Chapter 876: Western Chu Overlord (3)

On the western front of Guangling Road, the war raged fiercely. With 10,000 elite cavalry from Jibei joining Wu Chongxuan's forces, the imperial army already held an advantage. Subsequently, Xu Gong led the capital's elite troops and 20,000 Shu soldiers to the battlefield. Thus, on the western front, the imperial army had gained an overwhelming advantage over Western Chu, like a lion pouncing on a rabbit. Wang Tongshan's old troops broke through the Old Dushan defense line first, breaking the stalemate, and the second Battle of Xileibi became an undeniable certainty. At this critical juncture, Wu Chongxuan, in his capacity as Minister of War, convened a military council. The meeting took place in a small town called Wutong. Except for Song Li, the commander of the eastern front, who was separated by the ancient battlefield of Xileibi and truly unable to attend, almost all imperial generals involved in suppressing the rebellion in Guangling Road gathered in the town. Suddenly, scouts and cavalry patrols outside Wutong Town were as numerous as carp crossing a river.

In the twilight, a middle-aged man in black robes and a tall hat stood on the city wall, gazing into the distance. By his side was only a tall young man in iron armor, serving as his attendant. The latter was full of resentment, gritting his teeth and saying, “That old man Wu is truly cunning. Knowing that his title as ‘Great General who Conquers the South’ couldn't command all the various armies, he used his title as Minister of War to flaunt his authority. Otherwise, General, as the nominal commander-in-chief of the southern campaign, your title, ‘General of Gallantry and Resolve,’ is half a rank higher than the Four Conquerors and Four Garrisons. Although it's not a permanent imperial general's position, it's wartime—how dare that old man Wu slight you! That old man Wu shamelessly made you, General, personally come to this godforsaken place. That old man Wu is detestable, and Yang Wei is even more shameless. He's also one of the few veteran generals of the Spring and Autumn period. Not to mention being compared to old General Yan Zhenchun, in my opinion, he's worse than Yang Shenxing, who was banished to Beiliang to endure hardship!”

At this point, the young man, somewhat puzzled, lowered his voice and carefully asked, “General, why didn't you rebuke me today? Do you also think what I said makes sense?” The middle-aged man, who wore neither armor nor military official's robes, ignored him. He placed his hand on the rough battlement of the wall, his expression solemn. He gazed into the distance. The city in spring was lush with deep green foliage, and a gentle spring breeze brushed his face. Below, small teams of elite cavalry, formerly part of the Southern Border Army, occasionally galloped in and out of the town. Their horsemanship was superb, no less skilled than the Liaodong Border Army. It was hard to imagine these soldiers came from a land rife with miasma. This distant guest in Wutong Town was precisely Lu Shengxiang, who gained great fame in the mid-to-late Spring and Autumn period. He was as renowned as Chu Lushan, who opened Shu with a thousand cavalry. The fierce generals from Tanghe in the Southern Border, like Li Chunyu, were all a notch below him and Chu Lushan in terms of both military achievements and reputation. Xu Gong, the former Dragon Victor General, who had never experienced the Spring and Autumn wars from beginning to end, had in his early years highly praised this future colleague in the Ministry of War. He once lauded, “Lu Shengxiang is capable of being the pillar of the Southeast.” The young military officer beside Lu Shengxiang was Guo Dongfeng, who had been feeding horses at Youru Pass for a long time. In the early year's southern raid, he served as a vanguard general, achieving significant military merits, and it was said he had already been noted by the Emperor, implying imperial favor. Regardless of whether his patron, Lu Shengxiang, would rise or fall in the future, Guo Dongfeng's career path was considered secure. The unruly Guo Dongfeng was accustomed to speaking without restraint and even more accustomed to being reprimanded and corrected by Lu Shengxiang. This time, Lu Shengxiang uncharacteristically did not stop his disrespectful remarks. Instead, it made this young fierce general, who aspired to be ennobled at the border, somewhat uncomfortable. He suddenly found himself unable to express most of his remaining grievances. Lu Shengxiang's unusual silence brought great pressure on Guo Dongfeng. Being impetuous, he could only take off the saber from his waist and repeatedly tap it against the battlement.

