Chapter 124 Imperial Merchant
The battlefield situation shifted in an instant. Zhongli He seized the opportunity and swung his sword backhand. The cold, sharp blade pierced through a man's heart, and a series of warm, sticky blood splattered on his face, which was not covered by armor. He licked his lips with his tongue, raised his leg and kicked the Liao warrior who had spoken arrogantly earlier off his horse, turning to force the other man with his sword. His breath was hot and panting, and he took a moment to glance at Wen Yao and Zhao Xuanxu. Suddenly, he raised his head and shouted, "Retreat! Withdraw and kill the Liao barbarians!"
The buglers, interspersed among the battlefield, instantly blew three rapid, dull blasts. The scattered border troops on the left and right wings reined in their horses, turning and rapidly converging towards the center of the battlefield. The Feathered Guards, forming the center, were like sharp knives, slicing through the battlefield from top to bottom, shattering the Liao cavalry's initial formation.
Gao Shaoshan wielded his sword, slashing down several Liao cavalrymen who blocked his path and charging towards Zhao Xuanxu and Commander Wen. The Liao soldiers rapidly closing in from the front cut off their pursuit of Yelu Duhan. In reality, this cut-off wouldn't be very effective against a master of Wen Yao's caliber. As the saying goes, top martial arts masters don't command armies, but they can take the enemy's heads amidst vast armies.
Wen Yao and Zhao Xuanxu were riding on the same horse, the Xingyi Sword firmly grasped in her hand. The numerous soldiers and horses ahead were nothing to her; she could easily remove a person's head.
Wen Yao looked up at Yelu Duhan, who was being quickly led away. Her hand gripping the hilt subconsciously lifted, then paused for a moment before slowly lowering it, letting out a soft breath. Her raven hair cascaded down behind her, flowing freely, her expression complex and indescribable. Zhao Xuanxu sat behind her, holding the reins, his eyes lowered as he gazed at her, seemingly quite pleased.
He tilted his head slightly and raised his hand toward Gao Shaoshan. Gao Shaoshan immediately understood, drawing the signal cannon from his waist and firing three times into the air. With three blasts, the outcome was decided. The Northern Liao cavalry's first assault on the city ended abruptly, with Yelu Duhan severely injured and two of their generals killed.
No one was happy. Tianshui had also suffered heavy casualties. The Feathered Guard, the elite of the Tianshui Imperial Army, had lost nearly 30% of its troops, and the 60,000-man border troops suffered even more. The battlefield was awash with blood, and severed limbs were scattered across the ground, congealing into foul-smelling gore that blended with the darkness, creating a terrifying spectacle. As Wen Yao returned to the tent, the wind felt hot against his face, like a drenching shower of blood.
After the battle, Zhongli He, as usual, comforted the wounded. He spent his days mobilizing the few remaining soldiers for night patrols to prevent a resurgence of the Northern Liao. Suo Xing Qianying delivered a letter, stamped with the seal of Bianliang and sent 800 miles express. Zhang Jun, in it, complained bitterly to Wen Yao, suggesting they urgently dispatch a shipment of rations to feed 350,000 men for seven days. Wen Yao calculated the date and estimated the rations would arrive tomorrow.
Border troops will have to be transferred from elsewhere, and Northern Liao will certainly also dispatch troops. The food and fodder have arrived, which is the only good news at the moment.
Zhao Xuanxu threw the letter away and said, "Give the servants some rice and noodles, and cut the remaining meat into pieces and distribute them."
With bellies full and mouths full, the lifeless garrison came alive. Bonfires illuminated the night sky of the frontier. A soldier with a broken leg crawled to the side, striking at a piece of metal with a wooden stick. The lingering tunes of home, mingled with the desolate and solemn atmosphere of metal, swirling endlessly in the night sky with an inexpressible longing and tragic grandeur.
Wen Yao opened her eyes and leaned against Zhao Xuanxu to listen to the music outside, and they listened for the whole night.
The next day she got up as usual and was about to walk out of the tent with her sword when she suddenly heard a voice coming from the side.
"How are you injured?"
Wen Yao was startled and turned to look over. Standing not far away was a person, none other than Chu Yutang, whom he had not seen for a long time.
Chu Yutang looked the same, his hair tied up in a white jade crown, his robe embroidered with mountain, river, and cloud patterns, and a white jade fan tucked at his waist. He was truly a noble young man, his face as bright as the moon and gentle breeze. However, his eyes were a little dark, and he looked like he hadn't rested for a long time.
