Memoirs of the Heavenly Khan

Chapter 206 These are words of justice
Luoyang.

Li Shuang led three thousand cavalry into Luoyang, and Erzhu Rong did not stop him. Instead, he generously allowed Li Shuang to lead his troops into Luoyang.

Not only that, Erzhu Rong also ceded Jinyong City to Li Shuang's three thousand cavalrymen for garrison purposes.

After the upheaval in Heyin, Luoyang has suffered a severe loss of population, with empty streets and most of the city deserted.

The mansion that was once inherited by Prime Minister Yuan Yong from the eunuch Liu Teng has now been occupied by Erzhu Rong.

To show his closeness, Erzhu Rong, along with Yuan Tianmu, a group of military officers from the north, members of the Erzhu clan, and those who had already submitted to him in Luoyang, greeted Li Shuang at Chengming Gate, south of Jinyong City.

Jinyong City, located in the northwest corner of Luoyang's inner city, was a completely militarized city within a city, and its strategic significance to Luoyang and even the entire Yi-Luo River Valley Plain was considerable.

By giving it up, Erzhu Rong was not only showing his magnanimity, but also announcing to outsiders that he and Li Shuang were very close.

Li Shuang has finally arrived.

Before the main force had even arrived, he led a hundred cavalrymen to Chengming Gate.

Upon seeing Li Shuang arrive, Erzhu Rong opened his arms, ready to give him a hug.

Li Shuang, however, spoke first:

"How could Second Brother kill high-ranking officials and commit such a grave mistake?"

Erzhu Rong was somewhat embarrassed by this remark, and the group of Northern military officers around him were all quite shocked.

Erzhu Rong's power reached its peak after the Hebei Incident, and he was practically all-powerful.

In this city of Luoyang, almost all those of high seniority and prestige than Zhu Rong are dead. Even the current emperor in the palace is nothing but a puppet, not to mention the military heroes of the north such as Gao Huan and Heba Yue.

They looked at Erzhu Rong from an almost always upward angle.

Now this person has arrived, looking at everyone at eye level, even using a blaming and questioning tone, which makes everyone a little afraid.

Erzhu Zhao was furious; he and Li Shuang had never clashed before. Seeing Li Shuang's arrogance, he loudly questioned him:
"Ohno Sawa, what do you mean?!"

Erzhu Zhao's words drew an angry rebuke from Erzhu Rong.

"Shut up! I'm talking to your third uncle, what right do you have to interrupt!"

Erzhu Rong said this, but inwardly he was filled with suspicion and uncertainty. What was Li Shuang trying to do? Was he going to establish a powerful backer?
Seeing this, Yuan Tianmu stepped in to smooth things over.

"Third brother, this matter is a bit complicated. Let's talk about it later!"

“How can we tolerate this? My second brother is such a simple and kind person. For him to do such a thing, there must be a villain instigating him.”

Erzhu Rong's expression softened upon hearing this, but he was still somewhat displeased.

However, among the group of northern military officers standing nearby, those who heard the words "traitor" were all somewhat terrified.

Gao Huan and Heba Yue, in particular, took a step back imperceptibly, shielding everyone in front of them, as if afraid that Li Shuang would see them.

"To be honest, Third Brother, I also felt some regret after this incident! Those officials..."

"Let's not discuss matters concerning officials and nobles today!"

"..."

Li Shuang sighed:
"Luoyang was once the best city in the world, but look at it now! The people are impoverished, and nine out of ten houses are empty. Second Brother, you're killing the goose that lays the golden eggs—it's truly unwise!"

After Li Shuang finished speaking, everyone was stunned.

So that was such a big mistake!

Erzhu Rong laughed, a very happy laugh, and immediately admitted his mistake.

"It's the brothers' fault!"

With that, Erzhu Rong grabbed Li Shuang's hand and, together with Yuan Tianmu, headed happily towards the city. Gao Huan and Heba Yue slowed down, standing behind Erzhu Zhao, only to hear Erzhu Zhao muttering curses:
"I knew that Da Ye Shuang was up to no good, damn it, he's here to steal our food!"

