Memoirs of the Heavenly Khan

Chapter 386 That Year I Was Nineteen
Prime Minister's House.

As the night deepened, Hu Sichun paced back and forth in the room, feeling anxious and unable to sleep.

After Prince Yuan Yue of Runan went to Henan, he raised the banner of rebellion with the support of the Liang people.

Moreover, many members of the Yuan clan in Luoyang City colluded with Yuan Yue in an attempt to retake Luoyang City.

Hu Sichun was fully aware of this.

In fact, Prince Yuan Yue of Runan had already sent people to find Hu Sichun.

Prime Minister Hu Sichun oversaw the reconstruction of Luoyang City and controlled a large amount of resources and considerable authority, including the power to guard and allocate the Luoyang treasury.

Moreover, Hu Sichun's Prime Minister's residence also had 1,500 guards under its command.

The duty of these 1,500 guards was to maintain order in Luoyang. They were only equipped with light armor, shields, long swords, and a small number of bows and crossbows. However, they were all veterans who had followed Hu Sichun for many years and were among the best of the northern soldiers, with considerable combat strength.

With Hu Sichun's help, the situation in Luoyang could be completely reversed.

Yuan Yue's messenger gave Hu Sichun a detailed plan.

The troops in Luoyang are now divided into three parts.

The imperial palace was guarded by the imperial guards, the army serving the Prince of Qin, and various military units under the jurisdiction of Husichun's prime minister's office and Hebasheng's grand command.

Among them, the Imperial Guards in the palace have the lowest combat effectiveness. Nowadays, the Imperial Guards' offices have become a place for aristocratic children to gain seniority. Military discipline is lax. They can be relied on to guard the palace, but it is impossible to get them to fight.

After Li Shuang established the Tiance Mansion and rewarded those who had rendered meritorious service, the generals on all routes returned to their posts, except for Hou Jing, who remained in Luoyang. Currently, the majority of the army serving the King of Qin in Luoyang consists of Fubing (府兵), but the Fubing system was newly established in Luoyang, and the fighting strength of each Fubing was uneven, making it a negligible threat. When Li Shuang returned to Guanzhong, he also took a considerable portion of his elite fighting force with him, leaving the defenses of Jinyong City weak.

As for the last part of the troops, namely the Northern Army, that was what Yuan Yue was trying to win over.

The Yuan clan's power in Luoyang was weak, but not nonexistent. Each member of the Yuan clan had dozens of retainers, which together constituted a considerable force.

Most importantly, if they can mobilize the Xianbei prisoners of war who are currently building the canal, the great cause can be accomplished.

At that time, Hu Sichun will be the true prime minister.

The head of all ministers, whose etiquette surpasses that of all other officials!
Hu Sichun was quite tempted by this.

However, despite being tempted, Hu Sichun's rationality prevailed.

He neither refused nor agreed, but silently observed the situation.

Hu Sichun had a good relationship with Prince Yuan Yue of Runan, and it was precisely because of this that Hu Sichun understood his character better.

Yuan Yue has a bad temper and a homosexual tendency, so cooperating with him is ultimately risky.

In contrast, although Yuan Baoju indulged in a life of pleasure, he had no major flaws. He never interfered in specific political affairs, leaving matters large and small to experts like Hu Sichun.

Moreover, whether Yuan Yue can fulfill his promise after entering Luoyang is secondary; what Hu Sichun cares about most is whether he can actually enter Luoyang.

Just as Husichun was pacing back and forth, Yuan Yue's messenger found him again.

"Prime Minister, things have come to this point, what are you waiting for?"

Yuan Yue's envoy was Zheng Yan, a member of the Zheng clan of Xingyang. He was tall, handsome, and a real heartthrob. He had a past ambiguous relationship with Empress Hu and had also served as a staff member for Prince Xiao Baoyin of Qi.

However, over the years, he has been quite lonely, abandoned by Empress Hu and Empress Xiao Baoyin one after another. But it is precisely because of this that he survived the Heyin Incident, Xiao Baoyin's defection to Lingzhou, and other events, and has lived to this day, even colluding with the Yuan family.

Hu Sichun was very patient with Zheng Yan.

"It's not that I don't want to help, but you didn't tell me the truth. How could I invest all my savings? You know, that Ohno Sou is not someone to be trifled with."

"What is the Prime Minister still worried about?"

"What did you promise Hebasheng?"

Hu Sichun still had a smile on her face, but beneath that smile lay a seasoned and shrewdness.

Hu Sichun understood very well that the most important things for them to capture Luoyang were two points.

They seized the armory outside Jinyong City and incited the Xianbei prisoners of war.

These Xianbei prisoners of war were sinners who had lost everything and were reduced to river laborers, digging mud every day. One can imagine the resentment in their hearts.

It's not difficult to incite them to rebel.

But after inciting them, the next step is to find enough weapons to organize them. This is where Hebasheng's help becomes crucial.

