The Golden Family, rising from the Western Regions

Chapter 197 The Fall of Dongdu, the Mutiny of the Northern Navy
In recent days, a chilling atmosphere, as if a storm was brewing, has permeated the Eastern Capital.

News of the army's defeat in Ili had spread. Although a considerable number of soldiers had deserted, the entire Dongdu tribe was almost at the point where every household was in mourning.

Soon after, news arrived that the royal army, riding high on its great victory, had crossed the Alatau Mountains and was advancing towards the eastern capital.

Meanwhile, in the lower reaches of the Ili River, the main force of the royal court is also taking advantage of this opportunity to launch a fierce attack on the Seven Rivers Grassland.

The Seven Rivers Commander Jiu Meng Anhe tried his best to stop them, but without reinforcements, no one knew how long they could hold out.

The Eastern Capital was in grave danger, and the people in the city were filled with fear and anxiety.

Under the orders of the Prince's Palace, all men, women, and children who could ride horses and shoot arrows were incorporated into the army.

Even if it costs us our last drop of blood, we will defend the Eastern Capital.

Another day passed, and a scout dressed in tattered leather armor and covered in mud rushed into the city, galloping wildly through the streets and dismounting in front of the Prince's Palace.

"Report..."

"Reporting to the Commander-in-Chief."

"The Governor of Beihai, Ali Da, has led 5,000 cavalry to Tuole Mountain, only 50 li away!"

Upon hearing this, Xiao Dalu's face lit up with surprise, and he quickly went to the scout:
"Really? The Northern Navy has already reached Mount Torre?"

“That’s right, Governor. Governor Ali’s vanguard scouts are outside the city.”

Upon hearing this, Xiao Dalu burst into excited laughter, feeling a great sense of relief.

"Hahaha, ok, that's great."

"God help me too!"

He then slammed his fist heavily on the table, a ferocious smile on his face.

"I command three thousand iron cavalry, plus Ali Da's five thousand elite cavalry~"

He drew his curved sword from his waist, the blade pointing towards the location of Yili on the map, where the symbol for Wang Tingjun was marked.

"Although this bunch of bastards number over 20,000, the actual royal army numbers only a few thousand."

"Most of them were troops from the Eastern Karakhanid Khanate, along with some scattered soldiers from the Ili Karluks, but they were nothing more than a rabble on the steppe!"

There was also a hierarchy of contempt among the armies within the Liao Dynasty.

Based on combat strength, the most powerful are the Northern Frontier Cavalry and the Royal Court's direct troops.

Secondly, there were the armies of the vassal states such as the Eastern Karakhanid Khanate and the Western Karakhanid Khanate.

The latter was inferior to the armies of the Northern Frontier and the Royal Court in terms of the number of cavalry, the combat effectiveness and willpower of the soldiers, and the organization of the army.

Therefore, with these eight thousand northern cavalrymen at his disposal, Xiao Dalu no longer considered the twenty thousand ragtag troops of the royal court as a threat.

"However, why did the Beihai army arrive so quickly?"

Kumoxi asked, somewhat puzzled, about the first general to defect to Xiao Dalu.

At this time, the armies of Jinzhou and the desert had probably only just set off!

Xiao Dalu waved his hand dismissively and said, "What's so strange about it? Beihai is the closest place to Dongdu."

“Ali Da was the first to receive the news from the Eastern Capital. Given his loyalty to his father, he would certainly muster his troops immediately and send them on their way at full speed.”

"It's perfectly normal for them to arrive in Dongdu first."

After hearing Xiao Dalu's explanation, the others nodded slightly and no longer had any doubts about the matter.

Next, Xiao Dalu discussed with these generals how to destroy the royal army.

With eight thousand iron cavalrymen in his hands, he was no longer satisfied with just defending the Eastern Capital; he also wanted to annihilate the invading enemy.

Xiao Dalu squinted and pointed at the map with his scabbard: "According to the scouts, the royal court's rebel army has just crossed the Alatau Mountains and is resting at the foot of the mountain."

"Once the Northern Navy arrives, our army will immediately divide into two routes. One route will guard the Eastern Capital and draw the royal court's rebel army to attack."

