“Hold the formation! Stay close! Don’t break the formation! They can’t break through!” In the raised formation, the bandit leader shouted loudly.
They had been occupying the mountains and forests in Liaoyang County for more than two years, gathering over three thousand soldiers. With local Qiang, Xiongnu, and Di people as their core, along with numerous refugees, their fighting strength was not to be underestimated. They had caused quite a stir while the Xiongnu were in chaos, plundering the county government, seizing food and people, and gaining some notoriety. However, no matter how turbulent the situation was, it was still within the borders of the Leping Kingdom. How had a group of Shangdang officials and soldiers suddenly appeared to besiege them?
What was even more troublesome was how formidable these Shangdang soldiers were!
The young leader in the formation continuously shouted and yelled, trying to stabilize their ranks. In front of them were cavalry, not particularly suited for the mountainous terrain of Liaoyang. As long as they held their formation, those precious cavalry wouldn’t dare to charge recklessly.
However, the well-armed cavalry in front didn’t seem to be planning a head-on charge. Instead, they had their bows drawn and arrows nocked, riding to the front as if they were on a hunting expedition. The mountain bandits had no armor, and even with archery alone, their formation began to waver. In this standoff, before their formation was broken, they would be shot down!
Should they continue to hold the formation, or should they just flee? The young leader gritted his teeth and said, “Hold your ground! Raise your shields! They won’t dare to charge in! Reinforcements are about to arrive!”
Who didn’t have cavalry? Their own cavalry was experienced in maneuvering through the mountains. If they arrived, they could surely make those officials and soldiers flee in disgrace!
However, while he thought this way, his men didn’t possess the same courage and resilience. When the cavalry in front turned again and charged towards them, holding crude spears and swords, the trembling bandits finally couldn’t hold back and retreated. This retreat created a gap, just like a crack in an iron plate. Those seemingly relaxed cavalrymen revealed a fierce gleam in their eyes. When they were less than a hundred paces from the formation, their horses galloped forward without reservation. Without holding back and without stopping, they charged straight towards the military formation!
In battles between two armies, especially infantry against cavalry, it relied on courage. If the infantry stood firm and resolute, not many cavalrymen would dare to use their warhorses for a forced charge. But once the soldiers’ morale wavered, showing fatigue, the fierce cavalrymen would immediately pounce and tear a gap in the formation, ripping it apart!
How could these bandits, who had not undergone proper military training, understand? Just one step backward decided their fate in terms of life and death!
The wolf-like elite cavalrymen charged into the formation, their blades glinting, and blood sprayed in all directions. The young bandit leader couldn’t stop his men from retreating, and he was driven to madness. Where had their own cavalry gone?
Less than five li away, another fierce battle was underway. To support their fleeing comrades, the mountain bandits spurred their horses, wishing they could sprout wings and fly! But they didn’t make it to the battlefield; another group of soldiers charged out, intercepting their thousand-strong cavalry unit.
“Kill them all!” the Qiang chieftain, who sported a bristly beard, roared.
He was the leader of these bandits and a man of great courage, known for his martial prowess. If he weren’t skilled in archery and cunning, how could he have built such a formidable bandit force?
Therefore, even in an ambush, he didn’t fear. Instead, his hair stood on end as he ordered his men to fight to the death. After all, both sides were cavalry, and their numbers were similar. What was there to fear? Just kill them all!
But today, he faced an entirely different enemy than the weakened Jin army.
Like descending mountain tigers, the cavalry charged in. Their snow-white long blades, their horse hooves thundering, seemed like the harbingers of death. Where had they acquired such martial skill? It was as though everyone in their ranks was an elite commander! What was even more terrifying was that they didn’t fight individually but in groups of three to five, coordinating their actions as one!
Even though the mountain bandits were fierce, they couldn’t match such a formation!
“Kill! Charge with me!” Unlike the others, the chieftain knew that he was no match after just a moment of combat. Continuing the fight would only be a futile waste of life. It was better to escape and regroup later!
However, before he and his closest subordinates could take two steps, a speckled gray warhorse blocked their way. It was a fine steed, towering over common horses by a head’s length. The rider atop it was clad in black armor, his cold and menacing visage exuding a killing intent. His gray-blue eyes were as frigid as ice, and the intent to kill was palpable!
This is the enemy general! In the blink of an eye, the bandit leader realized this and wasted no time. He led his men in a charge, with more than ten loyal followers by his side, while the enemy had only three to five close guards. If they could slay the enemy leader, they might have a chance!
Being known for his brute strength, he wielded a massive twenty-pound mixed-iron spear. With a thrust, he could leave a bowl-sized hole in his enemy’s body. Now, wielding it with all his might in a desperate frenzy, it was as if a thunderstorm raged in his hands! Facing three enemies, armed with such a weapon, why worry about not being able to slay them under the horse?
However, the deadly and malicious blow of the bandit leader didn’t hit the blue-eyed general. The general sidestepped the iron spear, then, with a swift counter, dispatched one of the attackers with his blade.
