“Camp Commander, a unit of Han soldiers is heading towards Yangyi, only about five or six miles away. Should we intercept them?” Wang Long rode up to report.
Cavalry was different from foot soldiers; they didn’t need to hold a strict formation at the city gate. The most crucial task for the cavalry led by Yiyan was to intercept the enemy outside. No one knew the speed of the Han army’s response, but if the enemy were truly approaching, the more mobile cavalry could buy some time for the main force.
However, Yiyan did not order an attack. “Send scouts and keep us informed of the enemy’s movements at all times.”
Now was not the time to face the enemy. After the stone bombardment, the use of fire projectiles had thrown the city into chaos, shaking the morale of the defenders. Although he wasn’t very familiar with Ge Hong, Yiyan had to admit that this young man was also a capable commander. The rhythm of the bombardment with the Thunderbolt Cannons wouldn’t be improved even if Sun Jiao, the current commander of the Thunderbolt Battalion, were in charge.
However, these details were not his main concern.
“The enemy has advanced two more miles.”
“A total of 2,000 enemy soldiers, all foot soldiers. They seem to be setting up camp, waiting for reinforcements.”
“The enemy has sent scouts to assess our defenses.”
These reports reached Yiyan’s ears one by one. It seemed that this reinforcing army was acting cautiously, and a large army was ready to arrive in the rear. If they allowed them to set up camp, block their retreat, and attack Yangyi, they would be in a perilous situation.
Yiyan remained motionless, and Wang Long couldn’t help but become anxious. “Camp Commander, are you really not considering a charge?”
“Not yet,” Yiyan replied coldly.
‘Not yet? Then when?’ Wang Long was about to ask when his restive warhorse began to act up. They were all riding Xiongnu warhorses, raised from a young age in the camp. Even in the face of close combat and bladed weapons, they wouldn’t shy away. How could they suddenly become unruly now? The next moment, Wang Long realized the sky had changed.
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He raised his head, looking at the sky. How many life-and-death battles had these tough men faced without retreating, and yet they were now trembling.
A solar eclipse is happening!
Wang Long had witnessed solar eclipses before. In recent years, there have been several signs of changing weather. Whenever such phenomena occurred, chaos would ensue in the world. After the eclipses in Yongkang and Yongning a few years ago, a severe drought and pest infestation followed, causing his family to fall into ruin, and forcing them to flee in search of refuge.
Now, why was there another solar eclipse? And at this critical moment!
In his panic, Wang Long looked towards their commanding general, contemplating advising a ceasefire. However, he noticed the faint, chilling smile on the general’s lips. It was a smile so mild and yet so sharp that it sent shivers down his spine.
“It’s here,” Yiyan whispered.
Contrary to his expectations, upon seeing the celestial phenomenon in the sky, Yiyan didn’t feel fear but rather excitement and a strong battle spirit. This time, the lord’s arrangement had not been mistaken. No, it was a time when even the heavens seemed to be supporting the lord’s cause! Throughout history, who had ever used such celestial might to overcome formidable enemies? Even Emperor Guangwu might not have been able to do so!
Wang Long, having risen to the position of commander of the Cavalry Regiment, was certainly no fool. He immediately grasped the situation—it was what Yiyan had been waiting for. He knew there would be a solar eclipse, and he still dispatched troops? No, it should be said that the lord clearly understood that such an anomaly would occur today!
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His mind was in chaos. Wang Long had not yet figured out the situation when a deafening roar came from the distance, as if thunder had struck the walls of Yangyi City!
Now, not only Wang Long’s horse but all the thousand warhorses in the camp began to neigh. Fortunately, the cavalry regiment was well-trained, and the riders managed to stay on their steeds despite the panic of the horses.
Yiyan tightened the reins and controlled his own mount, shouting loudly, “Fireballs turn into thunder, just like the night in Lu City! This is divine intervention, assisting our lord!”