"The other route will bypass them, cut off their retreat, and launch a coordinated attack from within and without to completely annihilate this royal army."

Xiao Dalu said with great enthusiasm.

From a strategic point of view, there is nothing wrong with his arrangement.

Of the 20,000 royal troops, most were from the Eastern Karakhanid Khanate and the Ili Karluks. While they were not exactly a rabble, they were not exactly elite either.

Once surrounded from both sides, they probably won't be able to hold out for long before their entire army collapses.

Thinking of that outcome, Xiao Dalu smiled slightly: "After we join forces with the reinforcements from Hezhou and the desert, I will personally lead a large army to conquer the Seven Rivers Grassland in the west."

"We must ensure that those traitors of the royal court are all buried in the Seven Rivers."

At that time, Xiao Dalu turned the tide and saved the day. With such outstanding military achievements, who could stop him from inheriting the position of "Commander of the Eastern Capital"?
He also planned to lead the iron cavalry of the northern frontier straight to the royal court, making the entire Liao Kingdom tremble at his feet.

At this moment, Xiao Dalu was full of vigor and pointed out the direction of the country.

He loudly proclaimed, "By order of the King, the Northern Navy shall be stationed outside the city for a day of rest and await further instructions."

"As ordered!"

The Northern Navy had been marching at breakneck speed and was exhausted; they needed to rest before they could engage in battle.

However, Dongdu was just a small city and could not accommodate too many troops, so the Northern Army had to camp outside the city.

Five thousand Northern Army soldiers swept down to the outskirts of the Eastern Capital like a dark cloud pressing down on the city.

The soldiers at the forefront, clad in iron armor, with twelve-foot-long spears slung diagonally to the side of their saddles and bows hanging on their backs, were the elite of the Northern Navy.

The light cavalry that followed wore tanned leather armor and carried long spears and curved swords, as if the entire army was radiating killing intent.

After receiving the order from the Prince's Palace, the Northern Navy set up camp on an open area north of the city.

While the soldiers were busy, a towering man rode a silver-maned warhorse through the camp.

He looked to be in his early twenties, with a rugged face and a solemn expression, gazing at the Eastern Capital under the setting sun.

The deep voice said, "Sir, according to the rules, you should enter the city immediately to see the King."

Beside him, an old man dressed in leather armor, looking like an ordinary soldier, said in a hoarse voice, "Extraordinary times call for extraordinary measures."

“If Xiao Simo senses something is wrong and leaves you in the city, then we’ll be in trouble.”

"Therefore, at this time, we can't worry about those formalities."

"Send someone into the city to deliver a message: it is already late today, and you are busy with setting up camp. You will enter the city to meet me first thing tomorrow morning."

Ali nodded slightly upon hearing this and said nothing more.

Over the years, he followed Xiao Simo in his campaigns across the country, making countless contributions and rising from an ordinary soldier to the powerful military and political governor of Beihai.

He completely transformed from a poor boy into a powerful regional official.

Besides his own desperate struggle, the most important reason was Xiao Simo's discerning eye for talent.

He felt deeply grateful to Xiao Simo.

But when he thought about what he was about to do, Ali Da's face showed a slight struggle and reluctance, and his heart was filled with guilt.

But there was nothing he could do.

If what happened back then were exposed, he would lose everything in an instant, and even death would be a luxury.

Therefore, he had no choice but to grit his teeth and continue.

That evening, the Northern Navy set up camp outside the city.

After dinner, Alida summoned all the commanders of the Northern Navy.

"Gentlemen, I have received accurate intelligence that the eldest prince, Xiaodalu, has launched a rebellion and placed the king under house arrest."

Upon hearing this, the generals were immediately in an uproar.

"What? The King has been placed under house arrest?"

"Who gave us the order to camp outside the city? The eldest prince?"

"The eldest prince is foolish!"

The North Sea admirals exclaimed in shock.

Among these people were commanders of thousands and hundreds appointed by Xiao Simo, as well as leaders of local nomadic tribes.

Its composition is complex and its origin is varied.

