“The Grand General, assassinated?” Back in Shang’ai, instead of receiving news of reinforcements, they were greeted with such a dreadful message. Not only Wang Chang was alarmed, even Duan Jilu was shocked.
However, the reports were crystal clear. Three messengers arrived successively from You County, Changshan County, and Duan Wuchen, conveying similar messages. Wang Jun was dead, the army was in chaos, and Changshan County was under attack. East of the Taihang Mountains had descended into complete disorder, and these troops that had ventured deep into Bing County had become an isolated and helpless force.
“We must quickly withdraw from Bing County and return to You County,” Duan Jilu decisively stated.
With the death of the commander-in-chief, the supply lines cut off, further delay would only lead to the disarray of the army. The Duan clan’s Xianbei forces were only here to assist in the war, and now that their commanding officer was dead, there was no point in squandering their military strength.
Upon hearing this, Wang Chang’s face turned ashen, and he sternly declared, “Why? Does the Crown Prince think that with the Grand General’s demise, You County will fall into chaos? The heir, Wang Zhou, is still there, commanding tens of thousands of strong soldiers. Even if the Grand General is no more, we can still maintain control of the situation!”
Relying on a mere inexperienced youngster to control the situation? Duan Jilu sneered inwardly. He frequently visited the General’s residence and was well aware of Wang Jun’s family matters. Leaving aside other matters, just looking at Wang Rong, he was not a simple character. While the Jin people emphasize legitimacy, the Xianbei people prioritize influence. The situation in You County was still uncertain. If they wanted to attack Bing County, they needed to resolve their domestic affairs at the very least.
However, Duan Jilu wouldn’t express his inner thoughts openly. “The Supervisor seems to have misunderstood. Regardless of the situation in You County, withdrawing the troops is the right choice. Our army has lost the retreat path, and the rear forces have been defeated by the Bing County troops. The supply of food and forage is also unsustainable. If we want to return to You County, we can only take a detour. Every day delayed means less food supply, and we can’t afford such delays!”
Wang Chang had no way to refute. Bing County had adopted a defensive strategy, and acquiring supplies from the enemy was nothing short of wishful thinking. If they couldn’t solve the issue of food and forage, the army’s morale would disintegrate, and there would be no need to continue the war. However, simply retreating was not something he wanted to see, especially with chaos in the rear. If they withdrew now, it might give Liang Zixi an opportunity to launch an attack on Changshan County. Even the main camp, now leaderless and uncertain when it could regroup, was in danger. Even if they couldn’t capture Bing County, they couldn’t afford to give Liang Zixi such an opportunity!
“This news might not immediately reach Jinyang. Some prominent families familiar with the Taiyuan Wang clan were considering defecting to the Grand General. We can use this opportunity to have them provide supplies and buy us time. With this approach, our forces can withdraw calmly without losing control. Moreover, will the court tolerate Liang Zixi’s flagrant actions, conspiring against a senior minister of the same court? Perhaps they will even issue an imperial edict to rebuke him and seek justice for the Grand General!”
Wang Chang’s words left Duan Jilu speechless for a moment. Would the court truly blame Liang Zixi? That seemed unlikely. Over the years, there had been numerous conflicts between prominent border officials due to personal grievances. For example, when the Inspector of Qin County, Huangfu Zhong, and the trusted aide of Prince of Hejian, Li Han, were at odds, they led troops to attack Yong County. The Prince of Hejian dispatched troops from Qin County and Liang County to counterattack. The battle lasted for two whole years, spanning changes in those holding power at the court, and no one faced consequences for their actions. In this era, prioritizing one’s own interests over others was considered acceptable. Otherwise, why would Wang Jun dare to mobilize troops to attack Bing County without authorization?
However, despite his reluctance, Duan Jilu had to admit that if they could retreat smoothly, it would indeed be in their best interest. The rear forces had already suffered losses, and these elite Xianbei cavalry could ill afford any mistakes.
Yet, even as he thought this, before the local nobles contacted by Wang Chang could intervene, the enemy arrived. Moreover, it wasn’t the elusive feigned attack from before; the entire Bing County army, numbering over forty thousand, emerged. To make matters worse, before any engagement, thousands of soldiers shouted in unison, “Wang Jun is dead, the supply route is cut off. Surrender now!”
