Memoirs of the Heavenly Khan

Chapter 302 We're all family.

After the snow started, everything was covered in white, and the snow fell heavier and heavier.

A large number of Hu cavalry set up camps around Shuiluo City, the camps stretching for miles.

The scouts reported what they had seen back to Lueyang City, and Hou Mochen Yue became even more worried upon learning of it.

Li Shuang has already gone up Longshan Mountain, and he has brought so many soldiers with him.

Hou Mochen Yue had no time to react. More importantly, he was worried about what his men would think after seeing this scene.

It should be noted that Shuiluo City and Lueyang City are not far apart, and what Houmo Chenyue's scouts can see, others can also see.

For the past few days, Yuan Hongjing has been in a coma, occasionally waking up intermittently, but unable to speak coherently, leaving Hou Mo and Chen Yue confused about the specific situation at the front.

For example, what Hou Mochen Yue was most concerned about was how many of his own people were still in Shuiluo City.
Doulu Guang entered the room, looked at Houmo Chenyue whose face was practically etched with worry, and cupped his hands in greeting:

"General, we have news from the front!"

Doulu Guang's words finally cheered Hou Mochen Yue up.

"how?"

"There must be an inside traitor!"

"An inside man?"

While Houmo Chenyue was pondering, Doulu Guang had already spoken:

"Two or three out of ten of the generals in Shuiluo City had secretly colluded with Da Yeshuang before he arrived."

As he spoke, Doulu Guang added, "..."
"If there are so many people in Shuiluo City, how many are in Lueyang City?"

Hou Mochen Yue's expression changed drastically upon hearing this, and in a panic, he blurted out:

"Am I really left with no choice but to run away with my troops, as Yuan Hongjing suggested?"

Doulu Guang was taken aback, then advised:

"Things have not come to this yet, General, there is no need for such behavior. You should know that Lueyang's military supplies are plentiful, and the troops led by Da Yeshuang are mostly Hu cavalry. If we were to attack the city, the outcome would be uncertain."

Doulu Guang's words calmed Hou Mochen Yue down. He had panicked and lost his composure for a moment, but after calming down, Hou Mochen Yue regained his rationality.

Lueyang City's defenses are formidable. Li Shuang's rapid arrival suggests he didn't bring siege equipment; even if they were hastily constructed, it would take time. Coupled with the weather conditions, Li Shuang's army is certainly incapable of attacking the city at this moment.

"Then what should I do?"

"We must stabilize public morale!"

"To stabilize morale?"

Doulu Guang cupped his hands and said:

"Although so many people in Shuiluo City are secretly colluding with Da Yeshuang, they might not have been so determined to surrender if Da Yeshuang hadn't arrived so quickly. Qinzhou is so big, does everyone want to surrender to Da Yeshuang? General, don't forget, many people have a blood feud with Da Yeshuang!"

Upon hearing this, Hou Mochenyue regained her composure and became confident again.

Doulu Guang felt reassured as he watched.

As governor, Houmochen Yue had an irreplaceable role: serving as a link between the various factions in Qin Province. Doulu Guang, as his military advisor, could remind him, but could not replace him.

After regaining his composure, Hou Mochenyue took advantage of the snow falling outside and summoned all the generals from his various factions to come over one by one.

The first people I met were meritorious officials and Hu tribes who had fled from Guanzhong and lost their land.

When Hou Mochen Yue saw them, his face was filled with sorrow, and he placed boxes filled with money in front of everyone.

"Da Ye Shuang has brought his army here, and disaster is imminent! You all came from Guanzhong and are returning in desperation. I cannot bear to see you all perish under Da Ye Shuang's blade. Divide this wealth among yourselves and flee for your lives!"

Hearing this, everyone looked at each other. There were dozens of people in the room, and with everyone talking at once, no one could come to a clear conclusion.

An old man stepped forward and, on behalf of the crowd, asked:

"Governor, where else can we escape to?"

Hou Mochen Yue laughed:

"The journey west is still long. Even if you manage to take Qin Prefecture, settle Liang Prefecture, and reach Dunhuang and Yumen, you will still have a way to survive. If you don't go to Tuyuhun, you can go to Kucha and Gaochang in the Western Regions. If all else fails, you can go north to the grasslands."

After saying this, the old man laughed:
“Da Yeshuang is tyrannical and even more wicked than the natural disasters that have caused the earth to crack. Eight or nine out of ten people in Guanzhong have fled. Our land, servants, cattle, sheep, wives and concubines have all been taken by Da Yeshuang. Why did we come to this Longxi land instead of going to the prosperous Luoyang? Wasn’t it so that one day we could fight our way back to Guanzhong?”

After the old man finished speaking, he looked at the group of people in the room and said:

"I'm already an old man, I can't go that far anymore. If you want to go eat sand and grass, I won't stop you. I, this old Bu Liu Gu, will stay here and fight Da Ye Shuang to the very end."

Upon hearing this, everyone in the room responded.

Old Bu Liu Gu said indignantly:
"We have received great kindness from the governor, which has saved us from becoming homeless dogs. If we do not fight now, when will we? What is death? We have nothing left to lose!"

