Memoirs of the Heavenly Khan

Chapter 369 Nothing is more important than progress

In the fifth year of the Zhongdatong era of the Southern Liang Dynasty, in Xiangyang.

Xiangyang was the dividing point between the Northern and Southern Dynasties. The Xiangyang City and Fancheng on the north bank of the Han River together formed the Xiangfan Defense Line, which has always been a strong shield for the Southern Dynasties against the nomadic cavalry from the north.

At the end of the Southern Qi Dynasty, the Southern Dynasties were in turmoil. Xiao Yan led his troops from Xiangyang and marched all the way to Jiankang. Later, his descendants established the Liang Dynasty.

The Southern Dynasties established Yongzhou with Xiangyang Commandery as its core.

After Xiao Gang, the former governor of Yongzhou, became the crown prince, Xiao Yan sent his fifth son, Xiao Xu, who was also Xiao Tong and Xiao Gang's younger brother from the same mother, to serve as governor of Yongzhou and to be stationed in Xiangyang, with the general Liu Zhongli assisting him.

Xiao Xu was exceptionally strong and was praised by Emperor Xiao Yan.

However, whether in the Northern Wei or the Southern Liang dynasties, exceptional strength was merely a standard requirement for generals.

Outside Xiangyang City, the Southern Liang navy's warships were stationed in the port, with countless large warships and battleships, their banners obscuring the sun.

This was the source of Southern Liang's confidence in possessing half of the country, and also the reason why it was the naval overlord that made the Northern Wei cavalry tremble.

General Liu Zhongli, clad in full armor, arrived from Xinye in a fast boat, crossed the Han River, and sought to meet Xiao Xu, the Prince of Luling.

Inside the room, Xiao Xu was playing with a Byzantine gold coin. When he saw Liu Zhongli enter, he didn't say much but gestured for him to sit down first.

Liu Zhongli was a man of great ambition. When Xiao Gang was stationed in Xiangyang, he once rode his horse across the battlefield and pushed the territory of the Northern Wei to the present-day Xinye line.

Now that he knew the current situation in Jingzhou, his fighting spirit was rekindled. However, Xiao Xu inside the room remained silent, so he could only suppress his temper and wait.

After Xiao Xu had finished playing with all the gold coins in the box and put them away, he finally spoke:

"Zhongli, what's the matter?"

Liu Zhongli came from the Liu clan of Hedong, whose family had lived in Xiangyang for generations. The Liu family had an excellent relationship with Xiao Yan, and his father, Liu Jin, was the current Crown Prince's attendant to Xiao Gang.

Xiao Xu was also very polite to him.

"Your Highness, Pei Qingsun has left Jingzhou with his troops. Now that Jingzhou is undefended, it is the perfect opportunity to head north."

Xiao Xu, however, lacked the fighting spirit and heroic passion of Liu Zhongli, who was riding across the battlefield. He laughed and said:
"I know that this box of gold coins was sent from Guanzhong."

After listening, Liu Zhongli looked at Xiao Xu in surprise.

"What does the Prince mean?"

"I have already agreed that I will not lead my army north to occupy Jingzhou!"

Liu Zhongli had always heard that Xiao Xu was greedy and lustful, but he never expected that he would ruin the country because of it.

"Just for a box of gold coins?"

Xiao Xu chuckled, revealing an expression that every man would understand.

"Of course, it's not just a box of gold coins, but also several exotic beauties."

"..."

While Liu Zhongli was speechless, Xiao Xu smiled slyly.

"These beauties are quite lovely. How about I send two of them to Zhongli to warm his bed?"

Liu Zhongli stood up abruptly, somewhat angry.

"How can we let this ruin the affairs of the nation!"

Xiao Xu, however, remained calm and pulled him down.

"Why be so angry? The news from Jiankang means His Majesty doesn't plan to mobilize troops in Xiangyang. Why not take these gold coins and beauties?"

Liu Zhongli was somewhat puzzled and asked:

"how so?"

