第13章 Laosicheng Tusi Domain—The Epitome of a Thousand-year Tusi Kingdom of the Tujia
Entry: Laosicheng Tusi Domain
Located at Sicheng Village in Lingxi Town, 19 kilometers east of the Yongshun County in Xiangxi, the Laosicheng Tusi Domain was the capital of the centuries-old hereditary tribal kingdom of the Tujia People in Hunan Province, and the political, economic, cultural as well as military center in ancient Xiangxi. This site is praised by historians as a successful model and a living fossil of ethnic autonomy and unity, as well as an Asian Machu Picchu.
One
With a holy feeling in my heart, I go on a pilgrimage to this kingdom which belongs to the forefathers of Tujia People. The 1,054 years' history of this kingdom of my Tujia forefathers is longer than that of any kingdom in the world. However, for a long time, I neglected the history and glory of my forefathers. Though having heard of the Laosicheng Tusi Domain, I had never visited there; though knowing that my forefathers have built a hereditary tribal kingdom with the 1,054 years' history, I had never touched or explored the past glory of the kingdom. Like an idiot, I can recognize my family and parents, but I have never known the history of my family and the happiness or hardship of my parents.
I feel a twinge of conscience!
Two
Just like a comet falling from the sky of history, the Tusi kingdom of my Tujia forefathers falls into the boundless precipitous mountains. Lines of ranges meander and wind, huge mountains tower, and peaks reach to the sky. Numerous mountains and gullies form myriads of natural barriers and bastions of iron, tightly sheltering and safeguarding the domains. Without the guidance of history, no one would have known that there is a kingdom hidden in the endless mountains, which has enjoyed its glory for more than ten centuries.
Maybe, these mountains and peaks standing high there are just the powerful armies, the honest people and patron saints of the Tusi kingdom, so the heads of these mountains are elevated, the bodies of these mountains are standing upright and the eyes of these mountains are looking at the same direction. These mountains represent unyielding beings of martial bearings, tenaciousness and solidarity. How unique these mountains and peaks are! They all turn their heads towards the capital of the Tusi kingdom—Laosicheng Tusi Domain. How glorious this is!
While, after going through numerous green barriers, unveiling so many curtains of history and entering into the grandiose and brilliant Tusi kingdom—Laosicheng Tusi Domain, I feel a bit sad and desolate. The grandiose and brilliant kingdom in ancient times has vanished, just like the dust and sand blown away by the strong wind of time.
Here we can see a simple and tranquil village before a clear river surrounded by lofty and steep mountains. In these mountains, there is a long narrow valley. There are also terraced fields on the slope. All these comprise the clearest lines and scenes of the Laosicheng Tusi Domain. All the bony lines and natural scenery are just like the sketches of painters.
In fact, it's nothing like this. The brushwork of painters is far less amazing. The Laosicheng Tusi Domain is just a drop of ink left here by history. After heavy make-up is removed and prosperity disappears, only this lonely drop of ink is left over, which solidifies green mountains, clear waters, tranquil villages and colorful fields and houses. So many exquisite stilt houses are standing over the water. The tile roofs are as black as ink. Rows of wooden partitions stand in order. All are the same as mottled thick moss on stones, worn but serene. At the river bank, tall willows and dense green bamboos are full of vitality, energy and hope.
I thought this was common, just the same as the scenery in the Xiangxi countryside. To my surprise, however, what lies buried under the terraced fields are brilliant works that are so munificent that they need to be burdened by the entire mountain.
Three
Leaning against the mountains, layers of terraced fields stretch from the river valleys to the mountain tops. The charming terraced fields cover a large area in rows, lines, grooves, ridges and slopes. Of the curves, hoops and straight lines, every stroke looks like they were elaborately drawn by artists, so upright and graceful. Dozens of small log cabins are also built on the terraced fields, constituting the embellishment of the picture, among which the floating cooking smoke and lively domestic fowls are actually the most vivid.
I always think that terraced fields are just what they are. You can reap whatever you have sown on them. However, under these terraced fields, a huge seed of history is buried there. As the seed comes to bud, we have this kingdom; as the kingdom grows stronger, it goes through dozens of dynasties.
Measuring my forefathers' land step by step, I stride across this kingdom over and over again and listen attentively to the breaths of my forefathers. The unprecedented respect and pride for my forefathers well up spontaneously into my heart; I, for the first time, feel that I am linked so closely with my forefathers as flesh and blood; I, for the first time, understand that the Laosicheng Tusi Domain is a heart of my forefathers that links to my own heart.
Four
On the Mid-Autumn Festival of the first year of the reign of Emperor Zhaoxuan of the Tang Dynasty (AD 905), all families got together to celebrate except a troop of 30 soldiers. They started from Changsha on warhorses and carts, heading for Xiangxi with the special task to spy out intelligence about the enemy. Lurking in the vicinity in Xiangxi, they were waiting for an opportunity to wipe out the barbarians and conquer this land. The two brothers leading the troop were Peng Yanxi and Peng Yanzhao.
At that time, this area was not called Xiangxi but Wuxi (Five Rivers), since there were five rivers: the Youxi River, the Chenxi River, the Xiongxi River, the Manxi River and the Wuxi River. The governor here had jurisdiction over not only the current Xiangxi but also the juncture of Guizhou, Sichuan and Hubei provinces. The people here got the name "Wuximan (Barbarians along the five rivers)" for they were fierce and warlike and unwilling to submit to the imperial court. The names of "Manyizhidi" (the wild area) and "Manyi"(barbarians) have existed since the Yao and Shun Ages. To subjugate this area, the rulers of ancient China had never stopped sending troops to suppress the people here. During the long-drawn-out fights with the people in Xiangxi, none of the rulers ever succeeded in subjugating this area. Instead, in the course of the seesaw battle of Xiangxi's subjugating and being subjugated, this area became increasingly stronger, making it the thorn in later rulers' flesh. Xiangxi is like a sharp sword pierced into the chests of all rulers, making them prostrate with fear and worry.
Before the Qin Dynasty, Tujia forefathers in Xiangxi had experienced a long period of aboriginal community. At that time, the tribe was called Dong in Chinese. There were eight Dongs, meaning eight tribes. The eight Dongs were mainly located along the Youshui River. As recorded in history books, the capital of the eight Dongs, namely Shoubadong, was located on the North of Youshui River, the Shuibadong Village in Bamao Township, Baojing County in Xiangxi. Here we can still see the broken stone tablet of "the King of the Eight Dongs" that was repaired in the Qing Dynasty. On this stone tablet, it is recorded that the top cavern was located in upstream from the southern part of Chu State from the Han Dynasty to the Ming Dynasty. . . The eight kings were dominant in this area and each king ruled a tribe. So the Tujia people call them as the Eight Great Kings.
In the Qin Dynasty, Qin Shi Huang (the first emperor of the Qin Dynasty) unified China for the first time, including Xiangxi. Tujia people in the northwestern part of Xiangxi were under the control of Qianzhong Prefecture (Old Xiangxi). In the Han Dynasty, it was a part of the Wuling Prefecture and was under the control of the prefecture's supreme governor. However, during the period of over 160-year chaotic Northern and Southern Dynasties after the Western Jin and Eastern Jin Dynasties, Tujia people in the northwestern part of Xiangxi were under the control of prefecture and county, while in fact all the leaders in the tribes had their own separatist regimes and referred to themselves as lords or even kings. During this period, the governments could do nothing but follow the policy of conciliation, namely using barbarians to fight barbarians to bring this area under control. In the early Five Dynasties and late Tang Dynasty, due to the policy of using barbarians to fight barbarians, Xiangxi was wholly independent from the feudal autocratic monarchy with vast territory and great military force. Then this area developed into 20 prefectures including Xizhou, Longci, Tianci, Zhongshun, Baojing, Ganhua, Yongshun, Yi, An, Yuan, Xin, Qia, Fu, Lai, Ning, Nan, Shun and Gao, etc. Leaders of each prefecture proclaimed themselves as governor. In order to gain more power, the local tyrants who carved up their own prefectures resorted to fight against each other. As a result, common people suffered untold misery and hardship. Worzorcunx, who was one of the Tujia chieftains at the Youshui River of Xizhou region, was so awe-inspiring that his majesty was felt throughout the whole country. Eventually, this independent kingdom that had existed for 216 years became the rankling problem for the imperial court.
To catch brigands, we should first catch their leader. Thus, the two Peng brothers led the troop to Xizhou region, which was under the control of Worzorcunx, in order to scout out the area.