Guo Dongfeng's frustration was not entirely without reason. The Guangling Road campaign was nearing its end, but the nominal commander-in-chief of the southern expedition, Lu Shengxiang, first found his military orders ineffective at Youru Pass. Then, after much difficulty, he managed to bypass Yang Wei, the deputy commander of the southern expedition, who was stubbornly against taking risks and insisted on a safe victory. Lu Shengxiang personally led his troops on a risky attack, only to attract considerable criticism from the imperial court in Tai'an City. Moreover, some court officials submitted words intended to inflict spiritual harm, with extremely insidious phrasing. They dared not say how incompetent the General of Gallantry and Resolve was; instead, they only stated that Lu Shengxiang was a truly talented general. This distinction between a talent for commanding troops and a talent for commanding generals clearly implied that while Lu Shengxiang had no problem commanding troops when leading an army alone, he might be out of his depth as the commander-in-chief of the southern expedition, a role that required commanding generals. Guo Dongfeng resented old General Yang Wei because Yang Wei was truly old, completely lacking ambition to expand territory. He merely sought to avoid mistakes, considering that a success. He had only twenty to thirty thousand troops, yet he allowed over two hundred sons of Tai'an City officials to join his ranks. This was even more exaggerated than Yang Shenxing's behavior back then; the latter only accepted sons of generals. Yang Wei's conduct was worse; he practically refused no one. With so many worthless individuals who came to Guangling Road just to gain military merits without effort, how could Yang Wei have any ambition for advancement? Therefore, after leading his army south, the old general wished he could cling to Lu Shengxiang's leg to prevent him from moving, only wanting to safely get a share once Western Chu's power was completely gone. Evidently, Yang Shenxing's past mistakes forced the already seasoned and cautious Yang Wei to be even more careful. Guo Dongfeng had previously witnessed Yang Wei's main army advancing at a snail's pace. Furthermore, his frequent and intensive use of scouts reached an unprecedented level. Guo Dongfeng felt it could be recorded in history: almost every three li (a unit of distance) had a full standard of scouts, spreading out like a vast net. Especially when news spread that the Beiliang cavalry was heading straight for Guangling Road, Yang Wei's army, located west of Lu Shengxiang, even with Jizhou cavalry and Xu Gong's army separating them, Yang Wei immediately ordered a halt. Guo Dongfeng heard that nearly half of the over two hundred sons of officials quickly retreated overnight, under the pretense of escorting grain supplies from the capital. Guo Dongfeng almost burst out laughing at this.

A refined man in a military official's robe, without any attendants, walked onto the city wall alone. Guo Dongfeng turned to look; though it was an unfamiliar face, the third-rank official's insignia clearly indicated a distinguished status. It was Xu Gong, Vice Minister of War, and the pillar of the Gumu Xu clan of Jiangnan Road. After Lu Baijie, the Minister of War who was originally the leader of Jiangnan scholars, suffered a downfall in Tai'an City, Xu Gong naturally became the successor representative for Jiangnan officials in the capital. Guo Dongfeng had no ill feelings towards this man. Xu Gong and his benefactor Lu Shengxiang truly shared a similar plight. When Xu Gong entered the capital to assume his post in the Ministry of War, his chair as Vice Minister hadn't even warmed up before he was sent to Liaodong for a border inspection. It was only with great difficulty, by assisting Grand Pillar-of-the-State Gu Jiantang with a series of victories at the Liaodong border, that he gained military authority. This southern journey also left him in a state of discomfiture. It could be said that if Xu Gong hadn't attracted most of the attention from the capital's censors, Lu Shengxiang's days might have been even harder. Hence, there was already a jocular saying in Tai'an City's official circles: "Vice Ministers in Adversity."

Lu Shengxiang had a reserved temperament. Whether at Chunxuelou in Guangling Road or in Tai'an City's official circles, he always had the "fine reputation" of being resolute and aloof. However, upon seeing Xu Gong ascend the city wall, he smiled slightly, took a few steps forward, and cupped his hands, saying, “Lu has met Vice Minister Xu.” Xu Gong was handsome and dignified, possessing both the valiant aura of a battlefield commander and the unique refined elegance of a scion of a prominent family. Compared to Lu Shengxiang, who had no prominent background, Xu Gong better fit the image of a scholarly general in the minds of scholars. Seeing Lu Shengxiang's proactive gesture, he also smiled genuinely and said, “Xu Gong has long admired General Lu. I'm finally able to meet you in person; seeing is believing. My thousand-li journey south has not been in vain.”

