The Road to Glory

Chapter 184

"Your Highness... We in Fengyang..."

That very afternoon, after Fan Yuan ordered Tan Yi to feign an attack on the city for half a day, Li Xun personally visited the Wei military camp as soon as night fell.

Yuan Fang had stationed his main forces north of Fengyang for quite some time, constantly ordering scouts to closely monitor the movements in the Qi Mountain Range east of Fengyang.

He was naturally aware of the commotion caused by the Liang army's attack that afternoon.

However, he hadn't expected Li Xun to pay a visit.

Although the battle at Majia Liang had completely deadlocked the Liang and Wei camps, and now with Wei Qishan raising the banner of restoring Jin, the two were truly serving different masters, they had previously worked together and maintained a fairly good relationship. Thus, when they met in the central military tent, they exchanged sincere pleasantries.

Yuan Fang guided Li Xun to take a seat and poured him tea, smiling as he said, "I truly never expected to see Brother Zhongqing alive again after the battle at Majia Liang."

Li Xun shook his head. "Dou Jianliang's betrayal caused nearly as much damage to our Liang Camp as it did to your Wei Camp. That traitor Dou first injured Old Fan with a poison arrow, then joined Bandit Pei in attacking Wa Yao Fort. The Duke and Veteran General Yuchi—such pillars of the state—all fell there!"

Even after all this time, Li Xun still felt heartache when mentioning these events.

Yuan Fang could only sigh along with him. Although he knew that the incident back then wasn't a conspiracy between the Liang and Chen camps to set up their Wei camp, having reached this point, it was impossible for the two camps to reestablish relations as they had in the past.

He said, "I was fortunate to be saved by Governor Xiao of Tongzhou, which is how I managed to keep my life."

Li Xun had long heard of Xiao Li's various deeds in the Wei camp while he was in the Southern Border. When Yuan Fang brought up Xiao Li, Li Xun's face immediately showed only regret and sorrow. He stood up and bowed to Yuan Fang, saying, "I heard he offended Marquis Shuobian and is now imprisoned. Since Governor Xiao once saved your life, Brother Yuan, I beg you to ensure his safety no matter what."

Seeing this, Yuan Fang quickly stood up to help Li Xun rise, saying, "Of course, of course! Please rise quickly, Brother Zhongqing!"

After they sat down again, Yuan Fang already had doubts in his mind and asked directly, "I know Governor Xiao once served in the Liang Camp and later left due to various reasons, establishing himself in Tongzhou. But seeing how concerned you are, it seems the Liang Camp's treatment of Governor Xiao wasn't as the rumors claimed?"

He was referring to the rumor that the Liang Camp suspected Xiao Li of being a spy and attempted to kill him with a poison arrow.

Li Xun shook his head with some embarrassment, unwilling to elaborate, and only said, "There were many misunderstandings between our Liang Camp and Governor Xiao. Ultimately, our Liang Camp wronged him."

Hearing this, Yuan Fang pondered for a moment before cautiously asking after a pause, "When General Jiang Yu of Chen brought his concubine to our Northern Border earlier, was it only to rescue the Yang family members?"

What he really wanted to ask was the reason for Wen Yu's journey north.

But if he asked directly, it might create evidence against them, and Li Xun would certainly not admit that Wen Yu had gone north. Referring to her as Jiang Yu's concubine was already making it clear to the other party that he wasn't setting a trap but merely wanted to know the answer.

Upon hearing this, Li Xun sighed sorrowfully and said, "Brother Yuan, even now, don't you still grieve for the twenty thousand soldiers who died at Majia Liang? The Princess sent multiple letters to Marquis Shuobian explaining the reasons, but Marquis Shuobian never replied. Commander Jiang came north on behalf of the Princess to personally apologize to Marquis Shuobian, clarify the circumstances, give Northern Wei and those unjustly killed twenty thousand soldiers an explanation, and reestablish relations with Northern Wei!"There was no need for Li Xun to elaborate further; Yuan Fang already understood.

When their party arrived at the Northern Border, Wei Qishan had already declared his intention to restore the Jin dynasty. Without the constraints of sovereign and subject, if Wen Yu fell into Wei Qishan’s hands, it would be like walking into a trap. That was why she had instead diverted to Hengzhou to take away the Yang family, to avoid being controlled by their Northern Wei in the future.

