Water Margin begins as a captain in Yanggu County

Chapter 432 It’s done!

Upon receiving the good news, Yang Hu was holding it in his hand in Weichu Prefecture. He looked at it for a while but didn't say anything. He simply ordered his men to head towards Yangjumei City, which was also three hundred li away.

It's three hundred li from Shanshan Prefecture to Weichu Prefecture, and it's also three hundred li from Weichu Prefecture to Yangjumei City.

Another day passed, and more good news arrived: Gao Liangcheng had defeated the vanguard of the Yan army of five thousand men east of Shanshan Prefecture.

Just one more day later, good news arrived: tens of thousands of Yan troops attacked the city but returned defeated without making any progress. Furthermore, Gao Liangcheng wrote a letter to the king, vowing to follow the example of his predecessors, to live and die with the city, and to serve his country and its people!

Upon reading this report of victory, Yang Hu frowned deeply, but still asked those around him, "Have the scouts sent out earlier reported anything?"

"My lord, yesterday the scouts reported that there was indeed a battle east of Shanshan Prefecture. It was a fierce and brutal battle, with shouts of killing deafening..."

"Hmm? What about today? Did the scouts report anything?" Yang Hu asked.

"The scouts returned today, but their reports were inaccurate. They said that Yan army cavalry and scouts were blocking and intercepting everywhere, making it difficult to get close to the city. The only way to get a good look was to climb up the mountain and observe from afar. The Yan army was indeed besieging the city and had launched an attack, perhaps as a test. The attack didn't last long, and the Yan army was defeated. The city was unharmed. There were quite a few corpses left by the Yan army in front of the city, and we could see that the wagons were being repeatedly loaded with them..."

Yang Hu frowned deeply: "So... the Yan army probably can't easily break through Shanshan Prefecture?"

"It cannot be breached, absolutely cannot be breached. The Yan army is actually not many, only about 30,000 in total, and there are also many conscripted civilians. Conscripted people cannot possibly climb the city walls. Shanshan Prefecture is a strong city, and its troops are elite soldiers who have been fighting for a long time. The city will definitely be safe!"

The person who answered was unaware of Yang Hu's thoughts and spoke with a happy expression, which was exactly what he had been hoping for. After all, the Yan army was the enemy. If they could block the enemy from advancing and eventually have no choice but to retreat, wouldn't that be a great victory? How could he not be happy?
Yang Hu felt that something was wrong with the matter. After dismissing the person in front of him, he immediately wrote a letter and sent it to Yangjumei City along with the news of victory.

In Yangjumei City, news of victory kept arriving. After Yang Hu delivered another victory report, King Duan Heyu became restless and summoned people to discuss the matter.

The people he recruited were not from any other family, but from his own Duan family: two old monks, one with the Dharma name Liuxuan and the other with the Dharma name Miaocheng. These two were not only Duan Heyu's uncles, but also Duan Heyu's masters.

Duan Heyu consulted with the two of them on many decisions. It is clear that the strategies for dealing with the current situation, including the matter of the Yan army and the Gao family, were all carefully discussed and decided by the three of them.

Things seemed to have changed, so Duan Heyu anxiously asked, "Masters, if Gao Liangcheng is truly such a young hero and has indeed achieved a great victory over the Yan army in Shanshan Prefecture, what should we do?"

This was something I never expected. Why?

Because everyone was saying that the Yan army was extremely capable in battle, especially Zhao Gou, who was absolutely certain that the Yan army under Su Wu was invincible, whether in open field battles or in sieges and fortifications.

In other words, no one would have imagined that Gao Liangcheng, without any outside assistance, with only ten thousand defeated soldiers, could actually defend the ruined city of Shanchan Prefecture...

But good news kept coming. Gao Liangcheng not only defended the city with ease, but also took the initiative to attack the enemy, achieving a great victory over the vanguard of the Yan army in the east of the city...

This is a bit strange; it's completely deviated from what was initially expected.

Even the two masters looked grim at this moment, clearly deep in thought.

Duan Heyu said even more urgently, "Masters, you must have a plan. If Gao Liangcheng truly defeats the Yan army, their morale will soar, and they will gain both popular support and prestige... I'm afraid that at that time, the soldiers and civilians of Dali will all hold him in the highest esteem..."

