Memoirs of the Heavenly Khan

Chapter 363 It's time to sing "The Song of Changle".
The Rouran royal court.

Inside the large tent, Anagui gently stroked the arrow that had been made into a golden arrow, as if he were touching the old battle scars on his body.

So many years have passed, and this arrow has long become an unforgettable scar in Anagui's heart, as well as a whetstone to hone himself.

A report came from outside the main tent.

Prime Minister Tutuja is back!

Anagui was somewhat surprised. Why was Tutujia so fast?
"Khan, I didn't go to Tongwan City; I was stopped when I got to Yunzhong City!"

"Why?"

"Ōno Sō has led 10,000 cavalry to Yunzhong City!"

The Rouran royal court is currently stationed in Wuchuan Town, which is only about 200 li away from Yunzhong City. If they are fast, they can reach it in just three days with more than 10,000 cavalry.

Upon hearing this news, Anagui immediately became wary.

"How is the alliance agreement progressing?"

"Ohno Sawa has agreed to become sworn brothers with us!"

Anagui's tone became more urgent upon hearing this.

"What about the land and the opening of the market?"

In Anagui's mind, there must be a price to pay for his humble and subservient behavior, which led him to consider himself a younger brother.

Anagui won over many tribes, including the Tiele, Turks, Khitans, and Shiwei, and established a foothold in the Western Regions by forming an alliance with the Hephthalites. He also connected the grassland trade routes and obtained a large amount of wealth, thus reviving the power of the Rouran.

But Anagui could not stop there!

He must make the Rouran stronger.

This power lies not only in the number of people and livestock, but also in prestige!
On the vast grasslands, with a single command, the plows could be driven to the far north, the eastern sea, the western Pamir Mountains, and the southern Hebei region. In this expansive land, all tribes would obey the order.

Anagui was far from achieving this, and the Rouran Khanate under his command was not as powerful as the Xiongnu of yesteryear.

Anagui wanted to become such a king of kings, but things did not turn out as he had expected.

The Rouran people marched south in large numbers, but they were short of supplies and had to obtain all the resources they needed from the south.

In the battle of Shuozhou, Anagui was defeated by Yuwentai. He was not able to obtain supplies from Yunshuo as he had strategically planned, and his war preparations were also greatly depleted.

After the Six Garrisons Rebellion, the Six Garrisons system that had once suffocated the Rouran collapsed, but its remnants remained.

Anagui was surprised to find that even with only a mutilated body left, it was still difficult to fight.

If you can't win, then make peace for now, conserve your strength, and wait for the right opportunity.

The purpose of opening the market is to acquire resources. As for the land from Baidao to Wuyuan, it is not the most important thing. The most important thing is the road from Yinshan to Hetao.

There are many routes leading south from the north of the Yin Mountains, but two are the main ones that lead to the Qiantao Plain.

Going south from Wuchuan leads to Baidao, and going south from Huaishuo leads to Wuyuan, but neither Baidao City nor Wuyuan City is in Anagui's hands.

Anagui must control at least one of these two paths.

However, Tutujia did not give him the answer he wanted.

"Ono Sō didn't mention anything else besides pledging to be brothers with us!"

Upon hearing this, Anagui's face darkened, and he said:
"I understand now, this Da Yeshuang only wants to take advantage of me."

Then, Anagui vented his anger on Tutujia.

"You haven't accomplished anything, what are you doing back here?"

Tutujia did not back down because of this, but said:
"Khan, Ami has been found! He's in Cloud City!"

Anagui was stunned, recalling the image of her daughter whom she had lost on a snowy night years ago, and felt a pang of sorrow in her heart.

"How come it's appeared now after all these years when we couldn't find it?"

Anagui quickly felt a sense of vigilance and looked at his younger brother with some doubt.

Are you sure this isn't an impersonation?

Tutujia shook his head and said:
"No, I checked it. The tattoos on her body are genuine; she is indeed a member of my Yujiulü clan!"

Upon hearing this, Anagui's guard lowered slightly, and he said:
"In that case, let's bring him back!"

"I'm afraid it won't be easy!"

"what for?"

Tu Tujia's expression was somewhat unpleasant, and he seemed hesitant to speak.

"What is the matter?"

Anagui thought it was because his daughter had gone through so many years of wandering and had some unbearable past experiences, so he was mentally prepared.

But Tu Tujia's words only confused him more.

"Ah Mi is very good!"

"Why is that?"

After a series of interrogations by Anagui, Tutujia finally confessed.

"Da Ye Shuang said he wanted to choose a son-in-law for A Mi, and asked young men from various tribes on the grassland to go to Yunzhong with betrothal gifts to choose the best one."

Upon hearing this, Anagui angrily said:

"My daughter, what right does he have to choose a husband for her?"

"Khan, have you forgotten that you swore brotherhood?"

