Memoirs of the Heavenly Khan

Chapter 372 No one understands treacherous officials better than me

As the red and black banner representing the King of Qin came into view, the morale of Gao Feng's troops, who had been in a state of decline, soared!

Of all the soldiers on the battlefield, those in Cijian City, with their superior vantage point, had the clearest view.

Gao Ang and Hebasheng were locked in a fierce battle. On the chaotic battlefield, two cavalry units suddenly rushed in.

Each of the two cavalry units had several hundred riders, but under the leadership of their respective generals, they moved as if they were in an empty field.

Hebasheng's troops, which initially held the advantage, gradually lost ground as they faced two fresh and powerful forces.

The soldiers in Cijian City only saw the flags carried by the two cavalry units as they charged.

One side depicts the character "Li", and the other side depicts the three characters "Hou Mo Chen".

The generals in Cijian City all understood the regulations of the Guanzhong Army. The battle flag of the man surnamed Li clearly had the regulations for a general, while the flag of Hou Mochen had the regulations for a grand general.

Li Bi!

Houmo Chen Chong!

The generals in Cijian City were all shocked. At this level, they still had to charge into battle?

They didn't understand, but the situation on the battlefield did indeed turn around after these two joined the fray.

When facing three generals who were no less capable than himself, Hebasheng was clearly struggling, and his troops broke apart in the direction of Li Bi and Houmochen Chong's charge.

Hebasheng was originally the vanguard, while Husichun was leading the main force behind them. Upon seeing this situation, they temporarily held back their troops.

Although the soldiers in Cijian City wanted to scold Husichun for being a coward, in fact, Husichun's choice was correct.

Following these two cavalry units, thousands of cavalrymen escorted the Qin king's banner.

Following the cavalry were a large number of soldiers dressed in light armor, carrying shields, and with crossbows and swords on their backs.

Following the shield bearers were the longbowmen, a small number of only a few thousand, dressed in leather armor, who followed behind the shield bearers.

Bringing up the rear were elite soldiers of the garrison, clad in heavy armor and wielding long-handled swords.

Thirty thousand soldiers, lined up like a dragon, layer upon layer, a dark mass, their orderly footsteps echoing through the valley like the roar of a dragon, their power overwhelming all spirits.

Outside the ranks of the imperial guards, there were a large number of escorting cavalry.

These cavalrymen traversed the valley, guarding the flanks of the infantry formation.

Following behind the garrison troops was a large supply train, accompanied by numerous cattle, mules, camels, and other livestock.

Seeing this situation, Husichun did not choose to help Hebasheng, but instead issued the order to withdraw his troops.

Hu Sichun worried that if his army pressed forward, not only would it fail to relieve the siege, but it would also get involved, allowing Li Shuang's army to seize the opportunity to break through, and then things would become uncontrollable.

Seeing Hebasheng retreat and Husichun withdraw his troops, the soldiers in Cijian City were helpless.

But soon, the situation changed again.

The great banner symbolizing the King of Qin slowly approached Cijian City!

Li Shuang stood beneath this great banner, clad in armor and wearing a helmet, his hands clasped behind his back, waiting.

Behind him followed dozens of warriors.

These generals were different from ordinary soldiers. They were all imposing and fierce, with extraordinary strength. They wore armor and followed behind Li Shuang like demons and monsters.

"The King of Qin has decreed that all soldiers in Cijian City should know that those who submit to me will be rich and noble, while those who betray me will have their fate determined by heaven!"

This sound, like a resounding bell, echoed through the valley and reverberated throughout Cijian City.

The garrison commander in Cijian City looked at Li Shuang under the banner and suddenly burst into laughter.

"What a fine saying: those who obey me prosper, those who defy me perish!"

After laughing, he let out a roar!
"Ohno is cool!"

This roar represented a great deal of helplessness, and it also exhausted all strength and will.

"Open the city gates and surrender!"

Faced with the astonished gazes of his soldiers, the former deputy commander of Cijian City, looking at the thousands of chariots and cavalry following Li Shuang, lost the courage to resist and said helplessly:

"We can't win!"

……

Inside the main tent, Husichun looked at Hebasheng who had returned and was about to explain a few words.

Hebasheng ignored him, went straight to the water vat, and drank without even using a ladle.

Soon, half a tank of water disappeared.

After replenishing his fluids, Hebasheng seemed to come back to life, even though he was still in a sorry state, with his arm guards shattered.

Under the combined attack of Gao Ang, Li Bi, and Hou Mochen Chong, Hebasheng almost did not make it back.

Now that I'm back, I still feel a bit apprehensive.

"It's scary!"

Hu Sichun was somewhat surprised. In his memory, he had never seen Hebasheng look like this before since he met him.

Husichun saw it clearly just now: Li Shuang brought the main force of Guanzhong.

That scene was truly terrifying!
However, Hu Sichun said at this moment:

"Ono Sou has only 40,000 soldiers even if he has committed all his forces. They are roughly equal to our forces. Even if we are no match for him, Luoyang still has over 100,000 troops. What is there to fear?"

