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墨書 Inktalez
Chapter 114: Liaodong
As Yang Xuangan departed, Li Jian Cheng found himself surrounded by old friends and acquaintances. They gathered joyfully, feasting on lamb and roasted venison, as if they had returned to Chang'an.
During their conversations and drinking, Li Jian Cheng recounted the latest news from the front lines. Although there had been setbacks, the scales of victory still tilted heavily in favor of the Sui Dynasty.
Ultimately, they could not indulge until dawn, and there was not enough wine to last that long. The supplies had been cobbled together from various sources. While military regulations did not apply to them, they were still prohibited from using the supply routes for leisure, except for the emperor.
"Jian Cheng, to welcome you properly, we have pulled out all our treasures. What are we to do if we crave more in the future? You must think of a solution for us," one of them said.
Li Jian Cheng finished his last cup of wine, closed his eyes, and leaned back on the soft table, remaining silent and composed.
Seeing their urgency, he opened his eyes in surprise and said, "It's not like I asked you to bring them out. I haven't drunk that much; why should I be responsible as the guest?"
"Hey, who told you to be the grain Governor? Everything has to pass through Zhuojun. Without your approval, even if we have good things, we can't get them here."
Li Jian Cheng waited until they had talked themselves dry before smiling and saying, "Since I've come personally, how could I arrive empty-handed? Everything you want is already here; you can choose later."
Laughter erupted among them again before they settled down with tea and casual conversation. However, their words inevitably turned to praise for the emperor.
"Since everything is ready, why haven't we started the siege?" Li Jian Cheng asked.
In response to his question, Yang Xuangan replied, "The emperor is waiting for Hasan Khan and Kucha King Qu Boya; he wants them to witness the might of the Sui Dynasty."
It was no surprise that this was something the emperor would do—making millions wait for just a few individuals. He knew full well that the lack of able-bodied men at home meant starvation for the people and that casualties among grain transporters were rising.
As dusk fell, Li Jian Cheng returned to the tent arranged for him by Wang Yi. His neighbor was Pei Ju, indicating a thoughtful arrangement.
The next morning, Li Jian Cheng was awakened by a commotion outside. He initially thought that the emperor had finally realized that such waiting was a waste of state resources and was preparing for a large-scale assault on the city.
However, after taking a look around, he discovered that it was actually because the emperor deemed hard battles insufficient to showcase the Celestial Empire's grandeur. He ordered Assistant Supervisor He Chou, with Yuwen Kai's assistance, to immediately construct Six Harmonies City. After all, leaving commoners idle only wasted food; it was better to put them to work.
Thus, within an eight-mile radius, walls rose ten zhang high, adorned with flags. Each corner of the city featured a gatehouse with three gates on each side. Six Harmonies City rapidly took shape right under the watchful eyes of Liaodong City's guards.
It must be said that this left the Koryo people and representatives from various nations speechless; they expressed their utmost respect for the Son of Heaven of the Central Plains.
The Emperor, seeing the military might established, was even more eager to demonstrate his ability to conquer without battle. Thus, he issued four edicts to the three armies preparing to attack Liaodong.
First, no general was allowed to act independently; they must coordinate their strategies. Second, no lone soldiers were permitted to advance; all three armies must move together. Third, no one could make decisions on their own; every action must be reported to him first. Fourth, if the enemy surrendered, the three armies must cease their assault and wait for his envoy to accept the surrender.
Li Jian Cheng understood immediately that this was a disaster. The civil and military officials were not lacking in wisdom, and someone quickly offered counsel. However, when the Emperor cast a predatory gaze upon them, they all shrank back.
He made it so that no one dared to speak but could only seethe with anger; the heart of the Tyrant grew increasingly arrogant.
The Emperor coldly declared, "Today we punish the guilty for the sake of the people, not for fame. If any general fails to understand my intentions and attempts a light attack or acts alone to establish a name for himself in hopes of rewards, I will surely execute him!"
"We shall obey your will!" the officials replied solemnly.
With that, the Emperor ordered the advance. Even with these three restrictions in place, relying on the fearless might of the Sui Army, Liaodong City would soon be on the brink of collapse.
Just as they were about to breach the city walls, cries of surrender echoed from within. The main generals gathered together, exchanging glances before ultimately deciding to sound the retreat and await the Emperor's envoy for surrender.
The soldiers, who had anticipated entering the city to plunder and vent their frustrations after a successful siege, were thrown into disarray but were quickly subdued by their commanders.
As news traveled back, the defenders of Liaodong City worked tirelessly to repair their fortifications. The Sui Army watched helplessly as gaps created by their own forces were swiftly mended.
The aroma of simmering broth wafted through the air; they all understood this was not an act of surrender, yet they had no authority to decide.
Meanwhile, the Emperor was hosting kings and emissaries from Western Turkic and various nations in the Western Regions. The entertainers he brought finally had a chance to showcase their skills.
Those guests praised both the grandeur of the Celestial Empire's civilization and the wisdom and martial prowess of Your Majesty.
By the time the Envoy for Surrender arrived at Liaodong City under cover of night, it was no surprise that they reneged on their promises. However, darkness had fallen, and the Sui Army could only wait until dawn to resume their assault.
This cycle repeated countless times; it was only May when they first began attacking Liaodong City, yet now it was already June.
The Emperor grew impatient as those kings' emissaries struggled to find flattering words for the Celestial Empire.
Thus, he led Yang Xuangan and Li Jian Cheng to the front lines and summoned the generals of all three armies. Pointing at them with fury, he scolded, "You think your high positions and noble lineage allow you to deceive me through negligence?"
No wonder you all were unwilling to let me come during the expedition; it turns out you were afraid I would see your private misdeeds and corruption. A mere small city has taken so long to conquer, wasting the people's resources.
Now that I have come here in person, if we still cannot take the city, I will have to execute you all!”
The generals had no words of defense but could only bow and plead for forgiveness.
Then the emperor suddenly pointed at Yang Xuangan and Li Jian Cheng. “You two, highborn and noble, who have long enjoyed my favor, do you think I fear killing you? Do you think I would tolerate your negligence?”
Li Jian Cheng bowed deeply. “Your Majesty can wield power as he pleases; how could we dare to harbor such treasonous thoughts? I am willing to be the first to attack Liaodong City in order to repay Your Majesty's kindness!”
With that, he began to remove his Prefect robes and don armor. Yang Xuangan beside him had no choice but to follow suit, though he felt anxious inside.
Clearly, Li Jian Cheng understood the emperor a bit better. The emperor was here to test their loyalty. He knew very well who was responsible for the prolonged siege of Liaodong City, but he would not admit his own mistakes or retract his orders.
They could only place their hopes on Yuwen Shu’s army, but fearing discontent among the generals here, he deliberately came to say these intimidating words. Yang Xuangan and Li Jian Cheng were not only from the top Noble Families of Guanlong but also clearly expressed their loyalty while showcasing their value as capable talents.
It was not as if they had reached the level of Yang Su, whom the emperor feared; they were not in rebellion or anything of the sort. The emperor was a clever man; whether out of temper or as a warning example, he would choose those who were less important or no longer useful for such actions.
………
(End of Chapter)
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