Chapter 744: Beaded Curtain, Iron Armor (Part 2)

Huang Shang, the Head of Qinglu Cave Academy, personally saw Xu Fengnian off down the mountain. They spoke little on the way down. Huang Shang's initial resolve had waned; since the young prince wasn't there to settle scores with his students at the foot of Qinglu Cave Mountain, Huang Shang had no further purpose. He couldn't push his luck and demand more official positions in local government for his students from Xu Fengnian. Qingliang Mountain had already been extremely accommodating to scholars from Liang who sought important posts in various prefectures and counties, and even with Huang Shang's thick skin, he couldn't bring himself to ask for more. The more silent Xu Fengnian became, the more uneasy Huang Shang grew. As they neared the foot of the mountain, the old man sighed and said with a bitter smile, "My Lord, you keep this knife at my neck, neither cutting cleanly nor pulling it away quickly. This old man is very uncomfortable. How about giving me a straight answer? If not, I'll speak my mind: let someone else be the head of Qinglu Cave Academy. The academy is like a field of crops; good seedlings have finally emerged. If Your Lordship thinks I'm not managing it well, then replace me with someone obedient. Just don't take your anger out on those promising young rice shoots."

Xu Fengnian did not stop, speaking slowly, "Sir, you worry too much. There's nothing wrong with academy scholars discussing Beiliang's military and political affairs. In this world, only things that aren't debated remain unclear; nothing becomes murkier the more it's discussed."

Huang Shang nodded, relieved.

Xu Fengnian continued, "However, as the Head and esteemed mentors, you must guide them appropriately and not stand by idly. I don't want you to speak highly of the Beiliang border army; that would be meaningless. I hope that the scholars rooted in Beiliang understand one thing: the reason they can critique state affairs is because people are dying daily on the border front lines. It is those dead and those Beiliang border troops who may soon die in battle who prevent even a wisp of smoke from rising within Beiliang's borders. Regardless of whether they win or lose on the battlefield, they are never in the wrong. Of course, criticizing me, Qingliang Mountain, or the Beiliang Protectorate General's office for improper deployment or faulty planning is fine. But if their initial intention is to watch from the sidelines with schadenfreude, then Beiliang will always respectfully decline such scholars. They are welcome to return to where they came from; Qingliang Mountain can still afford the travel expenses."

Huang Shang's expression grew serious again. Xu Fengnian glanced at the old man and said with a faint smile, "Always thinking others are flawed here and there, always believing oneself indispensable for managing the world and benefiting the people? Studying is for cultivating noble integrity, not for nurturing arrogance and hostility. I speak from experience; I used to complain constantly, seeing injustice everywhere, and my accumulated frustrations were hard to soothe. Perhaps Sir has never gone through this process in his life, which is why I made this special trip to Qinglu Cave Academy to offer a few words."

Huang Shang was half-skeptical. "Are you truly just here to say these few words?"

Xu Fengnian smiled, "Regarding scholars discussing border military affairs, prevention is not as good as guidance. I will have the government provide sets of 'Essentials of Military Preparedness,' compiled by Chen Zhibao, to academies across the region. You might consider having a renowned scholar well-versed in military matters lead discussions. First, clarify the history of Beiliang's 'Liang' sabers, crossbows, and equestrian administration, understand exactly how our Beiliang army is governed, and only then discuss major border military matters."

Huang Shang exclaimed, "What an excellent approach – prevention is not as good as guidance!"

Huang Shang hesitated, then added, "Your Lordship handled this... beautifully."

Huang Shang was notoriously sparing with praise, finding flattery difficult to utter. His words showed that Xu Fengnian's visit to the academy had indeed pleased the old man greatly.

Xu Fengnian chuckled self-deprecatingly, "A skillful maneuver, perhaps worthy of a reward?"

With no more reservations in his heart, Huang Shang spoke much more freely, "I, Huang Shang, am only skilled in scholarship, but I dare say that within five years, I will make Liyang look at Beiliang's essays and classical studies with new respect."

Before mounting his horse to leave, Xu Fengnian said to Huang Shang, "On the eve of Qingming, please bring the academy's scholars and students to the Qingliang Mountain Stele Forest. There will be a sacrificial ceremony then."

Huang Shang paused, then said gravely, "It is fitting that we do so!"

After leaving Qinglu Cave Mountain, as the three rode at a gallop, Lu Yunchang asked, "Master, are we going to the Beiliang Protectorate General's office now, or to Hutou City where the fighting is happening?"

