Chapter 283

Chapter 269: A Change (Part 2)

Before Shao Chengbi left Qudu, Li Jianting asked Feng Quan to pack his belongings. In truth, Shao Chengbi had nothing to pack except for a sword.

Feng Quan washed Shao Chengbi's hair and then styled it in front of a bronze mirror. Shao Chengbi's white hair was rough, and he said, "When fighting on the battlefield, hair can't grow long. Cut some off."

Feng Quan instructed a little eunuch to bring a razor, then began trimming Shao Chengbi's hair.

"The Emperor has sent you to see me off," Shao Chengbi said, his voice raspy from medicine, but not so bad that he couldn't speak. His voice, however, was utterly ruined. "It's an imperial favor."

The razor made soft snipping sounds as Feng Quan worked expressionlessly. "As Father says."

"This parting may last years," Shao Chengbi looked at Feng Quan's reflection in the mirror. "We father and son may never meet again."

"Father is a skilled strategist; you won't lose," Feng Quan carefully cut the hair. "Besides, Father has control of Chunquan Camp's firearms, enough to give Shen Zechuan a hard time."

"He inherited the position of Grand Tutor," Shao Chengbi said. "He's a formidable figure."

"Although the Grand Tutor can strategize and win invisibly," white hairs fell to the ground, Feng Quan wiped the blade with his thumb, Shao Chengbi's side neck just inches away, "he suffers from a disease common to the intelligent – arrogance."

Shao Chengbi's blind eye struggled to move.

Feng Quan sheathed the razor and swiftly gathered Shao Chengbi's hair, securing it in place for him.

Sitting quietly, Shao Chengbi allowed the setting sun to cast a dividing line between them through the window. Dust particles danced in the air as he spoke, "In our next life, I'll be your son."

After a moment of silence, Feng Quan replied, "Let me go."

* * *

It took the officials of Qudu half a month to draft an edict denouncing Shen Wei's military defeat. Once this document was finalized, it was posted by local yamens across the land, revealing not only Shen Wei's crushing loss but also accusing Shen Zechuan of raising his own troops in defiance, and conspiring with a cabal to commit treasonous acts.

"The imperial court has shown mercy to the Shen lineage, yet its remnants have seized the mountains as their kingdom, plotting rebellion!" The town crier beat his gong, loudly announcing to the illiterate masses, "He now rallies bandits, drawing near Dan City, proving himself a traitor, a rebel! From this day forth, military patrols will inspect the city, and a curfew shall be enforced. After sunset, every household must remain indoors!"

The Imperial Guards patrolled the city day and night, their arms well-equipped, traversing the bustling streets and alleys. The most gossip-filled teahouses and taverns were shuttered, and anyone found congregating in groups was seized and imprisoned for slander. In an instant, fear gripped the hearts of the people, and even the once-musical East Dragon Avenue, known for its lively entertainment, fell silent.

"The Empress ascended the throne without an imperial edict or vermilion decree," Gao Zhongxiong declared, standing on a stone and holding the parchment aloft under the scorching sun. Beads of sweat trickled down his face. "Relying solely on Xue Xiuzhuo's word is not credible! If she truly is of the Qin Prince's legitimate lineage, where then is the proof, the cinnabar seal? The Qin Prince's descendants are few; if there were a legitimate daughter, how could she have been allowed to roam among the common folk?"

"Since the ascension of our great Founding Emperor, the Great Zhou Dynasty has seen twenty-one sovereigns pass its throne, yet in all these centuries, never have we had such an emperor of questionable integrity! Tell me, esteemed assembly, do you kneel today to a Li dynasty monarch or a Xue family powerbroker?" Gao Zhongxiong wiped sweat from his brow, his tone heavy with melancholy. "The chaos of Yongyi's reign, the devastating defeat at Xiande, saw the Li clan fall captive to the hands of the aristocracy, now bereft of any means to dispense favor and struggling merely to preserve themselves!"

In the bustling administrative courtyard, footsteps echoed hastily, while the lamps in the Mingli Hall burned through the night.

"The courier service reports that Duke Donglie intends to mobilize his troops," said Chen Zhen, who had been staying in the courtyard for four days, eating and sleeping there. "But without military dispatches, we have no idea when they'll march out or arrive."

"Food supplies are being gathered, but we can't afford to wait or delay. Send another urgent notice. If Qi Zhuyin doesn't respond, send it to Qi Shiyu!" Kong Qiu sat impatiently, his anger mounting. "If Lights Province can swiftly resolve the battle, the Northern Plain training ground will certainly withdraw its forces to reinforce. Then, Shao Chengbi can launch a pursuit. But with a dozen pens in the court, Gao Zhongxiong still holds the upper hand. Are there no capable scholars in the Hanlin Academy?!"