Clearly, this cry had undergone specialized training, incorporating both official language and Xianbei intonations. The news of the collapse of their main camp had been kept secret within the army. They had not expected to be challenged in such a manner. Seeing unrest in their own formation and the wavering of their troops, Duan Jilu’s expression changed drastically: “Do not be swayed by these bandits’ attempts to disrupt our military morale! Kill your way out!”
There was no more time to wait. They had to quickly escape Bing County to preserve their forces. However, facing the bright banners and imposing momentum of the enemy formation, how could they easily maneuver around?
The sounds of battle surged, and war drums continued to beat. The two armies clashed once again.
※
No one anticipated Liang Feng’s journey to Shangdang. The entire Bing County region was on edge, thinking that the situation was deteriorating, providing an opportunity for some to act on their own interests.
However, on the second day of leaving Jinyang, several nobles who were acquainted with the Taiyuan Wang clan sent messengers to Leping, hoping to establish contact with the You County troops. Unfortunately, none of these messengers reached their destination.
In the following days, the situation changed unexpectedly. Evidence of collusion with the enemy was found against three small noble families, and they were promptly executed. While some were surprised at Liang Zixi’s audacity, thinking he wasn’t afraid of angering the local nobility, the troops of You County and Bing County engaged in their first direct confrontation.
The battle was fought in utter darkness, lasting a full day and night. The You County troops suffered nearly ten thousand casualties, abandoned Leping, and fled towards Yanmen.
What did this mean? The rear route of the You County army was severed! Moreover, with forty thousand against sixty thousand, and a significant number of Xianbei cavalry, the Bing County forces still held the upper hand. Just this fact alone was enough to silence all those with ulterior motives. And that wasn’t all; soon, news arrived from You County. Wang Jun had died, the main camp had collapsed, and Changshan County had changed hands, completely reversing the situation.
Now, who dared to make a fuss? The situation in Jinyang was stabilizing like never before.
In the Prefectural Governor’s residence in Lu City, Liang Feng reviewed the latest military report: “The troops from Fanyang’s main camp have begun to retreat.”
Changshan County was taken with extreme ease. Taking advantage of the news of Wang Jun’s death, troops were dispatched from Jingxing and Zhao counties. It didn’t require much effort to capture several cities and drive away the You County garrison. However, the remnants of Wang Jun’s main camp remained a threat. As long as the troops didn’t withdraw, there was still a possibility of military action. With three to four thousand troops, retaking Changshan County or even reopening the route through Jingxing wouldn’t be too difficult. Even if they didn’t attack Bing County again, just rescuing the besieged troops could pose a significant future threat.
But they hadn’t even finished organizing the defeated troops before decisively withdrawing. Many of the troops stationed in Ji County were also withdrawn. Even without receiving firsthand reports, Liang Feng understood why.
Yiyan had succeeded!
Penetrating deep into You County, launching a surprise attack on Ji City, and stirring chaos in the rear. With this, how could the core forces that had just lost their commander sit still? Even the troops guarding Ji County had to withdraw, preparing for the upcoming power struggle.
At this moment, the battle, which had essentially concluded, raised a crucial question: Where was the person who had achieved the most?
Tens of thousands of troops swarmed back, but could Yiyan and his men withdraw smoothly? However, given the current situation, even if Liang Feng wanted to send reinforcements, it was impossible. Yiyan’s retreat would undoubtedly take a different route, possibly even bypassing the occupied counties and avoiding the enemy. This route covered thousands of miles; how could he intercept them?
Unable to provide support, the only thing Liang Feng could do was stay in Shangdang and wait for Yiyan to return! For some inexplicable reason, Liang Feng felt that Yiyan wouldn’t return to Qinghe or go to Ye City. He would likely take the direct route through the mountain pass and return to Shangdang. As long as he could return…
“Increase troops in Ye City, keep a close eye on the Fuku Pass. If Boyuan returns, report immediately!” Liang Feng issued the order without hesitation.
On the side, Cui Ji didn’t object. The news of Yiyan’s assassination of Wang Jun and the chaos in Ji City had probably spread. No one would believe that he had been manipulated. Sending the lord to defend Ye City and holding the line in Si County and Ji County was the most feasible approach. However, there were still some matters that couldn’t be taken lightly.
