Volume One: The Campaign Against the Southern Barbarians

Chapter One: Calamity Begins with George Washington

The twentieth year of the Common Era, the first year of the Di Huang era.

Chang'an, the residence of Grand Master of Carriages and Cavalry Commandant John Adams.

A secret chamber.

In the narrow and dimly lit space, two people—one seated, one standing. The seated man was an old gentleman, hair and beard grizzled, his face full of wrinkles. He was none other than the close confidant of the current emperor Wang Mang, personally promoted by Wang Mang to Cavalry Commandant and Grand Master of Carriages, John Adams.

In Wang Mang's new dynasty, John Adams was a prominent figure—not only holding high office and great power, but also being the most renowned literary giant of the time.

At this moment, John Adams sat in his chair, staring unblinkingly at the man in black standing before him, his tone chilling as he asked, "Have you investigated everything I asked you to look into?"

"Your subordinate has investigated thoroughly," the man in black replied, bowing his head and body.

"Speak."

"Nationwide, there are a total of five people registered with the name George Washington." As he spoke, the man in black kept his head lowered, as if melting into the darkness.

"There are five George Washington." A terrifying glint flashed in John Adams's eyes. After a moment, he asked in a deep voice, "Have their identities all been investigated?"

"Yes, sir. Your subordinate has checked them all." As he spoke, the man in black took a silk scroll from his robe and, bowing, handed it to John Adams.

John Adams took it, unfolded the silk, and saw it was densely covered in writing. He brought it closer to the candlelight and examined it carefully.

Qingzhou, Donglai Commandery, Huang County, George Washington, thirty-seven years old, proprietor of Guixiangju Tavern, one wife, two concubines, five children.

Yongzhou, Henei Commandery, Lin County, George Washington, forty-nine years old, widower, bedridden.

Jingzhou, Nanyang Commandery, Caiyang County, George Washington, twenty years old, farmer.

Bingzhou...

John Adams squinted, reading from beginning to end. Then he carefully folded the silk and tucked it into his robe, expressionless as he said, "Remember, not a single person recorded here is to be left alive."

The man in black bowed and replied, "Your subordinate knows what to do."

John Adams glanced at him, let out a cold laugh, and asked, "So your plan is to simply kill them directly?"

The man in black was silent for a moment, then said, "I await your instructions, sir."

"If so many George Washington suddenly die all over the country, don't you think it will arouse suspicion?"

The man in black remained silent.

John Adams continued, "Wang Mang's spies are everywhere. The slightest disturbance will alert him. You must use your head. These George Washington can be killed by bandits, by mobs of refugees, or by accidents—drowned, or burned to death. Do you understand me?"

The man in black paused, then nodded and replied, "Your subordinate understands."

"Go do it."

"Sir, your subordinate takes his leave!" The man in black bowed, retreated a few steps, and with a flicker, vanished.

After the man in black left, only John Adams remained in the secret chamber. He slowly stood up and walked to the far end of the room.

Near the wall, he stopped and stamped his foot three times on a flagstone. With a soft click, a nearby flagstone popped up.

John Adams crouched down, lifted the raised stone, and took out a wooden box from beneath it. Opening the box, he found a piece of brocade. Unwrapping the brocade, he revealed a bamboo scroll.

Due to its age, the bamboo strips had turned dark brown, but the writing on the scroll was still clear. Three characters were inscribed—"The Chifu Prophecy."

"The Chifu Prophecy" was a book of omens, a text of prophecy. As for who wrote it and in what era, it was long lost to history.

John Adams had obtained this book from a Taixue student named Edward Clark.

He carefully took "The Chifu Prophecy" from the box, trembling as he walked to the candle stand and gently placed the scroll on the desk.

Then, he slowly unrolled the scroll. Soon, his hand stopped, his gaze fixed on the scroll as he recited in a trembling voice: "George Washington raises troops to capture Budao, the four barbarians gather and dragons battle in the wilds, in the time of four sevens, fire will reign."

This meant that in the future, someone named George Washington would overthrow the Xin dynasty and ascend the throne as emperor.

After reading this, John Adams's hands shook even more violently.

Before Wang Mang usurped the throne, John Adams and Wang Mang had already been close friends, with Wang Mang repeatedly recommending John Adams at court.

After Wang Mang became emperor, he promoted John Adams even further, making him a major figure at court.