Memoirs of the Heavenly Khan

Chapter 348: I did it all by myself.
Luoyang.

Within the inner city, rows of large tents sit on the ruins of the former Tianzhu General's Mansion, forming a continuous hill, like a scar embedded in the earth.

The once-mighty city with a population of over 700,000 has now fallen into ruin, with even the inner city in disrepair.

Emperor Xiaowen of the Northern Wei Dynasty moved the capital from Pingcheng to Luoyang, planning to build more than 300 wards in Luoyang, making it surpass Jiankang and become the premier capital in the land. However, with the uprising of the Six Garrisons, the country was thrown into turmoil, and the construction of Luoyang was halted.

Following the Heyin Incident, Luoyang's population plummeted. During Erzhu Rong's establishment of his hegemonic government, Luoyang's outer city walls were gradually abandoned, leaving only the inner city to maintain its prosperity.

After Erzhu Zhao entered Luoyang, not only did the outer city become a racecourse, but the inner city and the imperial palace were also affected, and the population declined further.

The glory of the former capital of a nation has now vanished.

The banners of the Erzhu clan fluttered in the camp.

Erzhu Shilong sat there, holding an account book in his hands, his brows furrowing more and more as he read.

Jinyang was the stronghold and headquarters of the Erzhu clan, while Luoyang was the economic center and the location of the imperial court. Erzhu Rong had always wanted to move the capital, but he never did so. It wasn't that he didn't want to, but that Jinyang could not replace Luoyang.

Luoyang was the capital of the country. Even though the imperial court was merely a figurehead, the taxes and grain collected from various prefectures and counties still had to be transported to Luoyang.

However, with Erzhu Rong assassinated, Luoyang has been able to collect significantly less money and grain.

One reason was that the territory was divided up by the Erzhu clan, and the local money and grain went into the pockets of Erzhu's generals. However, the bigger factor was the increasingly powerful rebellion.

The rebels could not conquer the cities in various places, but they were able to occupy key locations and cut off water and land transportation, causing the taxes and grain collected by various prefectures and counties to be unable to be delivered.

Slamming the ledger on the table, Erzhu Shilong's chubby head bulged with veins.

"What are Erzhu Yusheng doing? What are Chilie Yanqing doing? How can they just stand by and watch the situation deteriorate like this!"

Unlike Erzhu Zhao, Erzhu Shilong did not rely solely on martial prowess to subdue his subordinates. He was genuinely willing to share wealth, which is why, despite not being as skilled in combat as Erzhu Zhao, Erzhu Shilong gained the support of most of the Erzhu clan.

Erzhu Dulu and Erzhu Zhongyuan left Luoyang and went to Henan, where they defeated the rebel army and reopened the canal transport system, allowing the grain and money from Yan and Yu prefectures to be transported to Luoyang again.

But this is not the main issue. The Henan prefectures and Qingxu region were territories that the Northern Wei seized from the Liu Song dynasty. Hebei was the true base of the Northern Wei.

When the Six Garrisons rose up, no matter how much trouble the Six Garrisons' troops caused in the north, the Luoyang court remained steadfast, even dismissing them as ignorant beggars. But once the Six Garrisons' troops wreaked havoc in Hebei, the Luoyang court was immediately severely weakened, barely clinging to life.

What's giving Erzhu Shilong a headache is that back then it was the Six Garrisons that caused trouble in Hebei, but now it's the powerful families in Hebei who have rebelled.

The Lu family of Fanyang, the Cui family of Qinghe, and the Gao family of Bohai!
These aristocratic families in Hebei raised the banner of rebellion, and it wasn't just a simple matter of cutting off transportation; rather, they stopped collecting taxes and grain from the local area and simply absorbed the burden on the spot.

Without money and provisions, how could Erzhu's army of hundreds of thousands be fed, how could the court be maintained, and how could his decadent and corrupt lifestyle continue?

People's hearts are broken and it's hard to lead the team!
No matter how angry Erzhu Shilong was, he couldn't go to Hebei in person. Of course, even if he did go, it would be in vain.

This is another reason why Erzhu Shilong was loved by the Erzhu clan members. Unlike Erzhu Zhao, he did not have the ability to lead troops to quell rebellions, so he had to delegate military power to his subordinates.

"uncle!"

At a sudden shout, Erzhu Shilong was startled and opened his mouth to curse:

"What are you yelling about?"

The visitor was Erzhu Chang, the son of Erzhu Yanbo, the elder brother of Erzhu Shilong. Erzhu Chang was not very old, about thirteen or fourteen years old.

Unlike the cruel members of the Erzhu clan, Erzhu Yanbo was a rare kind and gentle man, and Erzhu Chang followed in his father's footsteps, appearing to be very kind and gentle as well.

"But my father told me to tell you, Erzhu Zhao, he..."

Erzhu Shilong put down the account book and said disdainfully:
"Erzhu Zhao was defeated?"

The other party nodded, Erzhu Shilong's tone was contemptuous, even showing a hint of jealousy.

"He just doesn't have the ability. Look how smug he was back then, saying that the people's hearts had been won over, and that he was going to lead a large army to cause trouble for Da Yeshuang and take back Pingyang. Was he a match for Da Yeshuang?"

