Thank you to Kat for the ko-fi~ ♡⸜(˶˃ ᵕ ˂˶)⸝♡
Sending troops to Shangdang once again, Liu Yao’s mood was completely different from the previous time.
If you were to ask what was the most challenging aspect of dealing with the troops and horses of Bing County, it would be none other than the solid defense and scorched-earth tactics. Faced with the smoke of war everywhere and the enemy formation in the dense woods of Wubao, not only the Han troops but even the superior Xianbei cavalry were powerless. A direct assault would encounter thundering carts and arrow formations, while luring the enemy out of the city could lead to a trap. When the cavalry grew weary, confronting the formidable battle formation that resembled a fortress was like a dog biting a hedgehog, with no room to retreat.
However, this time, the situation was completely different. Their target of attack was not a fortress!
Without stopping, Liu Yao led his troops into Shangdang. Was Gaodu under martial law? He didn’t care about those cities at all. As far as the eye could see, vast fields of lush green wheat were the direction of conquest!
Water mills were burned, and the fields were trampled by the large army. This time, Liu Yao didn’t bring fodder; the recently ripened wheat in the fields was the best feed for the horses.
Fifty thousand cavalry swept through, what a spectacle! It was more formidable than locusts by a few degrees!
However, this extremely swift and destructive offensive stopped beyond Xuanshi. Moving forward would lead to the former battleground of Changping between Qin and Zhao. Almost overnight, the troops and horses of Shangdang were arranged in front of the formation, numbering about thirty thousand, with quite a few cavalry. If Liu Yao dared to bypass this barrier, he would surely face encirclement and interception.
Watching the moving heads behind the military formation, Liu Yao smiled. It was evident that even Bing County couldn’t tolerate the loss of a season’s worth of grain. Moving forward, it was the hinterland of Shangdang. Over eighty percent of Shangdang’s food came from here. Now, both Bing County and Si County are facing a food shortage. How could they dare to let him enter?
“Great King, the enemy forces are insufficient. There is more than one road leading to Changzi and Tunliu. Why not bypass the barrier and go straight for the heartland?” a subordinate suggested.
Seeing the less dense formation on the opposite side, Liu Yao narrowed his eyes. “No need! If the Bing County forces sent out are truly only thirty thousand, how could it be so meager? There must be an ambush, luring us in. Attacking this barrier, causing them to continuously reinforce, is the right strategy!”
Less than half a month until the summer harvest. The best method was to take advantage of their underestimation, lure them deep, and then crush them in one fell swoop. Just like the strategy that led to the great defeat of Zhang Dian and Pu Hong. If that couldn’t be achieved, delaying for half a month could still organize the military and civilians in the rear to quickly gather the harvest. However, for Liu Yao, these were nothing more than futile efforts!
He didn’t need to take a detour at all. As long as he continuously attacked the defenses frontally, the enemy would be helpless. How much grain and fodder would it take for the armies to confront each other? He had Han territory behind him, what did Bing County have? The ruined city of Luoyang?
More importantly, the wheat was not fully ripe yet. When it ripened, there would be no need for human destruction; just a fire could turn thousands of acres of fertile land into a sea of flames. By then, sending a few small teams to bypass the defenses could still make the troops and horses of Shangdang suffer a setback. In a situation where the target was not a city, he had too many choices!
“Spread the order, keep a close eye on Gaodu and Liang Mansion, and watch the rear!” This was the only thing to consider, Liu Yao sneered coldly. He wasn’t the one in a hurry now. The food shortage seemed like a small matter, but the hidden dangers it brought would gradually expand, affecting the just-recovered Luoyang, and even half of Si County. Once they showed signs of exhaustion, Shi Le’s forces in Yan County could immediately turn to attack Si County, reclaiming the lost territory, and even causing disturbances in Ji County.
Liang Feng was still showing mercy like a woman. Could he support the gathering of refugees like this? Bing County was not like Yong County or Si County; this barren land couldn’t sustain so many people. Since they insisted on going their own way, they shouldn’t blame them for backstabbing!
With the command given, the Xiongnu army began to attack the newly built defense line. Although they were outnumbered, the Shangdang troops still played to their defensive strengths, and for a while, the battle became a stalemate.
※
“General, the city’s food and fodder are running out fast!”
The battle in Shangdang was in full swing, with no clear winner yet. Not far away in Si County, a crisis had already unfolded. Last year, Luoyang was besieged, making it impossible to plow in winter, and the crops planted in spring could only be harvested in autumn. During these few months, they could only rely on Bing County for aid.