Five
Although it was just a troop of 30 or so, every soldier was able to compose essays and perform military exercises. Some of them knew a thing or two about medical skills, architecture, tailoring and business. In other words, they knew about almost all walks of life. Apart from their individual talents, they all had one talent in common—arts—musical instruments, singing, dancing or drama acting. Therefore, they decided to dress up as a theatrical group and came to Xiangxi to perform. After suffering countless severe setbacks, the imperial court came to realize that they could take the area only by strategy instead of direct attack. Therefore, there was the strategy. The last emperor of the Tang Dynasty, Li Zhu, who was later entitled as Emperor Xuan or Emperor Ai, came up with this wise move after numbers of battles with the original inhabitants of Xiangxi. Murdered by Zhu Wen, Emperor Xuan was unable to see the fruits of his plan and savor his victory, but history did finally demonstrate its greatness. Peng Yanxi and Peng Yanzhao, two pawns of the Tang Dynasty, with their wisdom and courage, checkmated the leader of Xiangxi aborigines and realized the Great Unification Dream of the emperors.
The two brothers, Peng Yanxi and Peng Yanzhao, were originally from Ji'an in Jiangxi Province. Their grandfather Peng Fu, a senior officer in feudal China, was close with Ma Yin, Changsha King of the State Chu. And their father Peng Jian joined Ma Yin's troop and took office in Chenzhou (the present Yuanling), a county in Hunan Province as its governor. The two brothers were also taken good care of by Ma Yin. When they heard that the imperial court decided to subjugate Worzorcunx, the head of Youxi people, they recommended themselves for the mission without hesitation. They were indeed highly militarily skilled and extremely smart. They were not only capable of riding horses, archery, military practices, but also good at musical instruments, calligraphy and drawing. Peng Yanxi, in particular, was the king of the mountains, dragon in the river and hero of mankind. Rumor had it that he had flying skills and could fly on the roof and walk on the walls. He could shoot two birds flying side by side with one single arrow. Besides, he had a decent complexion and a quick brain, for which the Changsha King and his father had enormous favor towards him.
The Changsha King knew very well about Xiangxi and Worzorcunx through the previous battles and confrontations with him. Xiangxi was a place of singing and dancing. It was believed that children born here were able to sing right after their birth and dance shortly after they could walk. Arts were just as important as their own lives for people in Xiangxi. Worzorcunx was no exception. At every festival and New Year, or during leisure times, people would get together at the Hand-waving Hall to sing folk songs and perform the Hand-waving Dance. Any heart, as bitter as it was, would be seized by the uneventful life in the drama, and would become sweet and tranquil among the songs and dances. Singing and dancing became the bridge of communication, understanding and love for Xiangxi people.
The troop under Peng Yanxi's command was moving neither too fast nor too slow. They conducted performances alongside their marching. At every populous village, they would stop, set up a stage and perform. Passing by Dongting Lake, they used the mist-covered water as background and performed quite a few days. At the Yuanshui River, they used the green mountains and bellowing wave sounds as backdrops for several days' performances. Entering the Youshui River area, the blue sky and bright moon, they continued their show for days. When they reached Wangcun Village, the south gate of Laosicheng Tusi Domain, they performing for more than three months. It turned out to be very rewarding, audience had become their fans because whenever they went, they charged nothing for their performance, and also provided meals and accommodations for their audience. If any audience had some illness, they cured them for free. If anyone had any difficulty in finance, they gave him money. If any family was short of hands, they provided their labor also for free. In order to win the people's support, the Changsha King had already told them to bring expenses enough for three years.
The news of such good people and deeds, despite inconvenient transportation, quickly spread to every corner of Xiangxi like wind. The wealthy and influential families from all villages competed to invite them to perform. If one round was not enough, they would perform for two or three days. Their troop had become the most popular group!
The credit should be given to Peng Yanxi. It was Peng Yanxi who suggested to the Changsha King that they should bring enough funds for three years. He suggested that Xiangxi was in a remote mountainous area, so they had better show some unique and practical skills to the locals. Since Xiangxi people were fond of singing, dancing and watching performances, they could dress up as a theatrical group to put on shows. With enough money, they could not only offer free performances, but also provide charity and help. They needed to show that they were not only just a theatrical group giving performance, but also living Buddhas who could save people from suffering and difficulties. To win the trust of Xiangxi people was the best way to defeat Worzorcunx and unite the country.
Worzorcunx finally issued an order to invite them to his place to perform. Though they had arrived at Wangcun Village, the south gate of Laosicheng Tusi Domain, Xizhou region, Peng Yanxi still dared not rashly enter the region to give performance for Worzorcunx. He did not know much about the terrain and military power of Laosicheng, the headquarters of Worzorcunx. Therefore, he decided not to enter until he conducted a careful investigation. Under the pretense of their partners getting sick, they stationed at Hexi, which was opposite to Wangcun Village. They continued to give performances, waiting for appropriate opportunity to defeat Worzorcunx. Thanks to their charity and generosity, the theatrical group had formed a sound relationship with local people. Some trustworthy villagers not only became their spies, but also helped them build a military fortification which was about 10 meters high and 1.7 meters thick at Longtangou, and lent them dozens of small boats and two ferries.
Right as the two brothers were intensely implementing their plans, a wonderful opportunity came: Worzorcunx was selecting a son-in-law all around Xiangxi.
His daughter Wo Xiuying was as beautiful as a fairy. This is actually a modern name that we give to her since her real name has not been recorded in either the history book or the legend. It was only known that Worzorcunx had an exceedingly beautiful daughter. The Tujia names had no such a pronunciation, but were rather odd and funny to modern people, such as Koxdunfmaurrenr, Luvlirgarbar, Riexbacunx, Nerzierhur, or Ciextuvkur. For the sake of convenience, historians nowadays usually call his daughter Wo Xiuying.
The selection of a husband for this girl Wo Xiuying, if not as important as choosing a king, was at least something of great significance. She was not only elegant and warm-hearted, but also ingenious and clever. Besides, as the daughter of the Tusi Chieftain, understandably she was proud and a little bit arrogant. She did not find a satisfactory candidate even among dozens of suitors. Worzorcunx had no choice but to issue a notice that he shall select his son-in-law all around Xiangxi. Worzorcunx was such a well-known king and Wo Xiuying was very particular about her future husband, no one dared to climb this ladder and be Worzorcunx's son-in-law. Peng Yanxi and Peng Yanzhao both agreed that this was a remarkable opportunity and both of them volunteered. At last, the elder brother Peng Yanxi had the final say. He knew that the King had a capricious temper. If not careful, one might lose his life. He could not bear to let his younger brother take this risk, so he pretended to be an offspring of the Qin family and went to the court to visit Wo Xiuying.
Being such a handsome and versatile man, Peng Yanxi won both Wo Xiuying and Worzorcunx's favor immediately, and successfully became Worzorcunx's son-in-law. Worzorcunx, an illiterate, was undoubtedly satisfied to have such a cultured son-in-law who was good at both pen and military exercises. He held a grand wedding banquet for them, and also appointed Peng Yanxi as his assistant to help him safeguard his kingdom.
Six
Blessed with such a good husband, Wo Xiuying was naturally very satisfied and cherished him as a treasure. She could have asked maids to do the laundry and cook meals, but every time she would rather cook delicious meals for her husband by herself. Whenever her husband went out, she would help him put on his cloak and the official belt. When her husband came back home, she would definitely make the best Maojian tea to serve him. Before going to bed, she would prepare bath water and clean his body and feet for him. When she had time, she would make flower belts, cloth shoes and embroider shoe pads for him. Occasionally, she would join her husband to sing Tujia folk songs and dance some traditional dances. Her husband was like a music god from the sky while she was like the singing fairy. The voices of the music god and singing fairy were the best sound of nature flowing out from Laosicheng Tusi Domain.
Peng Yanxi held some secretive ambition when he tried his best to please Wo Xiuying at the very beginning. Her beauty was like a ray of golden light from the clouds beguiling and dazzling him, and he indeed fell in love with this woman whose heart was just as kind and charming as her face. Nevertheless, he kept reminding himself of his mission and was anxious about falling in love with her. He seemed to be as happy as a blossoming flower while deep inside, he closed up his heart with a heavy lock. He was dispatched by the imperial court to assassinate Worzorcunx. That was a national cause and therefore he could not let this woman have a place in his heart but only the nation and its cause should be firmly grasped. As a result, he brooded day and night about how to seek the chance to kill Worzorcunx.
