Chapter 228

Chapter 228

Last time, it was Zhao Jin who had been chased and attacked by Zong Quan without having eaten breakfast. This time, it was Zhao Jin who climbed the fort to kill Jiang Ru, who hadn’t had time to eat.

Jiang Ru, nearly fifty, was an admiral known for his strategic prowess. As his name suggested, he was slender and more suited to scholarly pursuits than combat.

His martial skills were certainly commendable, but in a real fight, he might not be a match for Zhao Jin, especially since he had been exhausted from defending the fort for three days and was currently battling on an empty stomach.

Zhao Jin, like a northern wolf charging into a school of fish, cut down anyone in his path, reaching Jiang Ru covered in blood.

A quarter of an hour later, Jiang Ru was stabbed in the abdomen by Zhao Jin’s broadsword and fell on the opposite side of the fort wall.

With one hand on his abdomen and the other on the wall, he struggled to lift his head and gazed past the scattered homes in Panlong Town, looking toward the distant and treacherous mountains.

With Zong Quan dead and his tens of thousands of naval troops about to be annihilated, how was the great general doing? Could it be that heaven truly intended to destroy Liang?

In the next moment, his arm lost strength, and Jiang Ru slid down the wall.

Zhao Jin glanced at him and continued to kill the soldiers.

The vanguard army of over ten thousand broke through the fort gate, and more than thirty thousand infantry poured in. Their high morale and overwhelming numbers allowed them to chase and slaughter the remaining defenders after two hours of relentless pursuit.

Tong Sui, her arms sore from pulling the bowstring so frequently, found a stone table inside the fort and sat on a stone stool to rest.

Qi Ling, holding a water bag, sat down opposite her. Tong Sui noticed that the wound on Qi Ling’s left arm had reopened, staining the surrounding fabric with blood.

Footsteps approached from behind. Tong Sui turned around.

Zhao Jin, with blood on half of his face, threw his broadsword onto the stone table and sat on the ground, leaning against the stone stool.

The soldiers were still busy transporting bodies and cleaning up the battlefield, while some exhausted soldiers simply sat or lay down wherever they could.

Zhou Gui arrived carrying a medical box and first went to check on Tong Sui.

Tong Sui said, "I’m fine. Go help General Qi bandage his wound."

Qi Ling said, "No need. I don’t want to impose on Zhang Wengong’s wife. Just get any military medic to deal with it."

Zhou Gui glared at him and then looked at Zhao Jin.

Zhao Jin wiped the blood from his face with his sleeve and gave the two girls a chilling smile, "I’m fine. It’s all enemy blood."

Zhou Gui then went to help the other wounded soldiers.

After a while, the old man arrived. He had been overseeing the battle from behind and hadn’t expended much energy.

Looking at the three young people, Xiao Mu sat on the last available stone stool and said, "Today, Marquis Qi’s fifty-thousand-strong army should arrive at Chang’an. Once they do, General Yuan will lead the forty thousand infantry stationed in Chang’an to reinforce Guangyuan. They should arrive by the third of next month."

General Yuan referred to Yuan Lou Shan, the commander defending Chang’an.

Yuan Lou Shan was a loyal and upright general who followed imperial orders without question. He would serve whoever was the emperor. When Imperial Uncle Dou governed on behalf of the old emperor, Yuan Lou Shan obeyed him. Later, after being defeated by the Xingping Emperor, he became a prisoner of war. The Xingping Emperor appreciated his talents and so Yuan Lou Shan pledged allegiance to him. As the commander of Chang’an, he was neither greedy for wealth nor power, making him a reliable and dutiful officer.

When the Xingping Emperor left Chang’an, he left Yuan Lou Shan with ten thousand cavalry and forty thousand infantry. When Guangyuan came under attack, Yuan Lou Shan immediately dispatched ten thousand cavalry to reinforce them. He would have to wait until Qi Heng’s army arrived before he could lead the infantry, to ensure Chang’an remained secure and prevent Lü Sheng from Liangzhou from taking advantage.

Qi Ling laughed, "My father has had a tough year. After leading campaigns in the south, he had only rested in the capital for three months before being sent to Chang’an again."

Xiao Mu reminded, "As a court official, you should be careful what you say and do while abroad."

Qi Ling looked confused. "What do you mean?"

Zhao Jin said in a low voice, "Think about it. It's because the Emperor is trapped in Jiange Pass that Marquis Qi has to make this extra trip. We know you're just making light of Marquis Qi's efforts, but if an outsider hears this, they could use it to make trouble. They might say you're dissatisfied with the Emperor's hasty move, causing the armies to suffer from exhausting marches."

