Chapter 3, A tongue that cannot be dulled by three inches

Xie Muhua broke out in a cold sweat, feeling wronged in his heart. He hurriedly defended himself, saying: "I heard from Jiu Mei that the Emperor captured Taiyuan, yet did not reward the troops even upon their withdrawal. Instead of retreating along the original route, the army advanced towards Hebei. I boldly speculate that this is a precursor to a great battle. Madam, please do not wrong a good person. As a dignified son of China, how could I become a traitor's lackey?"

What does that gentleman mean?" Lady She’s expression grew serious as she vaguely guessed Xie Muhua’s thoughts

However, there was no sense of joy in Xie Muhua's heart. Oh, matriarch, you do not know that in the future, your husband will perish outside the Yanmen Pass, and the Yang family will be wrongfully imprisoned several times. The Song Dynasty's confrontations with the Liao state have seen more defeats than victories. Are you asking me to join Yang Liulang in military training? Isn't that tantamount to seeking my own death? ... It should be noted that during my university military training years ago, I was still flattering the school doctor profusely to obtain a sick leave note...

She Saihua slowly took a few steps forward, and Yang Yanzhao hurriedly signaled the soldiers to follow. She Saihua shook her hand to stop Liu Lang's actions: "Liu Jixuan, you have put in so much effort and sacrificed so many soldiers, is it not to capture this old woman to threaten our Yang family?"

Having said that, Liu Jixuan turned and walked into the woods, while the soldiers slowly retreated, yet still kept the hundred or so people within this encirclement tightly surrounded.

Bang!

Lady She looked at Xie Muhua, and a faint smile appeared on her face: "You go, it lacks persuasiveness. How about this, I will send someone from the Yang family as well. You both go together; if you live, you return together. If you die, I guarantee that before any member of the Yang family falls, you will certainly not fall!"

Liu Jixuan, since you have already arrived, why do you not dare to come out? A dignified prince, yet you are nothing but a coward! She Saihua's voice was clear and high-pitched, carried by the still night wind to everyone's ears

In the distance, the slender figure of Jiu Mei has become indistinct... Even the eyes of Madam She are slightly moist.

... ...

Liu Jixuan sat upright on a stone in the forest. As Xie Muhua approached, he could clearly see the man's face. This person appeared to be in his thirties, with refined features and three strands of long beard, exuding an extraordinary presence. He was dressed in a suit of silver soft armor, which gave him a certain martial air.

The bandits, who had been scattered in disarray, reformed their ranks and faced off against Yang Yanzhao from a distance. No one paid attention to the wounded who were moaning in pain; the battlefield has always adhered to the law of the jungle. In this bloody clash, although they suffered considerable losses, their numbers still far exceeded those of the Yang family, who were surrounded.

Yet this ordinary young person unexpectedly spoke the truth with a single remark

Xie Muhua mustered his courage and said: "I am merely a person from overseas. When I was captured by the bandits, I heard them say that before the Song army attacked Taiyuan, the ruler of the Great Han had already killed his generals, Zheng Jin, Wei Lou, and Li Yin of the Tuhun army."

Although this person appears somewhat eccentric and has an unclear background, he possesses a remarkably clear understanding of the situation and is well aware of the current strategic guidelines of the Song Dynasty. It is important to note that on May 22, the Song army had just withdrawn from Taiyuan and was moving towards Hebei along the Taihang Mountains

I refuse to believe that the heavens brought me to the early years of the Song Dynasty just for a sightseeing tour before I meet my end. There’s a term for this, what is it? Character, yes, my friends are betting on this character of mine, anything is better than waiting to die here

Lady She slowly said: "Matters of state are not for us women to discuss. Right and wrong, the hearts of the people will have their own sense of justice"

Madam Yang, I previously heard Miss Jiu mention figures from the Central Plains. This Liu Jixuan should be the younger brother of Liu Jiyuan, the ruler of the Han Dynasty. His sudden appearance and attack on you, Madam, likely stems from the fall of Taiyuan, leaving him unwilling to accept it. He foolishly hopes to capture the old lady and threaten the Yang family

The flames gradually extinguished, the dry wood had turned to charcoal, occasionally sparking a few embers, crackling and popping.

"Jiu Mei!" She Taijun called softly

Xie Muhua thought to himself: "I estimate that Liu Jixuan absolutely dares not kill any of you at this moment. However, being trapped like this is not a solution; the longer we delay, the more likely Liu Jixuan will lose his composure. If it comes to a desperate situation, I fear that very few of the people here will survive to reach Daizhou..."

Yang Jiumei tightly grasped Yang Yanzhao's arm: "Sixth Brother ... ..."

