Another family of loyal martyrs.
Huang Yueying's body went weak, and Kongming caught her before she could fall.
"I understand… there is still a way to make amends…" Huang Yueying leaned against his shoulder, murmuring softly, her face filled with grief.
"I only wonder what Siyuan thought in his heart when he fell in battle. I wonder... if I ever lived to see Shang'er?"
"I am certain you will," Kongming replied gently, clasping the hands of his wife of tied hair and offering comfort. "This time, we will have the children born earlier. We will not let them suffer the calamities of war."
No one disturbed them. Later generations revered and honored Kongming, yet such reverence could never mend a fractured family.
Zhang Fei thought of his own yet-unborn daughter, and of the grandson he had never imagined, dying a hero on the battlefield.
Liu Bei, too, recalled his grandson, the Prince of Beidi, whose temperament was as unyielding as his own.
These things must not be allowed to happen again.
[Light Screen]
[Behind the Marquis Wu Shrine lies the Sanyi (Three Righteousnesses) Temple. It was originally located within Chengdu, and later relocated here as a whole. This temple commemorates the brotherhood of Liu Bei, Guan Yu, and Zhang Fei.
From the interior alone, one can tell it differs in style from the Zhaolie Temple in front. A typical example is the statue of Zhang Fei: leopard head, ringed eyes, beard like steel needles, entirely different from the rather ugly-faced depiction in the Zhaolie Temple.
The most interesting feature is the plaque above, inscribed with "Divine Unity in Sanctity." Pay attention to the signature on this plaque.]
The Light Screen's continued explanation dispersed the sorrow in the hall.
Liu Bei lifted his spirits and read aloud the inscription shown upon the screen.
"Erected by... the disciples of the many families of the Boot and Shoe Industry?"
He burst into laughter. "From the meaning of it, could it be that craftsmen of later generations presented me with this plaque?"
[Lightscreen]
[As is well known, one of the most prominent labels attached to the Imperial Uncle is weaving mats and selling sandals, and thus he is regarded as the founding ancestor of the boot and shoe trade.
This plaque was commissioned by merchants of the trade during the Daoguang era. It has a history of over one hundred seventy years.]
Zhang Fei suddenly recalled something. "Then that thing called Zhang Fei Beef must be selling beef? Why did they not honor me as the founding ancestor of butchers?"
"That is because elder brother is always spoken of as one who weaves mats and sells sandals," Guan Yu replied.
"Third brother, if at Changban Bridge you had shouted 'I am Zhang Yide of Zhuo Commandery, a butcher,' perhaps you would have a plaque as well today."
Zhang Fei imagined it for a moment, then hurriedly shook his head. "Forget it, forget it. Better not."
At last, the atmosphere in the hall grew lively again.
[Lightscreen]
[Passing through the Temple of Three Righteousnesses and along the red-walled corridor behind it, the final destination is the true burial site of Emperor Zhaolie of Han, the Hui Mausoleum.]
As the scene moved through the long passageway, the true form of the Hui Mausoleum appeared. It was not a large burial site, only a simple grave with a modest stone tablet bearing the name of its occupant.
"The Tomb of Emperor Zhaolie of Han." Liu Bei read the inscription upon his own tombstone, finding the sensation rather strange.
"The scenery here is quite fine," Zhang Fei said, glancing between the Light Screen and his elder brother.
But looking at your graveyard with you, Big Brother... it feels strange."
"The same thought occurred to me," the others agreed.
[Lightscreen]
[However, speaking of Liu Bei, this visit is a little late.]
The Light Screen lowered slightly, revealing several bouquets placed before Liu Bei's tomb.
[In June, many visitors traveled from afar to pay respects, some even bringing flowers to commemorate the 1,800th anniversary of Liu Bei's passing.
The uploader only learned of this while visiting and felt quite ashamed, so he returned the next day to offer a bouquet.]
On the screen, a young man placed a carefully wrapped bouquet before the tomb and bowed solemnly.
Liu Bei could even hear the young man muttering as he paid respects:
"Imperial Uncle, if I say anything offensive about the Battle of Yiling, please just treat me like a passing fart and don't hold it against a junior like me."
Liu Bei could not help but laugh . "I am not so narrow-minded. If you have something to say, say it."