Liu Xuan finally spoke: "We can wait another day or two and see... send out more scouts to investigate and see how the battle is going..."

Miao Cheng also said, "Yes, Su Wu's ability to fight a hundred battles shouldn't be blocked by a ruined city..."

Duan Heyu added, "Could it be... a shortage of money and supplies? Or perhaps, being in a foreign land, the Yan army's morale is wavering?"

Sometimes, it's a real dilemma; I'm afraid the Yan army won't be able to fight and won't be able to defeat Gao Liangcheng...

But if the Yan army is truly too formidable, Duan Heyu will likely live in constant fear...

"Your Majesty, do not worry, let's wait two more days and talk about it again..." Master Miaocheng comforted them. In fact, the two masters originally practiced in a temple in Shanshan Prefecture. After escaping from Shanshan Prefecture last time, they were in the Buddhist hall behind this palace.

After several discussions, the master, with his own composure, returned to the Buddhist hall to continue his practice.

When Zhao Gou arrived, news of his victory spread throughout the city. Many people said that Zhao Gou was actually delighted; for him personally, as long as Su Wu was defeated, that was better than anything else…

As for the internal conflicts within Dali, he didn't care who won or lost. In the future, he would eventually leave Dali, heading towards Sichuan and Guangnan...

Recently, Zhao Gou has been pondering whether it's better to leave Guangnan or Sichuan. After much deliberation, he decided on Sichuan, since he had previously tricked many heroes in Guangnan, which had damaged his reputation...

As long as Su Wu suffers a defeat and loses his reputation, Zhao Gou will immediately leave Sichuan. Sichuan is where Su Wu's power is weakest. There are many wealthy and loyal people there. They are just waiting for Zhao Gou to raise his voice. They will be as numerous as hairs on a cow when it comes to money, provisions and martyrs.

If we could gain the support of some of the former Song generals in Hanzhong and Guanzhong, and then enter Longxi, wouldn't that be just like Zhuge Liang's plan for the Northern Expedition?
If Hanzhong and Guanzhong were truly acquired, it would have been a crucial opportunity for Liu Bang to seize power in the Han Dynasty.

Big things are on the horizon!

When Zhao Gou came to see Duan Heyu, he wanted to know one thing, and he asked him directly: "Your Majesty, are the rumors in the city true, that Shanshan Prefecture has been reporting a series of victories?"

Duan Heyu glanced at Zhao Gou and nodded slightly: "That's true!"

Zhao Gou was immediately delighted: "Very good, very good!"

Duan Heyu felt no joy whatsoever; looking at Zhao Gou, he felt inexplicably angry…

They were originally a community of shared interests, but suddenly, Zhao Gou benefited while he became increasingly vulnerable...

Zhao Gou immediately sensed this and said, "Your Majesty, do not worry. If Su Wu is indeed unable to defeat the rebels in Shanshan Prefecture, Your Majesty still has a way to suppress the treacherous ministers within the country."

"What method is it?" Duan Heyu immediately asked.

"If we immediately send a large army to reinforce, isn't this a siege? If Su Wu fails to capture the city after a long siege and sees that a large army is coming to support him, and the weather is getting hotter and hotter, he should retreat. Wouldn't the credit for relieving the siege and repelling the enemy go to the reinforcements?"

Zhao Gou did have some brains...

Upon hearing this, Duan Heyu's expression softened considerably, but he added, "Yes, Protector Yang of Weichu Prefecture also used this strategy..."

Yang Hu's letter was clearly an attempt to steal the credit; he was confident he could claim the top spot soon, and everyone had their own plans...

"Oh, then this General Yang is indeed a master strategist!" Zhao Gou didn't try to claim credit. He wasn't that concerned about the affairs of Dali, and he certainly wouldn't care about Dali's little bit of contribution.

Duan Heyu waved his hand: "Let's talk about it in a couple of days..."

This was a gesture of refusing guests, meaning Zhao Gou was to return home.

Just then, a soldier outside the door shouted: "Reporting to the King, a victory report from Shanshan Prefecture! A 600-li urgent report from Shanshan Prefecture!"

Although these words had a slight accent, they sounded like heavenly music to Zhao Gou.

