Memoirs of the Heavenly Khan

Chapter 319 A World Without You
Southern desert.

The Golden Horde!

After Yujiulü Anagui moved south, some tribes that had not managed to escape were annexed by the Rouran.

Anagui did not enslave all the people in these tribes; instead, he brought the strong and intelligent among them under his command.

Especially those who were familiar with the internal affairs of the Northern Wei Dynasty at that time.

After the war, Anagui fled north in disarray and has remained in the northern desert for many years, where he has been cut off from news.

Separated by a desert, most of the information we could obtain had passed through who-knows-how-many hands.

Before coming here, Anagui only knew that the court of the Great Wei was in extreme chaos and was controlled by Erzhu Rong, who was stationed in Jinyang.

Another Qin king, who was stationed in Guanzhong, was a sworn brother of Erzhu Rong, but recently a dispute had broken out between them, which had even reached the point of armed conflict.

With the information supplemented by the new subordinates Anagui had acquired, Anagui had a general understanding of the changes in the situation within the Northern Wei territory in the years since his departure.

Inside the large tent, a charcoal fire burned, and a group of people were waiting. After a moment of contemplation, Anagui asked a question.

Where is Li Shengui?

The group exchanged glances. These people, who originally grazed their livestock in the southern desert region, had been bestowed titles by Li Shuang and were quite familiar with the northerners and Guanzhong region. However, they had little information about this Li Shengui that Anagui had mentioned.

"Khan, we only know that after he was transferred back to Luoyang, he never went north again. Recently, we heard that Erzhu Rong and Li Shengui fought a battle in Luoyang!"

Yujiulü Anagui recalled the masked man from that snowy night years ago, his emotions churning for a long time. After a while, he slowly spoke, his voice hoarse.

"What was the result?"

"We do not know the specifics. All we know is that Erzhu Rong occupied Luoyang afterward, and Li Shenggui withdrew from Luoyang."

Yujiulü Anagui was somewhat surprised and said:

"When I returned north from Luoyang, I met Erzhu Rong once and was deeply impressed by him. To be able to seize Luoyang from Li Shengui, Erzhu Rong must have some ability."

"Khan, I heard that Erzhu Rong had an army of over 100,000, while Li Shengui had less than 10,000 troops when he withdrew from Luoyang."

Upon hearing this, Yujiulü Anagui had an expression of sudden realization.

"I knew it! So that's how it is! Even with over 100,000 troops, Erzhu Rong could only force Li Shengui to retreat!"

For so many years, Yujiulü Anagui waited in the frigid weather of the northern desert. In those difficult times, there was only one name on his mind.

Li Shengui!
This name is both the target of his revenge and the driving force behind his progress.

The image of that general from that stormy night was already etched into Anagui's heart, becoming an indelible mark.

"By order of my Khan, anyone who can provide information about Li Shengui will be richly rewarded!"

The crowd agreed.

After all the outsiders had left, the Rouran prime minister walked to Anagui's side and reminded him:

"Khan, although Li Shengui is hateful, I think that you should not spend all your energy on him at this time."

Anagui looked at his prime minister, the person he trusted most, and asked:

"Have you forgotten how Li Shengui attacked my Golden Tent and humiliated my people?"

Upon hearing this, the Prime Minister of Rouran was overcome with emotion and clenched his hands.

“My wife, daughters, and people were also abducted and have not been heard from since. In my panic, I almost died. If it weren’t for the Khan’s rescue, I would probably have been eaten by wolves long ago. I will never forget this hatred!”

"Then why are you stopping me?"

The Prime Minister of Rouran said:
"North of Yinshan, the troops of the Six Garrisons are no longer here. We are facing a situation that our ancestors never encountered. This is a golden opportunity. Now we have reached the south of the Gobi Desert, divided up pastures, and settled the various tribes. Wouldn't it be more important to go further and enter the area south of Yinshan, following the example of the Xiongnu and Xianbei, than to find a Li Shengui?"

Anagui did not object to such advice.

"I have long intended to go south, but firstly, we have come from a long distance and our animal power has been greatly depleted, and secondly, the situation in Hengshuo is still unclear, so we have not gone south for the time being."

The Prime Minister of Rouran said:
"I have already dispatched scouts south to investigate. All the passes and fortresses in Hengshuo are on high alert, and the tribes have already migrated. I believe we can choose to attack from either Yunzhong or Pingcheng."

The Rouran's southward advance, their occupation of southern Mongolia, and their acquisition of vast pastures were only the first step.

Next, the main event was to plunder the people and wealth of Hengshuo and the surrounding areas.

With these people and wealth, the Rouran will become stronger, and the tribes that follow Anagui will become docile.

Anagui stood up, his expression turning serious.

"Yunzhong, Pingcheng!"

……

Pingcheng.

"Black Otter, has there been any movement from the Rouran?"

The main direction of Rouran's attack was something that not only Erzhu Tianguang wanted to know, but also all the generals in the Pingcheng Northern Expedition Grand Commander's Office wanted to know.