Lu Shengxiang smiled, “Gu Dazu of Southern Tang pioneered the theory of military situations in his 'Collection of Ashes'. I had thought that 'great military insights' had been exhaustively discussed in that book, and it would be difficult for anyone in the world to offer higher insights. Only King Chen Zhibao's military treatise could compare. It covers every detail, tens of thousands of characters long. It teaches every officer and soldier in the army to follow procedures, perform their duties, and deeply understand the profound essence of military strategy. When Vice Minister Xu entered the capital, I was no longer there. However, by chance, a military treatise written by Vice Minister Xu in his early years circulated. At that time, I was idle all day at Youru Pass, so I devoted myself to studying it. I benefited greatly and felt my time was not wasted. Vice Minister Xu once said in his early years that I, Lu Shengxiang, was the pillar of the Southeast. I previously held deep prejudices against Jiangnan scholars, mistakenly believing Vice Minister Xu was also one of those armchair strategists, high-minded but incompetent scholars. If I had read that military treatise a few years earlier, I should have said then, 'It is Xu Longxiang who is the true pillar of the Southeast!' Even if the world mistakenly thought we were promoting each other, it wouldn't matter.”

Xu Gong laughed heartily, “To hear these words from Lu Shengxiang before me is worth more than a thousand words from afar.” The “afar” Xu Gong spoke of naturally referred to the clamor in the imperial court of Tai'an City. His implication was that even if he, Xu Gong, were to lose his office and leave the capital, no longer serving as Vice Minister of War, it would be no great matter. Meeting like old friends — this phrase probably describes Xu Gong and Lu Shengxiang.

Guo Dongfeng interjected bluntly, spoiling the atmosphere, “Vice Minister Xu, I heard that the famous Jizhou General Yuan Tingshan didn't come here with you?” Xu Gong smiled frankly, “General Yuan did indeed set off two days before me. However, Che Ye, the commander of the Western Shu infantry, came with me.” Guo Dongfeng chuckled, “No wonder old General Yang Wei entered the city yesterday with that young and accomplished General Yuan standing beside the Minister. So, Vice Minister Xu, are you also here on the city wall today to pay respects to King Jing'an?” Xu Gong was unconcerned by the young general's unrestrained words. He shook his head and said, “King Jing'an will be welcomed by the Minister. I heard that King Shu might arrive today, so I wanted to get a closer look.” Lu Shengxiang said calmly, “King Shu and I previously joined forces to defeat the enemy on the northern battlefield of Guangling Road. We only saw each other from a distance before parting ways, which I regret. Today is no different from Vice Minister Xu.”

Gu Jiantang, Chen Zhibao, Lu Baijie, Wu Chongxuan, Lu Shengxiang, Xu Gong, Tang Tieshuang. These seven individuals were undoubtedly the prominent figures of the Liyang Ministry of War in the past five years. Except for Lu Baijie, who had to resign in disgrace due to being implicated by the Guangling Road conflict and had already made a gloomy exit, Gu Jiantang commanded the military and political affairs of Liaodong, and Chen Zhibao was enfeoffed as King of Western Shu; both were well-deserved promotions. Wu Chongxuan was at the height of his power, and among the Vice Ministers, Tang Tieshuang entered the capital latest, but compared to Xu Gong and Lu Shengxiang on the city wall, he seemed to be gaining momentum and potentially surpassing them. The court and public alike were increasingly viewing Tang Tieshuang as the sole candidate for the next Minister of War. This clearly showed how much popular support Xu Gong had lost by failing to successfully block the Beiliang cavalry during his southern command.

At that moment, a large group of people galloped out of Wutong Town. Among them were many young figures, riding high on spirited horses, their expressions uplifted. Guo Dongfeng lazily sprawled on the battlement, watching them ride out of the city, he twisted his lips, his face full of disdain.

Xu Gong stood beside Lu Shengxiang and smiled, “It seems King Jing'an is quite popular.” Lu Shengxiang smiled wryly, “Who in the world doesn't know that King Jing'an is loyal to the imperial court, and everyone says he can serve as a model for all vassal kings? Four or five years ago, the imperial court had not yet enfeoffed kings with single-character titles. Among the many sons of vassal kings, Xu Fengnian of Beiliang was known for his profligacy, Zhao Zhu of Nanjiang for his bravery, Zhao Biao of Guangling for his ruthlessness, and Zhao Yi of Liaodong and others were relatively obscure. Zhao Xun was only slightly known in the literary circles of Jiangzuo at that time, and no one thought he would be able to inherit the vassal king title. Yet, in just two or three years, he first became famous in the capital for his 'Two Memorials and Thirteen Policies', and then gained renown across the land by fighting to the death without retreating to rescue King Zhao Ying of Huainan. He was hailed as both wise and brave. The group of aristocratic youths currently outside the city, accompanying General Yang Wei to Wutong Town, are likely here mostly out of admiration for their peer, King Jing'an. Guo Dongfeng, how does that saying go?”