Xiao Xu laughed:

"Isn't it obvious? Those lands have all been destroyed. If we take them back, we'll spend money and grain to appease the refugees. By the time things are settled, the northerners will be back. Isn't that all for nothing?"

Nanyang's characteristic is that it is "boats from the south and horses from the north," which is exactly where the comfort zones of the Northern and Southern Dynasties are.

The garrison in Xiangyang consisted of naval forces and infantry, and they were at a complete disadvantage when encountering cavalry from the north in northern Nanyang.

The navy was useless, and the infantry were completely on the defensive.

It's like cavalrymen from the north marching south, seeing rows of large warships on the water, and having absolutely no idea what to do!
After hearing this, Liu Zhongli's enthusiasm vanished.

"King Li Shuang of Qin has amassed a large army in Chang'an and is about to march on Luoyang. It would be a real pity if he did not seize this opportunity to march north and recover lost territory."

Xiao Xu comforted him, saying:
"Last year, Wei Fang passed away, and His Majesty appointed Chen Qingzhi as the governor of Beixu Prefecture, intending to recapture Pengcheng. As long as Pengcheng is in our hands, the Huai River defense line will be secure. Currently, our dynasty's military forces are all focused on the east, so there is no need to cause trouble here."

Liu Zhongli nodded and said:
"Chen Qingzhi is a great general, so there is no need to worry about Jianghuai. What I am worried about is Bashu. I have heard that Li Shengui is stationed in Nanzheng, and his soldiers are brave and skilled at winning people's hearts. The situation in Bashu is chaotic and people are disloyal. If he seizes the opportunity and breaks through Jiange, the situation will be difficult to control."

With the Xiangfan defense line in the hands of the Southern Liang, it was exceptionally solid, and the Jianghan Plain behind it was safe. If the cavalry from the north wanted to move south, the only options besides directly confronting the two cities of Xiangfan were to take the Suizao Pass by land.

However, taking the Suizao Pass would not only make logistics difficult to guarantee, but also make it easy for the Jingzhou and Xiangyang garrison to cut off their retreat, risking the annihilation of the entire army.

Compared to the Xiangfan defense line, the Jianghuai defense line seems to have many more areas to defend, and the cavalry in the north has many more areas to attack. However, in reality, it is more difficult to break through than the Xiangfan defense line.

If important towns such as Pengcheng, Shouyang, and Hefei were in the hands of the Southern Liang, the Liang army could rely on waterways to resist step by step.

Even if the northern cavalry manage to break through the Huai River defense line with great difficulty and advance south to the Yangtze River, Jiankang has already organized a navy that stands outside the Stone City. In addition, Jiankang can rely on the Yangtze River waterway to quickly mobilize reinforcements from Jingzhou and Xiangyang.

For the cavalry in the north, the Yangtze River is wider than the Huai River, and the Yangtze River defense line is more difficult to deal with than the Huai River defense line.

As long as the defense mechanism of the Jianghuai defense line can function normally, it will be almost impossible to break through Jiankang.

However, the defense line in Sichuan and Chongqing is different. Hanzhong is not in their hands, and they rely solely on Jiange, which is not secure.

Xiao Xu, however, was not worried and said:

"Currently, Li Shuang's elite troops are all in Chang'an. He intends to attack Luoyang. With the troops under Li Shengui's command, let alone failing to break through Jian Ge, even if they did, what would they achieve?"

……

Nanzheng!

Li Shenggui appeared somewhat agitated, pacing back and forth in front of Han Ling.

"Sir, tell me, the King has recalled Yang Kan's troops from Longyou, and we are in Nanzheng. Why not send them to Chang'an?"

Han Ling smiled and asked:

"What, does the Prince of Chenliu really enjoy fighting?"

"That's not it!"

Li Shengui shook his head and said:
"His Majesty has transferred all his elite troops to Chang'an, leaving us behind alone. Doesn't that make us seem less than elite?"

After listening, Han Ling laughed and said:
"I never imagined that the Prince of Chenliu possessed such an extraordinary spirit!"