After becoming the son-in-law of Worzorcunx, Peng Yanxi stayed with him every day and was supposed to have every opportunity to assassinate him. His younger brother Peng Yanzhao and the other 30 people were also invited to Laosicheng Tusi Domain by the good-hearted Wo Xiuying and worked for Worzorcunx as well. However, they could not find the chance to kill him. It was firstly because Worzorcunx was highly versed in military drills. Besides, his subordinates were all as fierce as tigers. Xiangxi people were good at battles because they were ordinary villagers at peaceful days and soldiers during wars. Every tribe and family had servants who served as workers during busy farming days but practiced military skills when they were idle. Worzorcunx in Tujia language meant hunting headman. His original family name was Wang, but since he was very good at hunting, people worshiped him as the hunting god and called him Worzorcunx. His archery and marksmanship were far better than those of Peng Yanxi. He was especially famous for capturing tigers, leopards and birds alive with his bare hands. During the excavation of the site of Laosicheng Tusi Domains, we found heaps of bones of tigers and leopards, as well as deer and musk horns, which were all the skeletal remains of animals hunted by Worzorcunx and his men. His five guardian warriors, Luvlirgarbar, Koxdunfmaurrenr, Official Xiang, Xixkuxriexqix, Hero Tian, were all extraordinarily brave. Even eight or ten people would not be able to besiege them. This had made Peng Yanxi restless even during his meals and sleep. Extreme anxiety had brought him illness and great weight loss.
It was not until October 907 AD when Worzorcunx's birthday was coming that Peng Yanxi finally found a perfect opportunity. Worzorcunx's palace, decorated with lanterns and streamers, was filled with clamors of drums and people's voices. What a festive and bustling scene! The whole Hand-waving Hall was full of people taking their turn to perform Maogusi Dance, Copper Bell Dance, the Hand-waving Dance, Lion Dance and Clamshell Dance.
Leaders of other tribes all came to pay their tribute and respect.
Peng Yanxi set up the stage three days earlier because he was going to perform The Emperor and the Assassin in person for Worzorcunx.
Seeing his son-in-law so filial and obedient, Worzorcunx felt very happy and kept praising him to his daughter. He exclaimed, "Yes, yes, yes, I am very fond of this play. The Emperor Qin Shi Huang was so cruel and heartless. If I were Jingke, I would assassinate him too."
He did not know his daughter was being tormented with heartbreaking sorrows. Her tears as bitter as the gold-thread had already risen into a sea of bitterness.
She had already learnt that the troops of Peng Jian, her husband's father, had already set off from Chenzhou, arrived at Xizhou and completely besieged Laosicheng Tusi Domain. Working in collusion with the imperial court, her husband had already made full preparations. Today's stage was her father's scaffold and his birthday would also be his death day. She would be the unfilial daughter witnessing her husband betray her father.
When her beloved husband told her with tears that he was sorry and his family name was not Qin but Peng, and that he was sent out by the imperial court to assassinate her father, she was thunderstruck. She could not believe that her husband, whom she loved so deeply, was a poisonous snake lurking around! She pushed Peng Yanxi away forcefully, withdrew her sword quickly and pointed it at him.
However, he explained to her that the troops of the imperial court had already hid right outside Laosicheng. If he did not kill her father, someone else would. Her father's whole clan shall be killed including their own children and relatives. More importantly, killing her father would spare the villagers from a war. Wo Xiuying ruefully put down the sword. She understood what was right to do and could not allow all the villagers, relatives and children to lose their lives merely for the sake of her father. Therefore, she gave up her father and chose the villagers, relatives and her husband instead. She chose the nation and her ethnic group.
At this moment when she held her son in her arms sitting beside her father, watching Peng Yanxi's show, we could imagine the blood and tears running in her heart. We could imagine the enormous sorrow that she had suffered for her nationality and nation. Fortunately, the child in her arms could disguise her terror, pain and sorrow. Their son Peng Shiyu was born half a year ago. Being a mother for the first time, she had been happier than any other time. The son had the same beautiful face as hers, and the same pretty eyes, nose and lips as his father's. He even had dimples. When he opened up his small palms, giggled and babbled, he looked just like Peng Yanxi. When Peng Yanxi acted like a spoiled child to tease her, he also looked as adorable as their son.
Wo Xiuying, playing with her son while sitting next to her father, watched restlessly her husband performing The Emperor and the Assassin.
On the stage, Peng Yanxi was singing, "The wind blows strongly, the Yishui River is so cold, and the hero will go never to return!"
Under the stage, Worzorcunx was clapping his hands excitedly and applauding for him.
On the stage, Peng Yanxi withdrew the sword and stabbed the character Emperor Qin. However, the sword flew towards Worzorcunx.
Worzorcunx was taken aback but responded quickly. He bent down and dodged the flying sword. One of his servants was stabbed to death.
A group of people charged towards Peng Yanxi to capture this assassin. Koxdunfmaturrenr, one of Worzorcunx's close subordinates, however, sacrificed his life to help Peng Yanxi to break out.
Luvlirgarbar grabbed Wo Xiuying and fled outside.
Worzorcunx would never understand why his daughter betrayed him, and also helped Peng Yanxi to win over two of his most trustful subordinates, Koxdunfmaurrenr and Luvlirgarbar by promising them a high position and wealth. Thus, the two felt very grateful and obeyed submissively.
The ambushing court troops, rushed into Laosicheng Tusi Domain like the flood under the leader Peng Jian.
Worzorcunx had nothing to do but flee hurriedly.
Peng Jian, Peng Yanxi and their troops, chased after him all the way and finally killed Worzorcunx at Xiheping Town(now the Xiwuping Town), Xiche Village at Longshan County.
Since Worzorcunx ran towards Longshan County, a folklore spread from that place. Rumor had it that Worzorcunx was riding on the first horse carriage in line while fleeing. Therefore, there is still a place in Longshan County named Shouche (the first carriage). Thousands of soldiers and horses were in pursuit until they reached a certain village and horse hoof prints left everywhere. Therefore, there is still a place called Mati (horse roof) Village. The place where Worzorcunx used a cage to cover his carriage is still called Nongche (covered carriage). His carriage fell into a river when he escaped into Miaoshi Town, he managed to drag it out and continued his escape. Therefore, there is still a place called Laoche (dragging out the carriage). The place where he washed his carriage is still called Xiche (washing the carriage). Finally, he abandoned his carriage in a place called Luota and ran to a towering place called Hezheteng. Therefore there is still one place called Luota and the other called Hezheteng, which means that one can not move forward. However, Peng Jian had already contacted Xiangbolin, the Tusi Chieftain of Hubei Province, to set fires on the mountains beforehand. In the end, owing to depletion of food and soldiers, Worzorcunx climbed down a cliff with ropes to go to his sworn brother Riexbaxcunx for help but was shot with arrows and knives. Therefore, there is still a place called Riexbaxcunx. He died at Xiheping, about five kilometers away from Hezheteng. Therefore, that place was called Siheping (died at Heping). Now it is renamed as Xiheping.
When writing this article, I made reference to the book Tusi Kingdom written by Xiang Shengfu, a member of the ethnic affairs commission of Yongshun County. I called him to confirm whether the stories he wrote were from historical records or just from his own imagination. He said they were a combination of both historical records and folklores. None of the stories was made up without historical foundation. He added that if I did not believe him, I could ask the middle-and old-aged people of Laosicheng Tusi Domain and Xizhou since they all knew these stories. He said that his book was a history book and he must come close to history, pursue the truth instead of keeping away from it. The 70-year-old author was born and raised at Laosicheng Tusi Domain, and so did his forefathers. Therefore, he has the responsibility to record the history of previous generations, and pass it on to posterity.
Yes, a fair amount of history was recorded in the official writings whereas part of the history was passed on through word of mouth. I respect and believe in official history, but also trust and respect folks. The history from official records is often a gift for the victors, not for the defeated. The history written by the officials shall only represent their own will and tell the stories in a way that is favorable for the authority. They usually exaggerate the greatness of the victors and understate or even obliterate their failures. On the contrary, they tend to exaggerate the failure of the defeated. Or even worse, they may not even mention the defeated at all or mention them very briefly. At most, they will mention the defeated briefly. Throughout ages, we have never seen any history of any country or nation or ethnic group which is not written for the sake of authority but for others.
Seven
Peng Yanxi and Peng Yanzhao, after destroying Worzorcunx, followed their father Peng Jian, and succeeded in defeating other Wuxi bandits in 908 AD. The over 200-year history of bandits rivaling the imperial court in the fragmented Xiangxi finally drew to a close.
At that time, Zhu Wen had also killed Li Zhu, the last emperor of the Tang Dynasty, pushing the history into the Houliang Dynasty, which is the beginning of the Five Dynasties.
Peng Yanxi, Peng Yanzhao and Peng Jian then became the greatest heroes with the outstanding achievements of destroying the Wuxi bandits. People who fought with Peng Yanxi all got promoted and rewarded by the imperial court. In October 907 AD, the imperial court appointed Peng Jian as the prefectural governor of Xizhou and Chenzhou. The sword of history turned open the first page of regional autonomy and national union in Tusi kingdom.
In 908, Peng Yanxi was appointed as the Xizhou prefectural governor by the imperial court. His brother, Peng Yanzhao came back to his home Jiangxi Province, and worked as the military governor of Jingjiang.
