CALID Chapter 90

March

A few days later, Prince Ji couldn’t restrain himself any longer and led his troops to attack the southern capital. When they reached an impasse, he and Prince Su engaged in a bloody battle with real swords and spears. The streets of the southern capital were filled with the deafening sound of slaughter, causing all the citizens to stay indoors. Fang Xianye found himself trapped in Jin’an Temple, so he had no choice but to accompany the emperor every day.

The emperor was indeed on his last legs, but he persisted, waiting for his two sons to fight to a standstill before making his final move.

Fang Xianye, along with Master Zhao, took care of the emperor. Master Songyun was well-versed in medical arts and visited daily to check the pulse and deliver medicinal soup.

One dusk, the emperor finally woke up from his day-long slumber, gazing blankly at the shadows of the trees outside the window. Suddenly, he turned to Fang Xianye and said, “Minister Fang, you mentioned earlier that you were orphaned at a young age. What happened?”

Fang Xianye was somewhat surprised but respectfully replied, “Your Majesty, when I was young, my family suffered from a drought, and our fields yielded nothing. Three out of five members of my family died of starvation during the journey to escape the famine. My father sold me to a wealthy household as a servant, and I was subsequently sold several times. Fortunately, I encountered a kind teacher who took pity on my troubled life, redeemed me, and taught me literature, allowing me to pass the imperial examinations.”

“What about the teacher? And your father?”

“The teacher passed away due to illness, and when I later went to search for my father, I found out that he had passed away the second year after we parted.”

The emperor fell silent for a while, then turned to look at Fang Xianye, his weary eyes devoid of vitality. He said, “With such a background, you speak of it quite calmly.”

“Everyone suffers in this world, not just me.” Pausing for a moment, Fang Xianye continued, “By entering officialdom, I also hope to alleviate some of the suffering in the world.”

In these days, his responses to the emperor’s questions were always very appropriate, neither seeking credit nor complaining, and he acted with extreme composure. The emperor fell silent. He squinted as he watched the sunlight slowly fading away. When only a faint yellow light remained, he softly said, “The sun is setting.”

As Fang Xianye looked up following the emperor’s words, he heard him say, “I know you are smart and capable. I have seen your achievements in the Ministry of Revenue and in the two provinces of Yunluo. Your reform proposals in the memorials are also insightful. But Fang Xianye, the world is never short of intelligent people; what is lacking is the timing.”

“If I could live a few more years, your timing would be better than it is now.”

The emperor’s tone was calm, as if he were speaking frankly. Fang Xianye understood the implication of what the emperor said, perhaps indicating that he originally intended to increase the power of Prince Jin during these years, and maybe he could have removed Fang Xianye from the Duke of Pei’s side and secretly placed him under Prince Jin’s command.

But now, with the current situation, all of this was too late.

“You saved me, and during this time, you did not reveal my whereabouts. Songyun says you are trustworthy, and he has always been accurate in judging people, not mistaken this time either.” The emperor said lightly, turning his eyes to Fang Xianye and continued, “In that case, I will give you this opportunity.”

“I intend to issue a decree to confer upon you the title of Marquis of Loyalty and Harmony, and elevate you to the position of Deputy Grand Preceptor and Chancellor.”

Fang Xianye was stunned. The position of Deputy Grand Preceptor and Chancellor was an elevation to the rank of the highest ministers, a soaring ascent in his career that he had long dreamed of since entering officialdom. He immediately kowtowed in gratitude, though amidst his astonishment and excitement, a cloud of doubt overshadowed his joy.

He couldn’t shake the feeling that things weren’t as simple as they seemed.

After a moment of silence, the emperor spoke softly, “I remember you have always had a feud with General Duan.”

Pausing for a moment, the emperor seemed to sigh, “General Duan has not returned yet.”

A foreboding feeling slowly grew in Fang Xianye’s heart.

Naturally, the envoys sent by the emperor had already arrived at Duan Xu’s camp and, naturally, had encountered “unfortunate” bandit attacks, narrowly escaping with their lives but losing the imperial decree and military orders. Duan Xu courteously received the envoys, expressing full trust in their words, but without seeing the military orders and decree, he could not withdraw his troops according to the laws and regulations.