Lu City! The mention of this place immediately calmed the unsettled hearts. Many in the cavalry had also participated in the night raid on Lu City, and the falling stars and thunder on that night were incredibly awe-inspiring, driving the three thousand Xiongnu elite riders to flee in defeat. Today, the thunder sounded again! It was even more significant than that day’s commotion, and there was a solar eclipse aiding them! Besides the lord, who else could be so favored by the heavens?!
While the horses continued to neigh, the people had already settled their minds. Like their commander, they were ignited with a fierce battle spirit!
“Wang Long, take two hundred men and attack the city! The rest of you, follow me to face the enemy!” Yiyan gave his orders without hesitation.
Under the sound of his command, the second peal of thunder echoed, much like the resounding drums and horns of war reaching the heavens.
Wang Long’s face turned crimson, his arms trembling as he shouted, “Yes, sir!”
His excitement was mixed with sheer joy. No wonder the lord ordered them to fight today! No wonder the camp commander remained so composed! With the aid of such divine intervention, how could they not succeed?!
Under the combined assault of the solar eclipse and the thundering shells, no one could maintain their morale. Without even glancing at the city, Yiyan turned his horse and galloped forward. Eight hundred elite riders closely followed him as they charged toward the nearby Han army camp!
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※
How could there be a solar eclipse? In the camp of the reinforcements, the commanding general was also at a loss. Encountering an ill omen like a solar eclipse was one thing, but following it, a thunderous explosion sounded from the city walls in the distance, as if a divine thunderbolt had struck the city. Who had ever heard of a solar eclipse causing thunder?!
Could it be that the divine fury descended upon them because they raised troops during New Year’s Day? But the incoming forces are clearly Jin’s army, so why did the thunder strike Yangyi City?
His mind was in utter chaos, and his attendants below weren’t any more composed. They repeatedly asked if they should retreat or sound the gong and drive away the celestial dog. Before he could make a decision, thunder resounded again.
This thunder was not like the previous loud crash; it was a continuous rumbling thunder, the kind of sound that only came from thousands of hooves pounding simultaneously. The enemy was attacking! When he finally reacted, a unit of cavalry had already charged out! Forming a battle formation to meet the enemy? It was too late!
Arrows and crossbows were drawn, and these eight hundred cavalrymen, like the most elite Xiongnu iron riders, rode and shot their bows. Arrows flew like locusts, heading for the camp! Behind these harbingers of death was the still-unresolved celestial anomaly. The twilight was hazy, the setting sun tinged with blood, as if malevolent spirits and demons had charged out from the sky, from the sun itself!
Two lines of defense were instantly torn to shreds. Next, it was the main camp. Like the still-raging tremendous roar, the iron riders surged straight in, tearing apart these two thousand troops. There was no thought of resistance; the soldiers scattered and fled like a flock of sheep harassed by wolves, not daring to stand their ground!
Long swords swung down, and another severed head soared into the air. The distant thunder faded away, and the shadow that had covered the sun retreated, leaving nothing behind.
Yiyan pulled on the reins, raising the blade, and dark-red blood splattered on the ground. In front of him, there was no longer a single enemy capable of standing. Two thousand reinforcements, some dead, some fled, but none remained to threaten the main army attacking the city.
“No need to chase any further, all return to the city!” Yiyan sheathed his sword and calmly issued the order.
Facing such a sudden anomaly, the Xiongnu should find it difficult to immediately organize their forces to launch another attack on the city. The most critical task now was to defend Yangyi and withdraw any excess troops back to Shangdang.
Could Ge Hong and Wang Long capture the city? This question did not even enter Yiyan’s mind.
When Yiyan’s unit returned to Yangyi, the south gate was wide open. Occasionally, there were panicking soldiers fleeing. Seeing another group of blood-covered men and horses arrive, these fleeing soldiers knelt down trembling, hoping for a way out. The solar eclipse from before hadn’t lasted even a moment, yet it had shattered their courage. In conflicts between people, there might still be a chance of victory or defeat, but when you contend with the heavens? They weren’t seeking forgiveness; simply not incurring divine wrath was the best outcome.
