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Chapter 140: The Retreat
Li Jian Cheng had just prepared everything when Zhuojun's decree and Luoyang's plea for help arrived. The emperor was very concerned about potential disturbances in Luoyang City, so even though he knew that Li Jian Cheng's troops were no match for Wei Wensheng, he still urged him to advance.
This also explained why Wei Wensheng's seventy thousand elite soldiers were consumed so quickly; it was truly because Your Majesty was directing the war from a thousand miles away.
The plea for help from Luoyang City came because, last night, the city gates had been secretly opened. If it weren't for Fan Zigai personally patrolling every night and discovering this in time to mobilize troops to repel Yang Xuangan's main force, Luoyang City would have fallen.
With no other choice, they continued to advance, but at every critical point, they had to leave behind several thousand men. This way, at least they could deter pursuing enemies during their retreat. If the enemy insisted on chasing them, there might be an opportunity to lure them in and annihilate them.
Clearly, Yang Xuangan did not take Li Jian Cheng's reinforcements seriously; he merely ordered Li Zixiong and Yang Jishan to lead thirty thousand troops to intercept. It seemed that Li Jian Cheng had the upper hand, but those thirty thousand elite soldiers had been undefeated since Liang's uprising.
The two armies faced each other in formation, with soldiers under the Sui and Yang banners. Their armor and weapons were nearly identical, the flags fluttering in the wind as messengers on horseback continuously rode back and forth, waving their command flags.
Both sides sent out small units to probe each other's formations, testing the stability of their infantry lines, the speed of command transmission, and whether the cavalry was ready to launch an attack at any moment.
Hundreds of lives were consumed in this brutal testing process. Li Zixiong addressed his men: "Although the enemy is formidable, they lack cohesion; their rear troops are mostly commoners and pose little threat."
When Qin Shubao reported the situation to Li Jian Cheng, he slightly shook his head, indicating that there were no discernible flaws in the enemy's formation. If they launched a full-scale attack directly, they would likely suffer defeat.
Li Jian Cheng understood this well. Although Qin Shubao and Dan Xiongxin were commanding the front lines, the drawbacks of insufficient training could not be resolved solely by the bravery of the generals.
Fortunately, he was not there to achieve a decisive victory. From Wei Wensheng's attitude, it was clear that ministers loyal to the emperor had begun to guard against a rebellion from nobles like Yang Xuangan.
If he could defeat Yang Xuangan with such a disorganized and poorly trained army, the emperor would probably not even bother with appearances; he would directly execute him to eliminate future threats.
At that moment, news arrived that Yang Jishan had set up a table between the two armies and invited him over for a discussion.
Li Jian Cheng immediately replied, "I will not go. Tell Yang Jishan that if he truly has the ability, he should come and attack."
Soon after, his guards returned with a message: "My Lord, the rebel forces have sent out thirteen individuals, including Chancellor Gu Zhong, Minister Shao Xue Lan of the Imperial Household Department, Colonel of the Imperial Guard Changsun Jing, General Dou Tang, and others..."
They claimed that as long as My Lord agreed to meet them, they would return these loyal ministers; otherwise, they would have no choice but to behead them and send their heads back to My Lord."
These names were quite familiar, and a few were even relatives of the Li Family. Although Li Jian Cheng did not believe that Yang Jishan would really dare to kill them, the words had been spoken, and it was inevitable that Li Jian Cheng would be resented by these people.
Though they were not particularly distinguished or in high positions, as long as they endured, according to the Emperor's character, those who passed the test would surely be promoted.
Thus, Li Jian Cheng arrived at the front lines under the protection of his guards and saw Yang Jishan sitting alone amidst the two armies, having even removed his sword from his side.
Li Jian Cheng gestured for his guards to stop, while Dan Xiongxin and Qin Shubao, who had rushed over, continued to walk forward with him for a while until they reached a position where they could provide support but could not hear their conversation.
With his left hand resting on the hilt of his treasured sword, Li Jian Cheng approached. Yang Jishan had not been his match seven or eight years ago; moreover, killing him would do nothing to help the Yang Family and would only bury the last glimmer of hope for Luoyang City.
"Jian Cheng, it's been a long time."
The two maintained a safe distance from each other. The wind howled around them, and distant drumbeats echoed, so they were not worried about being overheard.
"It hasn't been too long, but it feels like half a lifetime has passed. My condolences for your losses."
The Yang Family had fought numerous battles and achieved victories against overwhelming odds; how could there have been no casualties? Not just among the soldiers but also among family members. Without mentioning others, Yang Xuanting had died from an arrow wound just half a month ago, and he was also Yang Xuangan's younger brother.
Yang Jishan smiled bitterly and said, "If my brothers all go down together, there would be nothing left to mourn."
Li Jian Cheng looked up at the sky and said, "You invited me here so insistently; what is it you wish to discuss?"
"You are always clever; you know what I want to say. But I still want to advise you a bit. Jian Cheng, Yang Guang is not a wise ruler. My father's experience serves as a warning; no matter how many merits you earn for him, it will be difficult for you to end well.
At this moment, if you are willing to assist my brother, then let’s not talk about titles like Duke or Prince. Our two families can share this world equally! Isn’t that much more enjoyable than being cautious under Yang Guang?"
Only then did Li Jian Cheng lower his head to look into Yang Jishan's sincere eyes and say, "It is still too early. Even if I am willing, perhaps with our two families' strength we could seize Luoyang City, but in the end, it is likely that His Majesty will win."
"Likely or unlikely—this is about seizing the world! There is no absolute certainty. Even if there’s a nine in ten chance of dying, it’s worth taking the risk!"
"Jian Cheng," Yang Jishan continued passionately, "back then you were so young yet resolutely stood by Empress Dugu's side, risking offense to the Predecessor Emperor for her favor. I do not believe you have lost that courage now."
Li Jian Cheng certainly had the courage to rebel, even more so than Yang Xuangan did over a decade ago. However, after enduring for so many years, he had no intention of following Yang Xuangan into rebellion.
The positions of Ruler and Minister were firmly established and not easily overturned. He could still tolerate Yang Guang, but he absolutely could not endure another person standing high above him, holding his life and honor in their hands.
Li Jian Cheng shook his head and slowly began to retreat, keeping a close watch on Yang Jishan to guard against any hidden weapons. With his skills, he felt confident that he could protect himself from this distance.
"Wait!" Yang Jishan sighed. "My elder brother wants me to tell you that the foundation of the Yang Family is not so shallow."
Li Jian Cheng was slightly taken aback, then paused to think for a moment before replying, "I understand. Please reassure him."
"What do you understand?" Yang Jishan rose angrily, his eyes reddening as if he wanted to rush forward and fight Li Jian Cheng.
"Why, Li Jian Cheng! Do you also want to be emperor? Are you trying to compete with my elder brother? Shouldn't we first remove the current emperor from power and then each rely on our own abilities in this struggle for the Central Plains?"
"No one can hear us here. Speak! Tell me!"
Li Jian Cheng maintained a calm expression, ignoring him and showing no intention of responding. Those who plotted great matters kept their thoughts hidden and acted without needing to say much.
……………
(End of Chapter)
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