Memoirs of the Heavenly Khan

Chapter 300 For Peace
Jingzhou.

The Liang army marched north from Xiangyang with great momentum. After Hebasheng retreated from Wuguan, he thought there would be a big battle. However, to his surprise, the Liang army did not have the intention to fight Hebasheng in one fell swoop and take over the entire territory of Nanyang.

Gradually, Hebasheng also realized that Liang's northern attack was more hype than substance.

"How is it?"

Dugu Xin led his army back, bringing with him the latest situation on the battlefield.

"Liang Jun is only trying to seize land and cities and advance the battle line. He has no intention of fighting us at all. On the contrary, Li Shengui is the one who is fighting the most seriously!"

"Li Shengui?"

Hebasheng was somewhat surprised and said:
"He only has a little over three thousand men under his command now, so why is he fighting so desperately? What benefits has Liang Jun promised him?"

At its peak, Li Shengui, as the Prince of Chenliu, commanded tens of thousands of troops while stationed in Henan. However, with the defeat and death of Yuan Hao and the subsequent occupation of Henan by Erzhu Rong, Li Shengui's military strength drastically decreased.

Many of the tens of thousands of troops who followed Li Shengui at that time were local state and county soldiers. These people would naturally not follow Li Shengui into exile, but would choose to stay in their hometowns.

Li Shengui now commands fewer troops than Hebasheng's core Six Garrisons Army, so Hebasheng is naturally not afraid.

"It doesn't seem so. Li Shengui seems to want to take advantage of the Liang people's influence to open up the road to Guanzhong, and he doesn't intend to fight us to the death."

Dugu Xin's assessment made Hebasheng nod. However, Hebasheng hesitated, wondering whether he should take action against Li Shengui.

However, after thinking about it, dealing with the Liang people was already troublesome enough, and his elder brother was still in Li Shengui's army, so there was no need to do anything extra.

Who knows, it might even attract reinforcements from Guanzhong.

Just then, a report came from outside the city.

People from Luoyang have arrived!
Upon hearing the news, Hebasheng dared not delay and led his men out of the city to greet them.

The visitor was Husichun, another trusted confidant of Erzhu Rong in Luoyang, and also an old acquaintance of Hebasheng and others.

Hebasheng welcomed Husichun into the city and treated him with great hospitality.

After catching up with him for a while, Hu Sichun revealed the purpose of his visit.

"The Liang people are coming in with overwhelming force. Can we still hold this place?"

Hebasheng did not tell the truth, but instead said:
"I'm afraid it will be difficult. We still need to ask Luoyang to send reinforcements as soon as possible. I am here on His Majesty's orders and under the command of General Tianzhu to guard this place. Until the reinforcements arrive, I will protect the land of Great Wei. Even if I fall in front of the Liang people, I will not utter a sound."

Husichun heard Hebasheng's statement and a smile appeared on his face.

Hu Sichun knew that Luoyang could not send reinforcements at present.

After suffering a setback in Hedong, Erzhu Rong retreated to Jinyang, where rebellions broke out in Hebei, Shandong, and other places. Although the troops in Luoyang were under Erzhu Rong's control, they were already struggling to deal with the troops in Guanzhong and could not send any troops to support Jingzhou.

Husichun naturally understood this, and Hebasheng also knew that Luoyang could not send reinforcements.

"To refute Hu's words is truly magnificent!"

After praising him, Husi Chun continued:
"Po Hu probably doesn't know yet, but Da Yeshuang is going to Longshan to fight Houmo Chenyue."

Hebasheng truly did not know.

He was only separated from Guanzhong by the Wuguan Pass, but ever since he led his army to attack Wuguan, trade and communication between the two sides had been cut off and communication had been disrupted.

Furthermore, with Liang's army heading north, Hebasheng only sent scouts to investigate outside Wuguan Pass, without venturing deep into Guanzhong.

Therefore, little news came from Guanzhong; in fact, Husi Chun of Luoyang knew more about it than he did.

As Hebasheng was pondering, Husichun spoke up again:
"Da Ye Shuang's arrogance is unprecedented. After the court learned of this, it sent envoys to mediate, but they couldn't even get through the gates of Chang'an. After General Tianzhu withdrew his troops from Hedong, Da Ye Shuang's arrogance has become even more rampant. Once he consolidates the Longyou region, I'm afraid his next step will be to move eastward."

Upon hearing this, Hebasheng subconsciously replied:

“A true man has reached this point, truly…”

Before he could finish speaking, Hebasheng felt Husichun's surprised gaze and quickly tried to salvage the situation:
"Shameless!"

Husichun couldn't help but nod and said:

“That Da Yeshuang is nothing but a bandit, yet he now occupies Guanzhong, dominates the region, and arbitrarily changes the court's system. He decides his punishments and rewards according to his own will. How shameless he is! His Majesty is very worried and sent me here to inform Po Hu that if Da Yeshuang dares to defy the world and march into the capital region, he will need a loyal and brave man like Po Hu to defend the king.”

