RR Chapter 286

At the end of September, a large star appeared in the sky, as bright as the sun, moving from the southwest to the northeast, accompanied by a smaller star resembling the Big Dipper, following closely beside it. The sky turned completely red, and the sound was like thunder. With this omen, the Xiongnu and the Han Dynasty mobilized their forces to attack Jin. A massive army of thirty thousand troops set out from Pingyang, sweeping through the Henan commandery and heading straight for Yu County!

“Wang Mi has launched an attack.” In the general’s residence in Jinyang, advisors gathered. The mobilization of the Xiongnu forces was a significant event. With the Han Dynasty already occupying most of Si County, it posed a considerable threat to Luoyang and the emperor. And since Bing County was situated at Luoyang’s rear, once war broke out, it was inevitable that it would be drawn into the conflict.

“This time, Wang Mi’s attack on Yu County is probably an attempt to divert Guo Xi’s attention,” spoke Zu Ti, the Chief Secretary, taking the lead. “Currently, Guo Xi is still in Yu County. If Wang Mi’s large army distracts him, leading to chaos in Yu County and Yan County, then capturing Luoyang would become much easier.”

Zu Ti’s observations on the strategic situation were accurate, and Zhang Bin continued, “Chief Secretary Zu Ti’s analysis is spot on. In this case, the Han forces of the Xiongnu may deploy to Pingyang, eyeing the vulnerable areas of Shangdang.”

Liu Yuan had faced numerous challenges in Bing County and would not underestimate the formidable tiger lurking on the flanks. If the Xiongnu harbored intentions toward Luoyang, the first line of defense would be against the potential pincer attack from Bing County. Currently, only Wang Mi led the forces attacking Yu County, and the elite Xiongnu forces had not yet made their move, making their intentions somewhat predictable.

On the side, Yiyan shook his head, “The Xiongnu won’t immediately send their troops.”

Having spent nearly two months recuperating in the Provincial Governor’s Mansion, this was his first time participating in a meeting of this level. However, as the chief among Bing County’s generals and the trusted confidant of the governor, his opinion held considerable weight.

Though Yiyan’s words were concise, Zhang Bin discerned the underlying meaning and nodded slightly, “Launching an attack on Shangdang now would be more trouble than it’s worth. However, if we deploy our forces and create a threatening posture, it could deter the court from mobilizing Bing County’s troops, thus relieving the siege of Yu County. The most urgent option at the moment is to station forces in Shangdang, confront the Xiongnu, and prevent trouble before it arises.”

From the emperor to the ministers, everyone prioritized their own lives. Wang Mi aimed to attack Yu County, which, despite being in the central plains, was not Luoyang. If they dispatched Bing County’s troops now to rescue Yu County, wouldn’t it put Luoyang in a precarious situation? However, if Bing County refrained from sending troops, relying solely on Guo Xi to withstand Wang Mi’s forces, it would be an arduous task. Once the situation in Yu County and Yan County deteriorated, could Luoyang still be defended?

Everyone understood the perilous situation, but their interests diverged, forcing them to counterbalance each other. Not to mention the notables in Luoyang who wouldn’t permit Bing County to dispatch troops, even Governor Liang Feng himself had to consider his own interests. Sending troops to save Guo Xi might result in being attacked by the Xiongnu shortly after. How could this predicament be handled? Similarly, Wei Commandery and Ji County wouldn’t easily wade into these troubled waters. Both regions had limited military strength, and staying fortified within their borders was the wise choice.

With these words, everyone nodded in agreement. As officials of Bing County, their foremost consideration was naturally the interests of Bing County. Though it was ruthless, there seemed to be no other way. There was also another hidden thought beneath their words. The decline of the court wasn’t necessarily a bad thing for them.

Liang Feng didn’t expose this point. He nodded slowly and said, “Suspend winter cultivation in Shangdang and halt the rest and reorganization at Wu Castle. Be on full alert.”

Although it was likely just a standoff, the necessary precautions had to be taken. Even though the battle hadn’t ignited in Bing County yet, it was only a matter of time. The earlier the precautions, the greater the assurance.

