Chapter 5, The Endgame

Ge Shuhan urgently said: "Now that the troops have been defeated and the situation is dire, I cannot bear to fight again. I can only go to the Western Post to gather the scattered soldiers and return to defend the pass. You should stay here to guard against the bandits, and wait for my return to cooperate in the defense." After saying this, he set off. Guiren remained at the pass and secretly communicated with Qianyou, expressing a willingness to surrender Ge. Qianyou then advanced to camp below the pass, specifically waiting for Guiren to come out. Guiren led over a hundred cavalry to the Western Post and entered to speak with Ge, saying: "The bandit troops have arrived, please mount your horse!" Ge mounted and exited the post, and Guiren led the crowd to bow down, saying: "You led two hundred thousand troops into battle, and in one fight, they were completely defeated. How can you face the emperor again?" Guiren continued, "You have not heard the story of Gao Xianzhi and Feng Changqing? For your sake, the only plan is to head east, which may still allow you to save yourself." Ge Shuhan sighed and said: "As a great commander, how can I surrender to the bandits?" Upon saying this, he intended to dismount. Guiren ordered his accompanying cavalry to tie Ge's feet to the horse's belly, urging him away with whips. The remaining soldiers, unwilling to surrender, were also bound and driven out of the pass to surrender to Qianyou.

Thus, Guozhong grew increasingly resentful and urged Han to lead an expedition against the rebels. Han wrote a letter stating: "Lu Shan is a traitor and has not won the people's hearts; we should treat him with caution. In a few months, the rebel forces will collapse, and they can be captured with a single strike." Emperor Xuanzong somewhat agreed with this. However, Yang Guozhong continued to slander Han, claiming that he was delaying and missing the opportunity to act, asserting that the rebel army could be subdued at any moment.

Emperor Xuanzong dispatched envoys in all directions to ascertain the enemy's strengths and weaknesses. A messenger from the central command reported that the rebel general Cui Qianyou had fewer than 4,000 troops in Shaanxi, all of whom were weak and unprepared, and that an immediate strike should not be missed. It was suspected that this was largely due to the influence of Guo Zhongzhong. Consequently, Emperor Xuanzong began to question the motives behind Ge Shuhan's prolonged inaction and urged him to mobilize his forces.

History may change, but the more it changes, the greater the difficulty in further alterations, as the protagonist is human, not divine. At times, history may also undergo a corrective process.

At that time, Deputy Envoy Wang Silu secretly communicated with Han Dao: "Lu Shan is rebelling, under the pretext of punishing Yang Guozhong. If you leave 30,000 troops to guard the pass and personally lead the elite back to Chang'an to enter and clear the court, this is also a secret strategy akin to the Han's suppression of the Seven States." This refers to the Han's execution of Chao Cuo. Han shook his head and said: "If we follow your words, it would mean that Han is rebelling, not Lu Shan." However, this conversation was not very confidential and was leaked, spreading rumors everywhere. Han shook his head and said: "If we follow your words, it would mean that Han is rebelling, not Lu Shan." However, this conversation was not very confidential and was leaked, spreading rumors everywhere.

Ge Shuhan wrote again: "Since Lu Shan has been waging war for a long time, how could he be unprepared? I suspect he is using a weakened army to lure me; if I were to attack, I would be falling into the enemy's trap. Moreover, the enemy troops are coming from afar, and their advantage lies in a swift battle, while our official army is in a strong position, and our advantage lies in holding our ground. Ultimately, we will have a time to eliminate the enemy, so why must we hastily seek quick results? Currently, the troops from various regions are still gathering, and it is better to remain calm and not act rashly, waiting for any changes from the enemy before deploying our forces." This letter reached the Tang court, and there were also joint memorials from Guo Ziyi and Li Guangbi from Hebei, who requested to personally lead their troops north to capture Fanyang, to strike at the enemy's stronghold, causing internal collapse among the enemy. They suggested that the main army at Tongguan should firmly defend against the enemy and should not act lightly. Guo and Li's views are even more appropriate. However, the alliance of these military men is indeed a major concern for those in higher positions.

