Memoirs of the Heavenly Khan

Chapter 410 As long as you have enough skill

Jiangzhou.

Ever since the day the city wall of Beifu City collapsed and the Liang army missed the best opportunity to capture Beifu City, Xiao Yi has become unusually irritable.

Wang Bi's sudden attack not only saved the city but also instilled fear in the Liang soldiers.

Fear can be spread.

The soldiers who escaped from the city, having suffered such humiliation, naturally wouldn't admit how cowardly they were; they would only describe the bear as very powerful.

According to the Liang soldiers, Wang Bi was as big as a wild bear, roared like a tiger, and seemed to be made of steel and iron, impervious to swords and spears.

As the rumors spread, Liang Jun's already low morale plummeted even further.

Upon seeing this, Liang Jun's generals knew that the battle was doomed.

But Xiao Yi was different; the more difficult the situation, the more extreme his actions became. He not only publicly executed several Liang soldiers who spread such rumors, but also ordered the army to continue its attack.

Such harsh orders not only failed to achieve good results, but also led to an increase in desertions among the Liang army.

"Brother, we've caught a few more deserters."

In the military camp, Wang Sengzhi entered his elder brother's tent and asked his brother how to handle the situation.

Wang Sengbian actually didn't know what to do either.

With the weather bitterly cold, the river icy frigid, the city difficult to capture, and the morale of the troops low, retreat was the best option.

Even if we don't retreat to Jiangling, but instead retreat to Badong County to rest and regroup, it would be better to fight again next year.

But Xiao Yi disagreed with doing so.

Previously, although Wang Sengbian knew that Xiao Yi was somewhat stubborn, he did not expect him to be so stubborn, as if he wanted to drag the lives of all the soldiers into this internal struggle of the Lanling Xiao clan.

Wang Seng argued that even if they won the war and conquered Bashu, the current Liang emperor would not appoint Xiao Yi as crown prince.

If that's the case, why can't we take a step back?
"Brother?"

Wang Sengzhi looked at Wang Sengbian, who was deep in thought, and whispered:
"Brother?"

Wang Sengbian realized what was happening and said:

"Detain them for the time being."

"But they broke military law and should be executed!"

Wang Sengzhi further reminded him:

“Brother, if you don’t deal with them, the others will run away too.”

"Even if I deal with them, will the others stop running away?"

The Liang army is currently using a lottery system; whichever soldier under each general is chosen will be sent to attack the city. Wang Sengbian protected them, but someone still needs to go and attack the city!
"What about that?"

Just as Wang Sengbian was at a loss, a sound came from outside.

"General, the Prince of Xiangdong requests your presence for discussion."

"understood!"

When Wang Sengbian arrived outside the main tent, a bloody smell wafted over.

In front of Xiao Yi's tent, several Liao people were being brutally beaten, and they were no longer recognizable as human.

Upon seeing this, Wang Sengbian frowned, already knowing in his heart why Xiao Yi had summoned them!
The Nanping Liao people, south of Jiangzhou, also began to join the war, and they were their adversaries.

"Those damned barbarians attacked our supply depot on the east bank and looted countless things."

No one knew why the Nanping Liao had suddenly joined the war. Most of the people in the Liang army camp were from Jiangdong and Jingxiang, and no one understood the Liao language. Even torture could not extract a confession from them.

The commotion outside seemed more like Xiao Yi venting his personal anger.

However, since the Nanping Liao have joined the battle, we must be wary of them.

After Xiao Yi made the arrangements, Wang Sengbian tentatively asked:
"Your Majesty, the morale of the army is low, and desertions are increasing. Now, we are sending reinforcements to the east bank, which may lead to unforeseen circumstances. Should we withdraw for now and wait until the weather warms up next year before launching another attack?"

Wang Sengbian's words resonated with the generals in the tent, but Xiao Yi's expression turned grim.

Wang Sengbian was someone Xiao Yi trusted, so Xiao Yi couldn't speak ill of him.

Just then, a report came from outside the tent.

"Your Majesty..."

Xiao Yi vented all his anger on the armored soldier who had delivered the message, roaring:

"I was discussing military matters with my generals, who allowed you to interrupt me!"

Xiao Yi's roar made Wang Sengbian's face turn pale.

In the face of Xiao Yi's angry shouts, normally his attendants would have left, but this time, he still forced himself to speak:
"Your Majesty, His Majesty's envoy, the Imperial Secretary Zhu Yi, has arrived."

Upon hearing this, Xiao Yi's expression changed, and he quickly led everyone out of the camp to see Zhu Yi.

Zhu Yi's purpose was simple: to get Xiao Yi to withdraw his troops.

