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墨書 Inktalez
Chapter 146: Victory
In the tent, it was just the two of them, father and son, allowing for more candid conversation. Li Yan drank half a jug of wine, his face slightly flushed. "My son, you and I have achieved all we could in terms of official positions and titles. Our family has been revitalized, and we should be able to find solace in the spirits of our ancestors."
"But it seems you still have no intention of resting. What exactly do you want?"
Li Jian Cheng sat down and drank from his cup. "What does Father think I still desire?"
Li Yan poured himself another cup of wine, remaining silent. Perhaps he was still unwilling to speak about that matter because it involved too much at stake.
After a moment of contemplation, he said, "Speaking of Yang Xuangan, what is there to say? Aside from the fact that he cannot compare to the Emperor in power, he can enjoy all the wealth and glory that the Emperor does."
This was a roundabout way of advising him. Li Jian Cheng smiled as he poured wine for his father. "Yang Su, Li Hun, Li Min—none of them ever intended to rebel despite their immense wealth and glory, yet they all met their end."
Upon hearing this, Li Yan found himself at a loss for words. Setting aside Yang Su for now, the deaths of Li Hun and Li Min were indeed tragic and well-known; their family had nearly faced a similar fate.
"Do you have confidence?"
"With father and son united and brothers working together, our great undertaking will surely succeed!"
Li Yan looked at his spirited son for a long time before finally nodding. "That's good to hear! I will personally deliver this letter. When the Emperor arrives, do not become enamored with military power; you must maintain an attitude that all authority comes from His Majesty. The more you do so, the more secure your military power will be."
"I understand, Father."
The two said no more. Li Yan knew his son well; his ambitions ran deep. He couldn't even recall when this child had developed such aspirations.
After finishing the prepared wine, Li Yan set off with his personal guards. Seizing the opportunity while Zhou Fashang was gravely injured and unable to manage affairs, Li Jian Cheng thoroughly dispersed his subordinate generals.
The core elite forces were hidden away. When the Emperor arrived, although Li Jian Cheng's military power would not be entirely stripped away, it certainly would not be left with as many troops as he currently commanded.
He only wished to retain around ten thousand recruits along with the fierce elite warriors he had later acquired; these individuals were the essence of this army.
Meanwhile, Yang Xuangan had already begun launching attacks centered around Luoyang, seizing cities and territories. Naturally, Li Jian Cheng received special attention as well, still under the command of the great army led by Li Zixiong.
Without the constraints of Wei Wensheng and Zhou Fashang, Li Jian Cheng began to exert his strength, with Dan Xiongxin, Qin Shubao, and Luo Yi leading their troops to attack Li Zixiong's army.
Due to Yang Xuangan's underestimation and the need for elite forces on all fronts, the soldiers under Li Zixiong were no longer the elite guards of Luoyang. Their overall quality was comparable to that of Li Jian Cheng's forces, primarily consisting of commoners who had just set down their plows.
In this situation, the role of the Fierce General became evident. Qin Shubao could be said to have few rivals in the world, while Dan Xiongxin and Luo Yi also relied on their martial prowess, easily positioning themselves as figures capable of being conferred titles in such chaotic times.
With three against one, dealing with Li Zixiong was akin to crushing dry weeds. Any slight opening could be ruthlessly torn apart, allowing them to penetrate from three directions and completely break through the rebel formation, leading to a massacre.
In just a few days, they had pushed back to Luoyang City, which astonished Yang Xuangan and his followers. It was true that Li Jian Cheng's fame spread across the land, but more so for his reputation for benevolence and poetic talent; they had never heard of him being a warrior.
However, it was also a fact that the renowned Li Zixiong had been forced to flee back to Luoyang. Consequently, Yang Xuangan personally led his troops out of the city to engage in battle while Li Jian Cheng prepared to retreat.
Yet before retreating, it was impossible to avoid a confrontation with Yang Xuangan if he wanted to report back to the emperor. Thus, both armies took their positions.
As usual, Yang Xuangan first sent someone to persuade Li Jian Cheng to abandon darkness for light. Li Jian Cheng also sent word to the rebels that the court only sought to punish the main instigator and would not pursue others.
Li Jian Cheng did not surrender, nor did any of the rebels lay down their weapons. As a result, with a resounding horn blast, the front lines began tentative skirmishes. Qin Shubao charged in as usual, cutting down enemies and seizing flags.
His imposing figure rode a fine steed, his right hand gripping a bloodied spear while his left waved a flag bearing the character for "Yang." He galloped past the two armies with an air of majesty.
Seeing this spectacle, Yang Xuangan felt exhilarated and spurred his horse forward to challenge him, appearing eager for a duel. Dan Xiongxin and Luo Yi were also keen to engage in battle; such an achievement would surely earn them titles if they could defeat him.
However, they were naturally not as quick as Qin Shubao. Seeing Yang Xuangan daringly stepping forth, he tossed aside the flag he had captured and rode up to confront Yang Xuangan.
At that moment, Qin Qiong no longer bore his usual simple demeanor; his face was stern and filled with murderous intent. Anyone who met his gaze felt their heart tighten and their body involuntarily tense up.
Yang Xuangan could not help but exclaim at him: "What a great warrior and general! If you come over to my side, Xuan Gan would treat you as a Duke. Why settle for serving under that young Li Jian Cheng?"
Qin Qiong remained silent, slowly raising his spear and pointing it at Yang Xuangan's heart. Realizing that avoiding battle was impossible now, Yang Xuangan also raised his spear. Their horses surged forward in unison, faster and closer together—two warriors clashing like gods and demons vying for glory.
The first encounter happened in an instant; there was a sharp sound as iron clashed and sparks flew. The two passed each other swiftly, reining in their horses and turning around for another face-off—neither was injured nor had anyone achieved glory.
As long as someone was afraid and hesitated, their movements would slow down, and a moment's delay could lead to death. Thus, no one could withstand his charge into battle.
Qin Shubao was astonished by Yang Xuangan's ferocity, which was indeed as fierce as the rumors suggested. One would think that someone of such noble birth would lack the courage and temperament to hone such life-risking skills to this extent.
Natural talent and rigorous training were both indispensable.
With skills and temperament reaching such heights, there was no need for reckless confrontations like before; either neither could harm the other, or it would simply be a matter of life for life.
Qin Shubao felt that his life was not worth as much as Yang Xuangan's, but he did not want to die just yet. Li Jian Cheng was his support, but he would not sacrifice himself to further Li Jian Cheng's ambitions by taking Yang Xuangan's life.
As for Yang Xuangan, there was even less to say. His life was of great significance; if he died, it would not only be his own loss but also that of many relatives who would follow him into the afterlife. How could he dare to exchange lives with a mere warrior?
Thus, in the final moments, the two exchanged glances in a tacit understanding rather than attempting to pierce each other's throats or stab each other's hearts.
Yang Xuangan's fervor gradually cooled. The arms that had shown no tremor during the earlier peril now began to shake uncontrollably. He should not have risked fighting a general.
Qin Shubao slowly reined in his horse, raising his spear once more, preparing for close combat to gauge Yang Xuangan. But at that moment, both armies began to sound their retreat. Li Mi and Yang Jishan led their guards to protect Yang Xuangan.
………………
(End of Chapter)
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