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墨書 Inktalez
Chapter 168: The Dead Nation
Especially the secret letter from Princess Yicheng, which warned him to be cautious of changes in the north. What could be in the north, but his brothers.
Originally, his attack on the Sui Emperor was because the Sui Emperor intended to bestow the title of princess upon a daughter of the Royal Family and marry her to his brother Chiqishe, making him the Southern Khan and challenging his authority.
Shibi Khan had already gained some prestige with this venture; he had not truly intended to kill the emperor. He did not want to start a war with the Sui Dynasty, not only out of concern for victory or defeat but also because chaos was imminent in the Central Plains. If he ignited war now, wouldn’t that just aid the Sui Dynasty?
Let them fight among themselves; wouldn’t that be better?
Shibi Khan's trusted confidant, Kang Tan, said, "Khan, we should withdraw our troops. The news of your encirclement of the Central Plains Son of Heaven has spread across the grasslands; that is sufficient."
Kang Tan was the brother-in-law of Shibi Khan's previous confidant and strategist, Shu Hu Xi. After Shu Hu Xi was lured to his death by Pei Ju, Kang Tan gradually took over his position and gained Shibi Khan's trust. This surprise attack on the Sui Emperor was also his suggestion.
Although Shibi Khan had already planned for this, seeing his strategist align so well with him brought him even more joy.
Shibi Khan nodded, "Then let’s withdraw our troops."
But Kang Tan suddenly added, "Khan, I’ve heard that the general coming to aid is that Sui Dynasty noble you have always been thinking about?"
Shibi Khan nodded, a smile appearing on his face. The higher one rises in status, the more one tends to reminisce about the past, especially about what one has longed for but never attained. He had known Li Jian Cheng since their youth; how wonderful it was.
When he still needed to feign politeness towards the Sui Emperor, Li Jian Cheng had sent him a message as a reminder. Later, when things went awry on his end and Li Jian Cheng was held accountable by the Sui Emperor, he felt a lingering guilt.
"Indeed, he is truly an extraordinary person and my dear friend. It’s a pity he is unwilling to come to the grasslands to help me achieve my Great Undertaking."
Kang Tan laughed, "Now that the Sui Emperor is in a perilous situation, the initiative is completely in our hands. At this moment, there is no request he can refuse. Why not ask the Sui Emperor for this person, Khan? Don't the Central Plains People value the emperor's command above all else?"
Shibi Khan's eyes lit up. With the army ready to withdraw, there was no harm in trying this approach.
He immediately halted the attack and dispatched a messenger to convey his demands to the city. For Yang Guang, who had fallen into despair once again, this was like a life-saving rain; without a second thought, he agreed.
As for why Li Jian Cheng came to rescue him or why Shibi Khan specifically wanted him, none of that mattered anymore. What mattered was that he could survive and continue being emperor.
Yang Guang now understood that no grand ambitions or titles of eternal emperors were as important as his own life.
Meanwhile, Suwei, Yu Shiji, and others urged caution. They believed reinforcements had arrived; even if they could not defeat the Turkic forces now, more troops would surely come to rescue him.
How could they offer loyal ministers and generals who rushed to his aid so easily to the Turks? What would become of the Sui Dynasty's reputation? What about the morale of the people and soldiers fighting for their country?
"Your Majesty, this cannot be allowed!"
"This is an unprecedented matter; if you agree, it will leave a stain on history. Your Majesty should think carefully!"
Yuwen Shu shared similar thoughts with the emperor. Although he was old, he still had many riches left to enjoy and certainly did not want to die, leaving his wealth to those unworthy sons.
"Your Majesty, Li Jian Cheng is someone who has plotted rebellion; how can we show him mercy?"
Yu Shiji immediately countered, "The matter of Liaodong City has yet to be concluded. Moreover, Li Jian Cheng traveled thousands of miles to come to your aid; this shows his loyalty. How can we dishearten such a loyal subject?"
"Are you suggesting that we put His Majesty's life in danger?"
This statement left everyone speechless, their eyes filled with hope as they looked toward the Emperor, wishing he would take on the responsibility of being the ruler of the state.
But they were destined to be disappointed. The Emperor sternly replied, "Are you my subjects or those of Li Jian Cheng? He has been favored and promoted by me, and it is only right that he sacrifices his life in return. A minister should willingly accept this duty!"
Thus, the Emperor immediately agreed to the Turkic Emissary's demands and promptly sent someone out of the city to convey his decree. He still cared for his reputation and ordered that the message be delivered privately, not to be made public.
However, before the decree arrived, the reinforcements had already received news. How could Shibi Khan cover for Yang Guang? He wished for everyone to see through Yang Guang's hypocritical facade.
The morale of the reinforcements was low, but they still could not believe that the Emperor would agree to such terms. They had come to risk their lives to save him; if even a meritous noble like Li Jian Cheng could be abandoned, would the Emperor care for them, mere foot soldiers?
When the Emperor's decree reached the main tent, he ordered everyone else to step outside. This command chilled their hearts. The Emperor was a son of heaven; his decrees were like divine mandates—what could possibly be so secretive?
Thus, they understood without needing to hear more what the Emperor meant. Regardless of whether they were relatives or old friends of Li Jian Cheng, there was a shared feeling of sorrow among them.
Li Shimin tightened his grip on the hilt of his sword but saw his brother Changping calmly instructing, "We have come here solely to rescue His Majesty. All soldiers are willing to sacrifice themselves; I, Li Jian Cheng, will do no less. Is it possible to save our emperor and our nation? It must be done!"
Everyone solemnly bowed to Li Jian Cheng and then quietly withdrew. Only then did the eunuch feel it was appropriate to announce the decree, beginning with a recounting of the Emperor's favors toward Li Jian Cheng, followed by an expression of current helplessness, and finally hinting that Li Jian Cheng should take his own life after the Turkic forces retreated.
Li Jian Cheng bowed to receive the decree; even the eunuch felt some reluctance in his heart, but what power did he have?
As the eunuch stepped out of the main camp, Li Jian Cheng handed his sword at his waist to Yun Dingxing. "After resolving the situation, you must immediately lead the army to escort His Majesty back to Luoyang without delay!"
"I will obey your orders."
"Take care, everyone."
Li Jian Cheng gestured with his eyes to stop Li Shimin's movements, then rode out of the camp alone. Action was the best explanation. The soldiers gripped their weapons tightly, glancing back, feeling that their fallen comrades had died unjustly.
Upon receiving the news, Shibi Khan personally came out to greet him, his eagerness more intense than when he saw a hundred or eighty beautiful women from the Western Regions.
He rode forward alone and said, "I told you back then that if you were willing to help me, I would divide the nomadic slaves of the grasslands with you and even consider giving you my sister. I have never forgotten that promise.
My sister, the most beautiful flower of the grasslands, has reached the age of motherhood, yet I have not promised her to anyone because only you are worthy of being my brother-in-law, my brother, my right arm!"
Li Jian Cheng glanced in the direction of the county city and said, "I want to see the Emperor."
Shibi Khan laughed and replied, "What more is there to say? Is such a person worthy of your loyalty? Besides, you have already done your best."
………
(End of Chapter)
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