Chapter 0008: Westward Advance

At this point, it is actually too late to enter Guanzhong. We are uncertain whether we can capture Tongguan before that old scoundrel Yuwen Shu arrives.

Forget it. Han Xiandi, this time I will let it go. Later, I will draw three hundred men from my personal guards to supply you. Yang Wei did not pay attention to Yang Gongdao. Although this guy came to seek refuge with the Yang family, this Yang family is different from that Yang family. Who knows if he is sincere? At the very least, Li Yu is still my brother-in-law; that is what makes us family.

Li Yu remained silent, for he recalled that Yang Xuangan ultimately failed and did not enter Tongguan. He was eventually destroyed by Yang Guang. The current westward advance indicates that Yang Xuangan was eliminated during the process of this westward movement

"What else can be done? We can only move westward," Li Zixiong shook his head.

The state officials are preparing to abandon Luoyang and move westward into Guanzhong. Li Zixiong said in a low voice: This is my strategy, to let him seize the Yongfeng granary, open the granary, attract the displaced people from Guanzhong, and expand influence

"Major General." Yang Gongdao found himself in a difficult position, realizing that had he known Yang Wei was so inept, he would not have resorted to such villainy. Of course, the more significant factor was Li Yu's dominance, having defeated Han Zhao with force, which left Yang Wei with no retort.

After a while, Yang Wei finally smiled and said, "Ruo Xi, don't worry, I was just joking. Those three hundred people given to Li Yu are actually meant for you, right?" At that moment, Yang Wei recalled Li Yu's other identity, which was that of Yang Ruo Xi's future husband, and the embarrassment on his face deepened.

Li Yu, however, paid no attention to the situation behind him, leading three hundred men back to Li Zixiong's main tent. He instructed Li Gu to mix these three hundred men with the previous one hundred personal guards for training. The one hundred men had already undergone some training under Li Jing in the past few days and had become accustomed to the simplest formation drills. The other training was conducted by Li Yu based on Li Zixiong's military texts and some mercenary training methods from later periods, which appeared quite impressive. As for the results, at the very least, they would only be known once they reached the battlefield.

Yang Xuangan performed ancestral rites in the old residence and delayed for another day. Li Yu had become numb to all of this; he now only hoped to gather his four hundred elite guards and escape at the necessary moment

Father, it is better to be cautious during this time, and to avoid getting involved in military matters and - maps - as much as possible, lest in the future we be discovered by those two old fellows, Wei Xuan and Yu Wenshu. Li Yu thought for a moment and then spoke. Li Zixiong does possess some skills in military operations, but his political acumen is lacking significantly. If it were Li Yu, when he escaped initially, he could have simply changed his name and hidden in the mountains, living as a wealthy gentleman; why did he have to join Yang Xuangan's army? Isn't that courting death?

Thank you, Major General. Han Zhao suppressed the anger in his heart, cupping his hands towards Yang Wei in a gesture of deep gratitude, yet a hint of indifference was revealed in his eyes

What should Father do next?" Li Yu said to Li Zixiong. He wished he could find a way to leave Yang Xuangan right now

Li Yu furrowed his brows and said, "Forget it, I will go practice the troops instead"

Li Yu decided to focus on military training during this period and would no longer take action. He understood the principle that the bird that sticks its head out gets shot. Once he was registered with Wei Xuan, it would likely be nearly impossible for him to escape in the future

Li Yu naturally followed Li Zixiong into Huayin City. In Huayin City, he witnessed the imposing presence of the Yang family from Hongnong. More than half of the city belonged to the Yang family. The old residence of the Yang family was ancient and weathered, solemn and dignified. After all, it was a prestigious family with a history of several hundred years, and the exterior of the house alone revealed the profound heritage of a noble lineage.

Indeed, there are also things of interest to him in Huayin City, namely the treasured sword hidden within the Yang family's old residence, which can cut through iron like mud and is indestructible. It is said that the sword is named the Great Xia Dragon Sparrow.

When Yang Xuangan's army arrived, Huayin City had already been opened. As the main base of the Yang family, Huayin sounds like the territory of the Sui Dynasty, but in reality, it is merely a stronghold of the Yang family. The Yang family controls everything here. Upon the arrival of Yang Xuangan's army, the entire city of Huayin welcomed them into the stronghold.

"Elder brother." A cool voice came from afar, and Yang Ruoxi walked over, her beautiful eyes gazing at Yang Wei, causing his expression to become unnatural.

The next day, Yang Xuangan announced the westward advance of the army. In the main tent, Li Yu met the troops of the Yang family from Hongnong. Several elderly men with white hair, dressed in luxurious clothing, displayed an arrogant demeanor. Even Li Zixiong was insignificant in front of these clan elders, who looked down upon him. It was even reported that Yang Ruoxi had been betrothed to Li Yu, yet these clan elders still found fault with it.

This is a good thing! Why does father not like it? Li Yu was very surprised and puzzled. At this moment, the only path before Yang Xuangan was this one, along with a glimmer of hope; otherwise, he would undoubtedly face death.

Regardless of the circumstances, Li Yu's actions have caused Yang Wei to lose face. As the legitimate eldest son of Yang Xuangan and the future master of the Yang family's army, being so publicly humiliated has left Yang Wei feeling extremely dissatisfied

When Yang Xuangan advanced westward, he did so with great fanfare, sending people to widely proclaim his achievements, claiming that he had already captured the Eastern Capital and aimed to seize Guanshi. In reality, the army commanded by Yuwen Shu was merely five days' journey away from Yang Xuangan, which meant that for Yang Xuangan to enter Guanzhong, he had to capture Tongguan within five days. Yang Xuangan was undoubtedly aware of this, so he decisively abandoned the wounded soldiers' camp, marching light and unencumbered, with over one hundred thousand troops moving westward in grand formation, while Li Yu led his four hundred men primarily for training purposes.

"How about going to Nanyang?" Li Yu said softly, "The army will split into two routes, one heading west and the other going to Nanyang, to expand the battlefield and draw some of the enemy's troops." The possibility of going to Bingzhou is quite small, as the troops of Qu Tutong, Yu Wenshu, and others are advancing along the Yellow River, and the area north of the Yellow River is basically occupied by the Sui Dynasty's forces. At this time, advancing north would be certain death; to survive, one can only head south, either to Nanyang with Tushu or perhaps cross the Yangtze River to enter Jiangnan, where there might still be a chance for a new beginning.

Since it has already been promised, he can only take them away. Yang Wei took a deep breath and coldly said: "However, these three hundred men are not so easily obtained. If he is brave and skilled in battle, then let him lead the troops into battle!"

Yang Ruoxi merely snorted coldly upon hearing this, and then led the two maidservants away slowly

In the afternoon, Li Zixiong hurriedly entered the main tent. Upon seeing a trace of anger on his face, Li Yu immediately approached him and inquired, "Father, why are you so angry? Has something happened in the army?"

"General, what about these three hundred men?" Yang Gongdao's expression fluctuated between dark and light.

Li Yu led three hundred wounded soldiers away. Although Yang Wei felt very angry in his heart, he had no way to address the situation. Han Zhao had already lost the face to occupy these three hundred wounded soldiers and could only watch helplessly as the three hundred men followed Li Yu away

Li Zixiong glanced at his son, who was also a capable person, and immediately discerned Li Yu's thoughts. After pondering for a moment, he shook his head and said: "The Duke of Chu will not divide his troops. If you and I rely on these few hundred soldiers to proceed, we will likely be annihilated by the Yang family before we even leave the main camp"