No Return to Chang'an

After the Anshi Rebellion, the Tang Dynasty's national power declined suddenly, and Tubo took the opportunity to encroach on Hexi. In the first year of Guangde, Guanzhong businessman Liu Chengan, in order to make a living, took his eldest son Liu Da and 14-year-old second son Liu Yuan to say goodbye to their hometown and family, and formed a team to go to the Western Regions to do business along the Silk Road. They planned to return to Chang'an to reunite with their families after making a profit. The group left Yangguan in the west. Along the way, they repeatedly saw the defeated border passes and the remains of garrison soldiers. They also heard the bad news about the fall of Chang'an and the emperor's flight. The return journey was cut off by Tubo, so they had to sell their goods and return to Guanzhong around Liangzhou. Unexpectedly, they encountered Pugu Huai'en's rebellion, and fighting broke out across Hexi, and their way home was blocked again. A group of people rushed to Liangzhou desperately, but just as Tubo invaded the city, Liu Chengan died in the rebellion. Brothers Liu Da and Liu Yuan escaped by chance and went to Hexi's remaining general Bai Wenda. They abandoned business and joined the army. From then on, they were trapped in Hexi and began the story of holding on to the enclave...