In 910, Peng Yanxi inherited his father Peng Jian's official position to administer 20 prefectures, including 50 qis and 380 dongs of Xiangxi, Hubei, Guizhou and Chongqing (prefecture, qi and dong are ancient administrative divisions). Peng Yanxi, born in 886, was as young as 24 years old at that time.
After that, Peng Yanxi was officially called Peng Shichou in the history records, his courtesy name, when he was appointed and credited. In ancient times, to call one his courtesy name, it was to show respect and status.
After becoming the prefectural governor of Xizhou, Peng Shichou still made Laosicheng Tusi Domain his headquarters, because it was a treasured land which was surrounded by mountains. That Worzorcunx and his ancestors could rival the imperial court for more than 200 years in this tiny area was the best proof. The second reason was that the Laosicheng Tusi Domain had been built almost into an imperial palace by Worzorcunx and his ancestors after more than 200 years of painstaking efforts. Therefore, there was no need for Peng Shichou to build another stronghold. The property and wealth left by Worzorcunx was good enough for Peng Shichou to live a rich life without too much effort. Taking this place as a basis, he could become better and stronger. Most importantly, after living in Laosicheng Tusi Domain for more than three years, he had already won the hearts of people here by his prestige and developed a strong relationship with them. He fell deeply in love with this land and people here. He knew that the indigenous people in Xiangxi were not savage or underdeveloped as others had assumed but were in fact generous and broad-minded. They were indomitable but not stubborn. They lived far away from the outside world but were never conservative. Their souls were as pure as crystals and their sublime words always demonstrated deep meaning. He did not conquer Xiangxi. Xiangxi conquered him. He had been deeply influenced and assimilated by the landscapes and characters of Xiangxi. He would not have become the one he was if Xiangxi people including Worzorcunx did not accept and favor him. He would not have become hero if Xiangxi people and Worzorcunx's daughter Wo Xiuying did not help and support him without reservation. It was not he alone who destroyed Worzorcunx, but people all over this area. Without their support, he could not have destroyed Worzorcunx no matter how strong and smart he was. It was the deepest foundation that he could take root in and manage Xiangxi. It was also the reason why he could not only pull Xiangxi together in hard times with the whole country, but also dare to fight against the imperial court's oppression and exploitation of Xiangxi.
In this way, Peng Shichou extended the resplendence and glory of Laosicheng Tusi Domain.
It was when Peng Shichou first set foot on Laosicheng that he was amazed by its grandness and magnificence, and the greatness of the indigenous people in Xiangxi. It was completely a paradise!
The Laosicheng Tusi Domain was built on a huge hill.
On the foot of Laosicheng was a rocky road along a river. Lines of the stilt houses, willows and sampans all stood and waited along the river like energetic soldiers in orderly queues. The stilt houses stretched for miles, all built with wood, covered with black tiles, painted with wood oil and hung with lanterns as well as wind bells. The countless wooden columns hanging over and stretching into the river were like countless legs, making the houses even more vivid and compelling.
Along the rocky road up to the hill were also many stilt houses, stretching up to the sky. However, these stilt houses were not all built by wood, some by brick or stone; not all in one color, but in many glittering colors such as brown, white, gray, orange and red, like numerous lights streaming from the mountain, those glorious colors made the mountains more brilliant and the whole imperial city more sumptuous.
Starting from the river bank, several wide and straight streets paved with blue flagstones and pebbles, climbed up along the hill. Other transverse streets across the region looked like embroidery threads, weaving 11 lanes in the imperial city. Main Street, Left Street, Banpo Street, Right Street and Wutong Street were all flourishing; Nanmen Lane, Banpo Lane, Wutongjie Lane, Mafangkou Lane and Yacaoping Lane were all prosperous.
How amazed Peng Shichou was at the excellent workmanship of Xiangxi ancestors.
At that time, Peng Shichou refused the post of prime minister granted by Emperor Taizu of the Hou Liang Dynasty(907-923) but chose to take the position of the prefectural governor of Xizhou. It was perhaps because of the great admiration and affection he cherished towards Laosicheng Tusi Domain, and the ambition of being the local king in Laosicheng which had been rooted in his heart years earlier.
Peng Shichou decided to paint a better painting with more wonderful colors on the picture of Laosicheng Tusi Domain, a drawing whose sketch has already been finished.
Eight
His first plan was to report to the court and request for imperial support and special favor on labor, finance and goods. He pleaded for a fifty-year tax exemption, reconstruction of Laosicheng Tusi Domain and the establishment of village-level organizations. The Emperor Taizu born as Zhu Wen, the founder of the Liang Dynasty, issued the imperial order for approval, granting Peng Shichou the 18th Pin (an official hierarchy, among which the 18th Pin means eighteenth-rank official) and allowing his position to be inherited by his descendants since he had put down the barbarians' chaos. He also authorized Peng Shichou the right to be treated as the head of his area and 50-year tax exemption for Xizhou and 2 million liang (a traditional Chinese unit of measurement; one liang equals 50 grams) of silver for city construction. This means that Peng Shichou had obtained the right of developing finance and increasing property; the permission of the hereditary system and the right to be treated as the head of his area meant the imperial court had recognized his status as the local king. If we say it is Peng Jian who established a solid foundation for the Tujia Tusi Kingdom, then we have to add that it is the young and capable Peng Shichou who opened the most splendid chapter of ethnic autonomy, unity and integration for Tujia People.
With 2 million liang of silver, Peng Shichou returned to Laosicheng Tusi Domain to expand it. Thanks to the fifty-year tax exemption, he could focus on self-cultivation and large-scale construction. He immediately invited more than 1,000 designers, engineers and various craftsmen from Changsha, Hangzhou, Suzhou, Xi'an, and cities of Jiangxi Province and Laosicheng Tusi Domain and went about the new planning and construction of the place. Due to the fifty-year tax exemption, locals in Xizhou were able to live and work in harmony and contentment. Out of gratitude to Peng Shichou, they volunteered to offer their labor for construction. It took more than 1,000 craftsmen eleven years from 912 to 923 to build a brand new capital for Tusi Kingdom. Laosicheng had been expanded from five streets and eleven lanes to eight streets and sixteen lanes and was divided to seven areas based on the function concerned, Imperial District, Residential Area, Education District, Military District, Entertainment District, Local Religious Area and Burial Ground. There were 3,000 families inside Laosicheng and 800 outside. As the present director of the state bureau of cultural relics said, Laosicheng Tusi Domain was the best preserved Tusi ruins in the world that has ever been discovered. Its huge scale and completion could match any beautiful ancient architectural complex worldwide. Even if compared with the Machu Picchu in South America and Pompeii in Italy, it was not inferior in any respect.
The throne room and the hall of patriarch were extremely glorious.
The meridian gate and main gate were solemn and magnificent.
Imperial chamber and longevity chamber were richly ornamented.
The screen walls and dwellings were calm and peaceful.
Every rock wall was carved with exquisite patterns.
Every towering city gate was painted with forefather's totems.
The most amazing thing was that there were nine broad underground passages for drainage, sewage disposal and flood prevention. Once a war broke out, the soldiers, as if descending from Heaven, could attack the intruders from underground. It could also be used as a cover for escape. Four holes were carved at the four corners of both sides. Each hole was embedded with a luminous pearl. Its exterior was carved with the pattern of "two phoenixes facing the sun". Its interior was carved with the map of 58 qis and 380 dongs. Moreover, there were installed thick yet flexible stone doors, tall, deep and wide passages, exquisite portraits and shrines with burning incenses inside the burial ground.
How extremely intelligent my ancestors were!
In 1135, Peng Fushi, the tenth Tusi succeeded to the throne, and Laosicheng Tusi Domain went through another large-scale renovation and expansion. A new street and two lanes were built, plus a town-god temple and the Bihua Manor Resort. Two overpasses were constructed at the two most prosperous intersections. I assume they must be the oldest overpasses in the world. According to the historical records, the first overpass in the world was built in 1928 in the USA. Yet, my Tujia ancestors had already built one in the year of 1135, which was 793 years earlier! What a great deed! All Tujia and Xiangxi offspring should feel enormously proud of this!
With each strong passing wind, the kingdom shall age a little. With each showering rain, it shall fade a bit. As long as the sky, the earth and humans still exist, the splendor of the hidden history shall come to light! The king shall always remain the king and the kingdom shall always be the kingdom!
Nine
Today, we enliven every blue brick and tile, and every stone and dirt in Laosicheng Tusi Domain to rebuild a country of an ethnic minority in ancient China and recreate a national miracle different from any other country in the world.
