Memoirs of the Heavenly Khan

Chapter 340 Zi said on the river

Jinyang City.

Erzhu Tianguang stood on the city wall, looking at the rows of corpses outside the city, their blood staining the water red, his expression shifting between light and dark.

After Yuan Tianmu finished his business, he found Erzhu Tianguang.

"Don't you feel sorry for him?"

Erzhu Tianguang nodded and said:

"Many of them were from the Erzhu clan. If I kill them like this, I'm afraid I won't have the face to face my uncle after I die!"

Upon hearing this, Yuan Tianmu couldn't help but laugh, which puzzled Erzhu Tianguang.

"Uncle, what do you mean by this?"

Yuan Tianmu stopped, stroked his beard, and said:
"You don't understand Tianbao at all!"

Erzhu Tianguang looked at Yuan Tianmu, only to hear him slowly say:
"If Tianbao knew in the afterlife that you had raised an army and occupied Jinyang, he would only feel relieved."

Erzhu Tian's expression was somewhat complicated; he didn't feel much comforted by Yuan Tianmu's words.

Yuan Tianmu ignored Erzhu Tianguang's complicated thoughts and continued:

"Once Erzhu Zhao learns that Jinyang has been captured, he will definitely head north as soon as possible, hoping to take back the city before we can establish a firm foothold. How can we control the battle if we don't kill all his followers? Tianguang, most of your men are from the Dai region, and there are many brave warriors among them, but they are still a bit short of being able to compete with Erzhu Zhao."

"Does Uncle mean the troops from the six garrisons outside the city?"

Yuan Tianmu was somewhat surprised, but then he thought about it and realized that Erzhu Tianguang had probably been eyeing Jinyang for a long time, and had probably already reviewed how to proceed after occupying Jinyang many times when he was in Pingcheng.

Yuwen Tai devised three strategies, the best of which was to seize Jinyang while Erzhu Zhao marched south to Luoyang.

Kerzhu Tianguang did not choose that option at the time, but instead opted for a middle strategy, waiting for an opportunity to annex Youyan.

Is Jinyang not tempting enough?

Erzhu Tianguang knew that as long as he captured Jinyang, he would become the number one person in the Erzhu clan, controlling the prefectures of Heng, Si, Bing, Shuo, and Fen.

But he didn't make that choice back then, simply because of one word.

risk!
To be precise, Erzhu Tianguang was not confident that he could occupy Jinyang at the time, so he did not intend to break ties with Erzhu Zhao.

But things changed with the addition of Yuan Tianmu, the long-time second-in-command of the Erzhu clan.

Even though it was a bit late to send troops now, Erzhu Tianguang still resolutely led his troops south and successfully occupied Jinyang.

Yuan Tianmu asked:
"Tian Guang, how do you plan to appease those soldiers from the Six Garrisons?"

Just as Erzhu Tianguang was about to answer, someone came to report.

Princess Beixiang has fainted!

……

Princess Beixiang was Erzhu Rong's principal wife. Even though Erzhu Rong is now dead, her status in the Erzhu clan remains very special.

Upon learning that she had fainted, Erzhu Tianguang and Yuan Tianmu immediately went to visit her.

Princess Beixiang lay on her sickbed, her emotions had stabilized, but upon seeing the two of them, she became agitated again.

"If the members of the Erzhu clan kill each other, how will you face Emperor Tianbao in the afterlife?"

When Princess Beixiang learned that Yuan Tianmu was going to execute all of Erzhu Zhao's henchmen, she tried to stop him, but she was too late. When she arrived, she only saw rows of headless corpses and the water stained red with blood.

She immediately fainted, and when she woke up again, she saw the two people she had trusted the most.

But now, these two people feel somewhat unfamiliar to her.

Yuan Tianmu did not answer Princess Beixiang's question, but instead looked at Erzhu Tianguang beside him and waited.

Erzhu Tianguang took a deep breath, his expression cold, and said:
“Aunt, if we lose this battle, my men will end up like you saw outside the city. Given Erzhu Zhao’s cruelty, he probably won’t give me a quick death.”

Princess Beixiang seemed heartbroken, murmuring:
"I understand!"

At this moment, Yuan Tianmu spoke:

"If you don't want to see this, why don't you go to Pingyang? Stay with Murong Shaozong and come back when things have calmed down."

After Yuan Tianmu finished speaking, both people in the room looked at him.

Murong Shaozong was Erzhu Rong's cousin, and Pingyang was a wealthy place. Normally, going to his place wouldn't be a problem.

But what time is it now? They're sending people away before the battle even starts.

What is this going to do?
Unlike Princess Beixiang's doubts, Erzhu Tianguang felt a sense of betrayal.

After leaving Princess Beixiang's residence, Erzhu Tianguang walked ahead alone, with Yuan Tianmu following behind. A storm was brewing between the two.

Only when they arrived at Erzhu Tianguang's residence, leaving the two of them alone, did Yuan Tianmu speak:
"Tian Guang, I know you don't understand me..."

Before Yuan Tianmu could finish speaking, Erzhu Tianguang interrupted him.

