Chapter 4, Repelling the Enemy
Stop!
He had also heard about the movements of the Song army. Zhao Guangyi did not reward the troops; instead, it was quite strange that he led the large army to Hebei, resting in Zhenzhou. Listening to what this Xie Muhua said, it indeed seemed like he was about to engage in battle with the Khitan.
The corner of the curtain on the carriage was slightly lifted, revealing a pair of bright eyes that were also gazing at the person who had managed to repel hundreds of strong soldiers with nothing but a silver tongue.
Liu Jixuan remained silent. In recent days, he had been evading the search of the Song army with his loyal guards. However, how could the proud Liu Jixuan resign himself to being a cornered dog?
I wonder what your plans are for the future, sir? I see that you are a person of remarkable talent and eloquence; if you wish to pursue a career, it would be quite easy for you. At present, the Khitan and Hu invaders are eyeing us covetously, and the court is in urgent need of capable individuals. Why not meet with my father and have him recommend you?
For someone with an ambiguous identity like myself, it is better to clarify things as soon as possible
Madam She followed Xie Muhua's gaze and coughed lightly, pulling Xie Muhua's thoughts back from deep contemplation
His attack on Lady She this time was, on one hand, a desperate struggle, and on the other hand, a reflection of his deep-seated depression after the fall of the nation. Unable to find trouble with Fan Chao or Guo Yuanchao, he could only vent his frustrations on their wives and children
Xie Muhua was momentarily at a loss for words; these men who were so full of life just yesterday had today become cold corpses. Is human life truly this fragile
Xie Muhua saw very clearly, which made him quite frustrated. From childhood to adulthood, he had heard countless stories of the Yang Family Generals, but he never expected that upon meeting them in person, he would realize that the name of loyalty and valor associated with the Yang family was earned through immense caution and care. In this era where the monarch is everything, loyal ministers and capable generals are merely tools of the emperor. It is not easy for a good bird to choose a suitable tree to perch upon
Xie Muhua smiled faintly, nodded, and pointed to the distant mountains with her right hand: "Dai Prefecture, a stronghold of Datong externally, and a key to Taiyuan internally, is rooted in the three passes of Yanmen, Ningwu, and Piantou, controlling the throat of all of Shanxi. Since the Later Jin ceded the sixteen prefectures of Yanyun, the lands of Xin and Dai have inevitably become an important source of invasion for the Khitan. As long as we cannot recover Youyan, we must regard Taiyuan as a stronghold, using Xin and Dai as bases to block Yanmen to the north. General Yang guarding this formidable pass truly deserves to be called a renowned general of our time!" As long as we cannot recover Youyan, we must regard Taiyuan as a stronghold, using Xin and Dai as bases to block Yanmen to the north. General Yang guarding this formidable pass truly deserves to be called a renowned general of our time!
Xie Muhua was well aware that Liu Jixuan had already been moved by his words. Whether he could survive to reach Daizhou next would depend on his performance in the moment
Xie Muhua secretly chuckled, as this was a comment from "Essentials of Historical Reading"; he merely appropriated the wisdom of his predecessors for his own use.
Xie Muhua spoke decisively, standing tall and facing Liu Jixuan. However, he felt anxious inside, having said everything that needed to be said, hoping that you, Liu Jixuan, would not be a fool
Dark clouds press down on the city, threatening to destroy it; the armor glimmers in the sunlight, revealing golden scales. The sound of horns fills the autumn sky, as the crimson of the evening settles over the frontier. Half of the red flag unfurls by the Yishui River, while the heavy frost silences the drums in the cold. I report to you the intentions from the Golden Terrace, ready to wield the jade dragon and die for you.
The soldiers on the periphery sheathed their swords and made way for Xie Muhua and Yang Jiumei.
The old lady's heartfelt efforts are all for the sake of the Yang family. For someone who surrendered less than a month ago, if they were to now gather support and recruit talent, it would undoubtedly raise the suspicions of the court
As for whether Xie Muhua is a talent, what does it have to do with the Yang family? The Yang family is filled with fierce generals; is there a shortage of talent?
Xie Muhua murmured softly
Yang Jiumei took a step forward; although she was unarmed, she was unstoppable. With a swift motion, she grasped the wrist of a guard, deftly disarming him with a beautiful empty-hand technique, seizing the guard's sword. She then positioned the sword across her chest, protecting Xie Muhua.
During mealtime, it was Yang Jiumei herself who delivered the dishes to that carriage
The sky was already dimly bright, and the morning breeze carried a hint of coolness, gently swaying the torches and sending the blue smoke straight up to the heavens. The remaining horses neighed softly, pacing lightly. On the wide road, there was an eerie silence, an indescribable sense of desolation and solemnity
Lady She coughed lightly and said: "Liu Lang, Mr. Xie is exceptionally talented; how could he possibly be relegated to a remote border area? Once we arrive in Daizhou, let your father properly reward Mr. Xie. The Song Dynasty is flourishing, and someone of Mr. Xie's caliber is bound to achieve great success."
