Chapter 1973: Zhang Shougui in Danger! (1/2)
Edited by: Michyrr
When the combined army of the Goguryeons, Xi, and Khitans were surrounding the Andong Protectorate army, imperiling Youzhou and its countless inhabitants, a subordinate under Andong Protector-General Zhang Shougui called An Yaluoshan answered the call, gathering many Hu from the border and organizing them into a suicide squad. At the crucial point in the battle, these men put their lives on the line, heedlessly piercing into the center of the Goguryeo-Xi-Khitan army. Though the suicide force suffered enormous losses, it eventually succeeded in heavily injuring Goguryeo Emperor Yeon Gaesomun and turning the tides.
The coalition army was thrown into disarray, and the Andong Protectorate army was able to seize the moment and strike, turning defeat into victory and routing the three armies.
When everyone in Youzhou believed it impossible, this momentous crisis was resolved!
All of the capital erupted in celebration. For the first time, many people began to pay attention to the name of 'An Yaluoshan'!
Upon receiving this news, the army the Bureau of Military Personnel had sent to the northeast halted its march. Meanwhile, in the King of Foreign Lands Residence, Wang Chong, Xu Keyi, Su Shixuan, and Old Eagle fell silent upon hearing the news.
An Yaluoshan!
Others might have been hearing this name for the first name, but every one of Wang Chong's subordinates knew this man.
Privately constructing armories, privately recruiting soldiers, establishing the Yeluohe, controlling Zhang Shougui, the pursuit of Guo Ziyi's men… and the man behind all this was now the hero of the Youzhou war. Even the slowest of them could now see that this war was not so simple, that there was a conspiracy behind it all.
Wang Chong remained quiet for some time after hearing the news. Finally, amidst an oppressive mood, he spoke five words.
”Zhang Shougui is done for…”
……
”Hahaha, good! Excellent, An Yaluoshan! We truly did not misjudge you. Not only do you understand Us, knowing how to delight Us, you can fight as well! Reward him, reward him richly!
”We want all the people of the realm to know that the Great Tang does not only have a King of Foreign Lands! Without him, Our country will still be as steady as Mount Tai!”
In the palace, the 'Sage Emperor' hugged charming Hu ladies, one in each hand, as he heartily laughed.
It was only ten-some days ago that he had learned that this considerate Hu general known as An Yaluoshan had sent him many beautiful women. But now, this major victory in the northeast not only greatly pleased him, it also made him mark the name of 'An Yaluoshan' deep in his mind.
Auxiliary Assistant Minister Zhao Changfu, standing on the side, began to speak, a melancholy look on his face. ”Your Majesty, in truth, this victory in the northeast cannot be considered a major one. Zhang Shougui is a veteran general who made his name several decades ago, and in his campaigns, he was unstoppable. It was for this reason that Your Majesty gave the northeast to him, essentially making him a Vassal King of the northeast. So no one expected such a grievous mistake to take place under Lord Zhang's watch. Let alone the grievous losses suffered by the main body of the Andong Protectorate army, apparently, even the elite Roaring Tiger Army was wiped out! What a great pity!”
His seemingly casual comment immediately made the Sage Emperor's face sink.
But Zhao Changfu appeared to not notice as he continued, ”While Goguryeo, the Xi, and the Khitans have withdrawn for now, who knows when they might come back? Meanwhile, Lord Zhang is bedridden from illness caused by the flaring of his old wounds. It is truly a concerning situation!”
Zhao Changfu's face became stricken with worry.
”Since he is severely ill, he should retire.”
The Sage Emperor's complexion had turned dark and grim.
”Bastard thing! Does he really think that We do not know that all this trouble was because he set the Goguryeo Imperial Palace on fire for the sake of his selfish desires? It would be one thing if he could suppress Yeon Gaesomun, but since he can't, he should retire for Us!
”Deliver Our decree! An Yaluoshan is to be made Andong Vice Protector-General, and Zhang Shougui is to be called to the capital for an audience with Us!” the Sage Emperor furiously said.
”Yes!”
……
A few moments later, Zhao Changfu walked out of the hall and looked toward the northeast, a smile on his lips.
”Go and tell Lord An that I've helped him with what he requested.”
”Yes!” A voice came from the side.
”Lord An, I did what you asked. That should be enough for the ten thousand taels of gold you promised me!”
Smiling to himself, Zhao Changfu took his leave.
……
At the same time, in Youzhou…
The battle was over, and Youzhou was left covered in the wounds of battle. The stench of flames and blood still floated in the air, and abandoned armor, flags, and weapons could be seen across the battlefield, together with the bodies of Xi, Khitans, Goguryeons, and Tang.
This was an unprecedented battle that had ended with the retreat of Yeon Gaesomun's coalition army, but the Andong Protectorate had also suffered heavy losses.