Zhao Gou walked a few steps to the outside of the palace, glanced at the person who had delivered the news of victory, and couldn't help but overstep his bounds: "Hurry up and go in! The king is inside. Present the news to him immediately!"

The soldiers actually went inside, thinking it was a message from the king.

The good news was presented to Duan Heyu, who opened it and began to read. Zhao Gou, standing beside him, was somewhat impatient, scratching his head in frustration. He even considered joining in to read it, but knew that would be impolite, so he simply waited to the side, eagerly watching Duan Heyu...

After Duan Heyu finished reading the letter, his expression grew even more somber. Looking at Zhao Gou's expectant face, he surprisingly understood and handed the report forward: "Your Majesty, please take a look..."

Zhao Gou rushed over to see the report. The report was brief, yet it was another great victory. The Yan army had attacked the city again, sending out all 30,000 troops to besiege it from three sides. The fighting was fierce and chaotic, with countless casualties. There were at least five or six thousand Yan soldiers lying dead under the city walls, and even at midnight, carts came to collect the bodies and haul them back...

High volume leads to a great victory! A skillful maneuvering of the government makes it as solid as a rock!
Zhao Gou was overjoyed, his excitement evident in his eyes. He paced back and forth unconsciously, as if he wished he could take a single step and enter Sichuan, immediately standing on the city wall of Chengdu.

Over there, Duan Heyu was reading another letter that had arrived along with the news of victory, a letter from Yang Hu, instructing the king to quickly issue an order for reinforcements to be dispatched.

Otherwise... otherwise Gao Liangcheng would truly become a national hero who saves the country and its people, and the Gao family's reputation for two generations would be so dazzling as to be unparalleled.

After reading the letter, Duan Heyu glanced at Zhao Gou and, without hiding it, handed it to Zhao Gou to read as well.

Zhao Gou took the document and read it: "Your Majesty, this is true, this is true! We should advance swiftly, forming a pincer movement with the city, and defeat Su Wu quickly! Su Wu's army has suffered repeated defeats and losses, and being thousands of miles away in a foreign land, their morale must be extremely low at this moment. We can achieve a swift victory! If we are slow, Su Wu may leave after a long siege, and all the glory and fame will fall on Gao Liang..."

Duan Heyu sighed and said, "Your Majesty, please go first. I will think about it some more and discuss it with the court officials..."

"Very well, Your Majesty, make a decision quickly!" Zhao Gou was clearly impatient and didn't want to wait a moment longer. He just wanted to hear the news of Su Wu's defeat and hasty escape from Dali!

Once Su Wu's golden body was broken, Zhao Jiu's four thousand troops entered Sichuan. Sichuan was a land of plenty, a land of abundance, with countless riches and provisions. Once the banner was raised, the world would be in turmoil, and the number of rebel armies would be countless...

Many of the generals in the Northwest are opportunists, and with the Zhong family in charge, entering Hanzhong and Guanzhong will be a matter of correspondence, and we can certainly do it without losing a single soldier!
With the elite troops of the Western Army now in his grasp, Zhao Gou hurried back with great excitement. Good news kept pouring in, and he also needed to tell his subordinates Cao Cheng and many generals that the army's morale was low and that now was the time to boost it!
Inside the palace, Duan Heyu didn't wait long and went to the Buddhist hall to see Masters Liu Xuan and Miao Cheng again.

The matter was clear, and Duan Heyu asked only one question: "Masters, Yang Hu's plan is undeniably excellent, and at this moment, it seems to be the only option..."

Liu Xuan said, "This is a strategy of using one tiger to devour another. What kind of good family is the Yang family? If they gain power in the future, won't they become a scourge?"

The Yang family, their ancestors truly killed the Duan family king, an event from sixty years ago, something Liu Xuan remembers...

Miao Cheng also said, "It's better than the Gao family having absolute power. At worst, the Gao and Yang families will coexist. This is the art of emperors, a way to maintain balance. Perhaps this can also ensure the stability of the country's sovereignty!"

Liu Xuan sighed, "I never imagined that Gao Liang, who is so young, would actually possess such talent."

