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墨書 Inktalez
Chapter 189: The Five Capitals
News of the Turkic invasion spread across the land, but no one paid it any mind. They were barely able to cope with their immediate difficulties, let alone worry about an enemy whose intentions were still uncertain.
Zhang Jincheng, Hao Xiaode, Sun Xuanya, Yang Gongqing, and other bandit leaders rampaged through Hebei, leaving devastation in their wake.
The emperor had ceased to govern, and the officials in the Jiangdu Court struggled to maintain order. They wanted to send troops to eliminate the bandits, but the Jiangdu army was beyond their control and could only recruit soldiers from the Prefectures still loyal to the throne.
The officers and soldiers dispatched were either killed in battle or defected to the bandits. However, some capable individuals began to emerge, such as Tiger Guard General Wang Bian and Qinghe County Magistrate Yang Shanhuai.
Under the leadership of Grand Minister of State Yang Yichen, they defeated these bandit leaders. The most notorious among them, Zhang Jincheng, was captured and publicly displayed in the marketplace. Officials hung his head on display and allowed those who bore a grudge against him to cut pieces of his flesh.
In less than half an hour, Zhang Jincheng was reduced to a skeleton of red and white bones. Even when he was still alive, he laughed and sang at the sight of people rushing forward to carve meat from him, scaring off some who were too timid.
Yang Yichen pressed on with his victory and attacked Gaojibo to eliminate the bandits. Gao Shida, who had declared himself King of Ji, was killed, while Dou Jiande managed to escape with only a hundred riders. Yang Yichen defeated tens of thousands of bandits in Hebei and filled the void left by Zhang Suduo, becoming the last pillar of support for the court.
Upon hearing this news, the emperor was overjoyed and promoted Yang Yichen to Grand Minister of Ceremonies. He summoned him to Jiangdu. However, shortly after Yang Yichen departed, Dou Jiande returned to Gaojibo and rallied the remnants of Zhang Jincheng's and Gao Shida's forces. Within a few months, he amassed an army of over ten thousand men, causing the rebellion in Hebei to rise again after a brief decline.
Du Ruhui observed this situation and relayed his thoughts to those around him: "The court cannot stabilize people's livelihoods by merely eliminating bandit leaders. While Yang Yichen is a capable general, like Zhang Suduo, he is only fit for battle and not for resolving chaos."
Xue Shou nodded in agreement: "However, this shows that those like Zhang Jincheng and Hao Xiaode—who rose to power temporarily—will gradually be eliminated or absorbed. Visionary talents across various regions are seizing opportunities to expand their influence."
Everyone's gaze turned toward Li Jian Cheng at the head of the table. He nodded: "After we resolve the Turkic threat, we must swiftly deal with these individuals. Whether they are heroes or villains, they cannot obstruct the people's longing for a prosperous era!
Gentlemen, you must expedite the formulation of new policies. They need not be overly detailed but must demonstrate a fresh outlook that eliminates harsh governance and heavy taxation so that people everywhere can lay down their weapons and return to their plows."
Most people admired their chosen Lord for his broad-mindedness, but there was also a hint of concern. While he had the demeanor of someone who could rule the world, others were not to be underestimated.
Being overly arrogant in the hunt could lead to trouble.
Li Jian Cheng did not turn around, but his finger pointed precisely at the map of the world behind him, indicating Luoyang: "Wagang Zhairang is an old acquaintance of mine and can respond to our call at any time."
This statement left everyone dizzy; this was over a hundred thousand troops occupying two major granaries and currently attacking Luoyang City.
Fang Xuanling hurriedly asked, "What about Li Mi?"
But as soon as he spoke, Fang Xuanling realized it was a mistake. If they were all under the Lord's command, Wagang would not need to split up; united, they might have already taken Luoyang.
Li Jian Cheng had nothing to hide now: "Years ago, I let Li Mi go, hoping to win him over for my own use. However, he was unwilling and chose to leave."