Wen Yao laughed quickly after a brief moment of surprise and said, "You, when did you come?"
"I'm here to bring you food. I just arrived." Chu Yutang tucked his hands into his sleeves and looked at Wen Yao. His hair, which fell behind him, was blown by the wind, and he felt an inexplicable sense of tranquility and depth. The next moment, he raised his eyebrows nonchalantly and gestured to the feathered guards standing still in front of him: "From Fengxiang to here, by land, then by sea, then by land, we traveled thousands of miles to bring you the first batch of food. With such a great contribution, why don't you let me in to sit down and have a seat?"
Wen Yao extended his hand and said, "Come on, come on, sit down, the boss is very generous."
As soon as she finished speaking, the two feathered guards blocking Chu Yutang's path took a step to either side, finally ending their obstruction. Chu Yutang whipped out the fan from his waist and swung into the tent. He used the fan to lift the curtain, then bent over and walked in, saying, "You know about Zhao Xuanxu's rebellion, right?"
"I just found out yesterday." Wen Yao poured him some water. "He's not rebelling. He just wants to control the troublemakers so he can deal with Northern Liao."
Chu Yutang was silent: "Do you think anyone would believe this if you tell them?"
"…has the news spread?"
"By the time I set out, the news from Bianliang could no longer be suppressed," Chu Yutang said. "The King of Qin has his own connections, and he knew about it even earlier. Yesterday, he announced to the world that the Prince of Yan was rebelling, imprisoned the Prince of Yong, and was preparing to lead his men to Bianliang to rescue him."
After he finished speaking, he glanced at Wen Yao and continued, "But there's no need to worry too much. General Zhongli is still here, and there are troops stationed in Jingji Province. And there's also Baili Cheng. He and the people from the Wu Zhaosi are on the side of Prince Yan, so I think they can hold out for a while. But the way this matter was handled, I'm very curious about how His Royal Highness Prince Yan plans to end it."
"Alas." Wen Yao said, "There's nothing we can do about it. We must first address the main contradictions... No matter what, Northern Liao must be dealt with first. Boss Chu, why did Zhang Yun ask you to bring food? How much did you bring?"
"You have nearly 200,000 troops here. This happened suddenly. Even if Lord Zhang had incredible abilities, he couldn't have mobilized food and fodder from everywhere overnight." Chu Yutang sat down, his hands on his knees. "I happened to be on business in Fengxiang Prefecture, so I took the initiative to take over the task and transferred some food and fodder from the Chu family's granaries across the country. Even with 200,000 troops here, we can last for more than ten days."
This amount of food and fodder is enough to support 200,000 troops for more than ten days, which is a staggering amount.
Wen Yao was moved: "You are such a good person."
"I'm a businessman, not a good person. This grain isn't given for free; it's a loan from the Ministry of Revenue." Chu Yutang shook his head. He took out a piece of grain from his waist and showed it to Wen Yao: "I volunteered to work for His Highness Prince Yan, and I have a bit of a gambling nature in mind."
Wen Yao lowered his head to see the words written on the jade token and was slightly stunned: "Governor?"
"How about a second-rank official rank?" Chu Yutang shook his head and said with a smile, "From now on, the Chu family will be considered an imperial merchant, and we will be able to get involved in the tea and salt trade. I, Chu Yutang, will also bring honor to our family."
The surprise in his words was more or less exaggerated. Being an imperial merchant wasn't easy. Since ancient times, few wealthy merchants who became imperial merchants had a happy ending. The Chu family had been engaged in commerce for generations, and with their involvement in the ghost market and the underworld, they were a formidable force. Hiding in the shadows had always been the Chu family's modus operandi. Chu Yutang had now brought the Chu family into the open, and it was unclear whether this was a blessing or a curse.
Chu Yutang was shrewd, and Wen Yao was no fool either. She knew for whom Chu Yutang was willing to take such a huge risk. Her heart was filled with mixed emotions, her smile faded slightly. She looked at Chu Yutang and sighed, "Thank you very much. I owe you a big favor."
"You're alienating me now, and you're starting to count favors." Chu Yutang's peach blossom eyes curved slightly, their depths glittering brightly. He spoke in a very serious tone, "Okay, if that's the way it's supposed to be, then since you saved my life back then, I, Chu Yutang, should live for you for the rest of my life."
"Goodbye, goodbye." Wen Yao hastily declined, but couldn't help but relax his brows and finally smiled: "Boss Chu is too expensive, I can't afford it."