However, on such a crucial issue, all the generals were united and began to verbally and in writing criticize Xiao Dalu.

Seeing the generals' attitude, Ali nodded slightly in his heart. After exchanging subtle glances with a few of the generals, he continued.

"Not long ago, we received a secret order from the King, instructing us to enter the Eastern Capital, capture Xiao Dalu, and rescue the King himself."

As he spoke, Ali took out a piece of cloth.

The Khitan script on the seal was incomprehensible to many generals, but they could decipher the large seal, which was indeed Xiao Simo's seal.

"Crack~"

The next second, a Khitan general slammed his fist on the table and said angrily, "How come I didn't see before that Xiao Dalu was so ambitious?"

"How dare they commit such a treasonous act! We must rescue the King."

"That's right, rescue the king."

"Take down Xiao Dalu, and please let the king return to the throne to lead us in defeating the royal rebels."

"Let's do it, we must rescue the king."

The generals roared indignantly.

The Khitan generals among them were perhaps sincere, after all, they were all promoted by Xiao Simo, and changes in power would most easily affect their interests.

As for those local leaders of Beihai who served as commanders of thousands or hundreds, they were mostly just putting on a show.

After all, regardless of whether Xiao Simo or his son is in charge, their status will not be greatly affected.

However, the traditional customs and etiquette of the grasslands must be maintained, otherwise, if sons frequently overthrow their fathers, they will live in fear.

"Good~"

Alida gently waved his hand, stopping the crowd's indignation, and said in a deep voice, "Since everyone thinks this way, then we must take down the Eastern Capital and rescue the King."

With just one sentence, the tone was set.

The Northern Navy will attack Dongdu.

Then, Ali instructed his men to unfold a simple map of the Eastern Capital and point towards the direction of the East Gate.

"Xiao Dalu deceived the soldiers in the city and placed the king under house arrest, but there are still many warriors who are unwilling to submit to the traitor."

"They are secretly gathering strength in the city, waiting for our arrival."

"This letter from the King was sent by Nejida, the deputy commander of the royal guards."

"He feigned surrender to Xiao Dalu to gain his trust, and has now been appointed as a commander of a thousand men by Xiao Dalu. Tonight, the east gate will be guarded by Niejida."

"Bendu has already made an agreement with him that he will open the east gate to let our army into the city at midnight tonight."

Upon hearing this, the generals of Beihai were all surprised, not expecting Ali Da to have such a backup plan.

With a commander of a thousand men acting as an inside agent, the Eastern Capital became like a naked girl to them, to be ravaged at will.

"Great."

"In this way, the Eastern Capital will be within our grasp, and we will be able to rescue the King tonight."

"Seize that bastard Xiao Dalu and make him kneel before the king and repent."

"That's right, Commander, give the order."

Ali nodded solemnly and said, "Okay."

"Our goal is to rescue the king, but we cannot let the culprit, Xiao Dalu, go unpunished."

As he spoke, Alida looked at a Khitan general: "Chief of the Chumodu, you lead your men to block the north gate and do not let a single soldier escape from the city."

"As ordered."

"Walla, commander of a thousand, take your men and block the west gate." Ali Da arranged for three commanders to block the three directions, while he himself led his confidants to enter from the east gate, deal with the city's garrison, and rescue Xiao Simo.

The generals had no doubts about this arrangement and nodded in approval.

At midnight, the Northern Navy began its operation, dispatching three large armies to the other three gates of the Eastern Capital.

Outside the east gate, Ali Da led two thousand soldiers and quietly approached the city gate.

These people were all his confidants, or backup plans planted by that mysterious man.

The remaining soldiers, whom he could not truly control, were transferred to the other three city gates to avoid affecting tonight's operation.

“Ali said, ‘Go and have three torches lit.’”

The old man rode on horseback, dressed in black, as if he were hidden in the darkness.

“Okay~” Ali nodded emphatically and had three torches lit.

Soon, three torches were also lit on the city gate.

Upon seeing this, an excited smile appeared on the man's aged face.

"Great~"

"Xiao Simo, let's see how you break this deadlock this time?"

He meticulously planned for ten years in order to defeat Xiao Simo.

