Memoirs of the Heavenly Khan

Chapter 311 Compared to him, he is a loyal subject to everyone else.
Luoyang.

Nine Dragon Hall.

"Add the Nine Bestowments! Add the Nine Bestowments! Isn't one Grand General of the Heavenly Pillars enough? Every time we submit a memorial, we must add the Nine Bestowments!"

Yuan Ziyou roared in dissatisfaction within the palace. Of course, he only dared to do so in the inner palace, and would never dare to lash out in Xianyang Palace.

Although Erzhu Rong was in Jinyang, he sent Erzhu Shilong to stay in Luoyang and controlled several important government departments, such as the Secretariat and the Chancellery, and placed his confidants in every important department of the Luoyang government.

It can be said that Erzhu Rong spent a great deal of effort and patience in order to control Luoyang.

Yuan Ziyou had no good way to deal with Erzhu Rong's relentless pressure, after all, he did not have military power.

Even though he now has a loyal force around him, this puppet emperor is no match for Erzhu Rong. If they were to clash, it would be like a mantis trying to stop a chariot.

"His Majesty!"

A soft sound outside alerted Yuan Ziyou. He composed himself, regaining the dignity befitting an emperor.

"come in!"

The first to enter was Xi Yi. As Erzhu Rong's confidant, he, like Erzhu Shilong, controlled a portion of the military power within the Forbidden City.

However, unlike Erzhu Shilong, Xi Yi always wanted to serve Yuan Ziyou and become a Heavenly Dragon in Luoyang, rather than remain a northerner, and was even willing to betray Erzhu Rong for this.

Or to be more precise, only when Erzhu Rong dies can Xi Yi truly become a Celestial Dragon.

Yuan Ziyou had always been wary of him, but the situation was now critical.

He also had to rely on Xi Yi to help him meet someone.

Gao Qian!

Gao Qian, dressed in a black robe, entered the palace, took off his hood to reveal his face, and upon seeing Yuan Ziyou, his eyes filled with tears.

"Your Majesty, it's been so long! You've lost weight!"

Before Yuan Ziyou became emperor, he had a close relationship with Gao Qian and they were good friends.

Upon seeing his old friend and the tears on Gao Qian's face, Yuan Ziyou couldn't help but feel a pang of sorrow.

"I don't know if seeing you tonight was the right thing to do or a wrong thing, but Erzhu Rong is pressing me step by step, and everyone knows that he has the ambition to usurp the throne. The situation is critical, and I have no choice but to take this risk!"

Gao Qian knew, of course, that Yuan Ziyou had gone to great lengths to see him, not just to reminisce, but to entrust him with something important.

"Please give your command, Your Majesty. I will brave mountains of knives and seas of fire, even unto death!"

Yuan Ziyou was very excited, grasped Gao Qian's hand, and said:
"Now Erzhu Rong commands hundreds of thousands of troops and intends to do the same things as Cao Cao and Wang Mang. I have no military power and cannot resist him. I can only hope for help from outside forces."

Gao Qian looked bitter and said:
"Erzhu Rong has dispatched Hou Yuan and Erzhu Yusheng to watch over Youzhou and Yinzhou. Even if I return to Bohai and gather local militia, I'm afraid it will be difficult to establish a foothold. As for rescuing Luoyang, I'm afraid it will be too late!"

After Erzhu Rong suffered a defeat at Baibi City and returned to Jinyang, some people in Hebei, Henan, Shandong and other places wanted to take the opportunity to cause trouble and rebel against the Erzhu clan. However, under the intimidation of the Jinyang cavalry, they were suppressed before they could make much of a fuss.

People from prominent families like Gao Qianhe in Hebei also witnessed the terror of the Erzhu clan's army once again.

Hou Yuan, the current governor of Youzhou, only brought 700 cavalrymen to quell the rebellion in Youzhou and pacify the rebel army. What made Gao Qian and others despair was that Erzhu Rong had 10,000 cavalrymen under his command!

Gao Qian was willing to say nice things, but it was impossible for him to actually be the one to take the lead, sacrifice the foundation of the Bohai Gao clan, and face the iron cavalry of the Erzhu clan.

Of course, if Gao Qian could see a chance of winning, he might well take the gamble. But right now, he simply couldn't see any possibility of Yuan Ziyou defeating Erzhu Rong.

Gao Qian's words, which implied a desire to shirk responsibility, made Yuan Ziyou feel quite sad, but he still mustered his spirits and put on a confident demeanor.

"Erzhu Rong's army is powerful, but his foundation is weak. Most of the Erzhu clan members are tyrannical and immoral. As long as he dies, the Erzhu clan will surely collapse."

Gao Qian was startled when Yuan Ziyou said this.

"Your Majesty wishes to emulate..."

Yuan Ziyou nodded, looked at Xi Yi who had been silent all along, and asked:
"What if Wang Yun had pardoned the people of Liangzhou after killing Dong Zhuo?"

Xi Yi tactfully replied:
"Then there would certainly be no subsequent attack on Chang'an by the Liangzhou rebels, and the Han dynasty could be restored!"