Previously, Yuan Fang had only known that Wen Yu was exceptionally intelligent and full of ingenious strategies. Only today did he realize that her courage was also beyond ordinary people’s reach.

He could somewhat understand why Li Yao and Yuchi Ba were willing to die for her, and why Xiao Li would help conceal her identity from Wei Qishan.

To be fair, if he himself encountered such a ruler, he would not have the heart to push her toward a dead end.

Yuan Fang finally sighed deeply and said, “Heaven plays with people!”

Li Xun cupped his hands and said, “To be frank, our campaign to Fengyang has three purposes. First, to retrieve the consort and her daughter, who are held captive by Bandit Pei. Second, Her Highness still wishes to personally apologize and give an explanation to the Marquis for the Battle of Majia Liang. Third, to negotiate with the Marquis for the return of Xiao Jun to our Liang Camp.”

“However, after today’s assault on the city, we learned that the scoundrel Pei Song, cowardly and afraid of death, had already fled Fengyang with the consort and her daughter. Her Highness initially intended to order a direct pursuit to Luodu, but scouts reported that a Wei army was stationed here. Thinking it was the Marquis of Shuobian, Her Highness ordered me to pay a visit. Little did I expect to find you here, Brother Yuan, allowing us to catch up.”

Yuan Fang laughed along with Li Xun, though his laughter was somewhat forced. “Are Pei Song and the consort truly no longer in the city?”

Li Xun replied, “Her Highness is deeply concerned for the consort’s safety and had some agents planted in the Pei Army. The information we received is reliable.”

He looked at Yuan Fang and said, “Her Highness originally wanted me to convey a message to the Marquis: though Fengyang was once the Prince’s fief, if the Marquis of Shuobian intends to attack this place, Her Highness will not contend with him for it.”

He smiled and added, “Since the Marquis is not here, and you, Brother Yuan, are leading the troops, conveying this message to you fulfills Her Highness’s request.”

Yuan Fang could not bring himself to smile. His orders were to wait here until the Liang Army and the Pei Army in Fengyang had worn each other out, then reap the spoils.

Now, the Liang Camp had sent someone to inform him that their target was not here, that they would not fight and would not contend with their Wei Camp.

If he claimed he had no intention of attacking this place, then with his large army stationed here and no movement from his side while the Liang Camp fought all afternoon, it would be blatantly obvious that he had planned to profit from their conflict.

Some things could be understood implicitly, but once brought into the open, neither he personally nor the Wei Camp could afford the disgrace.

If he said he was here to capture Pei Song, and since Pei Song had gone to Luodu, he would also redirect his attack to Luodu, the Liang Camp had already stated that their consort had been taken by Pei Song to Luodu as well.

The Marquis’s troops had previously ambushed Pei Song in Luodu. If both he and the Liang Camp redirected to Luodu, and the Pei Army in Fengyang saw their movements and also rushed to Luodu to aid Pei Song, it would truly become a chaotic situation.

Yuan Fang’s mind raced through countless thoughts, and in the end, he could only say, “Her Highness’s main forces are still attacking Xiangzhou. If she captures Luodu now, it will be difficult to hold. Since her goal is only to retrieve the consort, why not join me in taking Fengyang first, and then we can march on Luodu together?”

His words seemed to consider Wen Yu’s interests, but they also seemed to stem from a fear that the Liang Camp might capture Luodu first and seize Pei Song.Li Xun hesitated for a moment before saying, "This... I should first return to report to the princess, then give Brother Yuan a reply later?"

Yuan Fang said, "I await your good news."

Li Xun cupped his hands in farewell, and Yuan Fang lifted the tent flap to personally escort him to the main camp entrance.

—

Upon returning to the Liang Camp, after reporting the matter to Wen Yu, Li Xun couldn't contain his excitement and joy: "The princess truly has divine foresight! Without spending a single soldier, we've made the Wei Camp beg us to jointly attack Fengyang!"

Without this stratagem, if they were to go to Luodu to rescue someone, their return journey would not only face the Fengyang Pei Army as a roadblock but also the Wei Army waiting for an opportunity to strike on the sidelines.