After hearing this, Anagui sneered, stood up, and exuded an air of authority.

"I, the Khan, will not agree. I'd like to see which tribe on the grasslands dares to send anyone!"

Tutujia looked at the confident Anagui with utmost caution.

"Khan, there's something I'm not sure if I should say?"

"Say!"

"Da Ye Shuang said that if there is no hero on this grassland who is worthy of A Mi, then she will be married off to Li Shen Gui."

"..."
-
City in the Clouds.

Li Shuang stood on the city wall of Yunzhong City, gazing eastward. Only some straw remained on the ridges of the fields outside the city, yet to be harvested. A rain was imminent, and a group of Rouran slaves were rushing towards the ridges to collect the straw. Hundreds of cattle and sheep in the animal pens beside the ridges were also being driven back by the herdsmen.

"The moon of Qin shines on the passes of Han, the soldiers on the long march have not returned. If only the Flying General of Longcheng were here, the barbarian horses would not dare to cross the Yin Mountains."

Li Shuang sang softly.

The generals following behind him were slightly surprised when they heard the poem.

However, no one spoke.

A raindrop fell, and Li Shuang, dressed in a black robe with a golden dragon pattern, looked up and said:

"Khans, please come to the banquet!"

"promise!"

After Li Shuang left, the generals were all discussing the meaning of the poem he had just recited.

They all gathered around Hulü Guang, with Houmo Chenchong being the most enthusiastic.

"Ah Guang, what was the meaning of the poem Your Majesty just recited? Why was there a hint of sorrow in Your Majesty's words?"

Hulü Guang smiled, feigning innocence, and only spoke calmly when everyone was getting impatient:
"Shuozhou was divided into Yunzhong Commandery and Dingxiang Commandery during the Qin and Han dynasties. It was once a gathering place for Qin and Han armies to march north and fight against the Xiongnu."

"and then?"

"The Rouran are now invading the south, and their strength is formidable. My lord is worried. If we had a valiant general like Li Guang, what would we have to fear from the mere Rouran?"

After Huli Guang finished speaking, everyone suddenly realized what he meant, especially Hou Mochen Chong, who agreed wholeheartedly.

"A famous general of ancient times like Li Guang—perhaps that's referring to me!"

Just then, a burst of laughter came from the side.

The crowd turned to look at the source of the laughter and saw Hou Jing standing to the side with a mocking expression on his face.

Hou Mochen Chong looked on, somewhat angry, and asked:
Are you mocking me?

Hou Jing waved his hand and explained:

"Don't get me wrong, I didn't mean to mock you at all!"

"Then why are you laughing?"

Facing the furious Hou Mochen Chong, Hou Jing laughed and said, "With your abilities, what if you're comparable to Li Guang? Even Bai Qi and Han Xin would have to admit defeat when they met you!"

With that, Hou Jing left with his hands behind his back. Hou Mochen Chong realized what was happening and was about to make a move when he was stopped by Huli Guang.

Hou Mochen Chong was furious. He pointed at Hou Jing and cursed:
"What else does he have besides being with the king earlier? Look at how smug he is!"

Hulü Guang, standing nearby, advised:
"Never mind, he's just in a bad mood lately!"

Hou Mochen Chong was taken aback, looked at Huli Guang, and asked:
"Why?"

"Isn't it obvious? Li Bi was promoted to Grand General for his merit in conquering Lingzhou. How could he possibly be pleased with that? Besides..."

"Besides what?"

Seeing that most of the people around had left, Hulü Guang continued:
"The next person to be promoted to Grand General will either be him, Gao Ang, or you!"

Seeing Hou Mochen Chong's surprised expression, Hulü Guang smiled.

“It’s one thing for Gao Ang to be proud of him, since his seniority is about the same as his. But if you were to be promoted to Grand General first, would Hou Jing be happy about it?”

Hou Mochen Chong was still upset after hearing this, and he cursed with what he considered to be the most vicious words.

"Hou Jing, you Huai Shuo man!"

……

Before attending the banquet, Hou Jing met with his strategist, Suo Chaoshi from Huai Shuo!
What did they say about me?

"General, Hulü Guang says you are jealous of Li Bi!"

Hou Jing waved his hand dismissively, showing no interest in Suo Chaoshi's words.

"Hmph, a bunch of mediocre people who think they're so smart!"

"What is the general laughing at?"

Hou Jing smiled, looked at his trusted confidant, and said:

"How could they possibly understand Your Majesty's brilliance? And yet they worry about the Rouran? What is Anagui worth?"

As the chief strategist, Suo Chaoshi excelled in planning, but compared to his lord Hou Jing, he sometimes lacked the strategic acumen and quick wit to adapt to changing circumstances.

"That is?"

Hou Jing stood with his hands behind his back, gazing into the distance. A deep look appeared on his not-so-handsome face as he said:
“You don’t know, Anagui has changed.”

