest.”
“Yes, sir!”
“To the bandit leader of Peach Blossom Ridge: you have forsaken good to become a villain! You dare to arm yourselves in rebellion, storm towns, kill and burn! The imperial court sends the Southern General with five thousand elite troops to capture you. Those who surrender swiftly will be spared the bloodshed!”
Before the messenger finished, the village gate flung open. A chestnut stallion burst out, ridden by a young man who laughed loudly, “Ha! Foolish brutes! You want to capture Deputy Leader Lu Wenting? That’s me! Come and try!”
The Southern General glanced around, asking, “Which commander can capture this bandit?”
Camp commander Cai Tong charged forward. He and Lu Wenting clashed for several rounds until Cai Tong, exhausted, was saved by Deputy General Gu Yuru. Gu Yuru and Lu Wenting fought for dozens of rounds, neither gaining the upper hand.
Fearing for Gu Yuru’s safety, the Southern General sounded retreat and withdrew to camp.
Lu Wenting, victorious in the initial skirmish, returned to the village. Xing Fannan asked, “Brother Wenting, how did the first battle go?”
Lu Wenting replied, “Brother Fannan, the imperial troops retreated without defeat. I wonder what tricks they have up their sleeves?”
Xing Fannan said, “Brother Wenting, I climbed the eastern hill and surveyed their camp—it’s like a maze. Such a layout shows the Southern General is no ordinary foe. We must proceed cautiously.”
Lu Wenting asked, “Brother Fannan, what’s our next move?”
Xing Fannan said, “We number only a few hundred, mostly women and children. Facing thousands of imperial troops is like smashing eggs with stones. I know our brothers are brave and fearless, but if all our men fall, the innocent women and children will surely perish too.”
Lu Wenting asked, “Brother Mengnan, what do you propose?”
Xing Fannan said, “Advance boldly but retreat covertly, protecting the women and children.”
Lu Wenting asked, “Retreat where?”
Xing Fannan said, “Southeast, across the sea, lies the beautiful and fertile Moonlight Island. Years ago, I took my family and several brothers there to escape disaster. We built houses, dug wells, cleared land, built a pier, and made boats. My family still manages it. It’s our best refuge now!”
Lu Wenting smiled, “Such a fine place! Let’s not delay—please lead the brothers to leave tonight!”
Xing Fannan replied, “That’s exactly my plan. But Brother Wenting, we’re surrounded—how can we escape?”
Lu Wenting said, “Brother Fannan, I and some willing brothers will stay to distract the enemy. You take Gu and the rest through the secret passage and slip away quietly.”
Xing Fannan was pleased, “A good plan! But you mustn’t leave Peach Blossom Village.”
Lu Wenting asked, “Why not?”
Xing Fannan said, “Because you’re the village leader, branded a ‘bandit chief’ by the court. The five thousand troops came for you. If they don’t catch you, even if we flee to the ends of the earth, the court will pursue relentlessly!”
Lu Wenting said, “Then let Xing Chulian lead the group? I’ll stay and help you confuse the enemy.”
Xing Fannan nodded, “I’ve thought it over. You’re the deputy leader, and everyone listens to you. Chulian knows the way to Moonlight Island—let you two lead!”
Before he finished, a woman burst in, saying, “Father will not leave, Chulian will not leave either—this daughter will not part from her father!”
Xing Fannan was moved to tears. “Chulian, do you know what I used to be?”
Xing Chulian replied, “You never told me.”
He said, “I was once a minor general under General Wuwu. We fought many battles against the northern invaders, but General Wuwu was wrongfully executed, and the army disbanded. I had no choice but to return here.”
Xing Chulian exclaimed, “So father is not a bandit but a national hero!”
Xing Fannan asked, “Do you know who the orphans and widows at Peach Blossom Ridge are?”
She answered, “You told me they are families of your fallen brothers.”
Xing Fannan said, “Right! My brothers were soldiers under General Wuwu who died fighting foreign enemies! But I live, so I gather these widows and orphans here to care for and protect them, to bring peace to my fallen brothers’ souls. Yet, those treacherous traitors want me dead! What shall we do?”
