Memoirs of the Heavenly Khan

Chapter 352 You Have at Least Three Things to Say

Jiankang.

Dong Thai Temple!
The temple was bustling with worshippers.

The newly appointed Crown Prince of Southern Liang, Xiao Gang, stood respectfully in front of the Great Buddha Hall, waiting.

Last year, Crown Prince Xiao Tong passed away. Emperor Xiao Yan ultimately chose his third son, Xiao Gang, to succeed him as Crown Prince, between the Crown Prince and the Grandson.

Inside the palace, after the chanting of sutras ended, Xiao Gang, who had been waiting for a long time, watched as a man hurriedly ran down the steps.

Zhu Yi, a favorite minister of Emperor Wu of Han (Xiao Yan)!
Zhu Yi had a smile on his face and was very humble, but Xiao Gang did not like him.

Since Xiao Gang became the crown prince, Zhu Yi has intentionally kept his distance from him and has also suppressed his close confidants from time to time.

Even if you're unhappy inside, you should still maintain at least some respect on the surface.

"Yanhe, what did Father Emperor say?"

Xiao Gang came here because, as the crown prince, he wanted to share Xiao Yan's burdens and handle state affairs.

Xiao Gang could handle some domestic affairs on his own, but he couldn't handle major matters like diplomacy and military affairs alone. Of course, even if Xiao Gang wanted to handle them alone, he wouldn't have the final say.

The Erzhu clan sent someone, who spoke humbly and lowered his tone so much that he was practically saying that he was a barbarian from the north who had come to pay homage to the emperor!

The Erzhu clan that lost Taiyuan was in a completely different state from the Erzhu clan that possessed Taiyuan.

Of course, such a statement implies that there is an ulterior motive.

Erzhu clan has two demands!
The first thing they wanted was for Prince Yuan Yue of Runan to return to his country. Of course, that was the official statement. In reality, they wanted Southern Liang to stop supporting Yuan Yue's actions on the border.

Without the support of Nanliang, Yuanyue naturally had no chance to perform.

The second is that they want to join forces to deal with Li Shuang.

Although everyone knows that the emperor and court in Luoyang are nothing more than puppets of the Erzhu clan, they are still the only emperor and court of the Northern Wei Dynasty at present, and have the legitimacy to back them up.

The Southern Liang Dynasty still had to treat the envoy from Luoyang with respect.

Xiao Gang couldn't make a decision on either of these two requests.

Xiao Gang was captured by Hou Jing while in Hanzhong. He later returned to the Southern Liang Dynasty, but his prestige plummeted.

If it weren't for the later conquest of a large area of ​​Nanyang through the Northern Expedition, he wouldn't have been able to ascend to the position of Crown Prince so smoothly.

The key was that Xiao Gang established a friendship with Guanzhong through Li Shengui.

With the shift in diplomacy, Xiao Gang will lose many leverage in Southern Liang.

Zhu Yi's face was calm, unlike Xiao Gang, who had been standing for a long time and was somewhat agitated.

"His Majesty said that the Prince of Runan is a member of the Yuan clan, and it is only natural for him to return to his roots."

Of course, preventing the Southern Liang from causing trouble came at a price. All the Erzhu clan could offer was to redefine the border between the Northern Wei and the Southern Liang, and to acknowledge the legitimacy of the Southern Liang's acquisition of land north of the Yangtze and Huai Rivers since the rise of the Six Garrisons.

Xiao Gang didn't care about that, but instead asked:

"What about Guanzhong?"

Zhu Yi laughed:

"His Majesty says that the Li family of Guanzhong has committed excessive killings, which may not be a blessing for the world!"

Seeing Zhu Yi's smile, Xiao Gang felt very displeased. But he understood that he couldn't change what Xiao Yan had decided.

"So, shall we send troops?"

Zhu Yi shook his head and said:

"Unauthorized instigation of war only brings suffering to the people. The key to this lies with Li Sanheba!"

