Thank you to Nora7 for the ko-fi~ ٩(^ᗜ^ )و ´-
“Your child is incapable; I implore Father Emperor to forgive my incompetence.” Kneeling beneath the throne, Liu Yao’s expression was genuinely earnest. It was indeed due to him that this major battle ended in both victory and defeat.
The troops sent to Shangdang were defeated in a single battle. Both Zhang Dian and Pu Hong met their demise, and more than 20,000 soldiers were lost. The remaining forces were mostly newly recruited Di, Qiang, and other assorted tribes, who had no intention of returning to report and hastily fled back to Yong County. Retrieving these people would be an impossible task, effectively losing the entire force of 30,000 men.
This defeat posed a significant threat to Pingyang. Just four thousand cavalry had caused them to lose two cities in succession. Upon seeing the crossbow bolts, like stones penetrating into the wood, on the walls of Xiangling, the onlookers felt a chill in their hearts. With such formidable weaponry and an additional ten thousand soldiers, could they not directly conquer Pingyang?
However, no one dared to utter such words. Liu Yao became the scapegoat and had to first plead guilty.
Watching his subordinate bowing before him, Liu Yuan sighed deeply, “This defeat can’t be blamed on Yongming; it is the cunning of Bing County. Moreover, the reinforcements dispatched by Gou Xi are already approaching Luoyang. If we continue to delay, it will only waste our military strength.”
They retreated in the nick of time. Not long after, reinforcements led by Gou Xi and Shan Jian arrived in Luoyang. If they had lingered outside the city, it would have likely turned into a protracted battle, and who knows how many soldiers would have been drawn into it. Now, having captured the counties of Henan Commandery, the battle wasn’t entirely in vain.
However, the most significant issue wasn’t here but rather…
Liu Yuan, who valued Liu Yao considerably, furrowed his brows slightly upon hearing this. The surprise attack by Bing County this time brought hidden dangers. Some in the court began to question the safety of Pingyang. Both Pingyang and Luoyang were within the jurisdiction of Si County, and Bing County was only a stone’s throw away. If Bing County wasn’t conquered, any military action towards Luoyang could potentially lead to the precarious situation they faced today.
Knowing that Liu Yuan held him in high regard, Liu Yao breathed a sigh of relief and quickly suggested, “Now that the soldiers in Si County are fierce, placing the capital in Pingyang may lead to future troubles. Why not relocate the capital to Chang’an? The fertile land of Guanzhong spans a thousand miles, and with the natural barrier of Tong Pass, it would be a solid foundation for building the state…”
Whether Liang Feng is loyal to Eastern Jin, no one can fathom. Still, attacking Pingyang in the current situation is effortless. It can even be said that as long as the young emperor of Jin is willing, gathering forces from Bing County, Yu County, and You County to jointly attack Pingyang, the Han army may not be able to hold out entirely.
The precedent set by Bing County is too dangerous, enough to instill fear in everyone.
Launching a campaign against Bing County is even more challenging. When Liu Yuan declared himself Emperor in Xiyu during his time in Bing County’s Western He nation, he was still driven out by someone surnamed Liang. Now that Liang Feng has defeated Wang Jun and controls two provinces, his power has reached new heights. How could it be easy to defeat him?
Once at war with Bing County, the most likely outcome is someone stabbing in the back. Furthermore, even when risking life and fortune, winning is still uncertain. Didn’t 30,000 troops vanish in Shangdang in an instant? The consequences of Wang Jun commanding 100,000 troops are still fresh in memory.
Thus, the predicament faced by Luoyang fell on Pingyang. At least Luoyang is surrounded by eight passes, with the natural defense of the Yellow River. What does Pingyang have?
Comparatively, Chang’an is not only the founding land of Great Han, with fertile land spanning thousands of miles. Simultaneously, there are tens of thousands of Di, Qiang, and other tribes scattered in the two provinces of Yong and Qin. If these people could be recruited, it would make it much easier to wage war against Eastern Jin. With favorable timing, geographical advantage, and the support of the people, taking everything would be a good move.
However, Liu Yuan couldn’t easily agree to this. Leaving Pingyang, the birthplace of the Left Division of the Xiongnu, would his foundation still be stable? If he abandoned the capital so easily after a single defeat, where would the dignity of the Han Empire be? He couldn’t leave Pingyang so willingly; he felt an unwillingness deep in his heart.
