Book Synopsis
Book Tags
Donation Rankings
Comment
0 Comments
You May Also Like
墨書 Inktalez
Upon arriving at the Yellow River, the Sui Army received devastating news: the Puzhou Governor had abandoned the city and fled, leaving Puzhou City in the hands of Han Wang. Yang Su was taken aback.
Puzhou City, situated between mountains and rivers, was a strategic stronghold for both Qin and Jin. It had always been a key military location and was intended to be their main base for resisting Han Wang. They never expected to lose it so easily.
Yang Su and his companions initially thought that Han Wang's rebels were exceptionally brave—were they perhaps celestial warriors?
However, upon hearing the Puzhou Governor's shameful admission, they learned that such a formidable city had fallen due to deception.
Although rumors of Han Wang's rebellion had reached Puzhou, the imperial court had yet to issue any orders for mobilization. While martial law was declared, no troops were stationed to defend the city.
Yang Liang's State General, Pei Wen'an, was a cunning and treacherous individual. He led over a hundred elite cavalrymen while escorting several luxurious carriages filled with fierce soldiers disguised as palace maids.
When they reached the city gate, he shouted, "His Highness Han Wang has received an imperial decree to return to the capital with his family. Quickly open the city gates and summon the Puzhou Governor to welcome His Highness!"
The City Gate Captain hesitated at first, but under the persuasion of an insider whom Pei Wen'an had contacted beforehand, he ultimately ordered the gates to be opened wide and hurried down from the city tower to greet them.
From atop the gate, it was impossible to discern gender; however, once they descended, it became clear. But it was too late—the one in charge was unmistakably Pei Wen'an, who commanded everyone else to enter the city and head straight for the Provincial Governor's Office.
He turned to the stunned City Gate Captain and said, "You have opened the gates; I will spare your life. When the court investigates this matter, you will face severe punishment. The only way out is to follow His Highness Han Wang; not only will you survive, but you may also earn merit and titles!"
"The City Gate Captain has also defected," gritted Puzhou Governor through clenched teeth. "This traitor deserves to be executed slowly!"
Inside the main tent, Li Jing, who had been listening quietly, spoke up: "It’s just a few hundred riders; Han Wang’s vanguard must be far away and cannot reach the city so quickly. If the Prefect fights desperately and rallies his troops to reclaim the gates, Puzhou City would not have fallen."
The Puzhou Governor's face flushed red as he glared at Li Jing with eyes full of hatred as if he were staring at his father's murderer. "This happened suddenly; I was caught off guard! Who are you to speak so boldly here?"
Though he directed his anger at Li Jing, his gaze kept darting toward Yang Su. Seeing Yang Su's expression grow colder by the moment, he quickly turned back and bowed deeply. "I understand that losing the city is my failure; I am willing to return to the capital in chains to plead for forgiveness from His Majesty."
He had once served in His Majesty's palace and understood his temperament well. Over these years, he had gathered many rare treasures; although he failed to defend the city, he managed to escape with all those treasures intact. He believed that if they ultimately triumphed, His Majesty would understand his predicament.
Li Jian Cheng also disapproved of this man. He had no ties with Han Wang and had even acted against him during their struggle for succession. If Han Wang truly succeeded now, Liu Shu's fate would not be far behind him.
He stepped forward and cupped his hands towards Yang Su, saying, "Please, General, execute this sinner who has abandoned the city and the land!"
The governor trembled as he spoke, "Is it you, Li Langjun? My lord... I once shared a drink with your father."
Li Jian Cheng ignored him, while others stepped forward as well. Without Puzhou City as their stronghold, they found themselves in a passive position, and the likelihood of suffering losses on the battlefield had greatly increased. How could they not feel hatred?
Yang Su was waiting for this moment. A governor was not an ordinary soldier; if he ordered a death sentence, it could be carried out, especially in such a sensitive time. Therefore, it was best to act according to the will of the people. Reporting to His Majesty like this would not be seen as taboo.
Yang Su commanded, "Take him out and behead him to offer to the flag!"
Li Jian Cheng stepped back and waved away the air in front of his nose. Before this man was dragged away, he had made a large mess, leaving them disgusted even in his final moments.
Everyone's expressions were somewhat grim. After all, their troops were fewer than those of the enemy. It was easy to talk about overcoming the strong with the weak, but putting it into practice depended on timing and circumstances.
Han Wang's sudden mobilization had seized the advantage of timing and successfully occupied Puzhou for geographical advantage. The Sui Army here only had one factor on their side—manpower. After all, Han Wang's rebellion was unjustified.
If Han Wang relied on Puzhou City to advance, the Capital Region would be threatened. With their small numbers, they could only hold on desperately and wait for reinforcements from various local armies.
But that depended on whether they could hold out long enough. In warfare, momentum often played a crucial role. If Han Wang continued to succeed like this and surrounded the capital with overwhelming force, the newly crowned emperor might not be able to pacify the Guanlong Aristocrats in Capital City.
The newly established Capital City was undoubtedly difficult to breach. As long as there were capable generals in command, holding off Han Wang for months would not be difficult. However, compared to an external assault, there was a greater chance that he would open the gates himself.
With members of the Yang Family in power, those families that had failed in their bid for succession would surely want to rise again. What merit could surpass that of riding on the dragon's back?
Li Jing spoke up, "General, while Han Wang has just taken Puzhou, there must be many soldiers and officials inside who are unwilling to rebel against us. We should immediately send troops to retake Puzhou City."
If it were an ordinary battle or if they had enough troops at hand, Yang Su would certainly do so; there was indeed a chance. Not to mention within Puzhou City itself; how many among Han Wang's three hundred thousand military officers were coerced into joining?
The prince's ascension was justified; Han Wang's rebellion was an unjustified war. As long as they could intercept him, the rebel forces would soon fall apart.
But he could not take that gamble now. If they exhausted their troops without reclaiming Puzhou City, it would lead to catastrophic consequences.
Yang Su helplessly refused and could only order the preparation for a military withdrawal. If Han Wang advanced, they would retreat to defend the pass.
...
Han Wang had not yet received the good news from Pei Wen'an and did not expect to occupy Puzhou City so quickly. He had just led his army out of Jinyang, preparing to launch a strong attack on Puzhou.
As soon as Han Wang left, Dou Lu Yu united with several officials and generals unwilling to betray and the prominent families to surround Han Wangfu, forcing Zhu Tao, the Governor of Jinyang who remained behind, to abandon his loyalty.
Zhu Tao, feeling powerless, could only come out to persuade: "You are the uncle of the great king. Once the king conquers the world, you will be honored as Uncle to the Emperor, enjoying immense wealth and status. Forget about others; how can you betray the king?"
Dou Lu Yu replied, "My family has received deep Imperial Favor; how can we betray our country? Do not speak further; surrender quickly."
"The king's army has not gone far. Once they receive news, they will surely counterattack. You cannot hold out; is this not seeking your own death?"
"I know it cannot be held, but as long as we can delay for a few more days, the court can calmly mobilize troops to eliminate you all. A man should uphold his integrity for the country; what is there to fear in death!"
Zhu Tao could only helplessly invite Consort Han from the Doulu Clan out. Consort Han came out in tears, looking at her brother with pleading eyes.
Dou Lu Yu's expression did not change at all; he not only did not withdraw his troops but also angrily reproached his sister for not dissuading Han Wang.
Comment 0 Comment Count