"Your Majesty, I will certainly not fail in your trust!"

Husichun nodded and left. Afterwards, Dugu Xin, who had remained silent the whole time, sighed:

"It seems that many people have been tempted after the Battle of Baibi."

Husichun was sent to Luoyang by Erzhu Rong, but now he is relaying messages for Yuan Ziyou, which is clearly disrespectful.

Hebasheng glanced at Dugu Xin and smiled:
"It's a pity that those who had such thoughts didn't understand that General Tianzhu's inability to defeat Da Yeshuang didn't mean he couldn't do anything about them!"

Hebasheng's words carried a certain clarity and rationality. Dugu Xin was about to offer a few words of praise when Hebasheng continued:
"Qimi, tell our brothers on the front lines to stop entangled with Li Shenggui and let them pass."

After listening, Dugu Xin asked:

What is the meaning of "breaking the Hu"?

Hebasheng sighed:
"The stronger Ohno Sou becomes, the closer we are to Luoyang. The reason we, the people of the Six Garrisons, suffered in the past was because we were too far from Luoyang."
-
Pingliang.

Li Shuang summoned the soldiers of the various commanders under the jurisdiction of the Jimi Prefecture. Some of them were very cooperative, such as Cao Ni and She Digan, who brought their most elite troops.

They had suffered losses at the hands of Heba Yue and Yuwen Luosheng, and they all hoped to recover their losses through this operation.

Of course, some cooperated, while others were very unwilling.

For example, the group of people being whipped by Hou Jing. They were all leaders of small tribes, with diverse backgrounds, but broadly categorized as Hu people.

"We agreed to meet here ten days in advance, why are you so late!"

The group remained silent, enduring the whippings. They understood that the more they spoke, the more whips they would receive.

Just as Hou Jing had finished smoking, Li Shuang arrived and shouted:

"Stop! How can you do this!"

Hou Jingdao:
"Your Majesty, they have all missed the deadline for the army!"

"At this time of day, it is still snowing in some places. Every tribe has its difficulties, and it is normal to arrive late. Why be so harsh!"

After Li Shuang finished speaking, those who had been punished by Hou Jing all knelt down and said:
"Your Majesty is benevolent!"

Of course, there were also many who secretly complained, wishing they had been more benevolent earlier.

Li Shuang asked everyone to rise, and very politely led them into the tent, serving them wine and drinks. Seeing that the atmosphere was just right, he asked:

Do you know why I'm conscripting you instead of using the local troops in Guanzhong?

The group of people who were eating didn't think much of it, and someone spoke up:
"We'll offer you a lower price!"

Hou Jing, standing nearby, became stern and rebuked:
"What are you saying, you brat!"

The man heard Hou Jing's voice, was startled, and the burning sensation from the whip returned. He quickly stood up and said:
"Your Majesty, please forgive me. I had been drinking and spoke nonsense!"

Li Shuang waved his hand and said:

"You're right!"

The group of people who were enjoying the meal were taken aback, but then they heard Li Shuang say:
"Think about it, I need to gather the soldiers, prepare a lot of provisions, and conscript laborers. All of this is a lot of trouble. But you are different. You don't need provisions, you even have your own horses, and you are familiar with the terrain. How much more cost-effective is that!"

Everyone who heard this felt uneasy.

"But that's not the main reason I'm looking for you."

"Your Majesty, why is that?"

Li Shuang asked:

"Some of your tribes have lived on this land since the Qin and Han dynasties. Over the years, whether you are Xiongnu, Di, or Xianbei, you have all been here. Why is that?"

Someone tentatively replied:

"We're pragmatic?" "Wrong. That's because the land you've occupied is land that no one else wanted. Otherwise, you would have been killed by the Qin people back in Qin Shi Huang's time!"

The truth may not be the most timely, but it is definitely the most hurtful.

Everyone's expression changed upon hearing Li Shuang's words.

"While I am in Guanzhong, your land remains yours. But if Houmochen Yue and Heba Yue arrive here, will your land still be yours?"

Everyone's hearts pounded. Those two guys, surely they wouldn't do that!

Seeing that everyone was pondering, Li Shuang said:

"I can tell you right here that they will devour you completely."

At this point, someone questioned:

"Isn't Your Majesty exaggerating a bit?"

Li Shuang smiled, unconcerned, and said:

"Think about it, I am Han Chinese, what use is your land to me? I can't farm it. But they are different. If they get rich, they will not only want your land, but also your tribe's people and livestock. Why? Because they are just like you, poor, arrogant, and penniless!"

Everyone was stunned by these words. Was he praising us or insulting us?

Li Shuang then said:

"But what makes them better than you is that they are better at fighting, better at stealing, and even more shameless."

"..."

Seeing that everyone was silent, Li Shuang said in a deep voice:
"This battle is not just for me, it's for yourselves!"

At this moment, Cao Ni stepped forward and shared his experience:

"Don't you believe me? I saw it with my own eyes. There used to be more than a dozen small tribes around Licheng, but after Heba Yue left, they didn't even leave a trace. Those stinking beggars from the north have never seen anything good before, and they want everything. The Prince of Qin may not care about your possessions, but Houmo Chenyue and Heba Yue will definitely want them."

