Chapter Nine, Bai saved him

"Uncle, what do you mean by that?" Chen Yingliang was taken aback.

"Prince Yue won't kill me; he is only nine years old and knows nothing yet." Pei Hongce's expression was even more mournful as he replied in a lowered voice, "The key issue is Fan Zigai, Fan Liushou. He currently holds the military and political power in the Eastern Capital, and life and death are all decided by him. My uncle, I have often been at odds with him, and having suffered such a crushing defeat this time, I fear he will not let me off easily"

What surprised Chen Yingliang a bit was that after listening to his self-introduction, Pei Hongce appeared somewhat astonished and said: "You are the grandson of Chen Wandi, the Duke of Xuchang from the previous dynasty? In that case, it seems that we might be related."

With a cold smile in his heart, Chen Yingliang spoke sweetly as if his lips were smeared with honey, and with an exceptionally sincere expression, he said: "My lord, please rest assured. As a lone individual in the outside world, I only seek a place to reside and an opportunity to serve the country. I do not care about the rank of the official position, whether it is high or low, nor do I dare to make such extravagant demands."

Under the surprise, Chen Yingliang, who was adept at building connections and fostering relationships, did not hesitate at all. He immediately knelt down before Pei Hongce and loudly said: "Uncle, please allow your nephew Chen Yingliang to pay three respects to you!"

It is all the fault of that fool Da Xi Shan Yi, as well as my subordinates, those fools

Pei Hongce had little choice but to respond. Chen Yingliang had not only saved his life but had also shown no airs of a benefactor, even bowing deeply to request his service. If Pei Hongce were to refuse again, he might not even be worthy of the character 'ren' (人). Thus, he did not decline and immediately helped Chen Yingliang to his feet, forcing a bitter smile as he said: "Young brother Yingliang, your willingness to serve the country under my command is something I could only wish for. However, you must understand that I have just suffered a great defeat, with my army of eight thousand reduced to just me, a lone commander. I have lost my troops and brought shame to my country, and I am struggling to ensure my own safety. If you join me now, I cannot guarantee you any official position."

Leading Chen Yingliang without any hindrance through the Xuanren Gate into the Eastern Capital's Imperial City, they proceeded through the Chengfu Gate to the Chongguang Gate. Although Chen Yingliang was dressed in commoner's clothing throughout, with the esteemed minister Pei Hongce guiding him, the palace guards only inquired briefly before allowing them to pass. Moreover, thanks to Pei Hongce's introduction, Chen Yingliang's remarkable achievement of saving Pei Hongce during the battle and strategy discussions quickly spread among the guards of the Eastern Capital, causing many to cast curious glances at Chen Yingliang, all astonished that someone so youthful still bearing a boyish face could accomplish such a great feat.

"You ask me, who should I ask?" Pei Hongce's response nearly made Chen Yingliang lose his temper. He replied with righteous indignation: "The King of Yue and the garrison commander of the Eastern Capital, Fan Zigai, only ordered me to lead eight thousand troops to confront the vanguard of the rebel army, Yang Jishan's division. They did not inform me of the enemy's strength. On the battlefield, where would I find the time to count the enemy's forces?"

Is this fellow from the Pei family of Wenxi? Chen Yingliang's joy is not to be taken lightly. During a casual conversation with Chen Yingliang, Fang Xuanling mentioned the Guanlong aristocracy and informed him that the Pei family of Wenxi is currently the foremost aristocratic family of Guanlong, having produced twenty-two chancellors and thirty-six generals from the Han dynasty to the present. The foremost favorite of Emperor Yang of Sui, Pei Gui, is the twenty-second chancellor of the old Pei family. Therefore, Fang Xuanling repeatedly warned his good brother Chen Yingliang that while it may not matter much to fall out with a small family like the Chai family, he must absolutely avoid opposing the Pei family of Wenxi.

In this way, the morale of Pei Hongce's troops, who were facing Yang Jishan on the northern bank of the Luoshui River, was inevitably greatly affected. Although Pei Hongce, who had never experienced the battlefield, was relatively clever and ordered his soldiers to build fortifications to resist the advancing rebel forces, adopting a defensive stance against the fiercely aggressive Yang Xuangan's rebel army, the morale of the Eastern Capital Sui army, which had not experienced warfare for many years, was already very low. Furthermore, the defeat of the Sui army under Daxi Shanyi's command further shattered their morale and fighting spirit. The rebel forces led by Yang Xuangan's other brother, Yang Xuanting, broke through the defense line with a single charge, causing the eight thousand troops to instantly collapse.

"Yes, it is possible that we are related, but it is rather distant." Pei Hongce replied, "I am from the Pei family of Wenxi. Some of my relatives have a marital connection with the Wang family of Taiyuan. I recall that your grandfather, Chen Wandi, had a sister or a younger sister who married into the Wang family of Taiyuan, so it is possible that we might have a familial relationship."