Xu Fengnian retorted irritably, "You return to the Great Snow Dragon Riders. Don't concern yourself with anything else."

Yu Dilong shouted, "Master, I want to go to Hutou City and kill barbarians!"

Xu Fengnian was silent for a moment, then suddenly said, "Dilong, you and Yunchang go to Liuzhou, to Qingcang City, and secretly protect Yang Guangdou and Chen Xiliang. If a major battle truly breaks out, you may act as you see fit. I grant you permission to make your own decisions."

At a fork in the official road, Lu Yunchang, a mix of surprise and delight, rubbed his hands and said, "Master, so we're parting ways now!"

Xu Fengnian hummed in affirmation, not forgetting to remind him, "Yunchang, once on the battlefield, keep an eye on your senior martial brother. Don't let him get so bloodthirsty that he disregards everything. In short, neither of you should die in Liuzhou. Your true battlefield will be the jianghu in the future."

Yu Dilong grinned and said, "Master, once I've paid off the big guy's debt, and if I earn more military merits, please don't forget my reward money! I still need to send it to Aunt Pei; she's building a courtyard house and needs a lot of silver. We can't let Aunt Pei borrow money or get credit from outsiders, can we?"

Xu Fengnian laughed and chided him, "At such a young age, you're already turning your elbow outwards? Alright, alright, if that day truly comes, the Beiliang border army won't shortchange you by a single copper coin."

Lu Yunchang burst out laughing, "A daughter married off is like water poured out!"

Yu Dilong raised his fist, glaring, "Who are you calling a woman?! Are you itching for a beating? Want me to give you a pummeling?"

Xu Fengnian stopped his horse at the post road intersection, smiling as he watched the two figures chasing and bickering vanish into the distance, then suddenly spurred his horse forward.

In yesteryear, the young man in brocade robes spurred his horse through Liangzhou City in a fury.

The Awakening of Insects had passed, and the Spring Equinox was approaching. Xu Fengnian rode alone along the heavily guarded northern post road of Liangzhou until he reached Huaiyang Pass. At this time, not only were the battles in Beiliang intensifying, but chaos had also begun to spread across the land. On the eastern front of Guangling Road, after Kou Jianghuai resigned as commander and retired to his rural estate, the young western commander Xie Xichui took over as general of the eastern front. He fought three consecutive major battles within ten days against Song Li, one of Liyang's rising young generals renowned in both court and public. Xie Xichui, who had previously used military tactics with divine skill, decisively defeating Yan Zhenchun's cavalry and Yang Shenxing's elite infantry from Jizhou, unexpectedly suffered continuous defeats and retreats after once again being entrusted with high hopes by the Western Chu court. Cao Changqing, leading the Western Chu navy, finally ceased its inactivity and had to begin advancing downstream. To relieve pressure on Xie Xichui's land forces, they started confronting the navy of Prince Zhao Yi of Guangling. Meanwhile, Prince Zhao Bing of Nanjiang raised a formidable army of 100,000 elite soldiers, marching north in a grand procession. Concurrently, Lu Shengxiang, the commander of the southern expedition and General Piaoyi, along with tens of thousands of troops from the Nanjing Imperial Camp, slowly moved south, echoing the Nanjiang army from north to south, presenting a highly favorable situation for the imperial court. On the Two Liaos border, where Gu Jiantang was stationed, after Yuan Tingshan achieved an initial victory in Jibei, Tang Tieshuang—a trusted general of Gu Jiantang, along with Cai Nan—also launched an offensive on the eastern front, beheading 6,000 Northern Mang soldiers. For this, the Liyang Emperor issued an edict promoting Tang Tieshuang to the capital to replace Lu Shengxiang as the Minister of War. This "valiant general" with a reputation for bravery traveled south to the capital, arriving just after another Minister of War, Xu Gong, had entered the Two Liaos. Thus, following the "successive entries into the capital" appellation for Wu Congxian (the second-ranked scholar) and Fan Chang (Liyang's new "10-dan" chess grandmaster), there was also the saying of "Dragon and Tiger garrison troops" referring to General Longxiang Xu Gong and the valiant general Tang Tieshuang.

