Memoirs of the Heavenly Khan

Chapter 334 When did he ever pay for his purchases?
night.

Yuan Baoju returned home drunk, and Princess Yifu helped him to bed and washed him.

Yuan Baoju's face was filled with joy as he said:

"The house purchase is settled!"

During the day, Li Shuang's absence from seeing her and Yuan Mingyue had already greatly worried Yifu. Now, hearing this, Princess Yifu couldn't help but ask:
"What on earth is going on?"

"Didn't Erzhu Rong previously send Yuwentai to serve as the governor of Dongxia Prefecture?"

Princess Yifu took a cloth and wiped Yuan Baoju's face, then responded with a sound of agreement. However, Yuan Baoju was talking incoherently.

"After Yuwen Tai left, Dongxia Prefecture came into the possession of his elder brother, Yuwen Luosheng."

"so what?"

"The Rouran people have arrived. The Yujiulü tribe, which originally lived in the southern desert, led the surrounding small tribes south to Hexi and clashed with the Poluhan tribe in Hexi."

Princess Yifu was getting anxious as she listened for so long without hearing Yuan Baoju get to the point.

They're fighting like dogs, what's it to you?
He wanted to get angry, but seeing Yuan Baoju's drunken state, he knew that anger would be useless, so he asked:

"What does this have to do with you?"

“Da Ye Shuang has set up a tributary state, and wants to mediate, but Hexi is remote and not connected to Guanzhong, so he can’t manage it for the time being. Therefore, he wants to ask Yuwen Luosheng for Dongxia Prefecture to connect the roads and serve as a place for the Hebei tribes to thrive.”

Upon hearing this, Princess Yifu's heart tightened suddenly, and she said:
"You answered it?"

"That's right, otherwise, would things like the house be so easy to handle?"

Queen Yifu stood up, threw down the cloth in her hand, and angrily said:
"Are you crazy? Who is Yuwen Luosheng? He is a ruthless warlord who fought his way up from the north. He has seen more dead people in his life than you have seen living people. You dare to ask him for land with just the empty title of Prince of Nanyang? Aren't you afraid he will eat you alive!"

"He dares!"

Yuan Baoju suddenly sat up, looking dazed and confused, and then burst into laughter.

"Do you really think I'm stupid enough to just go like that?"

Princess Yifu was somewhat surprised upon hearing this and asked:
What do you mean?

"Da Ye Shuang's intention is to exchange land, using Xi'an Prefecture in exchange for Dongxia Prefecture. As the emperor's envoy, I possess the emperor's token, so it is best for me to preside over this matter."

Princess Yifu felt her worries lessen somewhat after hearing this.

"You were sent by His Majesty. It's not appropriate for you to go to Tongwan City instead of staying in Chang'an! Besides, if people in Luoyang find out that you're doing this in His Majesty's name, do you think they'll let you off the hook?"

Yuan Baoju let out a burp and shook his head.

"The situation in Luoyang is getting worse and worse. We don't know how long Yuan Ziyou can remain emperor. We should use his name now while we can, otherwise we may miss our chance."

After Yuan Baoju finished speaking, he felt a little tired, waved his hand, and lay back down on the bed.

Princess Yifu looked on and felt that something was amiss.

……

North Midtown.

Erzhu's army has already captured Beizhong City, and the next step is to march on Luoyang.

On this trip, Erzhu Zhaogao intends to replicate Erzhu Rong's southward campaign and regain control of the Luoyang court.

Upon hearing that Erzhu Zhao had summoned his generals to discuss how to advance on Luoyang, Yuan Tianmu, accompanied by two attendants, was about to attend the meeting.

However, when Yuan Tianmu arrived at the gate, he was stopped by the Qihu soldiers outside the house.

A large group of generals were gathering in front of the gate, some of whom were Yuan Tianmu's old subordinates.

Seeing this, Yuan Tianmu was somewhat puzzled and asked:

Why are you stopping me?

Yuan Tianmu had been the second-in-command for many years, and his prestige was considerable. Even the Qihu soldiers who tried to stop him didn't dare to look him in the eye, keeping their heads down the whole time. He said:
"The Duke of Yingchuan said that the Erzhu family affairs need not be troubled by the King of Shangdang."

Upon hearing this, even the seasoned and composed Yuan Tianmu couldn't help but gasp for breath. His attendant behind him roared angrily:
"What does Erzhu Zhao mean?!"

The Qihu soldiers blocking Yuan Tianmu's way didn't dare to retort, only saying:
"The Duke of Yingchuan also said that if the Prince of Shangdang insists on going in, that's fine, but the mansion is simple and there is no seat prepared for the Prince of Shangdang."

Many generals outside the mansion watched this scene. Yuan Tianmu felt the gazes around him, his face turned pale, but he didn't say much. He just snorted coldly and left.

in the house.

A large group of Erzhu clan generals were summoned by Erzhu Zhao, including Erzhu Shilong and his subordinates.

Erzhu Zhao personally led the attack on the city that day, and although he successfully captured the northern city, he also suffered considerable casualties.