Liu Jixuan shouted, interrupting She Taijun's words: "Enough with the nonsense. You can either surrender and avoid further loss of life, or we will meet with swords drawn. Considering our past acquaintance, I suggest you think this over carefully"

"Do not shoot the arrow... I... am a subordinate of the Yang residence... I am here to request an audience with Lord Liu Jixuan together with Yang Jiumei!" Xie Muhua stammered, his teeth chattering as he shouted, and only the latter part of his words came out somewhat smoothly.

Yang Jiumei, pulling Xie Muhua, was about to move forward when several soldiers blocked their way. Jiumei smiled proudly, tossed the flower spear to them, and continued to stride ahead.

Xie Muhua made up his mind, good people do not live long while evildoers thrive for a thousand years, I cannot be considered a good person in this lifetime, so I will go all out

In the flickering light, his appearance and attire were not clearly discernible, yet his voice came through distinctly: "Madam Yang, it has been many days since we last met; I hope you have been well? I did not expect that Madam Yang's gaze was so sharp; with just a slight observation, you already knew it was me."

Liu Jixuan looked at the little servant with a smile and waved his hand: "Let him speak!"

Lady She's voice grew stern: "Your father has said that in leading troops into battle, if one abandons the soldiers and only cares for one's own escape, even if it is his own son, he must be dealt with according to military law. How has your father usually instructed you? Have you all forgotten everything now?"

Xie Muhua's heart skipped a beat. She looked up to see Liu Jixuan with a sullen expression, having broken a long arrow into two pieces!

Lady She, adept at reading expressions and discerning intentions, could tell what Xie Muhua was thinking just by looking at his demeanor, so she straightforwardly clarified his thoughts for him

Liu Jixuan's expression finally changed; he was aware of these matters as well. However, hearing them spoken by this seemingly naive young man stirred a different feeling within him.

"Madam Yang has come to a realization? She sent you here to surrender?" Liu Jixuan asked calmly

Xie Muhua stole a glance at She Saihua, who appeared to be just an ordinary noblewoman, yet her shout was full of vigor. Approaching fifty years of age, she stood as steady as a mountain and walked with swift strides, truly deserving of her title as the leader of the Yang family female generals

It would be one thing if others surrendered, but as soon as Yang Jiyue entered the Song camp, he was immediately appointed as a general. He cannot read a single character, and if it weren't for the seller seeking glory, how could a general be appointed for him?

A sound of footsteps echoed through the forest as dozens of archers surrounded a tall man who emerged from the trees

Lady She reprimanded sternly: "How dare you make such rash judgments on these military and national affairs? Could it be that..." Lady She's expression turned cold: "Are you a Khitan spy?"

Liu Jixuan felt a slight tremor in his heart, yet his expression remained unchanged as he looked at Xie Muhua and said, "Continue speaking"

Xie Muhua coldly surveyed the soldiers around Liu Jixuan, sneering twice: "If you remain obstinately attached to your beliefs, these few hundred brave men will likely either become bandits or end up begging on the streets in the future"

Liu Jixuan's voice echoed through the forest: "Bring them over!"

Thank you, Madam Yang, for your guidance! Xie Muhua's legs are not shaking as violently now. Lady She’s words clearly indicate that she will not abandon them to escape alone. It is indeed more comfortable to lean against a big tree for shade; being with a high-ranking official like Lady She always ensures a higher level of safety

Xie Muhua raised his head and looked directly at Lady She. At that moment, Yang Yanzhao and Yang Jiumei also approached.

Lady She nodded slightly: "Your Excellency is quite quick-witted; your earlier act of charging the enemy lines with the donkey cart was commendable. Once you arrive in Daizhou, my Yang family will certainly express our gratitude to you properly"

I have returned from overseas and encountered bandits on the way, fortunately being rescued by the Yang family. Today, for reasons unknown, you and the Yang family have come to blows. I have some foolish opinions that I cannot refrain from expressing.

Xie Muhua noticed that the eyes of She Taijun and others were all fixed on him, and continued, "I have heard that after the Emperor pacified Taiyuan, he took Generals Cao Bin, Pan Mei, and others, and marched northward, with the army resting along the Taihang Mountains on the way to Hebei. I boldly speculate that the Emperor is likely interested in the northern region. Currently, the defense of Shanxi is under the command of General Yang. Liu Jixuan is probably trying to coerce General Yang... With Liu Jixuan's status, combined with General Yang's military prestige..."

Xie Muhua understands that when speaking, one should be concise and to the point. In the presence of such astute and capable individuals, it is better to say less.

