The Golden Family, rising from the Western Regions

Chapter 147: Jinzhou Governor, Marquis Wucheng
Outside the city of Dongdu, the sky was clear and cloudless.

The grassland is filled with the fragrance of green grass, mixed with the mellow aroma of kumis.

Countless herdsmen gathered from all directions, dressed in festive attire. The women wore colorful beads on their heads, and the men wore scimitars and bows on their waists.

Children were running around and playing among the crowd, their silver bell-like laughter echoing across the vast grassland.

"The battle is finally over."

A white-haired old man was leaning on a poplar wood cane, and worry flashed in his cloudy eyes.

"My grandson went to the battlefield for the first time. I wonder if he was injured."

"Don't worry, Uncle Ebuhua!"

A middle-aged woman nearby smiled and consoled him, "My husband sent someone to bring back a message saying we had a great victory and suffered very few casualties."

"Your Batu is a famous archer. Not only is he alright, but the king has also rewarded him with a female slave. It won't be long before you have a great-grandson."

Upon hearing this, the old man immediately showed his only two big yellow teeth and grinned.

He kept nodding and said, "That's good, that's good!"

However, an old man with a broken arm next to him shook his head slightly and said in a deep voice: "Let me see!"

"This battle may not be a great victory. The losses may be considerable."

But as soon as the old man finished speaking, he was met with angry glares from several women around him.

This is simply a curse on their husbands and sons.

"Old Bach, what nonsense are you talking about?"

"The palace has already said that we won a great victory, annihilated more than 40,000 people from the royal court, and forced the pseudo-Khan to flee in panic."

"Even the capital was captured by the king's brother-in-law, Li Xiao, the deputy governor of Jinzhou."

"It's clearly a big win."

"I think you are getting old and confused. You talk nonsense all day long."

Facing the angry glares of several women, the old man with the broken arm smiled helplessly and shook his head gently, his face still filled with unresolved worry.

He had fought wars all his life, so he knew exactly what was going on.

The lower-class herdsmen are easiest to fool because they lack channels to communicate with the outside world and have only a vague understanding of what is happening in the outside world.

Naturally, they believe whatever the upper echelons announce.

In order to avoid instability among the people and shake the rule.

Even if they lose a battle, the upper echelons will avoid talking about it.

A big defeat becomes a small defeat, a small defeat becomes a small victory, and a small victory directly becomes a big victory.

Therefore, the old herdsman with the broken arm always remained skeptical about the great victory told by the palace.

The war must not have gone well, otherwise the army would not have chosen to return so early.

"Buddha bless, let the second and third sons come back alive." The herdsman with the one-armed man said in his heart, praying for his two sons who went to the army.

At the same time, not far outside the city gate.

Xiao Yanyan and Shu Lu Wu Jin were riding on their horses, standing side by side.

Next to them stood an old man and a young man.

The young man was Xiao Simo's legitimate son, Xiao Helun.

He looked into the distance with a confused yet nervous look, waiting for the army to return.

"Ah, is the master really okay?" Xiao Helun looked at Shu Lu Wu Jin and asked.

In Khitan language, Azhu and Amo mean father and mother respectively.

Shu Lu Wu Jin nodded gently, looked at Xiao He Lun and said, "Your master is really fine, just a little injured. After taking the medicine given by your uncle Gu Zhi, he is almost healed. Don't worry."

"But they said that the master was seriously injured and was about to die." Xiao Helun said.

Upon hearing this, Xiao Yanyan frowned slightly and asked, "Hu Gu, who told you that Master is dead?"

Xiao Helun mentioned a few names, all of whom were his friends who played with him on weekdays.

"What else did they say?" Xiao Yanyan asked again.

"They said that I will be the king of the Sixth Academy in the future and asked me to take good care of them." The honest Xiao Helun said truthfully.

Upon hearing this, Xiao Yanyan looked directly at the old man next to her.

"Egunai (Uncle), go and find out who is behind this and is spreading these lies to confuse the people."

Xiao Yanyan keenly felt that things were not that simple.

Or maybe it was the royal court's spies who spread rumors and misled the people.

Or someone is deliberately trying to alienate the relationship between Xiao Simo and Xiao Helun.

"Okay, leave it to me." Xue Gu'eruda nodded in a deep voice.

The six courtyards are divided into four Shilie.

In the past, Xiao Linta, Xiao Tuladuo and Jiumeng Anhe served as the generals of three of the Shi Lies respectively.

The last general was Xuegu Eruda, and he is still the general even to this day.