"I don't understand. The battle hasn't even started yet, and Uncle is already thinking about the retreat? What are my soldiers supposed to think when they see this?"

"Let Princess Beixiang take them away with her, and no one will object."

Yuan Tianmu's words silenced Erzhu Tianguang.

Jinyang was the stronghold of the Erzhu clan, and the families of Erzhu clan members and the families of generals from other clans were all in the city.

"If we win this battle, there's nothing more to say. But if we lose, what will happen? Have you thought about that?"

Erzhu Tianguang was somewhat indignant and said:

"If you return Murong Shaozong's family to him, will he listen to you? What if he sees the situation is not good and seeks refuge with Erzhu Zhao?"

Yuan Tianmu shook his head and said:
“Murong Shaozong is trustworthy. Once he chooses to support you, he won’t change his mind easily.”

Seeing that Erzhu Tianguang's expression had eased slightly, Yuan Tianmu continued:

"If you win, with Princess Beixiang there, Murong Shaozong will still choose to be loyal to you; if you lose, and Murong Shaozong's family falls into Erzhu Zhao's hands, will that be good for you?"

Yuan Tianmu's words moved Erzhu Tianguang.

"That's fine then!"

Seeing this, Yuan Tianmu continued the question he hadn't finished asking earlier.

"How do you plan to appease the troops of the Six Garrisons?"

Erzhu Tianguang revealed the answer he already had in his heart, saying:

"I intend to show my favor!"

"A gesture of favor?"

Erzhu Tianguang nodded and said:

"Half of the 200,000 troops of the Six Garrisons were dispersed to various prefectures and counties by my uncle. Now, the troops of the Six Garrisons outside Jinyang City have long been bullied by my Erzhu clan. I plan to open the treasury and reward them with wealth. As long as they help me, I will give them the same treatment as my subordinate soldiers and officers."
-
Go to the party.

Erzhu Zhao abandoned the main force and only selected elite cavalry to advance. After capturing Shangdang County, he discovered that there was no grain stored in the treasury.

"That old scoundrel Yuan Tianmu really did something ruthless!"

Erzhu Zhao had been traveling for days, and his face looked very weathered, with a scraggly beard.

After arriving in Shangdang, he did not continue his journey.

Giving his troops time to rest was one aspect, but more importantly, Erzhu Zhao was waiting for news.

It's understandable that people from the north wouldn't understand the Han Chinese way of life, but it would be wrong to say they're just physically strong.

Erzhu Zhao was already well-trained in military campaigns. On the battlefield, he possessed keen intuition and an indomitable will to fight.

Yuan Tianmu left him no supplies, which was exactly what Erzhu Zhao had expected.

He chose to lead his elite troops ahead and compromise with his relatives in order to secure enough supplies in the shortest possible time so that he could quickly send out his troops.

After occupying Shangdang, Erzhu Zhao slowed down. It wasn't that he didn't want to retake Jinyang as soon as possible, but rather that he wasn't confident he could capture Jinyang.

If Gao Huan's reinforcements can reach Shangdang from Fukouxing, their combined forces will have a much greater chance of capturing Jinyang.

Erzhu Zhao did not receive news from Yecheng, but news from Jinyang arrived first.

"Lord Yingchuan!"

"What is the matter?"

Erzhu Zhao's subordinate looked grim as he handed over the intelligence sent from Jinyang. Upon reading it, the subordinate nearly fainted. "Erzhu Tianguang and Yuan Tianmu, I swear to kill these two traitors!"

……

Xiangzhou.

Ye City!

Sima Ziru stared at Gao Huan. Both were powerful figures in the Huai Shuo faction, but unlike Gao Huan, Sima Ziru had always held important positions within the Erzhu clan.

He was sent by Erzhu Zhao to request reinforcements, but Gao Huan's attitude was not enthusiastic.

"He Liuhun, what exactly are you waiting for?"

What Sima Ziru didn't know was that Gao Huan's most important matter at that moment was the important matter of recognizing his ancestors and returning to his clan.

The Gao brothers rebelled in Jizhou and occupied Xindu.

Upon learning this, Gao Huan secretly dispatched his younger brother Gao Yue to Xindu, with only one message in mind.

We're all relatives!
The feedback from the other side was also positive, but it still conveyed a sense of distance.

After all, Gao Huan was a member of the Erzhu clan.

"The outcome of the Battle of Jinyang is still uncertain; we must not act rashly!"

Gao Huan always followed the path of Erzhu Zhao within the Erzhu clan and was not very close to Erzhu Tianguang.

If Erzhu Tianguang wins, Gao Huan will suffer a huge loss.

Sima Ziru listened and laughed:
"I heard you're getting quite close to Xindu?"

Gao Huan's heart tightened upon hearing this, and when he looked at Sima Ziru again, the other party reassured him:
"Don't look at me like that. We're all brothers. If I had to choose, I'd definitely be on your side. Tell me honestly, what are you really thinking?"

Before Gao Huan could speak, Sun Teng walked in.