Erzhu Zhao ignored his good brother He Liuhun, extremely displeased, and followed after him.

Gao Huan and Heba Yue remained. As representatives of the Huai Shuo and Wu Chuan factions, respectively, they had always been at odds. Yet, for the first time ever, they gazed at each other intently, even feeling an urge to grasp each other's hands and sing the Song of the Charioteers together.

……

Erzhu Rong Mansion.

Erzhu Rong and Li Shuang hadn't drunk much when Erzhu Rong pulled him and Yuan Tianmu into a secret room in the back of the mansion and took out a map of Luoyang.

"Third brother, I know you can't hold your liquor. We have important matters to discuss today, so I won't make you drink any more."

Erzhu Rong's meaning was clear: the situation in Luoyang was still uncertain, and it was time to discuss it.

"To be honest, Third Brother, His Majesty will soon appoint me as the Grand General of Heavenly Pillar, in charge of all internal and external affairs. Now that I'm in such a high position, I can't forget my brothers. Let's divide Luoyang among the three of us. Which one do you want, Third Brother?"

Although Erzhu Rong and Yuan Tianmu were brothers and treated each other as equals, Yuan Tianmu was ultimately under Erzhu Rong's power structure.

Li Shuang is different; he has already started his own business.

Li Shuang arrived with three thousand cavalry, and Erzhu Rong, regardless of his appearance, was always wary of him.

However, at this moment, Erzhu Rong had to try his best to stabilize the situation. After all, Hebei, Henan, and Shandong were not yet pacified, and the most valuable regions of the Northern Wei Dynasty were not yet in Erzhu Rong's hands.

Moreover, Erzhu Rong's actions in Luoyang caused the official Northern Wei forces in the various prefectures and counties of Guandong to become increasingly alienated from Luoyang.

Southern Liang was also eager to make a move.

Erzhu Rong wanted to stabilize Guanzhong and also to demonstrate his prestige to the public, so he first tested Li Shuang's bottom line.

"What are you saying, Second Brother? Luoyang is the capital of the Great Wei. If we divide it up, how will you be able to continue serving as the General of the Heavenly Pillar if outsiders see it?"

Li Shuang's statement finally put Erzhu Rong's mind at ease.

This indicates that Li Shuang, the General of the Cavalry and Duke of Tang, was willing to accept the leadership of the General of the Heavenly Pillar.

At this moment, Yuan Tianmu, who had remained silent until now, finally spoke.

"Tianba is right, Tianbao, you've been reckless."

"Brother, I've had too much to drink and I'm a bit muddled. But the three of us brothers have finally entered Luoyang City today. Now that I've become the Heavenly Pillar General, I can't forget my oath! Tell me what you want!"

Erzhu Rong asked about Yuan Tianmu and Li Shuang, but what he really cared about was what Li Shuang wanted.

"There is a food shortage in Guanzhong. I was in Shancheng supervising the grain supply when I learned of what my second brother had done, so I came here specifically to remind him to be careful!"

Erzhu Rong was somewhat taken aback upon hearing this.

"what for?"

"Second Brother has committed a heinous crime by killing high-ranking officials and has lost popular support. But those northerners who follow you are able to be promoted and given titles, so they are willing to do anything for you. These northerners are useful, but Second Brother has to be wary of them. The three of us brothers, do we need to act like outsiders? We will always be led by Second Brother. Once the world is settled, we can enjoy wealth and honor in peace."

After Li Shuang said these words, Erzhu Rong was moved.

Yuan Tianmu also spoke up:

"Third brother is right, Tianbao. You've risen to a high position, but you must be careful. Outsiders are never as good as your brothers."

Erzhu Rong said:

"In that case, I won't say any more. There is a shortage of food in Guanzhong, so please feel free to take what you need from the Luoyang treasury."

……

(End of this chapter)