Memoirs of the Heavenly Khan

Chapter 367 Unity is strength
Luoyang.

Erzhu Shilong convened a meeting with all the members of the Erzhu clan.

Inside the large tent, Erzhu Shilong sat at the head of the table, while Erzhu Zhao sat on the opposite edge.

"Da Ye Shuang has pacified Lingxia Hengshuo and driven Yuwen Tai to Fanyang, forcing Gao Huan to pledge allegiance to him. It seems that this great battle is imminent."

Erzhu Shilong's words did not elicit much of a reaction from the Erzhu clan members present. In fact, Erzhu Dulu, Erzhu Zhongyuan, and Erzhu Zhao were all preparing for this great battle.

In Luoyang, piles of money and grain plundered by the Erzhu clan from various prefectures and counties were stacked up like hills, and the cattle, sheep, camels and horses were countless.

Although the Erzhu clan was not well-liked by the Tianlong people of Luoyang, they had a good reputation among the Xianbei soldiers.

Nothing special, they're willing to pay!
The Erzhu clan was far more generous than the gentlemen of Luoyang!
Seeing that everyone was calm, Erzhu Shilong felt more confident.

"In this battle, we must defend Luoyang! If we win, this world will still belong to our Erzhu clan; if we lose, we may find a desolate hill on Mangshan Mountain to be buried and never be able to find a place to die."

Erzhu Shilong had a clear understanding of this battle; he knew that the Erzhu clan could not afford to lose.

Beforehand, Erzhu Shilong had made ample preparations, especially in terms of diplomacy, so there was no need to worry that Southern Liang would stab him in the back at a crucial moment.

As he spoke, Erzhu Shilong looked at the group of people present.

"What do you think?"

Erzhu Dulu looked disdainful and said:
"What else can we do? Our Erzhu clan has dominated the world for many years. You have already gained enough wealth and status. If you lose, you can simply go and apologize to General Tianzhu!"

Erzhudulu acted like a dead pig that wasn't afraid of boiling water.

Erzhu Zhongyuan, being more mature, smiled and said:
"What do you mean by 'enough'? You've got enough, but we haven't. Even if Ohno Sou had brought his entire army, the outcome would still be uncertain. Why would Duli say such discouraging things?"

Erzhudul said in a muffled voice, seemingly angry with someone:
“I’m not trying to be pessimistic, but didn’t you hear what the northern barbarians are saying? They’re calling him ‘Heavenly Khan.’ Da Ye Shuang’s next move is probably to ascend the throne. He won’t care about us anymore. If he enters Luoyang, what can our Erzhu clan do but apologize to General Tianzhu?”

Erzhu Shilong listened and laughed:
"Heavenly Khan? Not all of my Erzhu clan members are dead yet, how could he possibly be the Heavenly Khan!"

After listening, Erzhu Dulu looked at Erzhu Shilong and asked:
"Tell us your exact number of troops under your command."

Erzhu Shilong was stationed in Luoyang, in charge of money, grain, and troops. In fact, he was the de facto head of the Erzhu clan and the commander above all the Erzhu generals.

"One hundred and eighty thousand!"

When Erzhu Shilong uttered this number, everyone present was astonished, even Erzhu Zhao, who had remained silent until now, showed a slight change in expression.

Erzhudulu asked:

"How can there be so many?"

"The blame lies with this Da Yeshuang for being too unscrupulous, causing uproar throughout the land and resentment among the people. The Xianbei soldiers in various prefectures and counties of Hebei and Henan have now sided with us, and even the barbarians of Jingzhou have joined us."

Erzhu Shilong stood up and said loudly:

"No city but Luoyang can accommodate these 180,000 soldiers, and no city but Luoyang can afford to fight this great battle. If we join hands, we will surely crush Da Yeshuang's arrogance! The world will once again know that our Erzhu clan is the undisputed overlord!"

Everyone looked at Erzhu Shilong and bowed.

"promise!"

……

After the meeting, Erzhu Shilong got the result he wanted.

This united the people of the Erzhu clan and solidified his position as the head of the family.

Erzhu Shilong did not stop there, but kept Erzhu Zhao behind.

Having lost Jinyang, Erzhu Zhao's status within the Erzhu clan plummeted, and he no longer had the resources to compete with Erzhu Shilong for the position of clan head.

However, Erzhu Shilong still takes his former rivals, who had once been superior to him, very seriously.

This was a wounded beast licking its wounds, and Erzhu Shilong knew that it was in this state that it was most terrifying.

"Tumo, sit down!"

Erzhu Shilong pulled Erzhu Zhao aside to show his closeness.

Erzhu Zhao looked quite weathered at this moment. After arriving in Luoyang, he had been ridiculed by many people, both openly and secretly, and had long lost his former vigor.

"What are your orders?"

Erzhu Shilong held Erzhu Zhao's hand and said:
Why is this the case between us?

