Thank you to Yuki for the ko-fi~ ♡⸜(˶˃ ᵕ ˂˶)⸝♡
The horses galloped, and the fierce wind roared. Riding on horseback, Duan Jilu and his men felt their blood boiling. On their journey south, they hadn’t encountered any decent opponents. Along the way, counties and cities had hurriedly closed their gates, and some hadn’t even gathered the refugees. It was like an open field, allowing them to travel freely.
Ji County was all plains, an ideal place for cavalry. Without delays on the road, they traveled day and night, reaching Zhangwu. Just a dozen more miles, and they would arrive at the new port of Ji County. Could that small port be prepared? If the city were breached, how much wealth and provisions would be waiting for them?
“Faster! We must reach the new port before nightfall!” Duan Jilu shouted loudly. Speed was crucial for their success!
The command was passed down, and everyone increased their horse speed. The flat road was left behind as they saw a low city in the distance. They were almost there…
At this moment, the sound of a bowstring suddenly rang out! From the distant dense forest, a light cavalry force suddenly emerged, with the sound of bows whistling like curved knives and sharp arrows, attacking the flank of the large army.
Oh no!
“Enemies! Be on guard!” The commander of the army shouted, but the enemy’s speed was astonishing, and there was no time for preparation.
Like a cracking whip, the large army was cut in half at the waist.
How could there be enemies? Why were they so strong?
“It’s the Tuoba tribe! It’s the Tuoba tribe’s cavalry!” someone shouted.
Sweat dripped down Duan Jilu’s forehead. Why had the Tuoba tribe come? Were they lying in ambush near the new port? Did they anticipate that he would send troops to Ji County? If their intentions were revealed too early, wouldn’t Yu County be in danger?
Despite the sudden ambush, Duan Jilu didn’t lose control of the situation. He quickly organized his forces to counterattack. The enemy had only about three thousand cavalry; they were no match for the large army. After a successful strike, they quickly withdrew from the battlefield.
Watching the distant dust and smoke, Duan Jilu gritted his teeth and cursed, “Retreat! Quickly return to You County!”
This sudden blow brought him to full awareness. No matter how much they plundered, having a territory was crucial! Now, he must quickly return to assist his father in preparing for the Tuoba tribe’s attack. If anything went wrong and You County was lost, it would be an irreparable regret!
After regrouping, the Xianbei cavalry, ignoring the injured soldiers, turned around and galloped back along the same route.
“General, aren’t we pursuing them?” someone from the nearby woods asked.
Tuoba Yulu laughed heartily, “No need. Our mission was to deliver a direct blow to the Duan clan and sow discord in their ranks. You County still has their other forces; they should be able to capture Fanyang!”
Their target wasn’t just a mere ten thousand riders but the entire Duan clan! Moreover, the military forces of Ji County were not to be underestimated. They would certainly intercept these Duan dogs on their return journey. As mercenaries, succeeding in such a surprise attack was enough for them to achieve their goals and withdraw safely.
Tuoba Yulu’s predictions were accurate. On the way back, the Duan clan’s cavalry was once again intercepted by Zhang He and his forces. When they rushed back to You County after enduring significant losses, the situation was already decided.
Having lost both Fanyang and Yanguo and deeply entangled in the battle of Ping County, the Duan clan couldn’t establish a foothold in You County. They could only retreat to the old camp in Liaoxi. In no time, the northern region underwent dramatic changes, and its former prosperity was a thing of the past.
While Ji County and You County were embroiled in intense conflicts, on the other side, the remnants of the Han army escaped back to Guanzhong. The unexpected appearance of the flying lanterns caused chaos in the military ranks, and Liu Yao couldn’t withstand the onslaught of the forces from Bing County. In just half a day, the main camp was breached. The leaders of the Di and Qiang tribes fled in all directions, impossible to regather. The sneak attack with the two thousand riders resulted in significant losses, severely damaging their foundations.
Nearly exhausting the national strength for this battle, Liu Yao ended up with casualties and defeats. Facing the humiliation of defeat, how would he confront the influential figures in the court?
Riding on his horse, Liu Yao felt a buzzing sensation in his head. The fierce battle had drained his courage, leaving him with only an empty shell. Was it truly the will of heaven to end the Han dynasty? What could he rely on to overcome this crisis?
“Your Majesty, Wang Yanzhong’s troops are coming to greet us ahead…” a trusted aide approached and reported.
That old dog Wang Yanlang, coming to witness his misfortune? Liu Yao forced himself to rally his spirits, straightening his posture, “Lead him over.”
Even if he was in a dire situation, Liu Yao couldn’t afford to lose his composure in front of the messenger!
However, contrary to Liu Yao’s expectations, the envoy was not here to mock his defeat or inquire about his surrender. Instead, it was a trusted emissary sent by Wang Yanlang to discuss peace. Could it be that the old dog had realized the precarious situation and wanted to help him through this difficult time? No matter what, Liu Yao was currently a pillar of the Han dynasty, and if he were to collapse suddenly, it would surely create unrest in the court and beyond. Wang Yanlang, being a noble of the Han, probably didn’t want to see the dynasty facing such peril.
