Memoirs of the Heavenly Khan

Chapter 454 Not Afraid of a God-like Opponent
Jiankang.

The imperial court was completely silent; you could hear a pin drop.

Sitting on his throne, Xiao Yan felt uneasy for the first time in decades.

The reason is simple: Li Shuang's army has already captured Nanqiao Prefecture and is getting closer and closer to Jiankang.

Along his journey, Li Shuang freed slaves, severely punished corrupt officials, upheld the law, and forcefully denounced Emperor Liang's mistakes.

The entire court remained silent on this matter, and not one dared to speak out.

Simply because it's true.

Therefore, it is even more important not to speak out in rebuttal.

What Li Shuang is doing now should have been done by the Jiankang court.

Even Xiao Yan himself couldn't say anything. After all, it was a fact that he had been lenient with the imperial family.

Xiao Yan looked at Xiao Gang and asked:

"Your Highness, the Northern barbarians have already captured Nanqiao Prefecture, cut off the water transport to Hefei, and are even requisitioning boats locally, seemingly intending to cross the river. What do you think we should do?"

Xiao Gang glanced at Liu Jin, the Crown Prince's attendant, who shook his head slightly. As Xiao Gang hesitated, Xiao Yan urged him again:
"I have entrusted all matters concerning the Jianghuai region to the Crown Prince. Now that the state of the nation is in such a state, does the Crown Prince have no solutions?"

Upon hearing this, Xiao Gang finally couldn't hold back and said:
"Your subject believes it is best to withdraw the army that was sent to conquer Bashu and to protect Jiankang."

No sooner had Xiao Gang finished speaking than Zhu Yi stepped forward. This time, Zhu Yi showed no mercy, saying:

"The Jianghuai region should be impregnable. Shouyang, a fortified city, was difficult to conquer even with hundreds of thousands of troops, yet it was easily taken by Da Yeshuang through a scheme. This is a disgrace to our Great Liang. The army that is attacking Shu is in high spirits, and Lan Qin has even reached the walls of Nanzheng. The traitorous general Dongfang Lao has closed the city and dares not fight. We will surely defeat them! But to recall Da Yeshuang's five thousand cavalry now would chill the hearts of our soldiers and damage our national prestige."

Xiao Zhengde listened from the side, secretly chuckling to himself.

Uncle, even your own son can't be relied on when it really matters, can he?

After Zhu Yi finished speaking, Xiao Zhengde followed him out, not giving anyone else a chance to interrupt.

“Your Majesty, I also believe that what Zhu Sheren said is reasonable. Back then, the Northern barbarians, Tuoba Tao, were so arrogant, yet they were still blocked north of the Yangtze River and could not cross it. Today, Daye Shuang is inferior to Tuoba Tao in both military and national strength. If we recall the army, wouldn't we only be letting the Northern barbarians laugh at us?”

Upon hearing this, Xiao Yan's tone became steady, and he asked:

"What do you think should be done?"

"I believe that Da Ye Shuang has only five thousand cavalry under his command. Even if he incites the rioters in the Jianghuai region, he will not be able to hold out against our army for long. We can have Wei Can and Chen Zhao hold Hefei, and then collect ships and open up waterways. As long as the grain from Jiankang can be transported to Hefei, the northern barbarians will retreat without a fight."

After hearing this, Xiao Yan breathed a sigh of relief and said:

"Therefore, this matter shall be handled by the Prince of Linhe."

"Your Majesty, I thank you for your kindness!"

……

After the court session, Xiao Gang found Xiao Zhengde and pulled him to a secluded spot.

"Ōno Sō is no benevolent person. What do you want by siding with this treacherous minister, Zhu Yi?"

Faced with the questioning, Xiao Zhengde smiled and explained:
"Your Highness, it was Zhu Yi who strongly advocated for the conquest of Shu. Now that the army has been recalled, how should we handle the situation?"

Upon hearing this, Xiao Gang vented his dissatisfaction, saying:

"Are you colluding with Zhu Yi? Don't forget about the matter of 'Madam Liu'."

