Memoirs of the Heavenly Khan

Chapter 342 Who Wins, Whom Do They Help?

Jinyang City is located north of the Jin River and west of the Fen River, and is the most important town in Shanxi.

Nearly a thousand years ago, when the state of Jin was divided into three, Zhi Bo led the Wei and Han families to attack Jinyang, the stronghold of the Zhao family, and almost captured the fortified city that had been besieged for three years.

Although Zhi Bo was ultimately killed, his siege strategy was not flawed.

Water attack!

The Jinyang City of today is not the one built by the Zhao family back then. During the War of the Eight Princes, the ancient Jinyang City, which originated from the pre-Qin period, became ruins.

Later, with the help of refugees, Liu Kun, the governor of Bingzhou, rebuilt Jinyang City and relied on this city to hold out for nine years in the midst of chaos.

Of course, Liu Kun could have held out for much longer by relying on Jinyang City.

The rebuilt Jinyang City was more than ten times larger than the original Jinyang City built by the Zhao family. Compared to the previous one, it could almost be described as a giant city.

Erzhu Rong put a lot of effort into establishing his hegemony here, making it the main base of the Erzhu clan.

The area outside Jinyang City is dotted with waterways, leaving few places suitable for troop deployment. Based on the terrain, Erzhu Rong constructed corresponding fortresses and satellite cities on the most easily attacked northern side, further strengthening the city's defenses.

Even if hostile forces were to invade Taiyuan, it would be difficult to breach the defenses of Jinyang City from the outside.

However, for Erzhu Tianguang, holding firm was not a good option.

What he and Erzhu Zhao were vying for was the position of head of the Erzhu clan, not the city of Jinyang.

The head of the Erzhu clan was able to possess Jinyang City, not the other way around.

Erzhu Tianguang led his 12,000 troops from Hengzhou and 30,000 troops from the Six Garrisons, and set up an array in the southeast direction of Jinyang.

The momentum is overwhelming!

In contrast, Erzhu Zhao only had three thousand Qihu soldiers and more than four thousand Northern Army soldiers by his side.

This Northern Army was composed of a diverse group, consisting of either tribal soldiers from Bingzhou or troops of nobles from Dai who had been scattered after Erzhu Rong's death and had finally found their way back to a formal organization.

In short, it's a mixed bag.

Erzhu Zhao's momentum was much weaker than that of Bizhu Tianguang's side, but Erzhu Zhao's face was full of confidence.

Before the battle, Erzhu Zhao, in front of a group of Qihu cavalry, pointed his whip at Erzhu Tianguang's banner and said:
"He, Erzhu Tianguang, is unworthy of being a descendant of the Erzhu clan. He has committed massacres and his hands are stained with the blood of his own people, including our relatives. He is not worthy of being the successor of the Heavenly Pillar General!"

Erzhu Zhao's pre-battle mobilization aroused the righteous indignation of the Qihu cavalry.

Erzhu Zhao's shouts were quite loud.

"If General Tianzhu is watching, may he bless us with victory. All of you, charge with me!"

At a command, three thousand Qihu cavalry, following Erzhu Zhao, launched the first attack despite being at a significant disadvantage.

Under the blazing sun and the vast sky, Erzhu Zhao's cavalry, like a sharp arrow, charged forward without hesitation, heading straight for Erzhu Tianguang's main camp.

At this time, not all the soldiers and horses of this Jinyang cavalry were wearing armor; in fact, a considerable number of the Qihu soldiers did not even have complete armor.

Although Erzhu Zhao's relatives supported his military campaign, they did not like him, so they would definitely try to block him wherever possible.

However, this elite cavalry unit, which had been trained under Erzhu Rong in the past, had extremely high morale and their teamwork had long been honed to perfection.

Erzhu Tianguang, standing in the formation, was somewhat surprised to see Erzhu Zhao charging straight towards him.

Using infantry to hold off the enemy's main force, then leading elite cavalry to flank them, or feigning defeat and retreat, then ambushing them from both sides – these are common tactics used by cavalry.

Kerjuzhao did not do that.

Of course, they were all taught by the same master, and Erzhu Zhao knew what Erzhu Tianguang knew. So Erzhu Zhao clearly didn't intend to use the conventional methods, because he knew Erzhu Tianguang wouldn't fall for it.

Erzhu Zhao led his troops in a charge, clearly risking their lives.

He led three thousand Qihu soldiers and targeted the weakest point in Erzhu Tianguang's camp.

The weakest tribal soldiers among the Hengzhou troops.

Erzhu Zhao and Erzhu Tianguang were both Erzhu Rong's most valued descendants of the Erzhu clan. They had served under Erzhu Rong for many years and were well aware of each other's methods and resources.

After Li Shuang severed ties with the Erzhu clan, large tribes in Hengzhou, such as the Shedi and Dugu, followed him south.

They left, and the vacated territory was taken over by the Erzhu clan.

Erzhu Rong was not idle either; he used this to appease and win over many tribes near Hengzhou.

These tribes were very loyal to the Erzhu clan, but loyalty could not replace armor, weapons, and fighting power.