Did he think he could pick on a soft target? The bandit leader’s anger turned into a cunning grin. He kept his hand moving, sweeping the spear horizontally! The enemy’s white horse seemed to have a human-like intelligence; it sidestepped the attack with three quick steps. This evasion immediately left the long spear useless, while the enemy took another life.
This couldn’t go on like this! The bandit leader shouted, “Dianwu, Donghao, surround him!”
Two riders charged in response, forming a T-shape with the bandit leader in the middle. Their weapons—a steel spear, a horse knife, and a long hammer—swung simultaneously, forming a net, ensnaring the enemy general!
It’s a hit! The thought raced through the minds of the three men. Yet, the white horse neighed and raised its hind hooves, delivering a kick that struck true. The horse behind them screamed in agony and threw off its rider. From the front, the bandit leader hurled his long knife toward the enemy’s chest. From the side, a mixed-iron spear pierced his shoulder.
A hit! The Qiang leader’s heart leaped with joy. He had hit the enemy, even though he had lost two loyal followers. But in the next moment, an unfamiliar and searing pain surged through him. He glanced down at the source of the pain and saw an extra spear, its iron shaft adorned with red tassels, the gleaming spearhead buried in his own dark neck.
The spear twitched, and blood spurted out. The bandit leader fell from his horse.
The invincible general who had taken on three foes without a scratch didn’t spare a glance at the corpse. Instead, he coldly ordered, “Form up!”
With this brief command, all the riders from Hedong began to regroup, their weapons and the gleam in their eyes coming together.
“Kill! Kill! Kill!”
The sound of hooves thundered, and the battle cries pierced the sky.
※
“Captain, it looks like your wound will need a couple of stitches.” Seeing the wound on Captain Yi’s shoulder, the military nurse furrowed her brow. It seemed to be a spear wound, luckily not too deep. If it had been a few inches deeper, caused by a triangular blade, it might have affected tendons and bones.
Sitting down at the table, Yiyan spoke coldly, “Go ahead.”
Stitching wasn’t an easy task. The nurse took out a small gourd from her side, opened the lid, and a strong alcoholic aroma filled the air. However, what poured out of the gourd was a clear liquid, like water. This was the military’s specially prepared alcohol essence, which, when applied before sewing, prevented infections. However, it had a strong effect, and when applied to the wound, it felt like a searing blade. If ingested, it might even cause internal damage.
Carefully, she dipped a piece of steamed white cloth into the alcohol essence and wiped the blood stains from the area around the wound. This should have been extremely painful, but Yiyan only twitched his shoulder slightly. He didn’t show any signs of pain, and his expression remained unchanged.
These days, Captain Yi seemed even more formidable. The nurse swallowed a mouthful of saliva and pulled out the needle and thread, beginning the stitching. The thread was made from sheep intestine, and the needle was silver, but sewing through flesh was still enough to make one’s teeth ache and their hairs stand on end. She had personally stitched wounds for many people, and many had cried out in agony, unable to bear the pain. But now, the person she was stitching didn’t flinch or make a sound, as if she were sewing not flesh and blood but mere clothing.
Unable to afford any delay, the nurse swiftly finished the task at hand, then wiped it with alcohol again and applied a bandage, before stepping back out. Yiyan didn’t even spare a glance at the treated wound. He picked up his outer garment from the side and put it on, then walked out of the tent.
Outside, over a dozen mountain bandits were tied together, most of them bearing wounds. These were the small chieftains from the bandit army, requiring further interrogation.
When Wang Long saw Yiyan, he quickly approached. “Captain, these are the heads of the bandits. As for the old camp, we still need more questioning.”
Yiyan didn’t pay him any attention. He walked up to one of the mountain bandit leaders and asked, “Where is the old camp in the mountains?”
The old camp was the hiding place for valuable items in the mountain stronghold, and only the central leaders of the stronghold knew about it. The man spat and said, “You’re also a Hu person, why serve the Jin dogs?”
He was speaking in the Hu language. While the Qiang, Di, and Jie peoples had their own languages, the Xiongnu had a dominant presence, so various Hu people knew a bit of the Xiongnu language, often referred to as the Hu language. Yiyan and Wang Long both understood what he said. Wang Long’s face darkened, about to retort, when a flash of silver passed in front of him.
The head of the small chieftain rolled on the ground, and blood sprayed from his neck, covering a distance of over ten paces before coming to a stop.
Wang Long immediately shut his mouth. Over these past few days, it seemed the temper of their camp leader had grown worse, and even he didn’t dare to speak carelessly. It appeared that a major victory hadn’t brought this killing machine any relief.
Continuing his footsteps, Yiyan stood in front of another person, repeating the same question: “Where is the old camp in the mountains?”
With a predecessor setting an example, this man dared not be arrogant. He swallowed hard and said, “If you want me to talk, you must first release me…”
He didn’t finish his sentence, as a sword edge had already touched his neck. The blood that sprayed wet Yiyan’s clothing, and it dripped down incessantly.