Wen Yu said, "Minister Li, you've worked hard. Tomorrow, I'll have to trouble you to make another trip to the Wei Camp."

Li Xun cupped his hands and replied, "This humble official only needs to expend some words. The princess, who ponders day and night, is the one who truly exhausts her mind and spirit and should rest more."

After Li Xun withdrew, Zhao Bai said, "Although joining forces with the Wei Camp to annihilate the Fengyang Pei Army resolves a trouble on our return journey, I fear that traveling to Luodu with that Wei Army might put the princess in danger once Wei Qishan takes Luodu and his two armies merge."

Wen Yu, however, asked, "Is A'Zhao so certain that Pei Song will be defeated by Wei Qishan?"

Zhao Bai lowered his head and clasped his fists: "That's not what I meant. I'm worried about Your Highness's safety on this journey."

Wen Yu said, "Northern Wei's southern campaign at this time has many hidden dangers. The situation is not yet clear, and Fengyang cannot be taken in a day or two. The only option now is to 'wait.'"

Tong Que, standing guard nearby, was also puzzled: "Wait?"

Wen Yu opened an unread memorial on her desk and calmly stated, "Man plans three parts, heaven decides seven. The more chaotic the situation, the more composed one must be. Since we've already made all possible decisions, for now, we'll respond to changes by remaining unchanged."

As for the situation in Luodu, who will emerge victorious between Wei Qishan and Pei Song will soon become clear.

Entering the fray at this moment may not be the wisest choice.

By first using the Wei Army under Yuan Fang to eliminate the threat of the Fengyang Pei Army, and then deciding whether to advance on Luodu, at least they won't have to hesitate and look back and forth.

—

Outside Luodu city, the Wei Army camp was ablaze with lights.

A bonfire nearly as tall as a person burned in the open space of the military tent area. Wei soldiers gathered around the fire, lifting a man high and shouting in unison: "Young Lord! Young Lord!"

The bonfire crackled and sparked, the enthusiastic atmosphere among the crowd rivaling the blaze itself.

In the distance, Wei Qishan was discussing the latest battle report from the Northern Border with his subordinate generals, worriedly saying: "The barbarians have indeed chosen this time to attack the Northern Border again. Fortunately, that Xiao family youth led the righteous army to hold them off. But since he escaped the dungeon, he's like a wild beast breaking free from its cage. It will be difficult to contain him again..."

Just as he said this, hearing the distant cheers, Wei Qishan stopped speaking, glanced over, and slightly furrowed his brows.

A subordinate general, noticing he had abruptly stopped talking, followed his gaze and also saw Wei Pingjin being tossed high by the soldiers. He laughed and said: "The Young Lord has truly surprised us all by joining the army this time. Today, leading three hundred cavalry, he cleverly captured Zheng Daye, a senior general under Pei Song. His bravery is no less than when the Eldest Young Lord led those few hundred cavalry into barbarian lands to rescue the Marquis. This Zheng Daye previously betrayed the Marquis and is now practically Pei Song's father-in-law. Losing him is like cutting off one of Pei Song's arms. Tomorrow, when we hang that traitor's head on our commander's banner and attack the Pei Army again, we'll surely scare them into scattering like loose sand."Wei Qishan's expression, however, did not soften much as he asked, "Wasn't Zheng Daye in Mozhou?"

A subordinate general replied, "It is said that Zheng Daye's daughter was with child. When Pei Song withdrew from Fengyang amidst the chaos of war, she accidentally fell, resulting in the deaths of both mother and child. Zheng Daye rushed here for his daughter."

As the two spoke, Wei Pingjin also caught sight of Wei Qishan.

He seemed intent on approaching Wei Qishan to say something, but the soldiers, cheering, lifted him high into the air once more, leaving him unable to break free. By the time he finally managed to push through the crowd and run over, he only saw the retreating figures of Wei Qishan and his subordinate general.

The exuberant smile on Wei Pingjin's face faded, and his thin lips pressed tightly together.

Soon, his personal guard rushed over, beaming with excitement, and said, "Young Master, why did you leave? The soldiers still wish to toast you!"

As he spoke, he tried to hand the wine bowl to Wei Pingjin.

