C123. The Army is Marching Out!
"Chu Hechao," Yuan Li said softly, "You're quite cunning..."
Chu Hechao doubted he had misheard, "What did you say?"
Yuan Li silently stared at him, his gaze seeming to penetrate all the vulgar words Chu Hechao had in mind.
Chu Hechao blushed under the scrutinizing gaze, and changed the subject, "Your Grain Bureau is impressive. It has only been out for half a year and has already proven its effectiveness."
Yuan Li shot him a glance, "Indeed, I have sent people to try and contact Zhou Gongdan. Alone in Jizhou, I worry he might encounter unforeseen circumstances. With someone from the Grain Bureau by his side, he will at least have a helper."
*
In Jizhou, members of the Grain Bureau were trying to reach Zhou Gongdan.
Half a month later, they returned with a sealed letter.
The letter bore Zhou Gongdan's handwriting. It assured that he had met up with the Grain Bureau members, was safe, and urged Yuan Li not to worry.
Zhou Gongdan was pleasantly surprised by Yuan Li's unexpected assistance.
The members of the Grain Bureau were all elite individuals. Even if they couldn't directly assist Zhou Gongdan, they could ensure his safe retreat.
Since his encounter with the Grain Bureau members, Zhou Gongdan felt significantly relieved. He could finally rest easy and focus more on the matters in Jizhou. In the letter, he succinctly detailed recent events in Jizhou to Yuan Li.
Agents sent by Li Li, including Luo Yue, were idly wasting time in Jizhou, leading Wu Shanshi and others to drop their guard. After some time, Luo Yue managed to persuade Wu Shanshi's mother and wives to accept numerous valuable gifts as tokens from Li Li.
Rumors of "Jizhou Governor Wu Shanshi accepting lavish gifts from Li Li" spread rapidly within Jizhou.
Wei Ji was furious and ordered the execution of several commoners spreading the news, but the rumors persisted. Wu Shanshi, angered by the situation, killed some of his concubines but couldn't do anything to his wives and mother.
In a society where filial piety was valued, could Wu Shanshi really harm his own mother?
His legitimate son pleaded tearfully for mercy for his mother, could he deny his own son?
Filled with pent-up anger and feeling deceived, Wu Shanshi was itching to capture Luo Yue and have him executed but was restrained by his advisers.
Wei Ji did not want Wu Shanshi to have any association with Li Li, so he instructed Wu Shanshi to return all the money that Li Li had given to his mother and wives, and have Luo Yue take the gifts back to Luoyang.
However, Wu Shanshi felt that since Luo Yue had caused him such trouble, returning the money would only add insult to injury, as he had already been slandered. Instead, he saw the money as military funds, intending to recruit more soldiers and buy more military supplies to use against Li Li.
Wei Ji fell ill from anger.
During his illness, Wang Yunsui thought over the situation and proposed a scheme to Wu Shanshi, suggesting they feign collusion with Li Li, then take the opportunity to strike and eliminate Li Li first.
Given the circumstances, it seemed like a viable plan. After much contemplation, Wu Shanshi believed assassinating Li Li was a foregone conclusion and accepted the proposal, outwardly agreeing to the enticements of Luo Yue and his group, preparing to lead troops to Luoyang to "join forces" with Li Li.
In just a short half month, the tranquil Jizhou had been thrown into chaos, all thanks to the mastermind behind it - the cunning Luo Yue.
"Wu Shanshi pretending to collude with Li Li..." Yuan Li furrowed his brow, pondering deeply, "He is truly bold."
This news would undoubtedly cause a huge stir, shattering Wu Shanshi's previously built good reputation in an instant. Unless he truly managed to kill Li Li himself, Wu Shanshi's reputation would forever remain tarnished.
This was akin to courting danger, walking a dangerous path, where the risks clearly outweighed the benefits. But for Yuan Li and his group, it presented a golden opportunity...
A flash of determination crossed Yuan Li's eyes.
Did Zhou Gongdan convey this message to imply that they should firmly establish Wu Shanshi's tarnished name?
However, Wu Shanshi did have a chance of killing Li Li.
Being closer to Luoyang than Youzhou, and with cunning advisers under his command, Wu Shanshi had the advantage of surprise, as Li Li had no guard up against him. In this scenario, Wu Shanshi had a good possibility of getting Li Li's head.
Just as Yuan Li started to worry, Zhou Gongdan added below in the sealed letter, "Please rest assured, Your Excellency. Li Li will definitely be cautious of Wu Shanshi and won't fall into his trap easily. I have advised Wu Shanshi to suggest to you as the Governor of Bingzhou - once Li Li hears this, he will assume that Wu Shanshi is already in alliance with you and the Grand Marshal. In this situation, Li Li won't believe Wu Shanshi's supposed loyalty."