Yuan Fu's anger stirred the hall into a moment of silence. The officials standing silently beneath the eaves all lowered their hands.

Li Jianting's origins were already questionable. If he was indeed the Qin Prince's legitimate daughter, there should have been an imperial record, or at least a testament from the Qin Prince or his vermilion seal. When Xue Xiuzhuo confirmed Li Jianting's status as crown prince, he presented a handwritten scroll by Emperor Tianchen, Li Jianheng, which bore the imperial seal. However, Li Jianheng had already passed away, and none of the cabinet elders knew of this.

Now, Zhongbo insisted that Li Jianting was not of the Li lineage. Despite the prohibition on private discussions of state affairs, rumors persisted across the land, with some even speculating about the relationship between the empress and Xue Xiuzhuo.

"This battle will be difficult," Cen Yu said. "We should urge Duke Donglie once more."

* * *

Shao Chengbi climbed onto the city walls, unable to see Chizhou from there but only the endless camps of Dunzhou's defense force. Tan Taihu diligently followed Shen Zechuan's orders, moving closer to Dan City as the insults between the two sides intensified.

Tan Taihu was originally one of Xiao Chiye's generals but was later transferred by him to Zhongbo to garrison Dunzhou. Shen Zechuan's ability to hold onto Duanzhou was thanks to Tan Taihu." The official who had accompanied Shao Chengbi was the son of one of his former subordinates. His name was Xu Yu, and after the Shao family was seized, he had also been stripped of his military rank. He lingered about in an inn with a minor post, yet he knew all the generals across the land like the back of his hand.

Shao Chengbi limped closer to the wall and asked, "What is his relationship with Tan Tailong?"

"He's Tan Tailong's younger brother."

"Tan Tailong is steady; if he inherited his elder brother's disposition," Shao Chengbi looked out at the vast expanse of sky and earth as dusk settled, "he probably won't act rashly."

"Shen Zechuan has relied on the moral high ground in his conquest of six states," Xu Yu said. "Now that he's using 'Li's injustice' and 'Lord Prefect's righteousness' as his banner, he naturally wouldn't dare let Tan Taihu attack the city, for fear of giving others an excuse to criticize him. But from what I can tell, the garrison in Dunzhou plans to block off the city gates and exhaust Dan City's granaries, forcing the governor to surrender."

"Our coffers are empty, and our military supplies are scarce. A siege to force surrender is indeed a sound strategy." Shao Chengbi strolled along the wall. "How is Tan Taihu at managing troops?"

Xu Yu looked outside the camp and thought for a moment before replying, "Lax without measure."

* * *

In his camp, Tan Taihu was having his meal. Ever since he arrived at Beiyuan Training Ground, Yu Xiaozai had been sharing his meals and quarters. It was already dark, and Tan Taihu asked, "Anything unusual during the night patrol?"

Liu Kong stood by the tent flap and answered, "All is well. General, that Shao Chengbi heard of your fearsome reputation and is too scared to even step out of the city gates."

"I've heard that Shao Chengbi is lame," Tan Taihu hastily finished his meal. "I wonder if he'd dare to engage us in a cavalry battle."

"In their position, they'd likely choose to defend the city," Yu Xiaozai, present, spoke cautiously. "If the Marquis has any orders, I'll immediately report them to the general. General, please rest."

With many mosquitoes in the camp, the tent was lowered. Yu Xiaozai soaked his feet in hot water and whispered to Tan Taihu, "This man seems astute and clever. Why haven't I seen him during our previous inspections?"

"At that time, I hadn't promoted him yet," Tan Taihu replied. "He's had a hard life. His family were honest farmers from Lamp City. In the fourth year of Xiande, they were slaughtered by Border Sands cavalry. He then spent some time with bandits in Fan State before eventually joining my army, turning over a new leaf."

Yu Xiaozai took note and pondered while drying his feet.

That night, they slept on separate beds. Tan Taihu snored loudly, but come the hour of Ox, he woke up with stomach cramps. Assuming it was due to spoiled food, his face paled from the pain. It wasn't until later in the night that he realized something was seriously wrong.

Outside the tent, Liu Kong was anxious. "General! All the brothers have diarrhea!"

Clutching his abdomen, Tan Taihu slipped on his shoes and lifted the curtain. He could hear groans throughout the camp, and the latrines were crowded. His expression turned grave as he said, "Fetch the military physician first, then send someone to immediately report this to6 Cizhou!"

Half-asleep, Yu Xiaozai roused at the commotion, getting out of bed and pulling on his clothes. "What's going on?!"