The moment the two clashed, the winner was decided.

These best were merely poorly trained tribal soldiers clad in leather armor, utterly vulnerable to the charge of the Jinyang armored cavalry.

It was almost a one-sided victory. Erzhu Zhao quickly completed the harvest. Before Erzhu Tianguang could even mobilize troops to surround him, he led his troops through the formation and ran behind Erzhu Tianguang's main force.

At that moment, the four thousand northern soldiers were greatly encouraged and charged towards Erzhu Tianguang's formation.

This is why Erzhu Zhao launched the first attack. He went in and achieved results, which emboldened the other Northern troops to follow.

Faced with the dangerous situation of being attacked from both sides, Erzhu Tianguang was prepared to deal with it.

The tribal troops were routed, but his main force remained. He dispatched 5,000 infantrymen to deal with the ragtag northern army, while simultaneously gathering troops from the noble families of Dairen to counter Erzhu Zhao's cavalry.

The nobles of the Dai people used Pingcheng as their base. Their troops were well-equipped, all wearing armor, and were heavy infantry. Although their numbers were small, only a little over a thousand, they clearly slowed down Erzhu Zhao's offensive.

Seeing that the opportunity had arrived, Erzhu Tianguang no longer hesitated and led his cavalry to attack Erzhu Zhao's flank.

Erzhu Tianguang's main cavalry force was composed of a diverse group, including his own troops recruited in Beixiurong, sons of nobles from Dai, and even many soldiers from the Six Garrisons.

Of course, the troops of the six garrisons that had already been incorporated into the Hengzhou army had long been absorbed. Although they came from the same source as the troops of the six garrisons outside Jinyang City, they were no longer the same people.

At least, the soldiers from the six garrisons in Hengzhou army really put in the effort.

The more than 30,000 soldiers of the Sixth Garrison simply watched and remained unmoved.

Erzhu Tianguang had only occupied Jinyang City for a short time and did not have enough time to reorganize and absorb the more than 30,000 troops of the Six Garrisons. He could only send officers to command them.

But when it really came down to this life-or-death situation, the officers that Erzhu Tianguang sent out were completely unable to command the troops under their command.

It was clear that Erzhu Zhao would be doomed to defeat if they joined the battle, but these people just wouldn't budge.

"Aren't you all betraying the Grand Commander's kindness by acting like this?"

There was nothing else they could do but try to persuade the officers sent by Erzhu Tianguang, who were facing a group of soldiers from the Six Garrisons.

“It’s not that we’ve let the Grand Commander down, but Erzhu Zhao sent someone to say that this is a family matter of the Erzhu clan, and if we interfere, he will kill our whole family! We thought about it, and that’s actually true, since we are outsiders!”

"If Erzhu Zhao wins, do you think you'll get away with it? Don't forget how he treated you before?"

"Don't try to scare us!"

The officers sent by Erzhu Tianguang were also helpless; no matter how they tried to persuade them, the soldiers of the Six Garrisons simply wouldn't budge.

For these soldiers of the Six Garrisons, securing their spoils was of utmost importance. As for Erzhu Tianguang's promise to grant them status and position after the war, these soldiers simply did not believe it.

There's no other reason than that if Erzhu Rong could have given it to them back then, why would he have waited until now?
These soldiers from the Six Garrisons are all shrewd and wouldn't easily believe the promises of the Erzhu clan.

Therefore, in reality, it didn't matter who won on the battlefield; these 30,000-plus soldiers from the Six Garrisons were of no concern. Until, the situation on the battlefield changed again.

Erzhu Zhao led his army to break through the blockade of more than a thousand infantrymen. Almost desperately, he charged forward, cutting through Erzhu Tianguang's formation. Together with the more than four thousand northern soldiers, he defeated the five thousand infantrymen in the front line.

Just as Erzhu Zhao was about to counter-encircle and launch a final attack on Erzhu Tianguang's main cavalry force, it was clear that Erzhu Zhao was about to launch a counter-encirclement.

Given this situation, the troops from the six garrisons finally made their move.

Aren't you going to run?

Before Erzhu Tianguang's officer could understand what he meant, he stood there dumbfounded. Some of the soldiers from the Six Garrisons grew impatient and pierced his body with their weapons.

"In a life-or-death situation, you still have time to be distracted?"

Almost at close range, roars erupted from the ranks of the more than 30,000 soldiers of the Six Garrisons.

"Lord Yingchuan is mighty! We have been coerced by the traitor, and now we are willing to turn against him and capture the traitor Erzhu Tianguang!"

This roar sealed the fate of the battle, sealing off any possibility of Erzhu Tianguang turning the tide.

……

Sizhou.

After Erzhu Tianguang was defeated, he led his remaining troops to retreat to Pingcheng, but unexpectedly he was captured by the ambush led by Erzhu Yusheng.

"Tian Guang, don't blame me, it's your fault for losing!"

Erzhu Yusheng's words were full of helplessness, but his hands did not stop moving. Ignoring Erzhu Tianguang's struggles, he tied him up tightly.

After capturing the man, Erzhu Yu did not leave but set up camp on the spot.

