Chapter 747: Pearl Curtains, Iron Armor (III)

At the foot of Qinglu Cave Academy’s mountain, Huang Chang, the academy’s head scholar, accompanied Xu Fengnian alone as he departed. Their journey down the mountain was marked by silence. Huang Chang, having exhausted his initial boldness and gradually lost his momentum, realized that the young prince was not here to settle scores with his students at the foot of Qinglu Mountain. Thus, his earlier concerns had been unfounded, and he could not possibly press further, demanding more official posts from Xu Fengnian. After all, Qingliang Mountain had already opened its doors generously to scholars from Liangzhou, allowing them to hold important posts across the region. Even with his thick skin, Huang Chang could not bring himself to ask for more.

The more silent Xu Fengnian remained, the more uneasy Huang Chang felt. As they neared the foot of the mountain, the old man sighed and said with a bitter smile, “Your Highness, keeping that blade at my neck without either striking or withdrawing is making me terribly uncomfortable. Why not just give me a straight answer? If not, let me speak from the heart—perhaps it’s time to replace me as the head of Qinglu Cave Academy. The academy is like farmland; finally, we’ve got some promising young shoots. If Your Highness believes I’m not tending to them well, then replace me with someone obedient, but please don’t take it out on those tender rice shoots.”

Xu Fengnian did not stop walking as he slowly replied, “Master, you worry too much. It’s perfectly fine for the academy’s scholars to discuss military and political affairs in Beiliang. There’s nothing in the world that cannot be clarified through discussion; nothing that becomes more obscure the more it is debated.”

Relieved, Huang Chang nodded.

Xu Fengnian continued, “However, as senior scholars and mentors, you must guide them appropriately and not simply watch from the sidelines. I don’t expect you to praise Beiliang’s border forces, for that would be meaningless. What I hope is that every scholar who has taken root in Beiliang understands one thing: their ability to comment on state affairs is due to the daily sacrifices made by those at the front lines. It is the lives of those soldiers—those who have already fallen and those who may soon—that keep the smoke of war from rising in Beiliang. Whether they win or lose on the battlefield, they bear no fault. Of course, criticizing me, Qingliang Mountain, or the Beiliang Garrison for poor management or flawed planning is acceptable. But if one harbors the intent to watch the fire from afar, taking pleasure in others’ misfortunes, such a scholar is not welcome in Beiliang. They may return from whence they came, and Qingliang Mountain will even provide the fare.”

Huang Chang’s expression grew serious again. Xu Fengnian glanced at the old man and smiled calmly, “It’s easy to think everything is wrong elsewhere and that only you can save the world. Studying should cultivate righteous spirit, not arrogance or resentment. I’ve been there myself—complaining endlessly, seeing nothing but injustice, and carrying a burdened heart. Perhaps you’ve never gone through such a phase, which is why I came to Qinglu Cave Academy in person to say a few words.”

Huang Chang, half-doubtful, asked, “Is that truly all you came to say?”

Xu Fengnian smiled, “When it comes to scholars discussing military affairs, blocking them is worse than guiding them. I’ll have the government send several copies of *The Compendium of Martial Preparations*, compiled by Chen Zhibao, to the academies. You might have senior scholars well-versed in military affairs lead discussions, first understanding our Beiliang swords, spears, crossbows, and horse policies, and then discussing the broader military matters.”

Huang Chang sighed, “Indeed, guiding is better than blocking.”

After a pause, Huang Chang added, “Your Highness’s handling of this matter… is commendable.”

Huang Chang was known for his stinginess with praise, and such flattery was difficult for him to utter. Clearly, Xu Fengnian’s visit had truly pleased the old man.

Xu Fengnian chuckled self-deprecatingly, “A technical skill deserves a reward?”

Now free of reservations, Huang Chang spoke more openly, “I only know scholarship, but I promise that within five years, Liyang will view Beiliang’s literary and Confucian studies with new respect.”

Before mounting his horse to depart, Xu Fengnian said to Huang Chang, “Before Qingming, please bring the academy’s scholars to the stele forest at Qingliang Mountain for a sacrificial ceremony.”