Yiyan didn’t pay attention to these surrendering soldiers; he rode into the city. Wang Long must have sent soldiers to climb the walls before opening the city gates from within. In previous hard-fought battles like this, they would have suffered hundreds, if not thousands, of casualties. But today, there were only a few enemy corpses lying on the roadside.
With their morale shattered, who could still defend the city?
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The battle on the main front had also ended. Ge Hong personally came out to greet him, “Colonel Yi, did you repel the reinforcements?”
“Two thousand infantry, just the vanguard,” Yiyan’s gaze swept over the man. He saw that Ge Hong’s body was stained with blood, indicating that he had personally taken part in the battle. They had quickly captured the city, a testament to the trust their lord had in them.
“Will the rear forces still arrive?” Ge Hong didn’t ask how Yiyan had won the battle; he knew more about the general’s abilities than others. At this point, the most crucial issue was the defense of Yangyi City.
“The assault on the city should be temporarily halted,” Ye Yan replied.
He hadn’t pursued the fleeing enemy troops, aiming to spread the news of today’s battle. After hearing about the solar eclipse and thunderfall, how many generals would dare to lead their troops immediately to attack Yangyi?
Ge Hong couldn’t help but relax, “That’s for the best. There are still over a thousand surrendered soldiers in the city, and there are a dozen fires to control. After dealing with that, we must guard the city gates. Please report back to our lord.”
The combat mission had been completed, and now they needed to defend the city. To avoid being trapped inside by the enemy, Yiyan immediately ordered his men to return to Shangdang.
After looking at the orderly fire-fighting efforts and the reorganization of the troops in the city, Yiyan nodded slightly and walked with Ge Hong toward the direction of the government office.
※
In the grand hall, Liu Yuan felt a bit dizzy.
The New Year’s Day had just begun, and a solar eclipse occurred. Normally, the imperial court should have a Chief Astronomer to oversee celestial observations, but the Han Dynasty was newly founded and couldn’t easily find such high-level talents. In the second year of the country’s establishment, they encountered a solar eclipse, which was definitely not a good omen. Fortunately, the court officials were sensible; they provided various interpretations, alluding to the decline of Jin, and managed to lift the atmosphere to some extent.
But today, a report from the frontlines came in. Yangyi had been retaken by Jin forces. The capture of the city happened during an eclipse, accompanied by a phenomenon of thunder falling from the sky.
This news felt like a slap in the face to Liu Yuan. A solar eclipse, where darkness encroached upon the light, symbolized a minister concealing the ruler and was seen as an omen of a country’s downfall. The question was which country was destined to fall, Jin or his own, Han?
“How many people witnessed the thunderfall?” It took a while for Liu Yuan to open his mouth and ask.
The messenger dared not conceal the truth and hurriedly replied, “Around three hundred surviving soldiers who returned from Yangyi and over a thousand men from Liu Wei’s detachment that went to assist, all saw it with their own eyes. The thunder was so loud it could be heard for miles.”
With such a scale of witnesses, there was no way to hide it. Why did Lu City experience thunder, and now Yangyi as well? Was Heaven favoring Liang Zixi to such an extent?
To launch another assault on Shangdang? To retake Yangyi? If the rumors of the eclipse and thunderfall persisted, how could his soldiers and generals dare to challenge this child of Buddha? Moreover, with such an event, would Han face some divine retribution, a sign of a falling nation?
Seeing his master’s troubled expression, Wang Yu, the courtier, took a step forward and advised, “Your Majesty, raising an army is aimed at contending for the world. Now, we are confined to a corner in Lishi, and your power has not yet been established. Why not take this opportunity to send commanders in all directions, secure Hedong, and launch a southern offensive? First, conquer Chang’an, then use the strength of Guanzhong to sweep through Luoyang. This way, a great foundation can be established!”