"Perhaps it was Su Wu who exaggerated!" Miao Cheng added. In any case, it all boiled down to explaining why the previous plan couldn't be implemented...

Duan Heyu sighed, "Alas... this is the only way to use this trick of driving one tiger to devour another..."

Miao Cheng added, "In the future, let these tigers and wolves fight it out; there's always a way..."

Only then did Liu Xuan nod: "A battle between tigers and wolves is one way, but I'm afraid that once the tigers and wolves decide a winner, one will become the dominant force again..."

These words represent the history of Dali, which is less than two hundred years old. The above situations are all historical events that have occurred.

Duan Heyu asked again, "My two masters, is that the final decision? The entire army will be dispatched..."

"Go, go, but be prepared. Order Yang Hu to wait a few days until all the armies arrive before launching a joint attack. In this way, the credit for relieving the siege and repelling the enemy will not fall entirely on Yang Hu alone!"

Liu Xuan's words basically meant that we had to guard against this and that, and we couldn't let Yang Hu grow too powerful too quickly.

The Duan family has always lived a rather tiring life...

Duan Heyu nodded: "Alright! It's agreed, let's proceed accordingly!"

With that, Duan Heyu stood up, bowed, and quickly went forward to issue all sorts of orders.

The number of troops dispatched this time is 45,000, with about 20,000 in Yangjumei City, more than 10,000 in the surrounding prefectures, and more than 10,000 in Yanghu Prefecture of Weichu...

If we add the more than 10,000 people from Shanchan Prefecture, it would be about 60,000.

This was practically all the manpower that the Dali Kingdom could temporarily mobilize at that time.

The armies of all tribes, having received their orders, moved out. Some were able to leave first and headed to Weichu Prefecture to assemble, while the majority would not depart until tomorrow.

Duan Heyu himself was also setting off. He wouldn't go to the battlefield, but he had to go to Weichu Prefecture. The reason was simple: he needed to be the nominal commander-in-chief...

Therefore, in the future, it should be said that Duan Heyu led his troops to defeat Emperor Su Wu of the Great Yan who invaded the border...

Numerous armies set out one after another.

Duan Heyu arrived at Weichu Prefecture in less than three days, a remarkably fast pace. During those three days, a victory report arrived, stating that the Yan army had not attacked the city, but Gao Liangcheng had led his troops out of the city at midnight to raid the camp, achieving great success. They burned three or four hundred Yan army tents, killing and wounding countless people, while Gao Liangcheng returned safely...

This made Duan Heyu extremely anxious. The first thing he did upon entering Weixiong City was to ask, "Has the Yan army of Shanshan Prefecture not retreated yet?"

Yang Hu hurriedly replied, "Your Majesty, we have not retreated. Our scouts report that the Yan army has not launched any attacks on the city in recent days. I fear that Su Wu has already decided to retreat. If Your Majesty does not come soon, and if we do not advance our troops, it may be too late!"

Yang Hu's words were based on two reasons: firstly, he knew it to be true, and secondly, he couldn't wait to actually claim the credit.

Sure enough, Duan Heyu immediately said, "Then what are we waiting for? Let the vanguard go first, followed by the main force. Let's set off, let's attack Shanshan Prefecture and repel the invading enemy!"

Yang Hu was overjoyed: "Your subject is willing to be the vanguard!"

Duan Heyu glanced at Yang Hu and nodded: "Good, General, go quickly and achieve a great victory!"

There's no other way; the Yang family is now in decline, so they need to step in to help them, otherwise they won't be able to keep the Gao family in check.

I just hope that in the future, the two families will really fight again...

Anyway, that's how the Dali Kingdom has been doing for over a hundred years...

Yang Hu waited no longer, bowed respectfully, and went out. He had already made several preparations and everything was ready. He was just waiting to attack. As soon as the king gave the order, Yang Hu rode out of the city a moment later.

A day later, outside Shanshan Prefecture, in the Yan army camp, sure enough, three or four hundred tents were burned down, leaving a blackened mess...

It's unclear whether Gao Liangcheng or Su Wu started the fire...

Three or four hundred tents isn't a lot; it's just tents for three or four thousand people. Those without tents can just squeeze in from all over, so it's not a big problem...