It wasn't because Xiao Simo hated him, but because he trusted him too much.

Every time he went on an expedition, he would leave Xuegu Eruda behind to look after the house and guard the rear for him.

Therefore, Xuegu Eluda is Xiao Simo's true confidant whom he truly trusts.

Not long after, a cloud of dust suddenly rose on the horizon.

“Here it comes! Here it comes!”

"The army is back."

Someone shouted, and the crowd suddenly became excited.

The children jumped and ran forward, the women adjusted their clothes, and the old men rode their horses tremblingly, looking out from the front.

The warhorse advanced slowly, and as it got closer and closer to the Eastern Capital, the first thing that caught the eye was a large flag with the word "Xiao" on it fluttering in the wind, shining golden in the sunlight.

Immediately afterwards, a huge cavalry team appeared in sight.

At the forefront were a thousand armored cavalrymen.

The war horses were covered in heavy black iron armor, revealing only a pair of bright and fierce eyes. With every step they took, one could hear the grassland whimpering.

The knights wore ferocious helmets and full sets of fine steel armor, which wrapped them tightly from head to toe. Every time they moved, the metal collided and made a crisp sound.

On the grasslands on both sides of the avenue, countless herdsmen stopped and cheered when they saw this scene.

"It's the Tiger Camp."

"Our Tiger Camp is back."

There is no Khitan living in Dongdu who does not know the name of Hupuying.

This is the only armored cavalry in Dongdu, with a total of one thousand people. They are the elite among the elite. Even the royal court does not have armored cavalry of this scale.

"When I grow up, I must become a member of Hupu Camp." A child said with determination.

Behind the Hupu Camp were other Khitan soldiers, as well as soldiers from other tribes living in Yinshan Prefecture.

These people, as the vanguard of the returning army, walked at the front and enjoyed the welcome of the herdsmen.

In the Khitan army, generals such as Li Xiao and Xiao Simo, followed by their personal guards, slowly moved forward.

"Your Majesty."

"The king is back."

"Great! The king is fine. Who said he was seriously injured and about to die?"

"Who is that white-armored general next to the king? He looks so young."

"I know. That's Li Xiao, the deputy governor of Jinzhou. He's also our king's brother-in-law and the eldest princess' husband."

"I saw his appearance from afar when the army went out to fight last time," a woman said excitedly.

"So it's him? He looks really too young, maybe twenty years old?"

"I heard that it was the Prince Consort who led the attack on Husiwoerduo this time, and they captured many nobles."

"Really? Is the Prince Consort so powerful?"

"Not only that, I heard that tens of thousands of Wang Ting's troops were drowned in the Ili River later."

"Hiss, hiss, tens of thousands."

"It's so scary, so murderous."

"From now on, we have the king and his consort in the Eastern Capital, as well as so many capable and skilled generals. Who would dare to provoke us?"

……

Xiao Simo was wearing armor and riding on a standing horse, waving and smiling at the herdsmen on both sides.

Hearing the faint voice, he chuckled, turned to Li Xiao and said, "Your reputation as General Li is very great, almost catching up with mine."

Hearing this, Li Xiao hurriedly shook his head in fear.

"Thank you for your compliment, big brother."

"It's a small contribution, not worth mentioning."

"Besides, if it weren't for my big brother's support, I would still be herding sheep in Jinzhou now."

Li Xiao was angry. These old women don’t know anything. Aren’t they harming me?

Fortunately, Xiao Simo just mentioned it casually, and then said, "No need to be modest."

"Achievements are achievements, and mistakes are mistakes."

"You deserve all these honors." Xiao Simo laughed.

But just as he finished speaking, as a cool breeze blew, his face immediately became a little abnormal and he began to cough violently.

"Brother, it's cold, you should put on some clothes." Li Xiao said hurriedly.

For more than half a month, Li Xiao has been feeding and applying large amounts of allicin to Xiao Simo every day.

Successfully rescued Xiao Simo from the hands of death.

The wound on his chest was healing, but the arrow had injured his right lung.

Xiao Simo often coughs and wheezes, and his body is still very weak.

He traveled in a carriage all the way, and only put on full armor when he was about to arrive in Dongdu.

Ride on a warhorse for this trip.

It was to build confidence among the Dongdu herdsmen, let them see with their own eyes how healthy Xiao Simo was, and make the rumors self-defeating.

"It's okay, I can still hold on."

"Let's talk about it after we return to the palace." Xiao Simo said in a low voice, panting.

