Sima Yue’s expedition had an imposing momentum. The majority of the elite forces stationed in Luoyang rushed to Jing County. It was urgent to exterminate the false emperor, and those courtiers remaining in the capital had no objections to aligning themselves with Sima Yue to survive. However, with the Xiongnu eyeing Luoyang, the city was in a precarious situation. Wang Yan sometimes wondered if Sima Yue intended to let the Xiongnu breach Luoyang, conveniently eliminating the exceptionally clever young emperor and installing a new ruler.
However, such thoughts were better kept to himself and not revealed outwardly. After Sima Yue’s expedition, Wang Yan was promoted to the position of Minister of Works and Commander-in-Chief of the various military forces, taking on the crucial task of defending Luoyang. Wang Yan wasn’t eager to bear this responsibility, but he couldn’t let the reins of power fall into someone else’s hands. If Sima Yue trusted him, he had to reluctantly give it a try.
Despite his words, Wang Yan’s usual demeanor remained unchanged. He continued with his late-night discussions and banquets. During court meetings, he would console the young emperor with a few words, offer guidance to the officials, and not involve himself in much else. With the establishment of a large camp in Hongnong and heavy troops guarding Henei, whether through Hangu Pass or crossing the Yellow River, it wasn’t easy for the enemy to advance. It was all about holding out for some time, waiting for the return of the expeditionary forces.
Wang Yan’s attitude more or less stabilized the situation in Luoyang. However, there was one person who didn’t seem as carefree.
“Any frontline reports today?” Emperor Sima Tan asked the eunuch by his side every morning.
If Sima Yue were present, he wouldn’t be so diligent. He would likely avoid suspicion to prevent angering Sima Yue. But now that Wang Yan was in charge, a cunning and affable figure, Emperor Sima Tan became curious and began probing.
The eunuch, a trusted confidant of the Emperor, was highly astute. He immediately replied, “It seems that the Ministry of Personnel has received a report from Bing County, stating that Shangdang is facing a shortage of food!”
Shangdang’s situation was closely linked to Luoyang’s safety and couldn’t afford any mishaps. The young emperor frowned, “Has the Minister of Works approved the provision of supplies?”
“Well…” the eunuch hesitated, “This servant doesn’t dare to pry into state affairs without permission…”
The implication of his words was clear – there was none. Aware of the complex relationship between Wang Yan and Sima Yue, the eunuch also knew that with the main elite forces gone with Sima Yue, any failure in Hongnong or Shangdang would endanger Luoyang. The noble families could escape, but the emperor might not be as fortunate. Didn’t Emperor Hui perish on his way back to the capital?
The more Sima Tan thought about it, the more uneasy he became. He secretly pinched his palm and finally made up his mind: “Order the Ministry of Personnel to submit the memorial. I want to see it.”
However puppet-like the emperor was, one couldn’t take such orders lightly. The Ministry of Personnel obediently handed over Liang Feng’s memorial. At the same time, this news reached Wang Yan’s ears. Was the young emperor trying to seize power while Prince Donghai was away? No matter how indifferent he was to political matters, Wang Yan couldn’t afford to be careless. He promptly entered the palace to meet the emperor.
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Wang Yan, now holding the position of one of the Three Excellencies, couldn’t be stopped by anyone. He quickly arrived in front of the emperor.
Observing the furrowed brow of the young man on the imperial couch, Wang Yan gracefully bowed and said, “I heard that Your Majesty is inquiring about the government affairs. Is there something you need?”
The inner palace had long been infiltrated by Sima Yue, so the young emperor hadn’t expected to conceal anything from Wang Yan. He sighed and said, “I heard that Governor Liang submitted a memorial, directly stating that Shangdang lacks provisions. I wonder, Minister Wang, have you allocated supplies?”
Wang Yan’s eyebrows moved slightly. He hadn’t anticipated the young emperor’s concern about this matter, but it was easily resolved. Adopting a patient demeanor, Wang Yan explained, “Your Majesty, you might not be aware, but before March, the court had just allocated a batch of military supplies to Bing County. Now, Luoyang’s existing provisions are insufficient, and we still need to support the large army in Jing County. Where would we find extra provisions?”
