Prologue
Blue sky has already disappeared.
The time for Men of Yellow to rise has come.
In Jia-Zi, the heavens and the earth rejoice.
Liu Bei strolled along the Yellow River, carefully contemplating its whispers. The water shimmered gold in the sunset, as if to provide a temporary serenity and comfort. Slowly, the sun’s silhouette sank behind the horizon, as its final radiance tainted the surface in melancholy red. Cues to a catastrophic symphony echoed in Liu Bei’s mind as he unwillingly returned to the terrible reality. He closed his eyes.
As “Huans,”* an infamous herd of vicious thieves swept the country, chaos engulfed China once more, extending its dark hands into the deepest parts of quiet mountains and dormant villages that previously had gone unnoticed by strangers. Revolts spread, totally oblivious to the government and its careless members. Many resented the Huan cult, but by its fifth year of appearance, a new trend emerged as countless young men and women turned their heads toward Hei** Mountain, the Huan headquarters. Hei Mountain assured them more than a safe haven. Chang, their leader and idol, promised pleasures and treasures to those who vowed to serve him. Ultimately, many chose this splendid alternative rather than to drool over nonexistent benefits from the helpless government.
Emperor Xing meant but a puppet in the eyes of masses. For quite a time now, he had followed the road to dissipation, which his subordinates had laid a long time ago. Xing did not complain. He was only twenty-two, after all. Lavish parties and beautiful concubines sufficed. No citizen of China would have ever doubted for a second the emperor’s satisfaction with his lifestyle. Blind to grievances and cries of his people, Xing immersed himself in the sweet intoxication of alcohol day and night.
Liu Bei thoughtfully watched the water again. In the midst of such a turbulent world, the turmoil seemed inevitable for even a simple cobbler like him. Without moving his lips, he inquired his own reflection in the water, “What must I do?”
At that very moment, a horn sounded in the distance. Not bothering to read the answer for his query, he promptly stood up, and ran for the pier. The ship from Luoyang had arrived.
Another company watched the ship’s arrival behind the hill. Impious eyes examined the bustling port, chasing the graceful movements of sweet young girls. Blood surged through ravenous hearts at the sight of gold and rubies. Rush of adrenaline had reached its peak. Far away, among the yellow leaves of a ginkgo nut tree, a light flickered. The spears flashed in answer.
Above the horizon, shadowy clouds loomed. Crimson remains of the evening sky went dark and a terrible thunder thudded, signaling a storm.
The end was imminent.
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* “Huans” is derived from the word “Huang,” which means “yellow” in Chinese.
** Hei means black, dark, evil, sinister in Chinese.
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