The flourishing of the Liyang imperial court and the settled popular sentiment further highlighted the instability in the northwest. It was rumored that after Beiliang lost the two cities of Wogong and Luanhe in Hulukou, Youzhou, the last barrier beyond the pass, Xiaguang City, was also on the verge of collapse. Furthermore, Hutou City, the northernmost city outside Liangzhou Pass, was in precarious danger. What particularly disappointed and angered the people of Liyang was a rumor that Youzhou's Hulukou, supposedly fortified with numerous forts capable of withstanding over 100,000 Northern Mang cavalry, was now facing a Northern Mang army led by Yang Yuanzan, which, contrary to expectations, had grown from 300,000 to 350,000 soldiers. The people of Liyang, especially those in the capital, naturally speculated whether the Beiliang barbarians had defected to the Northern Mang barbarians, for how else could an army grow larger the longer a war was fought?

Hutou City, north of Huaiyang Pass and south of Longyan'er Plain, had always been known for its strategic importance. Under Xu Xiao, up to 30,000 troops were stationed in this formidable stronghold: nearly 10,000 cavalry and over 20,000 infantry, all seasoned veterans skilled in battle. With Huaiyang Pass and the two military towns of Liuyar and Fuling as support, and beyond this line, a defensive flank formed by the three major passes of Jinyuan, Qinghe, and Chongzhong, along with Xuan Shen and Shenwu cities. Only after these defenses came the Great Snow Dragon Riders, Gu Dazu's infantry, and He Zhonghu's cavalry. Unlike the passive defense at Youzhou's Hulukou, the areas north of Liangzhou—besides the resolute defense of Hutou City—Liuyar, Fuling, and Huaiyang Pass (where the Protectorate General's office was located) all possessed the capacity for proactive cavalry offensives. It was precisely this powerful, mobile force roving in support behind the lines that imbued the current defense of Hutou City with a spirit of generous heroism, where everyone was prepared to die fearlessly.

When Xu Fengnian, escorted by a detachment of White Horse Volunteers, entered the Protectorate General's council hall, Chu Lushan was discussing the war situation with Xu Weixiong and He Zhonghu, the Deputy Commander of Cavalry, among others. Seeing Xu Fengnian arrive, there were no formalities or pleasantries; Xu Fengnian seamlessly joined the discussion. Of course, Chu Lushan couldn't completely disregard Xu Fengnian, the King of Beiliang, so he briefly summarized the situation: "Old Liu, the cripple from Hutou City, boasts that he can hold out for a year or two even with an isolated force. He wants all our future cavalry sorties from Liuyar, Fuling, and Huaiyang Pass to be predicated on Hutou City remaining secure. Furthermore, he says Hutou City's 10,000 elite cavalry can sally out at any critical moment. Currently, we are calculating how and when Fatty Dong will deploy his over 100,000 Dong family private infantry. So far, Northern Mang's siege forces are still primarily border troops from Gusei Prefecture. They've cobbled together nearly a thousand catapults, launching them in batches of three hundred, assaulting the city day and night. It looks impressive, but Old Liu says that while they were initially unaccustomed to it, the Hutou City defenders now completely ignore those intentionally nauseating night-time catapult attacks. They eat when they should, sleep when they should. Morale and spirits are high, so he tells us to rest assured."

At this point, Chu Lushan couldn't help but chuckle softly, "All armies are like crying babies who get milk, eager to exaggerate the direness of the situation even if only a few dozen have died. Only our Beiliang border army is different; they're afraid of worrying their 'parents,' so even if they're covered in blood from a beating, they grit their teeth and endure it."

Chu Lushan continued, "The two cavalry forces from Liuyar and Fuling have each launched two proactive attacks. The results weren't significant, but they forced Northern Mang to hesitate in committing to a full-scale siege. Otherwise, if those thousand catapults were deployed along the entire front, they could besiege not just Hutou City but even Tai'an City with great momentum. During this time, Northern Mang dispatched a light cavalry force of 30,000, attempting to intercept the Liuyar cavalry, which gave our Huaiyang Pass an opportunity. They failed to achieve their 'siege and intercept reinforcements' objective. Instead, we easily cut down 6,000 of their cavalry. If Dong Zhuo hadn't sent reinforcements, we could have taken out another 10,000. Our cavalry advanced north to the vicinity of Hutou City, each man throwing a barbarian's head forward. Your Lordship should have seen the faces of those barbarians on the front line; they looked like they hadn't been able to relieve themselves for months."

Xu Fengnian smiled knowingly and asked, "What are Yang Yuanzan's exact battle losses in Youzhou?"

