Chapter 56, Part 4: A Hidden Dragon in the Abyss

Liu Yao, the most capable and skilled warrior among the Liu Han imperial clan, was currently engaged in a fierce battle in Beidi Commandery.

Emperor Liu Cong of Han personally led an expedition, determined to recapture the old capital, Pingyang.

Ironically, at this time, both the Jin Dynasty and the Xiongnu were fighting under the banner of conquering the old capital, except that one was Luoyang and the other was Pingyang.

Little did Liu Jun know that the old capital he wanted to revive was Chang'an, which he was personally gazing out from the city wall.

Liu Cong has already launched two attacks on the city, both of which have been repelled. He is now furious and regrouping, ready to launch a counterattack at any moment.

“My lord,” Lu Jing climbed up the city wall, “the replies from Generals Li Ju and Guo Mo have been brought back.”

Liu Jun, who was staring intently at the battle situation below the city, said casually, "Let's talk about the important parts."

“Both of them are willing to acknowledge the General as their leader,” Lu Jing said in a low voice. “In addition, Prefect Guo added that he is willing to serve you, my lord.”

Guo Mo was originally recruited by Liu Kun, and it was Liu Jun who recommended him to Liu Kun back then. Given that Guo Mo was cunning and opportunistic, it was not surprising that he wanted to secretly bet on Liu Jun's promising young talent.

Therefore, Liu Jun didn't take it seriously and only nodded slightly, "Where is Prefect Li?"

"He only said to help each other."

Li Ju's character and prestige far surpassed Guo Mo's. Liu Jun was somewhat disappointed, but then he thought of himself as a newcomer who, despite having gone through several tough battles, had risen to power entirely through his father's influence and the emperor's grace. He was not in a position to win over the masses, so he took it easy and said with a smile, "I'll write to him after this great victory."

Lu Jing did not leave, but instead took something out of his sleeve. "This book has no signature, but it came from Chang'an."

Upon hearing the name Chang'an, Liu Jun finally turned his gaze away from the city walls and took the letter from his hand. The letter was made of thick silk and had two carp drawn on it. When he opened it, he found a white silk cloth inside and couldn't help but laugh, "A guest came from Chang'an and gave me two carp. He ordered me to cook the carp, and inside was a letter."

After skimming through the text, his smile gradually faded. He then tucked the white silk into his robes and said indifferently, "I'll read it carefully after this battle is over."

Lu Jing didn't say much, then added, "The magistrate of Anzhong County is still volunteering to fight."

Liu Jun was stunned for a moment before realizing he was referring to Liu Dan. He frowned and said, "No, he's not allowed to take the risk before his injury has fully healed."

Suddenly, there was movement below the city, and a large army rushed in like a tide.

Liu Jun's expression hardened, and he grabbed a bow and arrow from the side, aiming it at the city below.

The Hu bandits were clearly prepared; their arrows rained down on a certain spot on the city wall, as if they knew exactly where Liu Jun was.

Lu Jing looked in that direction and saw several prisoners wearing Liu Jun's armor, bound to the city wall. He was surprised to realize that Liu Jun was dressed like an ordinary guard today.

"It seems there are indeed spies in the city," Liu Jun said slowly, "and they are very likely the personal guards of the former magistrate of Anzhong County."

Lu Jing looked around and said, "In that case, please allow me to return to the camp, Your Excellency."

"It's alright."

The enemy soldiers climbed up the ladders and rushed towards Liu Jun's armor. The soldiers were prepared and kept pouring hot oil on them. Screams and wails filled the air.

This cycle repeated itself for two hours, and the enemy's morale was greatly diminished, so they had no choice but to sound the retreat.

“They can’t hold out for long,” Liu Jun said as soon as he returned to the headquarters. He went to Liu Dan’s place to check on the situation. “The expeditionary force is already exhausted, while we are in a better position. More importantly, our supply lines are still open, and we can keep bringing in supplies from Hanzhong and Bingzhou. If this goes on for too long, they will have trouble getting supplies.”

Liu Dan gritted his teeth and wept on the bed, "It's just a pity that I'm so useless. I was injured at this critical moment and can't kill this villain with my own hands!"

