With cavalry protection, the return journey of the army was much faster than when they set out. When they saw the familiar towering walls of Jinyang, many felt a sense of nostalgia mixed with the awareness of how things had changed. The battle had been inexplicable, almost leading to a collapse of the troops, but the outcome turned out to be unexpected. Not only did they reclaim the three cities of Jingling, but they also forced Liu Hu, who had been occupying the newly emerging county, to die under the city.
However, none of this was their merit. If the military forces were commanded by Governor Liang, could they, too, have achieved the same glory, instead of sneaking back to Jinyang with their tails between their legs?
In front of the wide-open city gates, the governor’s ceremonial guards were arranged. With the absence of the commander, General Linghu Sheng naturally rushed forward on his horse. To his surprise, as he got closer, he realized that this was not a simple welcoming ceremony. Governor Liang, dressed in plain clothes, had a solemn expression. His already pale face appeared even more serious.
“I have failed to protect the commander, and I ask the Lord to punish me!” Linghu Sheng, being a man of the court, understood the implications of this situation. He immediately dismounted and knelt on the ground, confessing his fault.
No matter how you looked at it, this battle had resulted in the death of the commanding officer, and not just any officer but the brother-in-law of Sima Yue. If an imperial decree were to come down, it might decide the fate of these military officers. While soldiers might die in any battle, the loss of a commander, especially one with such importance, required careful consideration. The governor in front of them seemed to be thinking along those lines.
Liang Feng sighed deeply, supporting the old general’s arms. “Commander Pei abandoning the banner and fleeing was fortunate for General Fenwei. He saved these over ten thousand troops, instilling fear in the hearts of Liu Hu and the others. In the Battle of Lishi, General Fenwei not only has no fault but has achieved merit.”
This was the judgment of the Governor’s residence. If this had happened a few years earlier, losing a commander would have resulted in the dismissal of all military officers, and even the exile of soldiers would not have been surprising. But nowadays, who would dare to do so? The situation in Bing County was already chaotic, with the constant threat from the Xiongnu. As long as the Governor’s residence insisted that this defeat was not the fault of other generals, who would dare to hold them accountable?
As for the cause of Pei Dun’s death, the governor had no intention of concealing it. In the end, the chaos in Bing County was primarily due to Pei Dun’s recklessness, and he paid the price for it. Even if Sima Yue were to say or do anything, what difference would it make? Ultimately, it was a reflection of the court’s failure to appoint capable leaders.
This approach seemed straightforward but was indeed well-intentioned. It was, in essence, the governor taking on the court’s anger toward the generals in Bing County. If Pei Dun had been in charge of the military, even if Linghu Sheng managed to bring the troops back, the blame would likely have fallen on the military officers. In comparison, having a leader with both competence and moral character was a rare and invaluable choice.
Rising to his feet, Linghu Sheng spoke in a deep voice, “Without the governor’s decisive actions to defeat Liu Hu and lift the siege of Jinyang, Bing County would likely have fallen into the hands of the enemy by now. I am ashamed that I cannot share the burden with the governor!”
This was a genuine expression of loyalty. Liang Feng gently patted his arm and said, “Why speak like this, General Linghu? Jinyang has just repelled the enemy, and your services will be needed. This city and province will also require the careful attention of General Linghu.”
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In just a few sentences, the subordinate relationship was firmly established. All the military officers in Bing County would now fall under the jurisdiction of the Governor’s residence. However, within the walls of Jinyang, there would likely be no dissenting voices against this outcome.
Due to Pei Dun’s death, there was no grand celebration of this victory. After pacifying the returning army, Liang Feng ordered a lavish funeral for the fallen soldiers, rewarded the heroes who defended the city, and commanded Huai’en Temple to hold a grand ritual to purify and pacify the spirits, further stabilizing the people’s hearts.
With so much on his plate, it was almost impossible for Liang Feng to take a break. Even if Duan Qin and Ge Hong intended for him to rest, Liang Feng couldn’t find the time to relax. There seemed to be something unbearable in his chest, and without doing something, he felt breathless.
“Summon General Yì.” Liang Feng rubbed his forehead and unfolded the map on his desk.
