Memoirs of the Heavenly Khan

Chapter 330 How could you be so rebellious?

Hengzhou, Pingcheng.

Hurried footsteps sounded outside the house. Erzhu Tianguang's younger brother, Erzhu Xianshou, led a group of generals from Pingcheng to find Erzhu Tianguang.

At this moment, Erzhu Tianguang was playing chess with Yuwentai. Erzhu Xianshou saw this and became somewhat anxious.

"Brother, what time is it? How can you still sit still?"

Erzhu Xianshou arrived, and Yuwentai stood up at the opportune moment, giving him the center position.

Erzhu Tianguang tossed aside a chess piece and asked:

"What do you mean?"

"Erzhu Zhao summoned troops and issued orders in Jinyang under the pretext of avenging General Tianzhu. I think he is not really looking to avenge General Tianzhu, but rather he wants to become the next General Tianzhu."

Erzhu Xianshou naturally did not want Erzhu Zhao to inherit the position of head of the Erzhu clan, and the same was true for Erzhu Tianguang's generals who followed Erzhu Xianshou.

They are so eager to improve!

Erzhu Tianguang's position in the Erzhu clan was no less than that of Bizhu Zhao. Now that Erzhu Rong has been assassinated, Erzhu Tianguang is one of the strong contenders for the position of Erzhu clan leader.

However, Jinyang was closer to Luoyang than Pingcheng, so Erzhu Zhao received the news earlier and acted more quickly.

In an instant, Erzhu Zhao seized the moral high ground.

Erzhu Xianshou was somewhat indignant and said:

“My brother is the Grand Commander of the Northern Expedition, stationed in Hengshuo. His troops are no less than Erzhu Zhao’s. If Erzhu Zhao can raise his banner, why can’t my brother?”

Erzhu Tianguang shook his head and said:

"In the Battle of Shengle, the Rouran retreated, but Anagui's royal court is still in the southern desert. If we launch a large-scale attack now, what if the Rouran find out and march south again?"

Erzhu Xianshou stamped his foot, somewhat annoyed, and said:
“Brother, what time is it? Why are you still worrying about those Rouran people? If Erzhu Zhao avenges General Tianzhu and rightfully takes over Jinyang, given his temper, do you think he will tolerate you?”

Upon hearing this, Erzhu Tianguang remained calm, ignoring the emotional Erzhu Xianshou and the others, and instead turned his gaze to Yuwentai, who had remained silent to the side.

"Black Otter, what do you think?"

Erzhu Xianshou didn't understand why he, an outsider, was asking about Erzhu family matters.
Seeing that everyone's eyes were on him, Yuwen Tai cupped his hands and said:
"Grand Commander, I believe General Xianshou's words are not without merit, but the Rouran people must also be considered..."

"Isn't that obvious?" Erzhu Xianshou listened, growing increasingly anxious.

Erzhu Xianshou was very impatient with Yuwentai.

Erzhu Tianguang's second-in-command should have been Erzhu Xianshou, but the situation changed after Yuwentai arrived.

Yuwen Tai has subtly secured his position as the second-in-command through his abilities.

This made Erzhu Xianshou jealous, and at the same time made him feel threatened.

"What exactly do you want to say?"

Yuwentai glanced at Erzhu Xianshou and continued speaking to Erzhu Tianguang:

"If the Grand Commander also uses the pretext of avenging General Tianzhu, Erzhu Zhao in Jinyang will not stand idly by. If he summons the Grand Commander to go south, will the Grand Commander go or not?"

Yuwen Tai's question left everyone present, except for Erzhu Tianguang, speechless.

"If the Grand Commander leads his troops south, will Erzhu Zhao allow him to enter Jinyang City just like that? If he leads his troops to intercept him, and then takes the opportunity to contact the Rouran, launching a pincer attack from the north and south, what will the Grand Commander do then?"

Unlike Erzhu Xianshou, Yuwentai was not emotional and instead mentioned the possibility of Erzhu Tianguang heading south.

Why would Erzhu Zhaohui contact the Rouran?