Hebasheng looked at Husichun and cursed inwardly.

He was knowledgeable about military affairs and had been on the battlefield, which is why he understood the dangers involved.

Is that the same thing?
Hebasheng was in the middle of the battle just now. When he saw the cavalry reinforcements coming, their eyes were gleaming with greed. They looked at him as if he were their prey.

If it weren't for his exceptional skills and daring, he would probably already be hanging on someone else's waist, becoming someone else's military achievement.

Hebasheng was angry at Husichun's flattering words, but he didn't show it.

"What Fa Shou said is right. We have more than 100,000 troops, while Da Ye Shuang has only 40,000. What is there to fear!"

Just as Husichun was about to say something, Hebasheng interrupted:

"Right now, Luoyang is unaware that Da Yeshuang has arrived. Therefore, I will return to Luoyang first to inform them, while I will leave Fa Shou here to command the army to deal with Da Yeshuang."

Upon hearing this, Husichun immediately became anxious and grabbed Hebasheng.

"No, no, no, Po Hu is the only one who can lead the army. I will go back and report the news!"

"What are you saying, Fa Shou? I can handle such a small matter as delivering a message!"

Just as they were struggling, an urgent report came from outside the tent.

"My lords, the enemy is attacking!"

Upon hearing this, Hu Sichun's face flushed red, and he angrily said:

"Ohno Sō has come all this way, doesn't he need to rest at all!"

……

Luoyang.

"Ohno Sawamura still came!"

Reports of defeat at the front lines have arrived!

Husichun and Hebasheng retreated twenty li and set up camp facing the Luo River.

Li Shuang led his army out of Cijian and set up a camp on Mangshan Mountain, less than fifty li from Luoyang City.

Erzhu Shilong stroked the chair and sighed:
"With Husichun and Hebasheng suffering consecutive defeats, I'm probably the only one left who can turn the tide!"

As Erzhu Shilong spoke, he looked at the crowd below and said:

"I intend to personally lead a large army to confront Ōno Sō!"

After Erzhu Shilong finished speaking, he saw that no one was trying to persuade him, and he immediately felt a little disappointed.

But Erzhu Zhao, that simpleton, cupped his hands and said:
“Well said! We must not let Ono So be so smug. We should lead our army to teach Ono So a lesson.”

After Erzhu Zhao finished speaking, Erzhu Dulu also came out.

He and Erzhu Zhao shared the same opinion.

In fact, the pro-war faction in this room shared the same opinion.

The crowd was in high spirits, and even the usually mild-mannered Erzhu Yanbo advised them that they could not refuse to go.

At that moment, Erzhu Shilong really wanted to slap himself.

What were you pretending for just now?

Having been subdued by so many people, Erzhu Shilong had no choice but to make a statement.

"Therefore, all generals, follow me on this expedition and meet this great wild beast!"
-
On the banks of the Luo River, in the Erzhu clan's large camp.

"What are you doing? How can you let Da Ye Shuang act so recklessly!" As soon as Erzhu Shilong arrived, he summoned Hebasheng and Husichun and gave them a good scolding.

Neither of them dared to provoke the other, and could only obediently accept the scolding.

After he finished scolding, Erzhu Shilong remembered to ask about military affairs.

How many troops did Ohno Sō bring?

Husi Chun bowed and replied:
"More than 30,000 infantry, 8,000 cavalry, plus the original Gao Gao vanguard, totaling less than 50,000."

After listening, Erzhu Shilong understood the situation.

"Tomorrow I'll meet with Ohno Sō first, and see how I deal with him!"

Hebasheng was taken aback, and Husichun quickly pledged his loyalty:
"Your Majesty is of inestimable health; wouldn't it be too risky for you to go see Ohno Sō?"

Erzhu Shilong waved his hand and said:

"For the sake of the Great Wei dynasty, what harm is there in taking some risks?"

"Your Majesty is truly wise! If we can defeat Ōno Sō in this battle, Your Majesty's prestige will surely soar. At that time, it will be in accordance with the will of the people to ascend the throne and replace the Mū clan in ruling the world!"

Erzhu Shilong rebuked him, saying:
"What if this gets out and outsiders find out?"

Husichun showed no fear in the face of Erzhu Shilong, who appeared angry.

"I just love to tell the truth. If Your Majesty blames me, I am willing to take the blame!"

A smile spread across Erzhu Shilong's chubby face as he reassured him:

“Fa Shou, I know you are loyal. Remember, don’t say such things lightly again.”

"Your Majesty commands, and your subordinates obey without question."

Erzhu Shilong looked at Husichun, and his attitude had obviously improved a lot, but when he looked at Hebasheng, he was still the same as before, and he felt angry.

"I thought you, Hebasheng, were some kind of valiant general, but it turns out you couldn't last long against Ono So!"