Liu Hu was already dead, and now they should send troops to the Xinxing commandery, trying to incorporate that region into their territory. Also, it was time to appoint a new chancellor for Yue State; Wen Qiao could be moved up in rank and promoted to prime minister. This way, out of the six commanderies and states in Bing County, he would have reclaimed four. Yanmen Commandery was the territory of their ally Tuoba Xianbei, leaving only Xihe County, which was occupied by the Xiongnu.
These days, he was busy, and Yiyan was not idle either. Not only did he have to reorganize the Liang family’s troops, which suffered losses in the fierce battle, but he also had to establish good relations with the Bing County military leaders, led by Linghu Sheng. These private soldiers of the Liang family, and even the formal contact between the forces in Shangdang and Jinyang, were crucial moments that could not be neglected.
However, if they were to send troops to Xinxing Commandery, Yiyan could not be left out. Naturally, Liang Feng had to summon him to discuss the matter in detail.
However, the wait for Yiyan was longer than expected. As Liang Feng observed the intricate lines on the map, his head gradually tilted, resting on his elbow. Exhaustion seemed to grip him like an invisible hand, dragging him into the abyss of slumber.
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This doze, however, was far from peaceful.
Liang Feng found himself sitting in a study. The walls were bare, dim, and cold, and behind a low desk sat an old man emitting an aura of decay and aging. It was Cui Da. Liang Feng was somewhat stunned. When did Cui Da come to Jinyang?
At this moment, the old man spoke, “Internal turmoil left unattended, external threats unresolved. You quelled the internal turmoil, executed Pei Dun, and slaughtered Liu Hu, using only four thousand lives in exchange for peace in Bing County. Isn’t that cost-effective?”
Liang Feng’s throat seemed to be blocked. Just four thousand? Four thousand corpses, enough to form a wall-like mound, enough to fill a vast and deep gorge. Just four thousand?
“Well, what else? What else can be done?” Another voice echoed in his ears. Liang Feng’s figure trembled, and he abruptly turned his head. It was another old man, someone who shouldn’t have appeared in front of him long ago.
“If it weren’t for Wang Ming’s dogmatic military errors, how could the Central Red Army suffer such a miserable defeat in the five encirclement campaigns, going from one hundred thousand to thirty thousand? Without the New Three People’s Regiment seizing power, where would the ultimate victory come from?!” The old man snorted, “Military and politics are not as simple as you think. Success in battle is everything, and anything else is a burden! Liang Feng, you are just too soft-hearted. How can you lead troops in the future?”
“It’s not the same…” Liang Feng muttered, trying to explain something. However, something grabbed his ankle.
Liang Feng lowered his head, and the floor beneath his feet had turned into a pool of blood at some point. Thick blood plasma rolled with a nauseating smell, countless mutilated bodies twisted together. Those corpses hadn’t fallen into eternal sleep. Instead, they were all screaming, struggling. Countless hands were raised high, covered in rotten flesh, revealing white bones, like grasping at a lifeline, seizing Liang Feng’s legs, tearing, trying to drag him into that putrid abyss.
“Save us… who will save us…”
With a buzzing sound, a long arrow pierced through the young and strong person blocking his way. The still-warm blood splattered all over his face. Liang Feng murmured, opening his mouth, “I can’t save you…”
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“Kill! Kill for me!”
Roaring echoed in his ears. Slitting throats, piercing intestines, breaking limbs, and burning fireballs with a strong stench of scorching. He stood in the center of a battlefield, watching the crowd of people who continuously marched to their deaths under his command. He couldn’t even lift a finger.
He couldn’t save so many people. He could sacrifice for his comrades, and sacrifice to protect the citizens. But could he save more people? Save the people of the world…
“Lord!”
His arm tightened, and Liang Feng suddenly woke up from the dream. In front of him was an anxious face, with grey-blue eyes shimmering with concern and worry. The hand gripping his arm was so tight, as if unwilling to let go for even a moment.
Liang Feng opened his mouth and squeezed out a sentence, “I accidentally fell asleep…”
“You had a nightmare!” Yiyan’s voice carried anxiety, “Lord, this trouble was caused by Pei Dun, not you. Please don’t blame yourself!”