It wasn't a small amount; in any case, three nights ago, there must have truly been a large area of ​​fire, clearly visible from near and far, and during the day, it was indeed a charred black patch...

Su Wu sat inside the tent and closed his eyes to rest. He was actually getting a little impatient, wondering why they hadn't come yet.
Suddenly, a soldier outside the door reported: "Your Majesty, urgent report from the scouts!"

Su Wu immediately stood up, but Wu Yong was even faster, rushing forward to grab the intelligence. He quickly returned and handed it to Su Wu, who tore it open, slammed the small letter on the table, and exclaimed, "It's done!"

Wu Yong was overjoyed: "Congratulations, Your Majesty! Your Majesty's plans are always successful and your battles are always victorious!"

"Alright, enough of that. The war is the priority. Order all units to prepare for battle!" Su Wu said, walking out of the tent and feeling the wind outside. He added, "I wonder how the imperial examinations are going in the capital. I'm afraid I won't make it in time. I need to write to the capital. Don't worry about the grading; I'll decide when I get back. Hmm... I should be able to get back by the Spring Festival. I'll work overtime and the results should be released by the Lantern Festival. I'll enclose a secret letter with the examination questions..."

Wu Yong leaned in to listen...

Su Wu glanced at Wu Yong, said nothing, but said only: "I wrote it on a piece of paper, sealed it well, and stamped it with sealing wax. I instructed Zong Ze and the others that no one should open it in advance, let alone know about it in advance!"

"Yes, Your Majesty!" Wu Yong seemed genuinely disappointed, as he hadn't heard the examination questions.

Su Wu had already decided on the topic for his essay: Four Thousand Years of History.

This topic is indeed very broad; you can discuss whatever you want...

History, heritage, nation and the world, the orthodoxy of the Central Plains, the debate between Chinese and barbarians, rise and fall, gains and losses, carrying on the past and opening up the future...

Write whatever you want...

Su Wu wanted to see it, so he went to see it for himself!

The leap month of November is almost over... It's December now, an extra month this year. Actually, temperatures in the south are already rising, and the Spring Festival isn't far away...

Wu Yong, however, also had concerns: "Your Majesty, is it really possible to return on schedule? Should we leave some room for maneuver?"

Su Wu waved his hand: "The army may not be able to get back in time, but I will definitely get back. The results of this special imperial examination will definitely be announced on the Lantern Festival!"

Wu Yong glanced at Su Wu, actually clicking his tongue in astonishment. How was His Majesty becoming increasingly diligent in his duties? While a bloody battle was about to rage on this side, he was already thinking about going back to work overtime grading papers and releasing the results…

Working non-stop like this, is it something a person can withstand?

Wu Yong was somewhat worried. He wanted to say a few flattering words, such as advising the emperor to cherish his health, but after looking at Su Wu's serious face, he couldn't bring himself to say them...

We must get back to business: "Your Majesty, we should send a letter to Gao Liangcheng in the city, instructing him to conduct thorough patrols of the city's defenses as soon as possible, to ensure no secrets are revealed, and to wait until all the Dali troops have gathered before charging out of the city when the battle begins..."

"Hmm, you're right. You're unparalleled in these schemes and tricks. Let's proceed accordingly. You've done a great service!"

Su Wu said this.

Wu Yong was overjoyed and was about to say something modest.

But then Su Wu spoke again: "Upon returning to the capital this time, I will be appointed as a Vice Chancellor!"

After saying this, Su Wu turned around, mounted his horse, and inspected the various camps. With a major battle approaching, Su Wu often did this, looking at every soldier, or making sure that every soldier saw him!
Wu Yong remained standing at the entrance of the main tent, breathing rapidly, his hands trembling...

The position of Vice Chancellor is equivalent to that of a prime minister, which is already the title of prime minister!
At this moment, how could it not be a dream come true?
"Thank you for your boundless grace, Your Majesty!" Wu Yong knelt down and bowed to Su Wu, who had already departed. At this moment, he was overcome with emotion and tears streamed down his face.
At this moment, all the value of life has reached its peak, and my excitement is beyond words!
(Brothers, it's coming to an end, but not immediately. There's still a lot to write, many characters to explore, and maybe even some side stories... but it won't be long before it's finished.)
(End of this chapter)