"changed?"

Hou Jing nodded and said:
"The Anagui of the past was such a simple and honest person, the kind who would put all his eggs in one basket!"

"And now?"

"He is no longer as simple and honest as he used to be. He has actually put the Rouran's wealth and livestock in several different places!"

As he spoke, Hou Jing sighed:

"People's hearts have changed!"

"Is Your Majesty worried that it will be difficult to plunder the Rouran?"

Hou Jing rebuked him, saying:
"What are you talking about? Can that be called robbery?"

"That is?"

"That was merely a small reward we received for our royal army's righteous extermination of the people and our rescue of countless tribes from the clutches of the Rouran!"

Hou Jing was very satisfied with Suo Chaoshi's performance and then asked:

"What else did they say?"

"Hulü Guang also said that if the next Supreme General were Houmo Chenchong, the Grand General would definitely be dissatisfied, hence his mockery!"

Hou Jing remained silent.

"General?"

After a while, Suo Chaoshi looked at him and saw Hou Jing looking angry.

"General, could it be that what Hulü Guang said..."

Hou Jing erupted!
"Tell me, in terms of seniority, loyalty to the King, talent, and appearance, in what way am I inferior to Li Bi? And that Hou Mochen Chong, a little brat from Wuchuan, has actually climbed to the same level as me! And that Murong Shaozong, he stays by the King's side every day, longer than I have!"

"..."

……

City in the Clouds.

The rain grew heavier and heavier. In the hall, the Khans of various tribes were gathered, and the banquet was in full swing.

"At this time and in this place, who will rise and sing in harmony?"

Li Shuang, still slightly drunk, shouted, and Hou Jing stood up, his face flushed with excitement, and sang:
"A strong wind rises, and the clouds fly high..."

Li Shuang waved his hand and said:

"We won't sing 'The Song of the Great Wind' today, we'll sing something else!"

Hou Jing scratched his head. He only knew how well he sang this song, and he didn't know how to sing anything else. So, amidst laughter, he sat back down.

Li Shuang then looked at Huli Jin and said:
"Play 'The Song of Changle'!"

Hulijin didn't hesitate and immediately began to sing. His deep and resonant voice moved all the khans present, both great and small.

After the song was finished, Li Shuang stood up and raised his wine glass.

"Well sung! This cup should be filled to the brim!"

After everyone finished drinking, Li Shuang was swaying and almost passed out drunk when a report came from outside.

"Your Majesty, an urgent report from Baidao: The Rouran ruler Anagui has led his army south, claiming he wants to reclaim the lands of Baidao and Wuyuan from Your Majesty!"

After these words were spoken, everyone at the banquet fell silent.

You should know that the Chule River flows through this land!
The song has just finished!
Suddenly, Huli Jin exploded, smashing his wine glass on the ground and roaring:

"You lowly wretch, how dare you speak like this!"

Huli Jin's shout also angered the tribal leaders of Yunshuo!
Li Shuang smiled.

"A few days ago, for the sake of peace in the north, I wanted to make a pact with the Rouran ruler as father and son, but he refused and only agreed to be my brother, wanting to serve me as his elder brother. He even sent someone to ask me for the land of Yunshuo, but I refused. Today, he has come to ask for it himself!"

Huli Jin shouted:

"If Your Majesty desires war, the entire Huli tribe will obey!"

After Hulijin finished expressing his opinion, the other Khans, both large and small, also bowed and said:

"Whatever Your Majesty commands, we will obey without question!"

Li Shuang said:
"Therefore, you should all gather your troops and come to Yunzhong. In addition, summon the various tribes of the Eastern and Western Tiele to come here!"

"promise!"

As Li Shuang spoke, she swayed unsteadily, intending to leave. Hou Jing, with a smile on his face, came up to help her.

Li Shuang waved his hand and said:

"Wan Jing, you've had too much to drink. Go home and rest early!"

As he spoke, under Hou Jing's resentful gaze, Li Shuang had Murong Shaozong, who hadn't drunk much, help him back.

Murong Shaozong helped Li Shuang back to the inner residence and into the house.

To Murong Shaozong's surprise, as soon as Li Shuang returned to the house, he stopped walking unsteadily and seemed to be completely sober.

"Your Majesty, what are you doing..."

"what happened?"

Murong Shaozong opened his mouth, but ultimately said nothing. He felt somewhat fortunate that Li Shuang considered him a confidant.

"Your Majesty, Anagui is leading his army. How should we deal with him?"

"Of course we'll let him acknowledge his family!"

Murong Shaozong, of course, did not think that Li Shuang was referring to him when he said "close friend," and asked:

"What if Anagui is unwilling to acknowledge kinship?"

Li Shuang did not answer, but simply smiled and said:
"This northern frontier is too vast, with many tribes living together. How can the Rouran be the only ones to call the shots?"

……

(End of this chapter)