His decision to obey the imperial decree and return to the capital while he was in Youzhou was wise.
After all, although the 100,000-strong army was under Yang Yan's command, it consisted of either Li Jingang's Beijing garrison, Niu Desheng and Ma Zongliang's subordinates, or Li Bao and Li Biao's men.
With Li Jingang's authorization, Yang Yan's troops obeyed his orders.
Once he loses his military power, how many of his soldiers will listen to him?
Not to mention the idea of holding military power and acting arrogantly.
Only Yang Chao and his army would listen to Yang Yan.
The convoy immediately turned around and quietly left under the cover of night.
Three days later, Feng Liang's men arrived in Mengjin empty-handed and hurriedly reported back.
Meanwhile, at the foot of Wannian City, Yang Chao also received an imperial edict from Li Jingang.
"Break the city within three days, or face military law..."
As Yang Chao read the imperial edict, his hands trembled. "Zhang Tao has led 20,000 men north to take over the defenses... Your Majesty, you are forcing me to rebel!"
Yang Hong said anxiously, "General, what should we do now? If we attack the city, it will be a Pyrrhic victory, and then Zhang Tao will reap the rewards. If we don't attack, we will be disobeying the imperial edict, and that will also mean certain death."
Yang Chao paced back and forth in the tent, then suddenly stopped:
"Where's Zhao Muyun's letter? Bring it here!"
He reread Zhao Muyun's letter, his eyes gradually hardening:
"Reply to Zhao Muyun, I am willing to withdraw my troops. But there are two conditions: First, guarantee my and my men's safe return to Jiannan. Second, guarantee that Jiannan Road will remain under the jurisdiction of my Yang family."
"General, are you really going to surrender?"
"It's not surrender, it's cooperation." Yang Chao gritted his teeth. "Li Jingang is ruthless, so don't blame me for being unjust. Once we return to Jiannan, I'll raise an army and let's see what he can do to me!"
The messenger set off again.
This time, Yang Chao was unaware that his uncle, Yang Yan, was also on his way to Jiannan Road.
An even bigger upheaval is about to unfold.
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