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墨書 Inktalez
Chapter 141 Death Warriors
After the two parted ways unhappily, Yang Jishan kept his promise and released the captured nobles who refused to surrender. Although these individuals were not particularly capable, each had a significant background.
Yang Xuangan did not dare to kill them, and naturally, Li Jian Cheng would not mistreat them either. He ordered hot water to be prepared for their baths and fresh clothes, then had sheep slaughtered and wine brewed to welcome them.
The nobles were quite perceptive and repeatedly expressed their gratitude to Li Jian Cheng, pleading not to be sent back to Chang'an. They wished to stay with the army and continue fighting against the rebels.
Having correctly wagered that Yang Xuangan would not execute them, they aimed to bolster their prospects for advancement. Having endured humiliation as captives, they were willing to remain on the front lines and engage the enemy.
If this reached the Emperor's ears, regardless of any merits or hardships, just their loyalty alone would be enough for them to receive promotions and rise from their family's branches to become key figures worthy of significant support.
"My Lord, we will express our intentions later; for now, we only ask that you grant us the opportunity to serve under your banner," they said earnestly.
Faced with their requests, Li Jian Cheng certainly would not refuse. These individuals were well-rounded in both civil and military matters and could immediately contribute in any position.
Li Jian Cheng's ranks were particularly lacking in suitable administrators among the commoners and recruits since he had not brought his own resources with him.
In simpler terms, it was merely a matter of handling affairs without seeking personal gain or promotion; there was no need for excessive effort.
Li Jian Cheng smiled and said, "Gentlemen, I would never dare to decline your request. Moreover, it is my sincere wish as well."
Having their wishes fulfilled, the nobles felt even closer to Li Jian Cheng. The debt of gratitude was not something that could be easily quantified; Yang Xuangan had initially spared them, but now they were genuinely benefiting from being part of his army.
After enduring anxiety under Yang Xuangan for so long, unable to eat or sleep well, they gradually succumbed after a few cups of warm wine as most of the guests began to leave.
Only members of the Dou Family and Changsun Family remained behind, but none spoke at first. Li Jian Cheng instructed those serving in the tent to step aside and addressed the two families: "The Dou Family is my maternal clan, and Lord Changsun has been a dear friend of mine for many years. A noble daughter from your family is betrothed to my second brother. Ultimately, we are all family here; feel free to speak openly."
"Among these people, there is an insider for Yang Xuangan," Dou Tang said.
Colonel of the Imperial Guard, Changsun Jing, replied, "It's not exactly an insider; it's merely a matter of pretense. Yang Xuangan can see through it as well. Before leaving, he only asked me to deliver this list to Li Langjun."
Li Jian Cheng took the list, which contained three full pages of official titles and names. The last letter read, "If heaven favors me, with this letter, the Li Family will remain prosperous for generations and continue to be the pillar of the Duke. If heaven does not favor me, please remember our years of friendship and help preserve my good deeds, allowing the Yang Family's noble lineage to pass on with dignity."
Changsun Jing bowed respectfully. "From now on, I will have no ties with Yang Xuangan."
"Naturally."
As Changsun Jing departed, Dou Tang scoffed, "This person is certainly not good-natured. When he was imprisoned before, he often hinted at persuading us to surrender to Yang Xuangan."
"Uncle, but Li Mi asked you to convey a message."
Dou Tang was surprised by this. "What do you mean, Darlang? How did you know?"
"Couples are like birds in the same forest; when disaster strikes, they fly their separate ways. Yang Xuangan has already begun plotting his escape route. How could Li Fazhu willingly go to his death for the grand ambitions of the Yang Family?"
Dou Tang said, "He told me that Yang Gong is too eager for victory and that we are all captives now. Only Li Jian Cheng might be able to save us; I hope you can speak on my behalf."
Li Mi had intended to save them all along; he didn't expect that Dou Tang would bring it up himself. This was even better. It wouldn't be difficult to take along a Yang Xuangan as well. The world had decayed to such an extent that the emperor was gradually losing control over the regions.
As long as they could send out Chang'an, Luoyang, and Jiangdu, it would be far from the emperor's reach.
However, Li Jian Cheng didn't say much to Dou Tang. Although he was indeed a cousin of Dou Tang's mother, they were only relatives and not family, so there wasn't much more to discuss.
“Thank you for your hard work, Uncle. Please go and rest now.”
Dou Tang looked at Li Jian Cheng for a while and said, “Impressive! From now on, if there’s anything you need, just let me know.”
“Uncle is being too kind. As a junior, I can only seek your help; how could I dare to give orders?”
Dou Tang stood up solemnly and bowed, saying, “The General takes his leave.”
If I can’t give orders to my uncle, then I can at least consider myself your subordinate now. Li Jian Cheng had nothing more to say and rose to see him out of the tent.
The next morning, they began assigning positions. They didn’t complain; those who were to serve as military advisors did so willingly, and those tasked with enforcing military discipline did their jobs without concern for their ranks.
Ultimately, it was just a temporary arrangement. Once the emperor returned, they would have something to report.
…
Meanwhile, in Luoyang City, Fan Zigai was once again causing heads to roll. He had even executed several high-ranking officials. In the time that Yang Xuangan had been rebelling, he had likely killed more noble officials than Fan Zigai had.
Yang Tong, the King of Yue stationed in Luoyang, was beginning to worry that the bloodthirsty Fan Zigai might target him next, especially since one of today’s victims was his close uncle.
In the grand hall, Fan Zigai spoke in a thick Lingnan accent: “Since I have been commanded by His Majesty to remain in Luoyang and assist the King of Yue, I will not allow the rebels to gain a foothold in the city and disrupt our Sui Dynasty. Those of you who wish to betray His Majesty should first kill me before speaking of anything else!”
Many officials below thought to themselves that if it weren’t for this old fool, who had at least five hundred armored soldiers guarding him at all times, he wouldn’t have lived to see another day.
At that moment, someone reported at the door that Fan Zigai's young son had been assassinated, and Eldest Son was also severely injured, his life hanging by a thread.
King of Yue hurriedly said, "Quickly send for the imperial physician to provide treatment."
However, Fan Zigai laughed loudly and said, "The little rat has no way out. Yang Xuangan foolishly claims to be a reincarnation of the Overlord, yet engages in such underhanded and despicable acts. This shows he is nothing but a Rascal."
The Civil and Military officials exchanged glances; if this truly was the doing of Yang Xuangan, then it was indeed something that could not be publicly acknowledged.
In the Court, life and death were commonplace on the battlefield, but when it directly involved family, then everyone would be in trouble. After all, these were families with legacies spanning hundreds of years; no family could afford to lose some Death Warriors.
Of course, some suspected that this was the work of the officials' families who had lost their lives as a warning from Fan Zigai, which was also a plausible explanation.
The next day, several more Legitimate Offspring were attacked and killed. Even though Fan Zigai showed no sign of distress over his son's death, he furrowed his brow and ordered a thorough investigation.
Currently, Fan Zigai held immense power in Luoyang. With the city gates sealed off, they quickly traced the leads. However, when it came to the so-called Death Warriors, once they truly fled, all that remained were corpses.
Suspicion engulfed Luoyang City, and the already sharp contradictions became even more pronounced.
……………
(End of Chapter)
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