C101. Farewell.
"Can this be true?" Yuan Li asked again, his eyes burning with intensity.
Upon receiving a definitive answer, Yuan Li could no longer contain his excitement. He stood up and paced back and forth in the hall, then suddenly turned and said, "Quickly, bring the Grand General here!"
With such an opportunity in front of him, Yuan Li could not forgive himself if he did not seize control of Bingzhou.
This was the Bingzhou with nine counties and ninety-one districts!
Bingzhou was vast but sparsely populated, bordered by Hengshan and Taihang to the east, the Great River to the west, and deserts and Yinshan to the north. Its terrain was rugged and easily defendable, making it a sought-after destination for nomadic tribes.
Similar to Youzhou, Bingzhou had a diverse population, including many foreign residents, with its borders close to nomadic tribes like the Xiongnu and Western Qiang.
Due to the previous uprising of the Baimi rebels and the disturbances caused by the Hu people, Liu Quan had gradually lost control over Bingzhou. When Liu Quan fled, the foundation was essentially taken over by the Hu people and the rebel forces.
It was not the Baimi rebels but the local rebel force in Bingzhou, the Yellow Dragon Army, that had driven Liu Quan away.
The Yellow Dragon Army's base was located in the Taihang Mountains and was known for its activities in Zhongshan, Changshan, Shangdang, and other areas. The mere mention of their name indicated how formidable they were.
Originally wreaking havoc in Yizhou, the Yellow Dragon Army was defeated by Wu Shanshi and fled to Bingzhou along the Taihang Mountains. As the Governor of Bingzhou, Liu Quan did not have the same abilities as Wu Shanshi, so he could only watch helplessly as the Yellow Dragon Army grew increasingly bold.
If Yuan Li could seize control of Bingzhou, they would have authority over both Youzhou and Bingzhou, two regions not known for their wealth but immense in land size. Just Bingzhou alone was equivalent to two Youzhous in terms of size.
Chu Hechao quickly arrived, and as soon as he entered, Yuan Li eagerly pulled him close, closed the door, and whispered as if sharing a secret, "Governor Liu Quan has fled!"
Chu ahechao lifted him into a hug and asked, "Liu Quan has fled?"
Yuan Li excitedly informed him of the situation in Bingzhou.
Chu Hechao pondered for a moment, then with a smirk said, "So, Bingzhou is currently without a master?"
Yuan Li nodded eagerly and hinted, "Do you want to…"
Seeing his expression, Chu Hechao knew what he wanted to say and was equally interested. No one could remain indifferent in the face of such an opportunity.
He nodded, his eyes gleaming, and chuckled, "Since it's without a master, it's only natural for us to eliminate the rebels on behalf of the Emperor and occupy Bingzhou, isn't it?"
Yuan Li blinked knowingly at him.
The two quickly reached an agreement, and with Chu Hechao's approval, Yuan Li felt more assured. While he was not skilled in leading troops into battle, Chu Hechao was, and he was almost impatient, "When do we march?"
"No rush," Chu Hechao patted him on the back, "Is the food supply adequate?"
"It is," Yuan Li affirmed confidently, "The stockpile amounts we had previously stored are enough to sustain Youzhou for ten years, even if all the refugees from the surrounding provinces migrated to Youzhou, we could still survive for three years."
Yuan Li paused and added, "I actually hope there are more refugees. The population of Youzhou is still too small, and there are many uncultivated fields. After the snow disaster, we can allocate these lands to the refugees, let them settle in Youzhou. By the time of this year's autumn harvest, the food production is certain to exceed last year's."
Chu Hechao was reassured by this plan and sent for Yang Zhongfa and Guan Zhihuai.
As soon as they arrived, Chu Hechao wasted no time and immediately discussed the attack on Bingzhou with them.
Guan Zhihuai and Yang Zhongfa exchanged glances. "General, why are we suddenly planning to attack Bingzhou?"
After understanding the situation, while Yang Zhongfa was contemplating the feasibility of attacking Bingzhou at this time, Guan Zhihuai outright refused, "It is not possible! With the snow disaster raging and refugees scattered everywhere, this is not the right time to go to war! During a time of war, provisions should not be divided, and it is difficult to handle both providing relief and going to war simultaneously. If one area needs a large amount of provisions, how can the other area cope? Furthermore, with heavy snow blocking the mountains and freezing temperatures for miles on end, the march would be extremely challenging. Even if we reach Bingzhou, our soldiers would lose morale due to the freezing conditions. General, think this through!"