The so-called Lady Liu was Princess Chang Le, Xiao Gang's younger sister.

Princess Changle was exceptionally beautiful and married Xie Xi, a member of the Xie family of Chen Commandery. Xiao Zhengde had an affair with her, set fire to her residence, and even had a maid die in her place. He then hid Princess Changle in his mansion, giving her the title "Lady Liu"!
Faced with Xiao Gang's threat, Xiao Zhengde would normally be wary, but at this moment, he could only sneer.

"I acted for Your Highness's sake; how could I possibly have any connection with that treacherous minister?"

"for me?"

"Your Highness, don't forget that the army that was sent to conquer Bashu returned empty-handed, and Your Highness is not without fault in this matter. Zhu Yi will surely say that it was because Your Highness failed to defend the Jianghuai region well."

Upon hearing this, Xiao Gang's expression turned extremely pale.

"This traitor only knows how to bewitch people."

Months ago, the Southern Liang, riding high on the victory at Lijiang, launched an attack on Shu. Now, the attack on Shu has failed, Shouyang has fallen, and the enemy army is now at the Yangtze River, only a step away from Jiankang.

The last person to drink from the Yangtze River was Tuoba Tao.

In any case, this is a huge advantage for Li Shuang.

This is a huge advantage for Li Shuang, but an undeniable humiliation for Nanliang.

Xiao Zhengde held Xiao Gang's hand and slowly said:

"If the army that was sent to conquer Shu is recalled and the crisis at Jiankang is relieved, everyone in the world will think that this is the fault of Zhu Yi, who advised the conquest of Shu. Would Zhu Yi really let Your Highness pin the blame for the loss of the city and the territory on him?"

Xiao Gang's expression darkened slightly, and in his anger, he blurted out:

"It's just what I needed to get rid of this treacherous official!"

Xiao Zhengde shook his head and said:
"The army that attacked Shu returned empty-handed, and Shouyang was lost. Is it possible to make a mistake by simply dismissing Zhu Yi?"

Upon hearing this, Xiao Gang's expression darkened slightly.

Seeing that Xiao Gang had calmed down, Xiao Zhengde advised again:
"The affairs of the state are difficult. Your Highness, you must not let His Majesty think that you have the intention to seize power. If you make a mistake and the Northern Barbarians succeed, the foundation of my Lanling Xiao Clan will probably decline from now on."

Xiao Gang listened, nodded, and said:
"So what do you think we should do?"

"I believe that Da Yeshuang's troops will not be able to cross the Yangtze River. The most important task now is to recapture Shouyang. Once Shouyang is recaptured, Zhu Yi will be no threat, and Your Highness's position as Crown Prince will be more secure."

Upon hearing this, Xiao Gang grasped Xiao Zhengde's hand and said:
"Gonghe, I misunderstood you. I hope you won't hold a grudge because of what I just said."

"Your Highness, how could I possibly say such a thing!"

Seeing Xiao Gang leave with satisfaction, Xiao Zhengde's face darkened.

Third Uncle, look at the prince you've chosen!

What a complete idiot!
……

"Send troops to Shouyang?"

"Yes!"

After hearing Zhu Yi's report, Xiao Yan became suspicious.

"What is the Crown Prince going to do?"

Zhu Yi cupped his hands and said:
"The Crown Prince said that Shouyang is vulnerable. If we send troops out of Guangling and gather the local troops, we can take Shouyang by surprise. Even if we cannot take it, we can force Da Yeshuang to retreat. I believe that the Crown Prince knows that he has lost Shouyang and intends to make amends for his mistake."

As Xiao Yan's favorite minister, Zhu Yi was well aware that he was in a dangerous situation.

If things go wrong, we could face a united front against us.

Therefore, the blame for Li Shuang drinking from the Yangtze River must be placed on Xiao Gang's head.

Doing so is undoubtedly like drinking poison to quench thirst; once Xiao Gang ascends the throne, he will certainly not have a good end.