A few steps further, Yiyan stood in front of another person. “Where is the old camp?”
Perhaps this man genuinely didn’t know; he stammered as he begged for mercy, “General, spare me! I’m familiar with the leaders; I can inquire…”
He never had the chance to say a third sentence. Another lifeless body lay on the ground.
Within the camp, silence descended. No one dared to speak further. It seemed that the god of death wasn’t after answers; he was after their lives.
Moving forward again, Yiyan hadn’t reached the next person when he broke down. He cried out, “In the left ridge! In the mountains of the left ridge! I can lead the way!”
His pair of boots stopped. Yiyan swung his blade, shaking off the blood, and said, “Take them to attack the old camp. We’ll capture it today.”
Wang Long didn’t dare to say anything. He quickly followed the orders and withdrew.
On the side, the messenger cautiously approached, saying, “Captain, there’s an envoy from Zhan County.”
Zhan County was the administrative center of Leping Kingdom, so it should be an envoy sent by the county government. Yiyan didn’t change out of his bloodstained clothes and entered the tent.
Seeing him in this state, Sun Cao, who had come to negotiate, was so frightened that he didn’t know where to look. He quickly lowered his head and greeted, “I didn’t know Captain Yi was coming. I apologize for not welcoming you properly. With bandits in the mountains, there’s no need for Captain to trouble yourself…”
The implication in his words was quite clear. He had crossed the line. Even if there were bandits in Leping, there was no need for Shangdang to send troops to suppress them.
Yiyan calmly replied, “Dealing with the mountain bandits is our duty. The city of Liaoyang is now under our control, so you needn’t worry.”
What? They had captured the city? Sun Cao was even more anxious, stammering, “How, how can this be…”
“Food and supplies will also be transported from Shangdang, and in a while, peace will be restored. Doesn’t the Chancellor wish to eliminate banditry in Leping Kingdom?”
He was referring to the highest authority in the Leping Kingdom, Chancellor Jiang Huan. As a close aide to the Chancellor, Sun Cao certainly knew his intentions. Bandits were terrifying, but having a troublesome neighbor was even scarier. However, given the current situation, would further protests be of any use? Even if they reported it to the imperial court, they would likely just be seen as bandit suppressors. They hadn’t attacked the various counties of Leping or seized their cities and provisions. Who would care about such selfless actions?
With a long and hard pause, Sun Cao finally squeezed out a sentence, “Of course, of course. Your troops have come from a faraway place and have come to help Leping eliminate this menace. I will immediately report to Chancellor Jiang and arrange to welcome General…”
He didn’t even dare to call him “Captain” anymore; he directly addressed him as “General.”
Yiyan didn’t show any emotion due to this concession. He still had that icy, unfriendly expression on his face, saying, “Mr. Sun is too kind.”
After a few more hurried words, Sun Cao didn’t dare to linger any longer and quickly left.
In the camp, there were no more annoying sounds. Yiyan closed his eyes slightly. It was as if his inner self had been split in half. One half remained calm and composed, dealing with military and political matters down to the smallest detail. The other half, however, was silent and empty, as if it had fallen into a bottomless abyss.
The Lord was going to marry. He was marrying Lady Wang.
A woman he couldn’t refuse, one he couldn’t underestimate.
Later, he would have more concubines. Those who were worthy of him, who could whisper sweet words in his arms. He would have children, and the family would be full of descendants, flourishing and prosperous. They would fill the empty halls of the Liang Mansion with laughter, contribute to the family’s governance, and support his father and brothers in managing this vast estate. Just like any rising aristocratic family, they would become an undeniable, significant clan.
The Lord deserved this. It was also the best way to stabilize Shangdang and even the entire Bing County.
He understood the reasoning behind it all. But that emptiness remained, and no one could fill it for him.
Yet, even so, that rational part of him remained. Like clinging to a straw in a torrent, he couldn’t let go. He couldn’t let himself fall into the abyss. This was all he had left. The Captain of Shangdang, the Commander of the Liang Mansion’s troops, and the Lord’s most trusted confidant.
In his chest, there was a sound like ice breaking. Yiyan opened his eyes again and walked towards the tent’s exit.
Meanwhile, a large army had entered Tong Pass and was moving towards the nearby Hongnong camp. This was the Emperor’s entourage, and also the army returning victorious under General Qi Hong.
After hastily sweeping through Chang’an, he dared not linger. He left behind the Xianbei soldiers still looting treasures and women, leading 8,000 troops to escort the Emperor out of Guanzhong. This was the prize that King Donghai most eagerly awaited, and it was the assurance of his promotions and rewards. Qi Hong couldn’t afford to be careless.
However, these were coarse men, and they hadn’t gathered the Emperor’s entourage. They hadn’t even found the imperial chariot. They had managed to get a cart and loaded the Emperor onto it before leaving. As for the nobles and officials, they had to walk on foot. Because of these incompetent people, it took them seven days to travel from Chang’an to Tong Pass, even with Qi Hong leading an army. This had caused some frustration for him.