Xie Muhua raised his voice: "Lord Liu, the restoration of the Great Han depends on the war between Song and Liao. If the Great Song wins, there is no need to say more; even if you kill the Yang family and their children, it would only add more enemies for yourself, and the Great Han would have no hope of restoration. If the Liao state wins, your first priority would be to unite with Liao to take Shanxi. By then, would the Yang family dare to defy the will of heaven? Why should we entangle ourselves in the private enmity of the two families?" By then, would the Yang family dare to defy the will of heaven? Why should we entangle ourselves in the private enmity of the two families?

Xie Muhua's heart could not stop racing; just now, in a moment of bravado, he had spoken without thinking and now found himself unable to retract his words. Now, being pulled by Yang Jiumei, he was heading towards Liu Jixuan, and with each step, his legs felt weaker and he was sweating more profusely.

Madam She felt a tumult of emotions within her. Although Xie Muhua appeared unremarkable in appearance, she had deduced many things from the few words spoken by Jiu Mei. Moreover, Madam She had encountered countless people in her lifetime, making it difficult to deceive her. Xie Muhua's words were sincere and did not seem like lies. Could it be that this person is truly a prodigy?

After the confrontation, Liu Jixuan realized that while it was easy to talk about the matter, it was difficult to execute. Yang Yanzhao and Yang Jiumei possessed exceptional martial skills, and their subordinates were a group of elite and fearless warriors. If they truly resolved to disregard the lives of the remaining soldiers and servants and made a break for it, his limited forces would indeed be unable to stop them. If they managed to escape, it would lead to endless troubles, as Liu Jixuan was merely a deposed prince at this point, without troops or power, a far cry from his former self

The soldiers of the Song army, who had just defeated the Northern Han regime, still believed they were on their way home. Four days prior, the main force had just arrived at Zhenzhou in Hebei (now Zhengding, Hebei). Emperor Taizong of Song, Zhao Guangyi, had not yet declared war on the Liao state, and very few could deduce from the movements of the Song army that a large-scale war between the Song and Liao might soon erupt.

I have limited knowledge, but the Tuhun army is the main force of the Han army. Continuously killing their commanders, isn't this forcing the Tuhun army to disband? With the morale shattered, how can this battle continue? I have also heard that the Song army reached Taiyuan City, and Fan Chao and Guo Wanchao successively surrendered after leaving the city. Even the ruler of the Great Han surrendered, while Yang Jiyi fought fiercely against the Song army outside Taiyuan City. It was only when the Han ruler sent a letter urging Yang Jiyi to surrender that he finally did. Yang Jiyi fought until the very end; such a general, if not a loyal minister, who else can be considered a loyal minister?

"Yes, mother!" Yang Jiumei's expression was resolute as she held the flower gun upside down, pulling Xie Muhua along and striding out.

If he is not a spy for the Liao Kingdom, then he is truly a prodigy. How could she know that Xie Muhua possesses over a thousand years more knowledge than they do

Madam She did not speak; she quietly gazed at the unremarkable young man before her

Xie Muhua's heart raced, and an uncontrollable thought surged to the forefront of his mind

"Mother..." Yang Yanzhao hurriedly grasped She Taijun's hand and knelt on the ground: "Jiumei is only sixteen years old, she is the apple of her parents' eye"

Xie Muhua steadied himself and straightened his chest: "Lord Liu, you are now surrounding Lady She. Killing her is not an option, nor is capturing her. Yang Jiyu has just surrendered, and he is still under the control of Pan Mei. If you capture his wife, it would be tantamount to informing the Emperor of Song that Yang Jiyu sincerely surrendered to the Song Dynasty, thereby elevating his status even further."

Xie Muhua's feet trembled slightly. Just moments ago, during the life-and-death battle, he had summoned an unexpected courage, bravely confronting the bandits and striking down the donkey cart, feeling quite heroic himself. However, after the words exchanged between Lady She and Liu Jixuan, the surroundings suddenly fell silent, with only the groans of the wounded adding a sense of grimness to the quiet night. He was suddenly filled with fear, a strong sense of dread surging from deep within.

Yang Yanzhao was furious, and with a shake of his silver spear, he was about to charge out to fight. She Saihua extended her left hand and grasped the spear shaft, preventing Liu Lang from advancing. This scene left Xie Muhua astonished, exclaiming in admiration; this Madam She was not an ordinary force to be reckoned with. If it came to a fight, it was likely that the current Yang Liulang would not be her match.