"But……"

Seeing his nephew's anxious expression, Erzhu Shilong pretended to be calm, wanting to show off his uncanny ability to predict the future.

“I had long anticipated Erzhu Zhao’s defeat. Don’t panic in the face of adversity. One should remain calm and composed even when Mount Tai collapses before one’s eyes. The descendants of my Erzhu clan will all become generals and prime ministers in the future. If they panic over trivial matters, how will they be able to handle important matters in the future?”

After Erzhu Shilong's lecture, Erzhu Chang finally changed his anxious expression, nodded, and looked somewhat puzzled.

"Uncle is right, but what is a big deal?"

Erzhu Shilong treated his nephew quite well. After all, although Erzhu Shilong was cunning and treacherous, cunning and treacherous people often dislike their own kind.

It's rare for the Erzhu family to produce such an honest and kind person. Hearing this, Erzhu Shilong spoke eloquently:

"Life is but a fleeting moment; personal life, death, honor, and disgrace are all trivial matters. If it weren't for the fact that the country still needs my uncle, and that sense of loyalty and righteousness still lingering in my heart, then nothing else matters."

Erzhu Chang nodded upon hearing Erzhu Shilong's words and said:

"So it really isn't a big deal. Uncle, you are a wise man."

Erzhu Shilong was quite pleased to see that his nephew was so cooperative, and casually said:

"Where is he now? Has he returned to Jinyang?"

"It's right outside Luoyang!"

With a thud, Erzhu Shilong lost his balance and landed on his bottom on the ground.

When his obese body finally managed to get to his feet, he exclaimed in surprise:

"Why is he in Luoyang instead of staying in Jinyang?"

Erzhu Shilong was filled with doubt and surprise, but then he heard Erzhu Chang say:
"Uncle, don't worry, it's nothing serious. It's just that Erzhu Zhao lost Taiyuan."

"..."

Erzhu Shilong jumped up immediately and hurriedly ran outside, only to hear Erzhu Chang ask from behind:
"Uncle, where are you going?"

Faintly, one could hear Erzhu Shilong's cursing voice.

"That bastard Erzhu Zhao, he's already lost Taiyuan, and he still has the nerve to show his face. Why doesn't he just die..."

……

Taiyuan.

The former Prime Minister's residence, where Erzhu Rong controlled the world, is now filled with a large group of people.

Princess Beixiang's cries echoed throughout the room, and behind her stood a group of widows, all with sorrowful faces.

Li Shuang's face was ashen, and he shouted:
"Bring the people up!"

As soon as the order was given, Hou Jing, who was bound hand and foot, walked in, head held high, chest out, showing no fear whatsoever.

Li Shuang looked at Hou Jing and asked:
"You wretched creature, why did you slaughter the Prime Minister's residence?"

For the first time, Hou Jing stood firm in front of Li Shuang and said:
"Robbery!"

"In such a large city as Jinyang, why did you have to rob the Prime Minister's residence?"

"In the entire city of Jinyang, the Prime Minister's residence is the richest."

Li Shuang snorted coldly and asked again:
Who is your accomplice?

"I'm the only one who's going to take it!"

"Bullshit! So many people died, and you did it all by yourself?"

"I'm the only one who did it!"

"Where did the money go?"

"It fell into the water and was swept away when it was being transported out of the city!"

Li Shuang slammed his fist on the table and roared:

"Take him out and beat him until he dies!"

Outside, after only a few blows, a group of Huai Shuo people, led by Gao Huan, came out to plead for mercy. "Your Majesty, Hou Jing is guilty, but please spare his life in consideration of his past merits!"

Li Shuang snorted coldly:
"None of you should try to persuade me. This wretched child must die today!"

Outside, Hou Jing's shouts could be heard again, and in addition to the people from Huai Shuo, generals from Guanzhong and Hedong also came out.

"Your Majesty, although Hou Jing was reckless, the situation was chaotic at the time, and the people in the Prime Minister's residence resisted fiercely. He had his reasons for doing so!"

"Does having a cause justify massacres?"

At that moment, Yuwen Tai and a group of Wuchuan people also came out and pleaded:
"Your Majesty, Hou Jing rose up with us. The situation was indeed chaotic at the time, and it was difficult to distinguish friend from foe in the city. Hou Jing is guilty, but he has also made great contributions. If he is to be beaten to death, it may alienate the people who have surrendered, and people will inevitably say that Your Majesty's rewards and punishments are unfair!"

The soldiers from the six garrisons outside also knelt down and said:

"Please, King Qin, spare the General's life! We are willing to risk our lives to save you!"

This display of force startled Princess Beixiang, who was weeping inside the room. She wiped away her tears and looked at the group of generals and soldiers with a mixture of anger and fear.

Li Shuang sneered:
"I didn't realize this wretch was so popular. But no matter what you say today, it's no use. This matter must be explained!"

As he spoke, Li Shuang took out a dagger and walked up to Princess Beixiang.

"Sister-in-law, whether this wretched child lives or dies today is entirely up to you."