After contemplating for a moment, Liu Yuan said, “It’s only been two years since we moved the capital to Pingyang. It’s inappropriate to change it abruptly. This matter should be discussed later…”
“Father Emperor!” Liu Yao wanted to offer advice.
Liu Yuan waved his hand, “This is a national matter; how can it be decided rashly? Let’s discuss it later!”
However, before Liu Yuan could make a decision, a significant change occurred in Luoyang.
※
When Linghu Kuang led the troops to Luoyang, the enemy had long retreated, leaving behind a devastated city. Several years ago, Zhang Fang had ravaged Luoyang, even burning two city gates, but he never laid hands on places like the Imperial Academy and government offices. The Xiongnu were different; they showed no mercy, even relishing in destroying symbols of the Great Jin Dynasty. The entire Luoyang seemed as if plowed through, houses collapsed, and smoke billowed. Not to mention the people in the city.
Seeing this tragic scene, even Linghu Kuang couldn’t bear to look at it for too long. Perhaps when Jinyang was besieged, it didn’t fall to such a miserable state. Where was the former glory of the capital?
As an envoy from Bing County, Linghu Kuang was immediately summoned to the palace upon arriving in the city. Despite the dilapidation and decay of the imperial palace, Linghu Kuang was still excited; after all, this was his first audience with the emperor. This time, the retreat of the enemy was entirely thanks to the lord sending troops to attack the Han forces. The emperor should reward generously for such meritorious deeds. If it weren’t for his uncle’s significant contribution in capturing Lishi, he might not have received such recognition.
Suppressing the excitement in his heart, Linghu Kuang stepped into the palace, bowing down at the steps. “Minister Linghu Kuang pays respects to Your Majesty!”
“General Linghu, please rise.” A young voice came from above the steps.
Linghu Kuang dared not lift his head to offend the emperor’s countenance, so he respectfully bowed again before standing up.
“This time, General Linghu led the troops into Luoyang, and his loyalty is commendable. It deserves a reward!”
The emperor spoke, and Linghu Kuang dared not take credit. He quickly bowed and replied, “I, at the command of Lord Liang, came to protect Your Majesty. The credit for the successful retreat lies entirely with Lord Liang’s wise military strategies. I am unworthy of such merit.”
He didn’t dare let the emperor misunderstand. The primary credit for this campaign belonged to General Yi, who boldly entered enemy territory, followed by his uncle, who recaptured Lishi. But ultimately, it was Minister Liang who knew how to recognize and employ talented individuals, foreseeing events with extraordinary wisdom.
On the imperial throne, there was a brief silence, but soon a voice was heard again, “General Linghu’s words are not wrong. This time, thanks to Minister Liang’s decisive deployment of troops, he surrounded the enemy to rescue our allies. Without such action, what would have become of Luoyang? I wonder how many troops Minister Liang dispatched and succeeded in capturing Pingyang?”
Linghu Kuang immediately lifted his spirits and declared with a resounding voice, “A total of five thousand cavalry, breaking through two cities and forcing the retreat of the massive Xiongnu army. Additionally, there are twenty thousand troops that entered Lishi and have now been incorporated into Bing County.”
“Just twenty-five thousand people, and such great achievements?” A slight commotion echoed in the hall, but Linghu Kuang paid no attention and continued, “Before that, the Xiongnu sent thirty thousand troops to Shangdang, blocking the mountain pass. It was the General who dispatched troops to defeat them, clearing the way. Here is the victory report; please review it, Your Majesty.”
With that, he presented the memorial he carried with him. Immediately, a palace attendant took it and placed it before the Emperor. The young sovereign did not open the memorial; he merely nodded slightly, “In this battle, Minister Liang should be credited with the first achievement.”
A smile played on his lips, but it didn’t reach his eyes.
On the day he heard that Liang Feng led troops into Pingyang, Sima Tan felt like he had fallen into an ice cave. He understood the strategy of besieging Wei to rescue Zhao. However, with such tactics, could it really ensure the retreat of the Xiongnu? With tens of thousands of soldiers and horses at his disposal, he could have caused chaos in the Xiongnu territory with just a few thousand light cavalry, yet not a single soldier was sent to Luoyang to rescue the Emperor. If Liu Yuan employed some tactics and didn’t withdraw his troops, would he watch Luoyang fall and the Emperor die?