In politics, according to the administration law in minority areas issued by the imperial court, Laosicheng Tusi Domain adopted the official administration of Tusi Kingdom. The official system corresponded to the military hierarchy, including divisions such as Xuanwei Si, Anfu Si, Zhaotao Si, Zhangguan Si, with the official titles of Xuanwei Shi, Xuanfu Shi, Anfu Shi, Zhaotao Shi and Zhangguan Shi. Based on the local official administration system, there were prefectures and counties. Prefectures were divided into different towns and the rural area was divided into qis, dongs and villages, with official titles of town leaders, qi leaders, dong leaders and village leaders. All of the official posts were taken by minority leaders and could be inherited. Because it was Tusi Kingdom, the chief military governor was Tusi Chieftain. According to historical records, the Tusi System of the later dynasties such as the Song Dynasty, the Yuan Dynasty, the Ming Dynasty and the Qing Dynasty were all set up based on the system of Tusi Kingdom in Xiangxi.
Militarily, they had the right to train their own soldiers. Every qi had five battalions, and each battalion had 500 soldiers. Recruitment was done every two years, only for candidates between 16 to 20 years old who had received education for more than 6 years. There would be infantry, cavalry, scouts and guards of more than 15,000 all the year around. 500 guards were stationed in Laosicheng Tusi Domain to guarantee the security of the Tusi Chieftain and the residents. Other soldiers were stationed in other areas to protect their home and defend the land. On the hill across Laosicheng Tusi Domain, there were archery grounds, military drill grounds and horse racing grounds for the daily training of soldiers. Besides horse riding, fencing, archery, capturing and grappling, the training also included broadsword, spear, wrestling, rock climbing, martial arts, Qigong breathing techniques and even witchcraft. Soldiers often fought against and raced with wild animals with bare feet to train themselves in running and strengthen their bodies. In the river there were more than a hundred boats for the wrestling training of sailors. Sometimes, sailors would be sent to the farther more turbulent Youshui River to do the training. Perhaps, those were the marine corps of Tusi Chieftain. Other soldiers would be assembled for a one-month training in winter. Every year, Tusi Chieftain would hold military competitions. Winners would get promotions as well as rewards, such as cattle, horses and fertile farmlands. Year after year, the military training had greatly enhanced the military strength of this area. Tusi soldiers would not have been so brave and skillful in the warfare or become the main force in the fighting against barbarians and the Japanese without such a complete, scientific and strict military training.
Economically, agriculture and commerce were prosperous. In countrysides, Tusi Chieftain distributed or leased lands to farmers and issued land licenses to them. Farmers could use the land to grow crops or fruits. Even Taoists and monks would have their own farmlands and mountain forests. Alongside the river of Laosicheng Tusi Domain, terraced fields totaled more than 300 mu(a unit of area, one mu equals 0.0667 hectares), and there were even more in the suburbs. There were countless pigs and cattle and more than 2,000 horses every year. Beekeeping, fishing and handicraft were the characteristic economy in Laosicheng Tusi Domain. At that time, Tusi Chieftains encouraged every family to keep bees and the greatest beekeeper had 30 beehives. Once the spring came, there would be a wonderful sight of flowers blooming and bees everywhere on the hills. In all seasons, the streets were flowing with golden honey and sweetness. Along the Yudu Street, people sold various fish, including catfish, mandarin fish, silver fish, grass carp, carp, bass and pelteobagrus fulvidraco, as well as little tuna and whitebait. Yudu Street was built by Peng Shichou to appreciate the Qin Family, and people fishing and selling fish here all had the same surname of Qin. In terms of handcraft, besides stores of blacksmith and silversmith, the most famous one was brocade stores. The Tujia people called brocade as Xilankapu and Huapugai, which was woven into pictures of rosy clouds, flowers and birds in plain but beautiful colors. In order to keep a sustainable development, Tusi Chieftains enacted some regulations on ecological conservation. Firstly, to prevent the fish in rivers from extinction, Tusi Chieftains established a fishing management department and enacted regulations about fishing, fish-farming and moratorium, with strict and careful regulations especially in moratorium, so as to keep an ecological balance in place. Secondly, in order to protect the forest and plants, Tusi Chieftains forbad people from cutting down trees though they were free to cultivate the land. Within more than 10 square kilometers near Laosicheng Tusi Domain, Tusi Chieftains especially set apart some forest parks and asked people surnamed Peng to manage them. Even in 1980, there were still numerous ancient trees towering to the sky, birds twittering, flowers blooming, and various fish swimming in the clear river. The ancient trees, including sandalwood and pear wood, were large enough that they could be held by several people. Unfortunately, in 1980 when the lands and forests were distributed to farmers for private ownership, villagers began to cut down and sell trees at will, resulting in the destruction of hundred thousands of mu of primeval forest almost overnight. What a pity! Predecessors planted trees while descendants got the shade. Predecessors accumulated while descendants squandered everything.
Culturally, Xiangxi attached great importance to education, encouraging people to learn advanced foreign knowledge to broaden their horizons. During the building of Tusi imperial district, Peng Shichou built Lingxi Academy in front of Zijin Mountain. Students were supposed to receive ten years of education before they could graduate. People could not join the army with education less than six years, or work in government departments or inherit official positions with education less than ten years. This education policy was supported wholeheartedly by clans as well as the ordinary people in the Laosicheng Tusi Domain, and most of the rich families had made donations to develop education. Poor families also tried their best to send their children to school. To further promote education, Peng Shichou built a Xizhou Examination Institute, which was large enough to accommodate 400 people for examination at the same time. The entrance examination was held every three years to select talented people. The extremely outstanding ones would be recommended for imperial examination. The later generations of Tusi Kingdom all highly valued education. There were 18 teaching buildings when Peng Fushi was the Chieftain, covering an area of more than 20 mu. When Peng Yinan succeeded, he set up Guandi Primary School and Ruoyun Academy, a four-year technical secondary school mainly for training teachers. Xiangxi has a galaxy of talents thanks to the great importance attached to education by Tusi Chieftains throughout the ages. At the same time, all the Tusi Chieftains paid attention to ethnic culture promotion and would hold folk singing and dancing competitions as well as folk arts and martial arts competitions every year. The winners' prizes would be presented by the Tusi Chieftain in person. Many special folk customs and cultures of Tujia People such as the Hand-waving Dance and Maogusi Dance would not be preserved and spread without the support of the Tusi Chieftains.
The rise of the strong and prosperous Tujia Tusi Kingdom finally made the imperial court uneasy. While Tusi Chieftain and Xiangxi people were attached closedly with each other in the prosperous and peaceful Xiangxi, the imperial court still viewed Xiangxi as a barbarous area, and often dispatched troops to intrude and plunder it, which greatly plagued the Xiangxi people. Peng Shichou could not bear it anymore and decided to fight against the imperial court finally. Then the Battle of Xizhou, a battle between the imperial court represented by the King of the Chu State and people in Xiangxi represented by Peng Shichou, broke out.
In 939, Peng Shichou led tens of thousands soldiers to attack the Lord of Chu, Ma Xifan, marching from the present Yongshun County to Yuanling County and the cities of Zhangjiajie and Changde, nearly reaching Changsha City. Ma Xifan immediately responded and drove Peng Shichou back to Xiangxi. After months of bloody fight, both sides had suffered heavy casualties and the battle ended in a draw. In the end, the two sides established a covenant of bronze column and swore not to intrude into each others' domains. The imperial court promised never to collect taxes or ask for tribute in Xiangxi, or interfere in its internal affairs, while Xiangxi shall remain a part of the imperial court and should obey dispatch.
Then, Peng Shichou's eldest son Peng Shiyu took the management responsibility of Xizhou while his second son, Peng Shihao positioned in Baojing County. Xiangxi finally realized the true autonomy and began its peaceful life.
At the Educational Base of Laosicheng Tusi Domain still stands a Yinan Memorial Archway in front of the gate of Ruoyun Academy. In honor of Peng Yinan's success against Japanese pirates, the government of the Ming Dynasty built the three-gated and four-pillared stone arch, which is now covered by thick black and mottled moss after years of wind and rain. On the top of every pillar stands a little stone lion, gazing towards the distant hills and sky. In the middle of the top was a stone torch. There are four forceful and vigorous Chinese characters written by Peng Yinan in brush strokes on the arch "Zi Sun Yong Xiang", which means wishing the descendants to enjoy lasting peace.
Yes, Tujia ancestors left such a great treasure, which is the endless source of pride and glory of the Tujia posterity.
Ten
The deeds of the Tujia Tusi kingdom would inspire strong respect spontaneously from the bottom of one's heart when the whole nation was under threat, just like the surging Yellow River, which is of great momentum and nobility all at once in the narrow place.