Until Erzhu Zhao arrived with his troops.

Upon seeing this, Erzhu Zhao first embraced Erzhu Yusheng.

Then, he walked up to Erzhu Tianguang, grabbed his hair, and pressed his face to the ground.

The fine dust and stones scraped his face painfully, but Erzhu Tianguang was unwilling to give up and roared:
"Erzhu Zhao, if you have the guts, kill me!"

The last thought that Erzhu Tianguang had before falling into Erzhu Zhao's hands was to seek death, but Erzhu Zhao did not make a move.

Do you know what I hate most about you?

Erzhu Zhao, however, toyed with him like a cat playing with a mouse.

"You fool! You're clearly a Qihu, yet you insist on imitating the Han people. Look at Yuan Tianmu, he ran off to Pingyang long ago, unlike you, who's still foolishly planning to escape to Pingcheng. You've lost, how could I possibly let you return to Pingcheng smoothly?"

Upon hearing this, Erzhu Tianguang struggled even more fiercely.

"So what if you arrest me? My third uncle is still in Hedong. Do you think you can sit comfortably in Jinyang City?"

Erzhu Tianguang's words only fueled Erzhu Zhao's anger, causing him to pound Erzhu Tianguang's head relentlessly.

Seeing this, Erzhu Yusheng couldn't bear it and pulled Erzhu Zhao back.

"Stop hitting him, or he'll die."

However, Erzhu Zhao's anger did not subside, and he angrily cursed:
"Your uncle spoiled you too much when he was alive, only letting you do clean things and meet clean people! Do you know where you went wrong?"

Erzhu Tianguang raised his blood-covered face, seemingly wanting an answer as well.

"You have no idea how treacherous people can be. Do you think those soldiers from the Six Garrisons are like the scholars and nobles you've met? If you treat them well, they'll be loyal to you? Don't you think about why your uncle never lets you manage these soldiers, but instead sends a cruel man like me to manage them! Over the years, how many of these soldiers have died, but in the end, didn't they still help me defeat you!"

Upon hearing this, Erzhu Tianguang felt somewhat confused and couldn't make sense of it.

The blow from Erzhu Zhao was one reason, but the biggest factor was the impact of Erzhu Zhao's words on him.

"If you kill off a batch of troublemakers among the Six Garrisons and move their families to the city, and kill the whole family of anyone who disobeys, I won't dare to come. In that case, Jinyang will be yours in no time."

Erzhu Tianguang silently lowered his head, lay down on the ground, and suddenly began to sob.

At this moment, Erzhu Yusheng wanted to say something.

Erzhu Zhao, however, was somewhat impatient and said:

"Don't worry, I won't go back on my word!"

"That's not what I meant. Even if you don't let me come, Tianguang won't be able to return to Pingcheng smoothly."

Erzhu Zhao looked at Erzhu Yusheng with some doubt and asked:

"what for?"

……

Pingcheng.

Yuwen Tai stood in the center of the main hall of the Northern Expeditionary Grand Commander's Mansion, his face still cold, but now it carried a hint of murderous intent.

The nobles and officials in the city dared not utter a sound, as their elite troops had all been sent out to support Erzhu Tianguang. As a result, when Yuwentai suddenly rebelled, they were unable to effectively resist him.

Erzhu Tianguang's younger brother, Erzhu Xianshou, was escorted into the main hall by Yuwen Hu and his men. He looked at Yuwen Tai with a furious expression.

"Yuwen Black Otter, my brother should have killed you when he was alive!"

Yuwentai ignored him and had a rag stuffed into his mouth. Then, he looked at the group of nobles in the city.

"Erzhu Tianguang, under the orders of General Tianzhu, was stationed in Hengshuo, but he harbored rebellious intentions and led his troops to attack Jinyang, betraying the Duke of Yingchuan. Fortunately, the Duke of Yingchuan was blessed by Heaven and led his army to defeat the traitor Erzhu Tianguang in Jinyang. I now lead my troops to return to the right path and am willing to obey the Duke of Yingchuan's orders. What do you all think?"

Yuwen Tai's words shocked everyone present!

Lost!

Whether Yuwen Tai's words were true or false, these nobles dared not utter a word in the face of the weapons of Yuwen Tai's retainers.

"We are willing to jointly elect the governor as the Grand Commander, to guard Hengshuo for the Duke of Yingchuan!"

Seeing that everyone had expressed their opinions, Yuwen Tai nodded and said:

"Therefore, gentlemen, draw your swords and kill this traitor Erzhu Xianshou!"

The nobles and dignitaries never expected that this guy would be so ruthless and use such tough methods!

Their hands are stained with Erzhu Xianshou's blood, so even if Yuwentai is lying and Erzhu Tianguang has returned, they have no choice but to go down this dark path.

……

The hall became quiet, but the smell of blood still lingered.

"Uncle, the battle report from the front has not yet arrived. How do you know that Erzhu Tianguang has been defeated?"

Yuwen Hu asked with some curiosity, but Yuwen Tai replied:
"If we are to occupy Hengzhou, Erzhu Tianguang must be defeated!"

……

(End of this chapter)