Memoirs of the Heavenly Khan

Chapter 278 Northern Expedition and Southern Campaign
Luoyang City.

Erzhu Rong led an army of tens of thousands south, defeating Chen Qingzhi and forcing him to flee with only a few hundred remaining troops. He occupied the Yan and Yu regions, and then left Erzhu Zhongyuan to garrison Henan. Instead of continuing south to eliminate Li Shengui's troops and Yuan Hao's remaining forces in the Yu region, he led his army back to Luoyang.

The Southern Liang army had amassed a large force on the border, and Erzhu Rong feared that if he continued south, he might accidentally clash with the Liang army.

In this case, it will probably take at least a year and a half to determine the winner.

Erzhu Rong didn't have that much time to get entangled with Liang Jun.

On his way back to Luoyang, Erzhu Rong learned that after hearing the news of his withdrawal, the Liang army did not send reinforcements. After leaving only the necessary troops for defense, they also withdrew.

Clearly, Liang Jun was not prepared for a large-scale war.

Upon learning of this, Erzhu Rong finally breathed a sigh of relief.

After returning to Luoyang, Erzhu Rong appointed a large number of Erzhu clan members to positions as heads of prefectures and counties throughout the Central Plains.

Erzhu Zhongyuan was appointed Governor of Yanzhou.
Erzhu Dulu was appointed as the governor of Xuzhou.
Erzhu Yusheng was appointed as the governor of Yinzhou.
Erzhu Shilong was appointed as the garrison commander of Luoyang.
……

Erzhu Rong controlled the Central Plains, the most elite region of the Northern Wei Dynasty. In order to control these lands, he arranged for members of his clan to be stationed in various places to manage the local areas, while he himself lived in Jinyang, overlooking Luoyang and Hebei from a high position, thus intimidating the world.

Having done all this, Erzhu Rong set his sights on Guanzhong.

Erzhu Rong's residence in Luoyang was the former residence of Prime Minister Yuan Yong.

When Empress Hu regained control of the government, she had the eunuch Liu Teng, who had imprisoned her, cremated him, confiscated his property, and bestowed Liu Teng's mansion in the inner city upon Yuan Yong, the meritorious official who had helped her rise to power.

After Yuan Yong's death, the house came into the possession of Erzhu Rong.

After several periods of turmoil and destruction in Luoyang, this once luxurious mansion was reduced to a mere shell, with all its valuables removed.

After Erzhu Rong took control of Luoyang, Erzhu Shilong had the mansion renovated.

The weather was sweltering. Erzhu Rong lay on the semi-open courtyard corridor. Having just finished dealing with some important government affairs, he took out some fine wine that had been chilled in the ice chest and slowly began to drink it.

At this moment, Erzhu Rong was in a good mood, feeling quite content to enjoy the world.

The sound of heavy footsteps approached, but Erzhu Rong didn't turn around. He knew that at this time, only Yuan Tianmu would come to him.

Although Yuan Tianmu was a member of the Yuan clan, he was undoubtedly the second most important figure in the Erzhu clan.

Even though many members of the Erzhu clan were dissatisfied, Erzhu Rong still placed Yuan Tianmu below him, and only below him.

"Tianbao is in high spirits!"

Erzhu Rong has changed. He is no longer the chieftain of the people in Beixiurong, but a hegemon who controls the world.

Yuan Tianmu knew exactly when to call him General Tianzhu and when to call him Tianbao.

"The iced drinks are inside, big brother, help yourself!"

Erzhu Rong tapped the ice chest next to him casually.

Yuan Tianmu ran over from his Shangdang Prince's Mansion, his body already covered in sweat. Without any ceremony, he opened the ice chest and took out a bottle of fine wine.

The wine went down my throat with a sweet taste.

Yuan Tianmu took a sip, feeling much better. He glanced at Erzhu Rong and said:

"Is Tianbao in a good mood?"

Erzhu Rong swirled the wine in his hand. Unlike the rice wine Yuan Tianmu was holding, his cup contained wine.

"This was sent by my third brother to congratulate me on quelling the Yuan Hao Rebellion."

Yuan Tianmu was clearly surprised. He knew that Erzhu Rong had tried to kill Li Shuang more than once.