The Tujia Tusi kingdom had lasted for 600 years when the power was passed on to Peng Yinan and Peng Jinchen. Although it was exempted from taxes or tribute and practiced complete autonomy, the Tusi kingdom never fought against the country or added to its trouble. On the contrary, even a slight pain of the nation would also bring the pain to the people of Xiangxi. The Chieftains would guide his men to fight in order to relieve the burdens of the whole country. When the nation suffered foreign invasion, they would spare no pains and never hesitate to lay down their lives if need be.
Under the guidance of the chieftains, Xiangxi people have assisted in quelling numerous rebellions throughout the nation in centuries past. There are more than 100 historical records about this, and the troops involved ranged in number from several thousand or up to thirty thousand.
The chieftains in Xiangxi have left their footprints, blood and lives in the provinces of Guangdong, Guangxi, Guizhou, Yunnan, Hunan, Hubei and other places. Xiangxi people fought bravely, and won heroic and resounding fame throughout the country in ancient dynasties.
Among all the deeds, the most illustrious one was that the Xiangxi Chieftain led his people to resist against Japanese invaders during the reign of Emperor Jiajing (1522—1566) of the Ming Dynasty.
During the reign of Emperor Jiajing, the Japanese pirates ravaged the areas along southeast coast of China and committed all sorts of crimes, which made life impossible for the local. The government fought for many times but still failed to crush them. The situation was so critical that the Ming government sent urgent letters to the chieftains asking for rescue.
Thus, the Yongshun Tusi Chieftain Peng Yinan and his father Peng Mingfu, as well as the Baojing Tusi Chieftain Peng Jinchen and his son Peng Shouzhong brought altogether 10,000 soldiers and rushed to Jiangsu and Zhejiang areas.
It happened to be the end of the year.
They could have started off after the Spring Festival, but upon hearing the country was under invasion and their compatriots were suffering pain, all the people were burning with anxiety and decided to celebrate the festival in advance for an early departure. Hence, even today, the minority people in Xiangxi still adhere to the traditional custom of celebrating the New Year before the Spring Festival, namely, "Gannian". It was on the 28th and 29th of the twelfth lunar month that they held the celebrations, and on the 30th, the army began their long march to the coast.
What a spectacular scene that tens of thousands of people gathered at the Youshui Pier on the morning of New Year's Eve. The riverbank was filled with relatives to see the soldiers off, wives saying goodbye to their husbands, sisters to their brothers and mothers to their sons. How rueful they were! What a touching scene! Tears suffusing their eyes, they wondered if they would ever meet again, or if their beloved would return. All the relatives came from far and near with a heavy heart and great sadness at this moment. They prayed, "The divine Eight Kings, be sure to bless your children, and please show your power to peck the enemies' eyes, cut their heads off and tear their hearts out so that my love could remain unscathed and come back safely."
As it is mentioned before, the "Eight Kings" are the ancestors of Xiangxi. The hopeless women had nothing to do but pray for the blessing of ancestors together with "Tima", the Taoist priest of Tujia People.
Hundreds of ships with sails filling out started to march from the Youshui River, while all the relatives were all the way along the rugged mountain path to see them off.
Paddles sliced into the water, braving the chill, the darkness and the morning sunlight. Soldiers crossed the treacherous rapids and conquered numerous hardships. They carried on the journey all night, passing through the Dongting Lake and Yangtze River without stop. After two weeks' challenges, they finally arrived at the battlefield.
It was 1554, the 33rd year of the Jiajing Period.
This waterway was not strange to the Xiangxi soldiers. Many of them had been on the march toward Jiangsu and Zhejiang in the 31st year of the Jiajing Period (1552), together with Yu Dayou to fight against the Japanese enemies. And this was the third time!
On hearing the arrival of Xiangxi soldiers, the ordinary people here all rushed about spreading the news and lined the streets to hail the heroes. They had long been acquainted with and been sheltered by this heroic army. Xiangxi soldiers were their saviors, and when the protectors came and would help them expel the Japanese pirates, how could they not show them a warm welcome?
As soon as the soldiers arrived, they rushed to the front and engaged in the battle right away.
The first battle, the Battle of Songjiang in Suzhou Prefecture (now the Songjiang, Shanghai) began in the first month of the lunar year, 1554. There was no historical records available about the result of this battle.
The second battle was the Battle of Xindun in Jiangsu Province in the first month of the lunar year, 1555. Soldiers of Yongshun and Baojing County attacked the enemy from the South and the North at the same time and killed more than 300 Japanese pirates.
The third battle was the Battle of Sanzhangpu in Changshu, Jiangsu Province in April, 1555. Peng Shouzhong, the chief of Baojing County, together with his 3,000 soldiers, annihilated 281 Japanese pirates, losing only one soldier.
The fourth battle in May, 1555, the Battle of Wangjiangjing in Zhejiang Province, was the most significant one among the Anti-Japanese wars. More than 20,000 Japanese invaders insanely looted Jiangsu and Zhejiang provinces. Yu Dayou urged Peng Yinan, the chieftain of Yongshun County, to lead 5,000 soldiers to launch an attack from the left side, while Lu Tang urged the chieftain of Baojing County. Peng Jinchen, to lead 5,000 soldiers to rush to the rescue from the South, and the Commander Tang Kuan to launch an attack on the front. The enemies were caught in a squeeze from three sides and were expelled from Fengxian District to Jiaxing and Wangjiangjing. Soldiers in Baojing County and Yongshun County put their laborious training into practice to the extreme. More than 2,000 enemies were beheaded by the land force, and the ones drowning in the waterway were beyond count. This was the crowning triumph since the outbreak of the Anti-Japanese War. Emperor Shizong was so delighted that he issued an edict immediately to award a plaque which reads, "The Top Wartime Exploit over Southeast China" to the chieftains of Yongshun County and Baojing County. Peng Yinan and Peng Jinchen were granted titles as third-rank officials and awarded silver coins. In addition, they were entitled with General Zhaoyi (a military officer) and the Right Assistant Administrator, taking charge of the affairs in the Pacification Office. Peng Mingfu was awarded money, and Peng Shouzhong an official belt. Tens of thousands of soldiers of Yongshun and Baojing received rewards from the government.
The fifth battle was in July of the same year, known as the Battle of Lujing Dam in Suzhou, Jiangsu Province. Thousands of Japanese pirates invaded Suzhou again, hence Peng Jinchen and Peng Yinan together with Yu Dayou led soldiers and launched a joint attack, rounding up the enemies at Lujing Dam. In this campaign, they annihilated more than 600 Japanese invaders, and many invaders were drowned. The enemy with over one thousand people was almost wiped out.
The Battle of Zhapu in Zhejiang Province followed in August, 1556. Tens of thousands of Japanese gathered in Zhapu Town, burned ships and drank blood to show their detemination of launching a death fight. The Xiangxi soldiers, headed by Peng Jinchen and Peng Yinan, carrying flaming torches, rushed towards the enemy and burned their quarters. After dozens of rounds of fight, the Xiangxi army finally obtained a complete victory. More than 1,200 Japanese soldiers were captured or beheaded, and more were burned to death.
Thereafter, the Jiangsu and Zhejiang areas regained their serenity with people living in peace and contentment. Japanese pirates would never tramp through the land.
However, peace and joy in this land were regained at the cost of blood and lives of the innumerable Xiangxi martyrs. From the 31st year to the 36th year of the Jiajing Period of the Ming Dynasty, over 30,000 Xiangxi soldiers of the Tusi kingdom fought against Japanese invaders for six consecutive years. Tens of thousands of heroes lost their lives here. The beautiful and peaceful coastline of the Jiangsu and Zhejiang Provinces is indeed formed by the blood and lives of the Xiangxi ancestors.
Although Xiangxi is far away from the heart of the country, once the heartbeat of the nation trembles at the howls of wolves, Xiangxi would be the fastest, firmest and most powerful shotgun.
In 1616 (the 44th year of the Ming Emperor Wanli), the Chieftain Nurhachi of Jurchen established the Jin Kingdom (the Latter Jin Dynasty) and began to repeatedly attack the territories of the Ming. In the Battle of Saerhu (1619), Nurhachi was so skillful and brave that the panic-stricken Ming soldiers fled immediately. The Northeast was in emergency, and so were the other areas of the country. The court decided to conscript crack troops nationwide to rescue the nation. Xiangxi soldiers and the whole Tusi kingdom far away heard the moan of the nation. Thus, the Chieftain of Baojing, Peng Xiangqian, along with his younger brother Peng Xiangzhou, and his sons Peng Kun and Peng Tianyou, led 8,000 soldiers to march to give assistance to Liaoning Province in 1616 and 1620 respectively. With the enemy forces ten times larger than theirs, the Ming army retreated without a fight, while the Xiangxi soldiers launched dozens of desperate battles until they exhausted their ammunition and supplies. The whole troop was annihilated, including Peng Xiangqian's brother and his two sons. He himself had a narrow escape since he did not go to the front because of his serious illness. Such loyalty and bravery of the entire family extremely moved Emperor Xizong of the Ming Dynasty. When he learned that nearly ten thousand Xiangxi soldiers died for the nation, he lamented loudly and bitterly. Apart from awarding revered posthumous titles, he set up a mourning hall in the court to hold a memorial ceremony for the valiant soldiers in person.
