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In Li Jue's military camp, there were many soldiers, most of whom were from Xiliang, along with a group of Qiang warriors assisting them. They usually relied on Li Jue's power and were quite arrogant. However, recently, the atmosphere in the camp had become unusually oppressive.
After Huangfu Li left Li Jue's camp, he made his way back to Xiliang, spreading the word: "Li Jue harbors treasonous intentions, using the emperor to command the feudal lords. This is clearly rebellion! Anyone who follows him will surely be regarded as a bandit and despised by all; the consequences will be dire!"
This statement quickly spread among the soldiers of Xiliang, causing many to waver in their loyalty. Conversations in the camp subtly shifted; the previous high morale was replaced by hushed doubts and discontent.
"Have you heard? Huangfu Li says Li Jue is plotting rebellion..."
"Isn't that right? If that's true, are we not aiding a thief?"
"What will happen in the future? We can't bear such a name!"
***
Upon learning that Huangfu Li was spreading such words in Xiliang, Li Jue was furious. He slammed down the documents on his desk and shouted, "That dog Huangfu Li dares to tarnish my reputation! Bring me Hu Ben Wang Chang at once; pursue this man immediately!"
Soon after, Wang Chang entered the tent to receive his orders. He knelt on one knee and replied, "This subordinate obeys." He then rode out of the camp, heading in Huangfu Li's direction. However, halfway there, he found himself repeatedly pondering Huangfu Li's words and character.
"Huangfu Li is a man of Loyalty and Righteousness; he advised Li Jue to cease hostilities but nearly faced dire consequences for it. This man acts not for himself but for the common people. If I truly capture him, would I not be aiding tyranny?"
With this thought in mind, Wang Chang halted his horse, contemplated for a moment, and ultimately decided to turn back. He returned to the camp and reported to Li Jue, "Huangfu Li has vanished without a trace. I pursued him for several dozen miles but still saw no sign of him."
Li Jue, though filled with rage upon hearing this, had no outlet for his anger and could only relent.
***
Meanwhile, Jia Xu had other plans. He secretly summoned the Qiang Leader and spoke softly, "The emperor knows that you have fought bravely on the battlefield for a long time and holds great admiration for your loyalty. Now the emperor has a secret edict instructing you to return to your homeland to recuperate and wait for an opportune moment; there will be great rewards in store for you."
Upon hearing this, the Qiang Leader's eyes flickered with interest as he asked quietly, "Is this true?"
Jia Xu smiled slightly and replied earnestly, "The emperor's words are always followed by action; how could they be false? You have served Li Jue for so long; has he ever granted you any official position? Now that the nation is at stake, if you return home, the emperor will surely not treat you poorly."
The Qiang Leader fell silent for a moment and whispered a few words to his subordinates before finally nodding in agreement: "We have long harbored grievances; since the emperor has such goodwill towards us, we shall no longer serve Li Jue and will return home."
That night, the Qiang soldiers packed up their camp and left behind empty tents and unburned bonfires. The next day, upon learning of this event, Li Jue was furious but helpless as he watched his once formidable force crumble and morale plummet.
Jia Xu leaned low over the table and advised Han Xian Di, "Li Jue is greedy and reckless. Now that he has suffered defeat and is feeling anxious, if we entice him with high positions and wealth, he will surely become complacent and weaken his foundation."
Han Xian Di nodded in agreement and immediately issued an edict to appoint Li Jue as Grand Marshal. When the edict arrived at Li Jue's camp, he took it and examined it closely, bursting into laughter. With a beaming smile, he said to those around him, "This is all thanks to the witch's prayers!"
He promptly ordered rewards for the witch, showering her with gold, silver, and fine silks, while ignoring the soldiers who had fought valiantly. The generals in the camp were filled with indignation at this sight.
***
Rider Yang Feng sat in the tent, unable to contain his anger. He turned to Song Guo beside him and said, "We risk our lives for him, facing arrows and stones, yet we receive no recognition for our contributions. Our blood and sweat mean less than the deceitful words of those witches! It’s utterly absurd!"
Song Guo snorted coldly, a glint of cold light flashing in his eyes. "If that's the case, why not kill this scoundrel to save the emperor? This way, both the court and the people can be freed from their plight."
