Memoirs of the Heavenly Khan

Chapter 406 He is a good man

In the main camp, all the generals gathered.

Hebayun stood in the commander's position, waiting for everyone to arrive.

These generals were either recruited from Henan when Li Shengui was stationed there, or they were former retainers of the Li clan of Dunqiu.

Hebayun was originally standing in Li Shenggui's spot. However, over the years, they had followed Li Shenggui in his campaigns and had long been accustomed to his hands-off management style.

But this time, the generals still noticed something was wrong.

Bad timing!

At this time, the battle in Jiangzhou was critical, but it was not yet time to provide support, and there were no rebellions in or around Chengdu that needed to be quelled.

So why did Heba Yun gather everyone together to do this?

"Lord Heba, does His Majesty have something to instruct us on?"

Among the generals, two stood out: Elder Dongfang and Huyan Clan!
Both of them were brave and skilled generals, but compared to Heba Yun, they were far inferior.

Over the years, Heba Yun has led them through countless battles. Today, they have entered Chengdu, a truly glorious achievement.

Subconsciously, the two looked at Heba Yun and then lowered their heads.

Heba Yun had long been used to their respectful demeanor.

"The king and I discussed that the King of Qin is not a wise ruler and will surely harm us sooner or later. He wants to seize Ba and Shu to establish himself and raise an army in response to the Liang army!"

When Heba Yun said this, everyone was shocked.

The generals who came from the garrison of the Li clan of Dunqiu stepped forward and asked:
"Does Your Majesty truly intend to rebel against the King of Qin?"

These people only made up a small portion of the generals, but Hebayun treated them with considerable caution.

"The King of Qin is a king, and so is Your Majesty. How can you be his successor?"

"Where is the King?"

"His Majesty is already in my residence!" Heba Yun took out the token he had obtained from Li Shengui—the seal of the King of Chenliu—from his sleeve. "Do any of you generals still have any doubts?"

Upon seeing this item, everyone knelt down.

But the generals who came from the garrison of the Li clan of Dunqiu bowed, then stood up and said:

“Your Majesty and the King of Qin are brothers. When has Your Majesty ever said that you want to establish yourself as emperor? We cannot believe Heba Gong’s words alone!”

Heba Yun had anticipated this, and with a shout, a squad of armored soldiers surged into the tent.

“You are the king’s retainers, and you have been deeply grateful for the kindness and care of the Li family of Dunqiu. Now you all have your hearts set on outsiders. For this reason, it would not be unjust to kill you!”

Heba Yun's armored soldiers captured all ten or so generals. However, considering that they were brothers who had fought side by side for many years, Heba Yun did not kill them.

"Take him away and lock him up!"

Heba Yun looked at the people still kneeling below and asked:
"How are you all?"

The group exchanged glances and said:
"I am willing to follow Lord Heba, and I am willing to follow the King of Chenliu!"

"Everyone get up!"

After standing up, Elder Dongfang looked at Heba Yun and asked:

"Lord Heba, what should we do now?"

"Gather your troops and follow me to the Prince of Chenliu's residence to kill Da Yeshuang's henchmen."

"promise!"

……

Outside Heba Yun’s residence, Han Ling’s men gathered together, squatting not far from the door, not knowing what to do.
Heba Yun went to the military camp, but his residence was still guarded by more than a hundred armored soldiers.

It would be virtually impossible for them to break in and rescue Li Shengui from these Wuchuan armored soldiers.

They could only wait.

Even when Hebayun led his army into the city, and Chengdu became noisy, the guards at Hebayun's residence remained as still as mountains.

The mansion, guarded by a hundred Wuchuan soldiers, was so formidable that even a thousand-strong army might not be able to breach it.

"The master told us to look for an opportunity, but such an opportunity is hard to find!"

Just then, the gates of Hebayun's residence slowly opened, and Li Shengui walked out, much to the surprise of the group of people who had come to rescue him.

Only when Li Shenggui stepped down the steps in front of Hebayun's gate and the group of Wuchuan soldiers did not make a move did they believe it was real.

Immediately, a group of people went to greet them.

Li Shengui, still somewhat drunk, sat on the first step, looking at the crowd, and said:

"Oh, it's Xiao Yi. What are your orders, sir?"

Upon seeing Li Shengui's appearance, Han Ling's attendants immediately asked:
"Sir, we were sent to rescue the Prince of Chenliu, but how did you get out of the mansion?"

Li Shenggui's lips curled up, a strange smile on his face.

"I have spent many years navigating the world of martial arts, and the only way I have reached this position is through two things: personal connections and influence! You think a mere Heba Yun can capture me?"

As he spoke, Li Shenggui let out a burp.

What is the current situation?

"Hebayun has led his troops into the city and is now heading towards the Prince of Chenliu's residence!"

Li Shengui was taken aback and asked:

"What is he going to do?"

