Chapter 152
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Ever since they learned that Chu Hechao had returned and they had received the heads of the Xiongnu people he had sent, the restless Wuwan people settled down again.
The intimidation Chu Hechao exerted over the Wuwan people was unimaginably great.
Though the Wuwan people didn’t say it out loud, they were indeed afraid of Chu Hechao. Now that the Xiongnu have temporarily avoided confronting Chu Hechao, they have lost their ally and naturally dare not make any moves.
Chu Hechao didn’t keep them quiet for long and immediately summoned them to join him in attacking the Xiongnu.
Although Lou Shan had already been killed by Chu Hechao, the continuous provocations by the Xiongnu angered Chu Hechao, and he clearly had no intention of letting them go. He demanded that the Wuwan people send thirty thousand cavalry to join him in launching a deep attack on the grasslands against the Xiongnu.
The Wuwan people were worried.
Several Wuwan leaders gathered at Gulichi’s place to discuss whether to send troops or not.
In theory, they should not refuse, as it was their duty to respond to the call for fighting the Xiongnu. However, they had secretly colluded with the Xiongnu. If they attacked the Xiongnu again, wouldn’t it tear apart their mutual trust and make it impossible to join forces in the future?
But if they didn’t attack… it would be blatantly opposing the Northern Zhou.
Gulichi furrowed his brow and pondered for a long time before saying, “Let’s respond to the call.”
Dadan’s face didn’t look good, but he didn’t voice any objections either.
Over the years, he had aged significantly, and riding a horse was extremely difficult. At this point, if he were to confront Chu Hechao head-on, he feared he wouldn’t survive.
Gulichi scanned the expressions of the Wuwan leaders and said, “Even though we’ll respond, we don’t need to openly confront the Xiongnu. Let’s just make a show of it. If we do well, we might even get rid of Chu Hechao…”
His expression turned dark, and he thought of Yuan Li’s ability to summon thunder and rain. Deep dread flickered in his eyes as he added, “…and Yuan Li.”
“So, you mean we’ll pretend to agree, and then when we are deep in the grasslands, we’ll ambush Chu Hechao with the help of the Xiongnu?” Puyan, a Wuwan leader from Yuyang County, hesitated, “Isn’t this a bad idea? If we really take action, we’ll surely be condemned by the world. Chu Hechao’s reputation is too great now, and the Northern Zhou won’t spare us.”
They were different from the Xiongnu; the Wuwan people also had to uphold loyalty and righteousness. If they agreed to help Chu Hechao and then betrayed him, they wouldn’t be able to stay in the Northern Zhou anymore.
Gulichi’s authority had declined in recent years, and he became less tolerant of his ministers’ opposition. He sneered, “As long as we can kill Chu Hechao, what does it matter if our reputation is good or bad? Once Chu Hechao is dead, we will revolt, and there will be no one else in the world to stop us. Whether the Northern Zhou exists or not by then is uncertain…”
The Wuwan leaders exchanged glances and felt tempted by his words.
After much discussion, they finally decided that three Wuwan leaders would lead the troops to ambush Chu Hechao, while Gulichi and Dadan, who had disabilities, would stay in Youzhou. If Chu Hechao was killed, they would immediately kill Yuan Li and take control of Youzhou.
Once the decision was made, Gulichi immediately sent a letter to the Xiongnu.
However, before the letter could leave the county, it was intercepted by people from the Liangliao Institution.
Youzhou, Jixian County.
Yuan Li sent Wu Shanshi to Yangzhou to present him to the emperor.
Just after sending Wu Shanshi away, Yuan Li received a message from the Liangliao Institution. After reading it, he immediately went to find Chu Hechao, and the two of them discussed a plan.
Soon, the news of the Wuwan people’s attempt to frame Chu Hechao spread widely, becoming more and more intense, and eventually reaching the ears of the Wuwan people.
The first to hear this rumor was Dadan, a Wuwan leader from Shanggu County. Upon hearing it, Dadan turned pale and couldn’t understand how such a confidential matter became known to everyone. He wanted to immediately inform other Wuwan leaders but before he could act, his subordinates informed him that Yuan Li’s subordinates, Wu Kai and Liu Jixin, had come with troops to see him.
With troops?
Did Yuan Li and Chu Hechao want to take the initiative to eliminate him?