Qi Ling fell silent.

Zhao Jin continued, "Anything related to the Emperor can turn from a small matter into a big issue. It's better for you to be cautious, Brother Qi."

Qi Ling nodded obediently and looked at Xiao Mu. "What do we do next?"

Xiao Mu said, "The Emperor is unfamiliar with the terrain in Jiange Pass on his first entry. It's very likely that the Liang army has set up ambushes there. Tomorrow morning, I and Zhao Jin will lead 10,000 cavalry to transport a portion of the food supplies and catch up with the Emperor..."

Tong Sui immediately said, "I'll go with you."

Xiao Mu replied, "No, you need to rest your arrow wounds, and the 35,000 exhausted soldiers who have been attacking the fortress need time to recover as well. After we leave, Qi Ling will lead 10,000 troops to garrison Panlong Town, and Aman, you will lead 25,000 troops to continue besieging Guangyuan City. There's a 10,000-strong Liang army inside the city. With fewer troops, attacking the city will be difficult. Laying siege is the better strategy, but we can't underestimate them. If Panlong Town falls again, we might not be able to return with the Emperor."

Qi Ling said, "Don't worry, with me here, not even a bird will be able to fly past Panlong Town!"

Xiao Mu nodded and then spoke to Tong Sui, who was about to say something. "Once General Yuan's 40,000 infantry arrives, and after you and Qi Ling have rested enough, the two of you can lead the troops to transport supplies into Jiange Pass and relieve General Yuan from besieging the fortress. Rest up and be ready to adapt to the situation."

Tong Sui knew that Xiao Mu's deployment was the most appropriate, but she just didn't want to be separated from him.

Xiao Mu smiled and said, "The bigger picture is the priority. When the time comes, you two can catch up with us quickly."

——

That same afternoon, Qi Heng's 50,000-strong infantry, after eight days of rapid marching, finally arrived at the Chang'an camp from Luoyang.

Chang'an's commander, Yuan Lou shan, had already prepared his 40,000 troops for departure. Upon seeing Qi Heng, he said urgently, "Marquis, you've finally arrived. This is my deputy. He will lead you to the camp for rest. I'm heading to Guangyuan now. Please forgive me for any inadequacies in hospitality."

Knowing the gravity of the situation, Qi Heng clasped his hands and said, "Go, I'll take care of Chang'an. General, feel at ease!"

Yuan Lou shan left in a hurry. Qi Heng, exhausted from the journey, rested briefly in the camp before quickly drafting a report to the capital, informing the Crown Prince, the Vice Premier, and Commander of the Imperial Guard, Fan Zhao, that the handover with Yuan Lou shan was complete.

This report was sent out via express courier and reached the palace before the city gates closed for the night.

Since mid-October, when the war report about the Xingping Emperor being trapped in Jiange Pass arrived from Guangyuan, Wei Qi, Song Lan, and Commander of the Imperial Guard, Fan Zhao, had been staying in the palace's duty quarters to assist the Crown Prince with military and political matters at any time.

Qi Heng's report merely reassured the court about Chang'an. A day and a half later, when Xiao Mu sent a war report saying that the supply route through Jiange Pass had been reopened, everyone finally breathed a sigh of relief.

Han Bao, looking haggard from anxiety, re-read Xiao Mu's report and asked with insufficient confidence, "With the supply route open, should we be less worried about Father?"

Wei Qi said gravely, "The supply route only ensures that the army won't be hindered by lack of provisions. Whether the Emperor is safe depends on the battle situation inside Jiange Pass."

Han Bao said, "Previously, the Liang army's main general, Feng Yun, was forced to retreat from Jiange Pass by Father. With Father pursuing the victory, he must have the upper hand."

Wei Qi replied, "I hope so too."

Song Lan added, "In any case, the Liang army has already lost two famous generals, and their morale has taken a severe hit. As long as the Emperor progresses smoothly in Jiange Pass, capturing the Liang capital will be within reach."

Han Bao liked hearing this, and his furrowed brows relaxed.

Fan Zhao, however, felt a headache coming on. With the Emperor in danger, he just wanted to rush to Jiange Pass to help in the fighting, not stay in the capital and wait.

However, Fan Zhao had already volunteered to lead troops several times, only to be suppressed by the Vice Premier. Lu Gong had also scolded him, forbidding him from making things worse.

Just as Han Bao was about to end the meeting, Luoyang received another urgent report.

This time it was from the Military Governor of Liangzhou, stating that Lü Sheng was personally leading 50,000 cavalry towards Chang'an!

