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墨書 Inktalez
Chapter 142 Yan Yun
In the city, it was inevitable to seek external assistance. Some turned to Yang Xuangan, others to Li Jian Cheng, and some towards the approaching Naval Forces led by Zhou Fashang. Regardless of which group entered the city, the situation could be resolved.
Undoubtedly, the most promising option at the moment was still Yang Xuangan. The other two groups needed to deal with Yang Xuangan first, who stood as a formidable obstacle, and the only thing blocking him was a city gate.
Outside the main camp, facing the flattery from those around him, Yang Xuangan felt bewildered. If he had truly prepared such a large number of people, even managing to ambush Fan Zigai and several other prominent heirs, he wouldn't have been stuck here for so long.
Since the death of Yang Su, the Yang Family had ceased to be the emperor's Confidant. They merely held positions in the Court due to their size, making it difficult for them to maintain any significant power in Luoyang City, which was known for its royal connections.
"This is not my arrangement; I am not so despicable."
Everyone immediately responded, "Indeed, Yang Gong would never stoop so low. This is the tyrant's loss of virtue; heaven is assisting us!"
Yang Xuangan realized he could not clarify his position any further and decided not to dwell on it. For him, this was indeed a good thing; it would be better if things escalated even more.
He then ordered Han Shiye, along with Yang Gongdao and others, to oversee the siege. The son of Golden Purple Grand Minister Yu Shiji, Yu Rou, along with the son of Right General of the Martial Arts Zhou Luohou, Zhou Zhong, and the son of Right General of the Imperial Guards known as Come to Protect the Child, Lai Yuan, sought ways to communicate with those inside the city and open another gate.
They followed Yang Xuangan in rebellion not for any other reason but because when the emperor recruited the Valiant Fruit Army, he had dared to issue an Edict that restricted these noble families from joining the military and denied them opportunities for merit.
Most of them were not even the family’s Legitimate Eldest Son, meaning they had no chance of inheriting titles or estates. Initially, this was not a concern; as long as their families were intact, serving in the military would eventually lead to official positions.
With official titles and real power, they could establish themselves both in court and within their families, continuing to enjoy wealth and honor.
However, the emperor had cut off their path entirely. It seemed that in the future, he would be even harsher towards them, using vacant positions to recruit scions from families in regions like Shandong and Hebei.
How could they endure this? Since the emperor had forgotten his own origins, they would seek a new ruler who understood where his roots lay.
…………
On the side of Li Jian Cheng, he faced continuous defeats at the hands of Li Zixiong and Yang Xuangan. Fortunately, he had left troops stationed everywhere, preventing a total collapse; he could only fight while retreating.
Occasionally, under the valor of warriors like Dan Xiongxin or Qin Shubao, he managed to regain some ground but found it difficult to break through the rebel formations.
Li Jian Cheng did not place much importance on winning or losing at this moment. The most crucial aspect was through these battles; he aimed to transform those well-bred youths recruited from among the Commoner into qualified Soldiers.
Clearly, this level of engagement was the best opportunity for training. It wasn't too intense, allowing them to gradually adapt to the movements of the military formation and the commands of the banners.
However, Li Jian Cheng wrote to the emperor every day, apologizing for losses and boasting about victories, presenting himself as someone eager to achieve merit but repeatedly failing due to lack of strength.
There was no choice; after Yang Xuangan, the emperor would undoubtedly be more suspicious. It was necessary for both father and son to hide their strengths and wait for the right moment.
In addition to his daily reports, Li Jian Cheng was also in contact with Zhang Hutan. However, he wasn't asking him to disturb the emperor but rather to lead troops against Goguryeo.
As previously stated, the emperor's policy of attacking Goguryeo was not wrong. As an agricultural nation occupying a large part of the Liaodong region, Goguryeo was no longer a small country.
Zhang Hutan and his men were currently well-supplied with grain, horses, weapons, and even armor. Since they had nothing else to do, it would be better to attack Goguryeo as a form of training.
The Sui Dynasty's campaign against Goguryeo had caused great suffering among the people, but Goguryeo was also facing internal and external troubles. The current state of Liaodong was not suitable for farming; for two consecutive years, they had enforced strict measures and forced civilians to defend the city.
Goguryeo was now beginning to face internal strife and external threats. Li Jian Cheng certainly did not want them to recover, so he ordered Zhang Hutan's cavalry, known as the Yan Yun Iron Cavalry, to raid Goguryeo and Khitan.
Of course, the Sui Dynasty could not be overlooked either; they needed to maintain appearances. Meanwhile, they could also eliminate those wolves raised by Li Jian Cheng in the north.
Letting them go out to hunt would not yield any significant results from these so-called heroes of the grasslands. With internal support and external coordination providing intelligence on locations, they could even turn against him at a critical moment. The only outcome for them would be assimilation.
Soon enough, Li Jian Cheng's Yan Yun Iron Cavalry would become a problem that no nation could resolve.
The reason it was called Yan Yun Iron Cavalry was simple: on this day, Li Jian Cheng met with Luo Yi, the Tiger Guard General who had come at the emperor's command to provide assistance.
Luo Yi was also a valiant warrior; his specially crafted spear was not something an ordinary person could wield. Although his subordinates were few in number, they were disciplined and quite formidable.
Upon meeting Li Jian Cheng, he paid great respect and expressed his willingness to obey orders. His ambition to rise through the ranks was almost unmasked; there was little loyalty in his eyes—only self-interest.
Nevertheless, Li Jian Cheng warmly welcomed him. Not only did he refrain from forcibly taking command of his troops but even allocated five thousand commoner soldiers to him—far exceeding what Luo Yi had hoped for when he came prepared for a fierce fight.
"Lord Gao Yi, your reputation is well-deserved. Under your command, I will surely serve with utmost loyalty and dare not defy you in any way!"
Li Jian Cheng smiled and said, "Serving the country is what matters; everything else is secondary. General Luo is a hero, and I would never misjudge someone like him. As they say, one can achieve fame and fortune in an instant, but now is the time for us to settle down and establish our families."
After sharing drinks, he introduced Luo Yi to Dan Xiongxin and Qin Shubao. The three exchanged a few words, just as Li Zixiong arrived with his troops. Together, they faced the enemy and fought fiercely before each returning to their camps.
Dan Xiongxin and Qin Shubao praised Luo Yi's skills. Although Luo Yi maintained a polite demeanor, his pride was somewhat deflated. He had always considered himself a rare hero, unmatched in martial arts or leadership throughout his life.
Seeing Li Jian Cheng, a prominent noble of the realm, still able to retain some pride made him think that such treatment was meant to rely on him for victories.
However, he did not expect that the two generals under Li Jian Cheng’s command were nearly his equals in martial arts, while the one named Qin clearly surpassed them both. It seemed that the legendary Shiwansui must have been similar in prowess.
Were there truly so many heroes in the world?
"General Qin's martial skills are truly remarkable; I am in awe," Luo Yi remarked.
Qin Shubao replied with a warm smile, "General Luo is too modest."
Dan Xiongxin, feeling somewhat displeased with Luo Yi, said, "We have traveled far and wide, once serving His Majesty in a campaign against Goguryeo and also fighting bandits under Zhang Suduo. My brother here has yet to meet an opponent worthy of his skills."
Luo Yi not only did not feel upset but also seemed relieved. "Indeed, General Qin's abilities are worthy of being called a match for ten thousand men. Perhaps only the invincible Shiwansui of yore could compare."
(End of Chapter)
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