Dadan trembled, and cold sweat poured down from his forehead. He knew the visitors weren’t friendly; they were probably here to hold him accountable. He didn’t want to meet them, but he had no choice. He forced himself to calm down and said, “Let them come in.”
The soldiers brought Liu Jixin and Wu Kai up. Wu Kai, expressionless, stood behind Liu Jixin with a group of strong and powerful guards, emanating an intimidating aura.
Liu Jixin stood at the forefront and greeted Dadan politely, “Wuwan leader, how have you been recently?”
With increasing cold sweat on his forehead, Dadan’s sense of impending danger grew stronger. Before Liu Jixin could ask, he preemptively defended himself, “Those rumors from the outside have nothing to do with me! As an imperial official, the governor should not use military force against me without verifying the truth!”
Liu Jixin raised an eyebrow, opting not to waste time arguing with Dadan. He calmly explained how Dadan and Gulichi had conspired to frame Chu Hechao and Yuan Li. The more he spoke, the paler Dadan’s face became, as he couldn’t believe how the information had leaked without any errors.
As soon as Liu Jixin finished speaking, Dadan lost the strength to argue. He slumped into a chair, resentfully asking, “How did you come to know this information?”
“Naturally, someone among the Wuwan leaders defected and informed us,” Liu Jixin replied.
Dadan angrily demanded, “Who?”
Liu Jixin smiled and remained silent. When he saw Dadan transform from anger to panic, he continued, “Dadan, from what I know, you greatly value your eldest son.”
Dadan’s expression changed as he glared at Liu Jixin.
“Don’t be nervous,” Liu Jixin sighed regretfully, “If I remember correctly, over twenty years ago, you were the most powerful Wuwan leader in the tribe. You commanded tens of thousands of people, fierce warriors admired and respected by the Wuwan tribe. But after Gulichi became the leader, your reputation declined year by year, and coupled with your old age, the current Wuwan people have probably forgotten about you.”
Dadan’s complexion fluctuated, his sensitive nerve had been struck, and resentment flashed in his eyes.
Liu Jixin smiled faintly and continued, “It’s a pity that Gulichi, despite having one arm disabled and being physically impaired, can still sit on the leader’s throne today. Dadan, don’t you think it’s time for someone else to become the Wuwan leader?”
Dadan’s mind stirred, and he couldn’t help but contemplate the idea. However, he quickly realized the situation and looked warily at Liu Jixin, “What do you want to do?”
Liu Jixin stepped closer, lowering his voice, “You value your eldest son a lot, don’t you? Do you think he is suitable to be the next Wuwan leader?”
Dadan was startled and looked at Liu Jixin with disbelief.
“Other Wuwan leaders have already joined us. If you are a smart person, you should know what to do. As long as you are willing to stand on our side, defeat Gulichi and his supporters, and obey the orders of the provincial governor and the general, we can help you and your descendants become the Wuwan leader again and restore your former glory.”
Dadan swallowed hard, suppressing his greed. “What if I don’t agree?”
Liu Jixin smiled, “There will always be someone who agrees.”
Dadan fell silent for a moment. What if he disagrees? Chu Hechao already knows about this matter; they would undoubtedly not spare him. Shanggu County was closest to Jixian, so he would be the first to suffer.
In order to survive, there was only one choice.
Dadan’s face twitched and trembled, and he finally made up his mind, “Alright, I’m willing to form an alliance with the provincial governor and the general and join you in dealing with Gulichi.”
Liu Jixin smiled with satisfaction and politely said, “For the sake of our future cooperation, I will take your family members with me. As long as you don’t betray us, we will ensure the safety of your family.”
Dadan opened his mouth, feeling heavy-hearted.
At this moment, any thoughts of betrayal were completely gone. He nodded with a complicated expression.
On the other side, the same situation occurred with Puyan, another Wuwan leader from Yuyang County.
Puyan was already worried about the situation, and with his discontent towards Gulichi, he didn’t hesitate long before agreeing to surrender upon learning that other Wuwan leaders had already defected to Youzhou.
At the end of August, just before the autumn harvest.
Before the Wuwan people could receive the message from the Xiongnu and was starting to wonder, the unprepared leaders of You Beiping and Liaodong counties suddenly faced an attack from Dadan and Puyan.
When Puyan’s big knife was placed across Zuosang’s neck, his eyes widened, and he cursed, “Puyan, you dare betray our leader!”
Puyan coldly snorted, “Gulichi has been in power for too long; it’s time for someone else to take over, don’t you think?”