Whether it was Ali Da, the governor of Beihai, or Nie Jida, the deputy commander of the royal guards, they were all pawns he carefully selected and sent to Xiao Simo's command.

Even though he was tricked by Xiao Simo and exiled to the frontier, he still made sure that the parents and relatives of Alida and Nejida were well taken care of.

At the same time, the reason why they repeatedly made military achievements and were fortunate enough to be noticed by Xiao Simo was also due to his behind-the-scenes manipulation.

Now, the time to reap the rewards has finally arrived.

Amidst his turbulent emotions, the gates of the Eastern Capital were slowly opened.

Ali quickly led his men and rushed in.

"How's it going?"

Ali looked at a general at the city gate and asked loudly.

This man was none other than Niejida, the former deputy commander of the royal guards. He was dressed in full armor, and his effeminate face flickered in and out of focus under the flames.

He said in a deep voice, "The east gate has been arranged; it's all my men."

His explanation was similar to Ali's.

Xiao Dalu launched a rebellion and placed Xiao Simo under house arrest.

He received a secret edict from Xiao Simo, ordering the Northern Army to enter the city and eliminate the rebels.

"The attitudes of the other three city gate guards are unclear, but they are slightly dissatisfied with Xiao Dalu's behavior."

"Only the general guarding the south gate is Xiao Dalu's confidant. If he were to escape, he would surely leave through the south gate."

"The king is still in the palace, but the people around him have been replaced by Xiao Dalu's men."

"As for Xiao Dalu himself, he should still be staying at the Baiyi Inn. Since his rebellion, he has rarely gone to the Prince's Mansion and has instead used the inn as his camp."

Nejida briefly explained the current situation in the Eastern Capital.

Ali nodded slightly, immediately understanding, and chuckled.

"That idiot Xiao Dalu has finally done something good."

It is indeed a good thing, but it only benefits those who are truly traitors.

If Xiao Dalu hadn't placed Xiao Simo under house arrest, which aroused the resentment of the Eastern Generals in the city, how could their Northern Navy have entered the city so easily?
The Northern Navy was not rebelling, but rather restoring order and rescuing Xiao Simo.

After a brief exchange, Alida drew his scimitar and shouted at the Northern Navy soldiers behind him.

"Brothers, charge into the Eastern Capital and rescue the King!"

"Kill me!"

"kill……"

Two thousand Beihai soldiers stormed into the Eastern Capital, shouting, "Capture the traitor Xiao Dalu and rescue the King!"

"Capture the traitor Xiao Dalu and rescue the king."

When the soldiers in the city learned that the Northern Navy had entered the city, they were all shocked and furious. Just as they were preparing to resist, they heard this slogan and were all stunned.

"The Northern Navy has come to rescue the King!"

"I heard that the King has been placed under house arrest by the eldest prince."

"The eldest prince is being disloyal and unfilial."

"If the Northern Navy comes to rescue the King, should we fight?"

"What's the point of fighting? Can't we save our strength for fighting the royal rebels?!"

"go to bed!"

Xiao Simo led the Northern Frontier Army on expeditions to the east and west, capturing a large amount of supplies and slaves, which greatly improved the lives of the soldiers in the Eastern Capital.

Therefore, he enjoyed great prestige in the military.

Xiao Dalu's rebellion and imprisonment of his father aroused dissatisfaction among many soldiers, so they turned a blind eye to the actions of the Northern Navy.

As for how the ordinary soldiers learned of Xiao Simo's house arrest, it was thanks to the schemes of Nejida and others.

They had put a lot of effort into tonight's operation.

They misled many soldiers in Dongdu and Beihai into believing that they were truly rescuing Xiao Simo.

……

Baiyi Inn.

Xiao Dalu was asleep at this time.

After becoming the Governor of Yinshan, he realized that this position was not easy to hold, and there were far too many things to worry about.

I'm busy until very late every day before I can go to sleep.

While he was sound asleep, a guard suddenly burst through the door, shouting in a panic, "Commander, something terrible has happened!"

"The North Navy has broken in."

Xiao Dalu was startled awake. He sat up abruptly in bed, gripped his scimitar, and looked on alert.