Hou Mochen was overjoyed upon seeing this, and grasped the old man's hand, saying:
"Hearing your words, I am greatly comforted! I am now willing to join hands with you all to defend this city and this land, until death do us part!"

"I am willing to serve the governor to the death!"

After gaining the loyalty of this group, Hou Mochen Yue went to meet a group of soldiers from the Six Garrisons.

When Hou Mochen Yue met these people, he did not go directly to their residence as he had done with the meritorious officials and Hu Bu who had fled from Guanzhong. Instead, he went to the military camp in person to meet these old brothers.

These soldiers from the Six Garrisons were all troublemakers and destabilizing elements selected by Erzhu Rong from Jinyang, and Heba Yue brought them along.

Houmo Chenyue knew their temperament, so he personally visited them in the freezing cold, bringing fine wine, delicious food, and beautiful women. Just like in the past in the north, they drank and ate meat around the campfire, watching the Hu women dance the Hu Xuan dance.

When the wine was half-finished, Hou Mochenyue spoke:

"Ohno Sō is here, what should we do?"

Surrounding Hou Mochen Yue were the leaders of the Six Garrisons. After drinking, eating meat, and embracing beauties, they didn't lie and spoke the truth directly:

"Hou Mochen, this Da Yeshuang is not easy to deal with! Back then, we followed the Prince of Guangyang, and more than 100,000 men went to Hulao Pass, but he still managed to break through our defenses. Our idea is to try to make peace if possible, and if that's not possible, we shouldn't fight him in open battle. It's best to defend Lueyang City!"

Hearing this, Hou Mochen Yue felt reassured.

"Defend Lueyang City?"

"Our families and relatives are mostly in Jinyang. Now that Erzhu Rong and Daye Shuang have turned against each other, we are unwilling to surrender and avoid causing trouble for our families. If we hold Lueyang City, Daye Shuang will not be able to take it. It would be best to retreat when faced with difficulties."

"With these words from my brothers, I'll drink this cup of wine!"

Hou Mochen Yue drank the wine and left the camp, the last thing he saw was what he considered the toughest challenge.

Li Bi!

Li Bi was the second-in-command under Hou Mochen Yue. This position was not bestowed by Hou Mochen Yue, but rather earned by Li Bi through his own abilities.

Under Li Bi's command were a group of strong Han Chinese and brave Qiang and Hu people from Longyou.

Among the Qinzhou soldiers, Li Bi and his troops were among the best, even surpassing the six hundred troops under Houmo Chenyue.

Li Bi was not surprised by Hou Mochen Yue's arrival. In fact, after learning that Hou Mochen Yue had gone to the camp of the Six Garrisons, Li Bi knew that Hou Mochen Yue would come looking for him sooner or later.

"Jinghe, do you think Lueyang City can still be defended?"

Hou Mochen Yue didn't even bother with formalities; the first thing he said to Li Bi was to ask him the question that was most on his mind.

To be precise, Hou Mochenyue didn't want to know the answer to this question, but rather Li Bi's attitude.

"We can defend it!" Li Bi's words put Hou Mochen Yue at ease, and she breathed a sigh of relief.

However, Li Bi's next words made Hou Mochenyue frown again.

"But how long are you going to stay here, and what are you going to do while you stay here?"

Hou Mochenyue said in a deep voice:
"Jinghe, just say what you have to say!"

Upon seeing this, Li Bi directly said:

"How long are you going to hold out in this Lueyang City? Until General Tianzhu launches his next attack on Hedong and the King of Qin withdraws his troops?"

Hou Mochenyue, upon hearing this, couldn't help but ask:

"Why not?"

Li Bi shook his head and said:

"In this way, it would only be a waste of money and grain, and a pointless labor for soldiers and civilians. What good would it do?"

Li Bi's meaning was very clear: they would gain nothing from fighting Li Shuang now, whether they won or lost, so why should they continue fighting?
"We are merely guarding this territory for Erzhu Rong, to contain the King of Qin. But you saw the Battle of Baibi before. Erzhu Rong led over 100,000 troops out of Jinyang, intending to conquer Hedong and advance on Chang'an, but he failed to even capture Baibi and was forced to retreat in haste. After this battle, Erzhu Rong will certainly not easily march south again. So, what is the point of us guarding this place for Erzhu Rong!"

If anyone else had said Li Bi's words, Hou Mochen Yue would have killed him long ago.

But precisely because the person in front of him was Li Bi, Hou Mochen Yue dared not make a move.

Firstly, I couldn't bear to, and secondly, I couldn't win.

If they really start fighting, it's hard to say who will cut whom!

"You mean you voted for Ohno Sawa?"

Li Bi nodded, a hint of excitement in his expression, and said:

"Over the years, I have been observing the situation in Guanzhong. After the King of Qin entered Guanzhong with his seven thousand troops, he first established twelve military prefectures, and then set up the Zhechong Prefecture. Step by step, he gradually became a rival to the Erzhu clan. Erzhu Rong controlled the fertile lands of the Central Plains and commanded hundreds of thousands of troops. His power was formidable, but it was nothing more than a castle in the air with no real foundation. Although the King of Qin was in the impoverished Guanzhong region, he established military prefectures, dug canals to cultivate fields, and promoted education and schools. He laid a solid foundation step by step."