Erzhu Zhao didn't care, and even bared his chest and breasts to show his injury to Erzhu's generals and soldiers.

Although Erzhu Zhao was not good at strategy, he was quite good at fighting, especially in knowing how to win the hearts of these northerners.

This can be said to be a skill that Erzhu Zhao developed from a young age.

The wounds and scars sustained on the battlefield are seen as medals of honor by these northerners!
Seeing that almost everyone had arrived, before Erzhu Zhao could speak, Erzhu Shilong preemptively said:

"Tumo, the King of Shangdang is the brother of General Tianzhu. He even saved you on the battlefield back then. It's not good for you to keep him out!"

Erzhu Shilong was certainly not trying to defend Yuan Tianmu. In fact, his relationship with Yuan Tianmu was quite bad, even hostile.

However, Erzhu Shilong was willing to do it if he could strike at Erzhu Zhao in order to avenge Yuan Tianmu.

Now, Erzhu Shilong's biggest rival is not Yuan Tianmu, whom he despises, but Erzhu Zhao.

Erzhu Shilong was resentful of Erzhu Zhao's leadership, especially since Erzhu Zhao was secretly trying to win over the more than three thousand Qihu cavalry under his command, which made Erzhu Shilong even more unhappy.

"Yuan Tianmu did save me, that's true, but you only remember him as the brother of General Tianzhu, forgetting that he was also the brother of the Prince of Qin in Guanzhong. General Tianzhu was unfortunately assassinated, are you sure Yuan Tianmu's heart is still with my Erzhu clan?"

After Erzhu Zhao said that, Erzhu Shilong couldn't continue. After all, he was just looking for an excuse, not really trying to speak up for Yuan Tianmu or demand better treatment.

Erzhu Zhao glanced at Erzhu Shilong, smiled inwardly, and continued:

"We have captured Beizhong City. Now, once we cross the river, we can enter Luoyang City. What do you think?"

Upon hearing this, Erzhu Shilong added:
“We have captured Beizhong City, but the river is difficult to cross, and Luoyang has taken all the ferry boats. If we find someone to build one, it will cost a lot of manpower and resources. Why not let Erzhudulü advance? As long as we take Hulao Pass, Luoyang will surely collapse without a fight, and we can advance at our own pace.”

Erzhu Zhao's gaze turned hostile upon hearing this.

Whoever arrives in Luoyang and avenges Erzhu Rong will become the head of the Erzhu clan.

Erzhu Shilong's intention was clearly to let Erzhu Dulu steal the credit, thereby diluting Erzhu Zhao's influence within the Erzhu clan.

Just then, Sima Ziru stepped in to smooth things over.

"The news of General Tianzhu's assassination has now spread throughout the land. I'm afraid it's not just Erzhu Dulu, but also Erzhu Zhongyuan from Qingxu. They're probably rushing to Luoyang now, but distant water can't quench a nearby fire. Luoyang will definitely be on guard, and Hulao Pass won't be easy to attack either. I heard that last winter the river was so shallow that you could ride a horse across it. It might be the same this year. We should prepare rafts and other supplies to cross the river and wait for the right time."

After Sima Ziru finished speaking, the meeting came to a close.

However, after everyone left, Erzhu Zhao still erupted.

"Erzhu Shilong, sooner or later I will make you know who's in charge of the Erzhu clan!"
-
Luoyang.

Hebasheng walked out of the military camp with an unfriendly expression. Nianxian was waiting outside. When he saw him come out, he asked:

"How is it?" "We'll talk about it when we get back!"

Hebasheng surrendered to Luoyang with 20,000 troops, but now he only has the troops he originally brought from Jingzhou left, and he is missing the part that Dugu Xin brought.

These 20,000 people were, after all, transferred by Erzhu Rong from north of the Yellow River, and many of them had close ties with the Erzhu clan.

After Yuan Ziyou regained control of Luoyang, he was not at ease with them, so he dispersed the 20,000 men and had the military power in Hebasheng divided among the generals from aristocratic families in Luoyang.

Hebasheng didn't care about this. These 20,000 soldiers weren't his own, so he wouldn't mind if they were divided up.

What bothered him was that he disliked the generals in Luoyang who had taken away his military power.

"Even when disaster is imminent, they are still fighting for power and profit."

Back at his residence, Hebasheng couldn't help but complain, which made Nianxian frown.

"Did Zheng Xianhu upset you again?"

Hebasheng mocked:

"They come from the Zheng family of Xingyang, a first-class aristocratic family in the country. Isn't it only right that they treat us northerners with disrespect?"

Nianxian clenched his fists and roared:

"After all these years, these people from Luoyang haven't changed at all!"

The Xianbei people of Luoyang and the Xianbei people of the north were related, but the estrangement between them was deeper than a chasm.

As he spoke, Nianxian looked at Hebasheng and asked:

"Po Hu, do you think it was a mistake for us to surrender to Luoyang back then?"