Princess Beixiang took the dagger from Li Shuang's hand. For a moment, she really wanted to rush up and cut Hou Jing into a thousand pieces.

But looking at the gazes of the generals in the room, she recognized many familiar faces. Those faces, once beaming with smiles, now seemed strange and frightening to Princess Beixiang.

When Princess Beixiang hesitated, she glanced at Yuan Tianmu, only to see him shake his head imperceptibly.

All the grievances and reluctance turned into a sigh at this moment.

"The man is already dead, killing Hou Jing will be of no use."

……

Princess Beixiang returned to the inner palace with a group of female relatives, and all the generals also withdrew, leaving only Li Shuang and Yuan Tianmu in the room.

"Brother!"

At this moment, Yuan Tianmu, facing Li Shuang, no longer had his usual composure and became cautious and timid.

“Back when Emperor Tianbao was alive, my brotherhood with the King of Qin had ended. Now, I dare not accept this title any longer.”

"Is my brother blaming me for bullying an orphan and a widow?"

Yuan Tianmu shook his head and said:
"To be honest, I don't think the King of Qin did anything wrong."

Li Shuang looked at Yuan Tianmu, only to hear him say:
"Only by eliminating all threats can we prevent future troubles. If it were General Tianzhu who had attacked Chang'an instead of the King of Qin who attacked Jinyang today, the outcome would probably be the same."

After listening, Li Shuang said:

"Brother..."

Yuan Tianmu cupped his hands and said:

"I request that Your Majesty address me as the King of Shangdang!"

Upon seeing this, Li Shuang's expression changed, and he said:
"I wish to announce to the world that I will punish the Erzhu clan. What does the King of Shangdang think?"

Yuan Tianmu thought for a moment and said:

"If you want to get rid of the Erzhu clan, you should do it sooner rather than later. But has the King of Qin considered that Erzhu Zhao's 60,000 troops have suffered heavy casualties, and the states of Bing and Si are empty? If we are not careful, the situation may change."

Li Shuang nodded and said:

“The King of Shangdang is right. I intend to transfer the Han soldiers from Hengshuo and Guanzhong to Jinyang for garrison duty, and select some of the surrendered Northern soldiers to be placed under the command of the Zhechong Prefecture.”

Yuan Tianmu frowned slightly upon hearing this.

"What about the rest of the northerners?"

"Naturally, they will be incorporated into the various prefectures and counties."

Li Shuang's words were simple, but Yuan Tianmu's heart was filled with surging emotions.

Although Yuan Tianmu was a member of the Yuan clan, he had followed Erzhu Rong for many years. However, whether it was the Tianlong people of Luoyang or the northern nobles, they were all predominantly Xianbei.

But Li Shuang's actions now clearly aim to marginalize the Xianbei people!

It's important to understand that the majority of the Northern Wei army was still composed of Xianbei people. Marginalizing them would undoubtedly carry enormous risks.

Yuan Tianmu thought for a long time, wanting to say something, but in the end he said nothing.

The two remained silent for a long time. Yuan Tianmu looked at Li Shuang and finally cupped his hands in greeting, saying:

"Take care, Your Majesty!"

……

As night fell, Li Shuang entered a courtyard in the Prime Minister's residence.

Upon opening the door, they saw Hou Jing lying face down on the bed, fast asleep.

Upon seeing this, Li Shuang laughed.

"You can really sleep well!"

Hou Jing woke up instantly upon hearing this, and upon seeing that it was Li Shuang, he smiled:
"It is Your Majesty! I cannot pay my respects!"

Li Shuang walked over, looked at Hou Jing's bloodied buttocks, and asked:
"how?"

"Your Majesty, rest assured, it may look scary, but it's not actually injured. It will be fully recovered in a couple of days."

Li Shuang listened and nodded.

“I plan to send Yuwentai back to Pingcheng, Gao Huan back to Yecheng, and give them a portion of the surrendered Northern Army.”

Upon hearing this, Hou Jing's expression changed, and he said:
"Your Majesty, these two are no pushovers. If we let them go and give them back their troops, we might not be able to get them back in the future!"

“We brought too few soldiers from Guanzhong, and it will take time to train troops in Taiyuan and other places. Xiangzhou is the key to restraining the Erzhu clan, and Hengshuo Prefecture also has to deal with the Rouran. If we don’t let them go back, no one else would have the ability to stabilize the situation so quickly.”

Hou Jing nodded, then remembered something and asked:

"What does Your Majesty command me?"

"Let them go, but we can't just let them leave like that. We need to send someone to keep an eye on them. I already have someone in mind for Yuwentai."

Hou Jing listened and asked:
"Your Majesty is referring to Dugu Xin?"

Li Shuang smiled and said:

"I will assign this army to Dugu Xin, appointing him as General Pingbei, and send him to Pingcheng with Yuwen Tai. However, we will still need to put in some effort with Gao Huan."

Upon hearing this, Hou Jing asked:

"Your Majesty wouldn't be sending me, would you?"

"What are you thinking? You can't even keep an eye on him!"

"..."

"What does Your Majesty want me to do?"

"Go to Yinzhou and invite someone for me."

"Who?"

"Li Yuanzhong!"

……

(End of this chapter)