The meaning of this proposal was crystal clear. Attacking Shangdang was no longer in line with the national interest. Instead of butting heads with that monk in Shangdang, it would be wiser to change course. Attack Hedong first, and then proceed to the South from the direction of Si County. As long as they could take the South, establish their foundation, formally declare the imperial title, and then advance from Guanzhong towards Luoyang, it would be a straightforward path.
The suggestion was well-received, and it relieved Liu Yuan’s expression. However, he was a cautious man, so he pondered for a moment before saying, “Now that the young Sima is stationed near Chang’an, if our army moves south, will it provoke the kings of Hejian and Donghai to unite against us?”
The more intense the internal strife in Jin, the more it suited Liu Yuan’s interests. If they attacked Hebei and made these two kings suspicious of each other, it might turn hostilities into friendship, which would be undesirable.
Liu Yin, the courtier, also stepped forward and said, “Your Majesty, there’s no need to worry. The Sima family’s members are shallow-minded, and their accumulated grievances run deep. They may not easily form an alliance. Besides, it’s bitterly cold right now, and it’s not suitable for battle. Let the two factions settle their differences, and then our southern offensive won’t be delayed.”
This was a very prudent idea. When two parties were engaged in a struggle, a third party could reap the benefits. The two kings of Sima had already fought for a year, and sooner or later, they would determine a winner. If Chang’an were to be captured, and they later fought over it, the situation would be much simpler.
Liu Yuan exhaled the pent-up frustration within him and nodded, “This aligns with my intentions.”
Since it was difficult to conquer formidable enemies, they would start with Hedong. There was also Yanchi in Hedong, and if they could capture it, it would be even better.
As for Shangdang… Liu Yuan chuckled coldly. Going into battle and encountering an eclipse, was that minister shielding the Emperor of Han or the Emperor of Jin?
“Camp Commander, a unit of Han soldiers is heading towards Yangyi, only about five or six miles away. Should we intercept them?” Wang Long rode up to report.
Cavalry was different from foot soldiers; they didn’t need to hold a strict formation at the city gate. The most crucial task for the cavalry led by Yiyan was to intercept the enemy outside. No one knew the speed of the Han army’s response, but if the enemy were truly approaching, the more mobile cavalry could buy some time for the main force.
However, Yiyan did not order an attack. “Send scouts and keep us informed of the enemy’s movements at all times.”
Now was not the time to face the enemy. After the stone bombardment, the use of fire projectiles had thrown the city into chaos, shaking the morale of the defenders. Although he wasn’t very familiar with Ge Hong, Yiyan had to admit that this young man was also a capable commander. The rhythm of the bombardment with the Thunderbolt Cannons wouldn’t be improved even if Sun Jiao, the current commander of the Thunderbolt Battalion, were in charge.
However, these details were not his main concern.
“The enemy has advanced two more miles.”
“A total of 2,000 enemy soldiers, all foot soldiers. They seem to be setting up camp, waiting for reinforcements.”
“The enemy has sent scouts to assess our defenses.”
These reports reached Yiyan’s ears one by one. It seemed that this reinforcing army was acting cautiously, and a large army was ready to arrive in the rear. If they allowed them to set up camp, block their retreat, and attack Yangyi, they would be in a perilous situation.
Yiyan remained motionless, and Wang Long couldn’t help but become anxious. “Camp Commander, are you really not considering a charge?”
“Not yet,” Yiyan replied coldly.
‘Not yet? Then when?’ Wang Long was about to ask when his restive warhorse began to act up. They were all riding Xiongnu warhorses, raised from a young age in the camp. Even in the face of close combat and bladed weapons, they wouldn’t shy away. How could they suddenly become unruly now? The next moment, Wang Long realized the sky had changed.
