Introduction: The six prefectures of Zhongbo were offered to foreign enemies on a silver platter, and Shen Zechuan was taken into custody in the capital, reduced to *a drowning dog loathed and condemned by all. Xiao Chiye followed the scent of the furor and made his way over. But instead of setting others on him, he kicked Shen Zechuan with his very own leg, rendering the latter an invalid. Who would expect this invalid to turn around and bite him in a counterattack until he was all drenched in blood? That was the start of an epic feud between both men who tore at each other every time they come face-to-face with one another.鈥淔ate wants to bind me here for life, but this is not the path I choose. The yellow dust submerged my brothers deep under. I have no wish to bow in submission to an illusory fate. The imperial edict can鈥檛 save my troops, and the imperial court can鈥檛 fill the stomachs of my mounts. I鈥檓 no longer willing to lay down my life for this purpose. I want to surmount that mountain. I am going to fight for myself.鈥漀ote: a drowning dog is someone who is down and out, having lost favor or power....