The fact that he's now willing to drink the wine he brings shows that his attitude has clearly improved.

"Third Brother still cares about Tianbao after all."

Erzhu Rong smiled, a hint of sarcasm in his expression. "He doesn't just have two brothers like us; he also has a sworn brother who's currently hiding in Nanyu Prefecture, colluding with the Liang people!"

Yuan Tianmu was at a loss for words when Erzhu Rong spoke again:
"To be honest, there were times when I wanted to kill him. I even prepared troops and planned to launch an attack on Guanzhong after defeating the Liang people, but in the end I stopped myself from thinking about it."

Yuan Tianmu had been pretending to be ignorant, but now that Erzhu Rong had brought it up, he could no longer remain silent.

"What exactly is Tianbao's plan?"

“Now that half of the world has been pacified, I am not a petty person and will not tolerate him becoming the King of Qin.”

With that, Erzhu Rong downed the wine in his cup in one gulp.

"Since the Six Garrisons, the Great Wei has been in chaos. I intend to recuperate for three years, accumulate grain and supplies, and then march south with the army to destroy Liang. I hope my third brother can help me."

Upon hearing this, Yuan Tianmu felt reassured, but then he heard Erzhu Rong say:
"But he must first appoint a son with Erzhu blood as the heir apparent to the King of Qin!"
-
Dongtai Temple.

Xiao Gang knelt on the ground, his face ashen.

He was accompanied by Wei Fang, Chen Qingzhi, Lan Qin, and others.

After Yuan Hao was killed, Xiao Gang managed to escape with difficulty under the pursuit of Erzhu's iron cavalry. He eventually arrived at Li Shengui's place and was finally able to return to Liang.

Upon his return, Xiao Gang apologized to Xiao Yan.

After waiting for a long time, Zhu Yi finally arrived.

"Lord Zhu, does the Emperor wish to see me?"

Zhu Yi gave an awkward smile and could only carefully apologize.

"His Majesty says Your Highness has had a long journey and should return to your residence to rest."

Then, Zhu Yi looked at Wei Fang and the others.

"Generals, His Majesty wishes to see you!"

Under Xiao Gang's resentful gaze, Wei Fang and the others entered the Great Buddha Hall.

Inside the hall, the Buddha's eyes were lowered, and beneath the Buddha statue stood an old monk.

"See Your Majesty!"

After offering incense, Xiao Yan slowly turned around.

This emperor of the Southern Liang Dynasty had a kind face, yet he was also dignified and imposing, possessing an aura that made ordinary people afraid to disobey him.

"There is no need for such formalities before Buddha."

Standing before Xiao Yan were all the top generals of the Liang Kingdom. Yet, in Xiao Yan's presence, they all acted like juniors, showing no trace of arrogance.

"You have all worked hard on this Northern Expedition. I have already decided on the rewards. You will all be promoted after we return."

"We have lost our city and territory, how dare we accept any reward?"

Xiao Yan sighed and said:

"It's no wonder you're all like this; it's because I hesitated too much and missed a good opportunity."

The person before me spoke as if he were not an emperor, but rather an old monk, recounting past events.

"I was born in the Liu Song dynasty and grew up in the Xiao Qi dynasty. I witnessed the tyranny of Emperor Donghun and the loss of the Mandate of Heaven. I had no choice but to raise an army to punish the tyranny and inherit the throne. After ascending the throne, I spent ten years abolishing the oppressive policies of Xiao Qi and pacifying the scholars and common people. I also spent another ten years reorganizing the military and resisting foreign aggression. Looking back, I am already over sixty years old."

"Seeing the tyranny of the Northern Hu and the turmoil in the Central Plains, I wish to launch a northern expedition, but I fear I will suffer the same fate as Emperor Wen of Song, causing further hardship for the people. It seems that even if I do not wish to wage war, Erzhu Rong, that barbarian, will inevitably march south sooner or later. Fortunately, you loyal ministers and generals are guarding this region, which puts my mind at ease. You should train your troops well to prepare for the Northern Hu."

Hearing these sincere words, Wei Fang and the others were deeply moved and bowed, saying:
"We, your subjects, swear to serve Your Majesty and safeguard the state of Liang."

……

(End of this chapter)