Li Bi became increasingly excited as he spoke, his voice becoming quite impassioned, and asked:

"So, what is the King of Qin still lacking?"

Hou Mochen asked blankly:
"What's wrong?"

"As the saying goes, 'Having gained Longyou, one desires Shu.' If the King of Qin could acquire the elite troops of Longyou and the grain supplies of Bashu, his great cause could be accomplished. At this opportune moment, we possess the strength of Longyou and control the best troops in the land. If we can return east to the sea and gather in Chang'an, we will surely be highly valued by the King of Qin. A great man establishes merit and fame in the world, leaving a lasting legacy. Isn't that far better than being a guard dog?"

Li Bi's words conveyed a certain meaning.

surrender!

If you surrender, Li Shuang will definitely accept you and treat you with high-ranking positions and generous rewards.

Hou Mochen felt very uncomfortable after hearing this.

Serving Erzhu Rong is like being a guard dog, but serving Da Ye Shuang is like being a true hero!
“Jinghe, even if I wanted to surrender, I’m afraid the others wouldn’t agree. I need to ask the others about this before we can discuss it further! For now, let’s work together to defend Lueyang City! Otherwise, even if we wanted to surrender, I’m afraid the Hu cavalry under Da Yeshuang’s command wouldn’t let us surrender.”

"It's natural!"

Hou Mochenyue did not get the answer he wanted from Li Bi, and Li Bi did not get the answer he wanted from Hou Mochenyue either.

Watching Hou Mochenyue's departing figure, Li Bi couldn't help but sigh:
"Be cautious about your life when undertaking great tasks, but risk your life for petty gains!"

Li Bi's men came over and asked:

"My lord, has the governor not agreed?"

Li Bi said leisurely:
"In this chaotic world, it's either advance or retreat. My nephew just doesn't understand!"
-
Shuiluo City.

Hou Jing, who had just returned from outside Lueyang City, brought the latest news.

"Your Majesty, Houmochen Yue has gathered his soldiers and collected horses, camels, cattle, and sheep in the city. It seems he has no intention of surrendering."

Li Shuang asked:

Has any news come from the city?

Hou Jing shook his head and said:

"Houmo Chenyue has a tight grip on power, and everyone inside and outside the camp is his trusted confidant. Those who came from Guanzhong and gathered under his command are still very eager to fight, and they even fought a few battles with our scouts."

Li Shuang smiled and said:
"It seems that Hou Mochen Yue is quite capable."

"Your Majesty, if Houmo Chenyue truly intends to defend the city and fight, it will be disadvantageous for us. What should we do?"

"Bring all the captured soldiers from the six garrisons here!"

What does Your Majesty mean?

"Go and treat them well for a few days, then release these soldiers from the six garrisons. At the same time, send an envoy to Lueyang City to inform Houmo Chenyue that we can talk. As long as he returns all those who fled from Guanzhong, I can withdraw my troops."

Hou Jing smiled after hearing this.

"I understand, disrupt them."

Li Shuang nodded and then said:
"In addition, tell She Digan and Cao Ni to each select a thousand scouts to take down all the outposts and forts outside Lueyang City. If anyone dares to come out, attack and destroy them immediately."

"promise!"

Hou Jing then asked:
"What if Houmo Chenyue comes out of the city to help?"

"If he dared to come out, he would have arrived in Shuiluo City long ago. Why would he have waited until now?"

"I understand!"

……

Inside the camp, the campfire roared.

A fat sheep is being roasted over a campfire.

The soldiers from the six garrisons gathered together, and Hou Jing brought them delicious food and wine.

As the group ate, they asked:
"Hou Gu, Da Ye... what exactly does the King of Qin mean? Tell the brothers!"

Hou Jing drank his wine, remaining silent and keeping everyone in suspense until the soldiers from the six garrisons were getting impatient, at which point he slowly spoke:
"That scoundrel Houmochenyue secretly plotted to collude with Hebayue to attack Guanzhong. When the King of Qin learned of this, he raised an army. Who knew that Houmochenyue would not only refuse to surrender but also dare to retaliate? My king is very angry, and the consequences will be severe!"

Everyone was shocked; suddenly, even the fine wine and roasted meat didn't taste so good!
"Is this a last meal before someone's execution?"

Hou Jing waved his hand and said:

"Back in Hengzhou and Shuozhou, we were all old acquaintances. So many years have passed, and we're even related by marriage! If the King really wants to kill you all, how can I stand by and do nothing!"

"Hou Gu, you're so righteous!"

Hou Jing laughed and said:

“I repeatedly dissuaded them, even offering my past merits, to save my brothers’ lives. Now, the King has agreed to let you go back. Tell Houmo Chenyue that as long as he is willing to hand over those treacherous officials who have been instigating him to be enemies with my King, there will be no need to fight anymore!”

Hou Jing didn't say who it was, but the soldiers of the Six Garrisons already knew!
"Those people from Guanzhong are worse than the people from Luoyang!"

……

(End of this chapter)