Wei Pingjin forcefully swatted it away, sending the guard stumbling back several steps and spilling all the wine from the bowl.

"Not going!" Wei Pingjin snapped gloomily before turning and walking away.

The guard was left standing there in confusion, unsure what he had done wrong to provoke such anger.

After returning to the central military tent, Wei Qishan instructed Wei Xian, "Summon the commander of the right flank who participated in today's battle."

Before long, the commander, who had been celebrating at the front, hurried over. Upon entering the tent, he clasped his hands and said, "Marquis, you summoned me?"

Wei Qishan sat behind a long table. His slender frame was not clad in armor but rather a simple, everyday robe, exuding an air of elegance quite unlike his usual demeanor. He glanced at the commander and said, "Tell me in detail how the Young Master captured Zheng Daye on the battlefield today."

Uncertain of Wei Qishan's intent, the commander recounted truthfully, "The Young Master and I led the right flank to ambush at Wind Sand Ridge. As planned, after the Pei Army's vanguard entered the city, we cut off the retreat of the main Pei forces. Once the left flank led by you, Marquis, engaged the Pei Army at the front, the Young Master and I drove the remaining Pei troops into the encirclement. We could not pursue the small groups of fleeing Pei soldiers."

"However, the Young Master, sharp-eyed, noticed that Zheng Daye was commanding the rear of the Pei Army. The traitor was cunning. Realizing that Pei Song, with the support of the vanguard and city defenders ahead, might still escape, but he himself, positioned at the rear, might not break through the siege, he discarded his armor, donned the uniform of a common Pei soldier, and attempted to flee under the protection of his personal guards."

"The Young Master, determined to eliminate this traitor and cleanse our ranks, kept a close watch on him. Thus, when Zheng Daye disguised himself as a Pei soldier and fled, the Young Master gave chase on horseback, successfully surrounded and killed the traitor, and brought back his head."

There was nothing suspicious in this account. Wei Qishan finally waved his hand and said, "Very well, you may go."

The commander clasped his hands and said, "I take my leave," but as he reached the tent entrance, Wei Qishan suddenly called out to him again.

With a stern and complex expression, Wei Qishan said, "Do not let the Young Master know of this."

The commander clasped his hands once more and replied, "I understand."

After the commander left, the Wei general who had been discussing the Northern Border campaign with Wei Qishan remarked, "Marquis, the Young Master has truly grown. Throughout this campaign, his actions have been observed by all the generals below, and they have been privately full of praise for him. When the Eldest Young Master was merely sixteen, you entrusted him with troops. Now that the Young Master is already married, why are you still unable to set your mind at ease?"Wei Qishan shook his head and finally sighed, "Perhaps that unfilial son has caused too much trouble in the past. Now that he's suddenly changed his temperament, I keep suspecting he'll still manage to create some mess."

The Wei general sighed, "If the young master learns that the Marquis suspects him regarding the military merit of killing Zheng Daye, it will surely damage their father-son relationship."

Wei Xian nearby chimed in, "The Marquis hasn't been in good health recently, forcing himself to lead the southern campaign, frequently calling for army physicians - the young master has seen all this. And that Xiao family brat has been so rampant at the Northern Border. The young master's recent diligence must be to help the Marquis support Northern Wei!"

Wei Qishan looked again at the urgent report from the northern territories on the table, weariness showing between his brows. He finally said, "Enough. From now on, keep a closer watch on him. He's still young and hot-tempered - there will be plenty of setbacks ahead. But in this southern campaign, there must be no more mistakes."

Both men bowed in acknowledgment.

In Wei Pingjin's tent, everything had long been smashed to pieces, with shattered cups and vessels scattered across the floor.

Fortunately, the porcelain brought on this campaign wasn't from any famous kilns, so the destruction didn't cost much money.

The strategist whom he had promoted to his side before the Youzhou victory banquet stood below, speaking calmly: "Young master, please calm your anger."

Wei Pingjin leaned on the now-empty table, his handsome face flushed with both alcohol and rage: "I followed your advice to be cautious and prudent, putting on that hypocritical act of sharing hardships with common soldiers. I even managed to kill an enemy commander with just over a hundred cavalry, just like Wei Xingchuan! Yet he still won't spare me a single word of praise!"

