Crowned Consort in Golden Age-Chapter 306 - 304. Southern Garrison Prince’s Plan, Jiangnan Campaign
With the help of Mr. Xiuting, the situation in Biancheng City was much better than they could have imagined. After all, in these chaotic times, Biancheng City was not the only place at war. The common people would not choose to leave their homes unless they were forced to. Chen Xiufu was not as world-famous as Mr. Qingyun but certainly had sufficient prestige in Biancheng City. Despite some whispers regarding his surrender to Prince Ding’s Mansion, many commoners chose to return to Biancheng City after seeing the notice he had personally written.
It was easy to calm these ordinary folk. Long Yang’s actions on the Biancheng City wall back then gave the Mo Family Army sufficient and easily understandable reasons to explain Mo Xiuyao’s previous behavior. Although they were frightened and still harbored some fear of the Mo Family Army, after all... the Mo Family Army hadn’t killed a single commoner, had they? In this, perhaps the good reputation maintained by the Mo Family Army for generations also played a significant part.
In just two days, they managed to handle some important matters in Biancheng City, including holding a grand funeral for Long Yang and Zhu Yan in accordance with the etiquette for a Grand General. Such actions also increased the goodwill of the wary residents of Biancheng City towards the Mo Family Army. Once these matters were settled, it was time for the Mo Family Army to continue their journey. Although they believed Lv Jinxian would delay the Southern Garrison Prince, preventing him from sending reinforcements soon, it was best for this war to be swift. Mo Xiuyao left a small contingent of soldiers and a temporary commander in Biancheng City, setting out again with his men early the next morning. In a few days, the Northwest would naturally send people to take over Biancheng City. They couldn’t spare many soldiers to guard cities along the way, given the small number of troops in their expeditionary force.
Just after leaving Biancheng City, Mo Xiuyao received a war report from Great Chu. Leng Huai was barely holding on against the Northern Territory Army at Zijing Pass. Moreover, the Beirong Army in the north of Great Chu had finally broken through the border defenses. Numerous nomadic cavalry rushed into the lands within the pass, burning, looting, and making life unbearable for the people. Simultaneously, a large number of Great Chu’s civilians flooded into the Northwest, and Beirong people were occasionally sighted around Feihong Pass. Although they did not seem to intend to provoke the Mo Family Army for the moment, Xu Qingchen had to remain vigilant.
Meanwhile, the imperial court of Great Chu was still far from unified. The struggle for power and personal gain had intensified even further. As Regent Prince, Mo Jingli did not devote all his efforts to the war. Instead, he secretly planned to abandon the Capital of Great Chu and retreat to Jiangnan as soon as enemy forces approached.
After reading the newly received letter, Mo Xiuyao threw it onto the table with a gloomy face and said coldly, "That idiot, Mo Jingli!"
Ye Li, sitting beside him, picked up the letter and read it. She gave a faint smile and said, "The Northern Territory, Beirong, and Xiling armies are all fierce and skilled in warfare. It’s not surprising that Mo Jingli talks about retreating even before he has lost, considering three powerful enemy armies are approaching. I’m afraid Leng Haoyu and his men can’t hold on much longer." Mo Xiuyao pulled Ye Li to sit beside him, gently nuzzling her dark hair, and said, "Leng Huai has managed to hold on until now; it’s a testament to his lifelong reputation. If Beirong and Xiling hadn’t stirred up trouble, and if the Great Chu imperial court had been united in its support, the outcome of that conflict would have been uncertain. Unfortunately... it was a matter of ill fortune, not a failure in battle."
"Is Lei Zhenting really not planning on withdrawing his troops from Great Chu?" Ye Li frowned and asked, looking at the letter in her hand.
Mo Xiuyao snorted. "He has Lv Songxian’s 400,000-strong army blocking his front and hundreds of thousands of Great Chu’s forces eyeing his rear. To the south, Nanzhao poses a threat. And let’s not forget... Murong Shen is leading 200,000 soldiers north. Even if Lei Zhenting wanted to retreat, he can’t. If he turned back, Lv Jinxian would block his path, and Murong Shen, pursuing from behind, could join forces with the Great Chu army to encircle them from three sides. Xiling’s God of War... it’s not impossible that his army could be annihilated once more. Most importantly, even if he broke through Lv Songxian’s defensive line and pursued us, how many soldiers would he have left? And he would still have to face the offensive from Nanzhao and the various small states of the Western Regions. By then... he would have nothing left."