Xing Chulian said fiercely, “Father, let’s fight these traitors to the end!”
Xing Fannan stopped her, “No! There's an old saying: ‘Evil will be punished in due time.’ The traitors will face retribution eventually. My duty is to ensure these orphans survive to adulthood. But now I have no means to fulfill this duty alone. Who will help me?”
Tears flowing, Xing Chulian cried, “Father, I understand! Let me and Deputy Leader help you complete this duty!”
Xing Fannan smiled, “Good!”
That night, Deputy Leader Lu Wenting led most of the brothers, protecting women and children, and quietly withdrew through the secret passage under cover of darkness.
Xing Fannan and dozens of the remaining willing brothers stood silently at the passage’s mouth, watching their loved ones depart one by one. The night wind and drizzle fell softly. Knowing they would face death the next day, the warriors ignored their own fate, only wishing their loved ones safe passage. In their hearts they whispered, “Farewell, dear ones!” The passage was silent, tears streaming from both those who stayed and those who left. The Ten Roses bid their final farewell.
The previous day, fearing for Gu Yuru’s safety, the Southern General had sounded retreat. As she settled into her tent, Deputy General Gu Yuru rushed in, asking, “General, why did you call off the battle when you and Lu Wenting were locked in fierce combat?”
The Southern General offered Gu Yuru some water to calm down, then shared the story of Xing Fannan and the arrival of Judge Ding. Gu Yuru, intelligent and righteous, understood and apologized, “Please punish me, General—I was reckless!”
The Southern General smiled, “This is your first offense; I’ll let you off this time. Next time, no mercy!”
Gu Yuru thanked her and left.
Just then, Meteor Horse reported, “Governor Wang of Nanzhou has arrived.”
The Southern General knew Governor Wang was a close relative of Chancellor Qin and did not dare neglect him. She went out to greet him, aware that the recent southern unrest was also due to Wang.
The southern province was mountainous, sparsely cultivated, and impoverished. Xing Fannan and his brothers had taken refuge in Peach Blossom Village for its strategic terrain—a paradise remote and easy to defend. But with advantages came drawbacks: poor land, scarce food. Recently, droughts had caused famine, driving many peasants to seek relief at Governor Wang’s office, demanding food distribution. Wang refused without imperial orders. Starving refugees, led by Xing Fannan, stormed the government warehouse and seized grain. Wang fled to the capital and petitioned the emperor for military suppression.
The Southern General welcomed Governor Wang into the tent, seating him and serving fragrant tea. Wang was curt.
Wang said, “General, Chancellor Qin’s edict orders this office to assist the army in suppressing the bandits of Peach Blossom Village.” He had just returned from the capital.
The Southern General bowed, “Thank you for your full support, Governor!”
Wang continued, “Chancellor Qin also states these bandits are heinous criminals and commands you to eliminate them completely.”
The Southern General bowed, “Please inform Chancellor Qin that I will carry out the imperial orders thoroughly.”
Wang smiled, then shifted to a cunning expression. “I heard your troops withdrew hastily after the initial battle with no dust raised. Why so?”
The Southern General replied, “Warfare is deception. Today was reconnaissance—to gauge their strength for the coming battle.”
Wang resumed his usual demeanor. “I see! The young and brave General will surely crush Peach Blossom Village! As Chancellor Qin’s nephew, I hope you remember my contribution when tallying the merits!”
The Southern General laughed, “Not at all! Rest assured, Governor, you and I will share the honors and rewards!”
Wang smiled, “Very well. I take my leave.”
The Southern General escorted him out.
After Wang left, Gu Yuru returned, whispering in the Southern General’s ear, “What kind of lousy governor was that?”
The Southern General chuckled, “A lousy official indeed!”
Back in the assembly hall of Peach Blossom Village, Xing Fannan sat dozing on a tiger-skin chair. The hall was brightly lit.