Wei Pingjin angrily overturned the entire table and shouted at the other man: "What's the use of listening to you anymore!"

The strategist said, "But the young master has gained prestige among the officers and soldiers, hasn't he?"

He looked at Wei Pingjin with a seemingly respectful smile: "Given time, when the young master's reputation even surpasses the Marquis's, how could the Marquis not acknowledge you then?"

Wei Pingjin suddenly glared angrily, but the strategist merely bowed slightly and said, "This humble officer has spoken out of turn."

Yet his face showed no trace of fear.

Wei Pingjin closed his eyes to compose himself for a moment. When he opened them again, it was as if he had reached some resolution: "You're right."

Over the next three days, the Wei army besieged Luodu. In several challenges to battle, the Pei generals who came out to fight were all defeated by Wei Pingjin. Only on the final day did Pei Song send his trusted subordinate Pei Yuan to respond to the challenge.

Wei Pingjin suffered a humiliating defeat at Pei Yuan's hands. Although the prestige he had accumulated over recent days wasn't completely destroyed, Wei Pingjin felt too ashamed after returning to camp and didn't even go to see Wei Qishan.

When the news reached Wei Qishan, it actually put his mind somewhat at ease.

He told Wei Xian: "It's good that he lost. If he kept winning, Pei Song's previous weak position would seem suspicious to me."

Wei Xian said: "Pei Song came here to take refuge. The main forces of the Liang and Chen armies are still fighting at Xiangzhou, so Pei Song couldn't mobilize several of his capable generals. Previously, General Yuan deliberately revealed his movements to make that villain think the Marquis intended to take Fengyang, causing him to leave heavy troops at Fengyang. Among the generals accompanying him to Luodu, only Zheng Daye was noteworthy. But since Zheng Daye was ambushed and killed by the young master, the morale of the Pei Army in the city has already plummeted. That's why those later generals who faced the young master were already three parts fearful upon hearing that the young master had killed Zheng Daye."Wei Qishan said, "Very well. This has tempered that unfilial son's character, which will greatly benefit him on the battlefield in the future."

Wei Xian sighed, "This old servant knows you mean well for the young master, but you are too harsh on him, Marquis. What is too rigid may break easily."

After suffering defeat, Wei Pingjin returned to camp that day and vented his anger in a great fury. Even his usually favored concubines dared not approach him.

When Wei Xian arrived and saw the shattered porcelain scattered across the tent floor, he said to Wei Pingjin, who sat on the yak-felt-covered steps, "The Marquis has ordered this old servant to bring this blade to you, young master."

The tiger guard following him produced a long case containing a horizontal sword marked with the traces of time.

Wei Xian explained, "This is the sword the Marquis seized years ago from Hernu, the foremost warrior of the barbarians. The Marquis used it for many years."

Wei Pingjin took the horizontal sword, his fingers tightening around the scabbard. He hung his head slightly in shame and said, "Thank my father for me."

Wei Xian consoled him, "Victory and defeat are common in war, young master. Do not dwell on it. The Marquis does not blame you."

After a pause, he added, "The Marquis has always been watching over you."

After Wei Xian left, Wei Pingjin's strategist arrived. Finding him still clutching the sword and sitting on the wooden steps covered with yak felt in the tent, the strategist called out, "Young master?"

Wei Pingjin looked up after a long moment, his eyes reddened, and said, "Sir, I still wish to win a battle."

"A victory more splendid than beheading Zheng Daye."

The strategist's lips curved slightly as he replied, "This humble officer will assist you, young master."

Although they had the support of the Wei army, Yuan Fang's side clearly intended to delay. It took a full three days to capture Fengyang.

The city had already been slaughtered once when Pei Song captured it the previous year. Those remaining in the city were mostly commoners forcibly seized by the Pei Army for hard labor.

Upon entering the city, Wen Yu and Yuan Fang agreed on three prohibitions: their troops must not harm the commoners in the slightest.

When a commoner saw the troops entering under the "Wen" banner, he cautiously approached. The armored soldier in front of Wen Yu's carriage, fearing an assassin, leveled his halberd and ordered the man to keep his distance.