Liu Jun comforted him, "Jingdao, don't be anxious. The enemy has a large and powerful army. Pingyang is easy to defend but difficult to attack. The stalemate will probably last for several months. You should focus on recovering from your injuries. In ten days or half a month, you can put on your armor and go into battle. When that time comes, you can take revenge."

After finally calming Liu Dan down, Liu Jun returned to his room and opened the double carp gift that Lu Jing had given him earlier.

The letter was written in Sima Ye's elegant but somewhat hasty handwriting. There were no elaborate words, but rather a straightforward and simple expression, as if he did not have time to carefully choose his words.

With the mourning period for Emperor Huai over, the court was now in a hurry to arrange for Sima Ye to be made an empress.

Sima Ye himself preferred the daughter of Du Yin, the former governor of Hongnong. Du Yin came from the Du clan of Jingzhao and was the youngest son of the famous general Du Yu. After the Yongjia era, he occupied the clan's fortified village. Later, due to his gullibility, he was killed by Wei's subordinates.

The rest of the Du family members, Du Dan went to the Former Liang, Du Xi's son Du Yi and the rest of the clansmen crossed south. This woman was also alone and helpless. Fortunately, her grandmother was Princess Gaolu, the daughter of King Xuan. After Sima Ye took Guanzhong, she stayed in Chang'an with other female members of the royal family who had been stranded.

This Lady Du was both a relative of the emperor and from a high-ranking family, and of similar age, making her a perfect match for Sima Ye.

Unfortunately, this marriage that everyone had high hopes for inexplicably came to nothing. In the end, the empress appointed by Sima Ye was surnamed Suo, and her father was Suo Lin, the General of the Cavalry, Minister of the Left, and Minister of the Imperial Secretariat. Meanwhile, Lady Du could only be relegated to the position of a talented woman.

Liu Jun put the letter aside. Sima Ye's tone was indifferent, but Liu Jun could read the anger and resentment hidden in it.

At present, Chang'an is in a state of weakness in the main body and strength in the branches. Not to mention Liu Kun and his son, Zu Ti and other regional officials who are far away, there are people like Jia Pi, Li Ju and Guo Mo in Guanzhong region alone. In the Chang'an court, there are loyal ministers who are good at fighting, such as Qu Yun, and young talents like Wen Qiao who have been in the prince's residence for a long time.

In terms of family background, achievements, and reputation, Suo Lin was not particularly outstanding. How did he manage to wield so much power?

Liu Jun put the letter back into the box. Suo Lin could summon wind and rain, which showed how empty the Chang'an court was. It needed a loyal and capable minister and general with strong troops, a noble family background, the emperor's trust, and external assistance to take charge of the overall situation.

If Pingyang can be defended, it will avenge Liu Qiao, formally incorporate the Yuzhou troops, and also dampen Liu Cong's arrogance, making this fake Liu pale in comparison to the real Liu.

So that the world may know what the Maojin Knife is.

Liu Jun lay on the couch with his eyes closed, trying to rest, but still couldn't fall asleep. So he got up, took some silk and ink, and after a moment's thought, began to write.

He wielded his brush with effortless grace, each stroke executed without the slightest hesitation. His movements appeared casual, yet it seemed as if he had already sketched the landscape a thousand times in his mind.

Before long, the project was completed—majestic mountains, strange and dangerous peaks, and rising water vapor. At first glance, it seemed like an ordinary landscape, but if you looked closely, you would find a pair of huge shrimp eyes in the clouds and mist, and a snake tail hidden in the mountain stream.

At this moment, as dawn broke, Liu Jun, suppressing his drowsiness, inscribed the following: "Soaring to the Milky Way above, resting on dry fields below. In the first month of summer of the Bingzi year, Liu Jun of Zhongshan, trapped in Pingyang City, bows and writes this to Your Majesty the Emperor."

The Duke of Gaogui composed a poem about a hidden dragon, which echoed the saying "a hidden dragon should not be used, and one should conceal one's sharpness and guard one's simplicity."

Liu Jun of Zhongshan painted a picture of a hidden dragon, but it was actually a hidden dragon rising from the abyss and soaring into the sky.