Husi Chun, however, said:

"Heba Gong did his best. He was almost surrounded several times. If it weren't for the sudden arrival of Da Yeshuang's reinforcements, he would have already lifted the siege of Cijian City."

"That's just incompetence!"

Erzhu Shilong snorted and waved his sleeve.

"Alright, all of you, step back!"

……

Hebasheng returned to the main tent, and Nianxian hurriedly came over and asked:
"Po Hu, how is it? Has Erzhu Shilong blamed you?"

Hebasheng froze, deep in thought, and simply waved his hand in response to Nianxian's words.

Nianxian was puzzled. After a long while, Hebasheng looked at him, still feeling lingering fear.

"That bastard Husichun is such a sycophant!"

"..."

Nianxian was speechless!

You're only just finding out about Husichun's reputation for flattery? It's been around for so many years!
"No, no, no, if we let this kid continue like this, we'll all die at his hands sooner or later."

Nianxian was puzzled and said:

"Why the fuss? He's been like this for years, and you've never reacted this strongly before?"

Hebasheng waved his hand and said:
"The past is the past, and the present is the present. How can Erzhu Shilong compare to Erzhu Rong? If Husi Chun persuades us with a few words, we will probably be doomed."

"What about that?"

Hebasheng took a deep breath and said:

"While Erzhu Shilong is away with his army, you sneak back into Luoyang and hide my wife and children in the courtyard we have prepared beforehand."

Nianxian was startled and asked:

"how about you?"

Hebasheng, however, did not care and said:
"Don't worry about me, at worst I'll just lead my troops to surrender to Ohno Sou!"

Nianxian listened, his expression turning serious.

"In that case, be careful."

……

"Hebasheng is probably planning a rebellion!"

Husichun returned to the main tent and immediately began to speak.

His men were puzzled and asked:
"How did you know, my lord?"

Husi Chun smiled, a confident smile.

"Over the years, I have traveled all over the country and served countless people. I can tell who is loyal and who is treacherous at a glance."

"Then what should we do? Should we tell Erzhu Shilong?"

Husichun waved his hand and said:
"No need. If Hebasheng already harbors rebellious intentions, and a real battle breaks out, there are few men under Erzhu Shilong who can defeat him. In that case, it would be unfavorable for us to be resented by him."

"What about that?"

“If Hebasheng rebels, the situation will change drastically. Just in case, hide our families in Luoyang in a place we prepared beforehand.”

"promise!"

……

As dawn broke, Erzhu Shilong, leading several hundred cavalrymen, arrived at the place where he was to meet Li Shuang.

"how?"

"Your Majesty, the horse traps have been dug, the deer antlers have been piled up, and the fine horses are ready."

Erzhu Shilong nodded, his obese body appearing even more bloated under the armor.

"Your Majesty, must we be so careful?"

When faced with his subordinates' doubts, Erzhu Shilong sneered.

"Who is Ohno Sawa? You can't be too careful."

"But surely he won't just rush over and capture the king, will he?"

Erzhu Shilong shook his head, looked at his subordinates, and said with a look that said, "You're too young."

"This isn't the first or second time that Ohno Sō has arrested people on the spot. Do you really expect him to be trustworthy?"

As he spoke, Erzhu Shilong felt as if something was missing from his hands.

"Get me a shield, preferably an iron one!"

"..."

Just then, the sound of horses' hooves thundered in the distance. Seeing that the enemy only had a few dozen riders, Erzhu Shilong felt relieved for the time being.

"Erzhu Shilong, what do you want to say to me?"

Upon hearing Li Shuang's voice, Erzhu Shilong quickly grabbed his shield and moved behind the deer antlers, as if facing a formidable enemy.

"King of Qin, you and the Erzhu clan have known each other since we were humble beginnings, and we have come to this point because of some kindness and righteousness. Do you really want to fight each other?"

Li Shuang smiled and said:
"Our old friendship ended in Luoyang."

Upon hearing this, Erzhu Shilong replied:

"King Qin, Gao Huan and Yuwen Tai are not the kind of people who would willingly submit to others. The four powerful clans of Guandong have deep roots. If you were to fight my Erzhu clan to the death here, wouldn't you be just handing the spoils to others? You have already occupied six or seven tenths of the Great Wei's territory. Are you really going to refuse even Luoyang to my Erzhu clan?"

"What do you want?"

"Can't we just not fight?"

"If you surrender with courtesy and lay down your arms, you will still retain your position as a king or nobleman. At that time, the country will be at peace and the people will be happy. Wouldn't that be wonderful!"

Just then, something unexpected happened on Erzhu Shilong's side.

Erzhu Shilong got angry and cursed:

"Ohno Sō, you're a traitor! You actually sent someone to flank me and try to cut off my retreat!"

After cursing, Erzhu Shilong rode away on his steed, disappearing into the distance in a flash!
Li Shuang watched in amazement!

"What a pity for this fine horse!"

……

(End of this chapter)