But if he didn't do that, Zhu Yi would immediately become the target of public criticism.

Zhu Yi raised his head slightly, glanced at Xiao Yan who was deep in thought, and sighed inwardly.

Once Li Shuang leaves, and this matter is investigated, it becomes uncertain whether Xiao Yan will protect him. It's quite possible that Xiao Yan will abandon him.

Zhu Yi must seize this opportunity to make sure the blame is truly placed on him.

Does the Crown Prince have any capable generals under his command?

"Your Majesty is right. If His Highness the Crown Prince had capable generals, the situation in the Jianghuai region would not be like this. In my opinion, although the army of Da Ye Shuang is powerful, it is not a cause for concern. The most urgent task is to strengthen the river defenses and open up the waterway to Hefei."

Xiao Yan thought for a moment and said:
"Xiao Zhengde was appointed General Who Pacifies the North and Commander-in-Chief of Military Affairs in the Capital, and stationed his troops in Danyang."
-
The Prince of Linhe's Mansion.

"Tell the King of Qin that all the troops in the capital who are ready to fight are in my hands."

A smug smile appeared on Xiao Zhengde's face.

The envoy sent by Li Shuang remained unmoved and bowed, saying:
"The Prince of Linhe must be careful not to let anyone discover his whereabouts."

Li Shuang's envoy saw Xiao Zhengde's smugness, but he didn't care.

It's a very simple principle: Xiao Zhengde can command his troops to resist Li Shuang's army, but he cannot make them rebel.

Not to mention the soldiers below, even the generals under Xiao Zhengde's command, if they knew that Xiao Zhengde was colluding with Li Shuang, would probably immediately petition the court to arrest him.

Xiao Zhengde laughed:
"Your King of Qin has sent you to Jiankang for so many years, and I still don't know your real name. Now that the great cause is about to be accomplished, after I ascend the throne, how about I keep you as an official?" "We are insignificant people and have no names. As for the matter of being an official, it is not up to me to decide, but must be decided by my king."

"no name?"

After hearing this, Xiao Zhengde thought for a moment and said:
"In that case, how about you take my surname, Xiao, from now on?"

The envoy bowed and said:

"If the King of Linhe would be so kind as to bestow a surname upon me, it would be disrespectful of me to refuse."

After listening, Xiao Zhengde laughed heartily, patted the envoy on the shoulder, and said with a smile:
"So, from now on, you'll be called Xiao Bing, how about that?"

"Thank you, Prince Linhe."

"Go across the river and tell the King of Qin that I will prepare dozens of large ships to pick him and his troops up at any time. Once the matter at Caishiji is settled, the great mission will be accomplished."

"promise!"

……

Liyang.

"Your Majesty, this is how things are."

Xiao Bing relayed Xiao Zhengde's words to Li Shuang, and did not conceal anything else.

After listening, Li Shuang smiled and said:
"He even gave you a surname?"

Xiao Bing nodded, without hiding anything.

"I believe that Xiao Zhengde is trying to win me over, and at the same time, he is also testing Your Majesty."

"He's not smart, but he's got a lot of tricks up his sleeve."

Li Shuang didn't care and said:

"What is the current situation in Jiankang?"

"The Crown Prince Xiao Gang and Zhu Yi were locked in a fierce struggle, and Xiao Zhengde reaped the benefits, becoming the General Who Pacifies the North. This man was very ambitious, but unfortunately he didn't have many bargaining chips."

"It doesn't matter. They don't have many chips, which makes them even more eager to use our army's strength for their own purposes."

Li Shuang saw it clearly and laughed:

"This person is incapable of accomplishing anything, but he is certainly capable of ruining things."

Upon hearing this, Xiao Bing cupped his hands and said:

"What Your Majesty says is true. After Xiao Zhengde became the General Who Pacifies the North, he persuaded the Jiankang court to change the garrison at Caishiji."

Li Shuang's expression changed after hearing this.