Ye Li pondered for a moment, then asked, "Then, what do you think he will do?"
Mo Xiuyao rubbed his temples, considering for a moment before saying, "If he cannot retreat... then he can only advance. If he can seize Jiangnan before Murong Shen and Mo Jingli... Tsk, that would indeed be somewhat troublesome." Ye Li had to admit, if Lei Zhenting managed to seize Jiangnan, it would indeed be very troublesome. Not to mention, Jiangnan was a rich and fertile land far superior to Xiling. Once Lei Zhenting occupied it, with just a few years of administration, he could become the hegemon of Jiangnan. He would then shed his status as the Southern Garrison Prince of Xiling, free from its constraints, and possess even greater power than before. If that truly happened, it would be hard to say whether they had gained or lost in this war.
"Forget it. Even if we lose out, it’s Mo Jingli and Great Chu who will bear the loss. We must bring Xiling into our fold," Mo Xiuyao said gravely. The Northwest had no other choice. For reputation’s sake, they could not attack Great Chu. Thus, their only option was Xiling. They couldn’t possibly send the Mo Family Army beyond the passes to fight the Beirong people for territory and become nomads, could they?
Ye Li’s brow furrowed in thought for a good while before she smiled. "Perhaps we’re worrying unnecessarily. Great Chu still has an army of a million. Mo Jingli wouldn’t be so foolish as to let Lei Zhenting easily seize his territory. Besides, if things truly go awry, why don’t we ask General Lv to lend them a hand again? Maybe we’ll even make it back in time." They never intended to occupy all of Xiling. Even if Xiling was weakened, it was still a vast country. To occupy its entire territory, even if everything went smoothly, would be impossible without at least two or three years. As long as they could capture Xiling’s imperial city in the shortest time possible, subsequent matters would be much easier to handle.
Mo Xiuyao smiled faintly, leaned down, and pressed a kiss to Ye Li’s brow. "Ah-Li is right. Let me think... Leng Huai’s situation is beyond saving. Let Leng Haoyu return to the Northwest." Of course, they would also bring back a renowned general for themselves. Although Leng Huai was old, his skill in commanding troops was definitely not inferior to Zhang Qilan’s or Lv Jinxian’s. The Mo Family Army hadn’t fought a war in many years, and there were basically no veteran generals left. The younger generation was not yet capable of taking sole command, which was why Mo Xiuyao had had to personally lead expeditions multiple times. As for how to make Leng Huai willingly work for the Mo Family Army, that would depend on Leng Haoyu’s abilities.
Setting these matters aside, Mo Xiuyao casually placed the war report to one side and, with Ye Li, studied the map before them. Since obtaining the Qilin trained by Ye Li, Mo Xiuyao had to admit that, at least in topographical reconnaissance, they had made significant advancements. Previously, even the most experienced scouts in the Mo Family Army could not survey and draw such flawless maps with so few errors, let alone create perfect battlefield sand tables.
"Lei Tengfeng has retreated to Fengcheng City with 30,000 remnants of his defeated army. Including Fengcheng City’s original garrison, the total number is no less than 150,000. It doesn’t seem too difficult. Let Chen Yun lead the vanguard in this battle," Mo Xiuyao said, pointing to a location on the map.
Ye Li nodded in agreement, then mused, "However, Fengcheng City is different from Biancheng City. It’s located at a crucial intersection of Xiling’s north-south and east-west routes. We must be wary of potential reinforcements from various regions. If Chen Yun gets surrounded, he might not be able to handle it." Mo Xiuyao thought for a moment, then turned his head slightly. "There shouldn’t be too many reinforcements. Nanzhao has already sent out troops. After the news of Long Yang’s death spreads, the various kingdoms of the Western Regions will also be eager to make a move. Even if they wanted to provide support, they likely lack the capability. Besides... I do not believe that the King of Xiling truly wishes for Lei Tengfeng to live..."
"The King of Xiling?" A flash of realization struck Ye Li. "Lei Zhenting is leading his troops in the field, and now Lei Tengfeng is trapped in Fengcheng City. This is indeed an opportune moment for the King of Xiling..." Although the King of Xiling was said to be weak and incompetent, for such a monarch to remain on the throne for over twenty years without being deposed by Lei Zhenting, he must possess some capability. While the current situation was highly unfavorable for Xiling, if the King of Xiling wanted to eliminate the Southern Garrison Prince’s Mansion, this was indeed the perfect opportunity.
