Letter One ~755

My Dear Wife,

I am safe and sound, having begun my training with the rest of the troops. I still cannot believe An-Lushan has taken over and decided to ensue a revolt. He has captured Luoyang and claimed control of its land, allowing him to further gain power in his fight against Yang Guozhong. Since we resided north of the Yellow River, I had no choice but to join forces in An’s attack against the South, leaving you and our family in such a shock. I believe and hope some good will come from this, and so I have decided to fight honourably and dedicate my life for An-Lushan’s troops. I feel happy that we have a leader to look up to who is a member of our immediate commanders instead of the distant imperial court, and so I believe we will be fighting for our own say and hopefully for freedom. The loyal Tang forces have begun to travel down from Fanyang, with the hopes of capturing Chang-an and claiming An-Lushan’s enemy’s land, Yang Guozhong. 

It feels more like a personal rebellion, between An and Yang, as they were both devoted and favoured consorts to Emperor Xuanzong. If we capture Chang-an by surprise and conquer the land An will force its people to surrender, leaving An in total control. So, if we are able to make our way down and conquer the capital Xuanzong will be forced to flee, along with the rest of his chancellors. 

My heart is yours forever,
Chu

Ten thousand houses with stabbed hearts emit the smoke

of desolation.

When will officials again serve the Son of Heaven

in the court?

The scholar tree’s autumn leaves drop on the empty palace.

At Frozen Emerald Pond, a clamor of pipes and strings.

~Wang Wei