Huang Chang paused, then solemnly replied, “It is only right!”

Leaving Qinglu Cave Mountain, the three riders galloped swiftly. Lü Yunchang asked, “Master, are we heading to the Beiliang Garrison or to the battlefield at Hutou City?”

Xu Fengnian replied curtly, “You return to the Snow Dragon Cavalry; don’t meddle elsewhere.”

Yu Dilong shouted, “Master, I want to go to Hutou City and kill those barbarians!”

Xu Fengnian remained silent for a moment before suddenly saying, “Dilong, you and Yunchang go to Liuzhou and secretly protect Yang Guangdou and Chen Xiliang in Qingcang City. If a major battle breaks out, you may act as you see fit. I grant you the authority to make your own decisions.”

At a crossroads, Lü Yunchang, delighted and surprised, rubbed his hands together and said, “Master, so we’re parting ways now.”

Xu Fengnian grunted in agreement but added, “Yunchang, on the battlefield, keep an eye on your senior apprentice. Don’t let him lose himself in battle and forget everything else. Above all, neither of you must die in Liuzhou. Your true battlefield is the future Jianghu.”

Yu Dilong grinned, “Master, once I’ve repaid my debt to the big guy, if I earn any more enemy heads, don’t forget the reward money. I need to send it to Auntie Pei—she’s waiting for the silver to build her courtyard house. I can’t let her borrow money from strangers, can I?”

Xu Fengnian laughed and scolded, “At your age, already favoring outsiders? Fine, fine—if that day comes, not a single copper coin will be missing from Beiliang’s border army.”

Lü Yunchang laughed heartily, “A daughter married is like water spilled!”

Yu Dilong raised his fist, furious, “Who are you calling a woman?! You itching for a beating? Let me help!”

Xu Fengnian halted at the crossroads, watching the two riders chase and wrestle in the distance, then suddenly spurred his horse forward.

Once a youth in brocade, now a rider galloping through Liangzhou.

※※※

After the Awakening of Insects, as Spring Equinox approached, Xu Fengnian rode alone along the heavily guarded northern road of Liangzhou to Huaiyang Pass. At this time, not only was the war in Beiliang intensifying, but chaos was spreading across the realm. In the eastern front of Guangling Circuit, after Kou Jianghuai resigned as commander and retired, the young general Xie Xichui took over both fronts. Within ten days, he engaged in three major battles with Song Li, one of the rising stars among Liyang’s younger generals. Previously, Xie had brilliantly defeated Yan Zhenshun’s cavalry and Yang Shenxing’s elite infantry from Jizhou, but after being placed in another high-stakes situation, he suffered consecutive defeats and retreated repeatedly. The Western Chu navy, led by Cao Changqing, finally moved downstream to confront Prince Zhao Yi’s fleet, aiming to relieve pressure on Xie Xichui’s land forces.

Meanwhile, Prince Yan Chi of the Southern Mountains, Zhao Bing, marched north with a hundred thousand elite troops. At the same time, General Lu Shengxiang, the Southern Campaign Commander, and several tens of thousands of troops from the Southern Capital camp slowly advanced southward, coordinating with the Southern Mountains forces. The imperial court’s situation appeared promising.

On the Liaodong border, where Gu Jiantang was stationed, after Yuan Tingshan’s success in Jibei, Tang Tieshuang, one of Gu Jiantang’s trusted generals, launched an offensive on the eastern front, killing six thousand Northern Mang cavalry. As a result, the Liyang emperor ordered Tang Tieshuang to the capital to replace Lu Shengxiang as the Deputy Minister of War. This “Tiger General,” renowned for his valor, arrived in the capital just after Xu Gong, another Deputy Minister of War, had already left for Liaodong. Thus, the saying “Dragon and Tiger Gathering at the Pass” emerged, following the earlier “Two Ministers Entering the Capital” involving Wu Congxian and the Go master Fan Changhou.