Xi Yi's words were not entirely in agreement with Yuan Ziyou.

He is an ambitious man who wants to become a Heavenly Dragon, but that doesn't mean he's an arrogant and ignorant idiot. On the contrary, Xi Yi is very professional.

Xi Yi was quite familiar with the character of the non-family generals and Erzhu clan members under Erzhu Rong's command.

"The situation remains the same. The sons of the Erzhu clan are frivolous and unruly. Erzhu Zhao, whom Erzhu Rong relied on most, is nothing more than a brute who can only command three thousand cavalry, let alone others. Once Erzhu Rong dies, will the non-Erzhu clan generals such as Heba Yue, Gao Huan, Heba Sheng, Yuwen Luosheng, Husi Chun, and Jia Xiandu still obey the orders of the Erzhu clan? At that time, without Erzhu Rong, the Erzhu clan will only head towards destruction."

Xi Yi analyzed the situation accurately and spoke with great logic.

Gao Qian was shocked by Xi Yi's analysis, not only because of the situation, but also because he suddenly realized that Xi Yi was Erzhu Rong's most trusted confidant.

Xi Yi had been turned by Yuan Ziyou, which further strengthened Gao Qian's confidence in Yuan Ziyou.

"Your Majesty, what should we do?"

"Just as Qian Yong said, distant water cannot quench a nearby fire, but you have managed to bring me a basin of water that is close at hand!"

Hearing Yuan Ziyou say this, Gao Qian understood.

"Your Majesty, are you referring to my third brother, Gao Ang?"

Yuan Ziyou nodded and said:
"Your younger brother is known as the Xiang Yu of our time, and he is currently stationed in Hongnong, commanding an elite force. If we can recruit him to serve me, what do the Erzhu clan have to fear!"

Gao Qian's expression turned even more unpleasant at this moment than before.

“My younger brother is foolish and has been deceived by Ōno Sō. He is wholeheartedly devoted to Ōno Sō and I am afraid he will not be so easily persuaded by me.”

Yuan Ziyou said:

"Qianyong, just do it. Whether you succeed or not, I won't blame you!"

"promise!"

After a brief meeting, Xi Yi left with Gao Qian.

As their figures disappeared from sight, Yuan Ziyou's face darkened.

If Erzhu Rong's relentless pressure made him feel oppressed and angry, then everything Li Shuang did in Guanzhong would make Yuan Ziyou want to skin him alive.

When Erzhu Rong attacked Hedong, Yuan Ziyou hoped that they would both suffer heavy losses, or at least reach a stalemate.

Unexpectedly, after his defeat at Baibi, Erzhu Rong ceased his efforts and stopped talking about attacking Guanzhong, focusing instead on obtaining the Nine Bestowments.

Li Shuang did not take this opportunity to advance eastward, but instead went westward up the Longshan Mountains and seized the Longyou region.

Yuan Ziyou had initially had some expectations for Li Shuang, but everything Li Shuang did after returning to Chang'an completely extinguished those expectations.

No matter how arrogant Erzhu Rong was, he was still within the system of the Great Wei and wanted to rely on the traditional path to make Yuan Ziyou abdicate.

Li Shuang simply stopped pretending altogether; he was practically ready to raise a huge banner atop Chang'an City that proclaimed, "I'm going to destroy Wei!"
The moonlight shone into the palace in Luoyang, illuminating the face of a monarch who was originally handsome but whose features were now distorted by anger and resentment.

"Ohno Sawa, who do you think you are?!"

……

Jinzhou.

Gao Huan has been feeling very depressed lately.

This frustration stemmed not only from seeing Wu Chuan's group of people promoted while they, the people of Huai Shuo, remained stagnant, but also from the fact that after Li Shuang's achievements in Chang'an, Gao Huan felt significantly increased pressure on the front lines.

Erzhu Rong did not want to fight Li Shuang again at this time, at least not before receiving the Nine Bestowments. Therefore, Gao Huan's task was to ensure the stability of Hedong.

But now the situation in Hedong had changed; they were no longer on the offensive. Faced with these aggressive Hedong troops, Gao Huan could only passively defend.

Upon returning home and seeing Lou Zhaojun, Gao Huan's depressed mood instantly improved. Lou Zhaojun was fiddling with a box when Gao Huan approached and saw her open it, revealing a pair of exquisite glass cups inside.

Gao Huan asked:

"Who sent this?"

"Sent from Leling!"

Gao Huan's heart skipped a beat, and he said urgently:

"Wasn't that given to me by Ohno Sawa?!"

Lou Zhaojun was startled by Gao Huan's voice and complained:

Why are you reacting so strongly?

"Zhaojun, what time is it now? How can you still accept things from Da Ye Shuang?"

Lou Zhaojun was amused and, hands on her hips, retorted:
"So what do you want? To pretend that you never had a sister named Le Ling from now on?"

Gao Huan sighed helplessly:
"That's all we can do for now!"

Lou Zhaojun frowned as she looked at Gao Huan, and asked:

"What happened?

"Sun Teng is here!"

Lou Zhaojun was somewhat puzzled and asked in return:
"So what? Isn't he your brother?"

