In the spring of the second year of Xiangfu era, while the worsening war in the northwest remained largely ignored, the sudden collapse of the previously promising situation in Guangling Circuit caused great concern in the capital of Liyang. This all stemmed from the young general Xie Xiechui’s ability to “turn decay into wonder.” After the Guangling troops had become accustomed to the elusive and unpredictable strategies of Kou Jianghuai, General Song Li steadily advanced, gradually limiting the maneuverability of the Western Chu army. Not only did he reclaim all lost territories, but he also successfully turned several Western Chu officers who had initially rebelled, compressing Xie Xiechui’s main force of twenty thousand infantry along the Dangyin River and Yaming Valley. At that time, Song Li’s army not only included thirty thousand Guangling infantry but also eight thousand elite cavalry as a mobile force. Coupled with Song Li’s reputation for cautious military tactics, the situation seemed to guarantee victory. The only question was whether he could enter the Western Chu capital before the beginning of summer.
Yet at this moment when victory seemed within reach, Xie Xiechui, with his numerically inferior forces, suddenly launched a counterattack.
Later accounts described how Song Li’s cavalry fully deployed, intending to “thin the enemy’s formation” by adopting the classic tactics of nomadic steppe cavalry. The eight thousand cavalry were divided into three groups, each further split into five lines. Light cavalry led the advance, followed by elite cavalry. Upon nearing the enemy, the elite cavalry rapidly surged forward through the gaps, unleashing volleys of arrows. Then, maintaining a cohesive battle line, the elite cavalry withdrew, followed by the light cavalry, repeating the cycle to maximize the advantage of mounted archery. Once the enemy formation was thrown into chaos, the cavalry could charge like a piercing drill.
However, Xie Xiechui countered with only five thousand heavily armored infantry, wielding long Mobei blades in a dense formation. Unfazed by enemy arrows, they advanced in unison like a wall. When the Guangling cavalry, having steadily reduced their depth, finally launched a full charge, they met the heavy infantry who seemed to have resurrected the ancient Western Chu halberdiers. The result left officials at Tai’an in stunned disbelief, summarized in six words: “Men and horses shattered upon impact!” The remaining cavalry, now in disarray, had to retreat through the flanks of their own infantry, leading to an even bloodier infantry clash. Though morale had plummeted, the Guangling infantry did not retreat, but still could not withstand the Western Chu advance. General Song Li, at great personal risk, led eight hundred elite warriors to break through Xie Xiechui’s Mobei blade formation. Even so, in the subsequent battles, Xie Xiechui, previously mocked by the Liyang court as “a clever woman unable to cook without rice,” repeatedly deployed small but effective reinforcements—each no more than a thousand strong—yet each precisely countering critical threats. Song Li was no mere general; he fought fiercely, twice leading charges within a hundred paces of Xie Xiechui’s command post, only to be driven back by volleys of arrows.
Later, Xie Xiechui deployed thousands of cavalry hidden in the rear. Song Li, anticipating this, had already issued strict orders: despite the fierce fighting, the battered cavalry was not to recklessly re-enter the fray but instead support the infantry. Only squadrons of five hundred cavalry under the command of junior officers were allowed to rotate in for attacks. This strategy allowed the Guangling cavalry and infantry to avoid total collapse under the charge of three thousand Western Chu cavalry.
The battle raged from noon until dusk. The Western Chu’s two divisions of infantry suffered fifteen thousand casualties, while Song Li’s original force of forty-eight thousand infantry and cavalry dwindled to fewer than five thousand effective troops by the end of the day. Yet the true chilling reality for both sides was that, after Song Li’s orderly retreat of over ten miles, Xie Xiechui deployed a fresh force of three thousand light cavalry seemingly descending from the heavens. Blocking this cavalry from pursuing and expanding their advantage were Song Li’s own hidden reserves of five thousand troops, originally intended to deliver a decisive blow.
When the urgent report reached the capital, the Liyang court convened a grand assembly, where officials harshly criticized Song Li, accusing him of poor judgment and squandering a clear advantage. The emperor, enraged, ordered Song Li to the capital to answer for his actions. However, in a smaller, more private council attended only by senior ministers, Emperor Zhao Zhuan praised Song Li highly, stating that the failure was not due to the Guangling army or Song Li himself. Zhao Youling, the second-in-command of the Secretariat, admitted that although Song Li’s actions had worsened the Guangling situation—leaving the land forces temporarily unable to fight before Lu Shangxiang’s arrival—the battle had at least revealed the true strength of the Western Chu army at the cost of a minor defeat.