One Li, three He Ba?

Just as Xiao Gang was about to understand and say something, Zhu Yi said:
"This is a trivial matter, Your Highness, no need to trouble yourself. I have already sent someone to handle it."

Just then, the sound of chimes rang out again in the Great Buddha Hall. Zhu Yi hurriedly took his leave and went into the hall to serve Xiao Yan.

Xiao Gang watched Zhu Yi's retreating figure, a hint of resentment appearing on his face.

……

Hanzhong.

Nanzheng!

Han Ling was practicing the Five Animal Frolics under a tree when Li Shengui, holding a letter, walked up to him and asked:
"Sir, could you please take a look at this letter and tell me what it means?"

After Han Ling finished his performance, he sat down to the side, not even glancing at the screen, and asked:

"From the Liang Kingdom?"

Upon hearing this, Li Shenggui's face showed surprise.

"Sir, you're amazing!"

Han Ling picked up his teacup, took a sip, and smiled:

"Is the above related to marriage alliances?"

Li Shengui was taken aback, staring at Han Ling, and said suspiciously:

"Sir, have you planted a spy next to me?"

"how you said that?"

"Otherwise, how did you know?"

Han Ling put down his teacup, waved his hand, and Li Shengui obediently sat down beside Han Ling.

"Your Majesty defeated the Erzhu clan's 60,000-strong army at Pingyang and captured Taiyuan. The situation in the world has changed!"

Li Shenggui listened patiently, though he didn't understand what Li Shuang's capture of Taiyuan had to do with his marriage, but he didn't interrupt.

"The aristocratic families of Hebei dislike the Erzhu clan, and many generals from other clans who were originally under the Erzhu clan's command have also defected. If the Erzhu clan is completely defeated, what will happen to the situation in the world?"

Li Shenggui shook his head, but Han Ling was unusually patient and smiled slightly.

"For Xiao Yan, the best situation would undoubtedly be the division of Guanzhong and Guandong, so that the Liang Kingdom would be safe. But after Erzhu Rong's death, there is no one in Guandong who can rival Your Majesty. Once Your Majesty enters Luoyang and unifies the Central Plains, the Liang Kingdom will face enormous pressure from the north."

As he spoke, a hint of anticipation flickered in Han Ling's eyes. However, this anticipation quickly vanished, and he returned to his usual calm.

"Xiao Yan is preparing for the worst-case scenario."

Li Shengui, puzzled, looked up at Han Ling's aged face and asked:
"The worst-case scenario?"

"Xiao Yan is already over sixty years old. Let alone whether he can still conquer all sides like he did when he was young, even if he could, he doesn't have the ability of Emperor Wu of Song. Therefore, the only way is to push the border between Liang and Wei to the most suitable place before the worst situation arrives."

"The most suitable place?"

"The Jianghuai region serves as a protective barrier for Jiankang, the Jingxiang region is the lifeline of the Liang Kingdom, and the Bashu region is like a strategic pass between the north and south."

Han Ling said:

"Now, the Liang Kingdom has pushed the battle line to the south of Pengcheng and the north of Xinye. Only in this land of Bashu, even though Jiange is dangerous, it is difficult to put the old monk of Jiangdong at ease."

As Han Ling spoke, his emotions surged, and he stood up. Li Shenggui, who had been leaning on him, was caught off guard and stumbled.

Li Shenggui didn't care. When he got up, he patted the dust off his clothes. Han Ling had already walked to the tree and was staring at the old tree in the courtyard in a daze.

"The Liang Kingdom has no shortage of loyal ministers and capable generals, such as Chen Qingzhi and Lan Qin, who are truly great generals. Although Xiao Yan is old, his sword is still sharp!"

After listening, Li Shenggui scratched his head and finally couldn't help but ask:

"What does this have to do with me? That scoundrel Zhu Yi insists on arranging a marriage for me, saying the other party is as beautiful as an angel!"

