Three Kingdoms: The Kingdom Cannot Be Partial

Chapter 126 A Personal Visit to Chang'an
Now, when the emperor entered Wugong, Dong Shizhong, who was left to oversee logistics at Wuzhangyuan, did not raise any objections.

There are many reasons.

Firstly, Wugong is 140-150 li away from Chang'an, and with General Zhao and the Prime Minister leading 50,000 troops ahead, Sima Yi could no longer venture deep into enemy territory alone as before.

Secondly, by moving the emperor's entourage forward, he could receive battle reports from the front lines more quickly, make swift decisions, and also gain complete control over the military, creating a secure rear for the soldiers on the front lines.

In addition, there are more careful considerations.

No one dares to say for sure that they will win. If the war goes against them, the emperor's act of going out to provide support can at least salvage the morale of the army and consolidate the emperor's prestige.

After all, it is said that there is no greater merit than saving the emperor, but what if the emperor himself came to save you?

Just as in the case of the initial defeat at Xieshui, the emperor's personal movement of his dragon banner to receive the fleeing soldiers was key to the Han soldiers' trust in him.

Of course, before the emperor left with his three thousand elite guards, Dong Shizhong couldn't help but offer some earnest advice and admonitions.

The gist of the instruction was that Guo Youzhi and Chen Zhen, the two court officials, must keep a close watch on the emperor and forbid him from going to Chang'an before the war ended.

He then repeatedly gave stern warnings and instructions to Zhao Guang, the General of the Dragon Cavalry.

He was instructed to be extremely careful to guard against a surprise attack by Cao Wei's Tiger and Leopard Cavalry, and under no circumstances should the emperor be allowed to go to Chang'an before the war ended, lest the emperor be placed in a dangerous situation.

Zhao Guang readily agreed, but he was somewhat worried.

Your Majesty has legs; once Your Majesty masters martial arts, who can stop Your Majesty from going to Chang'an?
As expected, the thing we were worried about has finally happened.

Zhao Guang glanced nervously at the powerful retainers who were watering their horses by the Wei River.

More than a hundred powerful Hu and Han people from Weibin led about four thousand cavalry to pay homage to the emperor, which was more than the number of the Dragon Soaring Warriors and Tiger Warriors.

"Your Majesty...don't you know to inform Attendant Guo and Attendant Chen before leaving?" Zhao Guang asked somewhat timidly.

To be honest, as the emperor's personal guard, he naturally had the duty and obligation to support the emperor's decisions and respect the emperor's personal will.

As long as the emperor doesn't personally go through fire and water or be struck by arrows and stones, someone else will shield the emperor from harm.

Liu Shan immediately responded with a serious expression:

"What does Pijiang take me for?"

"The heavy responsibility of the nation rests on my shoulders. How can I, like a tyrant, make decisions with a single word?"

"Send someone to invite the two chamberlains here."

Zhao Guang was stunned upon hearing this.

Your Majesty's words sound nice, but without the direct remonstrance of Attendant-in-Ordinary Dong, Attendants-in-Ordinary Guo Youzhi and Chen Zhen are utterly useless and will likely be defeated in a few rounds.

Regardless, let's invite these two over first. Even if they can't withstand the pressure, when the responsibility is investigated, it won't be solely his fault.

Soon, Guo Youzhi and Chen Zhen, who had just finished lunch and were resting in their lodgings, learned that the emperor was going to Chang'an. They immediately led a group of courtiers, some in carriages and others on horseback, to the banks of the Wei River.

Many heartless people were deeply moved when they saw the thousands of Hu and Han troops who came to welcome the royal army drinking water on the banks of the Wei River. The scene was magnificent and they were speechless with shock.

"Is His Majesty going to Chang'an?"

Chen Zhen, the Attendant-in-Ordinary and Minister of the Imperial Secretariat, was not in the mood to watch the grand scene of horses drinking at the Wei River. He simply asked in a solemn voice with a serious expression.

During the banquet just now, everyone thought that His Majesty finally wanted to settle down and start planning for the imperial heir.

Unexpectedly, their thoughts were overturned in just a short while. It turned out that the emperor still wanted to go to the front line and mingle with the soldiers.

Liu Shan did not mince words and spoke frankly:

"The Prime Minister's army has crossed Chang'an, captured Baqiao, and is now at the gates of Xinfeng City."