Yang Feng pondered for a moment before nodding heavily. "Good. You set fire in the center of the army as a signal; I will lead our troops to respond from outside. We will coordinate our efforts and annihilate this thief in one fell swoop!"
The two agreed to act that night at the second watch. However, their plan was leaked. Li Jue learned of their intentions and flew into a rage, immediately ordering the capture of Song Guo, executing him on the spot as a warning to others.
***
As night fell, Yang Feng led his troops ambushed outside the camp but saw no sign of fire. Realizing something was amiss and just as he was about to retreat, Li Jue personally led his troops out of the camp. The two armies clashed in the darkness; cries of battle filled the air as countless soldiers fell amidst flashing blades. The fierce fighting continued until the fourth watch when Yang Feng, outnumbered, had no choice but to lead his remaining forces in retreat towards Xi'an.
Li Jue returned victorious; however, after this battle, his military strength was greatly weakened. Coupled with Guo Si's continuous attacks, casualties were heavy among his troops, and morale in the camp plummeted—no longer possessing its former might.
***
At this moment, a scout reported: "Zhang Ji leads a large army from Shaanxi and claims he wishes to mediate between the two lords. If not complied with, he will march against us."
Upon hearing this, Li Jue's expression changed slightly as he thought to himself: "Our forces are already weakened; if Zhang Ji joins the fray, we may not escape unscathed. It would be better to sell a favor and agree to peace for now."
He immediately sent envoys to Zhang Ji's camp expressing his willingness to negotiate. Upon hearing this news, Guo Si realized that their situation was dire and had no choice but to agree.
Zhang Ji then submitted a memorial to the court suggesting that the emperor relocate to Hongnong. Han Xian Di was overjoyed upon learning of this matter and said to his close ministers, "I have long wished to return to my eastern capital; now that I can return to my homeland, it is truly fortunate!"
Zhang Ji prepared provisions of grain and meat for the officials and arranged for carriages to set out. Guo Si released imprisoned officials while Li Jue gathered his troops and dispatched several hundred Imperial Guards with spears to escort the emperor. The grand procession slowly moved eastward in the morning light. Han Xian Di gazed out through the carriage window at what lay ahead, filled with anticipation for the future yet tinged with an undercurrent of unease.
The Luan Yu Caravan traveled along Northwest Road toward the east during late autumn; a chill hung in the air as golden leaves scattered with the wind, carpeting both sides of the road. As they approached Xin Feng near Ba Ling, suddenly a deafening shout erupted from a distant bridge.
"Stop!"
The crowd was taken aback as hundreds of armored soldiers formed a line at the bridgehead, weapons drawn and advancing ominously. Two commanding officers rode forward, coldly demanding, "Who goes there? Announce yourselves at once!"
Seeing this, Yang Qi felt a surge of anger. He spurred his horse forward and shouted sternly, "Impudence! This is the Sacred Presence; who are you to block our way?"
One of the leading officers sneered, a hint of mockery in his tone. "We are under orders from General Guo to guard this bridge and prevent any spies from passing. You claim it is the Sacred Presence; what reason do we have to believe you? We must see the Emperor with our own eyes before we can let you through!"
The convoy came to an immediate halt, and the guards looked uneasy, each hand instinctively resting on their weapons. Yang Qi, filled with fury, rode up to the carriage and raised his token high, speaking softly to those inside, "Your Majesty, these fools do not recognize your authority. Please give a sign to correct their words!"
Han Xian Di lifted the curtain of the carriage, revealing a weary yet imposing visage. He spoke in a deep voice, "I am here; why do you not withdraw?"
The two officers were momentarily stunned by his presence, then quickly dismounted and knelt on the ground, bowing their heads as they chanted repeatedly, "Long Live the Emperor! Long Live the Emperor!"
Seeing this, the soldiers behind them also knelt down in unison, their voices echoing loudly across the entire bridge.
The leading officer raised his head, shame evident on his face. He hurriedly waved his hand for the soldiers to clear the way. "We were blind to not recognize the Sacred Presence; our crime deserves death! Please forgive us, Your Majesty!"
Han Xian Di nodded slightly, his tone cold. "Now that you know your crime, guard this bridge well and do not obstruct us again."
The officers quickly expressed their gratitude and stepped aside as Luan Yu's carriage passed through amidst the chorus of thousands bowing in reverence.
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