That provision was originally allocated to Sima Yue’s brother-in-law, Pei Dun! The result was an almost disastrous loss for Jinyang when the campaign didn’t go well. Did he even have the face to mention this matter?
However, such thoughts had to be suppressed. The young emperor dared not express them openly, and after a pause, he said, “That was a matter from before March. Now, Bing County has fought two battles, annihilated Liu Hu and the Bai Tribe Xianbei, and recaptured the counties of Xinxing and Yanmen. It undoubtedly consumed a tremendous amount. With the impending attack by the Xiongnu, we should allocate more provisions.”
This little fellow seemed to have taken a liking to Liang Zixi. Wang Yan inwardly sighed. Well, only Liang Zixi, appointed directly by the emperor, had met the young emperor. It was inevitable that he might develop some thoughts. However, Bing County was already in chaos, and Liang Zixi had no foundation. Even if the young emperor wanted to collude with external ministers, he shouldn’t have chosen him. Speaking of which, it was Wang Yan who suggested Liang Zixi for the position. If Sima Yue were to find out about this, it might lead to some complications. This was not a good situation!
Wearing a warm and cordial smile, Wang Yan said, “Your Majesty may not be fully aware of the current situation in Luoyang. All regions are engaged in military activities, not just Shangdang. Governor Liang’s abilities are outstanding, and with his governance, Shangdang may not be at a complete impasse. If every region were to request provisions from the court, how could the resources be sufficient?”
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The young emperor remained silent for a moment, then set aside the memorial in his hand, saying, “Minister of Work, you should be aware that Shangdang is a crucial gateway for Luoyang. If the Hu horses descend south from the Taihang Mountains, what will happen to Luoyang?”
Wang Yan’s heart skipped a beat, suddenly realizing that he had overlooked a critical issue. Although he stood on the same side as Sima Yue, putting considerable effort into the idea of “common governance of the world,” if Luoyang were to fall, what good would it do him to retain his high position?
Sima Yue had taken away too many troops!
Nearly half of the six armies had departed. Currently, there are probably less than five thousand troops left in Luoyang. If the Xiongnu breached Shangdang, it would indeed pose a severe threat to the capital. When he recommended Liang Zixi, it was precisely because this man was a capable military officer on the border, capable of resisting the southern advance of the barbarians. Now that he had been fighting for half a year, breaking the siege of Jinyang and even recapturing Xinxing and Yanmen counties one by one, it wasn’t surprising that he faced shortages in supplies. Additionally, the memorial mentioned seeking assistance from the Tuoba tribe, and it seemed they would also need provisions. Liang Zixi was not a reckless person; he would only appeal to the court if forced to.
Even for the sake of his own safety, providing provisions was the wiser choice.
In an instant, Wang Yan understood the gravity of the situation. He cupped his hands and said to the emperor, “Your Majesty’s concerns are valid, and I, as a minister, have overlooked them. I will immediately prepare twenty thousand units of grain and deliver them to Shangdang.”
Seeing that Wang Yan was swayed, the young emperor felt a sense of joy and asked, “Will twenty thousand units be sufficient?”
Smiling tolerantly at this matter not directly related to state affairs, Wang Yan responded, “It’s enough for the needs of ten thousand troops for two months.”
How many troops were in Shangdang, and whether the conflict could be resolved in two months—Wang Yan didn’t consider these factors. Squeezing out twenty thousand units from the already tense grain reserves was quite generous. Liang Zixi should be content. Of course, the young emperor in front of him should also be satisfied.
Recognizing the underlying meaning in the conversation, Sima Tan pursed his lips and nodded, saying, “While the Grand Tutor is away, I entrust Luoyang to the Minister of Work.”
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Wang Yan had heard this countless times and wouldn’t take it too seriously this time either. He politely bowed and said, “This is my duty, and I will do my utmost.”
Neither of them mentioned the matter of bestowing the title of Chanyu on the Tuoba tribe. Such matters were not worth considering; it was just a title. Besides, Sima Teng had bestowed such titles on the Tuoba tribe before. What difference would it make if there were one more?
