The Rebellious Officials and Traitors of the Late Han Dynasty

Chapter 567 Qiang Rebellion
The morning in Chang'an was broken by the rapid sound of horses' hooves. A warhorse covered in blood rushed into the city gate, and the courier on its back was pale-faced, holding aloft an urgent military report with three red feathers stuck in it.

"Urgent report from the Northwest! The Qiang people have rebelled!"

The roar, like a thunderclap, shattered the tranquility of Chang'an. People along the way scattered, whispering in fear. When the military report reached the Daming Palace, Qin Shou was discussing spring planting with his ministers.

"Your Majesty!" The messenger knelt on one knee, his voice trembling, "The three northwestern cities have fallen, and the various Qiang tribes have launched a united rebellion, killing our Han officials and burning our granaries. Longxi is in dire need of help!"

An uproar erupted in the court. Qin Shou suddenly stood up, his dragon robe sleeves sweeping across the table, causing the teacup to overturn and the tea to stain the memorial with a dark color.

"Give me the details!" he said in a low voice, his eyes burning with anger.

"Three days ago, twelve tribes, including the Xianling Qiang, Shaodang Qiang, and Baima Qiang, launched a joint uprising and suddenly attacked the three cities of Didao, Lintao, and Fuhan. The defending troops were caught off guard, and all three cities fell. Prefect Yang Fu was beheaded and his head displayed publicly; none of the Han officials in the cities escaped execution."

"Enough!" Qin Shou slammed his fist on the table, sending splinters flying. His chest heaved violently as he swept his gaze across the assembled officials, coldly snorting, "Who is willing to share my burdens and quell this rebellion?"

The main hall was completely silent. The Qiang rebellion in the northwest had always been a troublesome issue. The terrain was treacherous, the Qiang people were brave and skilled in battle, and they were familiar with the terrain, making them a major concern for the imperial court throughout history.

Jia Xu coughed lightly, stepped forward, and said, "Your Majesty, this old minister recommends someone."

"speak."

"General Yan Xing, who has long been stationed in Xiliang, is well-versed in the customs of the Qiang people, and his reputation is widespread. If he were to lead the army, he would surely be able to intimidate the Qiang tribes."

Qin Shou frowned slightly: "After Han Sui's death, Yan Xing was indeed a good general, but the Qiang people are cunning and need a strategist to assist him."

At this moment, Sima Yi, who had been silent all along, slowly stepped forward, bowed deeply, and said, "Your subject is willing to serve you like a dog or a horse."

Qin Shou's gaze sharpened as he scrutinized Sima Yi's lowered head: "What brilliant strategy does Zhongda have?"

Sima Yi said calmly, "Although the Qiang people are numerous, each tribal leader harbors their own ulterior motives. The Xianling Qiang are strong, while the Shaodang Qiang are weak, and the Baima Qiang and Laojie Qiang are sworn enemies. If we employ a strategy of sowing discord to divide and weaken them, and then strike their weakest point with elite troops, we can achieve twice the result with half the effort."

Qin Shou pondered for a moment, then suddenly slammed his hand on the table: "Excellent! Effective immediately, Yan Xing will be the General Who Conquers the West, and Sima Yi will be the Military Advisor. They will lead 50,000 elite troops on an immediate western expedition!"

After the court session, Sima Yi returned to his residence. His eldest son, Sima Shi, had been waiting for him in the study for some time.

"Father, what decision has the court made?" Sima Shi asked anxiously.

Sima Yi gestured for him to close the doors and windows before whispering, "His Majesty has ordered me to accompany Yan Xing on the western expedition as his military advisor."

Sima Shi's eyes flashed with a shrewd light: "This is a godsend! Father can use this to seize military power and cultivate his own loyal followers."

"Watch your words!" Sima Yi interrupted sharply, then lowered his voice and coldly snorted, "There are many eyes and ears in the mansion; you must not speak recklessly. This expedition is indeed an opportunity for the Sima family to revitalize itself, but we must proceed with extreme caution. Yan Xing is no easy opponent, and His Majesty is even more unfathomable."

He walked to the window, gazing at the blooming peach blossoms in the courtyard, and said in a barely audible voice, "The Qiang rebellion in the Northwest is nothing more than a minor ailment. The real storm is yet to come."

Three days later, banners blotted out the sun outside Chang'an, and 50,000 elite troops stood ready to march. Yan Xing, clad in black armor and with a ring-pommel sword at his waist, stood imposingly at the front of the formation. He was about forty years old, with a resolute face, piercing eyes, and an aura of battle-hardened warrior.