With the message concluded, Yuan Li felt a surge of energy, repeatedly reading the letter, feeling his blood boil, "Ingenious, Gongdan truly has an impeccable plan."
Curious, Chu Hechao took the envelope and nodded in admiration, "A remarkable individual indeed."
Yuan Li sighed, "Such a remarkable individual must be ensured to return unscathed."
A cold expression briefly crossed Chu Hechao's face, "Wu Shanshi is determined to kill Li Li, without even asking for my consent. If I don't personally kill Li Li, I can't get rid of this grudge in my heart."
"Li Li's life must be taken by us," Yuan Li affirmed with a determined tone, "Since Wu Shanshi plans to strike first, we should speed up our pace too."
After a moment of contemplation, Chu Hechao said, "The troops and funds are all prepared."
Seeing the weather forecast, Yuan Li decisively declared, "Then let's depart in five days."
*
Five days later.
Fifty thousand Youzhou soldiers, clad in leather armor, stood straight at the gates of Jixian County, each with a serious and majestic demeanor.
Flags bearing the character "You" fluttered in the wind, making a rustling sound.
The sound of drums filled the air.
Cavalry in the front, infantry in the back. Among the thousands of soldiers, there were a hundred three-man-operated triple crossbow bed machines.
In the upcoming war against Li Li, it would be the first appearance of the triple crossbow bed machines. They would play a crucial role, perhaps leaving a vivid mark in history.
Yuan Li, also dressed in majestic black armor, meticulously tied back his long hair. His handsome face exuded a calm and confident smile.
Leaning on his waist-hung ringed sword, he whispered to Liu Jixin, Guo Mao, and others to take good care of Youzhou.
For this military expedition, Yuan Li decided to leave Liu Jixin and Guo Mao in the rear. Guo Mao had important tasks related to land cultivation, while Liu Jixin was responsible for managing official documents and couldn't leave.
Yuan Congyun and Wang Er, two military generals, would also stay behind to defend Youzhou and maintain its stability. By leaving them in Youzhou, Yuan Li could rest assured.
Although Yang Zhongfa was old, he was still robust and not inferior to younger generals. In the campaign against Li Li, as Chu Hechao's deputy, Yang Zhongfa could not be absent.
After carefully noting Yuan Li's instructions, Liu Jixin and Guo Mao couldn't suppress their worries and looked at Yuan Li with concern, "Your Excellency, take care of yourself."
Yuan Li nodded with a smile, "Rest assured, I will return safely."
Yuan Dan stood behind Yuan Li, patting his chest earnestly, "I swear to protect Yuan Lejun at all costs!"
This was his first time going to war with Yuan Li, and he was so excited that he hadn't slept all night. Now wearing black armor, he felt like he had become formidable, exuding the aura of a renowned general.
Yuan Li chuckled and replied, "You? Just make sure to take care of yourself."
Yuan Dan scratched his head, feeling a bit embarrassed.
Yuan Dan and Zheng Rong from Bingzhou would accompany Yuan Li to broaden their horizons. Zheng Rong and Guan Zhihuai would meet them in Guangchang.
Yuan Li also took Wu Kai and the outstanding young generals, Lu Hui and Gong Bin, who had been promoted as junior commanders, as his accompanying military officers to head to Luoyang.
Thinking of their Excellency's auspicious aura, well-equipped weapons, and strong soldiers, Liu Jixin and Guo Mao felt slightly relieved. Liu Jixin took a deep breath and bowed deeply, "We will guard Youzhou well and eagerly await Your Excellency's triumphant return."
Yuan Li nodded, then cast one last glance at the gate of Jixian County before walking towards Chu Hechao.
Mounting their horses, Chu Hechao raised his riding crop and shouted, "Depart!"
With flags waving forward, the soldiers also began marching as their footsteps resonated heavily. The crowded movement caused the ground to tremble, igniting a fervor in those who witnessed the scene.
Watching the army gradually disappear into the distance, Guo Mao and Liu Jixin both deeply hoped for their Excellency's safe return.
Their current position was all thanks to Yuan Li, and any mishap to him would be a disaster for them.
"Hoo," Guo Mao suddenly let out a long breath, his eyes shining brightly, "Our Excellency will surely return victorious."
Liu Jixin smiled, stroked his beard, and confidently declared, "Naturally!"
*
After leaving Jixian County, the army met with Guan Zhihuai, who led the 30,000 North Xinjiang Army, at Guangchang.
The 80,000 strong army quickly advanced towards Luoyang.
They did not bring more people.