This presented a significant opportunity. These individuals were all remarkable figures of their time, and it wasn't hard to guess Li Mi's predicament. If he found himself in a desperate situation, he certainly wouldn't return to seek refuge with the emperor.
"Lord, is there anyone else?"
Li Jian Cheng smiled: "The commander of the Valiant Fruit Army, Shen Guang."
Du Ruhui laughed heartily: "Then we should hasten our Consultation on new policies and laws."
The atmosphere among those present shifted dramatically; they moved beyond mere competition for dominance and ascended to a realm where they could express their ambitions to govern the world, filled with excitement.
Chang'an, Taiyuan, Youzhou, Luoyang, Jiangdu—these critical locations across the land were all strategically arranged. Remarkably, three of them were already secured, making it truly difficult to lose.
The territories represented here are not merely a few patches of land or supplies, but rather the grand momentum of the world. Those who follow will prosper, while those who oppose will perish. With this, one can issue proclamations and command the vast majority of the Prefectures.
It matters little whether there are minor victories or defeats; as long as this momentum is maintained and steps are steady, the hearts of the people yearning for stability will naturally gravitate towards it. When the time comes, heaven and earth will work together—who can resist?
As winter approached, the Turkic tribes retreated back to the grasslands. Li Jian Cheng did not take the opportunity to attack Liu Wuzhou or Liang Shidu; instead, he even sent merchant caravans to those two prefectures to sell grain at fair prices.
Li Jian Cheng himself was busy with Xiao Chanyan on their Great Undertaking, each day filled with luxurious comforts and fragrant delights.
Meanwhile, in Jiangdu, Li Shimin was not enjoying such a carefree life. Upon learning of Li Jian Cheng's stance, the emperor was furious and ordered Li Shimin's execution, dispatching the Imperial Guard to carry out the order. However, Li Shimin had already fled.
The emperor commanded people to pursue him but knew that it was unlikely they would catch him. Thus, he returned to the palace to numb himself with wine and pleasure. All the ministers were aware that this matter had come to an end.
At this moment, Li Shimin was strolling through the streets of Jiangdu, accompanied by several young officials. After the banquet, he returned to his residence.
Inside was tidy, as if no one had rummaged through it. It seemed that the Imperial Guard who came in the morning were not there to capture him but rather had come specifically to tidy up Er Lang Jun's courtyard.
"Greetings, Er Lang Jun."
Li Shimin glanced at the newcomer and asked, "Who are you?"
"I am Rascal Linghu Xingda, Captain of the City Gate under the Imperial Guards. I have been sent by the Minister of Rites to visit you, Lord. If you have any orders, Rascal can carry them out."
Minister of Rites, Yuwen Shiji, and Li Shimin were somewhat surprised, but there was indeed no use for him here. Li Shimin casually asked, "What do you Imperial Guards think about the Valiant Fruit Army's retreat from Guanzhong?"
Linghu Xingda humbly bent his body and replied, "We are following the command of the Lord and obeying the General's instructions to protect the convoy; we haven't thought much about anything else."
"You're dismissed," Shen Guang appeared behind Linghu Xingda at some point. "If there's nothing else, don't come to see me."
Li Shimin remained silent. After Linghu left, he said, "Not one of Yuwen Shiji's people?"
"One of Yuwen Huaji's people."
Li Shimin chuckled. "The Yuwen family has only these three brothers, yet they still can't unite as one."
After saying that, Li Shimin clenched his fists tightly. "So, is it starting? If this drags on any longer, there won't be many battles left for me to fight. Sigh, I shouldn't have come to Jiangdu."
If he could choose, he would rather be in Chang'an or Taiyuan. In Chang'an, he could lead his troops westward and conquer Longxi and Tianshui; in Taiyuan, he could contend with the Turkic forces.
It would be far better than doing things he was neither skilled at nor fond of in Jiangdu. If it weren't for his family's mission that prevented him from recklessly abandoning such a crucial place as Jiangdu, and if it weren't for the Valiant Fruit Army being so enviable, he would have left long ago.
………………
(End of Chapter)
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