Prime Minister from Humble Origins

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Fujian Road, Jianzhou.

This land is abundant in mountains and waters, and as it is the fourth or fifth month of the year, the hills are lush and verdant, their greenery almost dripping with life. The mountain streams follow the slopes, cascading down with force, striking rocks and echoing with the sound of water. Once at the foot of the mountain, the streams mingle with others from east and west, all collectively called the Nanpu Stream.

The Nanpu Stream, clear as a mirror, winds its way down, leading directly to the county town of Pucheng. It encircles the county seat, looping past the southern gate of the town. Upstream lies the White Cloud Pool, where the water rushes fiercely, then settles deep and clear, gathering the eastward waters before turning west. Downstream lies the Duck Bath Pool, where the westward waters turn south and converge. The Duck Bath Pool is deep blue, shimmering green, named for the little dots on the water that resemble ducks.

Between these two pools, a long rainbow bridge spans the stream, connecting the county town. This is the Shuinan Bridge, roofed to shelter those who cross, with people coming and going in endless flow.

South of the Shuinan Bridge lies a residential area called Shuinan New Street. The street nestles against mountains to the south and leans upon water to the north. From here, looking westward, one can see a solitary hill rising amidst a cluster of ridges, surrounded entirely by fields. This mountain stands alone and is thus called Solitary Mountain.

During the Six Dynasties, the