Because Li Li's army had at most 150,000 troops. All the states in the Central Plains responded to the call from Youzhou to march against Li Li. By then, the forces of various heroes would total around 300,000. The 80,000 soldiers from Youzhou were already quite substantial, leaving opportunities for other states' troops to achieve feats in attacking Li Li.
After the Youzhou soldiers set out, news spread to the various states in the Central Plains, and they all began to march towards Luoyang.
*
Li Li also learned of several armies advancing towards Luoyang.
Three of them were particularly formidable. One was the army seeking revenge for the killings against him by Chu Hechao, the second was the 50,000 strong army led by the two imperial uncles of the Emperor - Qin Meng, the Governor of Yizhou, and Qin Pei, the Governor of Yuzhou.
The third was the 80,000 strong army led by Prince Chen.
The one that Li Li feared the most was the 80,000 soldiers from Youzhou.
Not only because the soldiers from Youzhou and the North Xinjiang Army were fierce, but also because Chu Hechao led them.
That was Chu Hechao.
In the Northern Zhou Dynasty, there were only two great generals: Chu Hechao and the general that Li Li had won over, Yan Hui. But the Northern Zhou Dynasty only had one young and talented military general, Chu Hechao, who was known as the God of War of the Northern Zhou for good reason.
Whenever Li Li thought of his great achievements, he felt tremors of fear.
The name "Chu Hechao" represented invincibility in the Central Plains.
Immediately, he called upon General Yan Hui to discuss countermeasures.
Before they could finalize their plan, the Qin army led by Qin Meng and Qin Pei was already close to Yingchuan.
Yingchuan was not far from Luoyang!
Li Li requested Yan Hui to send troops to attack the Qin army and ensure they did not approach Luoyang.
If they waited for the rebels to reach Luoyang before retaliating, it would be too late, and Li Li would have nowhere to escape. The further the battle was from Luoyang, the better.
Yan Hui, being an experienced veteran, understood the importance of keeping the battle away from Luoyang. Without hesitation, he sent the Chief Commander Wan Liang with 50,000 soldiers to confront the Qin army at Yingchuan.
Li Li's expression was serious as he emphasized, "This battle must be won."
Although there were many people coming to attack him, most of them were just opportunistic and incompetent, hoping for a share of the spoils. If Li Li could secure a resounding victory in the first battle, the majority of these rebels would be too intimidated to advance further.
On the other hand, if he lost the first battle, people would see Li Li as just a paper tiger, and they would all rush to tear him apart.
Yan Hui also spoke in a low voice, "I understand."
General Wan Liang took fifty thousand troops to Yongchuan on the same day, and ten days later officially engaged in battle with the Qin family army in Yongchuan.
Compared to the irregularity of the Qin family army, Wan Liang had steadily risen to the rank of General step by step, and was one of the famous generals of his time, showing true talent and ability.
Qin Pei and Qin Meng, relying on their royal bloodlines, were just ordinary governors of two provinces. It didn't take long for them to be defeated by Wan Liang, their army scattered, and they both fled Yongchuan under the protection of their guards.
Their soldiers were gladly accepted by Li Li, and the thirty thousand captured soldiers were incorporated into his own army. Before Chu Hechao and Yuan Li could engage in battle with Li Li, he had managed to strengthen his forces using the enemy's hands.
With the addition of these thirty thousand soldiers, Li Li's momentum soared. When news of the defeat of Qin Meng and Qin Pei spread to other rebel forces, it greatly shocked them.
Fifty thousand soldiers from the Qin family were defeated so easily?
Did Li Li really win without much effort?
Are Li Li and his forces really that strong?
The disastrous defeat of the Qin family army made most of the rebel forces who had come seeking glory afraid to approach Luoyang. They stayed in Jiyin County, eating and drinking, waiting for someone else to lead the attack on Li Li, so they could follow and claim rewards.
While they cowered in fear, Li Li seized the opportunity to recruit soldiers, even resorting to forced conscription.
Dragging peasants into the army, giving them shoddy weapons or sticks, training them for ten to fifteen days, and sending them to the battlefield.
These soldiers were not seasoned fighters; they were just ordinary farmers, serving only to die on the battlefield.
They were used as human shields to stop the enemy's advance, delaying their attacks with their flesh and blood.
Yan Hui did not like using such soldiers because they lacked proper training and could easily break ranks and flee. The appearance of one deserter on the battlefield would spread fear among the others, leading to mass panic and defeat.
But if these poorly trained soldiers were used as front-line shields, Yan Hui had no objections. While brutal, he considered it a simple and effective strategy.
In September, the banners of the feared Youzhou soldiers finally waved in Henan County, a thousand miles away from Luoyang.