"General Zhao judged that although Sima Yi's supply route had been cut off, he was absolutely unwilling to retreat directly from Wuguan and hand over the entire Guanzhong region."

"Nine times out of ten, they will abandon Chang'an, send out their entire army, and take advantage of the Prime Minister's failure to capture Xinfeng to fight a desperate battle with the Prime Minister's army."

"Therefore, I am going to Chang'an."

Guo Youzhi, Chen Zhen, and the others were all taken aback by the Emperor's frankness.

Without hesitation, Chen Zhen immediately urged again:
"Before His Majesty left, Attendant Dong repeatedly instructed us that His Majesty must not be allowed to venture into Chang'an before the war is over."

"Your Majesty agreed before, why are you going back on your word now?"
"The emperor's word is of paramount importance and cannot be easily changed."

Liu Shan straightened his helmet with both hands, and then, amidst the clattering of his armor plates, stood tall and faced the enemy:
"The reason I promised Dong Shizhong not to go to Chang'an lightly was because I previously thought that the Prime Minister would have a decisive battle with Sima Yi outside Chang'an."

"If I am in military affairs and the war goes badly, I can rely on the Prime Minister's support to come to my aid."

"But now the situation has changed suddenly. The Prime Minister's troops are at Xinfeng, but Xinfeng cannot be taken in one fell swoop."

"Sima Yi will surely follow General Zhao's prediction, mobilize his entire army, abandon Chang'an, and head towards Xinfeng."

"In other words, although Chang'an could be taken in a short time, it was at the cost of the Prime Minister being attacked from both sides and being trapped in a dangerous situation."

"Therefore, I must go to Chang'an."

Guo Youzhi, Chen Zhen and the others looked at each other in bewilderment. They had only a superficial understanding of military affairs and did not understand why the emperor had to go to Chang'an. Besides, wasn't General Zhao still stationed in Chang'an?
But then the emperor spoke solemnly:
"Gentlemen, my trip to Chang'an is not to show off my heroic prowess, nor is it because Chang'an is so easily obtained that I am eager to return to the old capital."

"It is not that the Prime Minister and tens of thousands of soldiers and civilians have risked their lives for the Han Dynasty, but I cannot stand idly by and wait for the outcome."

"If it weren't for the four words 'feeling at ease,' how could I have come from Wuzhangyuan to Wugong?"

"Sima Yi is about to abandon Chang'an and flee. There are still more than 20,000 troops under General Zhao, Wang Ping, Fu Qian, Feng Hu and other generals in the north of Chang'an. I will not be in any danger if I go there."

Guo Youzhi, who usually kept to himself and remained aloof from matters that didn't concern him, unusually asked seriously:
"What if Sima Yi ignores the Prime Minister's army and instead attacks Your Majesty and General Zhao's troops first?"

Upon hearing this, Liu Shan suddenly chuckled:
"Our great Han Dynasty has three fortified cities in the north of the Wei River: Xiliu, Jimen, and Gaoling. They have been under construction for over a month, with deep moats and high walls."

"General Zhao's 20,000 soldiers have just won a victory and their morale is high."

"The garrison at Xinfeng has just suffered a defeat. If it is attacked and Sima Yi does not send troops to its aid, the morale of the army will surely be in chaos, and the Prime Minister will be able to easily seize it."

"In this case, what gives Sima Yi the confidence to follow Zhang He's example and gamble everything, abandoning Xinfeng and heading towards Xiliu, Jimen, and Gaoling?"
"Not to mention how difficult it was to attack the three fortified cities, once they were defeated, the pseudo-Wei state might even lose Tongguan next."

"Once Tongguan is lost, our Han Dynasty will have a firm grip on Guanzhong."

"The land east of the river will also be completely exposed to our great Han Dynasty."

"With the gates of Luoyang wide open, the false dynasty will probably have to discuss moving the capital."

"In other words, Sima Yi now has nowhere to retreat and nowhere to avoid, and he has no choice but to fight a decisive battle with our Han Dynasty to determine the fate of Guanzhong."

"And where is the opportunity for this decisive battle?"

"In my opinion, the best time to attack Xinfeng is when the Prime Minister's army is unable to capture it and the troops are exhausted."

Liu Shan had already heard from Jiang Wei that Hao Zhao, who had a certain reputation in the Lianglong region, had taken over Xinfeng.