Liang Feng was stunned. Did he just talk in his sleep? Did he show any signs of unease? Even the sharp-witted Duan Qin and Sun Li, who had now relaxed, secretly rejoiced that he was in charge of the military and political affairs in Bing County. Figures like Linghu Sheng and Ge Hong, who personally participated in the battle, were more filled with admiration and awe, sincerely submitting to him. Why would Yiyan say this?
However, the hand gripping his wrist tightened even more. As if unsure how to persuade him, Yiyan hurriedly said, “Lord has tried everything to save more people. No one else can be as devoted as the Lord, treating human lives as a paramount matter. If the Lord blames himself for this, how can he govern this province? I will bear the consequences of those killings and reprisals on behalf of the Lord!”
Liang Feng didn’t need others to help him bear that heavy burden; his self-esteem and sense of responsibility allowed no excuses. However, his hand trembled slightly. It seemed as if the person in front of him had taken the burden off his shoulders, thoroughly relieving him from head to toe. The grip on his wrist was so strong, it felt like it could meld him into bone and blood.
Something warm seemed to well up in his eyes, faintly rolling. Yet, Liang Feng held it back, not allowing those emotions to surface. Taking a deep breath, he straightened his body, “Boyuan, don’t worry, I understand.”
Yes, he had always understood. It was just, as the old man said, he lacked the broad-mindedness of someone involved in both military and politics. However, the current situation has pushed him into this position. To indulge further would be an injustice to those sacrifices that had been made.
With a gentle pull, he withdrew his arm, “Liu Hu is already deceased, and the Bai Xianbei has also suffered losses. We need to reconsider the situation in Xinxing Commandery…”
The slender wrist broke free from his palm with a gentle struggle, but Yiyan did not show the usual disappointment. He could sense the Lord’s expression, the heart-wrenching sorrow and conflict that had slowly dissipated. The person in front of him returned to the calm and composed demeanor of the past. The suspended heart fell to the ground like a feather. Yiyan clenched his fist, holding that rugged feeling in the palm of his hand.
Gathering his thoughts, Yiyan sat quietly on the other side of the desk, attentively listening to the instructions that followed.
With cavalry protection, the return journey of the army was much faster than when they set out. When they saw the familiar towering walls of Jinyang, many felt a sense of nostalgia mixed with the awareness of how things had changed. The battle had been inexplicable, almost leading to a collapse of the troops, but the outcome turned out to be unexpected. Not only did they reclaim the three cities of Jingling, but they also forced Liu Hu, who had been occupying the newly emerging county, to die under the city.
However, none of this was their merit. If the military forces were commanded by Governor Liang, could they, too, have achieved the same glory, instead of sneaking back to Jinyang with their tails between their legs?
In front of the wide-open city gates, the governor’s ceremonial guards were arranged. With the absence of the commander, General Linghu Sheng naturally rushed forward on his horse. To his surprise, as he got closer, he realized that this was not a simple welcoming ceremony. Governor Liang, dressed in plain clothes, had a solemn expression. His already pale face appeared even more serious.
“I have failed to protect the commander, and I ask the Lord to punish me!” Linghu Sheng, being a man of the court, understood the implications of this situation. He immediately dismounted and knelt on the ground, confessing his fault.
No matter how you looked at it, this battle had resulted in the death of the commanding officer, and not just any officer but the brother-in-law of Sima Yue. If an imperial decree were to come down, it might decide the fate of these military officers. While soldiers might die in any battle, the loss of a commander, especially one with such importance, required careful consideration. The governor in front of them seemed to be thinking along those lines.
Liang Feng sighed deeply, supporting the old general’s arms. “Commander Pei abandoning the banner and fleeing was fortunate for General Fenwei. He saved these over ten thousand troops, instilling fear in the hearts of Liu Hu and the others. In the Battle of Lishi, General Fenwei not only has no fault but has achieved merit.”
This was the judgment of the Governor’s residence. If this had happened a few years earlier, losing a commander would have resulted in the dismissal of all military officers, and even the exile of soldiers would not have been surprising. But nowadays, who would dare to do so? The situation in Bing County was already chaotic, with the constant threat from the Xiongnu. As long as the Governor’s residence insisted that this defeat was not the fault of other generals, who would dare to hold them accountable?