Li Xiao had no choice but to follow Xiao Simo closely and watch over him.

Soon, everyone arrived outside the city gate.

The princess was dressed in gorgeous clothes and had an elegant posture, but she could not hide the anxiety and worry in her eyes.

Seeing Xiao Simo slowly approaching on his warhorse, her eyes instantly became moist and tears welled up in her eyes, but she forced herself not to let them fall.

"My king, you are finally back!"

The princess' voice trembled slightly, filled with endless longing and concern.

She walked to Xiao Simo's horse, looked up at him, her eyes full of heartache and relief.

Xiao Simo dismounted, reached out and gently held the princess's hand, saying softly, "I'm sorry for making you worry."

Xiao Helun also came over and shouted excitedly: "Master, you won a great victory, it's amazing!"

There was a gleam of admiration in his eyes. Although he was young, he tried hard to straighten his back and show a calmness that was inconsistent with his age.

Xiao Simo looked at his wife and children in front of him, a warm smile appeared on his face, and he laughed.

"It's not a big victory, it's just a small victory at best."

"This time Yelu Zhilugu escaped."

"Wait until the Lord has assembled his army and prepared his horses. Next time, we will definitely wipe out the remaining evildoers of the royal court."

According to the palace's external statements, the Eastern Capital Army won a great victory this time, annihilated many royal court troops, and even captured the imperial capital of Husiwoerduo, completely ending the royal court's rule.

It’s a pity that Yelu Zhilugu was too cunning. When he saw that the situation was not right, he took his men and fled.

Next time, the Northern Frontier Army will surely capture him in one fell swoop.

At this time, the people outside the city gates burst into enthusiastic cheers: "Long live the king! Thousand live the princess! Thousand live the prince!"

Cheers rose one after another, resounding through the sky.

Xiao Simo straightened up and waved to the people with a smile on his face and a warm feeling in his heart.

Li Xiao had unknowingly found himself standing next to Xiao Yanyan. Holding her hand, he whispered, "Did you arrange this?"

"What else?" Xiao Yanyan asked back.

"Isn't it inappropriate to shout "Long live" at this time?" Li Xiao said with a click of his tongue.

Xiao Yanyan shook her head gently: "There's nothing inappropriate."

"The East needs morale boost."

Li Xiao shook his head and said nothing. He looked at the cheering crowd around him, then at Xiao Simo who was walking in front of him. This guy was really dazzling.

At the back of the team, in a carriage, Yelu Jin listened to the cheers of the herdsmen, and an angry expression suddenly appeared on his face.

"Long live?"

"Is he Xiao Simo worthy?"

"Here in Dongdu, they are really a bunch of unruly people."

But then he thought that he might never be able to leave Dongdu for the rest of his life, and Yelu Jin became discouraged.

Looking at the appearance of Dongdu City, it is far inferior to Hu Siwoerduo.

Fortunately, their safety is not a problem for the time being.

Other things can only be considered later.

Afterwards, Li Xiao and others walked along the long street and entered the palace.

The other people gathered outside the city and watched the prisoners pass by.

With people pointing fingers and making comments, it turned into a ceremony of surrendering prisoners.

Just as Xiao Yanyan said.

Dong needs to use these actions to boost public morale and eliminate the impact of unfavorable remarks.

Because Xiao Simo's injury had not yet healed, the celebration banquet that was supposed to be held in the evening was postponed.

After the family dinner, Li Xiao took Xiao Yanyan back to her courtyard.

As soon as he entered the door, he picked her up horizontally, walked into the room impatiently, threw her on the bed, and started tearing her apart roughly.

After not seeing each other for such a long time, Xiao Yanyan was as excited as if a long-awaited rain had finally arrived. She was so excited that her voice was hoarse.

An hour later, the two separated, still naked facing each other.

Li Xiao breathed a sigh of relief, stroked her smooth back with his rough hands, and told her some things that happened during the battle.

Although Xiao Yanyan already knew some things, they were not very detailed.

"You can judge a person by his appearance but not by his heart. I didn't expect that Xiao Linta is actually a traitor." Xiao Yanyan said with a slight breath, her body covered with fine beads of sweat, crystal clear like pearls.

It was because of Xiao Linta's betrayal that the Dongdu army suffered heavy losses and Xiao Simo was seriously injured.

Xiao Yanyan hated him to death.

"My eldest brother has ordered him to be cut into pieces." Li Xiao said softly.

That’s right, Xiao Linta did not escape unscathed.