Along with him, about two thousand Tiger and Leopard Cavalrymen entered and occupied Xinfeng, while the city's garrison numbered around five thousand.

With Hao Zhaozhi's skill in defense, and the Tiger and Leopard Cavalry's decent quality, Xinfeng City should be able to hold out for several days.

As for whether it was a few days, a dozen days, or even a few dozen days, it was beyond Liu Shan's comprehension, who was far from the front lines.

In the days before gunpowder and cannons, whether a city could be defended and for how long depended on many factors.

The garrison commander, the soldiers, the provisions, the fortifications, the weapons, the morale of the troops—many things are not quantifiable.

Therefore, Xinfeng will definitely fight.

We can't know whether we can take it quickly without trying to fight it, and the benefits of taking Xinfeng are enormous.

Furthermore, even if the sole purpose is to lure Sima Yi out for a decisive battle, Xinfeng is worth fighting for.

Guo Youzhi, Chen Zhen, and others were clearly intimidated by the emperor's analysis and explanation.

Lacking military knowledge, they had little confidence in judging whether the emperor was merely talking theory on paper, given that he had been spending his days with soldiers since he personally led the expedition and had won battle after battle.

Finally, Chen Zhen had no choice but to ask again:

"What if? What if Sima Yi discovers that Your Majesty is in General Zhao's army, and ultimately makes a desperate gamble like Zhang He?" Hearing this, Liu Shan smiled again:
Everything has a price, doesn't it?
"What price would Sima Yi pay if he took a desperate gamble?"
"The entire Guanzhong Plain, the entire Tongguan Pass, and even Hedong will be in danger, and the Guandong region will be wide open."

"With Zhang He's example still fresh in our minds, would Sima Yi really dare to take such a desperate gamble?"

"As for the price I will pay."

"If we can truly lure Sima Yi into attacking me, the outcome of the great battle will be right before my eyes."

"In that case, what is there to fear about taking such a small and insignificant risk?"
"Three months ago, the loss of Jieting put the Han dynasty in danger of collapse."

"At my request, Dong Shizhong and Jiang Changshi released me from Chengdu."

"At the beginning of the battle, I was determined to fight the Wei invaders to the death."

"When the Wei invaders' weapons came closest to me, they were probably no more than a hundred paces away."

"Wasn't it dangerous back then?"
"Call me self-righteous or arrogant."

"I truly believe that if I had not harbored such a strong will to fight the Wei invaders to the death, the Han Dynasty would not have achieved its current great situation."

"Since the Prime Minister went deep into Chang'an, I have been tossing and turning every night, and I often ask myself, how did I manage to get through such a difficult time?"

"Why are we now stuck in the barracks, leaving our elite troops to languish, while we watch the Prime Minister and General Zhao lead their soldiers to shed blood and sweat for me on the front lines?"

"So, after weighing the pros and cons and risks, I felt that I had no choice but to go to Chang'an."

"If I have misjudged the pros and cons and risks, there is still General Zhao there."

"If he persuades me to return, I will return without hesitation."

“If I do not return, it means that even General Zhao believes that I can go to Chang’an, that I should go, and that he can protect me.”

"In that case, you need not worry. Just wait for my good news."

Liu Shan spoke earnestly, and at the very end, he stepped forward and took the hands of the two attendants, one on each side.

Both Chen Zhen and Guo Youzhi, the two attendants, were shocked. Seeing the emperor's intention, they looked at each other in bewilderment.

He remained silent for a long time, seemingly pondering whether the emperor's words made sense.

In fact, after the emperor's analysis, they all felt that Sima Yi really didn't dare to take such a gamble.

Furthermore, the emperor invoked General Zhao as a final safeguard, so there was nothing more to say. They both sighed and tacitly agreed.

In any case, although the emperor insisted on taking the risk, he at least asked for their opinions.

It's better than secretly running off to Chang'an behind their backs, isn't it?

Liu Shan felt relieved when he saw that the two men were no longer trying to dissuade him.

Furthermore, besides the above analysis, there was another legitimate reason why he insisted on going to Chang'an, which he couldn't say in front of these ministers.

That is what history tells him:

The most crucial battles, the decisive battles, the founding fathers must be present, and they must use the victories of key battles to leave their mark on the army and enhance their prestige.

