Chapter 6: Eve of the Decisive Battle (1/2)
Chapter 6: Eve of the Decisive Battle
In the first month of the fifth year of Tongtai, Great Yong’s emissary, Gou Lian, requested an audience after giving massive bribes to all of the officials. At the time, the King was young and the court was controlled by Prime Minister Shang Weijun. Lian had several secret discussions with him. Fearing Lu Can’s meritorious contributions, Prime Minister Shang restricted Lu Can and did not permit him to go into battle, resulting in the loss of this golden opportunity. This was truly an unpardonable crime.
—Southern Chu Dynastic Records, Biography of King Min of Chu
I practically groaned continuously as I read the entire contents of the intelligence report in my hand. As for the Prince of Qi, as he read the report, he remarked, “Suiyun, I didn’t expect that your stratagem would be so insidious, leaving, of the two of Long Tingfei’s ranking subordinates, one dead and one injured.”
I could only feebly try to explain that these weren’t my arrangements. In fact, the plan created by the head agent in Northern Han, Su Qing, was far more vicious and ruthless than mine. In addition, the results were far better. Not only was Shi Ying framed and Duan Wudi discredited, Long Tingfei’s reputation had also been severely impacted. If it weren’t for the heavy losses suffered during Qiu Yufei’s interception of Su Qing’s escape back to Zezhou—even with the outstanding martial arts of Su Qing and her subordinates, and the timely arrival of reinforcements from Zezhou—, this plan would have been perfect.
However, I guiltily realized that this wasn’t Su Qing’s fault, but rather mine. I had let Qiu Yufei escape. Although I did not know how he had suddenly advanced to the Xiantian realm, I felt it my responsibility that Su Qing had suffered such heavy losses. Although the Devil Sect was Northern Han’s assistant, Jing Wuji could only serve as a deterrent. With such stature, if he personally attacked the enemy or assassinated someone, the entirety of Northern Han would likely feel the country was on the verge of collapse.1 In addition, if Jing Wuji did not act, then the grandmasters on our side could only hold back as well. As a result, unless it was a critical juncture, Jing Wuji would not take action. In comparison, the threats posed by the disciples of the Devil Sect were far greater. Who would have thought that Qiu Yufei’s martial arts would improve so greatly, advancing to the Xiantian realm? Because of this, I could not blame Su Qing. I only regretted for a moment, as I knew that Qiu Yufei could not be killed and had to be released for the plan. Preparing to deal with the aftermath, I decided to recruit Su Qing for the army center. After all, the army would invade Northern Han quite soon. Since Su Qing’s real identity had been discovered, it would be quite appropriate for her to serve as an aide. The woman was truly not simple, spending so many years in Northern Han without her identity being discovered. This time, the methods she used to enter the lion’s den left me in deep admiration.
After organizing the intelligence reports, I ordered Huyan Shou to call Su Qing inside. Having changed into a set of men’s azure robes, although she was as lithe and graceful as any woman, she was like a cold plum blossom in the depths of winter. Her expression impassive, she walked into my tent and kowtowed, stating, “Subordinate, Su Qing, pays her respects to the Marquis of Chu, the Army Supervisor daren. Subordinate violated daren’s orders and altered the plan without permission, causing many of my comrades to be killed. Daren, please punish me.” Finished speaking, she coughed gently several times, her complexion becoming increasingly white as snow.
I gazed admiringly at this woman for a few moments. She was an extraordinary woman. Six years ago, she had stormed to the fore of Great Yong’s jianghu, wearing azure Confucian robes and yet not hiding her womanly identity. Her methods were fierce and vicious, but she was straightforward and aboveboard. Although she never revealed her true identity to anyone, in the short span of half a year, her reputation resounded. Afterwards, she pledged her services to the Prince of Yong, voluntarily requesting a post in Northern Han as a spy. In a few years, she had become the head agent there. Regardless of ability or loyalty, she was second to none within Great Yong’s entire intelligence network. This time, even though she had performed great service, she still did not express any hint of delight and instead concerned about disobeying orders. As expected, the Emei Qingshan was not ordinary.