Han Ling turned around, looked at Li Shenggui, and smiled.

"This is not about arranging a marriage for you, but rather a marriage alliance between the Xiao family of Lanling and the Li family of Longxi, which also serves as a bridge between the Liang royal family and the Prince of Chenliu."

Li Shengui still didn't understand, and said:

"I still don't understand!"

Han Ling sighed and asked:
"Who's in charge of Hanzhong these days?"

"Me?" Li Shenggui said casually, but after glancing at Han Ling, his imposing manner diminished somewhat. "Of course, matters big and small still require your assistance, sir!"

Han Ling rolled his eyes inwardly and asked again:
"The army in Hanzhong is mostly composed of Han soldiers from Henan. Whom do they listen to?"

"Me? The descendants of the Li family of Longxi come to Hanzhong more often than they go to Chang'an. Why is that?"

"I……"

Upon hearing this, Li Shenggui's expression finally changed, and sweat beaded on his rosy cheeks.

Upon seeing this, Han Ling finally smiled.

Why would the Han Chinese aristocratic families in Hebei prefer to meet Gao Huan and Yuwen Tai rather than go to Jinyang? Why would the descendants of the Li family of Longxi come to Nanzheng instead of going to Chang'an?

In the past, no matter what important things Han Ling said to Li Shenggui, it was like hitting cotton. This time, however, Li Shenggui understood, which piqued Han Ling's interest.

"Yang Kan is stationed in Longxi, controlling the various prefectures of He and Liang. Yu Jin and Wang Sizheng are stationed in Jinyang to monitor the northern regions. Gao Ang is stationed in Shancheng to confront the Erzhu clan. Although these generals wield great power, they are still subject to Your Majesty's control. Only the Liang and Han regions are entirely entrusted to the Prince of Chenliu!"

Li Shengui's expression was already quite unpleasant, and Han Ling was secretly delighted. He then said:
"Has the King of Chenliu not yet realized that you are second only to the King in power and prestige, and that you are unparalleled in all things, and that..."

"What else?"

"Heba Yun is under the command of the King of Chenliu. His brother Heba Yue is in Lingzhou, and Heba Sheng is in Dongjun. If Your Majesty is willing, you can retreat and submit to the Southern Liang to maintain the balance of power between the north and the south. Alternatively, you can join forces with Heba Yue to launch a pincer attack from the north and south, take Chang'an first, and then pacify the world!"

Li Shenggui collapsed to the ground with a thud, his body limp and powerless.

Han Ling wondered if he had spoken too harshly and frightened Li Shenggui. But just as he was about to help him up, Li Shenggui punched him in the face.

"King of Chenliu, what are you doing!"

"I am afraid!"

Why are you afraid to hit me?

"Who told you to scare me!"

"..."

Han Ling covered his face, only to see Li Shenggui suddenly jump up, agitated and shouting.

"I must go to Jinyang! I must see my sworn brother! I am utterly loyal to my sworn brother... ah, no, to the King, I have no other intentions whatsoever!"

Han Ling regretted it a little. He realized that the naive and clueless Li Shenggui from before was much more lovable. At least that Li Shenggui wouldn't get angry.

"Don't worry, King Chenliu, the king still trusts you."

Upon hearing this, Li Shenggui was not pleased; instead, he became even more uneasy.

"Even though Your Majesty is wise, you are still afraid of treacherous ministers like yourself who will slander you!"

"..."

Looking at Han Ling's bruised face, Li Shengui quickly explained:
"Sir, I didn't mean you were a treacherous official!"

Han Ling waved his hand, intending to leave, but was stopped by Li Shengui.

"Sir, where are you going?"

Han Ling said angrily:
"Boil a few eggs and put them on your face!"

Li Shenggui grew anxious and hurriedly asked:

"What should we do with this letter?"

