The next day, Liang Feng caught a chill. Before long, he fell ill again and quickly summoned Jiang Da, who had been attending to him. After examining his pulse and prescribing medicine, Jiang Da warned Liang Feng not to overthink and advised him to rest quietly.
However, his mind was neither clear nor calm now.
“Master, it’s time for the medicinal soup,” Qing Mei whispered.
Liang Feng glanced at the demure maid and reached for the medicine bowl. Last night, his mind was in turmoil, and he hadn’t paid attention to his surroundings. Although Qing Mei didn’t enter the courtyard, the courtyard wasn’t large, and standing outside the wall, it was impossible not to hear the commotion inside.
This matter should not be spread outside. Any rumor reaching the ears of others would be a great humiliation for Yiyan. As someone in a high position, even if Liang Feng slept with a man occasionally, it was a personal matter. However, as a trusted military officer, being involved with the lord could be seen as an abuse of privilege.
However, with just a glance, Liang Feng knew that Qing Mei wouldn’t speak. Whatever she saw, she would keep it to herself. This was a basic requirement for a personal maid; those who couldn’t comply were long buried in the earth. In this era, no one regarded servants as human beings, and they had learned early on how to become mere “decorations.” Bathing, using the toilet, intimate conversations—all were the same. He was the master, and Qing Mei was the servant; there was no need for many words.
This was something he gradually got used to, much like watching those innocent lives perish. These were not part of his educational background, and they were corroding him, making him adapt to this wicked class society. Perhaps one day, he would become just like everyone else.
The bitter taste spread on his tongue as Liang Feng handed back the bowl. Due to this movement, a wide sleeve slipped down, revealing a bruise. His brow twitched, and Liang Feng quickly lowered his hand, using the sleeve to cover the bruise. The person’s actions were too harsh; he nearly broke Liang Feng’s wrist. Yesterday’s events were a chaotic mess; if a different approach had been taken, would it have been better? Or perhaps, a different person leading the troops in the Battle of Ye City?
However, after pondering and contemplating, Liang Feng sighed deeply. If they changed leaders on the eve of battle, who knows what Yiyan would think. Furthermore, Ye City was not just about one city; it was a gateway to Ji County. How many capable commanders did he have in a battle of this scale?
If only there hadn’t been that melody. Trying to deceive himself, Liang Feng attempted to cast aside everything, but unexpectedly, a sudden report on military intelligence arrived at his desk.
Prince Dongyin Sima Teng abandoned Ye City and fled with a small group of cavalry!
※
A group of light cavalry galloped along a narrow path, without carriages, attendants, and even dared not display any flags. In this miserable state, they dashed towards Luoyang. However, whether it was the rugged terrain or exhausted horses, one steed suddenly neighed and fell to the ground.
“Stop! Halt for a short rest!” In the center of the cavalry, a man grabbed the reins, panting heavily.
“General, this place is dangerous! Let’s go a little further!” An attendant beside him urgently advised.
“The horses are exhausted, how can we continue? Besides, Ye City has been handed over to those bandits. Will they spare the treasures in the city and come after me?!” Speaking up to this point, the man seemed extremely pained, his anger surging as he dismounted.
Witnessing the lord’s behavior, the other bodyguards found it difficult to dissuade him further. They dismounted one after another, and some even offered water flasks. However, these gestures couldn’t extinguish the anger burning in Sima Teng’s chest. On the day the bandits attacked the city, those soldiers unexpectedly abandoned their posts and fled, leaving Ye City defenseless. Seeing the situation turning dire, he dared not wait for reinforcements and immediately fled the city with his personal guards. The accumulated wealth of over a decade was left behind without hesitation, and his son and family were abandoned. This situation was even more tragic than when he left Bing County!
Why didn’t Liang Zixi send troops? How could this group of city defenders collapse so easily? I even rewarded them with cloth, silk, and grain! The venomous anger gnawed at his chest. If he managed to escape back to Luoyang, he would definitely demand an explanation!
Yet, before figuring out how to deal with these bastards, the sound of hooves suddenly echoed behind him. Sima Teng jolted, and sprang to his feet. The water flask in his hand splashed onto the dusty ground.
“Enemy… enemy troops!”
It was indeed pursuing enemy troops, numbering in the hundreds. At this moment, fleeing on horseback was already too late. Watching the approaching bandits, Sima Teng’s teeth chattered involuntarily as he screamed, “Quick! Quickly block them for me…”
※
“Grand General! Li Feng’s forces have taken Sima Teng’s head!” A bandit clad in padded armor rushed into the makeshift tent, loudly reporting.
The man with a thick beard, sitting on a low chair, stood up abruptly. “Really dead?!”