Once they arrived at the Hongnong camp, they could arrange for carriages for these “useless” people. However, when it came to Sima Teng, who was waiting in the camp, he wasn’t an easy character to deal with either. During the attack on Chang’an, Qi Hong hadn’t seen him charging at the front lines. Now, he was here to pick the fruits of their labor? Qi Hong couldn’t help but want to chuckle at the irony. But Sima Teng was the younger brother of King Donghai, not someone he could afford to offend.
Fortunately, in Chang’an, there were plenty of spoils to be had. Riding on his horse, Qi Hong absentmindedly contemplated how to arrange and assess the value of their plunder. Just then, a voice pierced through the thick military formations and reached Qi Hong’s ears.
“Enemy cavalry!”
Suddenly looking up, Qi Hong was horrified to see a vast cloud of dust on the horizon. It was a cavalry unit numbering three to four thousand strong! The dust they raised alone had an eclipsing effect on the sun.
How could there be enemy cavalry here? What was happening at the Hongnong camp? Why hadn’t there been any scouts to report this?
Even though he was an experienced general, Qi Hong was momentarily panic-stricken and angrily shouted, “What are you waiting for? Protect the Emperor! Protect the Emperor!”
He was escorting the Emperor! If something happened to him, it would take more than a few heads to make amends!
Upon hearing this command, everyone hurried into action. However, these soldiers, previously confident and unruly due to their recent victory and plundering, were not quick to react.
Like a pack of ruthless wolves, the enemy cavalry charged fiercely into the unprepared camp, heading straight for the cattle-drawn carriage that guarded them.
※
Liu Yao had never expected to stumble upon such a golden opportunity.
After infiltrating Hongnong with his troops, he received critical information. The main tent had not been taken down because it was awaiting the Emperor’s arrival. The Imperial carriage had already left Chang’an.
This was an incredible stroke of luck! Without hesitation, Liu Yao revised his plan. Instead of attacking the main camp, he went for the rear, aiming to seize supplies. In a time when food shortages were rampant, and with various bandits along the way, the incident seemed plausible. In response, Sima Teng couldn’t afford to take any chances and immediately sent troops to secure the supply line.
After causing turmoil in the main camp and diverting Sima Teng’s attention, Liu Yao led his troops toward the Tong Pass area. No matter which route they took, they had to pass through Tong Pass. By setting an ambush nearby, they could surely get their prey.
As luck would have it, they were aided by circumstances. The Imperial entourage only consisted of a mere 8,000 soldiers, with no main tent to reinforce their defenses and no heightened vigilance. These people were like defenseless lambs walking through the wilderness.
How could such prey be allowed to escape?
At Liu Yao’s command, three thousand light cavalry charged toward the enemy camp. Like tearing through silk, the hastily assembled defenses were shattered. The resistance from the Jin soldiers was insufficient to stop these fierce riders. Wherever the horses passed, all that remained were corpses.
However, Liu Yao’s mind remained exceptionally clear. He did not target the central forces, or ignore the commanding flag, but instead led his troops straight toward the cattle-drawn carriage bearing the Emperor’s flag.
Guards? Kill them! Officials trying to stop them? Kill them! Attendants? Kill them!
With one stroke of his sword, he beheaded a young man who had desperately blocked the way, wearing a Liang-style crown on his head. Another middle-aged man, pale-faced with trembling features, was dragged out of the carriage by the soldiers.
He wore a tall hat, a black scarf, and a crimson robe. Who else would dare dress in such a manner?
“General!” one of the soldiers shouted in excitement. “It’s the Jin Emperor!”
“Can there be two rulers in this world? Kill him!” Liu Yao ordered without hesitation.
The soldier, upon hearing this command, had no further reservations. Ignoring the man’s cries and struggles, he swung his sharp blade. With a sharp sound, blood sprayed five steps away, its color bright red, no different from ordinary blood.
They had truly succeeded! Liu Yao burst into hearty laughter and instructed the soldiers who were still engaged in combat, “The Jin Emperor is dead; we’re retreating!”
All the Xiongnu soldiers roared and charged towards the outskirts of the battlefield. The Jin army, already in disarray, had no strength left to resist. Qi Hong, who had desperately tried to make it to the bloody cattle-drawn carriage, let out a cry, spat out blood, and fell from his horse.
That day, the terrible news swept into the Hongnong camp along with the remnants of the army.
Author’s Note:
Emperor Huai of Jin, Sima Zhong, finally meets his end. According to history, he died in the eleventh month of the first year of Guangxi, which is more than half a year from now, allegedly poisoned by Sima Yue. However, now, the Xiongnu had already left Bing County and established themselves in Si County, which happened to coincide with this event. According to official history, Emperor Huai of Jin traveled from Chang’an to Luoyang in a cattle-drawn cart, while his ministers and nobles walked on foot. With this arrangement, how tight could their defenses be? And a strong general like Liu Yao wouldn’t let such an opportunity slip by.
The butterfly’s wings are flapping with increasing strength, and history seems to be diverging from its course.