Xie Muhua humbly stated: "Although my ancestors are far from the Central Plains, we have never dared to forget our roots. The classics of Chinese literature have been passed down through generations in my family, and every generation of descendants must remember their homeland and study the classics. The poem 'The General of Yanmen' is one of my favorite verses. Just now, upon seeing the majestic mountains stretching for miles and the picturesque landscape, I couldn't help but express my feelings. I hope my humble opinion does not amuse Madam Yang too much"
I have also heard that the Emperor is leading two hundred thousand elite imperial troops and mobilizing hundreds of thousands of laborers, with the reserve forces in Hebei and Jingdong required to comply with the call-up. I dare to speculate that Youyan has historically been a crucial stronghold on the borders of the Central Plains; capturing Youyan would allow for a strategic defense, keeping the enemy at bay beyond the national gates. Conversely, if the Liao state occupies Youyan, their army could advance south into the Central Plains at any time. A conflict is inevitable; it would be better for the Emperor to leverage the might of pacifying Taiyuan, striking unexpectedly with overwhelming force to launch a northern expedition against Youyan. If the Liao state occupies Youyan, their army could advance south into the Central Plains at any time. A conflict is inevitable; it would be better for the Emperor to leverage the might of pacifying Taiyuan, striking unexpectedly with overwhelming force to launch a northern expedition against Youyan. Once the war begins, chaos will surely ensue between the Song and Liao.
As soon as Xie Muhua received this money, he felt much more at ease. Originally, he had crossed over with nothing to his name. Now, regardless of the circumstances, having two hundred guan in hand provided him with the confidence to either buy land and farm or to invest in business ventures.
Is it his noble family at wwwhetushucomcom? The Yang family has only just surrendered; even if the nobility wishes to associate with the Yang family, there is no need to send their family members here
Xie Muhua has crossed over to this place, without a penny to his name, with no relatives in sight, and lacking any special skills. Since he has arrived here, it is likely that he cannot return to his former world. Establishing a home and a career requires money everywhere, and these two hundred guan have come at just the right time, like a timely rain.
Xie Muhua reached out to take two plates of copper coins, and they felt heavy in his hands. However, heavy as they were, they were still money
Xie Muhua closed his mouth and stopped speaking, forcing a faint smile as he looked at Liu Jixuan. He understood that these words had already been enough to move Liu Jixuan.
Lady She was astonished and said, "You claim to have been overseas for many years, yet you possess such insight into the Central Plains?"
Currently, the only powers capable of fighting are the Han and Liao states. The annihilation of the Han would unify the Central Plains, but that alone is insufficient; the Emperor Taizu conquered far more states than he did. Therefore, recovering the sixteen prefectures of Youyan that were ceded to the Khitan from Later Jin is his best choice for achieving merit and establishing his legacy
More than forty individuals emerged from Liu Jixuan's group, raising their hands to signal that they meant no harm. They entered the encircled area, locating their wounded comrades, either carrying or supporting them to bring them back. If any were too severely injured, they would simply draw their waist knives to grant them a swift end, then drag the bodies back.
"How dare you assert that Zhao Er will definitely attack Youyan?" Liu Jixuan's cold gaze fixed on Xie Muhua
Without further ado, two hundred guan of money in the fourth year of the Taiping Xingguo is sufficient for marrying a wife and purchasing a house, especially if one marries a delicate and refined woman and buys a house in the capital, Kaifeng.
Xie Muhua observed Liu Jixuan's demeanor and quickly seized the opportunity: "Your Excellency possesses great talent and vision, and you naturally understand what is of greater or lesser importance, so there is no need for me to elaborate further..."
Yang Yanzhao shook his head and pulled his sister away at a distance
At present, Xie Muhua keeps insisting that the war between the Song and Liao is imminent. It would be better to quickly infiltrate Liao territory and seek an audience with Empress Xiao Yanyan. With her intelligence and wisdom, she will surely be able to make a decisive judgment on the situation. ... If the Liao state is willing to lend a military force, then the hope for the restoration of the Great Han will be within reach ...
We encountered Liu Jixuan on the road, which delayed our journey. It is not very far from here to Daizhou. In the days to come, we must hasten our pace and travel day and night. Ninth Sister does not like to ride in a carriage, and Mr. Xie is in poor health, so he should rest in her carriage
As soon as the long arrow broke, Xie Muhua was kicked to the ground by a guard, falling face-first into the dirt, feeling dazed and disoriented. In his ears rang the synchronized sound of swords being drawn and the shouts of Liu Jixuan's soldiers.