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He raised his head, looking at the sky. How many life-and-death battles had these tough men faced without retreating, and yet they were now trembling.
A solar eclipse is happening!
Wang Long had witnessed solar eclipses before. In recent years, there have been several signs of changing weather. Whenever such phenomena occurred, chaos would ensue in the world. After the eclipses in Yongkang and Yongning a few years ago, a severe drought and pest infestation followed, causing his family to fall into ruin, and forcing them to flee in search of refuge.
Now, why was there another solar eclipse? And at this critical moment!
In his panic, Wang Long looked towards their commanding general, contemplating advising a ceasefire. However, he noticed the faint, chilling smile on the general’s lips. It was a smile so mild and yet so sharp that it sent shivers down his spine.
“It’s here,” Yiyan whispered.
Contrary to his expectations, upon seeing the celestial phenomenon in the sky, Yiyan didn’t feel fear but rather excitement and a strong battle spirit. This time, the lord’s arrangement had not been mistaken. No, it was a time when even the heavens seemed to be supporting the lord’s cause! Throughout history, who had ever used such celestial might to overcome formidable enemies? Even Emperor Guangwu might not have been able to do so!
Wang Long, having risen to the position of commander of the Cavalry Regiment, was certainly no fool. He immediately grasped the situation—it was what Yiyan had been waiting for. He knew there would be a solar eclipse, and he still dispatched troops? No, it should be said that the lord clearly understood that such an anomaly would occur today!
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His mind was in chaos. Wang Long had not yet figured out the situation when a deafening roar came from the distance, as if thunder had struck the walls of Yangyi City!
Now, not only Wang Long’s horse but all the thousand warhorses in the camp began to neigh. Fortunately, the cavalry regiment was well-trained, and the riders managed to stay on their steeds despite the panic of the horses.
Yiyan tightened the reins and controlled his own mount, shouting loudly, “Fireballs turn into thunder, just like the night in Lu City! This is divine intervention, assisting our lord!”
Lu City! The mention of this place immediately calmed the unsettled hearts. Many in the cavalry had also participated in the night raid on Lu City, and the falling stars and thunder on that night were incredibly awe-inspiring, driving the three thousand Xiongnu elite riders to flee in defeat. Today, the thunder sounded again! It was even more significant than that day’s commotion, and there was a solar eclipse aiding them! Besides the lord, who else could be so favored by the heavens?!
While the horses continued to neigh, the people had already settled their minds. Like their commander, they were ignited with a fierce battle spirit!
“Wang Long, take two hundred men and attack the city! The rest of you, follow me to face the enemy!” Yiyan gave his orders without hesitation.
Under the sound of his command, the second peal of thunder echoed, much like the resounding drums and horns of war reaching the heavens.
Wang Long’s face turned crimson, his arms trembling as he shouted, “Yes, sir!”
His excitement was mixed with sheer joy. No wonder the lord ordered them to fight today! No wonder the camp commander remained so composed! With the aid of such divine intervention, how could they not succeed?!
Under the combined assault of the solar eclipse and the thundering shells, no one could maintain their morale. Without even glancing at the city, Yiyan turned his horse and galloped forward. Eight hundred elite riders closely followed him as they charged toward the nearby Han army camp!
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AD
※
How could there be a solar eclipse? In the camp of the reinforcements, the commanding general was also at a loss. Encountering an ill omen like a solar eclipse was one thing, but following it, a thunderous explosion sounded from the city walls in the distance, as if a divine thunderbolt had struck the city. Who had ever heard of a solar eclipse causing thunder?!
Could it be that the divine fury descended upon them because they raised troops during New Year’s Day? But the incoming forces are clearly Jin’s army, so why did the thunder strike Yangyi City?
His mind was in utter chaos, and his attendants below weren’t any more composed. They repeatedly asked if they should retreat or sound the gong and drive away the celestial dog. Before he could make a decision, thunder resounded again.