Xie Muhua. Do you have something to say

In the early summer night, the gentle breeze caressed the mountains and forests, as the remnants of the army, still shaken, gathered together. Yang Yanzhao and his elite subordinates stood at the outermost perimeter, guarding the wounded soldiers, household servants, and maidservants within. Most importantly, his mother and sister were right behind him. Yang Yanzhao could die, but as long as he had a breath left, he would not allow his mother and sister to suffer even the slightest harm

Liu Jixuan shouted louder and louder: "What a magnificent city Taiyuan is! When Chai Rong came to attack, he suffered heavy losses. When Zhao Kuangyin invaded, he returned in defeat. Yang Jiyu was not known for his invincibility? Why couldn't he defend Taiyuan this time? Is Zhao Guangyi really stronger than Chai Rong and more ruthless than Zhao Kuangyin?"

He only felt dry in his mouth and throat, wanting to speak yet afraid to do so, his face flushed red. ... If he were to speak, he feared he would be putting his head on the line, but if he remained silent, it would mean waiting for his doom.

May I ask your esteemed name?" She Taijun quietly inquired as she found herself standing before Xie Muhua.

Liu Jixuan harbored the same intention in his heart. During his first attack, he launched a surprise assault with archers, disrupting the Yang family's formation, and took the opportunity to launch a sudden attack, all in order to capture Lady She alive.

Lady She smiled and shook her head. Holding each of her children by the hand, she said: "It is not difficult for the three of us to escape with our lives, but here are the family members and subordinates who have followed us for many years. Can we just leave them behind?"

Currently, it is a predicament. Liu Jixuan holds the initiative, able to advance or retreat at will. However, on the Yang family's side, they are reluctant to abandon their servants and soldiers. Moreover, if it comes to a head-on confrontation, even if the three members of the Yang family manage to escape with their lives, the hundred or so people would surely perish completely.

However..." Yang Yanzhao blurted out

Xie Muhua spoke politely and gracefully. After saying this, he closed his mouth and forced a smile while looking at Liu Jixuan

Xie Muhua lowered his voice and stared into the eyes of She Taijun: "If you trust me, I am willing to use my eloquence to persuade Liu Jixuan to withdraw his troops."

Xie Muhua's tone carried a hint of threat: "This is Shanxi, after all. General Yang Jiyie is currently stationed in Sanjiao, overseeing military affairs in Shanxi. If his wife and children were to die here, we would dig three feet into the ground to find you. How great do you think your chances of escaping are?"

The fire that is about to extinguish still crackles, and the wounded person lying on the ground moans incessantly, yet has not succumbed. The startled donkey carts have long since dashed off to an unknown destination.

Lady She gently patted Liu Lang's back, yet her words were resolute: "Our Yang family will never allow others to sacrifice for us"

Xie Muhua observed Liu Jixuan's calm demeanor, and his confidence grew a little stronger. He certainly understood the principle of taking advantage of the situation: "I heard from Yang Jiumei on the road that the Emperor of the Song Dynasty is leading his army north. I boldly speculate that he intends to reclaim Youyan, achieving the great feat that both Chai Rong and Zhao Kuangyin were unable to accomplish"

Even the seven sons whom Lady She takes pride in have four who believe that the Song army would not choose to go to war with the Liao state at this stage. However, Yang Jiyi and Lady She have lived their entire lives amidst the flames of war, and both of them keenly sense that the first great battle between the Song and Liao is inevitable

Mother!" Yang Yanzhao said softly, "Child will guard you from behind, Ninth Sister will protect you as we fight our way out. Even if I die here today, as long as you are safe and sound, I will have no regrets in death!

Liu Jixuan shouted sternly: "What has my Han Dynasty done to your Yang family? Yang Jiyie, that scoundrel, entered government service at the age of twenty, benefiting from the grace of my Han Dynasty, yet he has always harbored thoughts of rebellion. When the traitor Zhao Kuangyin had just ascended to the throne, Yang Jiyie submitted a memorial to the emperor, stating his intention to 'serve the country and return to Song.'"

Xie Muhua replied hastily: "My name is Xie Muhua"

More than ten bows were drawn neatly and aimed at the two individuals

Bold! A guard beside Liu Jixuan shouted, and several soldiers drew their swords, ready to hack Xie Muhua to death with a flurry of blows

After finishing his speech, Xie Muhua was already drenched in cold sweat. This material was everything he had accumulated from reading historical novels since childhood, a true effort of searching his innermost thoughts. If he still could not move Liu Jixuan, then he would have to resign himself to fate

Xie Muhua couldn't help but regard the kind-eyed old lady with a higher opinion. If she could truly deduce the opposing general's capabilities merely from observing the surface techniques of the attack, it is no wonder she could be considered Yang Wudi's wise partner!