"You sent someone to meet the King of Xiling?" Ye Li asked softly, looking up.
Mo Xiuyao smiled faintly. "Fourth Young Master Xu." Among the five sons of the Xu Family, besides the exceptionally talented Xu Qingchen, Xu Qingbai, the Fourth Young Master, was the most adept at social maneuvering and the most suitable as an envoy. Most importantly, most people, including Lei Zhenting, still believed Fourth Young Master Xu was farming in the Northwest. How could they imagine that Xu Qingbai had secretly gone to the Imperial City of Xiling to cut off Lei Tengfeng’s line of retreat?
"Won’t that be too dangerous?" Ye Li frowned, a hint of worry in her voice. Everything they discussed was predicated on the King of Xiling truly being willing to destroy the Southern Garrison Prince’s Mansion at all costs. If the King of Xiling remained rational or simply refused to do so, then Xu Qingbai would be in danger.
Mo Xiuyao toyed with Ye Li’s delicate hand, speaking softly, "Rest assured, I’ve arranged for someone to protect him secretly. There will be absolutely no problems."
Ye Li was surprised by his confidence. "Who?"
"Ling Tiehan, and a Qilin unit," Mo Xiuyao smiled. "Moreover, even if the King of Xiling does turn hostile and detains Xu Qingbai, he would absolutely not dare to kill him in the current situation. At most, he would use him to negotiate terms with us. I will naturally find a way to rescue him. Ah-Li, I’ve told you, I will protect anyone you value. I won’t let him take such risks."
Hearing this, Ye Li’s heart softened, and she leaned gently into Mo Xiuyao’s embrace. For Mo Xiuyao to have Ling Tiehan protect Xu Qingbai, he must have paid a price. This alone showed his sincerity. Besides, Xu Qingbai was a grown man with his own ambitions and aspirations. Ye Li couldn’t obstruct his every move out of concern for his safety. If he hadn’t been willing to go, Mo Xiuyao couldn’t have forced him. The only thing that displeased her slightly was that she had known nothing about this matter.
"Your Highness is truly far-sighted... to have made so many arrangements so discreetly?" Leaning against Mo Xiuyao’s chest, Ye Li chuckled softly. After many years as husband and wife, Mo Xiuyao knew she was displeased just from her tone. He held Ye Li, a low chuckle rumbling in his chest. "Doesn’t Ah-Li dislike these things? Shouldn’t I handle everything Ah-Li dislikes? Besides, this was decided before the expedition. If Ah-Li had known then, wouldn’t it have put you in an awkward position with Madam Xu?"
"Your Highness is so understanding. Should your consort thank you?" Ye Li tilted her head up, looking at him with a teasing smile.
Mo Xiuyao raised an eyebrow and grinned. "Of course, this prince is the most understanding husband. Has Ah-Li ever met anyone better than this prince?"
Ye Li rolled her eyes at him good-naturedly. "A good man? Is there anyone in this world with a blacker heart than Your Highness? I have to be careful, or I might be tricked by you one day."
Mo Xiuyao laughed heartily. "That my wife can see through this husband’s dark thoughts proves you’re not so innocent yourself. Aren’t we a match made in heaven? This husband would never deceive Ah-Li."
Standing outside the tent entrance, Feng Zhiyao looked conflicted, unsure whether to go in and interrupt. The Prince is probably expressing his deep sentiments to his consort right now, he thought. A ’match made in heaven,’ indeed... Your Highness, you truly have thick skin!
"Third Feng, what’s wrong? Why don’t you go in?" Zhang Qilan, who had come up behind him, frowned at Feng Zhiyao lingering by the entrance.
Feng Zhiyao coughed lightly, shot Zhang Qilan an annoyed glance, and announced loudly, "Your Highness, this subordinate requests an audience."
Having received an inexplicable glare, Zhang Qilan touched his nose in confusion. Did I say something wrong?
"Come in," Mo Xiuyao’s indifferent voice sounded from within the large tent.
Entering the tent, Feng Zhiyao saw the Prince and Princess Consort both looking at him calmly. He suddenly felt that the awkwardness he’d felt moments ago was rather unwarranted. I’m really not composed enough, Feng Zhiyao silently cursed himself.
Ye Li smiled at him. "Third Feng, General Zhang, is something the matter?"
Zhang Qilan glanced curiously at Feng Zhiyao, then reported loudly, "Reporting to Your Highness and Princess Consort, we are less than twenty li from Fengcheng City. This subordinate requests permission to lead the vanguard."