Chu Hechao patiently listened to him and said, "I have considered all that you mentioned, but I still have decided to send troops to attack Bingzhou. Do you know why?"
Guan Zhihuai was taken aback.
Chu Hechao continued, "Do you think only we know about Liu Quan's escape?"
Upon hearing this, Yuan Li couldn't help but let out a bitter smile.
It was impossible for only them to know. Whether in Liangzhou or Yizhou, those who knew this news would have known it earlier than them, not later.
Guan Zhihuai fell silent for a moment before saying, "But…"
"But tell me, why haven't they made a move on Bingzhou yet?" Chu Hechao asked in a friendly manner.
Taking a deep breath, Guan Zhihuai replied, "Because they are also struggling with the snow disaster, busy to the point of being overwhelmed, and completely unable to take advantage of this situation."
Chu Hechao's face immediately lost its smile, cursing, "You also understand this reason. It is precisely because Le Jun stored food in advance and responded to the snow disaster in a timely manner that we have the opportunity to seize the initiative. If we wait until spring for a warm up, let me ask you, wouldn't Yizhou make a move? Would Liangzhou just stand by idly?"
Guan Zhihuai pondered and sighed, realizing the validity of this point. "But I am genuinely concerned that we may not have enough provisions."
Yang Zhongfa interjected, "Ah, Lao Guan, Bingzhou is very close to Youzhou, far less consumption than a distant expedition. If Lord Yuan and the General have the intention to attack Bingzhou, then logistics and supply should not concern us."
After some persuasion, he added, "I also agree with sending troops to Bingzhou at this time. Firstly, as the General mentioned, others are unable to make a move, so we can seize the initiative. Secondly, it is also because of the Hu people in Bingzhou. These Hu people graze in spring and summer, raid in autumn, and hibernate with their families in winter. Winter is the best time to attack them, as their women are pregnant, and their horses are not well-fed; they are weak and helpless."
As he spoke, Yang Zhongfa patted Guan Zhihuai's back forcefully, chuckling, "Lao Guan, haven't we discussed this before? If possible, it would be best to attack the Xiongnu before winter, crush them completely! However, previous march routes lacked sufficient supplies and winter clothing, so we could not experience the taste of fighting the Hu people in winter. Have you forgotten about this?"
Guan Zhihuai looked nostalgic and nodded slowly, "You are right."
He bowed to Chu Hechao, "We should indeed follow the General's advice. However, discussing the strategy on how to attack Bingzhou is not suitable for us. The most suitable person for this task would be Xinzhou."
Yang Zhongfa brightened up, "Exactly! I almost forgot about Xinzhou. General, Xinzhou's people are from Bingzhou!"
Chu Hechao also recalled this fact and immediately instructed a messenger, "Send a message for Xinzhou to come to Ji County."
Three days later, Xinzhou arrived from the northern border.
As soon as he dismounted, he headed straight to the Prince Chu Estate to meet Chu Hechao. After learning about the plan to capture Bingzhou, Xinzhou nodded in agreement, without asking any questions, and proceeded to analyze the topography of Bingzhou.
With snow blocking the roads everywhere, mountain routes were impassable to avoid the risk of avalanches. Therefore, the eastern route through Hengshan and Taihang mountains was not viable. While the western side of Bingzhou had waterways leading to it, it was impractical to approach it from the Liangzhou side.
Hence, Xinzhou suggested entering Bingzhou from the northern plains and deserts, advancing into Taiyuan County to capture the county seat of Jinyang in Bingzhou. There was a shortcut that crossed villages, and with a swift cavalry attack, they could reach Taiyuan County in eight days.
Once they controlled Taiyuan County, they could move upwards to Yanmen County and downwards to Shangdang County, with Xiyang County to the west, deploying troops from three directions to seize Bingzhou while the Hu people and rebel forces were still unprepared!
Xinzhou exclaimed, "Bingzhou has been in turmoil for so many years, almost completely occupied by the Hu people. Liu Quan is timid and unable to control Bingzhou, but the General is different. If the General can pacify the Hu people and rebel forces in Bingzhou, I would also consider it a contribution to the people of Bingzhou."
Chu Hechao carefully examined the routes pointed out by Xinzhou on the map and said, "It is not difficult to pacify them. The challenge lies in revitalizing Bingzhou, ensuring the people live in peace and have enough food to eat."