Erzhu Zhao sighed and said:

"I am filled with shame!"

Erzhu Zhao's words were not mere politeness; they caused Erzhu Shilong to change color slightly. Erzhu Shilong knew that Erzhu Zhao was not the type to speak insincerely.

"Erzhudulü didn't say it explicitly, but I understand what he meant. He blames me for losing Jinyang. Otherwise, how could Daye Shuang have such power today, pacifying Lingxia, unifying Hengshuo, and becoming the 'Heavenly Khan'!"

Jinyang was not only the stronghold of the Erzhu clan, but also a powerful tool for them to control the world.

With Jinyang in hand, no matter how much pressure Chi Lieyanqing and others faced, they would not surrender. The chaos in Hebei was still under control, and the army in Guanzhong could not march north so recklessly. They pacified Lingxia, Hengshuo and other places.

The situation that Erzhu clan faces today would not be like this!
After all, if Jinyang were in the hands of the Erzhu clan, the Guanzhong garrison alone would hardly pose a fatal threat to Luoyang. If the Guanzhong army marched east towards Luoyang, the Jinyang troops could move south along the Fen River and enter Hedong, thus threatening the heart of Guanzhong and leaving the Guanzhong troops unable to defend themselves from both ends.

Erzhu Shilong was moved upon hearing this, and his words were tinged with emotion.

“Tumo, your words have made my efforts these past few days in raising money and supplies and recruiting soldiers worthwhile.”

Erzhu Zhao looked up at Erzhu Shilong and said:
"what for?"

“As you know, I am not good at charging into battle. The sharpest blade in my Erzhu clan is you. At this moment, even if you do not think of yourself, you should think more about my Erzhu clan. I want to entrust the most elite cavalry of my Erzhu clan to you and put you in command.”

Upon hearing this, Erzhu Zhao felt a surge of vengeance within him.

"In that case, I will certainly not fail in my mission!"
-
Jinyang.

The treasury was filled with rare and precious treasures.

"Your Majesty, don't be fooled by the fact that these northern tribes don't seem like much; they actually have a lot of good stuff!"

Hou Jing would hold a century-old ginseng root, marveling at it, and then stroke several Byzantine gold coins, expressing his amazement at their craftsmanship.

Even a broken boat has three pounds of nails; don't underestimate them!

Hou Jing agreed wholeheartedly, nodding solemnly. He felt deeply ashamed of his previous disdain and asked:
"How much wealth do those tribes have? Should I investigate first?"

Li Shuang waved his hand and said:

"Need not!"

Hou Jing was taken aback. In his memory, Li Shuang was not this kind of person. Could it be that he had become concerned about his reputation now that he had become the Heavenly Khan?

"I've already scouted it out."

"..."

Hou Jing took a deep breath, a surge of emotion welling up inside him, and he couldn't help but want to say something.

"Your Majesty is wise!"

Li Shuang sighed:
“I haven’t done enough! When Anagui was in power, he ruthlessly exploited and abused the people, leaving many tribes in the southern and northern deserts without clothes or food. If only I had come sooner, things wouldn’t have come to this!”

Hou Jing understood; Anagui had extended the tax collection to ninety years later.

"Your Majesty is benevolent!"

Li Shuang waved his hand and said:

“If those tribes are in this situation, and are further instigated by those with ulterior motives, they may very well turn to crime. How could I bear to see that happen!”

Hou Jing nodded, a fierce look on his face, and said:
"Then I will select some troops to go north and nip evil in the bud."

"The Erzhu clan has been very arrogant lately, and it is not advisable to launch a military campaign at this time."

Li Shuang walked to the several boxes in the room, looked at Hou Jing, and said:

"All the rare treasures in this room are not as valuable as these few boxes!"

That must contain so many valuable things!
Hou Jing was filled with anticipation, but when he opened the box, he found it contained only classic books and illustrated books.

"Your Majesty, what are these?" "These are topographical maps of the area north of Yinshan Mountain and atlases recording the current situation of various tribes."

Hou Jing, unsure of Li Shuang's intentions, offered a warning:
"Your Majesty, the Hu people live by following the water and grass, but the water and grass often change. What is a large lake today may become dry land in a few years. It is hard to be sure!"

Li Shuang smiled upon hearing this.

"Only in this way can the boundaries of each part be defined."

Hou Jing understood and said:
"That's true, it's better for them to fight amongst themselves than to step into the abyss of sin!"

Just then, a report came from outside.

"Your Majesty, Gao Huan and Yuwen Tai have arrived!"

Li Shuang remained silent, so Hou Jing asked:
Where are they now?

"They met at the city gate as soon as they entered the city, and they seemed to know each other very well."

Hou Jing looked at Li Shuang and asked:

"Your Majesty, shall we see them immediately?"

"No need, let them go back to their own residence in Jinyang first!"

Hou Jing hesitated, then advised:
"Your Majesty, these two are getting too close, which is not good. Should we use some means to make them dislike each other?"