“Hold the formation! Stay close! Don’t break the formation! They can’t break through!” In the raised formation, the bandit leader shouted loudly.
They had been occupying the mountains and forests in Liaoyang County for more than two years, gathering over three thousand soldiers. With local Qiang, Xiongnu, and Di people as their core, along with numerous refugees, their fighting strength was not to be underestimated. They had caused quite a stir while the Xiongnu were in chaos, plundering the county government, seizing food and people, and gaining some notoriety. However, no matter how turbulent the situation was, it was still within the borders of the Leping Kingdom. How had a group of Shangdang officials and soldiers suddenly appeared to besiege them?
What was even more troublesome was how formidable these Shangdang soldiers were!
The young leader in the formation continuously shouted and yelled, trying to stabilize their ranks. In front of them were cavalry, not particularly suited for the mountainous terrain of Liaoyang. As long as they held their formation, those precious cavalry wouldn’t dare to charge recklessly.
However, the well-armed cavalry in front didn’t seem to be planning a head-on charge. Instead, they had their bows drawn and arrows nocked, riding to the front as if they were on a hunting expedition. The mountain bandits had no armor, and even with archery alone, their formation began to waver. In this standoff, before their formation was broken, they would be shot down!
Should they continue to hold the formation, or should they just flee? The young leader gritted his teeth and said, “Hold your ground! Raise your shields! They won’t dare to charge in! Reinforcements are about to arrive!”
Who didn’t have cavalry? Their own cavalry was experienced in maneuvering through the mountains. If they arrived, they could surely make those officials and soldiers flee in disgrace!
However, while he thought this way, his men didn’t possess the same courage and resilience. When the cavalry in front turned again and charged towards them, holding crude spears and swords, the trembling bandits finally couldn’t hold back and retreated. This retreat created a gap, just like a crack in an iron plate. Those seemingly relaxed cavalrymen revealed a fierce gleam in their eyes. When they were less than a hundred paces from the formation, their horses galloped forward without reservation. Without holding back and without stopping, they charged straight towards the military formation!
In battles between two armies, especially infantry against cavalry, it relied on courage. If the infantry stood firm and resolute, not many cavalrymen would dare to use their warhorses for a forced charge. But once the soldiers’ morale wavered, showing fatigue, the fierce cavalrymen would immediately pounce and tear a gap in the formation, ripping it apart!
How could these bandits, who had not undergone proper military training, understand? Just one step backward decided their fate in terms of life and death!
The wolf-like elite cavalrymen charged into the formation, their blades glinting, and blood sprayed in all directions. The young bandit leader couldn’t stop his men from retreating, and he was driven to madness. Where had their own cavalry gone?
Less than five li away, another fierce battle was underway. To support their fleeing comrades, the mountain bandits spurred their horses, wishing they could sprout wings and fly! But they didn’t make it to the battlefield; another group of soldiers charged out, intercepting their thousand-strong cavalry unit.
“Kill them all!” the Qiang chieftain, who sported a bristly beard, roared.
He was the leader of these bandits and a man of great courage, known for his martial prowess. If he weren’t skilled in archery and cunning, how could he have built such a formidable bandit force?
Therefore, even in an ambush, he didn’t fear. Instead, his hair stood on end as he ordered his men to fight to the death. After all, both sides were cavalry, and their numbers were similar. What was there to fear? Just kill them all!
But today, he faced an entirely different enemy than the weakened Jin army.
Like descending mountain tigers, the cavalry charged in. Their snow-white long blades, their horse hooves thundering, seemed like the harbingers of death. Where had they acquired such martial skill? It was as though everyone in their ranks was an elite commander! What was even more terrifying was that they didn’t fight individually but in groups of three to five, coordinating their actions as one!
Even though the mountain bandits were fierce, they couldn’t match such a formation!
“Kill! Charge with me!” Unlike the others, the chieftain knew that he was no match after just a moment of combat. Continuing the fight would only be a futile waste of life. It was better to escape and regroup later!
However, before he and his closest subordinates could take two steps, a speckled gray warhorse blocked their way. It was a fine steed, towering over common horses by a head’s length. The rider atop it was clad in black armor, his cold and menacing visage exuding a killing intent. His gray-blue eyes were as frigid as ice, and the intent to kill was palpable!
This is the enemy general! In the blink of an eye, the bandit leader realized this and wasted no time. He led his men in a charge, with more than ten loyal followers by his side, while the enemy had only three to five close guards. If they could slay the enemy leader, they might have a chance!
Being known for his brute strength, he wielded a massive twenty-pound mixed-iron spear. With a thrust, he could leave a bowl-sized hole in his enemy’s body. Now, wielding it with all his might in a desperate frenzy, it was as if a thunderstorm raged in his hands! Facing three enemies, armed with such a weapon, why worry about not being able to slay them under the horse?
However, the deadly and malicious blow of the bandit leader didn’t hit the blue-eyed general. The general sidestepped the iron spear, then, with a swift counter, dispatched one of the attackers with his blade.