At that time, the veteran general Yang Shenxing, recently promoted to attend the private council, immediately knelt and begged for forgiveness, weeping bitterly without seeking to excuse himself, instead blaming himself and the old Jizhou soldiers for the death of Yan Zhencun. Emperor Zhao Zhuan did not pursue the matter further, instead offering kind words of comfort to the disgraced old general. He even appointed Yang’s eldest son, Yang Huchen—who had lost an arm in the Guangling campaign—as deputy general of Jizhou, leading the recently rescued Jizhou southern troops to the northern frontier to redeem his father’s honor.
After the Spring Equinox, the Nanzhao army of one hundred thousand troops had already reached Xiangzhou. Prince Yan Chi, Zhao Bing, fell seriously ill en route and handed command to his heir, Zhao Zhu. Meanwhile, General Lu Shangxiang and another veteran general of the same generation as Yang Shenxing and Yan Zhencun launched a two-pronged attack with a total of forty thousand elite troops. Coordinating with the Nanzhao forces, they encircled the Western Chu rebels. Prior to this, the Liyang court had seemingly paid a heavy price—nearly ninety thousand casualties and the death of a regional prince—to elevate the reputations of two young Western Chu generals, Xie Xiechui and Kou Jianghuai.
At this critical moment, a declaration from Xishu sent shockwaves across the realm. Following Xu Xiao, another non-imperial prince of the dynasty, Chen Zhibao, the “White Robe Strategist,” submitted a memorial to the capital, stating that he had trained over ten thousand troops and was ready to march from Xishu to aid Guangling. Although the Ministry of War rejected the proposal, the court and public were still deeply moved, hailing it as “joyous thunder in spring,” a testament to the revered status of this military genius in the hearts of the Liyang people.
To the people of Liyang, those talents and scholars who had “defected” from Beiliang—whether the highly acclaimed Chen Zhibao, the Confucian master Yao Baifeng, the royal relative Yan Jiexi, or the current Deputy Minister of Rites, Jin Lanting—were all seen with particular favor by the grand capital of Taian.
Inside the Beiliang Commandery, Xu Fengnian and Chu Lushan, along with a group of generals from Liangzhou, were gathered around a hastily constructed sand table, discussing the outcomes and lessons of the battle between Xie Xiechui and Song Li. This was perhaps the only form of recreation for Beiliang generals during wartime.
Huang Laifu, the garrison commander of Huaiyang Pass, scoffed, “Xie’s tactics are nothing but what we taught him. In terrain where the front lines cannot fully deploy, he secretly builds up strength and then sends it in waves at critical moments. Any decent officer in Beiliang knows that. The only thing he can boast of is that Mobei blade formation of his, which works against Guangling cavalry but would be nothing against our iron cavalry—just like the old Western Chu halberdiers.”
Xu Fengnian replied, “This is the first time since the Spring and Autumn period that infantry has decisively defeated cavalry. Regardless of Song Li’s cavalry strength, we should investigate further. Do we have detailed intelligence on the Mobei blade formation?”
Chu Lushan, as always, was engrossed in the sand table’s geographical details. He looked up with a smile and answered, “Still waiting for reports from Fushui House, but judging from the rough estimates of casualties, Xie Xiechui’s Mobei formation must be far more refined than the ancient halberd formation. I’m sure Gu Jiantang in the Two Liao regions will soon adopt it, and the Ministry of Revenue will be forced to open its purse strings.”
A burly officer from Qingyuan Garrison frowned. “According to intelligence, Xie Xiechui and Song Li are no simpletons. They both use their cavalry and infantry with a mix of caution and boldness. Before this, we only heard that Kou Jianghuai of Western Chu was skilled in long-range raids, turning the tables even when outnumbered. He never besieged or defended cities, making his infantry fight like cavalry. There’s a lot to learn from him.”
Chu Lushan chuckled darkly. “Kou Jianghuai is showing the world how future battles in the Central Plains should be fought—not just a matter of attacking or defending cities, but of eliminating the enemy’s fighting strength. If you hide in the city, he’ll force you out. If you come out with a large force, he’ll wait for the right moment to strike decisively. It’s like cutting meat with a sharp knife—slice by slice, until you reach the bone. If Gu Dazu’s idea of fighting outside the city walls opened new horizons for future generals, then Kou’s tactics are a perfect extension—what might be called ‘fighting outside the city,’ minimizing the importance of fortifications and giving the initiative to the attacker. Of course, I’ve been fighting like this in the heart of Beiman for a long time—it’s just that the Spear wasn’t pointed at Liyang, so the officials didn’t feel the pain.”
Liu Ya, the cavalry commander from Liuya, rubbed his chin thoughtfully. “Guangling finally had a capable general like Song Li holding things together, and the emperor just dragged him to Tai’an to face charges? Obviously, Zhao Yi’s navy will be wiped out by Cao Changqing too.”