Li Shenggui felt the letter in his hand was burning hot as he touched it.

"Just accept it, don't refuse or agree."

"Then how can I demonstrate my loyalty to the King?"

Han Ling looked at Li Shengui's anxious face and sighed.

"Listen to me, do nothing, and the king will know your loyalty!"

"Why?"

Han Ling patted Li Shengui on the shoulder and said:

"Only those who lack loyalty would desperately try to prove themselves. You must believe in the brotherhood between you and the King. Even if you are thousands of miles apart, the King can feel your sincere heart."

Li Shenggui nodded after hearing this.

"Sir, you are right!"
-
Liu Lingzhu, covered in a sack, endured countless bumps and jolts before finally seeing the sunlight.

But as soon as he could see it, Liu Lingzhu was so frightened that he almost lost his mind.

He was in a room where the surroundings were very familiar.

Back when he was performing shamanistic rituals for Erzhu Rong, Erzhu Rong would summon him to this room countless nights to discuss secret matters.

Northerners have great faith in the divination of high shamans, which creates room for manipulation within the system.

Erzhu Rong supported him and even granted Liu Lingzhu the title of Duke of Yan, which was certainly not in vain.

Some things that Erzhu Rong couldn't give openly often had to be carried out through Liu Lingzhu's methods.

But now, who controls Jinyang City?
Liu Lingzhu's face turned deathly pale, and he thought to himself:

It's time to come!
Footsteps sounded outside; the person hadn't been seen yet, but the sound had already arrived.

"Old Liu, you're really busy these days, it's not easy to see you!"

Li Shuang's voice came first, and Liu Lingzhu still felt a sliver of hope that it was just an illusion.

But the moment Liu Lingzhu saw Li Shuang, the light in his eyes vanished.

Immediately afterward, Liu Lingzhu's body stiffened, and he shouted:

"Your Majesty, I... am utterly loyal!"

Li Shuang laughed and said:

"I didn't say you weren't!"

Hearing Li Shuang's words, and with the ropes binding him being untied, Liu Lingzhu finally breathed a sigh of relief.

"Your Majesty, there were reasons why I did not obey your orders and left Jinyang!"

Just as Liu Lingzhu was about to apologize, Li Shuang waved his hand with a grin.

"Fool, we've known each other for so many years, how could I blame you for such a small thing?"

Seeing Li Shuang lightly turn the page, Liu Lingzhu felt increasingly uneasy.

You might think Li Shuang is a magnanimous person if you don't know him; once you get to know him, you'll find that he's so magnanimous that he's never treated you like a human being!

"I have recently been instigating the Lu family of Fanyang, the Cui family of Boling, and northerners from Guangning and Daning to go to Yuwentai. I am guilty!"

"Where is the crime?"

"Chen...chen..."

Liu Lingzhu couldn't explain it clearly, but Li Shuang helped him up and patted the dust off his clothes.

"The fact that Youyan and other prefectures obeyed Pingcheng's orders was my command. You have done a meritorious service in doing so!"

"I dare not accept such praise... I dare not accept such praise!"

"I heard you're getting close to the Rouran people?"

Upon hearing this, Liu Lingzhu knelt down again.

"Chen...chen..."

"I know your difficulties!"

Li Shuang helped Liu Lingzhu up again and said:

"The leaders are often just empty shells. Every day they open their eyes and have so many people to feed. Yanzhou is also frequently harassed by the Rouran. It's understandable that you'd like to be closer to the Rouran for the sake of your brothers!"

"Your Majesty is right... No, I am guilty!"

"Let's not talk about it anymore, it's all in the past. Do a good job in Yanzhou and make some achievements, so that we can transfer you to Luoyang in the future!"

Liu Lingzhu's heart was pounding. He glanced at Li Shuang, then suddenly seemed to understand something and knelt down.

"Your Majesty, I will immediately send the Rouran princess to you!"

……

(End of this chapter)