This thunder was not like the previous loud crash; it was a continuous rumbling thunder, the kind of sound that only came from thousands of hooves pounding simultaneously. The enemy was attacking! When he finally reacted, a unit of cavalry had already charged out! Forming a battle formation to meet the enemy? It was too late!
Arrows and crossbows were drawn, and these eight hundred cavalrymen, like the most elite Xiongnu iron riders, rode and shot their bows. Arrows flew like locusts, heading for the camp! Behind these harbingers of death was the still-unresolved celestial anomaly. The twilight was hazy, the setting sun tinged with blood, as if malevolent spirits and demons had charged out from the sky, from the sun itself!
Two lines of defense were instantly torn to shreds. Next, it was the main camp. Like the still-raging tremendous roar, the iron riders surged straight in, tearing apart these two thousand troops. There was no thought of resistance; the soldiers scattered and fled like a flock of sheep harassed by wolves, not daring to stand their ground!
Long swords swung down, and another severed head soared into the air. The distant thunder faded away, and the shadow that had covered the sun retreated, leaving nothing behind.
Yiyan pulled on the reins, raising the blade, and dark-red blood splattered on the ground. In front of him, there was no longer a single enemy capable of standing. Two thousand reinforcements, some dead, some fled, but none remained to threaten the main army attacking the city.
“No need to chase any further, all return to the city!” Yiyan sheathed his sword and calmly issued the order.
Facing such a sudden anomaly, the Xiongnu should find it difficult to immediately organize their forces to launch another attack on the city. The most critical task now was to defend Yangyi and withdraw any excess troops back to Shangdang.
Could Ge Hong and Wang Long capture the city? This question did not even enter Yiyan’s mind.
When Yiyan’s unit returned to Yangyi, the south gate was wide open. Occasionally, there were panicking soldiers fleeing. Seeing another group of blood-covered men and horses arrive, these fleeing soldiers knelt down trembling, hoping for a way out. The solar eclipse from before hadn’t lasted even a moment, yet it had shattered their courage. In conflicts between people, there might still be a chance of victory or defeat, but when you contend with the heavens? They weren’t seeking forgiveness; simply not incurring divine wrath was the best outcome.
Yiyan didn’t pay attention to these surrendering soldiers; he rode into the city. Wang Long must have sent soldiers to climb the walls before opening the city gates from within. In previous hard-fought battles like this, they would have suffered hundreds, if not thousands, of casualties. But today, there were only a few enemy corpses lying on the roadside.
With their morale shattered, who could still defend the city?
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The battle on the main front had also ended. Ge Hong personally came out to greet him, “Colonel Yi, did you repel the reinforcements?”
“Two thousand infantry, just the vanguard,” Yiyan’s gaze swept over the man. He saw that Ge Hong’s body was stained with blood, indicating that he had personally taken part in the battle. They had quickly captured the city, a testament to the trust their lord had in them.
“Will the rear forces still arrive?” Ge Hong didn’t ask how Yiyan had won the battle; he knew more about the general’s abilities than others. At this point, the most crucial issue was the defense of Yangyi City.
“The assault on the city should be temporarily halted,” Ye Yan replied.
He hadn’t pursued the fleeing enemy troops, aiming to spread the news of today’s battle. After hearing about the solar eclipse and thunderfall, how many generals would dare to lead their troops immediately to attack Yangyi?
Ge Hong couldn’t help but relax, “That’s for the best. There are still over a thousand surrendered soldiers in the city, and there are a dozen fires to control. After dealing with that, we must guard the city gates. Please report back to our lord.”
The combat mission had been completed, and now they needed to defend the city. To avoid being trapped inside by the enemy, Yiyan immediately ordered his men to return to Shangdang.
After looking at the orderly fire-fighting efforts and the reorganization of the troops in the city, Yiyan nodded slightly and walked with Ge Hong toward the direction of the government office.
※
In the grand hall, Liu Yuan felt a bit dizzy.