Ye Li smiled. "General, you’ve come at the right time. His Highness and I were just discussing this. Let Chen Yun lead the vanguard. They are young and lack experience; such minor matters are not worthy of the General’s personal attention." Zhang Qilan was a straightforward man and had no intention of vying for merit. Hearing Ye Li’s words, he found them reasonable and nodded. "In that case, this subordinate will naturally obey."
Mo Xiuyao added, "The terrain near Fengcheng City is complex, and Chen Yun and his men are still young. You will need to watch over them from the rear, lest they fall into an ambush and suffer unnecessary losses."
Zhang Qilan nodded solemnly. "Your Highness, rest assured. This subordinate understands." Mo Xiuyao nodded and then looked towards Feng Zhiyao. Zhang Qilan had come to request command. What, then, was Feng Zhiyao here for?
Feng Zhiyao had also come to request command, but he had been stunned by Mo Xiuyao’s overheard words and was a beat too slow, allowing Zhang Qilan to get in first. Now that Mo Xiuyao had denied Zhang Qilan’s request, there was naturally nothing left for him to say. Lest Mo Xiuyao decide to settle scores later, he quickly followed Zhang Qilan out.
「On the border between Great Chu and Xiling」
Two armies were at a stalemate. Over the centuries, there had been countless instances of a standoff between the two countries’ armies along the border. However, this time was entirely different. The Mo Family Army, which should have been defending Great Chu, now stood on Xiling’s border. And the Xiling army, which had once eyed Great Chu covetously, was now on Great Chu’s territory, desperately trying to break through the Mo Family Army’s defenses and return to Xiling. However, neither the Mo Family Army nor Lv Jinxian’s men were to be trifled with. Even if the Southern Garrison Prince of Xiling was renowned throughout the land, breaking through a blockade of 400,000 troops was not something that could be achieved overnight, especially since Lv Jinxian had made it clear he sought only to defend, not to annihilate the enemy. Nearly half a month had passed, and the Xiling army still hadn’t managed to push the Mo Family Army’s defense line back even a single li. Meanwhile, Murong Shen’s army of 200,000, advancing from the south, was drawing closer each day.
"Your Highness, the battle report from Xiling." Inside the command tent, a soldier hurried in, presented a letter with both hands, and then retreated.
The Southern Garrison Prince opened the letter, and his face, which hadn’t been clear for the better part of a month, grew so dark it seemed water could drip from it. The generals gathered in the tent quickly asked, "Your Highness, what has happened in Xiling?"
The Southern Garrison Prince frowned, his voice flat. "Zhu Yan and Long Yang have died in battle. Tengfeng is trapped in Fengcheng City."
A wave of shock rippled through the assembly. Zhu Yan and Long Yang were no ordinary men. Before Lei Zhenting, they were Xiling’s most famous generals. The era of Long Yang and Zhu Yan represented the peak strength of the Xiling army. Even Lei Zhenting, known as Xiling’s God of War, had to admit that after losing Zhu Yan and the others, the Xiling army’s combat strength had declined. After all, no matter how capable Lei Zhenting was, he was still only one person. He had to command the Xiling army and also attend to state affairs. People often cannot be proficient in everything.
And now, in less than a month, Xiling had lost four or five cities and even two world-renowned generals. Just how formidable was the Mo Family Army, or rather, Mo Xiuyao?
"How is that possible? Mo Xiuyao took Biancheng City in fewer than ten days?" someone exclaimed.
Lei Zhenting said solemnly, "To be precise, six days. In six days, he not only breached Biancheng City but also annihilated the army of over 100,000 that Zhu Yan had hidden nearby." Although Lei Zhenting was equally shocked and furious that Zhu Yan had concealed such a large force, Zhu Yan was now dead, and the Jing Kingdom’s Army had been wiped out. There was no point in discussing it further.
Hearing this, everyone present couldn’t help but gasp.
"Your Highness, what should we do now? The heir..." Other matters could be discussed, but Lei Tengfeng being trapped in Fengcheng City was a major problem. To rescue him, who should be sent, and how? Not to rescue him? The Southern Garrison Prince only had Lei Tengfeng as his son; how could he possibly not save him?
Lei Zhenting took a deep breath and said in a grave voice, "Immediately dispatch the Golden Armor Guards! No matter what, we must get Tengfeng out of Fengcheng City!"
"Your Highness, what about Fengcheng City..." a general asked cautiously.