As for the cause of Pei Dun’s death, the governor had no intention of concealing it. In the end, the chaos in Bing County was primarily due to Pei Dun’s recklessness, and he paid the price for it. Even if Sima Yue were to say or do anything, what difference would it make? Ultimately, it was a reflection of the court’s failure to appoint capable leaders.
This approach seemed straightforward but was indeed well-intentioned. It was, in essence, the governor taking on the court’s anger toward the generals in Bing County. If Pei Dun had been in charge of the military, even if Linghu Sheng managed to bring the troops back, the blame would likely have fallen on the military officers. In comparison, having a leader with both competence and moral character was a rare and invaluable choice.
Rising to his feet, Linghu Sheng spoke in a deep voice, “Without the governor’s decisive actions to defeat Liu Hu and lift the siege of Jinyang, Bing County would likely have fallen into the hands of the enemy by now. I am ashamed that I cannot share the burden with the governor!”
This was a genuine expression of loyalty. Liang Feng gently patted his arm and said, “Why speak like this, General Linghu? Jinyang has just repelled the enemy, and your services will be needed. This city and province will also require the careful attention of General Linghu.”
Advertisement
In just a few sentences, the subordinate relationship was firmly established. All the military officers in Bing County would now fall under the jurisdiction of the Governor’s residence. However, within the walls of Jinyang, there would likely be no dissenting voices against this outcome.
Due to Pei Dun’s death, there was no grand celebration of this victory. After pacifying the returning army, Liang Feng ordered a lavish funeral for the fallen soldiers, rewarded the heroes who defended the city, and commanded Huai’en Temple to hold a grand ritual to purify and pacify the spirits, further stabilizing the people’s hearts.
With so much on his plate, it was almost impossible for Liang Feng to take a break. Even if Duan Qin and Ge Hong intended for him to rest, Liang Feng couldn’t find the time to relax. There seemed to be something unbearable in his chest, and without doing something, he felt breathless.
“Summon General Yì.” Liang Feng rubbed his forehead and unfolded the map on his desk.
Liu Hu was already dead, and now they should send troops to the Xinxing commandery, trying to incorporate that region into their territory. Also, it was time to appoint a new chancellor for Yue State; Wen Qiao could be moved up in rank and promoted to prime minister. This way, out of the six commanderies and states in Bing County, he would have reclaimed four. Yanmen Commandery was the territory of their ally Tuoba Xianbei, leaving only Xihe County, which was occupied by the Xiongnu.
These days, he was busy, and Yiyan was not idle either. Not only did he have to reorganize the Liang family’s troops, which suffered losses in the fierce battle, but he also had to establish good relations with the Bing County military leaders, led by Linghu Sheng. These private soldiers of the Liang family, and even the formal contact between the forces in Shangdang and Jinyang, were crucial moments that could not be neglected.
However, if they were to send troops to Xinxing Commandery, Yiyan could not be left out. Naturally, Liang Feng had to summon him to discuss the matter in detail.
However, the wait for Yiyan was longer than expected. As Liang Feng observed the intricate lines on the map, his head gradually tilted, resting on his elbow. Exhaustion seemed to grip him like an invisible hand, dragging him into the abyss of slumber.
Advertisement
This doze, however, was far from peaceful.
Liang Feng found himself sitting in a study. The walls were bare, dim, and cold, and behind a low desk sat an old man emitting an aura of decay and aging. It was Cui Da. Liang Feng was somewhat stunned. When did Cui Da come to Jinyang?
At this moment, the old man spoke, “Internal turmoil left unattended, external threats unresolved. You quelled the internal turmoil, executed Pei Dun, and slaughtered Liu Hu, using only four thousand lives in exchange for peace in Bing County. Isn’t that cost-effective?”
Liang Feng’s throat seemed to be blocked. Just four thousand? Four thousand corpses, enough to form a wall-like mound, enough to fill a vast and deep gorge. Just four thousand?
“Well, what else? What else can be done?” Another voice echoed in his ears. Liang Feng’s figure trembled, and he abruptly turned his head. It was another old man, someone who shouldn’t have appeared in front of him long ago.