It was certainly a pity for Xiao Yan that he couldn't take Jiangzhou, but it would be even more unacceptable for Xiao Yi to waste all his troops in Jiangzhou.

It should be noted that of the 30,000 troops given to Xiao Yi, at least 10,000 were recruited by Xiao Yan with real money.

Xiao Yi didn't feel sorry for him, but Xiao Yan did.

Left with no other choice, Xiao Yi had no choice but to accept the order to retreat.

……

Chengdu.

After arriving in Chengdu, Hulü Guang followed Han Ling.

Hulü Guang held Han Ling in high esteem and obeyed his every command.

As for Hulü Guang, a promising talent whom Han Ling had watched grow up, he also made him a key person to be cultivated, and introduced him to various military and political affairs in Bashu.

Hulü Guang came to Chengdu not alone, but with five hundred young men from Guanzhong and five thousand repeating crossbows. Hulü Guang was acting on Li Shuang's orders to recruit a powerful mountain force in Sichuan.

However, this matter was temporarily shelved after Hulü Guang arrived in Chengdu. There was a shortage of funds, provisions, and troops, making it difficult to proceed immediately.

Inside the room, Hulü Guang looked at Han Ling, who was drinking tea in the distance, and felt a little puzzled.

"Sir, I have a feeling something is wrong!"

Han Ling took a sip of tea with relish and said slowly:
"What's wrong?"

Hulü Guang looked at the pile of documents on his desk, which resembled a small hill, and asked:
"Shouldn't these confidential matters have been handled by the Prince of Chenliu before I arrived? Why hasn't he even stepped into this room after all this time?"

Han Ling laughed heartily, naturally not saying things like, "Li Shenggui didn't enter this door not only after you came, but he didn't enter before you came either."

“Young man, strong and healthy, this is a test given to you by the King of Chenliu. You must cherish this opportunity.”

After Hulü Guang arrived in Chengdu, Han Ling was the happiest person of all.

Finally, someone's getting to work!
Han Ling was once moved to tears, and even wanted to go to Chang'an to kowtow to Li Shuang and shout "Your Honor, the Upright Official!"

Hearing Han Ling's explanation, Hulü Guang frowned slightly. If he were a few years younger, he might have believed Han Ling's words, but after following Li Shuang for so many years, how could Hulü Guang be so naive?

Why give him this opportunity? He should cherish it. Could it be that Han Ling was doing all these tasks before he came?

The old man is very bad!

As Hulü Guang was thinking this, Han Ling's servant, Xiao Yi, called out from outside:
"Sir, news has arrived from Jiangzhou: the Liang army has retreated!"

Han Ling, who was drinking tea, and Huli Guang, who was dealing with confidential matters, both stopped, looked at each other, and saw smiles on each other's faces.

Han Ling asked:

"Does the Prince of Chenliu know?"

"The Prince of Chenliu said he had important business to attend to and asked that no one should disturb him."

Han Ling was even more puzzled upon hearing this. What important matter could he possibly have at this time? Li Shengui's grief over Heba Yun's death had long since subsided.

"What is he doing?"

"The King of Chenliu is drinking with the King of Jianli, and they've invited many dancing girls." "..."

At this moment, Jianli Wang, the leader of the Nanping Liao, was in the main hall of the Chenliu Prince's Mansion, enjoying the dancers and drinking fine wine. He would occasionally drink with Li Shengui, and the scene was very pleasant.

Han Ling and Hulü Guang walked outside, watching this scene with some curiosity, and asked:

"Does the King of Chenliu understand the language of the Liao people? How come he and this Liao king are getting along so well?"

"What does he know—"

Han Ling also found it strange. There wasn't even a translator between the two of them. How did Li Shenggui manage to do it?
Just then, Li Shengui saw Han Ling and Huli Guang standing outside the house, bid farewell to King Jianli, and came out.

"Sir, Mingyue, what business do you have with me?"

Li Shenggui's face was flushed, but he was very clear-headed.

"King of Chenliu, the Liang army has retreated!"

Upon hearing this, Li Shengui smiled and said:
“That’s great! I’ll write to Chang’an right away and inform the King.”

Han Ling nodded and voiced his doubts.

"King of Chenliu, do you understand the language of the Liao people?"

“I don’t understand!”

Li Shengui's innocent expression left Han Ling and Hulü Guang speechless. Hulü Guang asked:

"Why were the King of Chenliu and the King of Liao chatting so congenially in the house just now?"

Li Shengui smiled and sighed:

"Between people, it's not just language that allows for communication; hearts can also connect."

"..."

Han Ling and Huli Guang didn't understand what it meant. Just then, King Jianli came out.

This Liao king had only a few thousand households under his command, but his Liao people were all brave and fearless.