Those present, considering Erzhu Zhao's reckless and unruly nature, might actually do it.

"If that's the case, with Erzhu Zhao holding back in the south and the Rouran invading in the north, even if the Grand Commander manages to defend Pingcheng in the end, the two prefectures of Heng and Shuo will inevitably be ravaged by the Rouran. At that time, it's hard to say whether Erzhu Zhao will be able to inherit the position of head of the Erzhu clan, but the Grand Commander's strength will definitely be greatly diminished."

Seeing this, Erzhu Xianshou was somewhat unconvinced and began to argue illogically, saying:
"Can't we just finish this quickly?"

Yuwen Tai was very patient with this, and said:
"Erzhu Zhao commands five or six thousand elite cavalry from Jinyang, left behind by General Tianzhu. They are formidable, and we have no chance of victory if we attempt a swift battle."

You can't win a quick victory, and you can't win a drawn-out one either.

As Yuwen Tai analyzed the situation, even Erzhu Xianshou and the others he brought nodded in agreement.

Erzhu Xianshou, however, retorted:
"So you mean we don't need to do anything and just wait for Erzhu Zhao to take over Pingcheng!"

Erzhu Tianguang rebuked Erzhu Xianshou, then looked at Yuwentai and asked:

"Black Otter, what do you think we should do?"

"I have three strategies: superior, middle, and inferior!"

Everyone perked up at Yuwentai's words, and Erzhu Tianguang said:

"Tell me!"

"The best strategy is for the Grand Commander to prepare an elite force and launch a surprise attack on Jinyang while Erzhu Zhao is marching south. Once Jinyang is captured and the families of Erzhu Zhao's soldiers are under his control, Erzhu Zhao will surely collapse without a fight. At that time, the Grand Commander can be stationed in Jinyang and command the entire country."

Erzhu Tianguang shook his head after hearing this.

"If I were to raise an army to avenge General Tianzhu, and we were to do the same, even if we entered Jinyang, how could Erzhu Shilong, Erzhu Dulu, Erzhu Zhongyuan, and the others be satisfied?"

Seeing this, Yuwen Tai did not press the matter and continued speaking.

"The middle strategy is for the Grand General to be stationed in Hengshuo, allying with Jinyang in the south, controlling the Rouran in the north, conquering Youyan in the east, and making peace with Lingxia in the west. Although Pingcheng has declined, it can still command the northern lands, which is why the Tuoba clan rose to power in the past. While Erzhu Zhao is heading south to Luoyang and fighting in the Central Plains, the Grand General can take the opportunity to expand his power and restore the Tuoba clan's former glory."

Erzhu Tianguang listened with great interest and said:

"Tell me more carefully!"

"With the assassination of General Tianzhu, Erzhu Zhao's prestige is insufficient to guard the four directions. Sooner or later, the Han Chinese aristocratic families in Hebei will inevitably cause chaos. This is an opportunity to advance. Lingxia is a remote place, and Heba Yue has always been a man of great talent. The Grand Commander can befriend him as an ally. This is a peaceful alliance. The Rouran have brought 100,000 cavalry, but their troops are weak and their generals are exhausted. The Grand Commander can reorganize the army and emulate the actions of the Tuoba clan in the past to take the north and bring peace to the people of Hengshuo. This is a divinely bestowed opportunity."

Upon hearing Yuwentai's words, Erzhu Tianguang was already tempted.

"Then how do we forge an alliance with Jinyang in the south?"

"Erzhu Zhao has raised the banner of righteousness to avenge General Tianzhu. The Grand Commander can send a letter to support his southward march in exchange for Mayi and other places to serve as the gateway to Hengzhou."

Erzhu Tianguang was quite satisfied with Yuwentai's middle strategy, but still asked for a second strategy.

Yuwen Tai cupped his hands and said:

"As for the worst option, the Grand Commander can stay in Pingcheng, pacify the people, and appease the barbarians. Once the Central Plains are stabilized, the whole country will return to him, and he will still retain his position as a duke or marquis."

Erzhu Tianguang nodded and decided to choose the middle option.