Zuosang became furious, his face red with hatred. “What can Yuan Li and Chu Hechao give you? How could you betray us!”
Puyan didn’t waste any more words. With a single swipe of his knife, he cut off Zuosang’s head and laughed, “What they can give me is much more than what Gulichi can.”
At the same time, Chu Hechao also led his troops to Liaoxi County.
As Chu Hechao was mobilizing his forces, Gulichi received the news and connected it to the recent rumors. Cold sweat broke out on him, and he immediately sent messages to the Wuwan leaders of various tribes, preparing to confront Chu Hechao in battle.
Since deciding to break ties with the Northern Zhou, Gulichi had been discussing with his subordinates how to rebel.
Over the years, the Wuwan tribe had been recuperating. If they could gather all five tribes’ forces, they would have an army of two hundred thousand, half of which would be cavalry. Gulichi was confident; with such military strength, they could easily defeat Chu Hechao, who would be powerless against them. They wouldn’t repeat the failure of years ago.
Gulichi and the other Wuwan leaders had also planned their attack route. First, they would kill Chu Hechao in the grasslands, then divide their forces into three and seize Liaoxi, Shanggu, and Yuyang counties. From Liaoxi, they would enter Liaodong, advancing towards Jixian, and once they killed Yuan Li, they could swiftly take control of Youzhou.
Although they hadn’t expected news of their plans to reach Chu Hechao, Gulichi believed that even if they had to face Chu Hechao, with their two hundred thousand troops, they could still burn, kill, and loot, and even if they couldn’t take Youzhou, they could at least kill either Chu Hechao or Yuan Li! With a desperate fight, they might not even need the Xiongnu’s help; they could capture Youzhou!
However, when Chu Hechao approached, the other four Wuwan tribes did not respond, leaving Gulichi, who had been feeling so confident, in a panic.
He urged the remaining Wuwan leaders repeatedly, especially his confidant, Zuosang, but with each letter sent, no reinforcements arrived.
In the end, Gulichi could only hastily lead his thirty thousand cavalry and twenty thousand infantry to confront Chu Hechao.
The land of Liaoxi County was mostly mountainous and hilly, with very little arable land and not many people. Gulichi wanted to forcibly conscript soldiers, but Chu Hechao arrived too quickly, and he couldn’t do anything. Even plundering didn’t yield much military supplies.
One side was in a state of panic, while the other had prepared well. When Gulichi confronted Chu Hechao, there was an obvious difference in momentum.
Chu Hechao sat calmly on his horse, looking at Gulichi from a distance.
Seeing Chu Hechao and his army, Gulichi was full of confusion, and then his expression changed dramatically.
Since moving to Youzhou, Gulichi had not met Chu Hechao face to face. His impression of Chu Hechao and his army was based on the battle eleven years ago when Chu Hechao had cut off his arm.
Eleven years ago, Chu Hechao’s soldiers had worn-out weapons, less than ten thousand cavalry, and thin and weak horses. The soldiers were so weak that they would get out of breath after a few swings of their big knives. Even Chu Hechao himself wasn’t much better.
Back then, Chu Hechao’s victory over Gulichi was achieved purely through ruthless determination, resulting in the deaths of over fifty thousand people for a miserable victory.
Gulichi had never been willing to sell horses or weapons to Chu Hechao and Yuan Li. Although he knew that several years had passed, Youzhou had gradually stabilized, and Chu Hechao’s army must have become stronger than before, he had never imagined that they could change to such an extent.
If it wasn’t for the fact that he knew the person opposite him was Chu Hechao and his Youzhou troops, Gulichi almost wouldn’t recognize them.
How could Chu Hechao have so many well-equipped and strong cavalry?
Where did they buy the horses? Where did they get the weapons?
Looking at the enemy’s camp, they had a complete array of troops, including shield bearers, archers, slingers, and heavy cavalry. Every unit roared loudly with a powerful presence. Not only was their leather armor intact, but the weapons they held also gleamed brightly, reflecting a chilling light.
Looking at Chu Hechao, he had changed significantly from eleven years ago.
He was clad in iron armor, with a helmet protecting his head, armguards and knee guards complete. A leather belt was tied around his waist, covering every vulnerable part of his body. His armor was adorned with intricate patterns, polished smoothly, and there were circular guards on his chest and back. The armor was painted with golden lacquer, giving it a splendid golden appearance.