Guo Dongfeng, suddenly hearing Lu Shengxiang's question, was momentarily stunned and had no idea. Xu Gong softly said, “Traveling south, I have indeed heard it said, 'In the Northwest there is Xu, in Chu there is Song; alas, in my Central Plains, there is Xun.'”

Guo Dongfeng, hearing this saying for the first time, became furious. “How can he, this 'death-seeking vassal king' who knows nothing of military affairs, be worthy of being called 'In my Central Plains, there is Xun'?! That Xu fellow, at least, managed to block the cavalry of Beimang's million-strong army; I, Guo Dongfeng, am somewhat impressed by that. As for that elegant Song Maolin, he's merely famous for his beauty like a woman; I, Guo Dongfeng, disdain to compare myself with him. But who is this Zhao Xun?!”

There were no soldiers near the section of the city wall where the three stood, so Guo Dongfeng's wild remarks were of no consequence. Xu Gong smiled slightly, “A fine 'alas' indeed.” Lu Shengxiang said almost simultaneously, “A fine 'my Central Plains' indeed.” The two contemporary famous generals, who had admired each other from afar and were meeting for the first time in this small town, exchanged smiles.

Before long, King Jing'an, Zhao Xun, wearing a prince's python robe, withdrew from the Guangling River navy and headed north. He arrived at Wutong Town with only a standard of elite cavalry. By his side were the sons of capital officials who had taken it upon themselves to travel ten li out of the city to welcome him. Upon meeting, Zhao Xun was refined and courteous, treating them with proper etiquette. Not one of them failed to feel they had met too late.

As a large contingent poured towards the town gate, Zhao Xun, seeing the two men on the city wall, quickly broke into a smile. He cupped his hands in salute from horseback. Xu Gong and Lu Shengxiang also cupped their hands in return. Zhao Xun did not find the two Liyang generals, both Vice Ministers of War, to be disrespectful. However, the group of young men who had been influential in Tai'an City since their youth felt somewhat indignant on behalf of King Jing'an. They believed Lu and Xu were merely figures of “high position but little power” and should not have been so standoffish. If not greeting him outside the city, at the very least, they should have immediately descended the city wall to say hello upon seeing the vassal king. But something even more infuriating occurred: on the street, three riders suddenly galloped forward. They showed no inclination to yield to this cavalry contingent, almost every member of which was of distinguished status. If King Jing'an, Zhao Xun, hadn't taken the lead in making way slightly, the two groups, meeting on a narrow path, would probably have collided. The three arrogant riders rode straight out of the city down the middle of the road, without even glancing at anyone. When someone was about to lose their temper, someone quickly whispered a reminder, and then everything settled down calmly.

It turned out that the three riders from Western Shu were precisely Che Ye, Dian Xionghu, and Wei Fucheng. In particular, Dian Xionghu and Wei Fucheng were once two of the “Four Fangs of Beiliang” from beyond the Northwest Pass. Later, the two followed Chen Zhibao, entering Shu from Liang without a single soldier, and were truly renowned throughout Liyang's court and public.

Xu Gong watched the retreating backs of the three riders, his expression unchanged. In fact, if it weren't for the last-minute retreat of the 20,000 Shu soldiers, the Beiliang cavalry's earlier entry into Guangling Road would never have been so overwhelming. However, the Vice Minister of War, who had lost considerable public favor in the imperial court because of this, seemed to bear no grudge.

Lu Shengxiang subtly glanced at Xu Gong.

About a quarter of an hour later, the three riders who had left the city became four entering it. Leading them was a man in white, carrying a long spear diagonally, his bearing god-like. Lu Shengxiang and Xu Gong, as if by prior agreement, moved their feet, no longer standing high above. After descending the city wall, they stood near an inconspicuous section of it. The four riders did not stop, but the man in white nodded slightly to the two from horseback. Guo Dongfeng's eyes burned with fervor, and he murmured, “I, too, shall be like that someday.”