"I have already decided to write to Erzhu Zhao and support his trip south to Luoyang."

"promise!"

……

After everyone left, Erzhu Xianshou stayed behind and, in front of Erzhu Tianguang, said nothing nice about Yuwentai.

"Brother, why do you treat Yuwen Tai with such courtesy?"

Erzhu Tianguang glanced at his younger brother and asked:

"Otherwise, do you have the ability to repel the Rouran?"

“I may not have the ability to repel the Rouran, but my heart is truly with my brother. Yuwen Tai is so capable, but is he truly sincere to my brother? Listen to what he just said about the best strategy, such as launching a surprise attack on Jinyang and detaining the families of Erzhu Zhao’s soldiers. Isn’t that what Sima Yi did back then?”

Erzhu Tianguang sighed upon hearing this. "Xianshou, although I am the Grand Commander of the Northern Expedition, stationed in Hengshuo, do you really think everyone listens to me? Not to mention those far away, Yu Jin and Huli Jin of Shuozhou, are they under my command? Even if they obey orders but not summons, it's only because of the Prince of Qin's face. Only with Yuwen Tai mediating can Hengshuo be stable, and only then can we sit in Pingcheng in peace. Otherwise, if the Rouran invade the south and wreak havoc on Hengshuo, we will have nowhere to live."

Erzhu Tianguang stood with his hands behind his back, looking somewhat helpless.

“Yuwen Tai’s best strategy is too risky, and his worst strategy is to do nothing. Only this middle strategy is feasible and can stabilize the people of Hengshuo. We are in Pingcheng and cannot go south. Having lost the initiative, we can only take it one step at a time.”
-
Yewang County.

Late at night, Yuan Tianmu summoned Wang Xiang.

Wang Xiang knew that things wouldn't be so simple since Yuan Tianmu wanted to see him so late.

Upon entering, Yuan Tianmu, with a stern expression, questioned:

"Prime Minister Wang, are you really not colluding with the King of Qin?"

Ever since Wang Xiang uttered Erzhu Rong's last words in the mourning hall that day, he has been questioned by many. Especially Erzhu Shilong and others, who practically treat him like a thief. If it weren't for Princess Beixiang's protection, the Erzhu clan's members might have subjected him to severe torture to force him to admit he lied.

The king immediately knelt down and wept, saying:

“King of Shangdang, you and my lord are brothers. All these years, have you ever seen me turn away from the Lord? How dare I speak carelessly about my lord’s dying words!”

Yuan Tianmu knew in his heart that what Wang Xiang said was true, but unfortunately, the Erzhu clan could not hear or tolerate the truth.

Therefore, what Wang Xiang said must be false, and he must also be a traitor who colluded with Li Shuang and even killed Erzhu Rong.

Yuan Tianmu nodded and said:
"Get up!"

"Thank you, King of Shangdang!"

Yuan Tianmu took out a token from his sleeve and handed it to Prime Minister Wang.

"Erzhu Zhao is about to head south. If he gets here, he probably won't tolerate you. Even Princess Beixiang won't be able to protect you then. Take my token and go to Guanzhong with the envoy sent by the King of Qin!"

Prime Minister Wang accepted the token with great gratitude, and bowed, saying:

"What about the King of Shangdang?"

Yuan Tianmu remained silent, but Wang Xiang revealed Yuan Tianmu's current predicament.

"With my lord dead, the King of Shangdang has also lost most of his soldiers. I fear the Erzhu clan will be even less tolerant of the King of Shangdang!"

Yuan Tianmu was originally Erzhu Rong's second-in-command, and he had been guarding Jinyang for Erzhu Rong for many years. His fief was Shangdang County, which was near Taiyuan. When Erzhu Rong pacified Shandong, he also sent Yuan Tianmu. Unfortunately, Yuan Tianmu encountered Chen Qingzhi on the way, and his elite troops were wiped out. After that, Erzhu Rong recalled him to Jinyang.

Among the Erzhu clan, no one had achieved greater military merit than Yuan Tianmu. Now that Erzhu Rong is dead, Yuan Tianmu's past military achievements are probably no longer valid.