Did he think he could pick on a soft target? The bandit leader’s anger turned into a cunning grin. He kept his hand moving, sweeping the spear horizontally! The enemy’s white horse seemed to have a human-like intelligence; it sidestepped the attack with three quick steps. This evasion immediately left the long spear useless, while the enemy took another life.
This couldn’t go on like this! The bandit leader shouted, “Dianwu, Donghao, surround him!”
Two riders charged in response, forming a T-shape with the bandit leader in the middle. Their weapons—a steel spear, a horse knife, and a long hammer—swung simultaneously, forming a net, ensnaring the enemy general!
It’s a hit! The thought raced through the minds of the three men. Yet, the white horse neighed and raised its hind hooves, delivering a kick that struck true. The horse behind them screamed in agony and threw off its rider. From the front, the bandit leader hurled his long knife toward the enemy’s chest. From the side, a mixed-iron spear pierced his shoulder.
A hit! The Qiang leader’s heart leaped with joy. He had hit the enemy, even though he had lost two loyal followers. But in the next moment, an unfamiliar and searing pain surged through him. He glanced down at the source of the pain and saw an extra spear, its iron shaft adorned with red tassels, the gleaming spearhead buried in his own dark neck.
The spear twitched, and blood spurted out. The bandit leader fell from his horse.
The invincible general who had taken on three foes without a scratch didn’t spare a glance at the corpse. Instead, he coldly ordered, “Form up!”
With this brief command, all the riders from Hedong began to regroup, their weapons and the gleam in their eyes coming together.
“Kill! Kill! Kill!”
The sound of hooves thundered, and the battle cries pierced the sky.
※
“Captain, it looks like your wound will need a couple of stitches.” Seeing the wound on Captain Yi’s shoulder, the military nurse furrowed her brow. It seemed to be a spear wound, luckily not too deep. If it had been a few inches deeper, caused by a triangular blade, it might have affected tendons and bones.
Sitting down at the table, Yiyan spoke coldly, “Go ahead.”
Stitching wasn’t an easy task. The nurse took out a small gourd from her side, opened the lid, and a strong alcoholic aroma filled the air. However, what poured out of the gourd was a clear liquid, like water. This was the military’s specially prepared alcohol essence, which, when applied before sewing, prevented infections. However, it had a strong effect, and when applied to the wound, it felt like a searing blade. If ingested, it might even cause internal damage.
Carefully, she dipped a piece of steamed white cloth into the alcohol essence and wiped the blood stains from the area around the wound. This should have been extremely painful, but Yiyan only twitched his shoulder slightly. He didn’t show any signs of pain, and his expression remained unchanged.
These days, Captain Yi seemed even more formidable. The nurse swallowed a mouthful of saliva and pulled out the needle and thread, beginning the stitching. The thread was made from sheep intestine, and the needle was silver, but sewing through flesh was still enough to make one’s teeth ache and their hairs stand on end. She had personally stitched wounds for many people, and many had cried out in agony, unable to bear the pain. But now, the person she was stitching didn’t flinch or make a sound, as if she were sewing not flesh and blood but mere clothing.
Unable to afford any delay, the nurse swiftly finished the task at hand, then wiped it with alcohol again and applied a bandage, before stepping back out. Yiyan didn’t even spare a glance at the treated wound. He picked up his outer garment from the side and put it on, then walked out of the tent.
Outside, over a dozen mountain bandits were tied together, most of them bearing wounds. These were the small chieftains from the bandit army, requiring further interrogation.
When Wang Long saw Yiyan, he quickly approached. “Captain, these are the heads of the bandits. As for the old camp, we still need more questioning.”
Yiyan didn’t pay him any attention. He walked up to one of the mountain bandit leaders and asked, “Where is the old camp in the mountains?”
The old camp was the hiding place for valuable items in the mountain stronghold, and only the central leaders of the stronghold knew about it. The man spat and said, “You’re also a Hu person, why serve the Jin dogs?”
He was speaking in the Hu language. While the Qiang, Di, and Jie peoples had their own languages, the Xiongnu had a dominant presence, so various Hu people knew a bit of the Xiongnu language, often referred to as the Hu language. Yiyan and Wang Long both understood what he said. Wang Long’s face darkened, about to retort, when a flash of silver passed in front of him.
The head of the small chieftain rolled on the ground, and blood sprayed from his neck, covering a distance of over ten paces before coming to a stop.
Wang Long immediately shut his mouth. Over these past few days, it seemed the temper of their camp leader had grown worse, and even he didn’t dare to speak carelessly. It appeared that a major victory hadn’t brought this killing machine any relief.
Continuing his footsteps, Yiyan stood in front of another person, repeating the same question: “Where is the old camp in the mountains?”
With a predecessor setting an example, this man dared not be arrogant. He swallowed hard and said, “If you want me to talk, you must first release me…”
He didn’t finish his sentence, as a sword edge had already touched his neck. The blood that sprayed wet Yiyan’s clothing, and it dripped down incessantly.