Dealing with the emperor, Wang Yan secretly speculated. Allocating provisions to Bing County this time would undoubtedly displease Sima Yue. However, his return to Luoyang would take at least several months. As long as Shangdang achieved victory, this small matter could be overlooked. Moreover, from his standpoint, it wasn’t difficult to explain. After all, Liang Zixi had built up so many merits. Not rewarding him would be one thing, but being stingy with provisions would undoubtedly chill the hearts of defenders throughout the realm.
As for the situation with the young emperor… This internal struggle within the Sima clan is not something he should get too involved in. Whether to be more cautious with the young emperor or find a way to replace him altogether is a decision for Sima Yue himself to make.
※
“General Yi, this time in Shangdang, it will be entrusted to you again.” Finally, when Yiyan led his troops back from Bing County, Cui Ji could finally breathe a sigh of relief.
The Xiongnu had already started attacking Henan, and at any moment, they might launch an attack on Gaodu. But with the troops from Shangdang being dispatched to Xinxing, how could he not be anxious? Fortunately, Yiyan’s march was not slow, and in less than three days, he returned to Shangdang with the troops. With the Brave, Fierce Wolves, and Thunderbolt battalions, Cui Ji’s heart was finally at ease.
“Have the various counties sent soldiers?” Yiyan did not waste much time on pleasantries and got straight to the point.
“Each county has dispatched eight hundred soldiers, and from Gaodu to Yuanshi, they have fortified and cleared the area. There are also two thousand stationed troops on standby.” Cui Ji, who had experienced several sieges, was well aware of the process and was meticulous in his preparations. Defending the city was something he was confident about.
However, Yiyan shook his head. “Eight hundred is not enough. The Xiongnu will likely enter Shangdang from Gaodu, and this time is not a mere reconnaissance. Once they mobilize, it will be a massive force pressing into our territory. Gaodu needs to send an additional two thousand troops and equip the defenses with enough siege weapons.”
Cui Ji’s heart tightened. “What about the Liang Residence?”
The Liang Residence was near Gaodu, and if the Xiongnu attacked, they would surely not spare it.
Yiyan said, “No need to worry about that. The Liang Residence has its own forces stationed. In addition to Gaodu, the garrisons in Lu, Huguan, and Huguang also need to increase their troops to ensure nothing goes wrong.”
He didn’t mention the arrangement for Lu City, but Cui Ji understood. As long as Huguan wasn’t lost, Lu City could be protected. Moreover, this time, the Xiongnu probably wouldn’t march straight in like last time; they would have to fight some hard battles.
After carefully confirming the food and military supplies in the government warehouse and ensuring there were no worries in the rear, Yiyan hesitated for a moment before asking, “What about Lord Rong? Is he still well?”
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Cui Ji was startled. “Certainly, he is well. Does the Lord want to bring Lord Rong to Jinyang?”
This may not be appropriate. Not to mention any unforeseen circumstances on the way, just the fact that Liang Rong left Lu City before the big battle is not a good sign. Cui Ji is quite clear about the lord’s intention in leaving Liang Rong. Besides fearing that he might be trapped in Jinyang, there is also the intention of stabilizing people’s hearts. This is the lord’s only son, and as long as Liang Rong does not leave Shangdang, it means that the lord has not given up on this place. The significance it represents is quite different.
Yiyan shook his head, “The lord entrusted Young Master Rong to me. I will leave three hundred guards to assist in defending the Prefectural Mansion.”
Three hundred guards are indeed quite a lot! However, Cui Ji would not refuse at this time. After all, it is wartime, and having an additional layer of security is always better. He nodded, “It’s better for General Yi to consider carefully. I will inform Young Master Rong.”
Yiyan waved his hand, “It’s not too late to talk after I leave.”
Although Liang Rong is young, he is still the lord’s only son. The way Yiyan takes responsibility for things, handling them on his own without showing his face in front of the young master, makes it difficult for people to say anything.
Cui Ji also knows Yiyan’s character, understanding his straightforward nature, did not try to persuade him further. After staying in Lu City for a day, Yiyan’s troops once again moved south and stationed themselves in Li Ting. This place is located between Lu City and Gaodu, allowing for a rapid response no matter where the enemy comes from.
After guarding for a few days, the enemy’s presence finally appeared in Huzuo County, east of Gaodu.