Sima Yi, dressed in a civil official's robe with a light armor over it, appeared both refined and somewhat heroic. He rode up to Yan Xing's side, cupped his hands, and said, "General Yan, His Majesty has bestowed the Tiger Tally. When shall we depart?"

Yan Xing glanced at him and said coldly, "General, you seem rather impatient. The army is not like the imperial court; swords have no eyes. I hope you will take care." Sima Yi smiled slightly, "General, rest assured. Although I am a scholar, I am also somewhat skilled in riding and archery. This journey to the Northwest will rely entirely on your divine might."

Yan Xing snorted coldly, said no more, raised his spear high, and loudly commanded, "All troops, listen up! The western expedition to quell the rebellion, depart immediately!"

The bugle calls shook the heavens and the earth, and the army marched westward like a torrent. People lined the roads to see them off.

Ten days later, the army arrived in Longxi. A scout reported: "General, a coalition of 100,000 Qiang troops has occupied the area west of the Tao River. The Shaodang Qiang leader, Midang, has proclaimed himself 'King of the Western Qiang,' and is acting arrogantly!"

Yan Xing slammed his fist on the table and stood up: "What a foolish move! Order the entire army to rest for a day, and we will cross the river for the decisive battle tomorrow!"

Sima Yi hurriedly advised, "General, wait! The Qiang people are powerful; a direct attack is probably not the best strategy. It would be better to send envoys to sow discord among the tribes, and then, once they are in internal strife, then..."

"My lord!" Yan Xing interrupted sharply, "Speed ​​is of the essence in war! The Qiang people are newly victorious and arrogant, completely unprepared. If we don't attack now, when will we? Or is it that you, my lord, are afraid of war?"

The generals in the tent looked at each other, and the atmosphere froze for a moment.

Sima Yi remained unfazed: "I am only concerned for the lives of our soldiers. The Qiang people are holding their positions high, and if our army forces a crossing of the Tao River and attacks them halfway across, we fear our casualties will be heavy."

Yan Xing sneered: "Having commanded armies for many years, how could I not know the art of war? I have my own ingenious plan to defeat the enemy!"

That night, Yan Xing secretly summoned his trusted generals to plan a surprise attack. Meanwhile, Sima Yi returned to his tent and immediately wrote a letter, sending it to Chang'an by a trusted confidant.

Sima Shi asked, puzzled, "Father, what is this?"

Sima Yi said calmly, "The Tang Dynasty has won many battles, and there's a growing arrogance in the army. Yan Xing is stubborn and self-willed, believing he's been in the Northwest for so long that he doesn't take the Qiang people seriously. I fear there might be trouble. I need to express my loyalty to His Majesty and also secure a way out."

At dawn the following day, Yan Xing personally led three thousand elite cavalrymen across the river silently. In the morning mist, they approached the Qiang camp like ghosts.

"Kill!" Yan Xing commanded, and his iron cavalry charged into the enemy camp like a whirlwind. Caught off guard, the Qiang people were thrown into chaos. Yan Xing raised his sword and slashed down several Qiang generals, their battle robes stained with blood.

"Yan Xing is here! Qiang traitors, prepare to die!"

The Qiang camp was ablaze with flames, and the shouts of battle shook the fields. Just as the Tang army was riding high, horns suddenly sounded from the surrounding hilltops, and countless Qiang cavalrymen surged in from all directions.

"We've fallen into their trap!" the lieutenant exclaimed.

Yan Xing looked around and saw the Qiang people surging in like a tide; the previously routed enemy was merely bait. He gritted his teeth and said, "All troops, form ranks and fight while retreating!"

On a distant high slope, the Qiang King of Midang laughed heartily: "The Tang generals are nothing special! Today, we will surely offer Yan Xing's head as a sacrifice to our flag!"

Just as the Tang army was surrounded, drums suddenly sounded on the opposite bank of the Tao River. Sima Yi led his main force to form a battle array on the riverbank, unleashing a barrage of crossbow bolts that rained down arrows, blocking the Qiang people's pursuit.

Yan Xing led his remaining troops across the river in a disheveled state, suffering nearly half their losses. His face was grim, and he approached Sima Yi with obvious embarrassment: "Many thanks to Zhongda for saving me; otherwise, I would be dead here today."

Sima Yi quickly replied, "We are all serving His Majesty; General, there's no need for such formality. We can regroup the army and fight again another day."

(End of this chapter)