"Someone's poisoned us—"

As Liu Kong's words faded, retching sounds echoed nearby. The soldiers began vomiting, and with such identical symptoms, it could only mean poisoning. Tan Taihu's heart sank, realizing that there was a spy in the army.

"Fetch the military doctors at once!" Tan Taihu exclaimed urgently.

* * *

Xu Yu had already retired for the night but, upon hearing the scout's report, he rushed to summon Shao Chengbi without even having time to wash up. He led Shao Chengbi to the city gate and said, "Governor, the garrison troops are in chaos!"

Shao Chengbi observed the bright lights in the distance and heard the commotion.

Xu Yu was overjoyed. "Scouts have reported that the garrison troops have eaten something that has caused severe stomach ailments. They're vomiting and suffering from diarrhea. Tan Taihu is currently pacing like an ant on a hot pan."

Shao Chengbi remained cautious. "Is this true? If it's a trap, there might be ambushes awaiting us."

"Tan Taihu is also affected, and the camp is filled with fallen soldiers. It doesn't seem fake. Besides, Zhongbo has no reinforcements, so he wouldn't waste his 20,000 garrison troops for a charade," Xu Yu said, gripping his sword with an unusual surge of emotion. "Governor, if we win this battle, our grievances will be cleared when we return in triumph!"

Shao Chengbi's breaths grew heavy as he leaned against the battlements, still hesitating. A soldier rushed up the stairs and saluted Shao Chengbi, saying, "Governor, urgent dispatch! Eastern Raging King has mobilized his troops!"

Shao Chengbi squinted, laughter echoing in the firelight. He suddenly turned around and declared, "Heaven aids me! Bring my horse!"

*Tan Taihu was also vomiting and having diarrhea, his legs trembling. With a shortage of military doctors, the makeshift shelters were filled with soldiers, even Liu Kong couldn't resist throwing up a few times.

"Tan Taihu asked, his face deathly pale, "Has the message been sent?"

Yu Xiaozai slapped his thigh and replied, "How would I know!"

At this moment, forming a neat line was out of the question, let alone assembling a team that could stand. Tan Taihu extinguished half the torches in the camp to maintain a semblance of normalcy. Yet, his eyelids twitched, a nagging feeling that something was amiss tonight.

Liu Kong said to Tan Taihu, "The men transporting the military provisions are all our own. Nothing should go wrong on the journey. We've been eating rice and noodles for a month without incident, yet tonight, of all times, there's a problem..."

Tan Taihu gritted his teeth and replied, "There must be a spy from Qidu among our troops."

Although Yu Xiaozai tried his best to change the subject, he was now the only one in the camp who seemed unaffected. A cold sweat broke out on his back as he anticipated what was about to happen. With his thoughts racing, he maintained a calm expression and said, "We mustn't panic at this moment. In case—"

Before he could finish his sentence, the sound of galloping horses echoed from the western side of the camp. The soldiers on the watchtower beat their drums, sounding the alarm. The words "enemy attack" instantly swept through the entire encampment.

Liu Kong gasped, "General!"

Tan Taihu abruptly rose to his feet, his chest heaving. Grasping a soldier who seemed in better condition, he shouted, "Form ranks!"

The vanguard of the army consisted of light cavalry, capable of both sudden attacks and reconnaissance. If the Dunzhou garrison was setting a trap, they could quickly retreat.

As the light cavalry charged westward, the drums on the watchtowers were beaten relentlessly. Tan Taihu raised his arm and roared, "Archers!"

The Dunzhou garrison often dealt with the Border Sands cavalry, so Tan Taihu had replaced the standard large bows in his troops with the powerful composite bows used by the Northern Iron Riders. This modification had proven effective in past battles, but now, only a few soldiers could still draw their bows.

The archery barrage failed to stop the light cavalry, revealing the garrison's weakness. The infantry behind them rushed forward with shields, their armor shimmering in the moonlight – the finest equipment of the Eight Great Camps.

The wooden fences of the camp were shattered, leaving the garrison with no time to escape. Tan Taihu drew his sword to fight back, but before the foot soldiers arrived, the light cavalry were already upon him. He smelled gunpowder and rolled on the ground, feeling a chill run down his spine.

The copper firearms exploded, sparks flying everywhere.

Tan Taihu managed to protect his head but felt searing pain in his arms. He turned them over and gasped for air.

"Those who surrender tonight will receive the emperor's boundless grace, and the court will not hold your grave offenses against you," Shao Chengbi rode into the camp, "Three hundred thousand Qidong garrison troops have passed through the Heavenly Empress Gateway. The Shen rebellion has failed, and they are now in a desperate situation. I advise you all to surrender promptly!"