Hebasheng shook his head and said:
"If we don't surrender, are we supposed to join Erzhu Shilong in attacking Luoyang? That would be a huge disaster! Even Da Yeshuang doesn't dare to take it on. If we stand in front of him, we'll probably be crushed to dust!"

“But now Erzhu Zhao is leading his troops south. If he captures Luoyang, we will probably not be easily forgiven by him.”

Hebasheng said:

"We surrendered to Luoyang and received titles and honors, that's enough. Northerners are still northerners, and the people of Luoyang will never consider us one of their own. It's time to go back."

Nianxian listened, somewhat puzzled, and said:
"Does 'breaking the Hu' mean we defected in the face of battle, took the ferry north, and helped Erzhu Zhao attack Luoyang?"

“No, if we do that, we will inevitably become the target of everyone’s criticism. Besides, Erzhu Zhao has always disliked us and is unclear about rewards and punishments. Even if we make great contributions, we may not be given important positions. Judging from the state of the Luoyang Imperial Guards, Luoyang will fall sooner or later. We should go to Henan and find an opportunity to join Erzhu Zhongyuan and Erzhu Dulu. I have some connections with them during my years in Jinyang. It is a foregone conclusion that the Erzhu family members will govern themselves. If we go to them, we will surely be given important positions.”

Nianxian nodded and said:

"That's fine!"

……

Hedong.

Hou Jing was very angry.

An anger that has nowhere to go!
Since Murong Shaozong took office as the governor of Jinzhou, he has been stationed in Pingyang and has caused Hou Jing to suffer many losses, both openly and secretly.

Unfortunately, the Cosmic General couldn't do anything about him.

Hou Jing was very pleased with himself after Erzhu Rong died and Murong Shaozong was no longer valued by the Erzhu clan of Jinyang. Erzhu Zhao also withdrew all of Murong Shaozong's elite troops and generals.

Just as Hou Jing was about to have another go with Murong Shaozong, the other party quit.

Murong Shaozong closed the gates of Pingyang and ignored Hou Jing; he really couldn't do anything about him.

Hou Jing didn't have enough troops to attack the city.

Whether it was open or covert, Hou Jing's methods were not to be feared by the other side.

"General, news has come from Chang'an that the Prince of Nanyang is heading to Tongwan City."

At the Longmen ferry crossing, Hou Jing was leading his troops to rest when he heard the news and couldn't help but ask:
"Who is the Prince of Nanyang, and what is he doing in Tongwan City?"

"General, you've forgotten, this Prince of Nanyang is Princess Pingyuan's brother, an envoy sent by the Emperor!"

"so what?"

"They said they wanted to change locations!"

"Exchange land?"

Hou Jing's men were very excited and said:
"They said they were going to ask Yuwen Luosheng for Dongxia Prefecture. General, once this deal is done, Dongxia Prefecture will most likely be under your jurisdiction!"

"fart!"

Hou Jing shouted:

"My king is so powerful that the decision of who governs the various prefectures and counties inside and outside Guanzhong is entirely up to me. How dare you spout such nonsense here!"

Hou Jing's subordinate slapped himself twice and whispered:
"General, you are right. I was just talking nonsense. But if this matter succeeds, wouldn't you be able to share the King's burdens even more?"

Hou Jing nodded and said:

"Whether I can become the governor of Dongxia Prefecture or not is not important to me at all. What I care about is whether I can share the burden of His Majesty! I used to hear that Yuan Baoju was a money-grubber who only wanted to build houses. How could he be willing to take on such a difficult job?"

"I heard this house is about to be completed."

Hou Jing smiled and asked:

"Where is the house?"

"I heard it's a house in Tongyefang, right next to the small stone bridge over Qinghe Pond. That fellow Yuan Baoju tells everyone how nice his house is."

"The house next to the small stone bridge at Qinghe Pond in Tongye Lane?" Hou Jing scratched his head, somewhat puzzled. "Are there any other houses next to my house?"

As he was thinking, Hou Jing suddenly realized something, and his expression changed drastically.

"Could this be my house?!"

His men, upon seeing this, couldn't help but ask in confusion:

"But isn't the General's residence in Chongren Ward? When did he get a residence in Tongye Ward?"

Hou Jing, upon hearing this, rebuked:
"You know nothing!"

Hou Jing paced back and forth anxiously, clapped his hands, and suddenly realized something.

"I understand, we can't let him succeed!"

Hou Jing's men were even more puzzled and asked:
"If you don't want him to succeed, why send him? Is the King secretly instructing us to intercept and kill the Prince of Nanyang halfway there?"

Hou Jing, enraged, kicked his subordinate away and cursed:

"You've followed me for so long, and you haven't shown any understanding whatsoever. You even tried to intercept Yuan Baoju. What's in your head?!"

Hou Jing's subordinate, having been kicked, dared not retaliate and obediently ran back, asking:
"Why is that?"

Hou Jing smiled and said:
"When has my king ever paid for anything he asked for? And exchanging land? What a load of rubbish! He's just looking for an excuse to deal with those Wuchuan people!"

……

(End of this chapter)