“Dead through and through! The corpse is right there!”
“Hahaha! Excellent! Marvelous!” The man burst into laughter. “Shi Le, this is all thanks to you!”
Shi Le, the man addressed, also stood up and bowed, “If it weren’t for the Grand General seizing the opportunity, how could we easily capture Ye City?”
His voice was neither loud nor soft but carried a flavor of sincere satisfaction. Just hearing such flattery brought a comforting feeling. Jisang chuckled, “Isn’t it a bit regrettable not to personally kill that thief? No matter, there are still plenty of wealth and women in Ye City!”
Hearing this, Shi Le couldn’t help but sneer, “As long as he dies, my great revenge will be achieved. Why care about who kills him?”
Shi Le, a Jie person, had been captured by Sima Teng and sold into slavery. Thanks to Jisang’s rescue, they rose together from a mere dozen people to leading a mighty army. This attack on Ye City was the most significant deal for them, seeking revenge and expanding their influence.
Hearing his adjutant speak like this, Jisang happily patted his shoulder, “After looting Ye City completely, let’s set our sights on Luoyang!”
Though flying the banner of the pseudo-emperor Sima Ying, Jisang didn’t lack genuine intentions to assist this fellow. It was just a matter of finding a pretext to rebel. With Sima Yue marching to Jing County, Luoyang would undoubtedly be vulnerable. If they could capture it, wouldn’t it be a tremendous achievement? Besides the gold, silver, and treasures, they might even secure the throne!
Although he only had the background of a horse ranch manager, Jisang had quite an appetite. With warriors like Shi Le under his command, how could he not covet the throne that everyone vied for?
“The Grand General will surely conquer Luoyang in one fell swoop!” Showing great respect for this benefactor who lifted him from dust, Shi Le replied loudly.
Jisang couldn’t help but laugh heartily, “Enter the city! I want to see what the Bronze Sparrow Terrace looks like!”
Following the commander’s order, thousands of soldiers rushed forward, breaking through this unguarded isolated city.
※
“Prince Dongyin is reluctant to reward the soldiers, causing a mutiny, and Ye City is lost,” said Liang Feng, and the words seemed absurdly incredible.
Even if the city’s treasury had no funds, couldn’t Sima Teng use his own wealth? Faced with such a critical situation, he actually hesitated to spend money, only offering some clothes and old rice. Liang Feng knew Sima Teng was stingy, but he never expected him to be foolish to such an extent!
Now, not to mention delaying time, even if they immediately sent troops, it would be too late.
Zhang Bin also frowned, “We need to send troops as soon as possible. Wang Jun must be keeping an eye on the situation in Ye City. If he seizes the opportunity before us, it will be bad!”
Beside him, Yiyan spoke in a deep voice, “Without infantry, without a prepared supply route, with only four thousand light cavalry, I can reach Ye City within three days!”
Zhang Bin immediately countered, “It’s too risky through the Taihang Mountains! The mountain pass is not like flat terrain, and why rush so fiercely? Even if they enter the city, it will take a few days of chaos. As long as we send troops as soon as possible, we should be able to take Ye City.”
However, Yiyan shook his head, “The looting and pillaging inside the city typically last only three to five days. If we arrive late, it will be difficult to deal with well-fed and satisfied bandits. ”
This remark caused Zhang Bin to pause. He was a theorist and had not actually led troops, but Yiyan’s words had some logic. Attacking an unprepared enemy was always the preferred military strategy. Dealing with a group of chaotic soldiers busy with looting was always easier than facing a group of bandits defending their spoils.
Ignoring Zhang Bin, Yiyan looked directly at Liang Feng and said, “Please give the order, my lord.”
In his voice, there was no hesitation. The eyes that had burned like fire that night had now regained their coolness, even colder than usual. It seemed that he was solely focused on official duties, devoid of any other thoughts.
However, Liang Feng felt the pain in his wrist intensify. Was he rushing so desperately to kill the enemy, or was it for the tens of thousands of people in the city? Jinyang was at least four hundred miles away from Ye City, and they had to traverse a mountain pass. Three days – it was almost like flying there!
But news of Sima Teng’s escape had already delayed them for some time. If they continued to march slowly, this unruly army might escape elsewhere. There was no room for hesitation.
“Ye City is in your hands,” in the end, Liang Feng ordered.
Yiyan bowed and saluted, then briskly left the room.
Watching his retreating figure, Liang Feng took a deep breath, “The rear army should be prepared early. The officials promoted earlier should also be brought along. If we capture Ye City, they will immediately take control of the city and stabilize the people’s hearts!”
This was Zhang Bin’s expertise, and he also expressed, “I will definitely take Ye City for my lord!”