After being sent to Xiao Simo's central army camp, Xiao Simo talked with him alone for half an hour.

Then he ordered his men to cut him into pieces.

Xiao Linta got what he deserved.

"Yelü Wusitu?" Xiao Yanyan was slightly confused when she heard this name.

"Although I haven't seen him, I have heard of him."

"When I was very young, he was sent to marry a foreign prince."

"I didn't expect him to be so well hidden. Before we knew it, he had become the leader of the Kangli tribe."

Li Xiao shook his head slightly, speechless about Yelu Pusuwan's actions.

I didn't expect that there are people who are not afraid of death and would use the prince as a marriage partner!

In other words, Yelu Wusitu's ability was too poor, and he had to endure for so many years before he gained power.

If it were a person like Zhu Di, he would have dared to raise the flag of rebellion the next year.

"When the Kangli people retreated, they looted Husiwoerduo and took all the people back to the grasslands."

"Wang Ting is useless!" Li Xiao said in a deep voice.

Suddenly, he felt a little regretful that he had not plundered Hu Siwoerduo thoroughly, and in the end, it ended up benefiting the Kangli people.

Li Xiao is most in need of slaves now.

"If only brother were okay, I'm afraid we could have completely defeated Wang Ting by now." Xiao Yanyan said with a distressed look.

Thinking of the injuries Xiao Simo suffered, her eyes began to redden.

In this battle, Beijiang did not win, and the royal court did not lose, both sides suffered losses.

"But you don't need to worry too much. I think big brother's injury has improved. He just needs to rest. He will recover slowly." Li Xiao said comfortingly.

"By the way, let me tell you something good."

"On the way back to Dongdu, I discussed our wedding date with my eldest brother, which is seven days later." Li Xiao suddenly said.

It was Xiao Simo who took the initiative to talk to Li Xiao about getting married.

Perhaps this injury made him feel insecure and he wanted to see Xiao Yanyan get married as soon as possible.

After all, Xiao Yanyan is not young anymore, and in this era she is definitely considered an older leftover woman.

"I have sent someone back to Hexibao to pick up my grandfather and mother."

"In seven days, you will be my official wife."

"Are you happy?" Li Xiao kneaded the softness in his hand, smiled and said to Xiao Yanyan in his arms.

Hearing this, Xiao Yanyan was secretly happy in her heart, but on the surface she smiled lightly and said coquettishly, "Tsk."

"Marrying this princess is a great bargain for you."

"Hahaha~"

In the next few days, everyone in Dongdu was immersed in the sorrow of losing their loved ones and the joy of victory.

Xiao Simo also went out for a walk from time to time, telling everyone that he had only suffered some minor injuries and it was nothing serious.

However, the arrival of a piece of news made Xiao Simo's mood, which had improved slightly, worsen again.

"The Gaochang people are simply courting death."

Xiao Simo's cold voice was heard in the hall.

Standing in the hall was a dusty soldier.

He came from the desert and brought a piece of news.

The Gaochang Uighur Kingdom sent troops to attack the important city of Beshiba in the desert.

"The Gaochang Kingdom must have been instructed by the royal court." Xiao Tuladuo said angrily.

The Gaochang Uighur Kingdom was located south of the Tianshan Mountains, separated from the desert only by the Tianshan Mountains.

There is a lot of daily communication between the two places, and everything has always been peaceful.

This time the Gaochang Kingdom took the initiative to attack, it must be the royal court behind the scenes.

In fact, during the previous war, Yelu Zhilugu ordered the Gaochang Kingdom to take action and attack the desert from behind.

But at that time, Xiao Simo was powerful and might even overthrow the royal court and take the throne himself.

The King of Gaochang chose to wait and see, not daring to offend Xiao Simo.

With the end of the Western Expedition, the Northern Frontier Army returned without success, and Wang Tingyi remained.

The Gaochang Kingdom was once again shrouded in the shadow of the royal court.

Had to launch an attack on the desert.

"Yelü Zhilugu is waiting for me to transfer the army to the desert, and then prepare to attack Qihe." Xiao Simo snorted coldly.

Then he said to his personal guards: "Tell Jiu Meng An He that he doesn't need to worry about the affairs of the northern border. Guard the Seven Rivers for me."

"As ordered."

The soldiers took the order and left.

After this great battle, the Seven Rivers Basin north of the Ili River was already in Xiao Simo's possession.

Not long ago, the Qihe Xianwen Prefecture was established to govern and manage local tribes and to guard against the royal court army south of the Ili River.