“Defending Ye City is only right and proper. However, regarding Prefect Wang’s matter, we still need to explain it clearly to the court. After all, he is the nephew of Minister Wang, which could be troublesome,” Cui Ji reminded.
The commotion caused by Yiyan was too significant; he actually sent someone to kill Wang Ping, completely taking control of Ye City. It’s unclear whether this was to prevent Wang Ping from becoming disloyal after Yiyan’s departure or to use his severed head to deceive Wang Jun. However, the person was sent by Wang Yan, and now that Sima Yue had died, Wang Yan became one of the most prominent figures in the court. Offending him would be quite dangerous.
Liang Feng sneered, “Wang Jun amassed troops and planned to move south to Si County when Prince Donghai passed away. After Wang Ping learned of this, he conspired with him, intending to use Ye City to gain Wang Jun’s favor. Boyuan decisively cut down Wang Ping, launched a surprise attack on Wang Jun’s camp, and successfully lifted the siege of Luoyang.”
Cui Ji was momentarily stunned, not knowing what to say. This was clearly distorting right and wrong, calling a deer a horse. However, after a moment of hesitation, he saw the stern expression on the lord’s face and understood that this was the answer the lord had given. When facing the emperor in Luoyang and Wang Situ, who was likely to wield great power, this was the only answer.
Wang Jun was dead, Wang Ping was dead too, simply because these people deserved to die! Now that Sima Yue had died, Chang’an and Hongnong were captured by the Xiongnu, coupled with the chaos in You County, how many capable individuals were left? Faced with this answer, what else could the court say?
When the emperor speaks, the vassal must acknowledge it, right? Having repelled the invasion from You County, the lord had already set foot on the path to hegemony. There was no room for retreat!
With a surge of emotions in his chest, Cui Ji cupped his hands and said, “This official will draft the letter immediately and send it to Luoyang!”
Liang Feng nodded slightly without saying anything more. His gaze passed over Cui Ji’s figure and looked towards the north. He could shield Yiyan from all accusations and reproaches. As long as he returned safely!
At the same moment, within the territory of You County, a retreating army was frantically heading south. Behind them, another cavalry force, numbering three to four thousand, was in hot pursuit.
Escaping from the city was extremely smooth, but the return journey was not as peaceful. Upon learning of the chaos in Ji City, the rear army responsible for escorting provisions began to move. These people were all trusted confidants of Wang Jun and were unwilling to let the bandits who killed Wang Jun and massacred the Wang family off the hook. This group of enemies was like hungry wolves relentlessly chasing their prey; it was impossible to shake them off.
Seeing they were about to enter a mountain hollow, Yiyan whispered, “Liu Gong, take eight hundred men ahead to set up an ambush. I’ll stay behind to hold them off!”
With only a little over twelve hundred men remaining, after days of continuous exhaustion and battle, they were already weary and on the verge of collapse. If they didn’t find a way to repel these enemies, they might end up perishing in You County!
“General! Let me stay behind! I can stop them!” Liu Gong’s lips were cracked, his eyes bloodshot, as he shouted.
“The troops cannot afford to waste time; let’s go!” Yiyan vigorously waved his hand, and the horsewhip lashed toward Liu Gong’s mount. Startled, the horse sprinted several feet ahead, leading the way.
Yiyan shouted, “Quickly follow Liu’s command and retreat!”
With that, he whistled, and the soldiers around him slowed down their pace. In such a critical moment, Liu Gong couldn’t argue anymore. With tears in his eyes, he spurred his horse and led the troops, charging into the mountain hollow.
Lifting his long spear with his right hand, Yiyan turned his horse around. Behind him, the dust raised by thousands of riders resembled a thin veil, making their figures somewhat blurry, but the intent to kill was unmistakable.
He took a deep breath. The most difficult task had been completed; now, all he needed to do was escape. As long as he returned to Bing County, back to the side of his lord…
“Charge with me!”
Squeezing his horse’s flanks, the gray-haired steed shot forward like an arrow released from a bow, charging toward the enemy!
Translator’s corner:
As of today, there are a total of 18 weekend chapters for this weekend~ ૮ ˶ᵔ ᵕ ᵔ˶ ა
Because the year is ending, I decided that starting today until December 31, it will be 1 ko-fi = 1 weekend chapter (ㅅ´ ˘ `)