Liu Jixuan shouted
The majestic Yanmen Pass is renowned as the foremost among the "Nine Passes of the World"
Xie Muhua smiled and said, "Thank you, old lady, for your guidance"
I just risked my life to meet Liu Jixuan, which was akin to putting my head on the line. I spoke until my lips were chapped, and only then was I able to persuade Liu Jixuan to withdraw his troops. The Yang family sending some money is something I deserve. Just now, Lady She also mentioned that there would be a substantial reward upon reaching Daizhou. Since she emphasized the word 'substantial,' it seems unlikely that it would be less than a thousand or eight hundred guan, which Yang Jiyie cannot afford to present.
Xie Muhua could only bow slightly and say: "Thank you, madam"
Liu Jixuan weakly waved his hand and took a few steps back. The strong man had lost his country; whether he blamed the heavens and others or killed to vent his anger, it could not change this fact
Upon seeing the copper coin, Xie Muhua began to calculate in his mind. The value of money during the Song Dynasty was roughly equivalent to over 300 RMB. Hiring someone to dine at a restaurant would only cost a few dozen copper coins. A good horse would cost no more than ten guan. The prices in the early Song Dynasty were even lower, so these two hundred guan was not a small sum; the purchasing power was already quite strong.
Xie Muhua desperately searched through the content learned from history textbooks back in the day: "I heard from Jiumei that before the current emperor ascended the throne, he served in the Kaifeng Prefecture, with modest military achievements, while Emperor Taizu had remarkable military accomplishments and a far-reaching reputation. To gain the respect and acceptance of others, one must achieve merit. To achieve military merit, one must engage in battle."
If we do not capture Lady She, we will not rest. The elite troops under Liu Lang are risking their lives to break through, and I truly have no confidence that my own men can hold them back
Since I already have several hundred guan in hand, and there is a substantial reward waiting for me at Yang Jiyie, I might as well take the money and run, perhaps start a small business in the south or become a small landlord, living a stable life for the rest of my days. ... Xie Muhua was contemplating the future; the Song Dynasty was relatively stable and prosperous, and even considering the Southern Song, Jiangnan still had at least two hundred more years of good days ahead. After all, Xie Muhua did not expect to live to three hundred years old, sigh...
How could Yang Yanzhao, so intelligent, not understand his mother's heartfelt concerns? He lowered his head and remained silent
Xie Muhua felt a sudden jolt in his heart; this old lady was not confused at all. Although he had an unclear background, he claimed to have returned from overseas. While out of concern for their bond, Lady She still intended to invite him to Daizhou for a token of gratitude, but afterwards, she would inevitably have to sever ties with him
Lady She smiled faintly, secretly admiring the overseas returnee, Xie Muhua
Come here! As She Taijun extended her hand, two middle-aged servants, who appeared very honest and sincere, respectfully presented a redwood tray each, covered with a piece of deep red silk.
He walked faster and faster, yet his legs grew weaker and weaker. In the end, he almost leaned on Yang Jiumei to make his way back. Even that soft, fragrant body could not muster his courage
In the span of just one meal, hundreds of people had already left the woods
Yang Liulang was also a person with keen insight into heroes; upon encountering such talent, he naturally felt inclined to recruit them
He, however, did not take notice.
Yanmen Pass has always been a crucial battleground for military strategists. The towering peaks here present a formidable landscape, embodying the notion that one man can hold the pass against a thousand. From the renowned general Li Mu of the Warring States period to the present-day Yang Jiyu, countless battles have been fought here over the millennia between the people of the Central Plains and barbaric foreign tribes
"That's enough, that's enough, you may leave!"
Lady She unveiled the silk cloth, revealing a string of copper coins inside
In Chinese history, a series of illustrious names resound beyond the Yanmen Pass: Li Mu, Meng Tian, Wei Qing, Huo Qubing, Li Guang, Xue Rengui, and others. They once dominated the scene at Yanmen Pass, sacrificing their lives and shedding blood in fierce battles against the Xiongnu, Turkic, and Khitan tribes to protect the people of the Central Plains.
Xie Muhua hurriedly replied: "I heard from Jiumei that we are not far from Yanmen Pass. The Yang family just needs to tighten the blockade at the pass and conduct thorough inspections for spies. I believe Liu Jixuan won't be able to escape to Liao State that quickly. Moreover, if my speculation is correct, the Emperor must be planning a surprise attack, striking Youzhou with lightning speed. In that case, even if Liu Jixuan has gone to Liao State, the war would have already begun, so whether he speaks or not, what significance does it hold?"
Xie Muhua felt as if his feet were floating, his mind was blank, and a voice in his heart kept shouting: "Really? Is it really possible to retreat the troops just by talking?"