Chu Yutang tapped his knees twice with Baiyu's hand without authorization, his expression suddenly becoming serious. "Okay, let's get back to the point. How's your injury? You don't look as rosy as before."
"It's really okay," Wen Yao flexed her wrist, indicating that she was in good health. "I broke through the Hua Gong Powder twice, it's just a minor injury. Oh, by the way, now that the food has been delivered, you shouldn't stay too long, go back today."
"Catch me?"
"I'm not trying to chase you away." Wen Yao sighed. "The border troops are being urgently dispatched, and Northern Liao will surely respond. Another war will break out soon. It's so dangerous, why are you staying here?"
Hearing this, Chu Yutang's joking tone faded and he said, "I'll leave once the grain is unloaded and returned to the warehouse. Is there anything else you want me to do?"
Wen Yao seemed to be lost in thought, then suddenly said, "There is indeed one more thing I need to ask of you. I have a wooden box in my room at Prince Yan's Mansion with a copper lock on it. When you return, find a way to retrieve it and send it to me."
This was quite unusual. Why did Chu Yutang go to get the things in Prince Yan's Mansion instead of having someone escort them here directly?
Chu Yutang whispered, "Don't let Prince Yan know?"
Wen Yao shook his head: "He will know later."
"Okay, I'll send the wooden box to you in a few days." Chu Yutang stood up and said, "I won't ask you what you are going to do. You should be aware of the situation and take care of your own safety."
*
Xijin City was in turmoil, with the people in panic having heard the news of the army's defeat in the first battle. Two of the Tulu tribe's greatest warriors were killed, and even the head of the Xianyin Division was gravely injured. Wen Yao's palm strike was unequivocal, striking Yelu Duhan squarely in the heart. The physicians, who had just returned to their respective clinics, were summoned to the Xianyin Division residence within a day, where precious medicinal herbs were delivered to Yelu Duhan's bedside like flowing water.
Han Zhao rushed over after hearing the news. Seeing Yelu Duhan lying on the bed with disheveled hair and a pale face, he thought to himself that it was a sin. He looked at the doctor and asked repeatedly, "Hasn't he taken the medicine yet? Why hasn't he woken up yet?"
"I can't take the medicine." The doctor said with a bitter face, "The master is seriously injured, with internal congestion and a high fever. If this continues, the situation will be dire."
As the doctor finished speaking, another commotion erupted outside. Han Zhao was about to speak when he heard the commotion outside. His brows furrowed, his eyes cold, and he said to the doctor in a deep voice, "No, remember, Master Xianyinsi is doing very well after taking the medicine! From now on, you and your men will stay here and force the medicine into his mouth. You cannot take a single step out of this place without my order!"
The two Liao cavalrymen behind him moved upon hearing the sound, stepped forward with swords in hand, and looked coldly at the doctors in the room.
The commotion outside the door hadn't died down, but had gotten even louder. Han Zhao finished his instructions, then left, pushing the door open. He led a few people into the courtyard, where he heard someone's voice from afar: "...How dare you! How dare you stop me!"
Han Zhao paused, then quickly stepped forward and crossed the courtyard gate. At some point, dozens of Liao people, all strangers who had never appeared in Xijin Prefecture, were standing in the courtyard. The Liao cavalry within the prefecture had been ordered not to let anyone in, so they confronted this group of menacing and clearly ill-intentioned individuals. If Wen Yao were there, seeing the man with a broken arm standing behind the leading man, he might still remember who he was.
During a visit to Bianliang, Yelü Duhan, the second son of Empress Duoyueli of Northern Liao, was assassinated by assassins from the Red Pavilion in the Tianshui Palace. This immediately led to a falling out between Northern Liao and Tianshui, with the latter repeatedly demanding money and land from Tianshui. The person who carried Yelü Duhan's body northward back to Northern Liao was a Liao man named Agu, a close confidant of Yelü Duhan.
Compared to a year ago, Agu had changed considerably. Empress Doyueli, horrified by the death of her son, ordered the execution of all of Yelü Duhan's attendants. Remembering that Yelü Duhan had trusted Agu most during his lifetime, she spared his life, only ordering him to cut off his left arm and bury it with Yelü Duhan.
At this moment, Agu stood behind Yelu Anduan with his head lowered, silent and taciturn. The light in his eyes was gloomy and dark, completely unlike his previous calm and steady self.
Continue read on readnovelmtl.com