Yuwentai shook his head.

"After the Rouran people moved south, they have been recuperating and there is no sign of them advancing into Hengshuo for the time being."

Yuwentai was the one who actually worked under Erzhu Tianguang, and the soldiers he sent to investigate were also from the Six Garrisons under his command.

Ever since Yu Jin and Yuwen Tai drank together that day, Yuwen Tai had had a strange feeling in his heart and his mind had been somewhat unfocused.

He glanced at Yu Jin, who seemed to be drunk and dazed, not even noticing him.

Whether we attack Hengzhou or Shuozhou, it doesn't really matter.

If the Rouran attack Shuozhou, they can take advantage of the situation to enter the Hetao region, advance into Henan, expand their territory, and benefit from the terrain.

However, compared to Shuozhou, Hengzhou has more cities, population, and wealth. But Hengzhou's cities are deeper and wider than Shuozhou's, and its defensive facilities have the old foundation left by the Northern Wei Dynasty, making it more difficult to attack.

The difficulty of the attack was secondary; what mattered more was the significance of the two cities, Pingcheng and Jinyang.

One was the former capital of the Northern Wei Dynasty, and the other was the location of the Northern Wei's powerful headquarters.

If Yujiulü Anagui can capture Pingcheng and advance on Jinyang, then the Rouran's prestige will surely be greatly enhanced.

Yuwentai had no idea what kind of person Yujiulü Anagui was.

Just how big is his ambition?

Yuwen Tai has always been very cautious when facing unfamiliar opponents.

"Regardless of the circumstances, we must fortify our defenses and clear the fields, and prepare for the enemy's arrival."

The two prefectures of Hengshuo are mostly inhabited by tribal soldiers, so the scorched earth work is not difficult; all that is needed is to take away the cattle, sheep, and tents.

Erzhu Tianguang nodded.

He was actually a little uneasy.

The order from Luoyang has arrived; he is now the Grand Commander of the Northern Expedition, overseeing all military affairs in Heng and Shuo prefectures.

However, the troops of the two states had old grudges, so it was not so easy to deal with.

Disagreements are most likely to arise, especially regarding matters of defense.

More than one or two generals have come to Erzhu Tianguang and said that if the Rouran attack Shuozhou first, then they can just make a show of it.

The most elite troops in Shuozhou were the local Han military households, well-equipped and strong in combat, but they were not capable of being absorbed by the Hengzhou army. However, the nomadic tribal troops in Shuozhou could be absorbed by the Hengzhou army.

Taking advantage of the Rouran's strength, they could weaken the Shuozhou army and strengthen the Hengzhou army. Then, they could rely on the existing defenses in various parts of Hengzhou to resist. When the Rouran and the Han army households in Shuozhou were almost exhausted, they could launch an attack and capture Shuozhou in one fell swoop, thus completing the integration of the two provinces.

In this way, the states of Hengshuo, Xialing, Bingsi, etc., can be connected together.

At that time, in addition to the Hedong region where they had made no progress, the Erzhu clan would have another main direction of attack, completing a pincer attack on Guanzhong.

Erzhu Tianguang didn't know what to do if that were really the case.

He was, after all, a member of the Erzhu family, and it was impossible for him to openly go against the will of the people.

However, no matter how much Erzhu Tianguang hesitated, the news of the Rouran's military action finally arrived.

"Grand Commander, the Rouran have marched south!"

"Where is the Rouran attacking from?"

"The beacon fires warn that the Rouran ruler Anagui has personally led 30,000 cavalry from Wuchuan through Baidao and has entered Shuozhou!"

Just then, Yu Jin, who had been in a daze, seemed to finally wake up and cupped his hands in greeting:

"Grand Commander, there is an alarm in Shuozhou. Reinforcements should be dispatched to Shengle immediately."

Just as Erzhu Tianguang was about to speak, his younger brother Erzhu Xianshou impatiently spoke up:

"Grand Commander, the Rouran are cunning. Although we are advancing into Shuozhou, we must guard against their tricks. They may lure our troops to Shuozhou and then launch a surprise attack on Hengzhou."

After Erzhu Xianshou finished speaking, all the generals under Erzhu Tianguang echoed his words.

Yu Jin witnessed this scene.

Before a specific rescue plan could be devised, the group made excuses, saying they needed to be wary of the Rouran's trickery and refused to send more troops.

Yu Jin naturally understood what it meant.

Yu Jin bowed and said:
"Grand Commander, the Rouran have come from afar and have marched south without much rest. Their horses must be insufficient. We should send elite troops and capable generals to join forces with our Shuozhou troops and seize the opportunity to attack them. We will surely defeat them!"

Since Yu Jin had said so, Erzhu Tianguang couldn't openly refuse.

He looked at the group of generals and asked:

"Which of you is willing to lead an army to Shengle?"

Erzhu Tianguang's words echoed throughout the room, but no one responded.