This is the "Song of the Guard at Yanmen" by the Tang Dynasty poet Li He. I did not expect that you, far overseas, would also know these verses. Yang Liulang, Yang Jiumei, and She Taijun do not know when they arrived beside Xie Muhua
Liu Jixuan scrutinized Xie Muhua carefully. This fellow was haphazardly wrapped in a servant's garment, his hair cut like a monk's, his face dirty and unkempt, lacking any heroic demeanor. His eyes darted around shiftily, and his hands were constantly fidgeting over his body. How could such a person possibly analyze the state of the world so astutely?
At this thought, Xie Muhua couldn't help but feel grateful towards Lady She. He straightened his clothes and smiled, saying, "Since that is the case, I would be remiss not to comply. Thank you, Madam Yang"
This battle is unavoidable
Xie Muhua lifted the blanket and jumped down from the carriage. He vigorously patted his head; everything from last night felt like a nightmare. The battlefield before him had been cleaned up, and many soldiers and servants were diligently digging holes by the roadside with various tools. Some maidservants were still quietly weeping
However, his gaze could not help but glance at the carriage a couple more times
Xie Muhua seemed to have grasped a lifeline; just moments ago, when he was kicked over by someone, he was truly frightened. Thinking of the pain inflicted by knives and axes, Xie Muhua felt an overwhelming urge to vomit.
Liu Jixuan let out a long sigh towards the sky. Since the establishment of the Zhao Kuangyin regime, a strategy of defeating each enemy separately has been pursued, first targeting the south and then the north, eliminating them one by one. Instead, he utilized the Northern Han to block the Liao's advance southward, freeing himself to eliminate the Southern Tang and other regimes. Liu Jixuan is considered a person of intelligence and wisdom among the Han royal family; how could he not understand the effectiveness of Zhao Kuangyin's policy? The Han dynasty exists due to the Liao, resisting the Central Plains from a small corner of the world, and it is already quite remarkable that they have managed to survive until now.
Lady She sighed, finding that Xie Muhua's words were indeed reasonable, which somewhat eased her mind
Yang Jiumei casually thrust the knife into the ground and pulled Xie Muhua back as they walked.
Xie Muhua's idea was certain, and he felt much more at ease. His eyes shifted and caught sight of a horse-drawn carriage draped with thick blue curtains, and a sudden thought flashed through his mind
Xie Muhua had just returned to his team when he fainted. When he woke up, he found himself lying on a cart, covered with a small thin blanket.
Yang Yanzhao pulled Xie Muhua up from the ground, facing Liu Jixuan directly
He happened to overhear the news of She Taijun and others passing by, and immediately arranged this ambush
Madam She observed that Xie Muhua was not pretentious or affected, nor did he show a greedy interest in money. His manner of speaking was poised and confident, neither servile nor arrogant, which made her smile slightly and increased her fondness for him in her heart
Is she the daughter-in-law of the Yang family? She should not hold such a position
There are a total of three carriages in the convoy, one belonging to Lady She, one to Yang Jiumei. However, there is another carriage, and the person inside has never shown their face.
Yang Jiumei is a person of quick temperament. Seeing these people speaking in a language she could not understand, she could not help but ask, "What does this mean?"
The words of Lady She seemed to echo in my ears: I assure you, before the Yang family perishes, you will certainly not fall
Perhaps resting and recuperating before pursuing great ambitions is the only way out for oneself. Today, I have let She Taijun and her party go; in the future, it may not be impossible to win over Yang Jiyi's heart because of this
During the fierce battle last night, the people in that carriage did not appear either. Who exactly are these mysterious figures?
"Thank you, sir, for what happened last night!" Lady She also approached. However, her expression was quite grim: "But, Mr. Xie, your conversation with Liu Jixuan yesterday, if the Emperor is truly determined to reclaim Youyan, then you would be betraying the Yang family by leaking the military secrets of the Song Dynasty, jeopardizing the Emperor's grand campaign to the north for Youyan."
Lady She smiled gently and said, "Such great kindness need not be thanked in words. This mere two hundred guan is indeed a bit inadequate. Upon my arrival in Daizhou, my husband will surely express his gratitude generously. I hope you will graciously accept it." Lady She spoke sincerely, her expression calm. She was truly grateful to Xie Muhua from the bottom of her heart.
Do not be so polite anymore Yang Jiumei looked at Xie Muhua who remained silent thinking that he was too embarrassed to ask for money with a cheerful smile on her face she pretended to be serious and said Being overly polite is to look down on our Yang family
"Are you awake?" Yang Jiumei had unknowingly walked to Xie Muhua's side. She sighed softly and said, "There is still quite a distance to Daizhou, and the weather has become hot. If we were to travel with the bodies... it would be better to bury them here and let their families come to pay their respects in the future"