Thank you to Beverly for the ko-fi~ ٩(^ᗜ^ )و ´-
“Shi Le was beheaded? It’s earlier than expected,” Liang Feng sighed as he looked at the just-delivered military report.
To assassinate Shi Le, the staff department had set numerous plans. They carefully considered every possible variable, thinking through each detail. The resistance from the powerful families in Yu County was just one aspect. It went smoothly because each step was executed in advance.
Speaking of which, credit was due to Zu Ti. After settling several counties around Luoyang, Zu Ti began secretly contacting the influential families in Yu County. In times of chaos, these large families residing in their strongholds all sought ways to survive. While publicly appearing to surrender to Shi Le, in private, they couldn’t avoid some clandestine dealings with Zu Ti.
Coupled with the impact of the drought, this silent unrest became even more intense. Not to mention the Li family, even in the Yong and Xiang counties near Si County, there were no fewer than thirty strongholds corresponding with Si County through letters. To coordinate the ambush, Zu Ti had early on hinted to these people, letting them seize the opportunity. Therefore, even if Shi Le didn’t reach Li Family, there would be others intercepting. This was much more formidable than ambush troops.
But now, achieving the goal ahead of schedule was also considered fortunate. Or perhaps, it was the misfortune of Shi Le.
“Thanks to the arrangements in Xifeng Ridge, it worked. Upon investigation, there were no less than three thousand deaths just in the valley. I didn’t expect the power of gunpowder to be so immense. If used for siege, even strong walls would be hard to resist!” Zhang Bin remarked excitedly, revealing a hint of exhilaration in his words.
After the formulation of gunpowder, it underwent several improvements, enhancing its explosive power. Although it never reached the potency of yellow gunpowder, with a sufficient quantity, it could still have a terrifying effect.
This time in Xifeng Ridge, they used a method ignited by a fuse. Thousands of ambush troops couldn’t hide, but a few people could easily conceal themselves. Using a fuse to ignite pre-buried explosive packs, they attacked unexpectedly when Shi Le’s forces passed by. Such methods were like a miraculous event to those who had never seen gunpowder before.
People were in chaos, horses panicked, trampling each other. The number of casualties was secondary; the main purpose was to shatter the military morale, making further advancement impossible. The fact that Shi Le could lead a thousand men to escape was already quite a skill.
This ambush also made Zhang Bin vividly realize the power of gunpowder. If rocks could explode, let alone city walls? If the same amount of explosive packs were buried under the city corners, wouldn’t it be invincible in attacks and unbeatable in battles?
However, Liang Feng shook his head, “Many cities have moats, damp soil, and are hard to approach. It’s challenging to use gunpowder for attacks. Moreover, this method can only be used occasionally; if used frequently, others will surely devise defensive measures.”
War is a game where both sides continuously climb the technology tree and strategize. Once the true effectiveness of gunpowder is discovered, restraining it won’t be too difficult. Considering that city defense battles have been fought for over a thousand years, what tactics haven’t been tried? Digging holes under city gates and setting fires is a common occurrence. Therefore, many large cities have waterways, and the ground is often embedded with jars. With simple amplification devices, one can hear the outside movements. If enemy tunneling or attempts to set fires are discovered, immediate measures can be taken.
As for gunpowder, as long as it’s not ignited, a basin of water can handle it. Unexpectedly, it can also intimidate the enemy a bit. Considering it a regular method is just a matter of time before it’s decrypted.
Zhang Bin, knowledgeable about military affairs, nodded when he heard his lord speak, “If it can’t be used on the battlefield, it seems it could be used in mining and mountain excavation in remote areas. This method still needs further research.”
This aligned more with Liang Feng’s thoughts; there were too many places where gunpowder could be useful, and it was not something to be neglected.
“Let the Zaohua Pavilion continue with experiments. With Shi Le eliminated, it’s time to send out the troops.”
This was the most crucial task now.
With Liang Feng’s command, the army of Andong moved out. They sandwiched Pingyang from both sides, attacking from Shangdang and Lishi. In addition to the garrison troops in Jinyang, the Thunderbolt Army also joined to support. The modified siege weapons were abundant and razor-sharp.
With only a few defending generals left, how could they withstand such an onslaught? Puzi, Yong’an, and Beiqu counties fell successively. When the army reached the outskirts of Pingyang, the Xiongnu reinforcements from Yong County in the east finally arrived in Hedong.
This time, Liu Yao also invested heavily, dispatching tens of thousands of elite soldiers. Unexpectedly, as soon as they entered Hedong, they encountered interception. A group of elite cavalry rushed from Luoyang, and the two armies fought fiercely. In the end, the Xiongnu forces were defeated and retreated in a sorry state back to Tongguan.
Without reinforcements, Pingyang held on for only seven or eight days before being breached. Subsequently, Hedong fell into chaos, with many cities surrendering at the first sign of trouble, and influential families changing their allegiance.
The situation in Si County would never return to its former state.
※
“This traitor!”
With a loud crash, a golden cup smashed onto the ground. Liu Yao, filled with anger, leaped to his feet!
The magistrate of Wenxi unexpectedly surrendered! When they attacked Wenxi back then, it took them several days to capture the city. Now, that person surnamed Liang made it seem ridiculously effortless!
Those influential families were so submissive back then, each one just wanting to survive. And now? Some people even refused to keep hostages from Chang’an, openly and boldly defecting to Andong.
Now that Wenxi has fallen, Anyi probably won’t hold for too long either. How could the salt mines in Hedong be preserved? It was those noblewomen in the royal tents who were too greedy. If they had been less extortionate, perhaps people wouldn’t have turned their backs on them so completely.