Yuwen Tai hesitated. At this moment, Yu Jin glanced over, seemingly casually, with a hint of a smile.

To go or not to go?
Thinking about the days he spent being ostracized by the Erzhu clan after arriving in Hengzhou, and how Erzhu Rong treated him after he quelled the rebellious tribes in Hengzhou, Yuwen Tai's determination to send troops became even stronger.

Yuwentai had a feeling that Erzhu Rong was particularly wary of him. This wariness far exceeded that of his peers.

Ultimately, he was restricted by Erzhu.

In chaotic times, there is both risk and death, but also hope and chance. Without taking a gamble, how can one escape this predicament?

"The general will go where he wishes!"

Yuwen Tai stepped forward and bowed.

Before Erzhu Tianguang could speak, Erzhu Xianshou rebuked him:
"You are the Prefect of Hengzhou. Why are you going to Shuozhou instead of staying in Hengzhou?"

Erzhu Tianguang waved his hand, dismissing his younger brother, and looked at Yuwen Tai, saying:
"Black Otter, have you thought this through?"

"The general will go where he wishes!"

Erzhu Tianguang nodded and said:

“Your main force has 1,200 soldiers. I will replenish your force to 5,000. They all surrendered after you came to Hengzhou. Take them with you to Shengle!”

"Thank you, Grand Commander!"
-
Luoyang.

Tianzhu General's Mansion.

Erzhu Shilong ran excitedly to Erzhu Rong and said:

"General Tianzhu, have you heard?"

Erzhu Rong glanced at Erzhu Shilong, a smile on his face, and asked:
"What did you hear?"

"The latest military report has arrived from Jinyang: the Rouran have moved south and are attacking Shuozhou first."

Erzhu Shilong's joy was palpable, and he said:
"When Anagui, Yu Jin, and Huli Jin are both exhausted from their battle, we can take advantage of the situation to occupy Shuozhou and Hexi, and wipe out Da Yeshuang's henchmen in Lingxia and Shuozhou. At that time, the heart of Guanzhong will face the onslaught of our army."

As he spoke, Erzhu Shilong leaned closer and whispered in Erzhu Rong's ear:
"After Murong Shaozong arrived in Jinzhou, the situation in Hedong has stabilized. Now that the Rouran have not attacked Hengzhou, Erzhu Zhao's troops can probably head south. If we can capture Daye Shuang in Luoyang, then Guanzhong can be pacified with a single proclamation."

Erzhu Rong glanced at Erzhu Shilong, his face serious, and said:

"Before I entered Luoyang with Da Yeshuang, we had already sworn an oath and set a date for a truce. How can we break our oath now?"

Erzhu Shilong listened and advised:
"With the death of General Tianzhu and the young age of his sons in Chang'an, how can they possibly deter those arrogant and fierce generals? This half of the country will now belong to my Erzhu clan!"

Upon hearing this, Erzhu Rong, looking as if Erzhu Shilong was far too young, laughed and said:

"Don't you know who Ohno Sō is? Look at his troop deployment in Luoyang, do you think it's easy to take it down?"

Erzhu Shilong wasn't very knowledgeable about military affairs, not even as much as Erzhu Zhao. He thought for a moment and asked:

"What about secretly transferring troops from north of the Yellow River to Luoyang?"

Erzhu Rong shook his head and said:
"Dujin is in our hands, but Jinyong City is well-defended. It's impossible to take it down without anyone noticing."

Erzhu Shilong sighed deeply upon hearing this.

"But if we miss such a good opportunity, who knows when we'll get another one? Are we really just going to watch Ohno Sou leave Luoyang and do nothing?"

Erzhu Rong looked at the jumping-up Erzhu Shilong and said:
"Give up that idea and don't think about anything else. The situation in the north is still uncertain. If we fall out with Ono Sō, it could be disadvantageous for us if things change. We must prioritize the overall situation!"

After hearing Erzhu Rong's words, Erzhu Shilong looked uninterested and lacked enthusiasm.

"Remember, you can't neglect what Ohno Sō wants."

"promise!"

After Erzhu Shilong responded, he took his leave not long after. Watching his retreating figure, the smile on Erzhu Rong's face slowly faded.

Just then, Wang Xiang, Erzhu Rong's close attendant, came over.

He looked travel-worn, clearly having just returned from outside the mansion.

Erzhu Rong's expression turned serious, and he asked:

Where is Hebasheng now?

"They have retreated to Yique Pass, south of Luoyang."

"Tell him not to slacken his efforts and to wait for my orders. Once the time is right, he should immediately head north to join forces with our army north of the Yellow River, capture Xin'an and Yiyang, and cut off Da Yeshuang's return route."

"promise!"

After Wang Xiang left, Erzhu Rong's smile blossomed.

"Da Yeshuang, Jinyong City is fortified, but it will be your prison. Once you die, half of the Great Wei will belong to my Erzhu clan!"

……

(End of this chapter)