"He's my brother, but he's also here to monitor me on Erzhu Rong's orders!"

Lou Zhaojun always chose to trust her husband's judgment, and upon hearing him say this, she understood.

"Is General Tianzhu worried that you will lead your troops to surrender to the King of Qin?"

Gao Huan gave a bitter laugh and said:
"No, Erzhu Rong is not worried."

"Why?"

"Erzhu Rong bribed several military officers from Huai Shuo who were close to me. They reported every three days. If there was anything unusual about my troops or if Jinyang did not receive their report, Erzhu Zhao's army would immediately march south. Moreover, several key positions in my army were held by Erzhu Rong's men, and their families were in Jinyang and would not follow me."

Gao Huan had never told Lou Zhaojun these things before, and only now, when he spoke of them, did Lou Zhaojun realize how turbulent the undercurrents were beneath the seemingly calm surface of the governor's mansion.

“Erzhu Rong can take back my military power at any time. He is not worried that I will hand over Jinzhou to Daye Shuang and change sides.”

"Why did Naerzhurong send Sun Teng here?"

“The situation in Guanzhong has changed. Erzhu Rong is worried that if things change, I will neither be able to be used by him nor by Daye Shuang!”

Lou Zhaojun was startled, and her hand loosened, causing the glass cup to fall. Fortunately, Gao Huan reacted quickly and caught it.

"This thing is expensive!"

Lou Zhaojun completely ignored the glass cup and looked at Gao Huan with a face full of worry.

"He Liuhun, are you saying that if anything changes, Erzhu Rong will have Sun Teng kill you?"

Gao Huan nodded, while Lou Zhaojun, who was usually calm and composed, became somewhat flustered at this moment.

"Then what should we do? Why don't we give up everything and go to Guanzhong? At least Leling is there!"

It's clearly impossible for Gao Huan to give up everything he has now.

Gao Huan comforted him, saying:
"Don't worry, things haven't gotten to that point yet. Besides, Ohno Sō's actions right now are really... humph!"

Lou Zhaojun was somewhat puzzled and asked:

"how?"

"Compared to him, Erzhu Rong is considered to be loyal and pure in his intentions!"
-
Qujiang Pool.

The Qujiang area south of Chang'an City is characterized by its alternating plains and marshes, with beautiful scenery. Since the Qin Dynasty, the royal forbidden garden, Yichun Garden, has been established here, becoming an important part of the Shanglin Garden.

Today, additional palaces and villas have been added to this place, which are full of military characteristics while also having a garden-like feel.

Li Shuang saw Li Shenggui off here, watching him lead his army south and then return to the island palace in Qujiang Pool.

Hou Jing followed Li Shuang onto the covered walkway connecting the islands, where they could still vaguely see the shadows of Li Shengui's army in the distance.

"Hou Jing, I heard you've been causing trouble for Li Bi lately?"

"How could that be? I am but an insignificant soldier from Huai Shuo. How could I compare to the brave, wise, and noble General Li?"

Li Shuang looked at Hou Jing and laughed out loud.

"And you said you didn't want to cause him trouble!"

Upon seeing this, Hou Jing honestly replied:
"Your Majesty, I am not convinced. When it comes to recognizing merits and honors, Yang Kan and Gao Ang are naturally commendable, and Yu Jin has spent so many years in that harsh place of Shuozhou. Even if he has no merits, he has still worked hard. I accept that he is ranked ahead of me. But Li Bi is just a newcomer. Why is he also ranked ahead of me?"

Li Shuang asked:

"Are you as good as him?"

Hou Jing shook his head.

"Can you control those troops from Longxi?"

Hou Jing shook his head again.

"Can you hold off those Wuchuan people in front of us?"

Hou Jing still shook his head.

Li Shuang shrugged and said:

Do you know why he was ranked ahead of you?

Upon hearing this, Hou Jing's anger subsided considerably.

"Your Majesty, you know what, the others in Wuchuan are nothing special, but that kid Yuwen Tai, I'm really a bit intimidated by him."

Li Shuang smiled and asked:

"Then what about your meeting with Gao Huan?"

"He Liuhun is alright, I know he won't kill his subjects."

Hou Jing was born in Huai Shuo, and he shared a tacit understanding with Gao Huan, who was also from Huai Shuo, that no one else had.

"Wan Jing, do you still remember the ambition we made in Taiping Village?"

"I remember when I first met Your Majesty, Your Majesty said, 'If one day the times change, I shall take up my three-foot sword, rise up across the land, stir up the winds and clouds, sweep away all heroes, and unify the four seas.' I was deeply moved at that time and immediately decided to serve Your Majesty, and never waver in this life!"

Hou Jing's words contained a degree of self-embellishment, but Li Shuang did not pay attention to them.

Li Shuang looked at Hou Jing and said:

"Your achievements will be made in Hedong and Jinzhou!"

Hou Jing's expression changed slightly after hearing this, and then he said:
"Does Your Majesty require me to keep an eye on Gao Huan?"

"We're not just staring at him, we're roasting him over a fire!"

……

(End of this chapter)