The next day, Liang Feng caught a chill. Before long, he fell ill again and quickly summoned Jiang Da, who had been attending to him. After examining his pulse and prescribing medicine, Jiang Da warned Liang Feng not to overthink and advised him to rest quietly.
However, his mind was neither clear nor calm now.
“Master, it’s time for the medicinal soup,” Qing Mei whispered.
Liang Feng glanced at the demure maid and reached for the medicine bowl. Last night, his mind was in turmoil, and he hadn’t paid attention to his surroundings. Although Qing Mei didn’t enter the courtyard, the courtyard wasn’t large, and standing outside the wall, it was impossible not to hear the commotion inside.
This matter should not be spread outside. Any rumor reaching the ears of others would be a great humiliation for Yiyan. As someone in a high position, even if Liang Feng slept with a man occasionally, it was a personal matter. However, as a trusted military officer, being involved with the lord could be seen as an abuse of privilege.
However, with just a glance, Liang Feng knew that Qing Mei wouldn’t speak. Whatever she saw, she would keep it to herself. This was a basic requirement for a personal maid; those who couldn’t comply were long buried in the earth. In this era, no one regarded servants as human beings, and they had learned early on how to become mere “decorations.” Bathing, using the toilet, intimate conversations—all were the same. He was the master, and Qing Mei was the servant; there was no need for many words.
This was something he gradually got used to, much like watching those innocent lives perish. These were not part of his educational background, and they were corroding him, making him adapt to this wicked class society. Perhaps one day, he would become just like everyone else.
The bitter taste spread on his tongue as Liang Feng handed back the bowl. Due to this movement, a wide sleeve slipped down, revealing a bruise. His brow twitched, and Liang Feng quickly lowered his hand, using the sleeve to cover the bruise. The person’s actions were too harsh; he nearly broke Liang Feng’s wrist. Yesterday’s events were a chaotic mess; if a different approach had been taken, would it have been better? Or perhaps, a different person leading the troops in the Battle of Ye City?
However, after pondering and contemplating, Liang Feng sighed deeply. If they changed leaders on the eve of battle, who knows what Yiyan would think. Furthermore, Ye City was not just about one city; it was a gateway to Ji County. How many capable commanders did he have in a battle of this scale?
If only there hadn’t been that melody. Trying to deceive himself, Liang Feng attempted to cast aside everything, but unexpectedly, a sudden report on military intelligence arrived at his desk.
Prince Dongyin Sima Teng abandoned Ye City and fled with a small group of cavalry!
※
A group of light cavalry galloped along a narrow path, without carriages, attendants, and even dared not display any flags. In this miserable state, they dashed towards Luoyang. However, whether it was the rugged terrain or exhausted horses, one steed suddenly neighed and fell to the ground.
“Stop! Halt for a short rest!” In the center of the cavalry, a man grabbed the reins, panting heavily.
“General, this place is dangerous! Let’s go a little further!” An attendant beside him urgently advised.
“The horses are exhausted, how can we continue? Besides, Ye City has been handed over to those bandits. Will they spare the treasures in the city and come after me?!” Speaking up to this point, the man seemed extremely pained, his anger surging as he dismounted.
Witnessing the lord’s behavior, the other bodyguards found it difficult to dissuade him further. They dismounted one after another, and some even offered water flasks. However, these gestures couldn’t extinguish the anger burning in Sima Teng’s chest. On the day the bandits attacked the city, those soldiers unexpectedly abandoned their posts and fled, leaving Ye City defenseless. Seeing the situation turning dire, he dared not wait for reinforcements and immediately fled the city with his personal guards. The accumulated wealth of over a decade was left behind without hesitation, and his son and family were abandoned. This situation was even more tragic than when he left Bing County!
Why didn’t Liang Zixi send troops? How could this group of city defenders collapse so easily? I even rewarded them with cloth, silk, and grain! The venomous anger gnawed at his chest. If he managed to escape back to Luoyang, he would definitely demand an explanation!
Yet, before figuring out how to deal with these bastards, the sound of hooves suddenly echoed behind him. Sima Teng jolted, and sprang to his feet. The water flask in his hand splashed onto the dusty ground.
“Enemy… enemy troops!”
It was indeed pursuing enemy troops, numbering in the hundreds. At this moment, fleeing on horseback was already too late. Watching the approaching bandits, Sima Teng’s teeth chattered involuntarily as he screamed, “Quick! Quickly block them for me…”
※
“Grand General! Li Feng’s forces have taken Sima Teng’s head!” A bandit clad in padded armor rushed into the makeshift tent, loudly reporting.
The man with a thick beard, sitting on a low chair, stood up abruptly. “Really dead?!”