"Heba Yun led his troops to kill the gentleman first, and then establish himself in Chengdu. As soon as he led his troops into the city, Chengdu was in chaos, and some of the mutineers were shouting, 'We will march on Chang'an and capture the King of Qin alive.'"

Li Shenggui slapped his thigh, looking rather disappointed.

"He wants to march all the way to Chang'an? He can't even leave Chengdu!"

Li Shenggui tried to stand up, but he was unsteady and Xiao Yi helped him up.

"King Chenliu, amidst the chaos of war, we don't have enough men, and I'm afraid we won't be able to rescue you, sir."

Xiao Yi and his group numbered only a dozen or so, none of them wearing armor or even weapons. Chengdu was in chaos. With just a few of them and a drunkard, they'd likely be captured and killed by the marauding soldiers before they even reached the Prince of Chenliu's residence.

Upon hearing this, Li Shenggui walked to the gate of Hebayun's residence, whispered something in the ear of the guard, and then handed him a bag.

Soon, the armored soldier entered the mansion, bringing with him fifty armored soldiers and a dozen horses.

Li Shengui, though drunk, mounted his horse with the help of armored soldiers, waved, and said:
"go!"

With fifty armored soldiers clearing the way, the road became clear immediately.

Xiao Yi and the others watched from behind and couldn't help but sigh:

"The Prince of Chenliu... is truly... extraordinary!"

After saying that, he led his men and followed.

……

Heba Yun led his army into the city and quickly surrounded the Chenliu Prince's Mansion.

However, because Li Shengui's family members were in the mansion, Hebayun did not order his army to attack.

The gates of the Chenliu Prince's Mansion slowly opened, and the guards inside looked at Heba Yun and said:

"The master is waiting for you at his residence!"

Their attitude towards Hebayun was not good; in fact, it was rather hostile.

Heba Yun didn't care and directly carried his sword and was about to go in, but was stopped by Elder Dongfang and others.

"Lord Heba, what exactly do you want to do?"

"revenge!"

After Heba Yun finished speaking, he went straight inside. Old Master Dongfang waved his hand and said:
"You wait outside the mansion, I will go in with Duke Heba."

"None of you are allowed to come in!" Heba Yun's demeanor seemed quite different at this moment. Old Dongfang remained silent and made no further moves.

Although the Prince of Chenliu's residence was guarded, under Han Ling's orders, they did not directly clash with Heba Yun, but instead gave way, allowing him to lead his troops directly to Han Ling's residence.

At this moment, Han Ling was sitting under a tree, brewing tea. Upon seeing Heba Yun, he said:
"Ajuni, may I have a cup of tea with you?"

Looking at Han Ling's appearance, Heba Yun was somewhat puzzled and said:
"You knew I was going to kill you?"

"When your father died in battle, I was no longer among the soldiers of the Six Garrisons. Is it fair to hold me responsible for your father's death?"

"For whom did the Six Garrisons rebel? For whom did the Northern Lands rebel? Wasn't my father's death caused by your subordinates? You say you can escape everything by leaving?"

Heba Yun's attitude towards Han Ling was complicated.

On one hand, he knew that this was his enemy; on the other hand, Han Ling was also his strategist who had risked his life with him for so many years.

"I only want to know, what do you plan to do after you kill me?"

Heba Yun didn't actually have a specific goal in mind. He only knew that after killing Han Ling, he wouldn't be able to stay with Li Shuang anymore.

Therefore, there is only one way!

Throw the beam!

"Let's seek refuge with the Liang Kingdom!"

Han Ling smiled upon hearing this and asked:

"And what about the Prince of Chenliu?"

Heba Yun's expression changed, and he felt a pang of guilt, but then he said:
"I will protect him!"

Han Ling picked up his teacup, took a sip, and said leisurely:

"If you were to surrender to the Liang Kingdom, could you really protect the King of Chenliu? I'm afraid you wouldn't even be able to protect yourself!"

Heba Yun hesitated for a moment, and Han Ling stood up at that moment.

Upon seeing this, Heba Yun became somewhat wary. Han Ling, however, spread his arms wide, indicating that he had no weapon.

"How about this? You won't have to lift a finger. I'll just commit suicide, and we'll pretend today's events never happened. How about that? From today onward, you'll still be you, and the King of Chenliu will still be the King of Chenliu!"

"Do you think I'd believe you! Even if you die, do you think Ohno Sō will let it go?"

Just as Heba Yun was about to make a move, Old Dongfang burst in from outside.

Looking at the scene in the courtyard, Old Master Dongfang was somewhat stunned, and said:
"Lord Heba, what's going on between you and your teacher?"

"Didn't I tell you to stay outside?"

Heba Yun's shout made Old Dongfang realize what was happening.

"Lord Heba, a large army is heading towards the palace."

"what!"

When Heba Yun hesitated, he looked at Han Ling again, but his expression changed.

Heba Yun was filled with doubt and suspicion. Could it be that Liang Jun had contacted other people in the city besides him?
“Watch him!”