Zheng Yan has weathered many storms; his beard is now somewhat white, and the face that once captivated many young girls is now wrinkled, yet his demeanor remains unchanged.

"The Prime Minister is indeed worthy of being called the Prime Minister. We have already persuaded Heba Gong. After the matter is accomplished, he will become the Grand Chancellor of Henan Province."

Hu Sichun was slightly surprised upon hearing this. He didn't speak, but continued pacing around the room, seemingly contemplating the gains and losses.

Zheng Yan watched, growing impatient. The day of their uprising was fast approaching, and if Hu Sichun hesitated any longer, things would become difficult.

"Prime Minister, do not hesitate any longer. Da Ye Shuang has now given you the position of Prime Minister, but sooner or later he will make a move against you northerners. If you do not act now while he has just entered Luoyang and his foundation is not yet stable, you may not have another chance. Have you forgotten the fate of the Erzhu clan?"

After listening, Hu Sichun finally stopped, looked at Zheng Yan, and asked:
“You are born into the Zheng family of Xingyang. Even if you do not achieve high rank, you can still be a wealthy man by guarding your own estate. Why would you risk rebellion?”

Upon hearing this, Zheng Yan's expression changed. After a long silence, he sighed:
"I hate!"

"What is there to hate?"

"I hate Queen Hu, I hate King Qi!"

"But what does this have to do with you wanting to rebel?"

“If it weren’t for Da Ye Shuang, how could Hu Xian Zhen have abandoned me, and how could Xiao Bao Yin have despised me to this point? I want to show them how I can take Luoyang back from Da Ye Shuang.”

Hu Sichun nodded and sighed:

"To be honest, Ji Ran, I have had the same experience as you."

……

Huan Tai Fang.

Hou Jing Residence.

"General!"

In the middle of the night, Yuan Jili carried a bowl of soup and slowly walked into Hou Jing's room.

Yuan Jili was a member of the Northern Wei imperial family, but she was not of noble birth and was not a direct descendant of Emperor Xiaowen.

She wasn't exceptionally beautiful, but she possessed a captivating charm.

After Hou Jing took her as his concubine, he doted on her.

"It's so late, thank you for your trouble, beautiful lady!"

When Hou Jing saw Yuan Jili approaching, he immediately dropped what he was doing and went to greet him.

Yuan Jili used to act arrogantly because of Hou Jing's favor, and even dared to throw a tantrum in front of Hou Jing.

Hou Jing, however, was quite lenient towards this.

However, tonight, Yuan Jili was unusually docile, and even avoided looking at Hou Jing.

Hou Jing pulled Yuan Jili to sit down, blew on her hands, and said tenderly:

"The night is deep and the dew is heavy; autumn has arrived once again. My beauty, why must you personally undertake this matter? It will harm your health, and I will be heartbroken."

Yuan Jili looked at Hou Jing's appearance and suddenly laughed.

"Don't let your appearance fool you, you're actually quite caring."

Hou Jing chuckled and said...

"With my appearance, if I still can't learn to be considerate, what woman would want to be with me? Beauty knows that I'm not the kind of person who only talks the talk about being considerate."

Upon hearing this, Yuan Jili's face suddenly flushed red, and she said coquettishly:
"Hate!"

Hou Jing, holding Yuan Jili's hand, said:
"I know that you are a member of the royal family and have been following me for so many years without any official status, which is very unfair. Don't worry, I have already thought it through. Once I have accumulated some more military merits, I will ask the King for a favor. At the very least, I will bestow upon you the title of princess, or at the very least, a county princess."

Upon hearing this, Yuan Jili's eyes reddened.

She knew, of course, that military merits weren't something that could be accumulated so easily.

"Why are you so nice to me?"

"Fool, if I'm not good to you, who else will I be good to?"

Hearing Hou Jing's simple words, Yuan Jili's eyes reddened even more.

"I'm a worthless woman, I don't deserve your kindness!" Hou Jing laughed upon hearing this.

"I am also a lowly person from humble origins, aren't we a perfect match?"

Hou Jing's words made Yuan Jili laugh happily.

The atmosphere was harmonious, and Hou Jing was about to pick up the soup to eat when Yuan Jili's joyful face suddenly changed drastically, and she reached out to stop Hou Jing.

As Hou Jing looked at her, Yuan Jili lowered her head, and her words became difficult to speak.

"Don't eat it... Yuan Xiu sent me to harm you... There's medicine in it."

After saying this, Yuan Jili closed her eyes, unsure how Hou Jing would treat her.

But Hou Jing was calmer than she had imagined.

Hou Jing put down his bowl, a faint smile on his face.

"My beauty, do you know?"

Yuan Jili was puzzled and looked up at Hou Jing, only to hear him say softly:

"Your actions just now saved your life; otherwise, I really wouldn't know how to keep you alive!"

Yuan Jili looked at Hou Jing, who seemed more unfamiliar and even frightening to her than ever before.