The two imperial generals, who sincerely did not feel slighted, quietly watched the four riders depart into the distance. Moreover, at this moment, the small Wutong Town was filled with powerful figures, with many eyes and ears. Two Vice Ministers, both experiencing setbacks on the battlefield and in official circles, staying together could still be explained as a natural human tendency to seek comfort in shared misfortune. But to associate with a powerful border vassal king would truly be asking for trouble. However, regarding this man named Chen Zhibao, both Lu Shengxiang, who became famous early in the Spring and Autumn period, and Xu Gong, a rising star in the Liyang military, held a genuine sense of yearning and admiration for him. Regardless of how civilian officials in the Liyang court might rise or military generals might decline in the future, in their hearts, Chen Zhibao was a charismatic figure worthy of mutual appreciation. Logically, a battlefield of clashing weapons and charging horses only produced heaps of dead, never romantic affairs. Yet, Chen Zhibao was undoubtedly the only military strategist who, after Ye Baikui's death, could be called a master of strategy, using troops like a god. So much so that two successive Liyang emperors were willing to regard him as a national shield. Emperor Zhao Dun, the previous emperor, even wished Chen Zhibao could become a spring god, lake, rock, and mountain in the backyard of his Zhao imperial family—someone who could both please the eye and secure geomantic fortune.

Xu Gong and Lu Shengxiang stood in the shadow of the city wall. Xu Gong chuckled softly, “I humbly believe, General Lu, that you need not worry about temporary gains or losses. Your rise will begin beyond the Great Wall, not in Guangling, and certainly not in the capital region.” Lu Shengxiang smiled without speaking. Xu Gong was the first to depart. Guo Dongfeng was surprised to sense a faint murderous aura emanating from his commander, Lu Shengxiang. Guo Dongfeng looked at the somewhat unfamiliar General of Gallantry and Resolve, feeling uneasy. Lu Shengxiang took a deep breath and sneered, “As expected of Xu Longxiang. It seems that in the future, you are the only one who can compete with me for the top military honor in expanding our borders.” Guo Dongfeng was utterly bewildered, but for the first time, he suppressed his curiosity and dared not ask another word. Lu Shengxiang exhaled a turbid breath and walked slowly forward. He only felt a slight murderous intent towards Xu Gong, who had seen through his plans, but an overwhelming rage towards Cao Changqing, who had unexpectedly changed his course at the last moment. In Lu Shengxiang's view, if Cao Changqing had followed the previously laid out military strategy, then Gu Jiantang would have become the Xu Xiao of the new dynasty. And if Lu Shengxiang had simply opened the gates when the Western Chu army marched north, then he would have become the Gu Jiantang of the new dynasty. Regardless of whether the new dynasty's surname was Zhao, Jiang, or any other, Lu Shengxiang knew that the court would then no longer have officials like Yang Wei holding positions without fulfilling their duties, and locally, there would be no more Zhao-named vassal kings holding sway. As for Xie Xichui, Pei Sui, and others, they were, after all, young and had the inherent disadvantage of being unfamiliar with the northern geography. Once the vast territory of Beimang became a battleground, it would mean countless military merits were within easy reach. It would not be like performing a ritual in a snail shell in the Guangling Road campaign, nor would there be a need to deal with entrenched old powers. As long as Lu Shengxiang successfully supported the new emperor, he could instantly rise to a position second only to Gu Jiantang, and it might not be impossible for him to surpass Gu Jiantang later through a series of future campaigns against Beimang. However, Cao Changqing inexplicably ruined his own endgame, destroying his own chances. Lu Shengxiang's extreme patience and forbearance before and after Youru Pass thus became the best evidence to be later attacked as having mediocre military tactics. Lu Shengxiang's face darkened, and he muttered to himself, “Cao Changqing, you deserve to die!”

On the official road outside the small town, dust rose from a distance, approaching grandly. Such an impressive display would not be possible without a cavalry force of at least a thousand riders. Inside a carriage, due to the bumpy road, the shoulders of the three occupants—two men and one woman—rose and fell slightly. The young woman had a beautiful face and was tall and well-proportioned, clearly not a Southerner. A long sword hung at her waist, and she exuded a vibrant, chivalrous aura. The young man was frivolous, and at that moment, he was fawning over the last person with a flattering smile. “Sir, you don't know how arrogant those ungrateful wretches like Li Chunyu from Tanghe are. This prince then didn't even dare to approach Wu Chongxuan, who had rebelled from Nanjiang. I truly didn't dare to even utter a sound; it was utterly humiliating. This time, thanks to you, Sir, I have the courage to venture into Wutong Town.”