And to capture Pingyang, twenty-five thousand soldiers were needed. How many would be required to send troops to Luoyang? Who could resist this “loyal minister of Da Jin”?
There were figures like Wang Mang in the past, and closer ones like Cao Cao, even his family ancestor, the Sima family. Initially, they all appeared as loyal ministers. But as their achievements rose, the desire to rebel and seize power naturally arose. Liang Zixi was no longer the weak and elegant scholar of the past; he had become a fierce tiger dominating Bing County. How could such a minister be allowed to stay by the ruler’s side?
Linghu Kuang had no idea what the young Emperor was thinking. He knelt again to express his gratitude.
Looking at the young general who was sincerely loyal, the young Emperor concealed all expressions on his face, “Minister Liang is the backbone of the court. After the capital is moved, the entire province of Si County can be entrusted to Minister Liang.”
Move the capital?! Linghu Kuang was shocked and looked up suddenly. However, before he could see the person on the throne clearly, he came to his senses and quickly bowed his head. Beads of sweat dripped from his forehead. How could the capital be moved so hastily? Luoyang was a city with eight gates, and it had the Yellow River for support. This defeat was clearly the fault of the defending army. With reinforcements at a few key passes, how could they have been defeated so miserably?
If the Emperor left Luoyang, wouldn’t the heavy responsibility of attacking the Xiongnu fall entirely on Liang Zixi’s shoulders?
Seeing Linghu Kuang’s horrified expression, Sima Tan felt a trace of satisfaction in his heart and said loudly, “The soldiers of Bing County are strong and robust. I hope Minister Liang can drive away the barbarians and stabilize the region. When the false Han is defeated, I will return to Luoyang! General Linghu, since you have brought troops to protect me, come with me to Shou City.”
Shou City was precisely the chosen imperial capital. Previously, he had considered moving the capital to Xu City, but Wang Mi’s army had already captured it. The states of Yu, Yan, Qing, and Jing were also in constant turmoil. On the other hand, in the south, after the rebel general Chen Min was executed, the military turmoil gradually subsided, making it relatively stable.
However, Sima Rui of Langya has already arrived in Jianye, with Wang Dao, Wang Dun, Liu Kun, and others assisting him. If they enter Jiangdong, the matter of Sima Yue will inevitably arise, being subject to others’ control. On the other hand, looking at Shou City, it was originally the forward base of Cao Wei stationed to attack Dong Wu. Adjacent to the states of Jing, Yu, and Xu, it is strategically located in the shape of the He and Luo rivers, and it is close to the fortified towns of Xu and Yu. Moreover, it has fertile fields, well-developed transportation by water, and no worry of shortage.
In this way, each garrison commander cannot dominate alone. Mutual constraints are beneficial for one’s own use. Moreover, Shou City is the old land of the imperial court, situated in Huainan, unlikely to fall into the former territory of Sun Wu. He could also be considered not to have completely lost the family business of the Sima clan.
As for the northern territories, leave it to Liang Feng, Gou Xi, Duan Wu, and others. With these people skilled in warfare, they will sooner or later pacify the Hebei region and exterminate the northern tribes. When the time comes, with his wings fully developed, leading the army northward, what’s the worry about not being able to reclaim the old capital?
Upon hearing the emperor’s order, Linghu Kuang was momentarily shocked and didn’t know how to respond. It was said to protect the emperor, but in reality, the enemy had long retreated. He was more like coming to Luoyang on orders just for appearances, bringing only a thousand soldiers. How did he suddenly get summoned by the emperor to accompany him to Shou City? However, as a general of Jin, how could he refuse the emperor’s decree? If he resisted, wouldn’t it be equivalent to defiance?
Frozen for a moment, Linghu Kuang slowly bowed and said, “Emperor, I obey your command.”
Looking at the somewhat rigid figure, the young emperor revealed a cold smile. Since there are plenty of troops, what harm is there in giving you control of Si County? If it can result in both the Jin forces and the Xiongnu suffering losses, that would be the best outcome!