Chen Yingliang was at a loss for words, yet he did not find Pei Hongce's statement exaggerated—after all, Chen Yingliang had employed similar tactics to deal with his deputy who was eyeing his position as the captain of the criminal police team. After a brief calculation, he quickly whispered to his uncle, "Uncle, your nephew dares to say, even though you often have disagreements with Fan Liushou, it actually doesn't matter much; it is still not too late to build a rapport now—haven't you heard the saying, 'spend wealth to preserve life'?"

"Dear nephew, your uncle has thought it over carefully and feels that he may have to let you down this time. You saved me, yet I have nothing to repay you with." Pei Hongce replied with a mournful expression, "Uncle has a premonition that this time, it is likely to be more ominous than auspicious."

Nonsense, of course I know this. If I didn't understand this much, wouldn't my two years as a criminal police captain have been in vain? You are currently down on your luck, but if you make a comeback, I, who offered you help in your time of need, will find it impossible not to prosper. Even if you hit rock bottom, as your loyal subordinate who stood by you during your hardships, I can at least earn a reputation for unwavering loyalty, making it much easier for me to seek refuge with other powerful figures.

"Is that really the case?" Chen Yingliang exclaimed, "Victory and defeat are common occurrences in military affairs. Uncle, you have merely encountered a minor setback; do you think His Highness the King of Yue would actually expel you from the palace and execute you?"

Chen Yingliang was overjoyed and hurriedly bowed again to greet his uncle. Pei Hongce also supported Chen Yingliang, calling him a worthy nephew. Thus, a pair of newly acquainted blood relatives, an uncle and a nephew, was freshly established. As for how long this uncle-nephew relationship could last, that is a question only heaven could know.

After establishing a nephew-uncle relationship with Pei Hongce, Chen Yingliang returned to the East Capital's Anxi Gate with Pei Hongce. This time, with Pei Hongce at the door, the city gate guards naturally did not dare to make things difficult and quickly opened the gate to welcome him. They inquired about the outcome of the battle and regarded Chen Yingliang with surprised looks. Having just suffered a significant defeat, Pei Hongce was not in the mood to engage with the gate guards about the battle situation. He led Chen Yingliang directly to the imperial city of the East Capital to pay respects to King Yang Tong of Yue, who was stationed there in place of Emperor Yang of Sui, and to Fan Zigai, who was left in charge, to report on the battle situation.

Chen Yingliang would have been better off not asking; as soon as the matter was mentioned, Pei Hongce was filled with rage. Through Pei Hongce's introduction, Chen Yingliang learned that this morning, when Pei Hongce led his troops into battle against the rebel army of Yang Xuangan, it was the Sui army led by the Prefect of Luoyang, Da Xi Shanyi, that first encountered the rebel detachment under Yang Jishan on the southern bank of the Luo River. As a result, before the two armies engaged in combat, the timid Da Xi Shanyi was the first to flee, leading his five thousand Sui soldiers to collapse instantly. Most of them surrendered to Yang Jishan, the brother of Yang Xuangan, while the rest deserted and quickly made their escape.

Chen Yingliang rolled his eyes and began to worry whether the old soldiers in the Eastern Capital could withstand the attack of Yang Xuangan's rebel army. However, after a moment's thought, Chen Yingliang felt that this might not necessarily be a bad thing for him. The more inexperienced and incompetent the defenders of the Eastern Capital were, the greater the opportunity for Chen Yingliang to showcase his abilities, wasn't it

"Yes, there is." Chen Yingliang quickly agreed, hurriedly taking down the water pouch from the horse's back, and also pulling out two pieces of wheat cakes he had bought in Shan County. He presented them to Pei Hongce. Pei Hongce was not polite, taking the food and water and began to devour them ravenously. In his haste, he choked on the dry wheat cake and quickly gulped down some water. Chen Yingliang, skilled at pleasing his superiors, promptly patted Pei Hongce's back. It was only after Pei Hongce had regained his composure that Chen Yingliang curiously asked, "My lord, what exactly happened in today's battle? How is it that of the eight thousand troops you took, you are the only one left?"

Having said that, in light of the prospects of wealth and promotion, Chen Yingliang indeed bowed three times to Pei Hongce. Pei Hongce, both amused and exasperated, laughed and said: "What are you in such a hurry for? I haven't even figured out what your exact familial relationship is, and you're already eager to bow? Speaking of familial ties, actually you and... well, never mind, you are about the same age as my son, so it wouldn't be wrong for you to call me uncle. From now on, let's refer to each other as uncle and nephew."

"Yes, please lead the way, General." Chen Yingliang politely cupped his hands together and glanced at the pale-faced Pei Hongce, wondering to himself, "This guy, I hope I haven't saved him for nothing."

It must be said that Pei Hongce, who came from a civil service background, indeed displayed a certain degree of integrity. After his first defeat, he did not lose heart; instead, he retreated three to four miles and immediately organized the disbanded troops to re-establish their defenses. Unfortunately, the generals and soldiers under his command were increasingly disappointing. With each charge from the rebel forces, Pei Hongce's troops collapsed once more. He organized his forces again to rebuild the defense line, only to be routed by another charge from the rebels. This cycle repeated five times, resulting in five defeats. Later, although Pei Hongce still intended to organize a sixth defense, the soldiers of the Sui army under his command refused to comply. They either rushed to surrender to the rebels or threw down their weapons and armor to flee for their lives. In the end, only Pei Hongce remained as a solitary commander, forced to escape as well, while being relentlessly pursued by the rebel cavalry. If it had not been for Chen Yingliang fortuitously heading to Baishima Slope to join the army, Pei Hongce, whose warhorse was injured, would certainly have lost his life or even been captured by the rebel cavalry.