The old general He Zhonghu laughed heartily, "Inside Hulukou, it's already over 50,000, plus Your Lordship and Yu Luandao's successful interception with the Youzhou cavalry. Don't be fooled by their supplement of over 100,000 troops from Dongjin and Hexi Prefectures; they're just puffing themselves up to appear strong. Those troops were originally intended for the eastern front of the Two Liaos. The fact that they're being used so early has caused much controversy within Northern Mang. Everyone is criticizing the Southern Court King for robbing Peter to pay Paul. Some have even suggested that military authority be transferred to Tuoba Pusa. If it weren't for the Grand Chancellor holding him back, Dong Zhuo might have been packed off already."

Xu Fengnian looked at the sandbox, nodding and saying softly, "Let's not rush to achieve a decisive, overwhelming victory. We just need to gradually wear down Northern Mang's patience. The battlefield has always been an extension of the imperial court. If we can successfully fight this war until Dong Zhuo loses his position as Southern Court King by the end of the second year of Xiangfu, then Beiliang will have won. The entire third year of Xiangfu can then be much easier."

Xu Weixiong quietly nodded, agreeing with Xu Fengnian's statement, which clearly hinted at a conservative strategy of "no mistakes is a merit."

Chu Lushan glanced at Hutou City on the sandbox. "Then we must first ensure Hutou City does not fall, and not let Dong Zhuo catch his breath."

Xu Fengnian said calmly, "Therefore, even if Liu Jinu and Hutou City can't hold out, they *must* hold out! Send word to him: previously, Hutou City was used as a major fort like those in Youzhou's Hulukou. It's different now. He can die, but Hutou City absolutely cannot fall. Thus, whenever Hutou City is in danger of being lost, by whatever means necessary, the Protectorate General's office must be immediately informed. Then, even if we have to deploy the five forces from Jinyuan, Qinghe, Chongzhong, Xuan Shen, and Shenwu, we will relieve their pressure. Even the 10,000 Great Snow Dragon Riders and 8,000 heavy cavalry can be used at critical moments."

He Zhonghu and several other distinguished old generals exchanged glances, hesitating to speak.

In Beiliang's established strategy, after a certain amount of Northern Mang's forces were depleted, all forts in the three cities of Hulukou, Youzhou, could be abandoned, as could the border towns north of Liangzhou. There was no scenario of holding out to the bitter end regardless of cost.

Was it worth it, all for one Dong Zhuo?

Gu Dazu closed his eyes, silently deliberating the battle situation and weighing the pros and cons in his mind.

He Zhonghu instinctively looked towards Chu Lushan, the Beiliang Protector General. The Southern Court King of Northern Mang had once been his defeated subordinate. By all accounts, Chu Lushan should have been the first to refute this proposal. Yet, in He Zhonghu's eyes, Chu Lushan remained silent, his fingers interlaced over his abdomen, his gaze swiftly scanning the sandbox.

At a moment when even Chu Lushan remained silent, perhaps only Xu Weixiong dared to speak up. She frowned and said, "If the definition of Hutou City changes, the entire Liangzhou defense line will have to change accordingly, and this will have an immense impact on Lingzhou in the rear."

Xu Fengnian replied, "Even if Xu Beizhi has to completely drain Lingzhou and its surrounding areas, it will ensure an unimpeded flow of provisions to Liangzhou."

Gu Dazu murmured to himself, "Fighting beyond the national gate? Although this has been my greatest dream, Gu Dazu, in my entire life, is it truly appropriate for Beiliang, which has previously spared no effort to expand its strategic depth?"

This was undoubtedly the first time Xu Fengnian had displayed such an unequivocally firm stance on border affairs.

The atmosphere within the Protectorate General's office was exceptionally solemn.

Xu Fengnian suddenly asked, "Commander Yuan took the armor I was wearing, saying it was the Protectorate General's will?"

Xu Weixiong's expression was strange.

Chu Lushan chuckled, "Originally, we wanted to display it in this hall; it would have looked impressive. But then we reconsidered and sent it to Hutou City. Old Liu the cripple then gave it to someone else."

Xu Fengnian was completely bewildered.

Chu Lushan's smile faded as he said, "It was put on our first Beiliang general to die in battle."

Xu Fengnian looked down at the sandbox. "I know, it's Ma Jili from Hutou City. He was sitting at the back in the courtyard inside the city, and he didn't dare show his face because he had cursed at me."