After settling the envoys, Duan Xu continued with his tasks as if he were completely unaware of the situation in the southern capital. Ding Jinzhao, the envoy, commented that losing the military orders and decree was a serious offense, and by all accounts, they should have fled long ago. However, they had hurriedly rushed here to report the news, indicating that they valued this information more than their own lives. This suggested that the news was indeed genuine.

Shi Biao couldn’t help but worry and said to Duan Xu, “The emperor has ordered us to return, but we are not going back. Won’t we be held accountable later?”

Duan Xu crossed his arms and looked at the map of troop deployments on the table, answering nonchalantly, “Shi Biao, since we attacked Youzhou, how have our casualties been?”

Shi Biao scratched his head, Ding Jinzhao glanced at him, shook his head, and then replied, “The Guihe Army has 130,000 men, with 3,000 dead and 9,000 wounded. The Chengjie Army has 70,000 men, with 800 dead and 3,000 wounded. The Tangbei Army has 100,000 men, with 5,000 dead and 15,000 wounded. In total, we have over 8,800 dead and over 27,000 wounded.”

Duan Xu nodded and said, “While I attacked, Youzhou’s terrain is complex, and our losses are much greater than those of Danzhi. We defeated Danzhi, causing him to relinquish control of most of Youzhou’s cities, but his main force remains intact. Once we withdraw, the thirteen cities we have taken in Youzhou will immediately return to Danzhi’s hands. Furthermore, it’s uncertain whether there will be any losses to the neighbouring Jingzhou and Qizhou. So why have over 30,000 of our soldiers died and been injured?”

Are the lives of the powerful in the southern capital more valuable than the lives of these soldiers who died on the battlefield?

Duan Xu didn’t utter this treasonous statement. He just looked up at Shi Biao with a smile in his eyes.

“My soldiers didn’t die in vain. The land I’ve conquered, no one can make me give it up. If returning means losing our heads, I’ll be the first one to lose mine, without implicating you. Rest assured.”

Shi Biao felt a bit embarrassed. He loudly proclaimed, “My life belongs to General Duan. Whatever General Duan commands, I’ll do. I won’t let the general lose his head while mine is still attached!”

Ding Jinzhao coldly remarked, “You’re just good at talking big.”

Shi Biao immediately bristled, puffing his beard and glaring. Seeing his two subordinates about to argue again, Duan Xu turned to Ding Jinzhao and said, “Earlier, I heard you mention some discussions within the Guihe Army. What’s the matter?”

Ding Jinzhao recalled the matter and reported solemnly, “Recently, the soldiers of Danzhi suddenly displayed immense strength, seeming impervious to blades and spears. We encountered the greatest resistance since our march began, and many soldiers in the army are puzzled. There have been rumours and discussions about supernatural phenomena, causing concern. The impending battle for Fujian City is crucial, and I fear the troops’ morale may be unstable.”

Duan Xu clasped his hands together near his lips, pondering for a moment before smiling brightly. “Luda’s strategy is proceeding well.”

When he last visited the northern bank, only a few Han people knew about the legend of the Azure God. This time, many Han people already knew about the legend, and even when the battle faced obstacles, they could associate them with the miracles of the Azure God. If he had come a few years later, it’s likely that many Han people would have been reciting the scriptures of the Azure God and following its teachings.

“Let’s settle the battle tactics first. Before the battle begins, I’ll talk to them.” Duan Xu pointed to the map.

The discussion continued late into the night, with Duan Xu, Ding Jinzhao, and Shi Biao simulating various scenarios and planning troop deployments. Although they had almost always been victorious on this front, most of their victories were achieved by routing the enemy rather than causing significant losses to Danzhi’s main force. Fujian City was chosen by Duan Xu as the place where Danzhi’s main force would be annihilated.

Duan Xu depicted the terrain of Fujian City clearly. Shi Biao couldn’t help but wonder how Duan Xu could understand Fujian City so well without having been there.

Duan Xu chuckled, “Do you believe in dreams sent by immortals?”

Shi Biao looked bewildered. Ding Jinzhao, who was more mature in these matters, had been with Duan Xu since their expeditions against bandits in the southern capital and then coming to the northern bank. He was accustomed to Duan Xu’s mysterious ways and simply patted Shi Biao, indicating to just listen.