"As Your Majesty wishes, our army will have two hours to cross the river. Once the vanguard reaches Caishiji, the Liang army south of the Yangtze River will be no match for us, and Jiankang will not be far away."

Just then, Hou Jing's voice rang out from outside the tent.

"Your Majesty, I have urgent business to discuss with you."

Li Shuang glanced at Xiao Bing, who had put on a hood to cover his face and was standing in the corner.

Just as Hou Jing entered the tent, Xiao Bing wanted to leave. But Hou Jing's words made him stop in his tracks.

"Your Majesty, the garrison at Caishiji has been withdrawn."

After listening, Li Shuang frowned and asked:

"Is this true or false?"

"Your Majesty, I personally sailed to investigate and even went ashore; it is indeed so."

As he spoke, Hou Jing's face lit up with excitement, and he said:
"Your Majesty, this is an opportunity not to be missed! If we can seize Caishiji, our great cause will be accomplished!"

Li Shuang immediately said:
"I will give you eight hundred men. Immediately take a boat across the river and occupy Caishiji. My main army will arrive by dawn at the latest."

"promise!"

Li Shuang handed the tiger tally to Hou Jing, who then hurriedly left with it.

Xiao Bing looked at this scene with disbelief, even finding it somewhat laughable, and said:
"The foundation of the Lanling Xiao family has been destroyed just like that?"

After Xiao Bing finished speaking, he almost laughed, but when he looked at Li Shuang, he didn't feel any arrogance at having accomplished something great, and he held back his emotions.

"Your Majesty, if this great undertaking succeeds, what should we do?"

"Go back to Xiao Zhengde immediately. No matter how the situation changes, keep him calm first."

"promise!"

……

Quarry Rock.

Hou Jing led eight hundred soldiers ashore.

This once formidable town, which had inspired countless heroes, has now fallen into the hands of others in a bizarre manner.

After Hou Jing landed, he was initially very cautious and sent out scouts to investigate the surrounding area.

However, Hou Jing soon discovered that his worries were unnecessary.

There was no one around, not even a trace of Liang Jun.

Despite this, Hou Jing did not slacken his efforts and still dispatched his soldiers to set up defenses.

Until Li Shuang led his army to land.

Before dawn, Li Shuang had already led his army there.

Seeing Hou Jing's appearance, Yuwen Tai, Gao Huan, and others who were with Li Shuang were all somewhat incredulous and asked the same question in unison.

Where is Liang Jun?

Hou Jing waved his hand and said:

"How would I know that it was like this when I came, with no one else around?"

Li Shuang did not hesitate at all and said:
"This place is a hundred miles from Jiankang. My troops will immediately select elite soldiers and launch a surprise attack on Jiankang."

"promise!"

……

Jiankang.

"Your Majesty! Your Majesty!"

Emperor Xiao Yan had been in a rush lately and slept soundly. When the sun was high in the sky, he was woken up by a palace attendant and was somewhat displeased.

"What's the matter?"

"Your Majesty, the Commandant of the Capital has reported that the garrison that was originally stationed at Caishiji has now returned to Jiankang."

After the eunuch finished speaking, Xiao Yan suddenly opened his eyes, sat up, and asked:
Why did they come back?

"They heard that His Majesty was going to rotate the troops, so they left before the rotating army arrived."

Upon hearing this, Xiao Yan, for the first time in many years, was filled with rage. He no longer cared about cultivation and cursed:

"I want to kill this brat!"

As he spoke, Xiao Yan was no longer sleepy. He hurriedly got up, dressed, and gave the instructions:
"Quickly send Xiahou Kui to lead the palace troops to garrison Caishiji."

No sooner had Xiao Yan finished speaking than another urgent military dispatch arrived.

"Your Majesty, a cavalry force is heading towards Jiankang."

"Where did the cavalry come from?"

"The other side is flying the banner of the King of Qin."

Upon hearing this, Xiao Yan lost his balance and sat down heavily on the ground, muttering to himself:
"Am I destined to follow in the footsteps of the Sima family?"

……

(End of this chapter)