He had dark skin and wasn't particularly tall or strong, at least compared to Hulü Guang.

When Jianli Wang saw Li Shengui, he said something while gesturing with his hands. Li Shengui understood and then gestured several times in return. He then took out a gem from his sleeve and gave it to Jianli Wang.

Looking at the gemstone, Han Ling and Huli Guang gained a clearer understanding of Li Shengui's words about their hearts being connected.

Just then, the translator arrived.

"King of Chenliu, what did you mean just now?"

"He said Chengdu is too far from where he is, and he should go back. The women and wine here are really good, thank you for your hospitality."

"And how did you say that?"

“I said that since that’s the case, why not lead the people to surrender, then we can enjoy beautiful women and drink fine wine more often.”

Hulü Guang was even more surprised after hearing this. The Nanping Liao were quite powerful, but the key issue was that they had no trust in the Han people.

Whether it was Liang Jun before or them, they were naturally viewed with hostility by the various Liao peoples of Bashu.

Is it possible for Li Shenggui to persuade a Liao leader simply by using hand gestures?

"He agreed?"

"That's not true!"

After hearing this, Hulü Guang finally felt that it wasn't so outrageous.

"He said he would only agree if I married his sister."

"..."

Li Shengui sighed softly and said:
"It's not that I don't want to agree. For the sake of the country and for the King, I will compromise when necessary. But look at his figure and appearance, how good-looking can his sister be?"

Han Ling was already used to this and didn't react much.

However, Hulü Guang ordered the translator beside him to confirm, and found that King Jianli did indeed mean that.

Hulü Guang was stunned.
-
Changan.

Qin Wangfu.

"Is my sworn brother planning to take all the women from the various Liao tribes in Sichuan and Chongqing into his household?"

Li Shuang looked at the good news sent from Sichuan and Chongqing and complained.

Just then, Liu Sixia walked past him, glanced at Li Shuang's expression, and said with disdain:
"What's wrong with you? Are you envious?"

Li Shuang sensed something was wrong after hearing Liu Sixia's words and quickly changed the subject.

"I'm criticizing, how could I be envious?"

Liu Sixia glared at Li Shuang, then turned around and went to organize her books.

In her early twenties, she was in the prime of her life. If Dugu Ru was a rose with thorns, then Liu Sixia was a peony, beautiful and charming, making people feel a sense of pity for her.

However, this beauty was hidden away in the Qin King's mansion, spending her days buried in books like an old scholar, and the outside world knew very little about her.

While organizing the books, Liu Sixia asked:
"I heard you're going to Hebei?"

The Yongji Canal is almost finished. Li Shuang plans to travel from Luoyang to Hebei after its completion to check on the progress of the canal construction and to inspect his fiefdoms in various prefectures and counties in Hebei.

Li Shuang had no intention of hiding it from others; after all, such a big commotion couldn't be kept secret even if one wanted to.

"indeed so."

Liu Sixia's hands slowed as she tidied the books. She turned around, hesitated for a moment, but finally spoke up.

Can I come along?

It was rather strange that Liu Sixia wanted to go along. After all, Liu Sixia wasn't Li Shuang's concubine; she was Dugu Ru's older sister, Li Shuang's sister-in-law.

When Li Shuang goes on a business trip, he doesn't take his wife with him, but his sister-in-law instead. If people find out, there will definitely be gossip.

"Why?"

"I don't want to answer, is that okay?"

Just then, Dugu Ru walked in from outside. After hearing Liu Sixia's words, she smiled and said:
"Sister, just tell the truth, he knows everything."

Her carefully hidden secret had been revealed just like that. Liu Sixia's first reaction was to look at her younger sister and ask:

How did he know?

Li Shuang smiled and picked up the conversation, saying:
"The jade pendants that you two sisters each cherish are made from leftover material from the He Shi Bi jade, aren't they?"

Liu Sixia looked at Li Shuang, hesitated for a moment, and said:
"Did you already know this?"

"Can the origins of all these rare and precious treasures in the world be hidden from me?"

Liu Sixia looked at Dugu Ru, still unwilling to give up, and said:

"Even so, how could he possibly know these secrets?"

It's obvious that this was revealed by Dugu Ru.

Dugu Ru felt a little guilty looking at her sisters.

“I didn’t want to tell you, but he pressed me so hard that I couldn’t hide it from him.”

"This is a secret we swore we'd never tell, and he forced you to reveal it?"

Dugu Ru blushed slightly and said:
“You don’t know, the place and timing of his interrogation were rather unusual.”

Liu Sixia was a little confused, but seeing Dugu Ru's awkward appearance, she suddenly understood.

At that moment, she cursed inwardly.

You little slut!

……

(End of this chapter)