However, the situation in Hedong deteriorated, and Chang’an didn’t fare much better. Upon reaching the grand capital of Chang’an, far superior to Pingyang, the Xiongnu elites completely adopted the extravagant lifestyle of the Jin people. Not only were they arrogant and domineering, but they also actively marginalized the defectors from Jin. During the reign of the late emperor, though he practiced respecting the virtuous and employing the capable, there was already a trend of favoring one’s own clan. Now, with no one to suppress it, the situation was beyond control.
Even the local Qiang and Di people in Yong County were all enslaved by these aristocrats. If this continued, it would lead to great chaos!
What to do? Like a headless fly, Liu Yao paced in the hall for countless steps. Finally, he gritted his teeth, “Order all the troops in Hedong to retreat and return to Yong County!”
“Your Majesty, this is not advisable!” several advisers exclaimed simultaneously.
Seeing their anxious faces, Liu Yao suddenly thought of Zhang Dian, who had followed him in the past. That man at least had some quick thinking and courage, unlike the useless individuals before him now!
“Now the top priority is to suppress the rebellion in Qin County. Hedong is lost, and reclaiming it would cost an unknown amount of resources. It’s better to leave this mess to Andong!”
Liu Yao’s thinking was quite clear. The severe drought continued, and even if they took Pingyang and Hedong, it would only mean more mouths to feed. The loss of the salt mines in Hedong was regrettable. Now that the chaos had spread to Shu, with the salt supply disrupted, and the limited production from the salt mines in Guanzhong, it might not be enough to support a large army.
After dealing with the rebels in Qin County, they would have to figure out a way to conquer Shu or reclaim Hedong.
It all depended on when this damn drought would end…
※
As the Xiongnu withdrew, the already favorable situation in Hedong became even more unstoppable. However, the forces from Andong did not get overly greedy. They proceeded according to the original plan, not crossing the Yellow River, and only aimed at the extremely limited garrison in Hongnong. They focused on capturing cities and territories in Hedong. City by city, fortress by fortress, gradually fell under their control, causing ripples in the surrounding areas.
Though the news arrived a bit late, it eventually reached Yang County. Sima Rui was both surprised and worried, “They’ve taken Pingyang and even killed that rebel Shi Le. Now, isn’t Liang Zixi going to occupy Yu County and Yan County?”
Now that Liang Feng is already the commander of three provinces, adding two more means that half of the country is under his command. Even if Sima Rui is not interested in the northern territories, he cannot tolerate such a development.
Wang Dao smiled slightly, “Yu County already has an inspector, and so does Yan County. If they are incapable, they can be replaced. As long as the court appoints officials to govern, can Duke Liang still usurp it privately?”
In reality, if one wanted to seize it, it could still be taken. However, the focus was not on “seizing” but on “private.” Once Liang Feng, ignoring the imperial appointment, fought for these two provinces, he would no longer be a vassal but a rebel like Yuan Shao. Judging from Liang Feng’s past actions, he wouldn’t act recklessly. Compared to figures like Yuan Shao and Cao Cao, this “sick seedling” seemed to lack some ambition.
“To stabilize through calmness,” Sima Rui nodded repeatedly, “It’s excellent. Yu County and Yan County are both on the side of Yang County and should be entrusted to reliable individuals. As for the credit for retaking Pingyang… Duke Liang was already the Inspector of the Commandery, so reorganizing Si County is also within his duties.”
A phrase like “within his duties” completely offset the significant achievements. However, it was indeed difficult for Sima Rui to grant substantial titles. Should he give Liang Feng the title of Prince? He himself was only a regional Prince at the moment, and if he granted Liang Feng, how would he gain loyalty when he ascended the throne?
Knowing Sima Rui’s thoughts too well, Wang Dao remained silent and went to make personnel adjustments in Yu County and Yan County as ordered.
Before the complete recovery of Hedong, Liang Feng received a report from the court. Both Yu County and Yan County changed their inspectors simultaneously, and troops were stationed.
“Is Prince Langya afraid I’ll seize these two provinces?” Throwing the report aside with a playful expression, Liang Feng shook his head.
Now, occupying Yu County and Yan County was out of the question. He lacked the military and financial resources for such an undertaking. In just the Battle of Pingyang, it took more than two months and consumed an incalculable amount of resources. To completely stabilize the situation would take at least a few more months. This was under the circumstances of the Han rule of the Xiongnu struggling to handle affairs in the east. Once the enemy regains its footing, there might be another fierce battle.
In this situation, how could he possibly annex Yu County and Yan County right away?
Zhang Bin also smiled, “This is good. If the new inspectors can defeat the bandits, and bring the people together, it will relieve the pressure on Si County and Ji County. Moreover, with this arrangement, the court will have to allocate provisions.”
This is utilizing the hands of the court to stabilize the surrounding environment. Shi Le is dead, but his generals and the remnants of his forces are still there. There are also the remnants of Wang Mi’s forces and several generals among the refugees. Without the old tiger Shi Le, it is now time for the monkeys to run amok. Yu County and Yan County probably won’t be peaceful for a while. Even with plenty of grain, it’s not enough to fill a bottomless pit. It’s better to hand it over to the court first, let them deal with the troubles around them, and then head south.
“Order to mobilize officials from Bing County and Ji County to go to Pingyang and Hedong. We must quickly stabilize the governance in these two commanderies and reorganize the livelihoods of the people.”
This is how many mouths they have to feed. Liang Feng sighed softly. With the autumn harvest already passed, when will this severe drought come to an end?