The person referred to as 'Sir' was extraordinarily handsome, with an indeterminate gender; he embodied charisma itself. Nalan Youci. He cast a sidelong glance at Prince Zhao Zhu, the heir apparent of King Yan Chi, “Wu Chongxuan is no good, but are you, the one who borrowed thousands of cavalry from him and never returned them, any good?” Zhao Zhu said with a playful smile, “Sir, you're right, and you scold well.” Nalan Youci pointed a finger at the now infamous Prince, but his eyes were on the woman surnamed Zhang, and he teased, “Zhang Gaoxia, Zhang Gaoxia, you must be blind to fall for this useless coward.” Zhang Gaoxia, daughter of 'Blue-Eyed' Zhang Julu, simply smiled it off.

Zhao Zhu might have been thick-skinned, but being called useless and a coward by Nalan Youci in front of Zhang Gaoxia still made him feel somewhat ashamed. He lifted the carriage curtain, poked his head out, and could already see the low city walls of Wutong Town. Nearby were General Zhang Dingyuan of Nanjiang and others, as well as Lin Ya Palace's Ban Que, two high disciples of Wang Xianzhi.

Nalan Youci closed his eyes, placed his hands on his knees, and gently patted them.

Zhao Zhu retracted his head and asked curiously, “Sir, why did you insist on me coming to this small town this time? To be honest, I detest and fear Wu Chongxuan, and I don't care much for Xu Gong and Lu Shengxiang. As for that mad dog Yuan Tingshan, I can't even stand to look at him. And King Jing'an, Zhao Xun, I used to really dislike him, but now he's actually alright.”

Nalan Youci sneered, “Of course he's alright now. In this small Wutong Town, with so many heroes and powerful figures, when you count them all, he's the only one you can truly contend with, this 'death-seeking vassal king.'” Zhao Zhu looked disgruntled. Zhang Gaoxia's lips curled upwards.

Nalan Youci's smile faded, and he said gravely, “I have four things to do here this time: scold Wu Chongxuan, host a banquet for Xu Gong, secretly meet with Lu Shengxiang, and test Chen Zhibao.”

Zhao Zhu asked in a low voice, “Am I really a jinx; did I correctly predict that Lu Shengxiang truly harbors wolfish ambitions?” Nalan Youci shook his head, “It's hard to say before we meet. As for after we meet, whether Lu Shengxiang has wolfish ambitions or not will no longer matter.”

Zhao Zhu sighed, “Alright then. Anyway, I can't get involved in these major affairs, lest I overdo it and mess things up. So I'll just have to trouble you, Sir, to do more since you are capable.”

Nalan Youci suddenly and abruptly asked, “Zhao Zhu, let me ask you something: if you were to ascend the throne and become emperor in the future, and assuming Beimang was no longer capable of invading the Central Plains, but Xu Fengnian still commanded mighty forces in the Northwest, how would you handle him?” Zhao Zhu's face was filled with astonishment, and words were about to escape his lips. The previously smiling Nalan Youci's eyes suddenly turned cold, and he sharply said, “Zhao Zhu! Think carefully first!” After the initial shock, Zhao Zhu raised a brilliant smile and said, “The brotherhood between Liyang's old Emperor Zhao Li and Young Xu's father is different from the brotherhood between Young Xu and me.” Nalan Youci sneered, “Where are you sitting right now?” Zhao Zhu didn't know how to answer. Nalan Youci's eyes were deep. Instead of answering his own question, he asked another, “Where will you be sitting in the years to come? Do you think Zhao Li harbored murderous intent towards Xu Xiao from the very beginning? His desire to kill Xu Xiao, and his son Zhao Dun's desire to kill Zhang Gaoxia's father—was that truly their original intent? Or was it not 'in that position, one carries out its duties,' a major trend that one must confront after sitting on that throne?” Zhao Zhu, who had never considered these questions before, turned pale and looked distressed. Nalan Youci lowered his gaze, “Huang Sanjia, on his deathbed, reluctantly chose you, Zhao Zhu. He entrusted all the accumulated Spring and Autumn legacy to me, Nalan Youci. Now, Jiang Fuding is by Wu Chongxuan's side. Although Wang Tongshan, that self-proclaimed clever fool, died a bit too early, Wu Chongxuan, a fence-sitter who bends with the wind, is not worth mentioning. Even if he is wary of Jiang Fuding, killing him would be effortless for me. If you're bored, you might as well guess who among Li Chunyu of Tanghe and others is a sleeper agent. Zhao Zhu, those without foresight will have immediate worries. The great wind has risen; some will surely soar, and some will surely fall from high places. You are already halfway to fulfilling your destiny. Apart from Chen Zhibao, who is profoundly cunning and biding his time, you actually have no rivals. So, there are some things you should seriously consider. The inheritance Zhao Bing left you, such as Zhang Dingyuan, Gu Ying, Ye Xiufeng, and Liang Yue, these four individuals. For instance, that group of advisors unwilling to remain confined to a corner of Nanjiang. You need to consider who among them belongs to Wu Chongxuan, who belongs to the imperial court. Who, after you establish power in the Central Plains, will, for personal gain or lifelong grudges, mercilessly slaughter northern civil officials? Who will seize the opportunity to instigate a major North-South conflict in the court? And who will be your Zhang Julu? Of course, more importantly, who will be the one who wants you to kill Xu Fengnian in the future, or who will be the one who wants you to kill me, Nalan Youci?”