Just then, Heba Yun hurriedly walked in, cupped his hands, and said:

"My lord, sir, news has arrived from the south!"

Li Shenggui was very impatient when he heard this.

"Are you trying to introduce me to another wife? Why didn't you tell me so I wouldn't see this?"

Heba Yun's expression was quite serious. He looked around and whispered:
"Your Majesty, this is the surrender document from the Liang Kingdom's Jianmen Pass garrison commander!"

"A letter of surrender?"

Before Li Shenggui could react, Han Lingteng stood up abruptly, took the letter from Hebayun's hand, and read it very carefully.

After reading it, he handed the letter to Li Shengui.

Li Shengui didn't look at it and asked directly:
"How's it going, sir?"

Han Ling stroked his beard, his gaze deep, and said:
"Quickly report this matter to Chang'an. Whether it's a genuine or feigned surrender, it's worth a try!"
-
Changan.

Qin Wangfu.

Li Shuang looked at the letter sent by Han Ling, and facing the messenger before him, said:
"Tell the gentleman to stop while he's ahead!" "Yes, sir!"

Led by Hulü Guang, the envoy went out.

Li Shuang stood up and stretched her limbs.

Now, his elite troops have gathered in Guanzhong, but the greater pressure lies in handling logistical documents.

After seeing the envoy off, Hulü Guang returned and said:

"Princess Erzhu is requesting an audience!"

As he spoke, Hulü Guang added a sentence.

"Both of you have arrived!"

It was nearly dusk when Li Shuang heard this, waved his hand, and said:

"Let them in!"

The two Erzhu brothers, dressed in gorgeous gowns and with their hair styled in a cloud-like pattern, arrived together and bowed to Li Shuang upon seeing him.

"Your Majesty!"

Although Erzhu Ying'e had given birth, she took very good care of herself and her figure did not change.

Little Erzhu was shorter than Erzhu Ying'e, and not as lively and active as Erzhu Ying'e, who loved riding horses and drawing bows, but she was plump and graceful.

"What brings you to see me?"

A large number of troops gathered in Chang'an, and everyone in the world knew that Li Shuang was going to have a battle with the Erzhu clan.

Regardless of victory or defeat, the most embarrassed are both Erzhu and his brother.

"Having heard that Your Majesty intends to punish the traitors Erzhu Shilong and others, I have come here specifically!"

Princess Beixiang has now arrived in Chang'an, and Erzhu Ying'e learned from her about Hou Jing's massacre of the Prime Minister's residence.

After Erzhu Ying'e said this, she and Xiao Erzhu bowed together.

“Erzhu Shilong and his ilk are slaughtering living beings and are cruel by nature. They deserve to be exterminated. Your Majesty is acting in accordance with Heaven and the times. How dare we disobey you? We are willing to offer several hundred fine horses to increase military supplies and share Your Majesty’s burdens.”

When Princess Beixiang left Jinyang, she took with her a considerable fortune, and even a retinue of Qihu warriors.

After settling in Chang'an, all of these became assets for the two Erzhu brothers.

“The crimes of Erzhu Shilong and others should not implicate others. I hope Your Majesty will grant a way out to those in the Erzhu clan who are willing to do good.”

Li Shuang nodded and said:

"I am aware of your intentions. Before I reach the border of Luoyang, any members of the Erzhu clan who return will be forgiven."

The two Erzhus glanced at each other, a smile appearing on their faces, and said:
"We thank Your Majesty!"

In this way, the Erzhu clan and the Qihu people, who had now submitted to Chang'an, severed ties with Luoyang.

……

Shaanxi City.

Among Li Shuang's generals, only Gao Ang, who was of the rank of Grand General, did not go to Chang'an but stayed in the local area to defend against the Erzhu clan's army near Luoyang.

However, Gao Ang was quite excited at this moment.

We're finally going to attack Luoyang!

For so many years, Gao Ang has been guarding Shaanxi City, watching over the eastern gate of Guanzhong. Even if he wanted to gain military merit, he had no way to do so.

