Chapter Twenty-Nine: The Hongnong Palace

Yang Xuangan was stunned, as if struck by lightning. Not until he arrived at the front and saw the cold corpse of Yang Xuanting did he realize it was not a dream. Recalling childhood memories with his cousin and the cousin’s bravery in battle when they first raised arms, he thought of how, from this day forward, they would be separated by life and death, never to meet again. His heart ached, and he could not hold back his tears.

Li Mi and Li Zixiong hurried over upon hearing the cries. Seeing Yang Xuangan sprawled over Yang Xuanting's body, weeping bitterly, they too felt a lump in their chests, overcome with sorrow.

Li Mi nudged Li Zixiong, signaling him to pull Yang Xuangan up. With so many onlookers, a brief display of brotherly affection was acceptable, but prolonged grief would seem excessive.

Li Zixiong knelt and helped Yang Xuangan to his feet, saying, "Duke of Chu, please restrain your grief. Now that General Yang has fallen, we must focus on the living."

Hearing Li Zixiong’s words, Yang Xuangan seemed to regain some composure. "Order Husi Zheng to take over command and continue the attack. I will capture that old dog Wei Xuan and see him sliced a thousand times, chopped into mince."

Li Zixiong quickly stopped him. "Duke of Chu, wait. Now is not the time to attack Wei Xuan’s forces again."

Yang Xuangan glared at Li Zixiong with bloodshot eyes. "What do you mean by that, sir?"

Li Mi spoke up angrily, "You fool! We’ve assaulted Wei Xuan’s troops for so long—how could Qutu Tong and the others not realize the forces outside the city are a ruse? If you insist on dragging this out, all our brothers will die here with you!"

The word "fool" jolted Yang Xuangan to clarity. He remembered how, in his youth, his father Yang Su would gently stroke his head and say to others, "People call my son a fool, but he is not. He is wise beyond his years, his wisdom masked by simplicity."

At this moment, Li Zixiong said, "Duke of Chu, messengers from Huayin ask you to come and save the people from their suffering."

Yang Xuangan recalled his earlier resolve and, seizing on the opportunity, said, "Since the folk of Guanzhong have awaited us so long, we needn’t concern ourselves with these worms and ants. Break camp at once—we head for Guanzhong."

Just then, a soldier reported that Qutu Tong had seized the false camp below the Eastern Capital and was now marching this way.

Yang Xuangan was alarmed. He looked at Li Zixiong and Li Mi, who both shared the same thought: there was no time to delay—they must leave immediately.

Li Wenyuan handed command of his cavalry to Zhang Juntai, while he shamelessly stayed close to Qutu Tong, observing and learning the art of deploying troops and commanding armies in battle.

Li Wenyuan was versed only in the warfare of the age of firearms and knew little of traditional large-scale maneuvers. Even in later generations, the finer points of opposing armies were glossed over—the circumstances were different, and interpretations of the same military texts varied. Just as ancient men could not comprehend using the Art of War in business, so too did he struggle.

He watched as squads of soldiers moved with precision under Qutu Tong’s command, cooperating seamlessly and swiftly quelling the rebel resistance.

Li Wenyuan asked curiously, "Old General, how does an army move as if shifting a mountain, maintaining order and fighting valiantly?"

Qutu Tong smiled, "Rule the soldiers with kindness, the army with law. Punish faults, reward merit. Treat them as your own and love them as your sons."

Li Wenyuan grasped the idea: in ancient times, people lacked the strong sense of nationhood seen in later eras. They only fought bravely for rewards and feared execution for cowardice. Most commoners cared only about their taxes and whether they could feed themselves.

Thus, repeated invasions by foreign rulers rarely met widespread resistance—once the leaders were killed, the mobs turned docile. Of course, the industrious and gentle Chinese, with their age-old inclusivity, assimilated almost every foreign ruler. Yet, one could not deny the lack of an adventurous spirit to venture outwards.

At that moment, scouts returned to report Yang Xuangan had crossed the Mi River and was heading for Hangu Pass.

Qutu Tong clapped his hands, "I knew Xuangan had wise counsel at his side—he’s abandoned this deathtrap to seek survival in Guanzhong."

"If Yang Xuangan really makes it into Guanzhong and blocks the passes, eradicating him will be no easy task. What strategy do you propose, Old General?" Li Wenyuan asked, intrigued.

Qutu Tong replied, "I have no special strategy. Yang Xuangan, relying on ten thousand peasants as his army, has twice defeated the Eastern Capital’s garrison and grown arrogant, now dreaming of taking the capital—clearly blinded by ambition. Yet he’s suddenly abandoned the capital for the west, proof that someone wise is advising him. Still, Yang Xuangan only heeds counsel in moments of crisis."

Just then, Zhang Juntai, having finished dealing with matters in the rebel camp, overheard Qutu Tong discussing Yang Xuangan with Li Wenyuan and couldn’t resist interjecting. "Moreover, his forces below the Eastern Capital have swelled to over fifty thousand. How could he have enough provisions to take Hangu Pass? He’ll surely have to pause along the way to gather supplies."

Qutu Tong glanced at Zhang Juntai. Li Wenyuan quickly explained, "This is my sworn brother from Liaodong, with some insight on military matters. He couldn’t help speaking out. I hope you won’t mind, Old General."

Qutu Tong nodded and continued, "Just as Zhang Juntai said, before entering Guanzhong, Yang Xuangan’s army will have to gather provisions. All the grain outside the passes has been shipped to Liaodong, so the rebels’ last stop will be Hongnong Palace. Though only ten thousand guard it, they are all elite Imperial Guards. If they defend to the death, Yang Xuangan cannot take it in haste. We’ll pursue him slowly from behind, while sending others ahead to reinforce Hangu Pass. We’ll destroy Yang Xuangan’s forces right at Hongnong Palace."

"Your reputation as a master of warfare is truly deserved, Old General. I am deeply impressed. Listening to your words today has enlightened me," Li Wenyuan said, bowing respectfully.

Just then, a eunuch ran over, breathless, grabbing Li Wenyuan’s reins. "General Li, General Li, you’ve made it hard for me to find you. His Majesty summons you—go at once!"

Li Wenyuan quickly dismounted, helping the eunuch up. He turned to Zhang Juntai, "Find a place for the gentleman to rest." Then, quietly slipped a silver ingot to the eunuch, "You've had a hard journey—have some water and rest." He had no desire to offend those who could speak directly to the Emperor; befriending them was quite advantageous.

Sure enough, the eunuch’s face lit up as he felt the heavy silver. He whispered in Li Wenyuan’s ear, "His Majesty is very concerned about the Northern Barbarians lately."

Watching the eunuch leave with Zhang Juntai, Li Wenyuan thought to himself: That money was well spent.

He then cupped his hands to Qutu Tong, "His Majesty has summoned me—I leave matters here to you, Old General."