Xu Fengnian shook his head slightly. “In terms of the Guangling campaign alone, Song Li should not have been recalled. But from a broader perspective, the court’s seemingly self-destructive move is actually part of a consistent strategy. After conquering the Eight Spring and Autumn Kingdoms, the Zhao family began consolidating military power to prepare for a major war against Beiman. The suppression of Yang Shenxing, Yan Zhencun, and their private armies was one aspect, while the promotion of figures like Lu Baijie, Lu Shangxiang, Xu Gong, Tang Tieshuang, and now Song Li into official positions was the more subtle side. The court’s deliberate tolerance of Western Chu’s resurgence was part of a calculated plan. Even the recent deployment of Prince Yan Chi’s one hundred thousand troops northward was prearranged. Don’t be fooled by Xie Xiechui’s apparent victory in clearing the Guangling battlefield—it was just a way for the court to make Yan Chi sacrifice more men. Ultimately, this is a classic example of an open and transparent strategy—used to weaken regional powers and control local generals.”
Liu Ya, after cursing the two Zhao emperors, turned to Xu Fengnian with a grin. “Your Highness sees things differently from us rough soldiers. It’s like that saying—’high house… uh, what’s the phrase again?'”
Huang Laifu quickly jumped in, “High house… damn it, I forgot too.”
Chu Lushan rubbed his forehead, slightly embarrassed.
Xu Fengnian smiled. “High house building a spout.”
Both officers exclaimed in unison, “Right! High house building a spout!”
Then they each added a compliment, “Your Highness is a man of great talent!” “Your Highness’s wisdom is truly admirable!”
There seemed to be a hint of melancholy in the eyes of the Beiliang Commander.
Xu Fengnian teased, “Alright, flattery doesn’t suit you lot. You’d better stick to commanding troops. Once you win a great victory, I’ll be happy to flatter you all I want.”
The room erupted in laughter.
After discussing the battle plans with the generals, Xu Fengnian and Chu Lushan walked toward Chu’s residence. Entering the cramped courtyard, Xu Fengnian sighed, “It’s really been tough on you.”
Chu Lushan, habitually hunched over, smiled. “Don’t let the luxurious life I’ve had in recent years fool you. Back when I was poor, just having a warm steamed bun made me happy. It was only after joining Xu’s army that I slowly gained this weight. Believe it or not, I wasn’t always this fat. Once, I was solid and strong, weighing only around one hundred and twenty jin.”
Xu Fengnian had never heard this before. Looking at the mountain of flesh that was Chu Lushan, he said, “I can’t even imagine you being thin.”
Chu Lushan sighed. “I barely remember myself.”
Xu Fengnian had brought two jars of go stones with him. Chu Lushan had a finely crafted zebrawood go board brought out, and the two sat opposite each other for the first time in a long while. Xu played white; Chu played black.
Xu Fengnian lost. Chu Lushan won.
After so many years of deliberately losing, Chu Lushan sat cross-legged on a large embroidered cushion, staring at the board, somewhat wistfully. “Only now do I realize the true depth of the Young Master’s skill. All those years ago, I was holding back, and the Young Master never played seriously.”
At the unfamiliar address of “Young Master,” Xu Fengnian was momentarily lost in thought. He sighed. “I sent someone to Qingzhou to find Lu Xu, but the result was disappointing. Lu Xu left a message saying he’d rather go to the capital than come to Beiliang.”
Chu Lushan grinned. “Everyone has their own path. Can’t force it.”
Xu Fengnian nodded, resigned. “I heard that in the past, Old Xu captured many Spring and Autumn scholars, but most of them refused to serve under him and had to be released.”
Chu Lushan’s smile turned awkward. “Father released them, but many were secretly killed by me later. Including an elder friend of Yuan Baixiong.”
Xu Fengnian couldn’t help but laugh. “No wonder Yuan Er said he’d light your lantern!”
Chu Lushan chuckled. “Unlike that Zhao gentleman, I and Master Li came from humble backgrounds. I never got along with those aristocrats. I wanted to chop off their heads back then. Looking back now, I should have been gentler, killed fewer.”
Xu Fengnian had no words.
Chu Lushan gently rolled a cool go stone between his fingers. “Setting aside the ministers from Yonghui Spring, figures like Lu Baijie, Chancellor Qi Yanglong, Minister Yao Baifeng, Academician Yan Jiexi, General Lu Shangxiang, General Xu Gong, and others were all brought to the capital by Zhao Dun to fill the void left by Zhang Lu’s fall. As for people like Song Kelǐ and others, they were deliberately suppressed by Zhao Dun to allow the next emperor to show his favor. As for Tang Tieshu, Fan Changhou, Song Li, Chen Wang, Yuan Tingshan, Sun Yin, Lu Xu, and others, they are the new generation cultivated by the new emperor Zhao Zhuan.”