Chu Hechao sat tall on his horse, composed and unruffled. Wrapped in armor, his already imposing figure became even more majestic, exuding a powerful aura.
It was high noon, and the dazzling sunlight made the golden armor shine even brighter, adding to Chu Hechao’s heroic aura. When Gulichi saw this armor, he couldn’t help but feel greedy and wanted it for himself. He then looked at his own armor, which he had previously considered decent, but it now looked shabby compared to Chu Hechao’s. His expression changed from one moment to the next.
He also became uncertain.
What happened in these eleven years to transform Chu Hechao, who previously struggled to equip his troops, into such a different person? Gulichi’s gaze repeatedly swept over Chu Hechao’s golden armor, gritting his teeth. Even before the battle began, he already felt suppressed by the other party.
In fact, this was Chu Hechao’s first time wearing this armor on the battlefield.
Chu Hechao’s birthday was on the fourth day of the first lunar month. As his parents had already passed away, he couldn’t celebrate his birthday. Yuan Li had been thinking of giving him a gift. In ancient times, there weren’t many things that men liked, and since Chu Hechao was a general, Yuan Li set his eyes on armor.
He wanted to make three sets of armor: one set is a golden armor based on the Mingguang armor, the second set is the Mingguang armor itself, and the third set is a scale armor.
However, making armor was not easy, and each set was more challenging than the previous one. Yuan Li spent a lot of time designing the armor and ultimately couldn’t finish it in time for Chu Hechao’s birthday. It was only a few days ago that he finally presented the three sets of armor to Chu Hechao.
When Chu Hechao saw the three sets of armor, he was completely stunned. His eyes were fixated, and he couldn’t even move.
After Chu Hechao learned that it took Yuan Li a year to make them, he became extremely excited and embraced Yuan Li, turning around in the room. Then he delightedly took turns wearing the three sets of armor to show off to others.
In this battle against the Wuwan people, Chu Hechao deliberately donned the most eye-catching and splendid golden armor, shining brightly on the battlefield.
Not only was this armor magnificent, but it was also much lighter than the current dark armor, greatly enhancing its defensive capabilities and covering areas that the previous armor couldn’t protect. It had countless advantages.
When he put it on, even a weak person would appear extremely mighty, not to mention Chu Hechao, who was already imposing. When he showed it off to his subordinates in Jizhou, the military commanders couldn’t help but feel envious, their eyes glued to the armor with longing. They wished Yuan Li would make them a set as well.
Yang Zhongfa and Yuan Congyun even brazenly asked Chu Hechao to let them try on the armor, any kind of armor would do, as long as they could experience it. However, Chu Hechao was extremely cold-hearted, not only refusing to let them try it on but even demanding them to beg for a long time to touch it.
After letting them touch it, he would carefully wipe the armor with a handkerchief every night, displaying an extremely precious and cherished appearance that made Yuan Li both amused and exasperated.
At this moment, not only Gulichi was envious, but also the various generals and officers around Chu Hechao were unable to take their eyes off the armor.
Under the sunlight, the beauty of the golden armor was further elevated.
Yuan Congyun couldn’t help but look at it again and again and finally couldn’t resist approaching, “General, there’s something I want to ask of you.”
Chu Hechao leisurely moved his arm, “No.”
Yuan Congyun immediately wore a bitter expression, “General, please, I beg you. Just let Lord Yuan make a similar set of armor for me as well, whether it’s made of copper, iron, or gold, I’ll personally bring the materials to him, and he won’t have to spend a single penny.”
For them, soldiers were always on the move, there was nothing more attractive than weapons, armor, and blades. This kind of armor was like beautiful jewelry to women; they really wanted it, so much so that it was hard to contain their desire for it.
Chu Hechao remained unmoved, “Go ask Lord Yuan; I can’t promise you.”
Yuan Congyun sighed with disappointment, “Sigh, alright then.”
Chu Hechao glanced at him out of the corner of his eye. After all, he was someone who cared for his subordinates. He couldn’t help but show some kindness and said, “If you can achieve meritorious deeds in this battle, then I might…”
Yuan Congyun’s spirit soared, and he looked at Chu Hechao eagerly.
He might give him a similar set of armor?
Amidst his eager gaze, Chu Hechao slowly said, “I’ll lend it to you for a day.”
Yuan Congyun: “…”
You’ve got to be kidding me!
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