Zhao Zhu trembled and said, “Sir, Zhao Zhu doesn't know, he doesn't know.” Zhao Zhu clasped his hands around his head, as if afraid to delve deeper into those questions. Grand ambitions and hegemonic rule require the most careful consideration. Zhang Gaoxia's eyes were sad. After a moment of hesitation, she reached out and gently took his arm. Nalan Youci was expressionless, his gaze complex, unsure whether it was pity or mockery. His gaze instantly became placid, and he said teasingly, “I've long been annoyed by your frivolous demeanor. How about it, have you had a taste of hardship now?” Zhao Zhu lifted his head, tightly gripped Zhang Gaoxia's hand, and at the same time, gazed intently at this Spring and Autumn strategist, Nalan, the only one remaining after Li Yishan, Huang Longshi, Yuan Benxi, and others had successively died, looking at this hidden kingmaker of Nanjiang.

Zhao Zhu suddenly changed his posture to kneeling, slowly bowing his head towards Nalan Youci and saying, “Zhao Zhu knows that what Sir seeks is vastly different from any other Spring and Autumn strategist. Zhao Zhu only asks that Sir be my Yuan Benxi. If Zhao Zhu ever truly sits on the dragon throne and wears the dragon robes, I can promise Sir, I will kill anyone who dares to harm you. If Zhao Zhu dies before Sir, at my dying moment, I will certainly ask Sir to personally select the ministers at my sickbed, and I will entrust you with personally appointing the regent ministers. Zhao Zhu will surely not let his descendants become the current Emperor Zhao Zhuan!”

Nalan Youci laughed heartily, but then remained silent. Zhao Zhu was drenched in sweat, but felt greatly relieved. He instinctively sensed that Nalan Youci might not have been completely satisfied with his words, nor might they have been what he truly sought, but Mr. Nalan was, for some unknown reason, quite pleased.

Nalan Youci closed his eyes to rest, a faint smile on his lips. He completely disregarded the embarrassment and gravity felt by the dignified Prince Zhao Zhu.

Nalan Youci suddenly said softly, “If you find the carriage stuffy, you may go outside.” Zhao Zhu, as if granted a great pardon, quickly stood up and departed with Zhang Gaoxia, who had put on her veiled hat.

"Yishan, back then, you and I heard Huang Longshi say that after a thousand years, many scholars of that era, let alone being able to calmly sit as equals with emperors and generals, would lose their integrity and spirit even when facing minor officials. They would truly regard officials as their parents, calling them 'parent-officials, parent-officials'. I laughed at it; you were indignant. You spent twenty years teaching your secluded disciples to be heroes, not hegemons. And then you died just like that, your ashes scattered beyond the Northwest Pass. You laughed at it; I was indignant!

I could guess Huang Longshi's ulterior motives. Huang Sanjia calculated human hearts, but a certain knight-errant made him lose once. He believed he could turn the tables after his death. He firmly believed Zhao Zhu would turn hostile against Xu Fengnian. Then I, Nalan Youci, will make both you and Huang Longshi lose this time!"

Nalan Youci opened his eyes and looked up at the ceiling of the carriage. He softly hummed a folk song from his hometown. "There was a young lad, he went into the mountains, carrying a tattered book-box. There was a young girl, she came from the mountains, bringing the scent of orchids."

Nalan Youci lifted the curtain. A spring breeze caressed his face as he squinted, looking towards the northeast. “Cao Changqing, both you and I suffer, but you are still more fortunate than I.”

Nalan Youci suddenly dropped the curtain and abruptly reached up to cover his mouth. After opening his palm, he looked down at his hand full of blood and murmured, “Alas, they are all just young lads.”