Chu Lushan sneered. “Except for their every move against us Beiliang, which is completely ‘unreasonable,’ all their other moves follow orthodox go theory.”
Xu Fengnian sighed. “Zhao Dun’s choice of the fourth prince Zhao Zhuan over the eldest, Zhao Wu, was clearly well thought out. We can’t deny that. So far, Zhao Zhuan has done everything flawlessly.”
Chu Lushan gave Xu Fengnian a meaningful look.
Xu Fengnian rolled his eyes. “Don’t get the wrong idea. I have nothing with that queen. Do you think the Zhao family is blind? Besides, you know how Yan Dongwu and Li Fuzhen treated me—they practically saw me as an enemy.”
Chu Lushan grinned. “But I’m just wondering…”
Xu Fengnian laughed. “You really think every woman in the world should love me?”
Chu Lushan put down the go stone and spread his hands. “Your Highness, you wouldn’t believe how many young ladies in the Central Plains, especially those well-informed, secretly admire you. If not ten thousand, then at least eight thousand!”
Chu Lushan continued leisurely, “It’s just how it is. In a hundred years of Jianghu, there may be many martial heroes, but how many are not only peerless in skill but also handsome and charismatic? Think about it—Old Sword God Li Chungan, yes. Wang Xianzhi? Just an old man. Tuoba Pusa? A barbarian. Deng Ta’a? His swordsmanship is divine, but his looks leave much to be desired. Originally, Qi Xuanzhen and Cao Changqing could have been counted, but one is a reclusive Daoist immortal, and the other is a bookish fool obsessed with restoring his kingdom. So, only Your Highness lives up to the expectations. Having traveled the Jianghu twice, leaving behind countless legends, having been to Tai’an, being the Prince of Beiliang, defeating Wang Xianzhi, and having countless rare paintings and calligraphy works labeled as ‘forgeries’ circulating in the capital and Jiangnan—all this, plus the rise of Daxueping and Xuan Qingfeng, has only added to your prestige. How could those young ladies not be infatuated? It’s like a long drought finally receiving rain!”
Xu Fengnian never expected this outcome and joked, “Well then, there must be even more people hating us Beiliang now.” Chu Lushan laughed heartily. “Of course! Take the women in the Rouge County who have no trouble finding husbands. If a matchmaker says a man looks a little like Your Highness, the marriage prospects skyrocket overnight!”
Xu Fengnian could only smile.
After a moment of silence, the atmosphere in the room shifted.
Chu Lushan suddenly asked seriously, “Your Highness, there’s something I’ve been meaning to ask. It may not be appropriate, but I must ask.”
Xu Fengnian replied, “You can ask. I may not answer.”
It wasn’t that Xu Fengnian wanted to be mysterious, but he truly had no confidence in giving an answer.
Sure enough, Chu Lushan asked a difficult question. “After Your Highness went to Beiman, especially after returning with Xu Huainan’s head, I knew this war with Beiman would not go as anyone expected. So, today, I must ask—when the same kind of choice that Father once faced is placed before you, what will you do?”
Xu Fengnian hesitated. Chu Lushan stared at him intensely, then continued, “Your Highness knows that the person sitting on the dragon throne may not be Zhao Zhuan anymore. It could be Zhao Zhu, the one who once stood beside you at Dantong Pass!”
Xu Fengnian said nothing. Chu Lushan, the one who had asked the question, continued. “If that time comes, the same choice, but in a completely different world. Compared to the hopeless battle your father once faced, this time, Xu and Zhao, at the very least, will have a fifty-fifty chance. The momentum is in our hands!”
The go game between the two was already over, the pieces frozen.
Xu Fengnian took a deep breath, bitter. “Chu, I’m afraid I’ll disappoint you.”
Chu Lushan slowly lowered his head.
Xu Fengnian also remained silent, staring at the board.
At some unknown moment, Xu Fengnian still sat in place, while Chu Lushan had risen and stood beside him. With some difficulty, he bent down, reached out, and gently ruffled Xu Fengnian’s hair. “Even though I’m disappointed not to hear the answer I wanted. But, Young Master, you might have forgotten—when you were little, among all the adopted sons, you were always closest to that silly, clumsy Chu Lushan. I’ve always been proud of that, more than winning a battle.”
“If one day, the lonely, orphaned Chu Lushan leaves this three hundred jin of fat on the battlefield, don’t grieve.”
“In this life, being able to have a family was worth it.”
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