Yet when he thought of that battle, sorrow inevitably stirred within him. So many generals, who could have become pillars of the Han, had instead been buried in that great fire by his own hand.
[Lightscreen]
[The Hui Mausoleum is not large, but it is tranquil, and even when it is not Liu Bei's anniversary, people come regularly to pay respects. Among the three rulers of the Three Kingdoms, his is considered the most dignified.]
Everyone pricked up their ears. What did that mean? Were there undignified ones?
[Lightscreen]
[Because this year, Cao Cao's tomb was officially opened to the public, and some internet users went there to cause mischief, reciting the "Proclamation Against the Traitor" within the tomb. One wonders what the boss Cao might think if he could hear it.
Sun Quan's tomb lies within the Ming Xiaoling Scenic Area in Nanjing. Many have visited it as well, but most go to cause mischief, reciting lines such as "Eight hundred tiger guards crossed the river, ten thousand Wu soldiers lost their nerve and fled." One can only say, it strikes at the heart.]
This… could even be done?
Zhang Fei burst into laughter, slapping the table. "Ha! Not enough, not enough. They should also list all the vile deeds Cao the traitor committed after Guandu!"
Liu Bei was equally astonished. "Cao Cao's tomb opened to the public? Later generations turned burial sites into places of visitation and leisure?"
By comparison, his own Hui Mausoleum could indeed be called dignified.
[Lightscreen]
[The tour of the Marquis Wu Shrine has come to an end, but the legacy Shu Han left in Chengdu is far more than this.
For example, Jinli is also part of the Marquis Wu Shrine area, and its name is connected to Zhuge Liang's development of Shu brocade.
Likewise, the artistic elements in Chengdu's subway stations often reflect Shu Han, such as the Chancellor's feather fan, his portraits, and accounts of his life.
And the significance of Shu Han to Chengdu can also be seen in its museums.]
The video seemed to be nearing its end, and the images on the Light Screen began to change more rapidly.
A turn revealed a refined alley, crowded with visitors and bustling with merchants.
Another turn led underground, into a brightly lit hall where colorful murals covered the walls, depicting Kongming and a massive feather fan constructed from unknown materials, identical to the one in his hand.
Another shift revealed the name of the grand structure: Sichuan Museum.
The Light Screen entered the building, where the history of Sichuan was displayed in chronological order. Liu Bei and Kongming saw many familiar objects from their own time now exhibited for public viewing.
[Lightscreen]
[The history of Chengdu is simple and clear: in the Qin era, Li Bing and his son constructed the Dujiangyan irrigation system, making it a land of abundance.
In the late Han, the Chancellor governed Shu, knowing it could not be done yet doing it nonetheless, instilling a spirit of resilience.
After the An Lushan Rebellion, Emperor Xuanzong of Tang fled here and elevated Shu Commandery to Chengdu Prefecture, designating it as a secondary capital.
Before the fall of the Tang, after the Huang Chao Rebellion, Emperor Xizong also fled here to escape disaster.
When Mongol and Qing forces entered Sichuan, they were met with fierce resistance from the people of Bashu.
And during the War of Resistance, three million soldiers from Sichuan marched out to save the nation, with hundreds of thousands sacrificing their lives. This is a city that has never failed the Chancellor.]
The hall fell silent as they watched the fleeting images upon the Light Screen. Only when the scene slowed at the mention of the Sichuan army did their attention sharpen.
On display were moving images of a war entirely unlike anything they had ever known: no horses, but iron chariots; short weapons that spat fire; iron birds circling in the sky seemingly guided by men; and thunderous explosions that shook the battlefield without cease.
It was a battlefield like hell itself, beyond imagination. Yet within such a place stood heroes, laying down their lives as a path, fighting desperately to defeat foreign enemies.
Jiang Wan and Ma Liang were utterly stunned, while Huang Yueying, having steadied herself, began sketching the objects displayed beside the exhibit.
[Lightscreen]
[That concludes this episode. Next time: "The Fire of Yiling, the Extinguished Soul of Ji Han." See you then.]
Chang'an, Ganlu Hall.
"Bang!"
A foot-washing basin, carrying a splash of icy water, flew straight out through the main doors.
The attendants peered in nervously, unable to understand why the ruler of Great Tang was so enraged.