Erzhu was too obedient; she simply didn't come over to fight.

There wasn't even a small-scale cavalry harassment!
Even though Li Shuang had gone north to attack Heba Yue a few months ago and repelled the Rouran ruler, and circled around Lingxia Hengshuo, the Erzhu clan still made no move.

Seeing the high prices made me very annoyed.

Although skilled warriors may not achieve great feats, it would be impossible for Gao Ang not to feel anxious as he watched his juniors being promoted to general for their military achievements, and even Li Bi being promoted to supreme general for conquering Lingzhou.

Just as Gao Chao was making his plans, a man who had a similar experience appeared.

"Old Gao, I've missed you so much, it's been so many years!"

Hou Jing's timely appearance did not bring Gao Ang joy, but instead made him resentful.

"You were one of the first to follow the King, and now that Xue Guyan, Pei Qingsun, and Houmochen Chong have all become generals, what have you been doing?"

Hou Jing was speechless and said:

"What's the use of blaming me? Xue Guyan is guarding Puzhou, watching over half of Hedong, and has quelled countless troubles. Pei Qingsun is in Jingzhou, and has even reclaimed a lot of land. As for Hou Mochen Chong, although he is young, he has made many military achievements. Their promotion to Grand General is justified. Can I stop them?"

Gao Ang was blaming himself rather than Hou Jing.

"Old Gao, this isn't something I can decide. If I were to evaluate it, you would definitely be the pillar of the state!"

Ang Gao looked at Hou Jing and smiled:
"I am the Pillar of State, then what are you?"

Hou Jing, with his uneven legs, showed off in front of Gao Feng, saying:

"I should at least be a high-ranking official!"

Seeing Hou Jing's shamelessness, Gao Ang cursed.

"Get out! What are you doing here?"

Hou Jing said with a grin:

"I have brought the navy from Guanzhong. This is the last remaining force of Southern Qi. Your Majesty spent a lot of money and supplies to build it up, and now it is all under my command."

The naval fleet in Guanzhong was naturally inferior to that of the Southern Liang, both in terms of the size of the warships and the quality of the sailors.

But I'm afraid of comparisons!
The Guanzhong navy has limited capabilities and is far inferior to the world's most elite navy, but unfortunately, there is no other navy that can defeat them.

The navy in Guanzhong could not compare to the navy of the Southern Liang Dynasty, but it was in a league of its own in the Northern Wei Dynasty.

After all, the Northern Wei Dynasty did not have a navy at all.

The Northern Wei army's ships were mostly supply ships, with warships being scarce, and the northerners were not skilled in naval warfare.

When Emperor Wu of Song, Liu Yu, led the Southern Dynasty's navy into the Yellow River, they were completely overwhelming and had no rivals.

Upon hearing this, Gao Ang's expression changed.

He understood the news very quickly after hearing it.

"Does Your Majesty intend to seize Heyang?"

Heyang is an important ferry crossing north of Luoyang, with Beizhongcheng on the opposite bank. If this navy can cut off the connection between the two banks of the Yellow River and seize the ferry crossing, then the supply fleet from Guanzhong can sail down the river from Shancheng to Luoyang, greatly reducing the logistical pressure.

Hou Jing smiled and said:
“That’s right, our chance to make a name for ourselves has come. You attack by land and lure them over there, while I will launch a surprise attack from the water, seize the south bank of Heyang, and block the waterway. If this succeeds, we will be generals in no time.”

Gao Feng's expression grew increasingly serious as he said:

"This battle is dangerous, especially the naval warfare. You must be careful!"

Hou Jing, his face filled with a desire to achieve great deeds, said:

"It's alright. But you, Lao Gao, the Erzhu clan also has many great generals. You must not be careless when fighting them."

As they spoke, Gao Ang and Hou Jing exchanged glances and both laughed.

After laughing, the two calmed down.

"Even the most dangerous battlefield is better than being ridiculed by children!"

……

(End of this chapter)