Sima Yue’s expedition had an imposing momentum. The majority of the elite forces stationed in Luoyang rushed to Jing County. It was urgent to exterminate the false emperor, and those courtiers remaining in the capital had no objections to aligning themselves with Sima Yue to survive. However, with the Xiongnu eyeing Luoyang, the city was in a precarious situation. Wang Yan sometimes wondered if Sima Yue intended to let the Xiongnu breach Luoyang, conveniently eliminating the exceptionally clever young emperor and installing a new ruler.
However, such thoughts were better kept to himself and not revealed outwardly. After Sima Yue’s expedition, Wang Yan was promoted to the position of Minister of Works and Commander-in-Chief of the various military forces, taking on the crucial task of defending Luoyang. Wang Yan wasn’t eager to bear this responsibility, but he couldn’t let the reins of power fall into someone else’s hands. If Sima Yue trusted him, he had to reluctantly give it a try.
Despite his words, Wang Yan’s usual demeanor remained unchanged. He continued with his late-night discussions and banquets. During court meetings, he would console the young emperor with a few words, offer guidance to the officials, and not involve himself in much else. With the establishment of a large camp in Hongnong and heavy troops guarding Henei, whether through Hangu Pass or crossing the Yellow River, it wasn’t easy for the enemy to advance. It was all about holding out for some time, waiting for the return of the expeditionary forces.
Wang Yan’s attitude more or less stabilized the situation in Luoyang. However, there was one person who didn’t seem as carefree.
“Any frontline reports today?” Emperor Sima Tan asked the eunuch by his side every morning.
If Sima Yue were present, he wouldn’t be so diligent. He would likely avoid suspicion to prevent angering Sima Yue. But now that Wang Yan was in charge, a cunning and affable figure, Emperor Sima Tan became curious and began probing.
The eunuch, a trusted confidant of the Emperor, was highly astute. He immediately replied, “It seems that the Ministry of Personnel has received a report from Bing County, stating that Shangdang is facing a shortage of food!”
Shangdang’s situation was closely linked to Luoyang’s safety and couldn’t afford any mishaps. The young emperor frowned, “Has the Minister of Works approved the provision of supplies?”
“Well…” the eunuch hesitated, “This servant doesn’t dare to pry into state affairs without permission…”
The implication of his words was clear – there was none. Aware of the complex relationship between Wang Yan and Sima Yue, the eunuch also knew that with the main elite forces gone with Sima Yue, any failure in Hongnong or Shangdang would endanger Luoyang. The noble families could escape, but the emperor might not be as fortunate. Didn’t Emperor Hui perish on his way back to the capital?
The more Sima Tan thought about it, the more uneasy he became. He secretly pinched his palm and finally made up his mind: “Order the Ministry of Personnel to submit the memorial. I want to see it.”
However puppet-like the emperor was, one couldn’t take such orders lightly. The Ministry of Personnel obediently handed over Liang Feng’s memorial. At the same time, this news reached Wang Yan’s ears. Was the young emperor trying to seize power while Prince Donghai was away? No matter how indifferent he was to political matters, Wang Yan couldn’t afford to be careless. He promptly entered the palace to meet the emperor.
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Wang Yan, now holding the position of one of the Three Excellencies, couldn’t be stopped by anyone. He quickly arrived in front of the emperor.
Observing the furrowed brow of the young man on the imperial couch, Wang Yan gracefully bowed and said, “I heard that Your Majesty is inquiring about the government affairs. Is there something you need?”
The inner palace had long been infiltrated by Sima Yue, so the young emperor hadn’t expected to conceal anything from Wang Yan. He sighed and said, “I heard that Governor Liang submitted a memorial, directly stating that Shangdang lacks provisions. I wonder, Minister Wang, have you allocated supplies?”
Wang Yan’s eyebrows moved slightly. He hadn’t anticipated the young emperor’s concern about this matter, but it was easily resolved. Adopting a patient demeanor, Wang Yan explained, “Your Majesty, you might not be aware, but before March, the court had just allocated a batch of military supplies to Bing County. Now, Luoyang’s existing provisions are insufficient, and we still need to support the large army in Jing County. Where would we find extra provisions?”