Any food and fodder trying to be transported out of Bing County had to pass through Shangdang. Now that Shangdang was under a massive invasion by the Xiongnu, it had no time to take care of Si County.
At this moment, the territory that Zu Ti had recovered added to the woes of the food reserves. Originally, they could hold out until the summer harvest, but with the continuous influx of refugees, it seemed they might not hold out for even a few days!
What should they do?
Zu Ti did not panic. “Order the troops to retreat, defend Luoyang. Delay the accommodation of refugees temporarily, and reduce the allocated rations. There are plenty of wild vegetables to eat in the spring, which should sustain us for some time.”
But what happens after this period? The Han forces showed no intention of withdrawing. Once the Shangdang defense line is breached, the season’s stored grains will be completely lost. Moreover, it is the county that has maintained peace in Bing County for the longest time. With such a large gap, not to mention Si County, even the adequacy of food in Bing County becomes a problem.
With many people and no food, major chaos is inevitable!
The officials below looked anxious, but Zu Ti remained unchanged. “It’s just a matter of a few days; the lord will surely come up with a solution. The important thing is not to let chaos ensue in Si County and Luoyang!”
At the mention of the lord, there was a moment of silence below. Now, many officials in Luoyang came from Bing County, and quite a few were selected through imperial examinations. Each of them shared their fate with Bing County. They were well aware of Lord Liang’s methods. In the current situation, did the provincial government really not sense anything? Why were the issued orders still focused on reclaiming the Counties and consolidating refugees? There must be some plan!
Thinking like this, the panic in their hearts diminished. People no longer hesitated, and they began to soothe the populace. Even if the days were tougher than before, Si County was still a rare refuge nearby. The situations in Yu County and Yan County were getting worse. Who would willingly go there and seek trouble? As long as they could hold on until the summer harvest!
※
“Nowadays, the situation is akin to the ancient standoff between Qin and Zhao,” Liu He stood on the steps, speaking confidently. “In the past, when Qin invaded Shangdang, they faced off against Zhao at Changping for three years, mobilizing armies of hundreds of thousands. However, Qin was in Guanzhong, and Zhao was in Handan. Transporting grain and fodder from Qin to Shangdang was a distant journey, while Zhao only needed to use the mountain pass to deliver supplies to the front lines. If they followed the steadfast defense strategy of the old general Lian Po, it could indeed have worn down mighty Qin.”
Having finished describing the situation at Changping, Liu He shifted his focus, “However, today our Han territory is in Si County, occupying several counties in Hedong and Hongnong, and with Yong County’s fertile land stretching a thousand miles. We are not short of food. On the other hand, Bing County is poor, Ji County is newly acquired, and Si County is still in turmoil. Once Shangdang is lost, there will inevitably be a shortage of food. With chaos everywhere and Han strictly prohibiting the flow of food and salt into Bing County, Bing County will be too preoccupied to hinder the advancement of our Han dynasty’s foundation.”
These words were spoken with logic and emotion, hitting the key points of this confrontation. The current policy in the Han territory is a dual system, where non-Han people serve in the military, engaging in campaigns from all directions. The captured Jin people are responsible for cultivating the land. With such a system, the military operations during the farming season have little impact. However, Bing County is different; the majority of its forces are stationed there. If they encounter enemies during the farming season, it will delay the harvest, making them weaker with each battle and unable to sustain themselves. How can such a military structure last? In fact, if the Xiongnu continue to use this tactic in the future, it could plunge Bing County into irreversible disaster!
Seated above, Liu Yuan lightly pressed his abdomen with one hand and nodded, “Exactly. Yongming is cautious in using troops. Even if Bing County’s troops employ some tricks, they won’t endure against him. We just need to wait for the Shangdang wheat to ripen; then it will be time to determine victory or defeat. Also, we need to send more troops in the direction of Lishi, ensuring that Bing County’s forces are blocked within their borders.”
Upon hearing Liu Yao’s name, Liu He’s expression darkened. If they conquered Shangdang this time, Liu Yao’s prestige would undoubtedly soar even higher. When relocating to Chang’an, how could he suppress this person? Liu He felt fortunate that his once-dreaded brother, Liu Cong, met an untimely death. He wondered how long this imposter Liu Yao could survive.
However, with a slight distraction, Liu He quickly regained his composure. Yet, on the imperial seat, Liu Yuan did not notice this brief lapse. The hand pressing on his abdomen exerted more force, and he furrowed his brows. What had happened in the last few days? His abdominal pain was worsening day by day, and the court physicians couldn’t identify the cause.