After everything was prepared, Duan Xu gathered the elite soldiers of the Guihe Army on Mount Xingyun for a blood oath ceremony. That day, the sun shone brightly, and countless soldiers in iron armour and wielding weapons sparkled in the sunlight, like a sea of iron waves.

Duan Xu, also clad in silver-white armour, stood on a high platform, the Broken Illusion Sword at his waist clinking against his armour in the wind. Against the vastness of the sky and earth, the figures in iron armour seemed both insignificant and majestic. Duan Xu looked down at the elite soldiers below, smiling lightly as he began to speak.

“Since its inception, the Guihe Army has been under my command, and you are the soldiers I have personally trained. I am not much older than you, nor am I someone who puts on airs or acts solemnly. From the first day, I’ve told you all that the most important evaluation doesn’t come from ourselves, but from our enemies. I want our names, and the name of the Guihe Army, to become nightmares for our enemies. Even in death, we should laugh freely, mocking them, because they will eventually bleed, shed tears, and kneel before us in submission.”

“We have never suffered even a single defeat. Many of you doubted the usefulness of practicing the Feather Formation Chariots, with such complex tactics and massive war machines. But year after year, we honed these tactics to perfection, to the extent that we have yet to taste defeat even on the northern bank. Danzhi’s cavalry is formidable, indeed. They are nomads raised on horseback. They once plundered our seventeen provinces, slaughtering countless people. Among those countless victims may be our grandparents’ generation, our countless brothers and sisters. But now we have returned, standing on this land. We will make them taste the fear we once experienced.”

“Some say they fear the supernatural forces of Danzhi. No, it is they who should fear us! The bones of our ancestors, killed by the Huqi people, lie buried beneath our feet. Their spirits fill the mountains, rivers, lakes, and seas. If they could make a sound, it would shatter the Huqi people’s courage. If there truly are gods and ghosts in this world, our strength will be a thousand times greater with their support. We will seek justice for them, avenge their deaths!

“Now, six or seven out of ten cities in Youzhou are already under our control. Ahead lies the final stronghold, Fajian. After Fajian falls, it’s only a matter of time before Youzhou is ours. Where is Youzhou? It is Danzhi’s throat, directly threatening their capital. The Huqi people in their palaces should tremble in fear. If a single spear falls from our hands, they will awaken from their dreams. Shouldn’t they? They have committed heinous crimes, enslaving our brothers to this day. Can they still sleep soundly, mocking our insignificance?”

Duan Xu raised his hand, pointing in the direction of Fajian City, speaking deliberately, “The armies of Daliang are here, determined to destroy Danzhi, to reclaim the Central Plains, to honour the souls of the departed!”

The wind carried his voice far, echoing between the valleys. The soldiers below raised their spears and halberds, roaring like a tidal wave, “Destroy Danzhi, reclaim China! Destroy Danzhi, reclaim China!”

Their eyes burned with determination, their voices reverberating through the valleys, making the heavens and earth tremble. Duan Xu’s throat felt a surge of blood, but he calmly swallowed it down, pointing his sword towards Fajian City, “Drum the command for the march at the next hour.”

Ding Jinzhao acknowledged.

Duan Xu descended from the platform, patting Ding Jinzhao and Shi Biao on the shoulder, “I am not yet fully healed, so I will not join the battlefield. I entrust this battle to you.”

The Guihe Army surged forward like a black cloud, pressing towards the heavily guarded Fajian.

Meanwhile, in the chaos and carnage of the southern capital, the emperor, who had been sleeping in hiding at Jin’an Temple, suddenly woke from his dream, grabbing Fang Xianye’s arm beside him. Fang Xianye turned to him in surprise, “Your Majesty, are you alright?”

The emperor, with his eyes wide open, murmured, “I dreamed of my mother…”

Fang Xianye didn’t know what to say for a moment, then heard the emperor continue, “When my mother was still alive, Princess Xihe occasionally visited the palace. I even held her child—Duan Shunxi. Yes, I held him.”

“All children are afraid of me, except for Duan Shunxi. It seems that General Duan, deep down, harbours no reverence for me or the royal family.” The emperor slowly turned his head to look at Fang Xianye. In his cloudy eyes, a hint of sternness appeared as he said, “He still hasn’t returned.”