Xinzhou chuckled helplessly, "General, you make it sound easy, but even though you say so, it's not as simple as that."
Chu Hechao smiled and jokingly said, "Why don't you go and pay a visit to the God of Wealth right now?"
Xinzhou suddenly understood the implication and suppressed a smile as he bowed to Yuan Li, "I pay my respect to the God of Wealth, and I hope that the God of Wealth will transform my hometown into a prosperous land, providing the people with food and clothing."
Yuan Li gave Chu Hechao a knowing look and said, "General Xin, don't listen to the nonsense."
"How is this nonsense? I really think we should seek Lord Yuan Lejun's help more often," Xinzhou said earnestly. "Yang Zhongfa has been telling us that you are like the God of Wealth. Since your arrival in Youzhou, the military has seen remarkable changes every day, with improvements in food and clothing. Even the horses are well-fed and robust, all thanks to you. I have noticed a significant transformation in Youzhou within just two years. I hope that after capturing Bingzhou, Lord Yuan can make it as prosperous as Youzhou."
Yuan Li laughed heartily, "From what Xinzhou is implying, Bingzhou is already within our grasp."
Xinzhou, with his bold and careful temperament, chuckled, "With such an advantage, if we still can't take Bingzhou, the General and I will truly become a laughing stock and have no face to meet Lord Yuan upon our return."
Chu Hechao's temples throbbed with annoyance, wishing he could just throw his good subordinate out, and said expressionlessly, "Don't include me in your words."
The room erupted in laughter.
Due to Bingzhou's proximity and the addition of many cavalry in the army, Chu Hechao was confident. He directly gathered ten thousand light cavalry soldiers in preparation for a swift attack on Bingzhou.
All ten thousand warhorses were equipped with horseshoes and stirrups, and armed with the multi-firing divine crossbows invented by Cui Yan. Despite being only ten thousand strong, after a year of training and equipping them with new weapons, the light cavalry was capable of resisting enemy infantry numbers three to five times their own.
A month later, preparations were complete.
Yuan Li bid farewell to Chu Hechao and his companions outside the city gate of Ji County.
By now, the heavy snowfall had ceased, but the snow piled up on the sides of the road was still half a tree's height, and the coldness showed no signs of dissipating.
The biting cold wind blew in gusts.
Yuan Li, wrapped in a fox fur coat, with a few strands of hair blowing across his ears, his face flushed with cold, his nose red. Many words lingered on his lips but were left unspoken, only managing to say, "Quickly come back."
Chu Hechao responded with a grunt, resisting the urge to embrace him.
Yuan Li said, "You should hurry on your way."
"Alright, I'll leave now. Take care of yourself."
Chu Hechao said, but remained motionless. He gazed at Yuan Li from head to toe, trying to capture every detail in his memory. It was almost maddening, how he was already thinking about him even before leaving.
Yuan Li allowed him to look, but after a while, he glanced at Chu Hechao's army behind him and said softly, "You should really leaving."
Chu Hechao shifted his feet, his eyes blazing with emotion, as he turned to walk away. After a few steps, he stopped, then suddenly turned back and reached out to embrace Yuan Li. It was a brief moment, almost before anyone could react, they separated. The red cloak flew up for a moment, obscuring their figures, as if they were just a step away from each other.
"It's cold in winter, don't let the cold wind blow in. Close the windows and doors tightly before sleeping, place a warm pot of tea by the bed at night, so you won't wake up in the middle of the night without tea," Chu Hechao suddenly spoke more, "I have left someone for you, if you need anything, send a message to me. Don't be too picky about your meals, and avoid overworking. I will be back in three or four months at most..."
Yuan Li felt a lump in his chest, and he nodded with his head down.
Chuhechao wanted to lift his face to see if he was crying, but he couldn't do it now, nor could he look. If Yuan Li really cried, he had a feeling he wouldn't be able to leave today.
Glancing at Yuan Li one last time, Chu Hechao gritted his teeth, turned away, and left quickly. He walked to his horse, mounted it, and set off with the ten thousand light cavalry soldiers, not daring to look back.
After walking some distance, Chu Hechao couldn't resist and looked back. The people in front of the city gate were now blocked by the thousands of troops and horses and were no longer visible.
Turning his head back, he rubbed his brow with his fingers, feeling empty inside.
As if something was missing.
Was this the feeling of having a wife after all?