A few steps further, Yiyan stood in front of another person. “Where is the old camp?”
Perhaps this man genuinely didn’t know; he stammered as he begged for mercy, “General, spare me! I’m familiar with the leaders; I can inquire…”
He never had the chance to say a third sentence. Another lifeless body lay on the ground.
Within the camp, silence descended. No one dared to speak further. It seemed that the god of death wasn’t after answers; he was after their lives.
Moving forward again, Yiyan hadn’t reached the next person when he broke down. He cried out, “In the left ridge! In the mountains of the left ridge! I can lead the way!”
His pair of boots stopped. Yiyan swung his blade, shaking off the blood, and said, “Take them to attack the old camp. We’ll capture it today.”
Wang Long didn’t dare to say anything. He quickly followed the orders and withdrew.
On the side, the messenger cautiously approached, saying, “Captain, there’s an envoy from Zhan County.”
Zhan County was the administrative center of Leping Kingdom, so it should be an envoy sent by the county government. Yiyan didn’t change out of his bloodstained clothes and entered the tent.
Seeing him in this state, Sun Cao, who had come to negotiate, was so frightened that he didn’t know where to look. He quickly lowered his head and greeted, “I didn’t know Captain Yi was coming. I apologize for not welcoming you properly. With bandits in the mountains, there’s no need for Captain to trouble yourself…”
The implication in his words was quite clear. He had crossed the line. Even if there were bandits in Leping, there was no need for Shangdang to send troops to suppress them.
Yiyan calmly replied, “Dealing with the mountain bandits is our duty. The city of Liaoyang is now under our control, so you needn’t worry.”
What? They had captured the city? Sun Cao was even more anxious, stammering, “How, how can this be…”
“Food and supplies will also be transported from Shangdang, and in a while, peace will be restored. Doesn’t the Chancellor wish to eliminate banditry in Leping Kingdom?”
He was referring to the highest authority in the Leping Kingdom, Chancellor Jiang Huan. As a close aide to the Chancellor, Sun Cao certainly knew his intentions. Bandits were terrifying, but having a troublesome neighbor was even scarier. However, given the current situation, would further protests be of any use? Even if they reported it to the imperial court, they would likely just be seen as bandit suppressors. They hadn’t attacked the various counties of Leping or seized their cities and provisions. Who would care about such selfless actions?
With a long and hard pause, Sun Cao finally squeezed out a sentence, “Of course, of course. Your troops have come from a faraway place and have come to help Leping eliminate this menace. I will immediately report to Chancellor Jiang and arrange to welcome General…”
He didn’t even dare to call him “Captain” anymore; he directly addressed him as “General.”
Yiyan didn’t show any emotion due to this concession. He still had that icy, unfriendly expression on his face, saying, “Mr. Sun is too kind.”
After a few more hurried words, Sun Cao didn’t dare to linger any longer and quickly left.
In the camp, there were no more annoying sounds. Yiyan closed his eyes slightly. It was as if his inner self had been split in half. One half remained calm and composed, dealing with military and political matters down to the smallest detail. The other half, however, was silent and empty, as if it had fallen into a bottomless abyss.
The Lord was going to marry. He was marrying Lady Wang.
A woman he couldn’t refuse, one he couldn’t underestimate.
Later, he would have more concubines. Those who were worthy of him, who could whisper sweet words in his arms. He would have children, and the family would be full of descendants, flourishing and prosperous. They would fill the empty halls of the Liang Mansion with laughter, contribute to the family’s governance, and support his father and brothers in managing this vast estate. Just like any rising aristocratic family, they would become an undeniable, significant clan.
The Lord deserved this. It was also the best way to stabilize Shangdang and even the entire Bing County.
He understood the reasoning behind it all. But that emptiness remained, and no one could fill it for him.
Yet, even so, that rational part of him remained. Like clinging to a straw in a torrent, he couldn’t let go. He couldn’t let himself fall into the abyss. This was all he had left. The Captain of Shangdang, the Commander of the Liang Mansion’s troops, and the Lord’s most trusted confidant.
In his chest, there was a sound like ice breaking. Yiyan opened his eyes again and walked towards the tent’s exit.
Meanwhile, a large army had entered Tong Pass and was moving towards the nearby Hongnong camp. This was the Emperor’s entourage, and also the army returning victorious under General Qi Hong.
After hastily sweeping through Chang’an, he dared not linger. He left behind the Xianbei soldiers still looting treasures and women, leading 8,000 troops to escort the Emperor out of Guanzhong. This was the prize that King Donghai most eagerly awaited, and it was the assurance of his promotions and rewards. Qi Hong couldn’t afford to be careless.
However, these were coarse men, and they hadn’t gathered the Emperor’s entourage. They hadn’t even found the imperial chariot. They had managed to get a cart and loaded the Emperor onto it before leaving. As for the nobles and officials, they had to walk on foot. Because of these incompetent people, it took them seven days to travel from Chang’an to Tong Pass, even with Qi Hong leading an army. This had caused some frustration for him.
