Memoirs of the Heavenly Khan

Chapter 245 Those who wish take the bait

Outside Baibi City, all horses were silent.

When news of the Yellow River freezing over in the winter reached Jinyang that the elite cavalry of Chang'an had crossed the ice to Hedong, Erzhu Rong could no longer sit still. He led nearly 10,000 elite cavalry of the Erzhu clan down the Fen River from Jinyang and stationed them at Baima City.

To the north of Jinyang lies Mayi, and to the east lies Jingxing Pass. As long as these two places are well guarded, the safety of the north and east will be assured.

Erzhu Rong appointed Gao Huan as the governor of the prefecture and ordered him to expand Pingyang County. This was partly to defend against threats from the Hedong region, and partly to extend his influence into the Hedong area.

The taxes levied on the salt lake were something Erzhu Rong had always been concerned about.

Although he increased the tax by another 30% on top of the original 30%, and Li Shuang agreed, Erzhu Rong still felt that something was wrong.

He had been trying to figure out the intricacies of the situation, but he couldn't find a way to get to the bottom of it.

The reason for this was that the salt workers near the Hedong Salt Lake, and even the local aristocratic families, all submitted to Li Shuang and did not obey Erzhu's orders.

Gao Huan did not disappoint Erzhu Rong's expectations. After becoming the governor, he continued the task of expanding the city and got along very well with the local officials and people.

Erzhu Rong originally thought that once the expansion of Pingyang County was completed, he could proceed with the next step.

But this time, when he brought his troops and saw the city of Baibi before him, he realized that his plan was doomed to fail.

Baibi City was built on a massive sloping hill on the south bank of the Fen River, surrounded by deep ravines, sheer cliffs, and towering peaks. The path leading uphill was narrow, too narrow for horses to ride side-by-side or carts to pass. Taking advantage of this terrain, Baibi City was fortified, and its spacious interior could accommodate a large garrison.

Who built this city?

Erzhu Rong observed the terrain around Baibi City, looked at the precipitous city gate, and couldn't help but ask.

Gao Huan, standing nearby, replied:
"This city was repaired by Wang Sizheng, the Right Vice Minister of the Chang'an Xingtai Prefecture, in the second year of Xiaochang. Over the years, it has been expanded and rebuilt, resulting in its present appearance. In addition, he also set up branch cities and ferry crossings around Baibi for support."

Erzhu Rong stroked his beard and said:
"Such a talent, I've never heard of him before. My third brother really knows how to hide people!"

The strategic importance of Baibi City itself is secondary; the key factor is the location of this fortified city.

From here, following the Fen River downstream, passing through Yu Bi, and further downstream is the Longmen Ferry. Southeast of Bai Bi City lies the Wenxi Road, an important route to Anyi.

This city is a strategic point, and Erzhu's army cannot bypass it.

If Erzhu's army couldn't get through, his influence couldn't penetrate into the Hedong region.

"General Tianzhu, this Wang Sizheng not only built cities in the Hedong region, but also constructed cities and fortresses in Hongnong, Dali and other places."

Gao Huan's reminder made Erzhu Rong chuckle softly.

Although Li Shuang gave Pingyang County to him, allowing the Erzhu clan to obtain a strategic buffer zone in the Hedong region southwest of Jinyang, Li Shuang had already made preparations and built defensive facilities in the Hedong region, the key area for entering Guanzhong.

Soon after, a rider arrived.

Erzhu Tianguang had just come from Baibi City, carrying Erzhu Rong's letter to Li Shuang, and was now returning with a reply.

Among the younger generation of the Erzhu clan, besides Erzhu Zhao, Erzhu Rong valued Erzhu Tianguang the most. After Erzhu Rong went south to Luoyang and became the General of Tianzhu, he not only granted Erzhu Tianguang the same founding dukedom as Erzhu Zhao, but also appointed him to the important position of Governor of Sizhou.

Among the Erzhu clan, Erzhu Tianguang was the one who had a relatively good relationship with Li Shuang.

Erzhu Rong sent him here because he wanted to have a proper discussion.

"What did your third uncle say?"

When Erzhu Rong asked him this, Erzhu Tianguang hesitated for a moment, then slowly replied:
"Third Uncle said he wouldn't see me!"

As soon as he finished speaking, the generals around Erzhu Rong seemed to feel the air around them drop several degrees, becoming icy cold.

Erzhu Rong's face was ashen, like an unyielding block of ice. Erzhu Tianguang continued:
"My third uncle also said that now that my uncle has become the General of the Heavenly Pillar, he's become arrogant and no longer recognizes his brothers! If that's the case, there's no need to see him."

Upon hearing this, Erzhu Rong broke down, pointing at Baibi City and roaring:

"So what if I don't want to see him? Just because I say I don't recognize my brothers doesn't mean he does!"

After saying this, Erzhu Rong rode away, leaving the surrounding generals at a loss.

Should we fight or not? At that moment, Gao Huan spoke up:

"Everyone, please return to your camps and await General Tianzhu's orders!"

Upon hearing Gao Huan's words, the generals dispersed.

Gao Huan pulled Erzhu Tianguang aside and asked:
"Duke, what else did the King of Qin say?"

Erzhu Tianguang said:
"My third uncle said that the country was in turmoil, but my uncle listened to the slander and, disregarding brotherly affection, wanted to harm him."

Gao Huan smiled after hearing this.

"In that case, you go and see the King of Qin again, and I will go and see General Tianzhu!"

"What?"

"Promote peace talks and restore their brotherly bond to avoid the calamity of war."

……

Bai Bicheng.

"Your Majesty, Erzhu Rong's cavalry has withdrawn."

After Erzhu Tianguang left, Hou Jing kept a close eye on the movements in the distance.

He only breathed a sigh of relief when Erzhu Rong's banner disappeared.

"Erzhu Rong's forces are really impressive. If a fight breaks out, we might not have the upper hand!"

Li Shuang sat in the chair, smiling leisurely.

"If my second brother sees this Baibi City and still wants to fight it, then it means he truly intends to kill me!"

Hou Jing was alarmed upon hearing this and warned him:
"Your Majesty, now that the two armies are facing each other, even if Erzhu Rong doesn't want to fight, his men may not share that intention. If something goes wrong, it could really get complicated if a battle breaks out."

Li Shuang nodded.

Wars sometimes begin with a small accident and escalate into a full-scale conflict.

"At this point, a wise person is needed to mediate."

After hearing this, Hou Jing pondered for a moment and said:

"He Liuhun?"

Just then, an urgent report came from outside.

Hou Jing came out, took the military intelligence delivered by the messenger outside, and went back into the house.

Hou Jing presented the box containing military intelligence documents to Li Shuang. The latter waved his hand, and Hou Jing opened it, took out the documents, and his expression changed.

"Your Majesty, a report has come from Chang'an that a Liang army is advancing through the Ziwu Valley."

Hou Jing put down the document in his hand, looked at Li Shuang, and said:

"Our elite cavalry has been deployed, leaving Chang'an City vulnerable. The Liang army's move out of the Ziwu Valley at this time is aimed at Chang'an!"

Hou Jing was shaken, but Li Shuang remained calm. Hou Jing felt a sense of peace, but also a little strange.

"When did the Liang army stationed in Hanzhong acquire such capabilities, daring to leap through the Ziwu Valley and enter Guanzhong?"

Upon hearing this, Li Shuang stood up and laughed:

"We really caught a big fish!"

……

(End of this chapter)