Outside the South Gate of Liyang's capital city, on the wide official road that connected to the imperial thoroughfare within the city, there had been no one for two hours. The entire city awaited one person. Awaited one person to attack the city. Iron-clad soldiers were both atop and below the city walls. On this day, the elite forces from the capital region's four armies—east, west, north, and south—were all arrayed here. Facing that single figure in green, they remained as if confronting a formidable enemy.

A green-robed scholar, walking slowly, stopped and sat down alone on the official road, approximately less than half a li from the capital city. Alone, holding a Go box, he stopped and sat down. He did not face the great northern city, the largest in the world, but instead sat cross-legged, facing west with his back to the east. The black box contained white stones, and the white box contained black stones. He placed these two old imperial Go boxes, which he had found from the Western Chu Go Master-in-Waiting, in front of him, separated by the distance of a Go board. Both boxes were open. Recalling the past, Imperial Tutor Li Mi once boasted while drunk, “Of all the charisma in the world, my Great Chu alone claims eighty percent, and that Cao Deyu (Cao Changqing) alone claims eighty percent of that!” How could such a figure not be charismatic and proud? He sat upright, his two fingers pressed together, reaching towards the nearest Go box in front of him. He picked up a stone, but did not lift it. He simply smiled, looking across, as if someone was playing a game of Go with him. The green-robed scholar, with frosted temples, his eyes gentle, softly said, “You play black first.”

The previously clear sky, free of clouds for thousands of miles, instantly became turbulent with rising winds and swirling clouds. Strange phenomena appeared high above Tai'an City. As those five words left the scholar's mouth, a black stone leaped out of the snowy white Go box a short distance away, tracing an ethereal arc, and gently landed on the central point of the invisible Go board. First move, the 'star point'. A very unconventional opening. But an even more unconventional sight was a dazzling beam of light descending from high above Tai'an City, crashing to the ground with a thunderous roar. The majestic city shook as if experiencing a centennial earthquake. Heaven and earth trembled! Countless roof tiles on all pavilions and halls, including Wuying Hall in Tai'an City, were instantly dislodged.

The green-robed scholar, with two fingers, picked up the clear white Go stone, his eyes full of a smile, and gently placed it on the board. At the same time, a second beam of light arrived as if on cue. Tai'an City shook once more. Tens of thousands of Liyang iron-clad soldiers stood before the city, yet the sole person approaching the city was still the first to attack it. All the ballistas on the city wall finally unleashed a volley. In the air, there was a great roar like wind and thunder. The middle-aged scholar completely ignored it.

A second black stone leaped from the Go box, landing on the board. After settling, it remained quiet and suspended, unmoving. Inside the city, the ten auspicious roof tile decorations on the ridged eaves of Wuying Hall—immortals, dragons and phoenixes, suanni, xianyu, xiezhi, douniu, and others—one by one turned to dust. Outside the city, nearly a hundred massive arrows, majestic and powerful like flying swords of immortal swordsmen, shattered with a loud bang in mid-air. The green-robed scholar picked up the second white stone. Before placing it, he softly said, “I regret becoming a Confucian Saint too late. I regret turning to the Hegemonic Path too late.” He pressed his two fingers together and heavily placed the stone on the Go board. There was a clanging sound. Tai'an City experienced a fourth tremor. This time, the commotion was most violent. Many warhorses beneath the city's cavalry soldiers had their four legs broken, instantly kneeling on the ground. On the towering city wall, several individuals finally could not restrain themselves. Some descended the city wall by sword, some leaped and charged, and some arrived with long, sweeping strides.

Another pair of black and white stones successively landed on the Go board. The green-robed figure seemed reluctant to look at the 'Go player' opposite him, lowering his head to gaze at the board. “My charisma, Cao Changqing's charisma, is only truly charismatic when witnessed by you.”

As the fourth white stone gracefully and lively leaped from the Go box and slowly descended, the few individuals who had come out of the city were already less than thirty paces from Cao Changqing. Cao Changqing picked up a Go stone. This time, instead of placing it from high to low, he lightly swept it horizontally across, and it landed on the board at a slight angle. A vast and righteous energy surged horizontally. All several martial arts grandmasters guarding the capital were struck as if by an impact, swiftly flying backward and smashing directly into the city wall of Tai'an City.

In the spring breeze of the third year of Xiangfu. The Western Chu Go Master-in-Waiting, made his move on Tai'an City.