"Blocking the audit? This guy is indeed a corrupt official." Chen Yingliang also let out a bitter laugh

After listening to Pei Hongce's introduction, Chen Yingliang finally believed the World War II jokes about the noodle country's army—indeed, there really is such a humorous military in this world! In astonishment, Chen Yingliang couldn't help but ask, "Sir, how many people are there in the rebel army that fought against you?"

Chen Yingliang's bitter smile had not yet faded when his expression suddenly changed, for a group of well-uniformed palace guards had emerged from within the Chengfu Gate. They walked directly up to Chen Yingliang and Pei Hongce, and the captain of the guards loudly announced: "On the orders of His Highness the King of Yue and the Governor Fan, we are to escort Pei Hongce for an audience! My apologies, Lord Pei."

"Then, my lord, did you not send scouts to investigate the enemy's troop strength?" Chen Yingliang asked incredulously.

Hearing Chen Yingliang's eloquent words, Pei Hongce, who had just escaped death, was quite satisfied and offered a few compliments. He then prepared to lead Chen Yingliang back to the Eastern Capital. However, at this moment, Pei Hongce was so exhausted that he could hardly lift his feet, so he temporarily sat down by the roadside to rest and asked Chen Yingliang, "Do you have any provisions and water? I haven't eaten a bite or drunk a drop since this morning."

"Are you suggesting bribing Fan Zigai?" Pei Hongce asked in a low voice. Upon seeing Chen Yingliang nod, Pei Hongce immediately smiled wryly and said softly, "If you want me to die faster and more miserably, then you should advise me to do so. That old man Fan Zigai is notoriously upright and incorruptible; he never accepts bribes and cannot stand these tactics in the officialdom. My uncle often has disagreements with him, primarily because my uncle also holds the position of Minister of Works, overseeing the court's civil engineering affairs. That old man always suspects that my accounts are incorrect and wants to audit them, but I have managed to fend him off."

Having said that, Pei Hongce added with a wry smile, "However, even if I explain, it is probably of no use to the library. The Right Wuwei stationed in the Eastern Capital has not fought for over ten years. The veteran soldiers and elite troops from before have been taken by the Emperor to Liaodong, and the current scouts have never been on the battlefield. They may not have the capability to ascertain the enemy's troop strength."

"This..." Pei Hongce hesitated for a moment before replying with a pained expression: "I sent them out, but this is my first time on the battlefield. I forgot to instruct the scouts to investigate the enemy's troop strength; I only asked them to observe the enemy's movements and inform me of their location"

The young man is somewhat surprised that he is related to the adult

Upon reaching the heavily guarded Chongguang Gate, Pei Hongce dared not lead Chen Yingliang directly inside. He obediently followed the rules and submitted a request to the gate guards for an audience, briefly mentioning the situation of the rebellion and introducing Chen Yingliang's identity. After the guards reported to the inner court, Pei Hongce, who had entered the imperial city with a worried expression, became even more anxious. After pondering for a moment, he reiterated the situation of the rebellion and introduced Chen Yingliang's identity again. After the guards reported, Pei Hongce, still looking worried, became increasingly apprehensive. After a moment of contemplation, he even whispered to Chen Yingliang: "Noble nephew, when I enter the palace to meet King Yue later, if anything unexpected happens, you should go to the Xiucheng in the Eastern Capital and find my son, Pei Xingfang. Tell him about our relationship and help him manage my affairs. He is two years younger than you and has not experienced much hardship, so you must support him more."

At this time, Pei Hongce had rested sufficiently, and Chen Yingliang's expensive and sluggish horse was also able to rise again. Pei Hongce began to lead Chen Yingliang back to the Eastern Capital. On the way back to the city, Pei Hongce could not help but inquire about Chen Yingliang's background. Chen Yingliang truthfully recounted his family background and explained that he was recommended by Fang Xuanling to enlist in the military in Liaodong, only concealing the fact that he had a feud with the Chai family in Daxing—the old Chai family was a prominent clan in the Guanlong region. Since Chen Yingliang had just joined Pei Hongce's ranks, he was uncertain whether Pei Hongce would dare to confront the Chai family on his behalf. To avoid complications, Chen Yingliang naturally needed to temporarily conceal matters regarding the Chai family.

Having said that, the captain of the guards waved his hand, and two guards immediately took out ropes to bind Pei Hongce. Pei Hongce's face turned pale, yet he did not dare to resist, obediently surrendering. The captain of the guards then turned to Chen Yingliang and said: "You are the young man who saved Lord Pei Hongce, aren't you? Please come with us, Fan Liushou wishes to see you"