After several breaths, he finally came to his senses and recalled what the guard had just said.

His expression changed drastically.

"What? What did you say?"

"General, the Northern Navy has stormed in. They say they want to rescue the King."

Upon hearing this, Xiao Dalu completely lost his composure.

He hurriedly got up, dressed in a panic, and didn't even have time to put on his armor. As soon as he ran outside, he heard the rolling roar of cavalry growing clearer and clearer.

Accompanying this were countless shouts of battle cries: "Capture the traitor Xiao Dalu and rescue the King!"

Xiao Dalu roared furiously, his face contorted with rage: "Are they planning a rebellion?"

"My title of Governor of Yinshan was personally bestowed by my father, how dare they?"

Xiao Dalu was furious. Although he did indeed rebel by forging an imperial edict at the beginning, Xiao Simo later acknowledged his identity and was willing to become Li Yuan.

In this situation, the Northern Navy should obediently follow his orders and accompany him to fight the royal rebels.

How dare they attack the Eastern Capital?
The key point is that they still managed to break in.

"Kill! Kill your way out!"

"These traitors were all to be executed."

Xiao Dalu gripped his scimitar and roared furiously.

However, the incident happened suddenly, and most of the soldiers in the city were resting. Xiao Dalu was unable to gather too many troops in such a hurry.

For him, the situation had reached an extremely critical point.

Wangfu.

Xiao Simo, who had been coughing up blood all night and had finally managed to fall asleep, was immediately awakened by the sounds of battle raging in the city.

Faintly, one could hear someone shouting, "Capture the traitor Xiao Dalu and rescue the king!"

Instantly, Xiao Simo's face turned very ugly.

His pale face was filled with horror: "What happened?"

"Where does the shouting and killing come from?"

Just then, the guards outside rushed in.

They were no longer the original guards; they had all been replaced by Xiao Dalu's men.

The only task was to prevent anyone from having contact with Xiao Simo.

"Are the troops causing trouble in the city from my Eastern Capital?" Xiao Simo asked in a serious voice.

He guessed that it was very likely a mutiny launched by some generals in the Eastern Capital who were dissatisfied with Xiao Dalu's imprisonment of them.

The guards exchanged glances and shook their heads.

They remained in the Prince's residence and had not yet received news of the rebellious troops outside.

But some speculated, "It could also be troops from Beihai."

Although it was just a guess, Xiao Simo's face turned extremely horrified the moment he heard these words.

"The Northern Navy? They've come to Dongdu?"

These past few days, he has been staying in the Prince's mansion, cut off from all news. In reality, it was because he was filled with despair that he chose to withdraw from worldly affairs.

Therefore, they were unaware of the arrival of the Northern Navy.

“That’s right, they just arrived this afternoon,” a guard said softly.

Xiao Simo coughed, his face turning bluish-purple, and roared angrily, "Is Ali Da trying to rebel?"

Although the distance from Dongdu to Beihai is the shortest, it took from the time Xiao Simo's order was delivered to the completion of the Beihai naval mobilization and the arrival of the army in Dongdu.

This process will take at least ten days.

However, the Northern Navy arrived outside the Eastern Capital on the sixth day.

How could Xiao Simo not be furious?
There is only one explanation: the Northern Navy had made preparations in advance and rushed to Dongdu as soon as they received the news.

The North Navy isn't trying to save itself; it's actually planning a rebellion!

In that instant, everything connected in his mind, his thoughts became clearer, but also more desperate.

Finally, he closed his eyes helplessly, his face full of bitterness.

"Is my judgment really that bad, Xiao Simo?"

"Xiao Linta, whom I regarded as a brother, has betrayed me, and the Deputy Governor of the Desert, Shi Gu, will surely betray me as well."

“The Beihai Governor Ali Da, whom I promoted and entrusted with important responsibilities, still betrayed me.”

"why?"

"Power, status, money, honor, women—I've given them all to you."

"Why did you betray me?" Xiao Simo murmured angrily.

But things had already come to this point, and his body was in such a state that he was completely powerless to help and could no longer manage these matters.

(End of this chapter)