That provision was originally allocated to Sima Yue’s brother-in-law, Pei Dun! The result was an almost disastrous loss for Jinyang when the campaign didn’t go well. Did he even have the face to mention this matter?
However, such thoughts had to be suppressed. The young emperor dared not express them openly, and after a pause, he said, “That was a matter from before March. Now, Bing County has fought two battles, annihilated Liu Hu and the Bai Tribe Xianbei, and recaptured the counties of Xinxing and Yanmen. It undoubtedly consumed a tremendous amount. With the impending attack by the Xiongnu, we should allocate more provisions.”
This little fellow seemed to have taken a liking to Liang Zixi. Wang Yan inwardly sighed. Well, only Liang Zixi, appointed directly by the emperor, had met the young emperor. It was inevitable that he might develop some thoughts. However, Bing County was already in chaos, and Liang Zixi had no foundation. Even if the young emperor wanted to collude with external ministers, he shouldn’t have chosen him. Speaking of which, it was Wang Yan who suggested Liang Zixi for the position. If Sima Yue were to find out about this, it might lead to some complications. This was not a good situation!
Wearing a warm and cordial smile, Wang Yan said, “Your Majesty may not be fully aware of the current situation in Luoyang. All regions are engaged in military activities, not just Shangdang. Governor Liang’s abilities are outstanding, and with his governance, Shangdang may not be at a complete impasse. If every region were to request provisions from the court, how could the resources be sufficient?”
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The young emperor remained silent for a moment, then set aside the memorial in his hand, saying, “Minister of Work, you should be aware that Shangdang is a crucial gateway for Luoyang. If the Hu horses descend south from the Taihang Mountains, what will happen to Luoyang?”
Wang Yan’s heart skipped a beat, suddenly realizing that he had overlooked a critical issue. Although he stood on the same side as Sima Yue, putting considerable effort into the idea of “common governance of the world,” if Luoyang were to fall, what good would it do him to retain his high position?
Sima Yue had taken away too many troops!
Nearly half of the six armies had departed. Currently, there are probably less than five thousand troops left in Luoyang. If the Xiongnu breached Shangdang, it would indeed pose a severe threat to the capital. When he recommended Liang Zixi, it was precisely because this man was a capable military officer on the border, capable of resisting the southern advance of the barbarians. Now that he had been fighting for half a year, breaking the siege of Jinyang and even recapturing Xinxing and Yanmen counties one by one, it wasn’t surprising that he faced shortages in supplies. Additionally, the memorial mentioned seeking assistance from the Tuoba tribe, and it seemed they would also need provisions. Liang Zixi was not a reckless person; he would only appeal to the court if forced to.
Even for the sake of his own safety, providing provisions was the wiser choice.
In an instant, Wang Yan understood the gravity of the situation. He cupped his hands and said to the emperor, “Your Majesty’s concerns are valid, and I, as a minister, have overlooked them. I will immediately prepare twenty thousand units of grain and deliver them to Shangdang.”
Seeing that Wang Yan was swayed, the young emperor felt a sense of joy and asked, “Will twenty thousand units be sufficient?”
Smiling tolerantly at this matter not directly related to state affairs, Wang Yan responded, “It’s enough for the needs of ten thousand troops for two months.”
How many troops were in Shangdang, and whether the conflict could be resolved in two months—Wang Yan didn’t consider these factors. Squeezing out twenty thousand units from the already tense grain reserves was quite generous. Liang Zixi should be content. Of course, the young emperor in front of him should also be satisfied.
Recognizing the underlying meaning in the conversation, Sima Tan pursed his lips and nodded, saying, “While the Grand Tutor is away, I entrust Luoyang to the Minister of Work.”
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Wang Yan had heard this countless times and wouldn’t take it too seriously this time either. He politely bowed and said, “This is my duty, and I will do my utmost.”
Neither of them mentioned the matter of bestowing the title of Chanyu on the Tuoba tribe. Such matters were not worth considering; it was just a title. Besides, Sima Teng had bestowed such titles on the Tuoba tribe before. What difference would it make if there were one more?