For days and nights, he and the few willing brothers had guarded every strategic point of Peach Blossom Ridge. Though the terrain was formidable and easy to defend temporarily, even a hundred fighting as one could not hold back five thousand imperial troops indefinitely. Yet to buy time for their fleeing kin, they would resist as long as possible.
He had gone days without sleep. That night, half-asleep in the chair, he dreamed of his long-deceased wife Li Chu playing a bamboo flute, the melody sweet and lingering. She played one tune after another, then stopped and asked, “Brother Fannan, do you like my flute playing?”
He wanted to say, “Very much,” but could not speak. She asked, “Brother Fannan, why don’t you answer? I heard you live in a beautiful place called Peach Blossom Ridge, with mountains and waters, much more beautiful than our fishing port—is that true?”
Still, he could not reply. She said, “Brother Fannan, I’m lonely in the fishing port. That scoundrel Wang Yang is also there, and since you’re gone, he often harasses me. Come back and be with me!”
A comrade’s voice called urgently, “Boss, wake up! The troops are attacking!”
Xing Fannan woke.
At dawn, the Southern General, fully armored, led five thousand soldiers to storm Peach Blossom Village.
It was time to end the siege.
The troops reached the village gate. The Southern General shouted, “Bandits of Peach Blossom Village, come out and die!”
Her voice echoed, repeated by five thousand soldiers, shaking the earth and sky.
Soon, the gates swung open. Dozens of horses charged out, each rider fierce and valiant. Leader Xing Fannan rode a chestnut stallion to the front.
“Who is the Southern General?” he asked.
She rode forward, “I am the Southern General.”
Xing Fannan smiled, “A young hero indeed! Southern General, I am Xing Fannan, leader of Peach Blossom Village. If you want to break the village, you must first kill me!”
The Southern General asked, “Which officer will capture leader Xing?”
At that moment, camp commander Cai Tong charged out to fight, but after several rounds, was impaled and thrown from his horse by Xing Fannan. Another commander, Gao Guozhao, charged out, but Xing Fannan blocked his charge with a spear, drew a shipwright’s axe, and split Gao’s head in two atop the horse. Deputy General Gu Yuru yelled and charged with her Nine-Dragon Sword. She and Xing Fannan fought for about twenty-three or twenty-four rounds. Xing Fannan cursed, “You’re so dirty, using a war of attrition! I’m done!” and spurred his horse away. Gu Yuru chased but was struck by a hidden arrow from Xing Fannan, piercing her right shoulder. She cried out as her sword fell. Xing Fannan turned his horse and charged at her.
At the critical moment, the Southern General galloped in, stabbing Xing Fannan’s chest with one sword and slashing his throat with the other.
The battlefield erupted with the sounds of slaughter.
Peach Blossom Ridge became a scene of blood and cold death. Thick smoke curled into the sky. Houses burned to blackened earth; acres of peach trees turned to charcoal. The bodies of men, horses, cattle, and sheep were reduced to ashes.
The orchards became a blackened forest.
Only the noble monk Guineng’s grave remained untouched.
A month later, the Southern General returned to the capital.
Observant eyes noticed among the triumphant procession a sedan chair and several horse-drawn carts—those carrying Governor Wang of Nanzhou and his family. The imperial court had issued a decree promoting Wang to Deputy Minister of War for his role in suppressing the rebellion.
On the cart behind Wang hung the severed heads of Xing Fannan and Third Leader Pan Yuxiong. The head of the Red Rose’s newlywed husband was also displayed.
At that time, the Red Rose, along with Lu Wenting and others, was aboard a boat en route to Moonlight Island, suffering from seasickness. Pan Xiaoni and Xiao Nannan tended to her in the hold.
The boat soon reached Moonlight Island. They settled there. Lu Wenting was chosen as the new leader, with Xing Chulian as deputy.
The Ten Roses were personally led by Lu Wenting.
They established salt fields, reclaimed farmland, and their lives gradually stabilized. From then on, they seemed cut off from the mainland, with only Lu Wenting and the Ten Roses secretly traveling between Moonlight Island and the mainland.
All harbored deep hatred for the imperial hounds—the Southern General Li Muwen.