The post of Bashiha of Qihe, that is, the governor of Qihe, was appointed to Jiumeng Anhe.

At the same time, the post of Governor of Beihai was handed over to General Shi Lie, one of the six academies who made the greatest contribution in this war.

The positions of other people remain largely unchanged.

"Your Majesty, I do not need too many troops. I only need to lead my troops from the desert back and we will surely be able to defeat the Gaochang bandits."

Xiao Tuladuo asked for a fight.

As the governor of the desert, it is his responsibility to lead the troops in this battle.

"allow!"

Xiao Simo nodded heavily.

Then he looked at Li Xiao and said, "Since the Gaochang Kingdom has already sent troops, there is no guarantee that Yelu Zhilugu will not contact the Naimans."

"Li Xiao!"

"I'm here!" Li Xiao stepped out and said.

"After you marry Ah Man, you should also return to Jinzhou."

"Cough cough cough~" Xiao Simo said with a cough.

"Yes, sir!" Li Xiao nodded heavily, also a little worried about Jinzhou's safety.

After talking about these things, the highlight of the meeting came.

Gu Zizhong took out a piece of cloth covered with words and said loudly:
"The governor of the Eastern Capital issued an edict: The success of the Jingnan Campaign was due to the assistance of the ministers and the obedience of the officers and men. Only then can the country be at peace and the people be content."

"Now we have Li Xiao, whose loyalty and bravery are commendable, and whose military exploits are illustrious. He is truly a pillar of the nation, and I will specially reward him to honor his merits."

"Appoint Li Xiao as the Governor of Jinzhou, in charge of the land of Jinzhou, holding military and political power, and guarding the gateway to our northern border."

"He was granted the title of Marquis of Wucheng, a fief of one thousand households, and a red-lettered iron certificate, hereditary for all generations."

"He will also be given the rank of General of the Western Expedition, equivalent to the second rank. He can participate in the politics of the northern border, assist in military and national affairs, and enter and leave the royal palace, showing his honor."

"A reward of one thousand ounces of gold, one thousand pieces of silk, and a number of jewels and jade."

……

After hearing this long list of rewards, Li Xiao immediately showed surprise and joy on his face.

He said loudly, "Thank you, Your Majesty."

In fact, Xiao Simo's reward was an overreach.

After all, he had not yet been crowned emperor and was not qualified to confer a title on Li Xiao.

But since I have already torn my face with Wang Ting.

Xiao Simo and his generals no longer cared about the royal court's attitude.

In their opinion, Xiao Simo was only one formal ceremony away from becoming emperor, and the rewards he promised were even more effective than those promised by Yelu Zhilugu.

So, when Gu Zizhong finished reading out Li Xiao's reward, Xiao Tuladuo and others said with a smile.

"Congratulations, Commander Li."

"Congratulations."

"Marquis Wucheng is a brave warrior with great military achievements. He should be a role model for us."

Li Xiao waved his hand modestly, said a few polite words and then stood back, listening to Gu Zizhong read out the reward for Xiao Tuladuo.

At this moment, Li Xiao felt a sense of emotion in his heart.

I remember when I first met Xiao Simo, I was sitting at the back of the tent.

But now, in just one year, he has become the most important general under Xiao Simo.

Even when the awards were announced, Li Xiao was ranked first.

Life's encounters are truly wonderful.

"Governor of Jinzhou, Marquis of Wucheng, General Zhengxi~" Li Xiao whispered in his heart.

In his opinion, everything else is empty, only the Governor of Jinzhou is real.

Marquis Wucheng is a title, which is just a symbol of status. Apart from being able to be passed on to future generations, it does not have much practical significance.

In fact, Li Xiao wanted to be named Champion Marquis.

This is the highest honor for a military general, but it's a pity that Xiao Simo doesn't give it to him.

After all, they were Khitans, and Huo Qubing fought against his ancestors.

But Marquis Wucheng is not bad either.

Wang Jian, who conquered the six kingdoms, was granted the title of Marquis Wucheng.

After Deng Ai conquered Shu, he was also named Marquis Wucheng.

Marquis Wucheng is considered one of the best titles among military generals.

As for the General of the Western Expedition, it has even less practical significance. It is more like an honorary title and has no military power at all.

The only position with real power is the Governor of Jinzhou.

This is a local lord and frontier official who holds the military and political power in Jinzhou.

From now on, Li Xiao will no longer have any constraints in Jinzhou, and the entire Jinzhou will become the Li family's world.

(End of this chapter)