Dealing with the emperor, Wang Yan secretly speculated. Allocating provisions to Bing County this time would undoubtedly displease Sima Yue. However, his return to Luoyang would take at least several months. As long as Shangdang achieved victory, this small matter could be overlooked. Moreover, from his standpoint, it wasn’t difficult to explain. After all, Liang Zixi had built up so many merits. Not rewarding him would be one thing, but being stingy with provisions would undoubtedly chill the hearts of defenders throughout the realm.
As for the situation with the young emperor… This internal struggle within the Sima clan is not something he should get too involved in. Whether to be more cautious with the young emperor or find a way to replace him altogether is a decision for Sima Yue himself to make.
※
“General Yi, this time in Shangdang, it will be entrusted to you again.” Finally, when Yiyan led his troops back from Bing County, Cui Ji could finally breathe a sigh of relief.
The Xiongnu had already started attacking Henan, and at any moment, they might launch an attack on Gaodu. But with the troops from Shangdang being dispatched to Xinxing, how could he not be anxious? Fortunately, Yiyan’s march was not slow, and in less than three days, he returned to Shangdang with the troops. With the Brave, Fierce Wolves, and Thunderbolt battalions, Cui Ji’s heart was finally at ease.
“Have the various counties sent soldiers?” Yiyan did not waste much time on pleasantries and got straight to the point.
“Each county has dispatched eight hundred soldiers, and from Gaodu to Yuanshi, they have fortified and cleared the area. There are also two thousand stationed troops on standby.” Cui Ji, who had experienced several sieges, was well aware of the process and was meticulous in his preparations. Defending the city was something he was confident about.
However, Yiyan shook his head. “Eight hundred is not enough. The Xiongnu will likely enter Shangdang from Gaodu, and this time is not a mere reconnaissance. Once they mobilize, it will be a massive force pressing into our territory. Gaodu needs to send an additional two thousand troops and equip the defenses with enough siege weapons.”
Cui Ji’s heart tightened. “What about the Liang Residence?”
The Liang Residence was near Gaodu, and if the Xiongnu attacked, they would surely not spare it.
Yiyan said, “No need to worry about that. The Liang Residence has its own forces stationed. In addition to Gaodu, the garrisons in Lu, Huguan, and Huguang also need to increase their troops to ensure nothing goes wrong.”
He didn’t mention the arrangement for Lu City, but Cui Ji understood. As long as Huguan wasn’t lost, Lu City could be protected. Moreover, this time, the Xiongnu probably wouldn’t march straight in like last time; they would have to fight some hard battles.
After carefully confirming the food and military supplies in the government warehouse and ensuring there were no worries in the rear, Yiyan hesitated for a moment before asking, “What about Lord Rong? Is he still well?”
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Cui Ji was startled. “Certainly, he is well. Does the Lord want to bring Lord Rong to Jinyang?”
This may not be appropriate. Not to mention any unforeseen circumstances on the way, just the fact that Liang Rong left Lu City before the big battle is not a good sign. Cui Ji is quite clear about the lord’s intention in leaving Liang Rong. Besides fearing that he might be trapped in Jinyang, there is also the intention of stabilizing people’s hearts. This is the lord’s only son, and as long as Liang Rong does not leave Shangdang, it means that the lord has not given up on this place. The significance it represents is quite different.
Yiyan shook his head, “The lord entrusted Young Master Rong to me. I will leave three hundred guards to assist in defending the Prefectural Mansion.”
Three hundred guards are indeed quite a lot! However, Cui Ji would not refuse at this time. After all, it is wartime, and having an additional layer of security is always better. He nodded, “It’s better for General Yi to consider carefully. I will inform Young Master Rong.”
Yiyan waved his hand, “It’s not too late to talk after I leave.”
Although Liang Rong is young, he is still the lord’s only son. The way Yiyan takes responsibility for things, handling them on his own without showing his face in front of the young master, makes it difficult for people to say anything.
Cui Ji also knows Yiyan’s character, understanding his straightforward nature, did not try to persuade him further. After staying in Lu City for a day, Yiyan’s troops once again moved south and stationed themselves in Li Ting. This place is located between Lu City and Gaodu, allowing for a rapid response no matter where the enemy comes from.
After guarding for a few days, the enemy’s presence finally appeared in Huzuo County, east of Gaodu.