Once they arrived at the Hongnong camp, they could arrange for carriages for these “useless” people. However, when it came to Sima Teng, who was waiting in the camp, he wasn’t an easy character to deal with either. During the attack on Chang’an, Qi Hong hadn’t seen him charging at the front lines. Now, he was here to pick the fruits of their labor? Qi Hong couldn’t help but want to chuckle at the irony. But Sima Teng was the younger brother of King Donghai, not someone he could afford to offend.
Fortunately, in Chang’an, there were plenty of spoils to be had. Riding on his horse, Qi Hong absentmindedly contemplated how to arrange and assess the value of their plunder. Just then, a voice pierced through the thick military formations and reached Qi Hong’s ears.
“Enemy cavalry!”
Suddenly looking up, Qi Hong was horrified to see a vast cloud of dust on the horizon. It was a cavalry unit numbering three to four thousand strong! The dust they raised alone had an eclipsing effect on the sun.
How could there be enemy cavalry here? What was happening at the Hongnong camp? Why hadn’t there been any scouts to report this?
Even though he was an experienced general, Qi Hong was momentarily panic-stricken and angrily shouted, “What are you waiting for? Protect the Emperor! Protect the Emperor!”
He was escorting the Emperor! If something happened to him, it would take more than a few heads to make amends!
Upon hearing this command, everyone hurried into action. However, these soldiers, previously confident and unruly due to their recent victory and plundering, were not quick to react.
Like a pack of ruthless wolves, the enemy cavalry charged fiercely into the unprepared camp, heading straight for the cattle-drawn carriage that guarded them.
※
Liu Yao had never expected to stumble upon such a golden opportunity.
After infiltrating Hongnong with his troops, he received critical information. The main tent had not been taken down because it was awaiting the Emperor’s arrival. The Imperial carriage had already left Chang’an.
This was an incredible stroke of luck! Without hesitation, Liu Yao revised his plan. Instead of attacking the main camp, he went for the rear, aiming to seize supplies. In a time when food shortages were rampant, and with various bandits along the way, the incident seemed plausible. In response, Sima Teng couldn’t afford to take any chances and immediately sent troops to secure the supply line.
After causing turmoil in the main camp and diverting Sima Teng’s attention, Liu Yao led his troops toward the Tong Pass area. No matter which route they took, they had to pass through Tong Pass. By setting an ambush nearby, they could surely get their prey.
As luck would have it, they were aided by circumstances. The Imperial entourage only consisted of a mere 8,000 soldiers, with no main tent to reinforce their defenses and no heightened vigilance. These people were like defenseless lambs walking through the wilderness.
How could such prey be allowed to escape?
At Liu Yao’s command, three thousand light cavalry charged toward the enemy camp. Like tearing through silk, the hastily assembled defenses were shattered. The resistance from the Jin soldiers was insufficient to stop these fierce riders. Wherever the horses passed, all that remained were corpses.
However, Liu Yao’s mind remained exceptionally clear. He did not target the central forces, or ignore the commanding flag, but instead led his troops straight toward the cattle-drawn carriage bearing the Emperor’s flag.
Guards? Kill them! Officials trying to stop them? Kill them! Attendants? Kill them!
With one stroke of his sword, he beheaded a young man who had desperately blocked the way, wearing a Liang-style crown on his head. Another middle-aged man, pale-faced with trembling features, was dragged out of the carriage by the soldiers.
He wore a tall hat, a black scarf, and a crimson robe. Who else would dare dress in such a manner?
“General!” one of the soldiers shouted in excitement. “It’s the Jin Emperor!”
“Can there be two rulers in this world? Kill him!” Liu Yao ordered without hesitation.
The soldier, upon hearing this command, had no further reservations. Ignoring the man’s cries and struggles, he swung his sharp blade. With a sharp sound, blood sprayed five steps away, its color bright red, no different from ordinary blood.
They had truly succeeded! Liu Yao burst into hearty laughter and instructed the soldiers who were still engaged in combat, “The Jin Emperor is dead; we’re retreating!”
All the Xiongnu soldiers roared and charged towards the outskirts of the battlefield. The Jin army, already in disarray, had no strength left to resist. Qi Hong, who had desperately tried to make it to the bloody cattle-drawn carriage, let out a cry, spat out blood, and fell from his horse.
That day, the terrible news swept into the Hongnong camp along with the remnants of the army.
Author’s Note:
Emperor Huai of Jin, Sima Zhong, finally meets his end. According to history, he died in the eleventh month of the first year of Guangxi, which is more than half a year from now, allegedly poisoned by Sima Yue. However, now, the Xiongnu had already left Bing County and established themselves in Si County, which happened to coincide with this event. According to official history, Emperor Huai of Jin traveled from Chang’an to Luoyang in a cattle-drawn cart, while his ministers and nobles walked on foot. With this arrangement, how tight could their defenses be? And a strong general like Liu Yao wouldn’t let such an opportunity slip by.
The butterfly’s wings are flapping with increasing strength, and history seems to be diverging from its course.