After saying this, he turned to Zu Ti and said, “Shangdang is a vital strategic point in Bing County. In the future, a major battle is probably unavoidable. I entrust the governance of this county to you!”

As the Chief Secretary and a trusted confidant, Zu Ti indeed had the responsibility to fight on behalf of the governor. Shangdang was also where Liang’s residence was situated. Entrusting this county to Zu Ti demonstrated the governor’s trust in him.

Zu Ti immediately clasped his hands and said, “Your Excellency, rest assured. I will defend Shangdang and ensure there are no opportunities for the Xiongnu to exploit!”

Seeing Zu Ti’s acceptance, Liang Feng turned to the others and said, “This concerns the survival of Bing County and the security of the court. All of you must work together and not slack off. The Six Offices, with the Office of War at the forefront, will coordinate. If there are urgent matters, report them promptly!”

“We will follow your orders!” everyone responded in unison.

With a glance at Yiyan, Liang Feng couldn’t help but sigh softly in his heart. This brief respite was likely coming to an end.

The speculations about the situation in Bing County proved to be spot on. After Wang Mi’s eastern advance, Liu Yuan dispatched an army of twenty thousand to guard along the Huzuo River. Apart from restraining the forces of Bing County, they were also vigilant against any potential surprise attacks on Pingyang.

With this move, Luoyang indeed dared not easily mobilize its troops. The task of dealing with Wang Mi was entirely entrusted to Guo Xi. Having just pacified Yu County, he now faced his old adversary. However, after their recent clash, Guo Xi realized that Wang Mi’s forces, having allied with the Xiongnu, had become significantly stronger than before. The four to five thousand Jin troops stationed in Yu County immediately found themselves in a passive position.

However, this is not the end. Wang Mi sent his trusted general Cao Yi back to his hometown in Qing County to rebel once again. Guo Xi’s younger brother, Guo Chun, guarded Qing County but was unprepared and lost the county seat, fleeing in panic. The Xiongnu army grew, causing chaos by killing officials, inciting rebellion, and plundering the people, leading to disorder in the provinces of Yu County and Yan County once again.

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“The General of the Mountains’ forces were scattered by the chaos, and there’s turmoil in Xiang County?” Upon hearing this bad news, the young emperor felt a chill run down his spine.

With the precarious situation in Yu County, Guo Xi had repeatedly requested aid from the court. The young emperor then appointed the Southern Expedition General and the Commandant of Xiang and Jiao, Shan Jian, to lead forces to rescue. Previously, when Wang Cheng governed Jing County, he caused quite a bit of trouble. The court had just ordered the southern half of southern Jing County to be separated, forming the new Xiang County, and entrusted the command to Shan Jian, the son of Shan Tao. As one of the Seven Sages of the Bamboo Grove, and with a son renowned alongside Jiao Shao, such a figure was expected to be reliable.

However, the Xiang County forces had not reached halfway before a major problem arose. Previously, when Yong County was captured by the Xiongnu, many refugees fled to Jing County. Now, to raise troops locally to aid Guo Xi, Shan Jian planned to conscript some peasants. Unexpectedly, these refugees, who had already left their homes, were unwilling to suffer the ravages of war again and immediately rebelled!

As a result, even before the reinforcements arrived, Xiang County was breached by the rebel forces. Wang Cheng, stationed in Jing County, found himself in a predicament, fleeing in disorder from the rebelling refugees. Not to mention aiding Guo Xi, he couldn’t even attend to his affairs.

In the court, were there any usable forces left?! The young emperor trembled his lips, “Dispatch Bing County troops…”

Before he could finish his sentence, several senior officials immediately exclaimed, “Your Majesty, you must not!”

Wang Yan, with his agile thinking, quickly stepped forward, “Your Majesty, you must not act recklessly! Now that the Xiongnu Han forces number twenty thousand, stationed in Pingyang. Once Bing County’s troops are mobilized, Shangdang will be vulnerable to attack. Most of Si County has already fallen into the hands of the rebels. If Shangdang is lost, Luoyang will be in great danger!”