The Liyang court was thriving, and public morale was high, further highlighting the instability in the northwest. Rumors spread that after losing the cities of Wogong and Luancheng in Youzhou, the last barrier outside Guanwai, Xiaguang City, was also on the brink of collapse. The northernmost city of Liangzhou, Hutou City, was also in grave danger. More troubling to the Liyang people was a rumor: the so-called “Ten Thousand Strongholds” in Youzhou’s Hulu Pass were said to be impregnable against Northern Mang’s ten thousand cavalry, yet the thirty thousand Northern Mang troops led by Yang Yuanzan had not only not diminished but had grown to thirty-five thousand. Naturally, the people of Liyang, especially those in the capital, speculated: had the Beiliang barbarians allied with the Northern Mang barbarians? Otherwise, how could their numbers increase the longer the war dragged on?

North of Huaiyang Pass and south of Longyan Plain, Hutou City had long been known as “The First Among All.” Xu Xiao had stationed as many as thirty thousand troops there, including nearly ten thousand cavalry and over twenty thousand infantry, all seasoned veterans. Supported by Huaiyang Pass and the military strongholds of Liuya and Fuling, this line was further backed by the defenses of Jinyuan, Qinghe, and Chongzhong Passes, as well as Xuanshen and Shenwu Cities. Behind these lay the Snow Dragon Cavalry, Gu Dazu’s infantry, and He Zhonghu’s cavalry. Unlike the passive defense of Youzhou’s Hulu Pass, the northern front of Liangzhou, aside from the determined defense of Hutou City, included the offensive capabilities of Huaiyang Pass, Liuya, and Fuling. This flexible and mobile force provided crucial support, allowing the defenders of Hutou City to face death with a sense of calm resolve.

As Xu Fengnian entered the Beiliang Garrison’s war council hall escorted by a unit of White Horse Guards, Chu Lushan was discussing the battle situation with Xu Weixiong and He Zhonghu, the deputy cavalry commander. Seeing Xu Fengnian arrive, they exchanged no pleasantries, and Xu Fengnian seamlessly joined the discussion.

Chu Lushan, of course, had not forgotten Xu Fengnian, the Prince of Beiliang, and briefly summarized the situation, “Liu Kui of Hutou City is confident, claiming he can hold out alone for a year or more. He insists that our three cavalry units at Liuya, Fuling, and Huaiyang Pass must operate under the premise that Hutou City remains unbroken. Even at critical moments, the ten thousand elite cavalry of Hutou City can sally forth to fight. Now we’re calculating how Dong Zhuo’s private army of over a hundred thousand infantry will be deployed and when they will be used. So far, the Northern Mang attackers have only used border troops from Gusai Province, building nearly a thousand trebuchets, launching night and day bombardments in batches of three hundred. It looks impressive, but Liu Kui says the defenders initially struggled to adapt, but now they simply ignore the nightly bombardments, eating and sleeping as usual. Morale and confidence are high, so we can rest easy.”

Chu Lushan paused, then chuckled softly, “Every army is like a crying child—desperate to make their plight seem dire even after losing a few dozen men. Only Beiliang’s border forces are different, reluctant to worry their ‘parents.’ Even when bloodied, they grit their teeth and endure.”

Chu Lushan continued, “The cavalry units at Liuya and Fuling have each launched two offensive operations, achieving modest results but forcing the Northern Mang to hesitate in surrounding the city. Otherwise, with a thousand trebuchets deployed along the entire front, they could have attacked not only Hutou City but even Tai’an City with great force. During this period, the Northern Mang deployed a light cavalry unit of three thousand to intercept the Liuya cavalry. Huaiyang Pass seized the opportunity, and they failed to create a siege-rescue scenario. Instead, we easily eliminated six thousand cavalry. If Dong Zhuo hadn’t sent reinforcements, we could have taken another ten thousand. Our cavalry advanced northward toward Hutou City, each soldier tossing a barbarian head at the front lines. Your Highness should have seen the expressions on those barbarians’ faces—they looked like they hadn’t had a bowel movement in months.”

Xu Fengnian smiled knowingly and asked, “What is the specific casualty count for Yang Yuanzan’s forces in Youzhou?”