"He Liuhun, a secret report has arrived from Shangdang."

The room was filled with Huai Shuo people, and Sun Teng, without any hesitation, revealed a very important piece of information to Sima Ziru.

Gao Huan planted a spy next to Erzhu Zhao!

Sima Ziru asked:

"Is Erzhu Zhao still in Shangdang?"

"After hearing the news from Jinyang, Erzhu Zhao immediately set off north."

Gao Huan took the secret letter, opened it, and said:
"Prepare the troops and go to provide support!"

Sima Ziru and Sun Teng were both puzzled, but then Gao Huan said:

"Erzhu Tianguang is doomed to lose. If we're late, it'll be bad!"

……

Hengzhou.

Yuwen Tai rode up on horseback, and sitting in front of him was an old man with white hair and a youthful face.

Yuwen Tai came here because the man in front of him was very special.

Liu Lingzhu!
After betraying the Erzhu clan, he fled to Youzhou. After Erzhu Rong's death, he joined forces with the Lu clan of Fanyang and rebelled against the Erzhu clan.

"Why did you risk coming here instead of staying in Youzhou? Aren't you afraid I'll capture you and take you to Pingcheng to claim a reward?"

Liu Lingzhu remained calm in the face of these words.

"If you really want to take me, I won't complain!"

Liu Lingzhu's words surprised Yuwen Tai, who asked:

What exactly do you mean?

Liu Lingzhu looked at Yuwentai and said:
"I can help you become the ruler of this northern land!"

To Liu Lingzhu's disappointment, Yuwen Tai's expression remained calm, without the slightest ripple, and he simply asked:
Why help me?

"The downfall of the Erzhu clan is imminent; helping you is helping me!"

What skills do you have?

"I have the Lu family of Fanyang standing behind me, is that enough?"

Yuwen Tai smiled, and from afar, dozens of riders galloped towards them.

Liu Lingzhu knew that the man before him was no ordinary man. If he could not give a satisfactory answer when those dozens of riders arrived, Yuwen Tai would not hesitate to capture and kill him.

However, Liu Lingzhu was not nervous; instead, he honestly replied:
“I not only betrayed the Erzhu clan, but also the King of Qin.”

Yuwen Tai frowned, but then heard Liu Lingzhu say:

"For so many years, I have been working for the King of Qin. However, what the King of Qin does not know is that I have a bargaining chip that he is unaware of."

"What chips?"

“Anagui’s daughter, who was lost in the north, has been raised by me for many years. With her and the general’s prestige, the Rouran may be at peace.”

Dozens of riders galloped over!

Yuwen Tai's murderous intent did not cease.

Liu Lingzhu was somewhat uneasy as he watched Yuwentai take a secret letter from his subordinate.

After reading it, Yuwen Tai's killing intent vanished without a trace. He looked at Liu Lingzhu and asked:

"How many men do you have that you can give me?"

"A thousand elite cavalrymen are stationed in Yanzhou and can be mobilized at any time."

Yuwen Tai drew his sword, pointed it at Liu Lingzhu, and said:
"I want these thousand cavalry, but I can't save your life. You should go back to Youzhou!"

Upon hearing this, Liu Lingzhu was overjoyed and took out a fish-shaped tally from his sleeve, tossing it to Yuwentai.

"Farewell!"

Watching Liu Lingzhu leave, Yuwen Hu, who was riding a horse, dismounted and said:

"Uncle, what exactly happened?"

"The time is now to seize Pingcheng and occupy Hengzhou."

……

Pingyang.

Late at night, Li Shuang was drinking with a group of powerful figures from Pingyang when his personal guard delivered a secret letter.

Li Shuang led Hou Jing to a secluded spot, where Hou Jing opened the secret letter and smiled slightly.

"Erzhu Tianguang is such a good person!"

Hou Jing, unaware of the details, couldn't help but ask upon hearing Li Shuang's words:
Is the king praising him?

Li Shuang rolled her eyes at Hou Jing, who slapped himself and said:
"I've had too much to drink."

Hou Jing took the secret letter from Li Shuang, glanced at it, and angrily said:

"So much wealth, just given away to those soldiers from the Six Garrisons, it's a terrible sin!"

After Hou Jing finished speaking, he shook the secret letter in his hand, still feeling indignant, and said:
"Erzhu Tianguang thinks that if he gives money, those soldiers from the Six Garrisons will help him. Isn't that foolish?"

Li Shuang asked:

What would you do?

“The worse the situation, the less we should show weakness in front of these soldiers from the Sixth Garrison. If it were me, I would first beat and scold these soldiers from the Sixth Garrison to make them behave, and then gather their wives, children and elderly relatives in the city and make them obedient and willing to fight for us.”

Hou Jing said bitterly, but what he was heartbroken about was not the soldiers of the Six Garrisons, but the wealth that Erzhu Tianguang had given away.

Li Shuang smiled and said:
Confucius said, standing by the river, "Time flows on like this, never ceasing day or night." So many years have passed; it's time to go back to Taiyuan for a visit.

……

(End of this chapter)