Han Bao's expression changed drastically, and he hurriedly handed the battle report to the Second Chancellor to review.

Wei Qi, after confirming the date of the Governor of Liangzhou's report, quickly calculated and said, "Your Highness, please remain calm. According to my estimates, Lv Sheng will not approach Chang'an until the sixth of November. Xiao Zhen's 50,000 cavalry will be able to cross the river tomorrow. Your Highness can order Xiao Zhen to bypass the capital and head straight for Chang'an. With a swift march, they can arrive by the fourth, just in time to confront Lv Sheng's army with rested troops."

Lu Gong said, "What Prime Minister Wei says is true. With Xiao Zhen's 50,000 cavalry and Qi General's 50,000 infantry, Lv Sheng will definitely not dare to make a reckless move."

Fan Zhao said, "That old traitor must have heard that the Emperor is in danger and wants to take advantage of Chang'an's vulnerability!"

Han Bao, truly frightened, his forehead breaking out in sweat, said, "Fortunately, Xiao Zhen returned from Liaozhou to Jizhou in mid-October, and Feng Ji had already defeated the main force of the Wu army and withdrawn. Otherwise, if Lv Sheng had led 50,000 cavalry to bypass Chang'an and directly attack the capital, we would have had no cavalry to resist him."

Song Lan said, "Exactly, with Liaozhou secured, Huang Qilin has to guard against a possible sneak attack by the Liaozhou troops and won't dare to act rashly. If he and Lv Sheng had both launched attacks at the same time, the capital would have been in grave danger on both the eastern and western fronts."

Lu Gong looked at Wei Qi, who frowned deeply.

This was exactly why they opposed the Emperor's campaign against Liang at this time. One wrong move, and not only would the Emperor be in danger, but Luoyang would also be attacked from both sides.

Fortunately, Feng Ji and Xiao Zhen to the north, and the veteran Xiao Mu in the southwest, were turning the tide in their favor.

---

At the end of October, on the southern bank of the Yellow River.

As soon as Xiao Zhen and his 50,000 cavalry crossed the river, they were intercepted by an imperial envoy who had been waiting there. The envoy first gave the good news that the Xiao family's elder had already resolved the crisis at Guangyuan, and then the bad news that Lv Sheng's 50,000 cavalry was about to threaten Chang'an, ordering Xiao Zhen to immediately go to Chang'an for reinforcements.

Xiao Zhen knelt to receive the imperial decree.

The envoy, seeing the dust-covered troops, said concernedly, "Marquis and generals, you have had a long and hard journey. Unfortunately, there is danger in Chang'an, so I must trouble you all to go and relieve the siege."

Xiao Zhen respectfully said, "Protecting our home and country is our duty. Please tell the Crown Prince that Xiao Zhen will not fail in his mission."

The envoy nodded repeatedly, stepping aside to watch Xiao Zhen and his troops remount and lead 50,000 cavalry westward across the rolling yellow dust.

When they were far away, Xiao Yan, frustrated, said, "When our grandfather was in danger, we traveled day and night to help. Now that everything is fine over there, we can't even return to Luoyang, which is right in front of us. What kind of situation is this?"

Xiao Ye laughed and said, "Third Brother, are you thinking about your wife?"

Xiao Yan glared at him and pointed to those who were married, saying, "I bet you're all thinking about your wives too."

Qiao Chang'an, Tong Gui, and Zhang Wengong all laughed.

Sun Dian, who had a beloved but no wife, snorted, while Qi Yun and Xiao She, who were still single, did not join in.

Xiao Ye coughed and, in a serious tone, said to Xiao Shouyi, "Second Uncle, just now Third Brother was referring to you too."

Xiao Shouyi: "..."

Xiao Yan whipped his horse to chase Xiao Ye, and the two brothers rode out for about two or three miles before calming down.

Traveling from Luoyang to Chang'an, another 700 to 800 li, the 50,000 cavalry rode for four days, setting up camp twenty li northwest of Chang'an on the evening of November fourth.

This was the strategic route for Lv Sheng to go to either Chang'an or Luoyang.

Lv Sheng, the general of Liangzhou, had previously accepted a bribe from Liang and decided to remain neutral in their conflict, keeping 100,000 border troops in Liangzhou without moving.

When Qin Sizhu of Hezhou was killed, Lv Sheng's heart skipped a beat. When Xie Jian of Jingzhou completely surrendered to the Xingping Emperor, Lv Sheng's heart sank. Then, at the beginning of October, news came from Liaozhou that Chen Wang and his son had been captured by Xiao Zhen.