The coasts and waves of Jiangsu and Zhejiang, do you still remember the flags and weapons with which my Tujia ancestors fought against the enemies? The surf and moonlight in Liao River, do you still remember my Tujia ancestors' figures and their glory at the battles?
Actually, not only the Jiangsu and Zhejiang areas and the Liao River have forgotten this phase of history, but also the nation, even the sons of the Tujia People in Xiangxi themselves could not remember this history and these heroes, since the tombs of Peng Jinchen and Peng Yinan have been destroyed by grave robbers. The descendants of Baojing have already ruined the plaque given by the Ming court, "The Top County Exploit over Southeast China". The recall of this reality makes my heart bleed. It is so painful in that it is not only a priceless treasure of the Peng Clan, but also the invaluable one of the entire Xiangxi region and the whole nation.
All I want to say is that, whether you remember or not, Xiangxi will always be loyal to the country, and always be the backbone of the nation, at any time and at any place.
Eleven
No matter it was anti-insurgency or anti-Japanese, every fight of the Xiangxi chieftains would bring peace and joy of victory to the nation, as well as supreme honor and glory to the Xiangxi people. In ancient dynasties, the imperial courts would always favor Xiangxi for its loyalty and achievement, such as awarding lands and money, cutting taxes, which made this area more prosperous and flourishing.
The chieftains would never seize the imperial rewards for their own use, but to serve the people and construct a better Xiangxi. The political integrity and uprightness, the cultural development as well as people's hospitality and cheerfulness in Xiangxi, just like a touching masterpiece, were so attractive and moving.
Throughout history, artists and literati, both inside and outside Xiangxi, immortalized this area in poetry and prose.
Clear rills, amid rolling hills, gurgle,
Birds and fish, under white clouds, thrill.
Rills and hills expect visitors' coming,
Visitors are happy to be here to ramble.
It is a poem about the beautiful scenery in Xiangxi written by Tao Bi, a local poet of the Song Dynasty (AD 960—1279) .
It is a poem about the beautiful scenery in Xiangxi written by Tao Bi, a local poet of the Song Dynasty (AD 960—1279).
Over the winding and deep valleys,
Drift white clouds which fill eyes.
All hallow their ancestor, Pan Hu,
Each temple enshrines General Fu Bo.
Han's customs Dong villagers have,
And Wuxi women sing their Miao songs.
After irrigating, fishing and chopping,
Leisurely they rest on vine-made bedding.
It is a poem called Tribute to Wuxi about the beauty of Xiangxi, written by Lu Ciyun of Zhejiang Province.
Fushi Town hugs the great buildings that stand,
Chieftains' palace witnesses the waves expand.
Lantern upon lantern, a huge crowd gather,
With a hand-waving dance they sing aloud.
This is a vivid description of the Hand-waving Dance in the grand party held in Laosicheng Tusi Domain, written during the Qing Dynasty by the poet Peng Shiduo, who was born and raised in Xiangxi.
On high shoal with shallow water and towering rocks along,
Strong and stripped to the waist, many trackers tow boats.
Tightly fastening bows of boats to climb to cliffs together,
They worship General Fu Bo, accompanied with drumbeats.
This is an appreciation of the Youshui River's beauty by the poet Xiang Zhaolin of the Qing Dynasty in his poem Along with Youshui River.
The Tusi Chieftain in Laosicheng Tusi Domain
Reunified and managed the region,
Built a palace and erected the front gate,
And bricked cool caves and hot caves,
Yi-er-yo! Yi-er-yo!
It is better than the capital city.
This is a folk tune still popular now in Laosicheng Tusi Domain.
In contrast to the rest of China suffering from years of wars, Xiangxi was as peaceful as a beautiful jade embedded in the vast land of China, gentle and beautiful; it is also like the rosy clouds hanging in the sky, auspicious and brilliant.
Unfortunately, the peace and auspiciousness of Xiangxi was cut open by the relentless blade of the times during the reign of Emperor Yongzheng of the Qing Dynasty. The dreamland was drenched with peach-red blood during a sad winter.
The bloodshed was caused by the implementation of Bureaucratization of Native Officers policy (replacing the native hereditary Tusi system with imperial appointment system) ordered by Emperor Yongzheng.
If the Tusi Chieftains in Yunnan Province and Guizhou Province had not rebelled against the authority or brutalized people, the young Emperor Yongzheng would not have even thought of changing the system of using barbarians against barbarians into appointing Han people to administer this area or carrying out the policy of Bureaucratization of Native Officers. This policy was to end the hereditary position of the Tusi Chieftains and replace it with imperial appointments.
Because of too much independence granted by the imperial court, areas with Tusi system gradually became independent kingdoms. Unlike the Tusi Chieftains in Xiangxi, Chieftains in Yunnan Province and Guizhou Province, did not obey the command of the imperial court for the country's interests, such as protecting the border and the ordinary people. Instead, they rebelled against the imperial court, oppressed people and fought against each other for more lands. People suffered a lot because of the wars. Eertai, the general-governor of Yunnan and Guizhou provinces, was driven to submit proposals repeatedly in 1726 to present the maladies of the Tusi system and the necessity of ending it. He asked for an immediate implementation of the policy of the Bureaucratization of Native Officers to readjust the improper administrative system in the border areas in the provinces of Yunnan, Guizhou and Sichuan so as to bring local officials under the control for an easier administration. Emperor Yongzheng spoke highly of the proposal and approved the implementation. With the imperial approval, Eertai began to carry out the reform vigorously and effectively, using schemes to arrest the lawbreaking Tusi Chieftains rather than using military force; getting them to surrender themselves rather than forcing them to submit to authority and seizing their lands; solving the problems by political means rather than by complete force. During the process of abolishing the hereditary system, Tusi Chieftains would each be treated differently depending on their different attitudes. Tusi Chieftains who voluntarily handed over power would be granted rewards, hereditary official position or current military official position. Rebels would be punished severely by confiscating their property or exiling them to other provinces. In this way, the Tusi system in Yunnan Province and Guizhou Province soon collapsed.
The Chieftains in Baojing County and Sangzhi County along the Youshui River in Xiangxi, as well as the one of Rongmei County in Hubei Province, influenced by those in Yunnan Province and Guizhou Province, began to fight against each other for power and wealth. In the early years of the reign of Yongzheng, Chieftains of Rongmei and Sangzhi fought against each other for several years. When Baojing Tusi Chieftain Peng Zehong died of illness, his 12-year-old son, Peng Yubin, acceded to the post. However, Peng Zehong's brother, Peng Zejiao, tried to usurp the throne, but soon failed. Nonetheless, the uncle and the nephew also started fighting. In the fifth year of the reign of Emperor Yongzheng, Rongmei and Sangzhi Tusi Chieftains seized the opportunity, cooperated and attacked Baojing County. More than 60 villages were burned to the ground and thousands of people were sold as slaves in Youyang County, Shinan County and other places. The peaceful and serene Tusi kingdom in Xiangxi was thus thrown into turmoil and colored with cruel blood. Xiangxi people all began to revolt and agreed to the imperial policy of Bureaucratization of Native Officers. Therefore, the imperial court sent Yang Kai to lead troops to quell the unrests in the sixth year of the reign of Emperor Yongzheng. Sangzhi and Baojing Tusi Chieftains were removed from their positions. Peng Yubin was exiled to Liaoyang (an ancient city in Liaoning Province) but died of illness on the way in Henan Province.
Peng Zhaohuai, the Tusi Chieftain in Yongshun County, who was based in Laosicheng Tusi Domain, reassured the Qing court that he would continue to protect the ordinary people, and serve the nation. Nevertheless, the imperial court still stationed troops on Yangfeng Mountain near Laosicheng Tusi Domain. Peng Zhaohuai was greatly disturbed by the threats of the troops. Having witnessed Baojing and Sangzhi Tusi Chieftains being forced by military means to hand over their power and carry out the policy of Bureaucratization of Native Officers, Peng Zhaohuai felt that Xiangxi Tusi Kingdom's glory and strength were gone forever. To prevent the Xiangxi people from being plunged into the abyss of misery and to protect the Peng Clan, Peng Zhaohuai submitted a proposal to the emperor and asked for the peaceful implementation of the new policy and himself returning to his native place of Ji'an in Jiangxi Province. In his later writing, we can easily see his struggle and pain, "If I did not implement the policy, there would be the death of my whole clan; if I implemented it, the central government would treat us with courtesy. Therefore, I had to implement this policy." We can also easily see his reluctance to leave the Tusi Kingdom and his deep attachment to it.