The New Year’s Day had just begun, and a solar eclipse occurred. Normally, the imperial court should have a Chief Astronomer to oversee celestial observations, but the Han Dynasty was newly founded and couldn’t easily find such high-level talents. In the second year of the country’s establishment, they encountered a solar eclipse, which was definitely not a good omen. Fortunately, the court officials were sensible; they provided various interpretations, alluding to the decline of Jin, and managed to lift the atmosphere to some extent.
But today, a report from the frontlines came in. Yangyi had been retaken by Jin forces. The capture of the city happened during an eclipse, accompanied by a phenomenon of thunder falling from the sky.
This news felt like a slap in the face to Liu Yuan. A solar eclipse, where darkness encroached upon the light, symbolized a minister concealing the ruler and was seen as an omen of a country’s downfall. The question was which country was destined to fall, Jin or his own, Han?
“How many people witnessed the thunderfall?” It took a while for Liu Yuan to open his mouth and ask.
The messenger dared not conceal the truth and hurriedly replied, “Around three hundred surviving soldiers who returned from Yangyi and over a thousand men from Liu Wei’s detachment that went to assist, all saw it with their own eyes. The thunder was so loud it could be heard for miles.”
With such a scale of witnesses, there was no way to hide it. Why did Lu City experience thunder, and now Yangyi as well? Was Heaven favoring Liang Zixi to such an extent?
To launch another assault on Shangdang? To retake Yangyi? If the rumors of the eclipse and thunderfall persisted, how could his soldiers and generals dare to challenge this child of Buddha? Moreover, with such an event, would Han face some divine retribution, a sign of a falling nation?
Seeing his master’s troubled expression, Wang Yu, the courtier, took a step forward and advised, “Your Majesty, raising an army is aimed at contending for the world. Now, we are confined to a corner in Lishi, and your power has not yet been established. Why not take this opportunity to send commanders in all directions, secure Hedong, and launch a southern offensive? First, conquer Chang’an, then use the strength of Guanzhong to sweep through Luoyang. This way, a great foundation can be established!”
The meaning of this proposal was crystal clear. Attacking Shangdang was no longer in line with the national interest. Instead of butting heads with that monk in Shangdang, it would be wiser to change course. Attack Hedong first, and then proceed to the South from the direction of Si County. As long as they could take the South, establish their foundation, formally declare the imperial title, and then advance from Guanzhong towards Luoyang, it would be a straightforward path.
The suggestion was well-received, and it relieved Liu Yuan’s expression. However, he was a cautious man, so he pondered for a moment before saying, “Now that the young Sima is stationed near Chang’an, if our army moves south, will it provoke the kings of Hejian and Donghai to unite against us?”
The more intense the internal strife in Jin, the more it suited Liu Yuan’s interests. If they attacked Hebei and made these two kings suspicious of each other, it might turn hostilities into friendship, which would be undesirable.
Liu Yin, the courtier, also stepped forward and said, “Your Majesty, there’s no need to worry. The Sima family’s members are shallow-minded, and their accumulated grievances run deep. They may not easily form an alliance. Besides, it’s bitterly cold right now, and it’s not suitable for battle. Let the two factions settle their differences, and then our southern offensive won’t be delayed.”
This was a very prudent idea. When two parties were engaged in a struggle, a third party could reap the benefits. The two kings of Sima had already fought for a year, and sooner or later, they would determine a winner. If Chang’an were to be captured, and they later fought over it, the situation would be much simpler.
Liu Yuan exhaled the pent-up frustration within him and nodded, “This aligns with my intentions.”
Since it was difficult to conquer formidable enemies, they would start with Hedong. There was also Yanchi in Hedong, and if they could capture it, it would be even better.
As for Shangdang… Liu Yuan chuckled coldly. Going into battle and encountering an eclipse, was that minister shielding the Emperor of Han or the Emperor of Jin?