Many of the Erzhu clan's members committed illegal acts, and Yuan Tianmu frequently clashed with them. In the past, Erzhu Rong was there to keep an eye on things, but now it is evident that Yuan Tianmu has been marginalized.

“King of Shangdang, you are highly respected. If Erzhu Zhao gains power, I fear you will not be able to tolerate him!”

Yuan Tianmu sighed:

"I have received the Emperor's favor and been granted the title of Prince of Shangdang. Even if what you say is true, I cannot escape for the time being. You should leave quickly!"

Upon hearing this, Prime Minister Wang cupped his hands and said:

"I will certainly remember the kindness shown to me by the King of Shangdang, and will repay it in the future!"

……

Luoyang.

The Prince of Linhuai's Mansion.

After the court session, Yuan Yu returned to his residence with his son-in-law Lu Rou, closing the gates and refusing to receive guests.

"Erzhu Zhao is about to head south; things are unlikely to end well!"

Yuan Yu's words were filled with worry.

"Your Majesty has summoned troops to defend the capital, but why is there no movement from the various prefectures and counties?"

Yuan Yu was puzzled, but Lu Rou already knew the answer.

Luoyang today is not the same Luoyang it was ten years ago.

At that time, in the power struggle in Luoyang, whoever won would be able to control half of the Northern Wei dynasty by controlling Luoyang.

However, the system of various prefectures and counties in the Northern Wei Dynasty has now been destroyed. Erzhu Rong rebuilt it, but he could only suppress the undercurrents.

Lu Rou looked at her father-in-law, hesitated for a long time, and finally said:

"Yuan Ziyou is probably finished!"

Yuan Yu was startled. He stood up from his seat and angrily rebuked:
How could you utter such treasonous words!

Yuan Yu was furious; his aged body trembled. Facing this now-influential figure in Luoyang, Lu Rou remained calm.

After all, he's his own father-in-law!

"Your Majesty, it's not that those people are not making any moves, but rather that they can only make a move after His Majesty passes away."

Lu Rou spoke these words casually, without a trace of emotion.

Upon hearing this, Yuan Yu was so shocked that he almost lost his balance and fell to the ground. Fortunately, Lu Rou reacted quickly and caught him.

After regaining his composure, Yuan Yu gave a bitter smile.

At this moment, Yuan Yu understood.

He knew that what Lu Rou said was true.

But Lu Rou could only say this much, because he was also a member of a prominent family in Hebei.

Yuan Yu, however, possessed a frenzied madness akin to stepping into an abyss, and said:
"Now I finally understand why these powerful families have maintained their influence from the Wei and Jin dynasties to the present day. What a loyal bunch they are!"

Although the Cui family of Qinghe, the Lu family of Fanyang, the Wang family of Taiyuan, and the Zheng family of Xingyang were deeply connected with the Yuan family of Luoyang, their choices were not limited to Luoyang.

They had fortified villages and soldiers in the local areas, and were able to mobilize a large amount of resources.

If the emperor doesn't die, how can these powerful families find fault and cause trouble to expand their territory?
Yuan Yu's words were a direct insult to Lu Rou as well.

Yuan Yu looked at Lu Rou and asked:

Why are you saying these things to me?

"Your Majesty is blinded by a single leaf, so why should Your Majesty remain on a ship destined to sink?"

Yuan Yu stopped and asked:

Whom have you taken a fancy to?

Lu Rou cupped her hands and said:
"King Qin!"

Yuan Yu looked at Lu Rou with a deep gaze and asked:

"If Li Shuang were to award you honors and establish a new system, would he recognize your past achievements?"

"If the King of Qin has the ambition to pacify the world and unify the land, then he must also have the heart to embrace all rivers. We, the scions of noble families, are not merely those who live by the mountains and seas guarding corpses; we also possess the talents to be pillars of the state."

Yuan Yu thought for a long time and said:

"I am old and can hardly leave Luoyang. The court wants to send an envoy to see the Prince of Qin. I will take on this task!"

……

(End of this chapter)