Peng Zhaohuai offering to hand over his authority to the imperial court greatly delighted Emperor Yongzheng. In the February of the sixth year of Yongzheng's reign, the imperial edict stated, "Yongshun Tusi should be highly praised because he helps his people to live and work in peace, observes laws and acts loyally as well as submissively. According to the governor of Hunan Province and Hubei Province, Peng Zhaohuai is willing to follow the policy of Bureaucratization of Native Officers and hand over his authority to the court. I had not agreed with his proposal at first. However, Wang Rou from Chenruandao County stated at court that Peng Zhaohuai was completely willing to implement the policy. Since he sincerely wants to hand over the authority, I can't reject him and I will reward him with wealth and power as my appreciation of him." Then, Peng Zhaohuai was removed from his original position, granted rank as a commander and Hafan (a military official position) with a reward of thousand taels of silver, and was asked to go back to his native place in Jiangxi Province. In 1728, the sixth year of Emperor Yongzheng's reign, Peng Zhaohuai came back to Ji'an in Jiangxi Province with great bitterness in his heart.
"Help his people to live and work in peace, observe laws and act loyally as well as submissively" means that Emperor Yongzheng was quite satisfied with Peng Zhaohuai, while "I can't reject him and I will reward him with wealth and power as my appreciation of him" is a compensation to Peng Zhaohuai. However, with a deep affection for Laosicheng, Peng Zhaohuai could not leave freely and easily but felt extremely sad. Before he left, Peng Zhaohuai sold all the family fields and property in Laosicheng Tusi Domain at a low price to the common people here, and sold the throne room, bedchamber, Longevity Palace, hospital and villas to rich families. At the same time, he pleaded with Emperor Yongzheng to allow his younger brother and mother to stay in Laosicheng Tusi Domain under the pretext that his mother was elderly and in ill health, promising that his brother would take his mother back to Jiangxi Province when she recovered. However, three years after Peng Zhaohuai left, his brother and mother were still in Laosicheng Tusi Domain and did not come back to Jiangxi Province. Emperor Yongzheng, who had appreciated Peng Zhaohuai at first, became very angry and ordered him to move his family to Jiangxi immediately, otherwise he would punish him severely. In the ninth year of Emperor Yongzheng's reign, Peng Zhaohuai had to come back to Laosicheng Tusi Domain to bring his mother and brother back to Jiangxi Province. During the journey, Peng Zhaohuai could not stand the great sorrow any more. He fell off his horse, and burst into tears on his knees by the Lingxi River.
The Tusi Kingdom, after being carefully managed for more than 800 years by generations of the Peng Clan and for more than 200 years by Worzorcunx's family, was finally ended by his hand. He felt guilty for his ancestors and the Xiangxi people. How could he not be sad and sorrowful?
Looking into the distance with tears, he could see that mountains were still facing Laosicheng Tusi Domain. However, he was not the same man as he had been before. He was left behind like a grain of sand, or a scraggy horse. He had lost the power of protecting Xiangxi; and the glorious kingdom created by his family and generations of Xiangxi people. He used to be the king of the kingdom and the sun in the country with all the lands and properties in his hands. However, he finally failed and was forced to leave. A giant of the kingdom was turned to a grain of helpless sand and was blown away by the relentless wind of history; a lion of the kingdom turned to be a scraggy horse and was lashed to death by the relentless whip of time. He knelt on the ground and looked sadly at the direction of Laosicheng Tusi Domain. However, no matter how long he looked and no matter how sorrowful he was, what had been lost forever. There were only lonely mountains in the blood-red sunset, the desolation in the cold wind and the empty traveling bags in his hands.
Good bye, Laosicheng Tusi Domain!
Good bye, ancient Xizhou!
Good bye, my honorable ancestors! My motherland!
Twelve
The Tusi Kingdom of the Tujia People in Xiangxi finally collapsed with the exile of Peng Zhaohuai. Though the former chieftain was extremely sad, sorrowful and helpless, this ending was still a perfect elegy for this kingdom. The land of Laosicheng Tusi Domain and Xiangxi originally belonged to China. It was given no cause for much criticism to hand them over. Xiangxi people were also originally Chinese. Though Peng Zhaohuai lost his power and lands, he kept Xiangxi from war and disaster. There is no doubt that the sacrifice of a family's glory in exchange for the peace of the whole Xiangxi was the last good thing that the Peng Clan had done for Xiangxi. Sorrowful as King of Chu's bidding farewell to his concubine, but solemn and stirring as a soldier sacrificing himself, he had the tolerance as deep as the sea and as wide as the sky. Peng Zhaohuai left a sad but great color in the picture of history and ended the Tujia Tusi Kingdom in Xiangxi.
In fact, Tujia Tusi Kingdom in Xiangxi was not ended by Peng Zhaohuai, but by the Tusi Chieftain of Baojing County, Peng Yujie. The Pacification Office in Liangjiangkou in Baojing County was changed into Dala Inspection Office because of the internal strife during the Ming Dynasty. However, the Chieftain Peng Hui was not deposed but allowed to assist in the management and his official position remained hereditary. It was in 1735, the thirteenth year of Emperor Yongzheng's reign that the last Tusi Peng Yujie in Baojing County followed the policy of Bureaucratization of Native Officers and changed his land into Dalali, part of Longshan County. Under the powerful rule of Emperor Yongzheng, when all the Tusi Chieftains had already followed the bureaucratization policy, Peng Yujie kept his position for several years. It was a suspense left by history. Maybe the history would be more attractive with such suspenses. If people have known everything in history, the history would lose its charm and vitality.
Therefore, the Tujia Tusi System lasted for 818 years if Peng Zhaohuai is regarded as the last Tusi Chieftain. But it would be 824 years from Peng Shichou to Peng Yujie. It should be 1,054 years if we count from the rule of the ancestors of Worzorcunx! The Tusi System is usually described as "a kingdom with official positions having its land, managing its people, leading its soldiers, running its land. Titles could be inherited and meritorious people could be rewarded", and Worzorcunx had already achieved this. What's more, the Tusi kingdom of Xiangxi did not only belong to the Peng clan, but to the whole Tujia People in Xiangxi. Early from the era of ancestors of Worzorcunx, the Tusi kingdom of Xiangxi had begun to prosper. Therefore, this system should be counted from Worzorcunx's ancestors, and it should be 1,054 years!
1,054 years! What does it mean? Who can give an accurate description of the meaning the concept contains?
1,054 years! What does the data mean? Who can accurately figure out the meaning the data contains?
I think there is none.
1,054 years, how many steps of time will it take to finish the long journey?
1,054 years, how many times of reincarnation will one experience before he can become immortal?
1,054 years, how much hardship did it suffer? How many stories did it have? How many secrets did it keep?
However, the hardship, stories and secrets, all have gone, scattered like fireworks and replaced by sites of ruins."People from 58 qis have all gone away and wild plum trees are blooming in the ancestral halls of the Tusi Chieftains. An old traveler counted his date of return and missed the coming snow in Laosicheng Tusi Domain." The poem left by an anonymous poet was an elegy made by those for everyone with deep love for Xiangxi. It was an elegy full of the sorrow of separation. It was an elegy flowing with sincerity. It was an elegy too deep for tears.
Fortunately, the relentless history showed its greatest affection. History did not forget the hard work and great achievements of ancestors of Tujia People and protected Laosicheng Tusi Domain while it put the kingdom to an end. In other words, it gently pulled down the Laosicheng Tusi Domain with one hand while secretly covered it with the other hand so that Laosicheng Tusi Domain survived.
A layer of soil covered it.
A layer of stone covered it.
A layer of grass covered it.
A layer of leaves covered it.
Then it was covered by a layer of frost, snow, a thick layer of time and ages.
The hard callus of history protected the past of the millennium-long kingdom.
That's why we can have such a great and precious discovery today.
That's why we can get to know that there should be such a wonder in the world.
That's why we can be fortunate enough to see the faces of Tujia People's ancestors.
Therefore, not only Xiangxi and Tujia People get more glory and pride, but the whole nation has got more property and pride, because it is also a treasure of the nation which can win great glory for it.
The Incan ruins, Machu Picchu in pre-Columbian era is listed as the cultural and natural heritage site by UNESCO for it is an epitome of the lost Incan civilizations, a common wealth of human beings. Laosicheng Tusi Domain is bigger, more ancient, more complete and more civilized than Machu Picchu. What kind of wealth is the Laosicheng Tusi Domain? What kind of world heritage is it? What kind of world civilization is it?
I see the lingering light of the setting sun of Tusi kingdom's glory rising from the top of the mountains and becoming an even more brilliant morning sun. It is the morning sun in the new age. It is the even more vivid face of Xiangxi in the greater age.