Su Qing wasn’t as calm as she showed. In fact, she was quite apprehensive. Although Jiang daren’s words and expressions were cultured and courteous, as the head agent of Great Yong’s intelligence network in Northern Han, she naturally knew quite a lot of inside information about the Yong court. She was well aware of this man’s methods. Were it not for the entanglement between her and Duan Wudi, and for Shi Ying to coincidentally fall in love with her, she would never have dared to alter the plan without permission. However, after the plan had succeeded, she actually became quite worried about her fate. Those with deep intelligence and wisdom were the ones who most frequently hated things getting out of control. Her actions had likely violated this man’s bottom line. He didn’t need to fish for a criminal charge. Just the loss of half of her elite subordinates by Qiu Yufei would be enough to find her guilty.
I would never have thought that she had such a mindset. As far as I was concerned, it was wonderful news that my subordinates were pragmatic and adaptable to the situation. However, since someone had the nerve to change the plan, that person must also be willing to accept all the consequences and the aftermath. If the plan happened to be unsuccessful, they would have to be severely punished. If successful, then they deserved to be rewarded. Since the gains from Su Qing’s alterations outweighed the losses, I would naturally reward her. Sighing softly, I said, “This isn’t your responsibility. Although you changed the plan without permission, the results were far greater than my expectations. In addition, you have also sacrificed much. How can this Marquis blame you? As for Qiu Yufei’s pursuit, it was unexpected. Ultimately, the benefits outweighed the losses this time. There is no need to excessively blame yourself. Have you taken the medicine that I had Xiaoshunzi deliver?”
A look of gratitude flickered across Su Qing’s eyes, as she answered, “Subordinate greatly thanks daren for the kindness of not blaming me. The medicine was quite efficacious.”
Xiaoshunzi interjected, “Head Agent Su, once you have recovered, I want to fight you so that I can see how much Qiu Yufei has improved.”
Su Qing candidly replied, “Subordinate only lasted a hundred exchanges with Qiu Yufei before being defeated and wounded. Subordinate is incompetent. Daren and Lord Li, please forgive me.”
I took a deep breath. After Xiaoshunzi guessed that Qiu Yufei had reached the Xiantian realm, I had become quite uneasy. However, since a woman like Su Qing could withstand a hundred exchanges with an expert of the Xiantian realm, her martial arts were definitely not ordinary. She was truly a hero amongst women. However, her being single and alone was truly a pity. Although I pondered whether it would be possible to help arrange a marriage for her, I refused to reveal such thoughts to prevent her from thinking that I was frivolous. I only stated, “Head Agent Su, Northern Han should be completely focused on eliminating our spies right now. In addition, since war is imminent, there is no need for you to return. When our army invades Northern Han, you only need to accompany the army on the march. At that time, you will take command of our agents in Northern Han and be responsible for gathering intelligence. Our army’s scouts will also be under your supervision. Are you willing to take up these responsibilities?”
Su Qing was overjoyed. Being placed in such an important position had completely exceeded all of her expectations. She promptly lowered her head to the ground and replied, “Many thanks to daren for your deep affection. Subordinate will be sure to do her utmost.”
After she retreated, I breathed a sigh of relief and said to Xiaoshunzi, “All the preparations are nearly complete. We are on the eve of the decisive battle. Go invite the Prince of Qi and Generals Xuan and Jing over. We need to discuss the invasion of Northern Han. In addition, when is Chiji arriving? Have the reports arrived about Hanzhong and Southern Chu?”
Xiaoshunzi responded, “On young master’s orders, Chiji has gone to Southern Chu to reorganize the intelligence network there. He discovered that the reason why we had no information about the Fengyi Sect’s movements was because Wei Ying hid them quite well. It was also unsuitable for the Pavilion of Heavenly Secrets to meddle excessively. Chiji has already made all necessary arrangements for the monitoring of the Fengyi Sect. Presumably, there should not be such oversights again. In addition, Supervisor Han has not shown any disloyalty over what is happening in Hanzhong. As a result, Chiji has already rushed back to Zezhou. I estimate that he will arrive in two to three days. Dong Que has already arrived in Hanzhong. Chen Zhen was grateful for young master’s grace. He also does not trust in the promises made by the Prince of Qing. In addition, he is not like Han Wuji. He doesn’t have much affection for the old Kingdom of Shu. As a result, the situation in Hanzhong is already stabilized. Right now, an agreement has been reached with the Prince of Qing. I believe they will very quickly be able to enter the core of the Prince of Qing’s force. However, if the Prince of Qing moves too quickly, they likely won’t have enough time to completely control the Prince of Qing’s vital points.”