However, this matter couldn’t be publicized. At least, it had to wait until the Shangdang affair was concluded. This major battle was crucial for the foundation of the Han dynasty; they could only win, not lose…
Just as Liu Yuan suppressed the abdominal pain, turmoil erupted in Luoyang.
“General! There are grain transport ships!”
Zu Ti abruptly stood up, “Where did the ships come from? How much grain?”
“There are more than a hundred ships, seemingly from Ji County!” The messenger’s excited voice changed, shouting loudly.
Over a hundred grain transport ships, at least forty to fifty thousand shi of grain! Enough to alleviate the urgent situation!
However, Zu Ti’s joy on his face was fleeting, and he quickly regained his composure. “I will personally go to meet them. Inform all the counties and commanderies, and spread the news that the relief grain has arrived!”
He couldn’t be certain if these grain ships were a feint by the lord. But regardless, the news had to be disseminated! Only by letting the Xiongnu know could they break the siege of Shangdang. They had fought so hard in this battle to cut off the food supply. If there was another source of food, what was the use of this war?
But, was this grain real or fake? Which place in the Central Plains wasn’t in chaos? Where could they get so much grain? Without the slightest delay, Zu Ti hurried to welcome the grain ships. Luoyang was surrounded by water on all sides, but since the destruction of the Qianjin Dam by Zhang Fang, the waterways were not very navigable. Even so, with so many grain ships, they couldn’t enter the city. Nonetheless, going out to the banks of the Luo River wouldn’t take much time.
Standing on the riverbank and seeing the vast fleet of connected ships with towering masts, Zu Ti’s breathing became heavy. These were indeed grain ships, each fully loaded, and with deep drafts! With such momentum, how could it be a ruse?!
Upon learning that the Chief Secretary personally came to greet them, the Grain Officer quickly rushed from the ship and bowed, saying, “This humble official is fortunate not to disgrace the mission. Fifty thousand shi of rice and millet, three hundred shi of salt, all are safely escorted back! Due to insufficient shipping capacity, there are still two hundred and fifty thousand shi of grains stockpiled in the warehouse…”
It was indeed food! A total of three hundred thousand shi! How much grain could Shangdang harvest in a season? Not to mention the much-needed salt!
Even in his excitement, Zu Ti did not lose his wits. He urgently asked, “Where did you get this grain? And why is there rice among them?”
Seeing that the Chief Secretary had hit the key point, the Grain Officer smiled, “This grain was transported from the provinces of Jiao and Guang. This is only the first batch, and later, there should be grain and forage purchased from Goguryeo, enough to sustain the army!”
Ah! Zu Ti suddenly understood. All this grain came from maritime transport! Ji County was by the sea, and the lord had previously mentioned maritime affairs. Who would have thought that the sea route would be established so quickly! All four directions were in turmoil, but the remote provinces of Jiao and Guang had not been affected by the flames of war, especially Goguryeo, a vassal state. As long as there was money, could one not buy grain?
With this sea route open, no one could hinder Bing County’s grain supply anymore. With a year or two of respite, the doubled population could probably be sustained! This battle had already been won without fighting!
“Well done, Lord Governor’s strategy! Hahaha, spread the news to all counties and calm the people!” Unable to contain his joy, Zu Ti laughed heartily.
The chessboard had been laid out; it was time to see when the game would be overturned!
This stunning piece of good news, coupled with Zu Ti deliberately building momentum, quickly spread throughout the two counties of Henan and Henei. Naturally, it also reached the ears of the Xiongnu scouts.
“What did you say? Over a hundred grain ships have arrived in Luoyang? Where did the grain come from?” The bowl of medicine crashed to the ground as Liu Yuan suddenly stood up, shouting sternly.
“It’s said to be from maritime transport in Ji County…” The scout trembled as he answered.
Maritime transport! Liu Yuan felt a sudden dizziness. The Xiongnu were a nomadic people, and their expertise lay in horsemanship and archery. Even though they controlled the Yellow River, they had not fully utilized its transportation capacity. How could they have imagined the vast sea thousands of miles away?
However, Ji County was close to the sea and had no lack whatsoever. Liang Zixi was also adept at ingenious tricks. Could he not exchange Han’s forbidden white porcelain, glass, and fine silk for food in the southern regions? What was this large-scale battle for? Oh no, the fifty thousand elite troops led by Liu Yao…
Liu Yuan suddenly widened his eyes, a sudden intense pain emanating from his abdomen, accompanied by a violent throbbing in his chest. Unable to stand any longer, he let out a miserable cry and fell to the ground.
“Father Emperor!” “Your Majesty!”
In an instant, chaos erupted both inside and outside the sleeping chamber.