“If it weren’t for Wang Ming’s dogmatic military errors, how could the Central Red Army suffer such a miserable defeat in the five encirclement campaigns, going from one hundred thousand to thirty thousand? Without the New Three People’s Regiment seizing power, where would the ultimate victory come from?!” The old man snorted, “Military and politics are not as simple as you think. Success in battle is everything, and anything else is a burden! Liang Feng, you are just too soft-hearted. How can you lead troops in the future?”
“It’s not the same…” Liang Feng muttered, trying to explain something. However, something grabbed his ankle.
Liang Feng lowered his head, and the floor beneath his feet had turned into a pool of blood at some point. Thick blood plasma rolled with a nauseating smell, countless mutilated bodies twisted together. Those corpses hadn’t fallen into eternal sleep. Instead, they were all screaming, struggling. Countless hands were raised high, covered in rotten flesh, revealing white bones, like grasping at a lifeline, seizing Liang Feng’s legs, tearing, trying to drag him into that putrid abyss.
“Save us… who will save us…”
With a buzzing sound, a long arrow pierced through the young and strong person blocking his way. The still-warm blood splattered all over his face. Liang Feng murmured, opening his mouth, “I can’t save you…”
Advertisement
“Kill! Kill for me!”
Roaring echoed in his ears. Slitting throats, piercing intestines, breaking limbs, and burning fireballs with a strong stench of scorching. He stood in the center of a battlefield, watching the crowd of people who continuously marched to their deaths under his command. He couldn’t even lift a finger.
He couldn’t save so many people. He could sacrifice for his comrades, and sacrifice to protect the citizens. But could he save more people? Save the people of the world…
“Lord!”
His arm tightened, and Liang Feng suddenly woke up from the dream. In front of him was an anxious face, with grey-blue eyes shimmering with concern and worry. The hand gripping his arm was so tight, as if unwilling to let go for even a moment.
Liang Feng opened his mouth and squeezed out a sentence, “I accidentally fell asleep…”
“You had a nightmare!” Yiyan’s voice carried anxiety, “Lord, this trouble was caused by Pei Dun, not you. Please don’t blame yourself!”
Liang Feng was stunned. Did he just talk in his sleep? Did he show any signs of unease? Even the sharp-witted Duan Qin and Sun Li, who had now relaxed, secretly rejoiced that he was in charge of the military and political affairs in Bing County. Figures like Linghu Sheng and Ge Hong, who personally participated in the battle, were more filled with admiration and awe, sincerely submitting to him. Why would Yiyan say this?
However, the hand gripping his wrist tightened even more. As if unsure how to persuade him, Yiyan hurriedly said, “Lord has tried everything to save more people. No one else can be as devoted as the Lord, treating human lives as a paramount matter. If the Lord blames himself for this, how can he govern this province? I will bear the consequences of those killings and reprisals on behalf of the Lord!”
Liang Feng didn’t need others to help him bear that heavy burden; his self-esteem and sense of responsibility allowed no excuses. However, his hand trembled slightly. It seemed as if the person in front of him had taken the burden off his shoulders, thoroughly relieving him from head to toe. The grip on his wrist was so strong, it felt like it could meld him into bone and blood.
Something warm seemed to well up in his eyes, faintly rolling. Yet, Liang Feng held it back, not allowing those emotions to surface. Taking a deep breath, he straightened his body, “Boyuan, don’t worry, I understand.”
Yes, he had always understood. It was just, as the old man said, he lacked the broad-mindedness of someone involved in both military and politics. However, the current situation has pushed him into this position. To indulge further would be an injustice to those sacrifices that had been made.
With a gentle pull, he withdrew his arm, “Liu Hu is already deceased, and the Bai Xianbei has also suffered losses. We need to reconsider the situation in Xinxing Commandery…”
The slender wrist broke free from his palm with a gentle struggle, but Yiyan did not show the usual disappointment. He could sense the Lord’s expression, the heart-wrenching sorrow and conflict that had slowly dissipated. The person in front of him returned to the calm and composed demeanor of the past. The suspended heart fell to the ground like a feather. Yiyan clenched his fist, holding that rugged feeling in the palm of his hand.
Gathering his thoughts, Yiyan sat quietly on the other side of the desk, attentively listening to the instructions that followed.