I placidly spoke, “There is no need to worry about this. Xiahou Yuanfeng is not to be trifled with. He has already begun to act against the Prince of Qing. Have Dong Que get in touch with him. The more the forces the Prince of Qing relies upon suffer, the more likely he will rely upon the Embroidered Union. If the Prince of Qing wishes to meet Huo Jicheng, simply say that it is inconvenient for Huo Jicheng to appear personally. Huo Jicheng will only appear when the Prince of Qing has raised his flag in rebellion. In any case, the Prince of Qing should know that he would not be completely trusted by the former forces of the Kingdom of Shu.”
Xiaoshunzi chuckled. “Not only is Xiahou Yuanfeng not to be trifled with, even the Emperor is like that. The letter that he had Shi daren write practically wanted you to come up with a plan.”
I smiled wryly and replied, “I wonder if it’s possible that I owed those two brothers in my previous lifetime. I am confident in my intelligence and yet those two brothers are easily able to see through me.”
At this moment, a clear and bright laugh rang from outside, and a voice said, “If the Emperor could see through you, he would not always be forced to yield. How many monarchs in the world are like the Emperor who lets you to do as you please? As long as you don’t reveal it, the Emperor won’t ask it. This kind of trust makes even me jealous.” Afterwards, the Prince of Qi walked in with large strides. His eyes twinkling, he continued, “Suiyun, you seem to feel tenderness for Su Qing. How about it? Do you want me to help? Changle is quite virtuous and won’t blame you.”
I sternly retorted, “Your Imperial Highness, do not talk nonsense. If Miss Su were to hear this, wouldn’t she be downhearted? She is not a lustful individual.”
Having been rebuked by me, Li Xian blushed and claimed, “I only have good intentions. To this day, Su Qing is single. This Prince cannot stand idly by and watch such a woman be so lonely. Since she has such scheming ability, if it isn’t someone like you, who would bear with her?”
I coldly reproached, “I’m not Your Imperial Highness’s opponent, let alone her. I might as well ask Changle to report this to the Emperor and have her betrothed as Your Imperial Highness’s consort. How about it?”
Frightened, Li Xian flapped, “Don’t, don’t. I’m only joking. Su Qing is quite frightening. I dare not offend her. Further, she has a rank equivalent to a third-rated general. We shouldn’t be using her to joke.”
I glared at him. Wasn’t he the one who started joking? However, I asked questioningly, “I was just about to have Xiaoshunzi send someone to invite Your Imperial Highness, Xuan Song, and Jing Chi, but Your Imperial Highness has already come. Has something come up?”
The Prince of Qi unflinchingly answered, “It isn’t anything, only that I want to discuss our advance.”
Smiling, I said, “This one also had such thoughts. How about we start discussing once the two generals have arrived? However, Your Imperial Highness will have to handle this matter. I can only listen in.”
“Before I came, I had sent people to invite them over,” replied the Prince of Qi. “They will arrive fairly soon.”
Just then, a bodyguard on duty outside reported, “Generals Jing and Xuan request an audience.” The Prince of Qi and I exchanged smiles.
The large-scale invasion of Northern Han was imminent and the battle to determine Great Yong’s destiny was about to begin. If we were able to resolve this war in the shortest time possible, then no one in the world would be able to stop Great Yong’s march towards the unification of the world. If caught in a prolonged quagmire, then Great Yong will be assailed from all sides. This coming battle was extremely important.
***
In Southern Chu, Lu Can indignantly hurled the royal edict to the ground. He had already made plans upon Great Yong’s invasion of Northern Han. He would hand over the defenses of Sichuan to his subordinates, while he personally would lead an army across the Yangtze River and attack Great Yong. This was Southern Chu’s only chance to seize the world. If this opportunity were missed, Southern Chu would at most only be able to control the territory south of the Yangtze River without Northern Han’s elite cavalry pinning down Great Yong’s troops. However, Great Yong’s envoy, Gou Lian, had used hefty bribes and threats to easily intimidate the court officials. Glowering at the royal edict blocking him from sallying forth, Lu Can felt his entire body become powerless.
Suddenly, someone came to report, “General, the Head of the North Star Hall requests an audience.”