So cold and ruthless, devoid of any of the tenderness of the past, like a bloodthirsty beast!
Hou Jing smiled, touched Yuan Jili's pale face, which was somewhat trembling with fear, and said:

"Such a beauty, dying by the sword, what a pity!"

……

In front of Yuwen Tai, Yuan Xiu, who had been beaten and was still injured, was extremely agitated.

He was waiting for Yuan Jili to send a signal.

Once Hou Jing is dealt with, the uprising will be half successful.

Compared to the jumping around Yuan Xiu, Yuwen Tai, who was sitting not far from him, was extremely calm.

like a statue!
Yuan Xiu used to have a good reputation for virtue, but that wasn't because he was inherently like that; rather, he was good at pretending. However, ever since news of Yuan Xiu's scandalous behavior spread, he stopped pretending and revealed his true colors.

In essence, Yuan Xiu was a frivolous, narrow-minded, and tyrannical person.

Yuan Xiu walked for a while, and seeing Yuwen Tai like this, he became even more anxious.

"Black Otter, how can you still sit still?"

Yuwen Tai opened his eyes, looked at Yuan Xiu, and asked:

"What, you want me to rush to Gao Huan and Hou Jing's residences right now and kill them for you?"

Upon hearing this, Yuan Xiu waved his sleeve.

"You don't need to do it, I can do it myself!"

Gao Huan and Hou Jing were the two people Yuan Xiu hated the most.

If it weren't for them, Yuan Xiu would still be the Prince of Pingyang, instead of a worthless person despised and insulted by everyone.

Just then, a lot of noise suddenly arose outside the neighborhood.

Such sounds are clearly unusual, especially considering that Luoyang has a curfew in place.

Yuan Xiu was somewhat confused, as if the situation was beyond his control.

"What's going on? Why did they start this up so early? What are they doing?"

Yuwen Tai stood up and slowly said:
"Not too early, just right!"

Just then, two warriors entered from outside and, without saying a word, captured Yuan Xiu.

Yuan Xiu realized what was happening and loudly questioned:
"Yuwentai, what do you want?"

"What else can we do? You should know the answer in your heart!"

Yuan Xiu was still unwilling to accept this and questioned:

"If you kill me, how will you explain it to my sister?"

Yuwentai squatted down, patted Yuan Xiu's face, and said:
"You're really stupid. Do you even need to explain this? Prince Yuan Yue of Runan colluded with an inside agent in the city to cause chaos, and Yuan Xiu unfortunately died at the hands of the traitor. I could give you dozens of reasons like that."

Ignoring Yuan Xiu's curses, Yuwen Tai waved his hand and said:

"Drag him out, don't make a mess of the place."

"promise!"

……

Prime Minister's House.

"How is it?"

Suddenly, a commotion arose in Luoyang.

Hu Sichun paid no attention to it, keeping a close eye on the situation at the Grand Commandant's residence.

"My lord, there is no movement from over there."

Upon hearing this, Hu Sichun clapped his hands and sent over several of his trusted confidants.

"Pity!"

"My lord, shall we make our move?"

Hu Sichun took out a list that had been prepared in advance from her sleeve.

"Go to each and every house on this list."

Hu Sichun's subordinate looked at the names on the list and asked, puzzled:

"My lord, what is the meaning of this? Aren't we supposed to be helping the Prince of Runan?"

"Help what? These idiots, I thought they had some leverage, but it turns out they have to get their weapons and armor from me to start this rebellion. What kind of trouble can they possibly cause?"

"So, where are we?"

Hu Sichun smiled and said:
“Things that were difficult to do on ordinary days can now be done.”

……

The Grand Commandant's Residence.

"Is there any news from Hu Sichun's side?"

Hebasheng asked his men, but the answer he received was negative.

"Pity!"

Heba Yue sat next to Heba Sheng. It was late autumn, and his face was even paler. He coughed a few times without realizing it.

Hebasheng still felt sorry for his younger brother and draped a cloak over him.

Heba Yue said:

"Damn it, I think that old scoundrel Hu Sichun has the same idea as us."

Hebasheng snorted coldly upon hearing this.

"It is truly regrettable that I could not kill this man myself!"

Heba Yue shook his head and said:
“Hu Sichun is cunning; he is probably thinking of taking this opportunity to eliminate his rivals.”

"Should we move?"

Upon hearing Hebasheng's words, Hebayue shook his head and said:
"Those who are at odds with Husichun are mostly at odds with us as well, so there's no need to go through with it. What we need to do now is keep an eye on those Xianbei prisoners of war and make sure they don't cause any trouble. At this time, caution is the best policy."

Hebasheng nodded and said:
"Don't worry, Adou. The ones keeping watch over there are all veteran generals under my command. They won't make any mistakes."

Heba Yue coughed a few times, stood up, and said:
"After this battle, it seems that Luoyang will become much quieter!"

……

(End of this chapter)