“Dead through and through! The corpse is right there!”
“Hahaha! Excellent! Marvelous!” The man burst into laughter. “Shi Le, this is all thanks to you!”
Shi Le, the man addressed, also stood up and bowed, “If it weren’t for the Grand General seizing the opportunity, how could we easily capture Ye City?”
His voice was neither loud nor soft but carried a flavor of sincere satisfaction. Just hearing such flattery brought a comforting feeling. Jisang chuckled, “Isn’t it a bit regrettable not to personally kill that thief? No matter, there are still plenty of wealth and women in Ye City!”
Hearing this, Shi Le couldn’t help but sneer, “As long as he dies, my great revenge will be achieved. Why care about who kills him?”
Shi Le, a Jie person, had been captured by Sima Teng and sold into slavery. Thanks to Jisang’s rescue, they rose together from a mere dozen people to leading a mighty army. This attack on Ye City was the most significant deal for them, seeking revenge and expanding their influence.
Hearing his adjutant speak like this, Jisang happily patted his shoulder, “After looting Ye City completely, let’s set our sights on Luoyang!”
Though flying the banner of the pseudo-emperor Sima Ying, Jisang didn’t lack genuine intentions to assist this fellow. It was just a matter of finding a pretext to rebel. With Sima Yue marching to Jing County, Luoyang would undoubtedly be vulnerable. If they could capture it, wouldn’t it be a tremendous achievement? Besides the gold, silver, and treasures, they might even secure the throne!
Although he only had the background of a horse ranch manager, Jisang had quite an appetite. With warriors like Shi Le under his command, how could he not covet the throne that everyone vied for?
“The Grand General will surely conquer Luoyang in one fell swoop!” Showing great respect for this benefactor who lifted him from dust, Shi Le replied loudly.
Jisang couldn’t help but laugh heartily, “Enter the city! I want to see what the Bronze Sparrow Terrace looks like!”
Following the commander’s order, thousands of soldiers rushed forward, breaking through this unguarded isolated city.
※
“Prince Dongyin is reluctant to reward the soldiers, causing a mutiny, and Ye City is lost,” said Liang Feng, and the words seemed absurdly incredible.
Even if the city’s treasury had no funds, couldn’t Sima Teng use his own wealth? Faced with such a critical situation, he actually hesitated to spend money, only offering some clothes and old rice. Liang Feng knew Sima Teng was stingy, but he never expected him to be foolish to such an extent!
Now, not to mention delaying time, even if they immediately sent troops, it would be too late.
Zhang Bin also frowned, “We need to send troops as soon as possible. Wang Jun must be keeping an eye on the situation in Ye City. If he seizes the opportunity before us, it will be bad!”
Beside him, Yiyan spoke in a deep voice, “Without infantry, without a prepared supply route, with only four thousand light cavalry, I can reach Ye City within three days!”
Zhang Bin immediately countered, “It’s too risky through the Taihang Mountains! The mountain pass is not like flat terrain, and why rush so fiercely? Even if they enter the city, it will take a few days of chaos. As long as we send troops as soon as possible, we should be able to take Ye City.”
However, Yiyan shook his head, “The looting and pillaging inside the city typically last only three to five days. If we arrive late, it will be difficult to deal with well-fed and satisfied bandits. ”
This remark caused Zhang Bin to pause. He was a theorist and had not actually led troops, but Yiyan’s words had some logic. Attacking an unprepared enemy was always the preferred military strategy. Dealing with a group of chaotic soldiers busy with looting was always easier than facing a group of bandits defending their spoils.
Ignoring Zhang Bin, Yiyan looked directly at Liang Feng and said, “Please give the order, my lord.”
In his voice, there was no hesitation. The eyes that had burned like fire that night had now regained their coolness, even colder than usual. It seemed that he was solely focused on official duties, devoid of any other thoughts.
However, Liang Feng felt the pain in his wrist intensify. Was he rushing so desperately to kill the enemy, or was it for the tens of thousands of people in the city? Jinyang was at least four hundred miles away from Ye City, and they had to traverse a mountain pass. Three days – it was almost like flying there!
But news of Sima Teng’s escape had already delayed them for some time. If they continued to march slowly, this unruly army might escape elsewhere. There was no room for hesitation.
“Ye City is in your hands,” in the end, Liang Feng ordered.
Yiyan bowed and saluted, then briskly left the room.
Watching his retreating figure, Liang Feng took a deep breath, “The rear army should be prepared early. The officials promoted earlier should also be brought along. If we capture Ye City, they will immediately take control of the city and stabilize the people’s hearts!”
This was Zhang Bin’s expertise, and he also expressed, “I will definitely take Ye City for my lord!”