The most typical examples of positive and negative:
Li Yuan did not participate in any of the key battles that led to the founding of the Tang Dynasty; it was all thanks to Li Shimin.

The final result was that the military only recognized Li Er, the God of War, and did not recognize Li Yuan.

Li Shimin, who conquered the country on horseback, eventually created the prosperous era of Zhenguan when he ruled the country from the ground.

This is a very real problem.

The prime minister can't support him forever.

As an emperor, there would come a day when he would have to face both arrogant and unruly soldiers and the civil service alone.

Since that day will come, what could be more effective in subduing civil and military officials than a glorious reputation earned through conquering the world on horseback?
You always have to endure hardship.

Risk and opportunity always coexist.

If we don't endure the hardships of the front lines today, we will suffer the consequences of arrogant and unruly generals who become too powerful and self-important in the future.

If we don't face the dangers on the front lines today, we will face the dangers of not being able to mobilize troops, quell unrest, implement reforms, or collect taxes in the future.

Ultimately, the purpose of conquering the world on horseback was to govern it on foot.

War is a means, not an end; governing the world is the goal.

If one cannot possess the military authority and prestige of Li Er, then in governing the country, one is destined to be hampered at every turn by civil and military officials.

Ultimately, compromise and concessions will inevitably be necessary, leaving lasting consequences and lifelong regrets for future generations.

Therefore, military power must be firmly grasped, and prestige must be established during times of chaos and peace. Military power and prestige should be used to support generals, soldiers, civilians, and to carry out reforms and governance.

In order to gain military power and prestige, and to conquer and govern the country, it is necessary to take some risks and act recklessly at critical moments.

To change your life, you have to take risks.

Something of great significance happened at just the right time.

Only unimportant matters are things that are almost certain to be accomplished, and only then can thorough and reliable plans be made.

He bid farewell to the assembled officials, ministers, and clerks.

Liu Shan, accompanied by a hundred elite cavalrymen and a hundred skilled riders, led several dozen key Han and Qiang leaders eastward.

Su Shiwu left behind a thousand Tiger Warriors to guard the area.

The other two thousand elite warriors, along with several thousand cavalrymen brought by the Han and Qiang powerful families, raised their dragon banners and escorted the grain and supplies towards Chang'an.

When it really comes down to it, let alone two thousand field troops, the fighting power of four or five thousand cavalry cannot be ignored. Sometimes the key to victory or defeat is a surprise force of a hundred men.

evening.

Changan.

Zhao Yun traveled thirty li west from the stone bridge over the Wei River to Xiliu to greet the emperor.

Half an hour ago, he received a secret report by fast horse, informing him that the emperor would be personally going to the front line and had arrived in Huaili to rest for a while.

So he immediately dispatched the more than 1,000 cavalrymen who had been left in Chang'an by the Qiang and Han powerful clans, and had them survey and clear the area within a radius of 30 li once again.

After ensuring that there were no Wei scouts around, he led several dozen personal guards to Xiliu to secretly welcome him.

Upon arriving at Xiliu Camp, he first chatted with the garrison commander for a few minutes before continuing westward.

After only four or five miles, more than a hundred knights dressed in various styles appeared on the distant horizon.

Zhao Yun immediately reined in his horse and rode forward, and from afar he saw the emperor under a banner bearing the character "Zhao".

He tried to dismount when he was a hundred paces away from the emperor, but the emperor had already done so.

He immediately stepped forward and bowed deeply.

The emperor grasped his arms and helped him up; the old general, after straightening up, was overjoyed and wept tears of joy.

"I never imagined that I would have the honor of meeting Your Majesty in Chang'an in this lifetime. This old minister is filled with gratitude and joy!"

If he truly didn't want His Majesty to personally go to the front lines, why would he have Jiang Wei tell His Majesty that Sima Yi might abandon Chang'an?

He and the Prime Minister didn't know how much longer they could support His Majesty, so they tried their best to lend him a helping hand whenever they had the chance.

Then he looked at Zhao Guang, his face changing color and hardening like a chameleon:
"As the Commander of the Imperial Guard, Zhao Guang's duty is to protect His Majesty and keep him safe and sound!"

"Now Your Majesty is in grave danger. I beg to execute... I request that Zhao Guang be punished with ten strokes of the rod!"

"……what?"

(End of this chapter)