After the incident, as we cleaned up the aftermath and counted the number of people, it was estimated that several hundred were dead or missing. We checked on the deceased, the living, and the injured. Apart from those like the Deputy Minister of Personnel Zheng Ang and the Hanlin Academy Scholar Zhang Jian, who were closely associated with Yang, nearly all of their loyal followers were killed. Even old officials like the Censor-in-Chief Wei Fang, who were not aligned with Yang Guozhong, were indiscriminately attacked and many were killed while trying to dissuade the chaotic troops. The well-respected Left Assistant Wei Jiansu, had it not been for his good fortune in encountering us, would also have lost his life. Even old officials like the Censor-in-Chief Wei Fang, who were not aligned with Yang Guozhong, were indiscriminately attacked and many were killed while trying to dissuade the chaotic troops. The well-respected Left Assistant Wei Jiansu, had it not been for his good fortune in encountering us, would also have lost his life

I certainly would not be so polite; I charged forward, startling them into scattering. I did not wish to create a commotion, so I merely used the scabbard to strike, which finally dispersed the crowd. I managed to rescue the Lady of Yu, who had her neck slashed halfway, along with a pair of weeping young children, while those around her either perished or fled. Although I had no fondness for this family except for Yang Taizhen.

However, I have some understanding of the situation. This time, it was mainly due to the mutiny of the six armies. Chen Xuanli was unable to restrain his subordinates and has become untrustworthy. Therefore, they sought someone who was well-regarded by the troops and had successfully quelled the mutiny, which is me. I was entrusted with the authority to govern alongside the military and the library, and even the imperial guards on duty were replaced with the soldiers I brought back.

Moreover, although the emperor later issued an edict not to pursue the matter, this was only directed at the soldiers. The generals of the Imperial Guard, such as General Chen Xuanli of the Right Dragon Martial, regardless of whether they had any suspicion of instigating from behind, could not escape the responsibility of ineffective governance. Therefore, after some time, they were given a nominal position as deputy military commissioner, and Chen Xuanli, along with more than ten of his former subordinates, was dispatched to Hexi to deal with the remnants. I even courteously sent him off with special honors.

An Si Shun is an important support for Yang Guozhong, who is eager to rescue him but is at a loss for how to do so. Upon hearing rumors of Wang Silie's secret conspiracy, he becomes even more fearful. Therefore, he recruits ten thousand men under the name of the internal military office governed by the chancellor to station at the critical location of Bashang, appointing his trusted confidant Du Qianyun as the general. Although he claims it is to guard against bandits, it is actually to prevent Ge Shuhan from suddenly acting irrationally one day, or from taking a disliking to him and recalling Wang's suggestion to send troops to eliminate the usurpers. All the forces in the capital have been drawn away by him.

First of all, the defeat of the renowned General Ge Shun was not due to external factors but rather internal ones. Ge Shun's subordinates were indeed a gathering of generals and had a considerable number of troops. With the natural defense of Tongguan, which was "high as the heavens," they could have steadily advanced against the enemy, achieving significant victories and accumulating merits day by day. However, his relationship with the powerful minister Yang Guozhong at the time was not very good. Additionally, he looked down upon the eunuchs and showed no respect to the envoys sent by the court, which garnered him considerable resentment. It was only because of his outstanding military achievements and the heavy troops under his command that it was difficult to take action against him.

The two little ones were so frightened that they cried incessantly. After I and my subordinate each carried one back to the palace, they remained silent. Yang Taizhen, in her anxiety, had the imperial physicians running around in a flurry, but it was to no avail. It was still my knowledge of childhood remedies that came into play. Without regard for their expressions, I slapped each of them once to wake them up.

With only half a breath left, she still asked us whether we were the imperial army or the rebels. I simply replied that we were both, and as a result, she was so shocked that a mouthful of blood got stuck in her throat and she breathed her last. There was nothing I could do but take the remaining leader, Xue Jingxian, back to report. However, those common people returned, pleading with us not to take this minor official, saying how he loved the people as if they were his own children.