Li Shuang smiled and said:
"Do we really need to resort to underhanded tactics to make these two people dislike each other?"

……

In the garden behind the Prince of Qin's mansion in Jinyang, beside a small lake, stands a three-story pavilion.

Gao Huan and Yuwen Tai had both been here before, but now the situation has changed, this place has changed owners, and the decoration style is different, with no trace of the old place left.

The scenery beyond the railing remained the same, but Gao Huan and Yuwen Tai felt as if they had been transported to another world.

Now, they are all dressed in court robes, sitting on the roof of the pavilion, waiting.

Before they met each other, they thought about whether they could work together, but once they actually met, their hearts were filled with resentment.

There was no verbal communication between them.

Then, Li Shuang walked in.

The two bowed.
"King Qin!"

"No need for that, we're all family!"

Li Shuang waved and sat down in front of the two of them.

"I have summoned you all to Jinyang for a momentous matter: I have resolved to punish the Erzhu clan!"

The two had actually anticipated this.

"Your subordinate is willing to serve the King of Qin!"

Gao Huan was the first to express his opinion. Yuwen Tai hesitated for a moment, his brows revealing dissatisfaction, but he quickly followed suit.

"The Erzhu clan is tyrannical. For the sake of the people, the King of Qin braved arrows and stones. Your subordinates are deeply moved and are willing to serve the King of Qin!"

"I am greatly pleased with your behavior!"

As he spoke, Li Shuang looked at Yuwen Tai and asked:

"Black Otter, have you encountered any difficulties leading your troops to relocate to Fanyang?"

Yuwen Tai smiled and said:
"Fanyang is not as prosperous as Yecheng, but its supplies are not lacking. Thank you for your concern, Your Majesty!"

Gao Huan was very displeased upon hearing this.

What does it mean that Fanyang is not as prosperous as Yecheng?

What does this mean?
Li Shuang nodded, a smile on his face, then looked at Gao Huan and said:
"He Liuhun, how are you?"

"The soldiers of Ye City are guarding Xiangzhou for the King of Qin, facing the Erzhu clan directly. Unlike the leisurely life in the rear, it is certainly arduous, but the soldiers know that they have a heavy responsibility and have no complaints."

After Gao Huan finished speaking, Yuwen Tai's lips parted slightly.

What does it mean to face the Erzhu clan head-on? It's no less peaceful than being in the rear!

Are you saying we're just freeloaders?
"That's excellent!"

As Li Shuang spoke, she took Yuwentai and Gao Huan's hands and put them together.

"The Erzhu clan has already amassed over 100,000 troops in Luoyang. This battle should not be underestimated. If we wish to win, do you know what the key is?"

Gao Huan and Yuwen Tai both looked at Li Shuang and asked:

"Please enlighten me, Your Majesty!"

"Only by joining hands and working together can we win!"

"The King of Qin is wise!"

Gao Huan and Yuwen Tai nodded, their faces showing a look of sudden realization.

……

"Xiao Xian!"

Gao Huan returned to his residence in Jinyang and summoned his nephew, Duan Shao.

"Lord!"

"I need to wash my hands!"

"Wash your hands?" Duan Shao was a little puzzled, but he did not hesitate and brought Gao Huan a basin of clean water.

Seeing that Gao Huan had washed it several times, Duan Shao couldn't help but ask:
"My lord, why is this so?"

"I feel disgusted!"

Gao Huan washed his hands several more times, until they were almost raw, before finally drying them and saying:
"That kid Yuwentai, he always seems so serious, but it's all a facade!"

Duan Shao, standing to the side, was completely confused and asked:

"My lord, what do you mean?"

Gao Huan sneered:
"He's a true Wuchuan native!"

"But didn't our lord say when he came that, if possible, it would be best to reach a reconciliation with Yuwen Tai and the others?"

Gao Huan remained silent for a long time, then patted his cheeks and said:

"How could I have had such an outrageous idea before, actually wanting to reconcile with a true Wuchuan person?"

……

"Fourth Uncle, you've washed it so many times, the water is going to break if you wash it again."

Yuwen Hu looked at his uncle with some worry.

Yuwentai dried his hands, but the anger in his heart still couldn't be vented. He said:

"It's true that different environments shape different people. Even after all these years, Gao Huan has managed to find a powerful figure in the Bohai Gao family, but he still can't hide his inherent spirit."

Yuwen Hu was puzzled and said:
"Uncle, what do you mean?"

"He is a true Huai Shuo person!"

Upon hearing this, Yuwen Hu said:
"But didn't Fourth Uncle say that unless absolutely necessary, we shouldn't clashed with Gao Huan and the others again?"

Yuwen Tai sighed and said:
"There is only one type of person in this world who is difficult to cooperate with, and you will feel uncomfortable as soon as you get close to them. That is the true Huai Shuo people."

……

(End of this chapter)