With his mind slightly settled, Liu Yao no longer rushed forward. He ordered his subordinates to set up camp at Boshang. Simultaneously, he held a secret meeting with the envoy sent by Wang Yanlang, seeking a prudent solution. This discussion lasted for most of the day. Finally obtaining the desired outcome, Liu Yao could no longer support himself and slumped onto the couch. Though this negotiation might cost him some power, there were still supporters for him in the court.
Upon returning to Chang’an, issuing commands and squeezing the wealthy families of Guanzhong and the leaders of the Qiang people might help him overcome this crisis. Unfortunately, his policy of integrating both the Han and non-Han elements might now be impossible to implement. The situation was tough, and he couldn’t afford to handle everything.
With his thoughts in disarray, Liu Yao reluctantly closed his eyes. In a half-dreamy state, he heard the shouts of his personal guards and the sharp clash of swords and blades. Was he dreaming of the scene when the camp was breached that day? However, a rough shove abruptly woke him up.
“Your Majesty, enemies are attacking! Quick, escape…”
A long sword pierced through a loyal guard, and the warm blood splattered on Liu Yao’s face. He stared blankly at the chaotic tent before him, unable to move a single finger.
This was Boshang, near Chang’an, in the heartland of the Han dynasty. Where did the enemies come from? Who would breach the tent here and attempt to assassinate him, the Prince of Qin?
Yet, a familiar face had already entered the tent, sneering coldly at him. “The Prince of Qin has committed rebellion. I am here on behalf of the Prime Minister to quell the traitor.”
It was the emissary he had seen that afternoon. Wang Yanlang’s trusted aide.
Yes, how could concessions compare to seizing absolute power? As an adopted son of the former emperor, he had offended too many people. The fatigue revealed after the major defeat was enough to endanger his life.
Did those people not fear internal turmoil in the country?
Perhaps they weren’t afraid at all. Just like the massacre of various princes by the crown prince after ascending the throne, or the endless struggle for power among the princes in the Jin dynasty that lasted for more than a decade. Power, more than anything else in the world, disturbed the hearts of men.
Liu Yao burst into laughter, a manic and uncontrollable laughter. He had never truly wielded the hearts of the people, nor had he gained the genuine respect of the noble Han figures. Unfortunately, he hadn’t died on the battlefield in the east, like a true warrior, falling in combat and meeting his end at the hands of a formidable foe.
Regrettably…
Several spears pierced through his chest, halting his laughter abruptly as blood dripped.
That night, chaos erupted in Boshang. Liu Yao, the Prince of Qin who controlled the politics of the Han Dynasty, was assassinated by influential courtiers. The army descended into turmoil, subjected to another round of swords and blades. The reins of power in the Han Dynasty returned to the hands of the young emperor, at least in name.
※
“Is he coming?” “He’s about to arrive!”
Impatient voices resonated in the crowd. Shortly after, a massive army appeared on the distant horizon.
“He’s here! General Liang is victorious!”
A sharp scream, like a drop of cold water in hot oil, prompted cheers from all the people along the streets!
“General Liang is triumphant! Victory to the Buddha!”
They had won again, crushing the 100,000-strong Xiongnu army! It was all thanks to General Liang’s intervention that they achieved such success! He truly seemed like a deity sent by the heavens, a benevolent parent saving them from calamities. Only under his protection could the entire land experience peace!
The waves of cheers rose higher and higher. Amidst the exhausted chants, a carriage appeared before the crowd. With a vermilion canopy and a black curtain, adorned with eight banners, this grand carriage was only fit for a duke or marquis. Standing in the carriage, clad in golden armor, was a figure exuding majestic authority, resembling a celestial being! Behind him were elite cavalrymen in iron armor, and before the carriage, attendants were as numerous as clouds. Even the resounding beats of the war drums and trumpets couldn’t drown out the thunderous sound of hooves.
Such a compelling scene not only failed to instill fear in the common people but also stirred their emotions, bringing tears to their eyes. It was unclear who first bent their knees, kneeling on the ground. Subsequently, the entire multitude prostrated, pledging loyalty and worship to their benevolent lord.
Would the title of a Duke be sufficient? If only that person could control more provinces and prefectures, single-handedly pacifying this chaotic era!
Author’s note:
Seeing discussions in the previous chapter, I’d like to clarify. Sky lanterns are likely a creation of later generations falsely attributed to Zhuge Liang. This is because paper became widespread during the Eastern Jin Dynasty, and at that time, no one could have seen lanterns of such scale. As for why they are called “Zhuge Liang lanterns,” it’s probably a casual reference by Liang Shao and a further association with Zhuge Liang. After all, the wooden ox and flowing horse were mentioned in the Records of the Three Kingdoms, and Liang Shao’s claim that these were inventions by the Prime Minister of Shu would not raise suspicion. However, it’s unlikely that others would use this term.
As for borrowing the east wind, the Battle of Red Cliffs did indeed happen, but in history, it was the achievements of Zhou Yu and Huang Gai. The episode of Zhuge Liang borrowing the east wind comes from the later work, Romance of the Three Kingdoms. It’s a playful reference here, but unfortunately, no one might understand it.