Lei Zhenting lowered his gaze, his fist clenching tightly under the table. In a deep voice, he said, "We can’t manage that much right now! Tomorrow morning, turn the troops around and head south!"
"Your Highness! Then Xiling..." After all, they were still generals of Xiling. They couldn’t possibly remain indifferent knowing Xiling might be occupied by the Mo Family Army. Their expressions were troubled as they looked at Lei Zhenting. 𝑓𝑟ℯ𝘦𝓌𝘦𝘣𝑛𝑜𝓋𝑒𝓁.𝑐ℴ𝓂
Lei Zhenting’s brow furrowed. He said solemnly, "We’ve fallen for Mo Xiuyao’s trick. Logically and emotionally, Mo Xiuyao couldn’t attack Great Chu. So, he lured us into attacking Great Chu while he seized the opportunity to invade Xiling. We can’t go back now. Once we are entangled with Lv Jinxian’s army for too long, Murong Shen and the Great Chu forces behind him will close in for a three-pronged encirclement. At that point, how many of us can make it back to Xiling will be uncertain."
The faces of everyone present turned grim. "Your Highness, what should we do then?"
Lei Zhenting said calmly, "Since we cannot retreat, then... we must advance, push south, and conquer the southern regions of Great Chu. Now that Murong Shen is heading north, we can head south, avoiding a direct confrontation with him. At that time, the worst outcome would be for us to hold the Yunlan River and rule the lands south of it, effectively partitioning Great Chu with them. In the short term... Great Chu won’t have the capacity to march south and engage us. The Northern Territory and Beirong in the north will keep them occupied enough. Besides, Mo Xiuyao won’t be able to occupy all of Xiling in a short time. At most... he’ll advance to the Capital City and then withdraw his troops. At that time, we can still support Xiling from afar. If... Tengfeng can control the situation in Xiling..."
Everyone fell silent. No one asked what would happen if the heir couldn’t control the situation.
At least Lei Zhenting had found them a seemingly viable way out. Occupying Great Chu’s Jiangnan, that rich and fertile land, was something they had always dreamed of, and it was the reason for their incessant conflicts with Great Chu over the past century. They were all of the same origin, so why did Great Chu possess such prosperous and fertile lands while they could only endure the cold winds and dust in the Northwest?
Everyone exchanged glances, murmured amongst themselves for a moment, and finally declared in unison, "We shall obey Your Highness’s command!"
Lei Zhenting nodded with satisfaction. Although he had inadvertently fallen for Mo Xiuyao’s scheme this time, he knew in his heart that even if it happened again, he would still make the same choice. With Mo Xiuyao and the Mo Family Army in the Northwest, breaking the existing stalemate required taking risks. And Xiling’s land was simply too barren compared to Great Chu’s.
"Now, Vice General, I am giving you an army of 300,000. Advance north and unite with Beirong to assault Feihong Pass! The rest of you, follow me south!" Having organized his thoughts, Lei Zhenting quickly issued his orders.
The Vice General was taken aback, somewhat puzzled. "Your Highness, are we not provoking Prince Ding’s Mansion somewhat by doing this..."
Lei Zhenting snorted. "Don’t worry. There’s no need to actually breach Feihong Pass; just make a show of a strong assault. After I lead the troops south, ensure Lv Jinxian has no opportunity to cause trouble for me!"
The Vice General then understood Lei Zhenting’s thinking and couldn’t help but ask, "If we attack Feihong Pass, will Lv Jinxian withdraw his troops to rescue it? If so, we could break through the Mo Family Army’s blockade and return to Xiling to reinforce our forces, couldn’t we?"
Lei Zhenting shook his head. "Lv Jinxian isn’t that foolish. If we were to return to Xiling, he would do everything in his power to stop us. But if we head south... in his eyes, the Northwest is far more important than Mo Jingli’s Jiangnan."
The Vice General submitted, saying, "Your Highness is brilliant; this subordinate was shortsighted. This subordinate accepts the order."
Lei Zhenting nodded. "Go. Remember, do not act rashly. I have already sent someone to contact Beirong’s Chief General. There should be news soon. After Beirong and the Northwest’s Mo Family Army engage in battle, you will act as the situation dictates."
"This subordinate obeys the command."
After dismissing the generals, Lei Zhenting stared somewhat absently in the direction of the Northwest. After a long while, he sneered. "Mo Xiuyao, you’ve won this round by half a step. But once this prince conquers Jiangnan..."