At this point, Lv Sheng's heart raced with fear, and he could only think one thing: "It's over." He anticipated that after the Xingping Emperor finished conquering Liang, he would come to deal with Lv Sheng.

Unexpectedly, the situation unexpectedly shifted, and at the end of October, he received news that the Xingping Emperor had been trapped in Jiange Road by the famous generals Zong Quan and Jiang Ru!

At this moment, Lv Sheng's heart, which had sunk to the bottom, began to leap with excitement once again. He thought to himself that the Xingping Emperor and Xiao Mu's army of over ten thousand from the Yue region were doomed. Even if the Liang state emerged victorious, they would suffer significant losses. It was a classic case of two parties fighting to their mutual detriment, leaving an opportunity for a third party to benefit—his chance to strike.

And so, Lv Sheng hastily assembled fifty thousand cavalry and raced toward Chang'an.

On the sixth day of the eleventh month, Lv Sheng approached Chang'an two days after Xiao Zhen. However, scouts reported that a large cavalry camp, flying the Xiao family's banner, lay ahead.

Lv Sheng felt a familiar surge of anxiety welling up in his heart.

While discussing countermeasures with his deputies, a soldier came to relay a message that Xiao Zhen had arrived with his troops.

Lv Sheng: “……”

His fifty thousand cavalry had just finished running over a hundred li. Even if he retreated now, Xiao Zhen, who had been resting his forces, would catch up to him.

Since running was not an option, Lv Sheng ordered his troops to prepare for battle.

One hundred thousand cavalry soon faced each other on the field.

However, Xiao Zhen did not declare war directly. Instead, he rode forward alone to speak with Lv Sheng.

Lv Sheng, now fifty-six years old, was as sturdy as his horse and appeared somewhat kind. Urging his horse forward to meet Xiao Zhen, Lv Sheng first smiled and said, "I've heard much about General Feng's reputation. Meeting you today, I see you are even younger and more impressive than I imagined."

Xiao Zhen smiled lightly. "General flatters me. May I ask, without an imperial decree, why has the general suddenly mobilized troops toward Chang'an?"

Lv Sheng's expression changed, and he said with a heavy heart, "I was staying comfortably in Liangzhou, but ten days ago, I was shocked to hear that the emperor was in danger at Jiange Road. I came to rescue the emperor, but it was so sudden that I didn't have time to report to the court. Ah, could it be that the Crown Prince misunderstood, thinking I had ill intentions, and thus sent General Feng to attack me?"

Xiao Zhen: "As a border general, mobilizing troops without a decree does concern the prince. That’s why he sent me to ask for clarification."

Lv Sheng: "I swear on my life, I truly came to rescue the emperor. If there is even half a lie in my words, may I be struck by lightning and meet a terrible end!"

Xiao Zhen glanced at the sky. Though it was overcast on that winter day, there was no sign of thunder.

He smiled. "Since the general dares to make such a vicious oath, I am willing to believe you and will clarify this matter with the Crown Prince. However, the prince has instructed that since the emperor is currently campaigning against Liang, and border states might take the opportunity to attack, for the stability of the border, it would be best if the general quickly returned to defend Liangzhou."

Lv Sheng: "Of course, of course. But, is it really not necessary for me to go and rescue the emperor?"

Xiao Zhen smiled again. "The general worries too much. Both Zong Quan and Jiang Ru have already fallen to our blades. The path through Jiange Pass is now safe. What danger could the emperor be in?"

Lv Sheng was greatly shocked. "Both, both are dead?"

Xiao Zhen humbly replied, "Yes. One died by an arrow from my wife, and the other by the sword of Young Master Zhao."

Lv Sheng: "……Good, good. Since the emperor is safe, I will rest here for the night and return to Liangzhou tomorrow."

The two main generals finished their peaceful conversation and departed.

At this moment, Xiao Yan hated Lv Sheng the most. If not for Lv Sheng's interference, he would already be back in Luoyang with his wife.

He caught up with Xiao Zhen and asked angrily, "Second Brother, why didn't we just attack when their soldiers and horses were exhausted?"

Xiao Zhen: "Lv Sheng left fifty thousand cavalry in Liangzhou. If we attacked him, those fifty thousand cavalry would immediately strike back. If a border state were to take advantage of the situation and Liangzhou were to fall, would you take responsibility?"

Xiao Yan: “……”

The next day, Lv Sheng retreated fifty li and halted.

Xiao Zhen sent scouts to inquire and was informed that Lv Sheng had fallen ill from days of travel and needed to rest on the spot.

In reality, Lv Sheng hadn't given up his ambitions and wanted to observe the situation at Jiange Road from a closer vantage point, ready to act when the opportunity arose.