Having brought these people along, it was quite fortunate to have eliminated several small-scale pursuers. Along the way, many scattered troops were gradually gathered, forming a considerable-sized force. I promoted and appointed some new subordinates, prioritizing those who had fled with me based on our closeness. It seems that the old emperor also tacitly approved of such matters

Thus, after all these events, I have suddenly risen from a counterfeit lieutenant to the position of Deputy General of the Left Jinwu Guard, serving under General Longwu, Chen Xuanli, and have been assigned to the Right Yulin Army. In addition, I have been promoted four ranks in just a few days, and as a member of the Imperial Guard, my role as a side guard to the Emperor is indeed significant, making it a remarkable occurrence

Emperor Xuanzong perused the two memorials, his thoughts wavering. Yang Guozhong boldly expressed, "With an army of 200,000 troops, it cannot be said that we are lacking in numbers. Even if we cannot retake Luoyang, we should at least recover Shanxi. Are we to believe that four or five thousand bandits would fear us like venomous snakes? If we do not advance today and do not engage in battle tomorrow, we will waste resources and sit idly by as the bandits grow stronger. I fear that the bandits' power will only increase, and our own forces will weaken." This speech stirred Emperor Xuanzong, prompting him to send three urgent messages in one day, urging Han to march out of the pass.

Then, having just been promoted two ranks to the position of Deputy General of the Left Jinwu Guard, I naturally took on the duties of acting military affairs in the capacity of deputy, overseeing the affairs and itinerary of the guard.

During this period, I desperately sought excuses to educate my subordinates about the military knowledge of this era. As a result, I not only earned the humble reputation of asking questions without shame and fostering close relationships with my subordinates, but I also gradually clarified the military system and structure of the time, as well as some events surrounding the An-Shi Rebellion.

Under Han's command, over a hundred cavalrymen rushed westward into the pass. Outside the pass, there were originally three trenches, each two zhang wide and one zhang deep, specifically designed to prevent the enemy troops from breaching. As the official army gradually retreated, it was already dusk, and in the darkness, it was difficult to discern heights and depths, resulting in many falling into the trenches, which soon filled up. The later defeated soldiers trampled over them, making it seem almost level ground. Han counted his soldiers and found only over eight thousand remaining, unable to contain his grief. Suddenly, a messenger from Huoba returned to report: "The enemy troops are approaching the pass."

Ge Shuhan was also aware of the loyalty to the country and personal intentions, and he submitted a memorial requesting that the troops stationed at Bashang be reassigned to Tongguan, and that he be allowed to convene discussions regarding the transportation of grain, with the intention of executing those who opposed him. Ultimately, no one dared to speak against it. However, there was a rampant market for slanderous remarks regarding Ge Shuhan's unauthorized and improper actions.

I pursued for over ten miles, searching for their whereabouts, and discovered a large group of agitated people in a bamboo grove outside a small town called Chencang County. Among them were men, women, and children, who were accompanied by yamen runners and common folk from Chencang County, intent on exacting revenge on the county magistrate Xue Jingxian and his associates. Upon seeing the official troops, they did not flee; instead, they cheered and attempted to stop and inquire.

There are still some individuals missing, including the noble consort's sister, Lady Hu. After inquiring with many people, it was reported that someone from the front team had seen her. It turns out she had quickly slipped away when the situation became unfavorable, having already made her way to the front before the military coup. Although the coup has now subsided, there remains a significant discontent among the soldiers towards the Yang family. She is uneasy about sending anyone else and insists that I personally go to search for her. I have no defense against the soft-spoken pleas of a beautiful woman, especially with an emperor silently watching me from the side. Although the coup has now subsided, there remains a significant discontent among the soldiers towards the Yang family. She is uneasy about sending anyone else and insists that I personally go to search for her. I have no defense against the soft-spoken pleas of a beautiful woman, especially with an emperor silently watching me from the side.