The old man, dressed in rags with chilblains on his face, spread his hands to show he meant no harm. He timidly stepped back a little before cautiously asking, "Sir, has Princess Han Yang driven Pei Song away and recaptured our Fengyang?"

Wen Yu, who had just lifted the carriage curtain slightly to glimpse the old sights of Fengyang, felt as if a great bell had struck her heart, leaving a long, trembling resonance. A sudden bitterness welled up in her eyes.

The armored soldier who had initially brandished his halberd to ward off the old man, seeing the longing and hope in the elder's eyes, could no longer point his weapon at him nor find words to reply.

Zhao Bai, riding alongside the carriage, looked upon Fengyang—more desolate and ruined than when she had escorted Li Yao and other important ministers in their flight—her face etched with restrained pain and remorse.

This was no longer the Fengyang of old...

Yet, despite being trampled by Pei Song to this state, so many commoners still waited for them to reclaim Fengyang.

Tong Que held the carriage curtain aside for Wen Yu. She stepped down and personally helped the old man up, addressing him, "Grandfather."

The old man studied Wen Yu closely, his turbid tears streaming down as he asked tremulously, "Are you... Princess Han Yang?"

Wen Yu, her eyes red, nodded.

The old man wept as if reunited with a dear relative, his tears falling freely as he cried, "Princess... we, the people of Fengyang, have waited so bitterly for you!"On the street, many thinly clad, emaciated commoners also wept into their sleeves.

Wen Yu failed to suppress the surge of tears in her eyes—scalding drops fell from their rims. Her voice choked, she said, "It is Han Yang's incompetence."

The old man's throat emitted choked sobs as he lamented, "Your Highness, you suffered greatly when you married far away to Southern Chen... We, the common people of Fengyang City, all know this..."

He repeatedly wiped his tears and asked with a choked voice, "Now that you've returned, will you leave again?"

Feeling the hopeful gazes of all the common people on the street, Wen Yu felt as if her heart were being cut by a blunt knife. She said with guilt and self-reproach, "It is my incompetence that I cannot yet fully reclaim Fengyang."

She looked at all the common people who had come out to welcome them upon seeing the Wen family's banner, her eyes reddening as she said, "But the lands south of Xiangzhou are now under Liang's control. If you are willing to follow Han Yang, I will first take you there to settle. When we fully reclaim Fengyang in the future, I will escort you all back."

The old man almost immediately cried out in sorrow, "Good, good! As long as you don't mind this old man being aged and useless, I will follow you to the Southern Border."

He choked back sobs several times: "After the Prince and the heir passed away, the Pei family who took over Fengyang... they don't treat us as human beings..."

The other common people, seemingly also afraid that the new army occupying Fengyang would carry out another massacre like Pei Song's and drive them like livestock, soon cried out, "Princess, we will follow you!"

Though their voices were mournful, when countless sorrowful cries merged together, they seemed to form a torrent capable of shaking heaven and earth.

Yuan Fang led the Wei camp troops into the city afterward and, witnessing this scene, couldn't help but feel deeply shaken.

Since joining the army, he had always served under Wei Qishan, never leaving the Northern Border nor ever laying eyes on Changlian Wang himself.

But though nearly a year had passed since his death, the people in Fengyang City—now under Pei Song's control—still so fervently supported Changlian Wang's lineage. This proved that his reputation for virtue was by no means unfounded.

Fengyang City had long been emptied by Pei Song, and the remaining Pei soldiers were captured by the Wei army. When Wen Yu proposed taking all the citizens willing to follow her south, Yuan Fang naturally had no reason to refuse.

That very night, Wen Yu summoned Fan Yuan and ordered him to dispatch a capable subordinate general. This general would lead over a thousand soldiers disguised as refugees to escort the city's citizens back to the Southern Border first.

The next day, the two armies continued their advance toward Luodu.

When they were still about eighty li from Luodu, a Wei soldier covered in blood—riding as if rushing to Fengyang for reinforcements—came upon them.

Upon seeing the Wei banner carried by Yuan Fang's troops, the soldier nearly wept with joy. After falling from his horse and being helped up, he continued coughing up blood, urgently telling Yuan Fang, "General, quickly... go save the Marquis!"