General He Zhonghu laughed heartily, “Inside Hulu Pass, it’s already over fifty thousand. Combined with Your Highness and Yu Luandao’s successful interception with Youzhou’s cavalry, despite their reinforcement of over a hundred thousand troops from the two provinces of Dongjin and Hexi, they’re just inflating their numbers. Those troops were originally meant for the eastern front of Liaodong, so their premature deployment has caused great controversy within Northern Mang. Many are criticizing the Southern Court King for patching one wall with bricks from another, and some have even suggested transferring military authority to Tuoba Pusa. If it weren’t for Taiping Ling intervening, Dong Zhuo might have already been dismissed.”

Xu Fengnian nodded thoughtfully as he looked at the sand table, saying softly, “We don’t need to rush for a decisive victory. We just need to wear down Northern Mang’s patience little by little. The battlefield has always been an extension of the court. We aim to ensure that by the end of Xiangfu Year Two, Dong Zhuo will lose his position as Southern Court King. If that happens, Beiliang will have won. The following year, Xiangfu Year Three, will be much easier.”

Xu Weixiong quietly nodded in agreement, supporting Xu Fengnian’s seemingly conservative strategy.

Chu Lushan glanced at Hutou City on the sand table and said, “Then we must first ensure that Hutou City does not fall, giving Dong Zhuo no chance to breathe.”

Xu Fengnian said calmly, “Therefore, whether Liu Jinu and Hutou City can hold or not, they must hold! Deliver this message to him: in the past, Hutou City was used as a major fortress for Youzhou’s Hulu Pass, but now it’s different. He may die, but Hutou City must not be lost. Therefore, whenever Hutou City shows signs of falling, no matter what method is used, it must be immediately reported to the Beiliang Garrison. Then, even if we have to deploy the five armies from Jinyuan, Qinghe, Chongzhong, Xuanshen, and Shenwu, we must relieve their pressure. Even the ten thousand Snow Dragon Cavalry and eight thousand heavy cavalry can be used decisively.”

He Zhonghu and several other renowned generals exchanged glances, hesitant to speak.

According to Beiliang’s established strategy, after a certain amount of Northern Mang forces were worn down, the fortresses of Youzhou’s Hulu Pass and the cities north of Liangzhou could be abandoned. There was no need to defend them at all costs.

Was it worth it for just Dong Zhuo?

Gu Dazu closed his eyes, silently calculating the battlefield and weighing the pros and cons.

He Zhonghu instinctively looked toward Beiliang’s Commander-in-Chief, Chu Lushan. The Southern Court King of Northern Mang had once been his defeated foe. Logically, Chu Lushan should have been the first to oppose this proposal, but the Chu Lushan He Zhonghu saw remained silent, his fingers interlocked at his abdomen, his gaze rapidly scanning the sand table.

At this moment, when even Chu Lushan did not speak, perhaps only Xu Weixiong dared to voice her thoughts. She frowned and said, “Changing the definition of Hutou City will require adjustments to the entire Liangzhou defense line, which will have a significant impact on the rear province of Lingzhou.”

Xu Fengnian replied, “Even if Xu Beizhi empties all of Lingzhou and its surrounding areas, the supply lines for Liangzhou will remain unimpeded.”

Gu Dazu muttered to himself, “Fighting beyond the borders? Although this has been my greatest dream, for Beiliang, which has always focused on expanding its depth, is this truly appropriate?”

This was the first time Xu Fengnian had shown such unwavering determination in border affairs.

The atmosphere in the Beiliang Garrison grew heavy.

Xu Fengnian suddenly asked, “Commander Yuan took the armor I once wore, saying it was the Beiliang Garrison’s idea?”

Xu Weixiong’s expression was strange.

Chu Lushan chuckled, “Originally, we wanted to display it in this hall for grandeur, but later we thought better of it and sent it to Hutou City. Liu Kui gave it to someone else.”

Xu Fengnian was puzzled.

Chu Lushan’s smile faded as he said, “We dressed our first fallen Beiliang general in it.”

Xu Fengnian looked down at the sand table and said softly, “I know—it was Ma Jili of Hutou City. Back then, in the courtyard, he sat at the back, too ashamed to face me after cursing me.”