Han Ling looked at Heba Yun's expression, shook his head, and gave a bitter smile.

“Heba Yun, you should have been killed but didn’t. How can someone so indecisive be entrusted with important matters?”

A large number of soldiers had gathered outside the mansion; they were former generals of the Liang army in Chengdu. However, contrary to Heba Yun's expectations, they were simply there because the city was in chaos and they had brought their troops to join the fray.

Seeing Heba Yun's reaction, one of the former Liang generals on horseback laughed:

"Lord Heba, why are you surrounding the Prince of Chenliu's residence? Are you planning a rebellion?"

Heba Yun's face darkened, and he said:
“It is not that I want to rebel, but that the King of Qin wants to harm my lord, and I am ordered to eliminate the remnants of the King of Qin.”

"To eliminate the remnants of the King of Qin, they've even extended their reach to the Prince of Chenliu's residence. That doesn't make sense!"

These surrendered generals from Southern Liang were simply trying to take advantage of the chaos. Although they had surrendered, they still had plenty of chips to bet on.

Especially now, with the situation in chaos and Li Shengui's men fighting amongst themselves, they are even more eager to take advantage of the situation!

However, they haven't decided which side to bet on yet.

"The King is currently in my residence. There are spies planted by Da Yeshuang in the Chenliu Prince's residence. I have come here on the King's orders to eliminate these spies. But you, without the King's summons, have brought troops here. What is your intention?"

"If Heba Gong can eliminate traitors, then so can we."

As he spoke, the group of surrendered Liang generals burst into laughter.

Upon seeing this, Heba Yun didn't waste any words. He walked to his warhorse, picked up a bow, drew the bowstring, and swiftly turned around, shooting the Liang general who had spoken to him off his horse with a single arrow.

"To hoard armor and amass weapons, and yet dare to make a scene before the King's gate—do you know this is a capital offense?"

Heba Yun roared, and the Liang army generals who had been riding on horseback just moments before lost their smiles, tumbled off their horses, and knelt on the ground.

"This humble general...this humble general admits his guilt!"

Everyone witnessed Heba Yun's bravery and martial prowess, and no longer held any contempt for him.

"We'll leave right now!"

"No need. Dismount, remove your armor, and get out of the way!"

Heba Yun was still worried about letting them go, so he had them remove their armor and wait aside before entering the mansion.

Just then, Han Ling came out of the mansion and bumped into Heba Yun, who was about to enter.

"You old thief, how did you get out?"

Han Ling did not answer, but said loudly:

"Heba Yun has colluded with the Liang army, imprisoned the Prince of Chenliu, and intends to betray the Prince of Qin, plotting rebellion. Is there any brave warrior who dares to kill Heba Yun?"

Upon hearing this, Heba Yun, still basking in his own power, laughed loudly:

"Old thief, do you think anyone will believe you if you say that?"

Han Ling glanced at everyone again and repeated what he had just said.

The crowd remained motionless until Han Ling uttered the third sound, at which point Heba Yun could no longer contain himself.

"Enough, you old scoundrel! I'll send you on your way now. In the afterlife, you can atone for your sins alongside those loyal and righteous men who died by your hand!"

Heba Yun raised his knife to strike, but suddenly his pupils dilated slightly. In his vision, Han Ling's body was constantly spinning, until finally it stopped moving.

Han Ling made a move.

In the scene, Han Ling walks towards him in a strange direction, with a pitying expression, and pats him in front of his eyes.

After that, everything turned to darkness.

Everyone present was shocked to see Heba Yun's head fall to the ground.

Looking up again, he saw Elder Dongfang holding a blood-stained longsword, standing beside Han Ling, and loudly proclaiming:
"Your humble servant was ordered by the King of Qin to execute Heba Yun if he were to plot treason. Now that the culprit has been eliminated, you should all return to your camp and await the King of Qin's orders!"

Upon hearing Elder Dongfang's words, everyone present was taken aback and immediately knelt down, cupping their hands in greeting:
"This humble general is willing to obey the King of Qin's command!"

Just then, Li Shengui finally arrived. Upon seeing Heba Yun in this state, the fifty Wuchuan soldiers were enraged and were about to kill Dongfang Lao when Li Shengui stopped them.

The old man from the East, who had been somewhat smug just moments before, immediately became respectful upon seeing Li Shengui.

"The Prince of Chenliu, Heba Yun, is plotting a rebellion..."

Li Shengui looked at Heba Yun but remained silent, then turned to Han Ling. Han Ling grasped Li Shengui's hand and instructed:
"Old Master Dongfang, you take those surrendered Liang generals and lead your troops back to camp to await orders from the King of Qin and the King of Chenliu!"

"promise!"

After the soldiers left, the group of Wuchuan soldiers knelt on the ground, weeping uncontrollably.

Li Shengui looked at Han Ling and asked:
"Why this?"

Han Ling's gaze remained firm as he slowly said:
"Since the King of Qin can use him, he can also control him!"

……

(End of this chapter)