The young emperor understood this reasoning. However, besides defeating the Xiongnu and wiping out Wang Jun’s forces, what other troops did he have? Was he going to dispatch the six armies guarding Luoyang?!

His lips trembled twice, and he barely controlled the impending emotional outbreak, “Send an urgent decree to You County, instructing General Duan to dispatch troops to assist General Guo!”

After hearing this, Wang Yan took a step back, tacitly agreeing. Watching these people once again assume rigid and silent expressions, the young emperor couldn’t help but feel an itching annoyance.

This group of schemers! Just a few days ago, he was preparing for a grand wedding. For the selection of the empress, they nearly fought to the death. Empress Dowager Yang wanted him to choose a relative of the Taiyuan Yang clan, Prime Minister Wang wanted to recommend a girl from the Langya Wang clan, and even the newly appointed Chief Minister recommended daughters of the Zhang and Yang families. Everyone wanted to emulate Yang Jun and Jia Mi, meddling in politics as imperial relatives, enjoying wealth and prosperity.

Now that the Xiongnu are mobilizing, each minister seems like a sealed gourd, afraid of being pointed at to lead the troops into battle. How he wishes to throw these useless bunch onto the battlefield! Unfortunately, he himself is sitting in this position, and if he wants to keep it for long, he cannot entrust the large army to them!

Seeing the Emperor’s displeased expression, Wang Yan hesitated for a moment before speaking, “Your Majesty, with the current unrest in the four directions of Luoyang, it might be advisable to relocate the capital to avoid the ravages of war.”

With Wang Yan taking the lead, the ministers below became lively, with many of them concurring and creating a buzzing sound. Seeing these courtiers who were eager to escape from Luoyang, Sima Tan’s expression grew colder. Relocate the capital? To where?

Chang’an has already been captured by the Xiongnu, and Yu County is also on the verge of falling under Wang Mi’s attack. Shouchun has been suggested, but moving the capital to Shouchun means abandoning the vast northern territory beyond the Huai River. Is that acceptable? Could they retreat further and move to Jiangdong? How would that be any different from the Sun family’s Wu State, which sought refuge in the East?

“Luoyang is the capital of the Emperor!” The young Emperor raised his voice and declared, “If we abandon Luoyang, how can we face our ancestors?! Bing County is still intact, and Yu County, Yan County, Ji Couty, and Jing County are all under the control of the court. If the court flees south, what will happen to the northern territories? Such cowardly words of avoiding battle should not be mentioned again!”

He absolutely cannot leave Luoyang! Once he leaves the throne, the Emperor loses that shimmering halo. It would be like the Han Emperor who was taken captive by Cao Cao, entering Xuchang, only able to live under the fence, fearing everything. He cannot fall into such a pathetic situation! As long as Luoyang can hold on, he must stand firm in the city!

Although Sima Tan is not very old, having been Emperor for a year has given him a regal demeanor. Such a loud declaration made the court momentarily silent.

Wang Yan hesitated for a moment, but finally bowed and said, “Your Majesty, the country’s priority is of utmost importance. I am ashamed that I cannot bear such a heavy responsibility. Once the troops from You County arrive, they will surely sweep away the current plight, and annihilate the rebels and traitors.”

If Wang Yan wants to be sincere, he can truly move even a stone man. Watching all the ministers bowing their heads, the Emperor’s trembling body gradually calmed down. Yes, the court still controls several provinces and a considerable number of troops. As long as they endure this difficult situation, they can drive the Xiongnu out of Yu County, perhaps even reclaim Si County, and restore the Sima family’s dominion.

No one is standing by his side now, as if a dark cloud obscures the sun, controlling his words and actions, and threatening his life. If he strives diligently and selects and appoints capable individuals, one day he might also create a great legacy like his grandfather’s!

The Sima family’s dominion will not perish under his rule!

Taking another deep breath, the young Emperor steadied his voice, “Expedite the dispatch of troops from You County. Also, the bandits in Qing County can be assisted by the forces from Ji County. It is crucial to stabilize Yu County and Yan County, and reorganize the situation!”

His voice echoed in the spacious hall, filled with majesty yet carrying the inherent sharpness and vulnerability of a young person, disappearing in an instant.

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