Cao Ni looked at the group of people in the tent and threatened them:

"They're all northerners! They plundered Hebei from the Six Garrisons, and now they've come here. Do you still expect to keep your possessions?"

After Cao Ni finished speaking, those in the tent who had been somewhat hesitant now believed him.

"so what should I do now?"

Hou Jingdao:
"Of course we should unite around the King of Qin and attack them first!"

The group exchanged glances, then stepped forward and bowed, saying:

"We are willing to serve the King of Qin!"
-
Shuiluo City.

As the forward base of Lueyang City, it guards the strategic passes of Jitou Road and Fanxu Road, and is now guarded by Yuan Hongjing, the son-in-law of Houmochenyue.

The climate in Longxi is harsh, and as the altitude increases, some places will even see snow in April or May.

Since taking office, Yuan Hongjing has been quite responsible.

However, the frigid weather still made him want to hide inside the house with the charcoal fire burning, and he didn't really want to go out.

Hou Mochen Yue's army of over ten thousand men was composed of a very diverse group.

In addition to his own troops and the soldiers from the Six Garrisons given by Erzhu Rong, Houmochen Yue also absorbed the troops from the Hu tribes in Longxi and other places, as well as a small number of the troops from the powerful Han clans.

These soldiers are formidable in combat, but they also have internal factions.

As outsiders, the Six Garrisons had considerable conflicts with the local Hu and Han tribes in Longxi. The local Hu and Han people also had many grudges. Even among the Hu people in Longxi, there were different factions, as well as many resentful people from Guanzhong!
Hou Mochenyue could only deal with these people by dividing and conquering them.

But after all, no matter how well they divide and rule in peacetime, they must be brought together in wartime to fight the enemy together.

The problem is that although Yuan Hongjing is a trusted confidant of Hou Mochenyue, he does not have enough prestige and means to subdue these "insiders"!
"Why are you still here? Everyone outside is saying that Ohno Sō is going to attack!"

The one who said this was Wanqipu, also a native of Laoliu Town. He had initially risen to power in Woye Town with Poluhanbaling, but later surrendered to the Northern Wei and was now under the command of Houmochenyue.

Wanqipu and Yuan Hongjing did not get along well, mainly because Yuan Hongjing's surname was Yuan!
The two usually didn't get along, but at this moment, Wan Qipu was genuinely anxious.

Yuan Hongjing disagreed, saying:
"With this weather, do you think Ohno Sou can call so quickly? Don't worry unnecessarily!"

Wanqipu was somewhat angry upon hearing this and said:

"I'm not kidding you. A herdsman from a tribe came to report that he saw Da Yeshuang's cavalry!"

Upon hearing this, Yuan Hongjing's expression changed.

"Then close the city gates!"

Just then, someone outside reported:

"General, the enemy army has reached outside the city!"

Upon hearing this, Yuan Hongjing hurriedly asked:
"how many people?"

"About ten riders!"

Yuan Hongjing was stunned and didn't react.

"How many?"

"About ten riders!"

Yuan Hongjing burst into laughter upon hearing this, glanced at Wan Qipu, and said:

"These are the cavalrymen you were talking about, Ohno Sou?"

Wanqipu was speechless for a moment, while Yuan Hongjing said smugly:
"Send troops first to wipe out these ten or so riders!"

Yuan Hongjing waited in this room for news of victory, but what he received was only an increasingly loud commotion.

"What happened?"

Yuan Hongjing stepped out of his mansion, only to find the city in chaos. He grabbed a defeated soldier and asked:

"What happened?"

"They've broken in!"

"Who?"

Yuan Hongjing's question was quickly answered. On the street, more than ten cavalrymen were galloping towards him, looking like demons.

Seeing this, Yuan Hongjing didn't have time to think. He ran back into the mansion while shouting:
"Close the gates immediately!"

A javelin flew by and struck Yuan Hongjing in the leg, causing him to crouch down in pain.

Before he could even return to his residence, the dozen or so riders galloped up and surrounded Yuan Hongjing. The leader asked:
Do you still recognize me?

"You are... Houmochen Chong?"

Yuan Hongjing exclaimed in surprise. At this moment, Wan Qipu arrived with his troops, and he hurriedly cried for help:

"help me!"

Hou Mochen Chong, however, remained unfazed. Facing the city's soldiers and horses, he led a dozen or so riders and roared:

"I am Houmochen Chong, a general under the command of the King of Qin. The King of Qin is leading his army and is about to arrive. Do not move, or you will be destroyed!"

Hou Mochen Chong's seemingly mad appearance, and the name he was calling out, instilled fear in the soldiers brought by Wan Qipu.

Outside Shuiluo City, surrounded by a thousand cavalrymen, with the Three Stars Banner waving, Li Shuang looked at the scene on the city wall and the gates that suddenly burst open, and said:
"Enter the city!"

……

(End of this chapter)