Ge Shuhan, left with no other options, could only weep bitterly towards the West before leading his troops eastward

The great army marched to the western plains of Lingbao, where they saw that the enemy troops had already set up camp ahead. The south was backed by mountains, and the north was guarded by a river, taking advantage of the terrain to wait in ambush. Han Ling Wang Silin led an army of 50,000 as the vanguard. Other generals, including Pang Zhong, brought an additional 100,000 troops to support him, while he personally commanded 30,000 elite soldiers to ascend the high ground on the north bank of the river, raising flags and beating drums to rally morale. The enemy general Cui Qianyou, leading a ragtag force of 10,000, came to challenge them, scattering in clusters to the east and west, in groups of three or five, like stars in the sky, suddenly converging and dispersing, advancing and retreating. The imperial troops, seeing their disorganized ranks and complete lack of military discipline, could not help but laugh derisively. First they wept, then they laughed, all of it being futile and meaningless. At that moment, the army advanced together, and as they approached the enemy's formation, Qianyou immediately lowered his flags and retreated.

At that time, the Minister of Revenue, An Sishun, was of the same lineage as Lu Shan. He had previously reported that Lu Shan would surely rebel, which spared him from punishment. This individual had once served as the military governor of Shuo Fang and had some friction with Ge Shuhan during his tenure. At that time, someone obtained a letter from the rebels and presented it to the court. The letter implicated Sishun as an internal accomplice, which naturally caused Emperor Xuanzong to feel alarmed. Furthermore, due to Han's memorial detailing Sishun's seven crimes, regardless of the truth of the accusations, he was ordered to be executed.

When Qianyou saw the Han army crowding around the felt carts, it was not appropriate to shoot arrows, so he used grass carts to counter them, setting fire with the wind. Consider this, dear reader! Felt is a flammable material; once ignited, how can it be extinguished? Moreover, the enemy army had the advantage of the wind, while the Han army faced a headwind. The wind was fierce and the fire intense, with flames soaring high, and in an instant, the sky turned dark as night. The Han army was blinded by the smoke, leading to infighting. When they finally realized what was happening, they were already attacked by the enemy, resulting in chaos within their ranks, with bodies and blood obscuring the scene. Half of them abandoned their armor and fled into the mountains, while the other half threw down their weapons and jumped into the river.

I, who do not hold much regard for hierarchy, have mingled with those subordinates who are new to the field, forming a close camaraderie. Although some criticize me for blurring the lines between superiors and subordinates, compromising the dignity and demeanor expected of my position, my response is, "As long as these rascals obey on the battlefield, what use is it to maintain an air of superiority in daily life?" (Having become familiar with those soldiers inevitably led to the adoption of some coarse language) I retorted back at them.

General Wang Silin urged his troops to pursue vigorously, while Pang Zhong continued to advance. Gradually, they entered a narrow path flanked by steep cliffs, which naturally instilled fear and trepidation. As they were observing, the sound of continuous cannon fire erupted, and from both sides of the mountain, rebel flags were raised. Wooden blocks and stones were hurled down, causing many soldiers of the imperial army to suffer head injuries and bleed, resulting in numerous casualties. Silin urgently ordered a retreat, but Pang Zhong's rear troops continued to arrive, leading to a chaotic situation of retreating and advancing, creating a complete mess. This Cui Qianyou was exceptionally formidable, having circled from the south of the mountain to the north to attack the army of Ge Shuhan. Silin urgently ordered a retreat, but Pang Zhong's rear troops continued to arrive, leading to a chaotic situation of retreating and advancing, creating a complete mess. This Cui Qianyou was exceptionally formidable, having circled from the south of the mountain to the north to attack the army of Ge Shuhan. From a distance on the mountain, Han observed that the armies of Silin and Pang Zhong had not yet retreated, and as the rebel troops approached with great noise, he surmised that the front troops had suffered a setback. He hurriedly used dozens of covered carts as a vanguard and personally led his troops down from the high hills to intercept Qianyou's route.