Kays Translations
Just another Isekai Lover~
Chapter 154: Anyang “County” (Part 2)
After meeting Beichen Yuqing, Yuan Zhong was extremely enthusiastic, “So it is Mr. Beichen himself who has ‘come personally,’ my apologies for not welcoming you properly.”
Beichen Yuqing, with his clear mind, immediately understood what Yuan Zhong was thinking when he stressed the words “come personally.” With a slight smile, a hint of mockery flashed in his eyes, “I apologize for disturbing you, Lord Yuan. There is a great opportunity in Anyang now, and we wish to cooperate with Dongyuan County. I wonder if Dongyuan County currently holds Anyang in enough regard?”
“Haha, Mr. Beichen, you’re downplaying Anyang too much! Who doesn’t know about Anyang in the Great Xia Kingdom now? Speak, what is it? As long as it’s for the benefit of the Great Xia Kingdom, Dongyuan County will not hesitate to help,” Yuan Zhong laughed.
The mockery in Beichen Yuqing’s eyes was no longer hidden. “Really?”
“Uh…” Yuan Zhong was immediately stunned. That was just polite talk, polite talk, do you understand?!
It was still Yuan Zhao, who was quick-witted. Relying on his status as a junior, he spoke more directly, “Mr. Beichen, is it that my younger brother needs my help? Speak, anything I can help with, I will definitely assist.”
“Younger brother?” Beichen Yuqing’s mouth twitched. He quickly suppressed his mocking expression and said, “Lord Yuan, earlier this morning, we launched a surprise attack, and it was a success. We have already captured the Governor of Zhongshan County, Shi Chengsong, and sent him to the imperial capital.”
“What! Really?” Needless to say, even Yuan Yong couldn’t stay calm at this moment. Just before, Anyang was in a precarious situation, surrounded by onlookers, how could they have achieved such a swift victory?
Beichen Yuqing wore a confident smile, “Lord Yuan, how could we lie about such a thing? Now, we in Anyang wish to cooperate with Dongyuan County. We control the northern part of Lüliang County, and Dongyuan County controls the southern part of Lüliang County, thus erasing Lüliang County from the map.”
“Also, please have the Yuan family defend against the Kong family and Nanyang County to the east.”
“This matter is of great importance. If you agree, we must swear an oath as proof!”
Yuan Yong, after all, was a seasoned official. He quickly calmed down, “Please allow us to discuss this matter.”
After Beichen Yuqing left, Yuan Yong turned to look at Yuan Zhao, “You’ve had more contact with Li Xian and know more about Anyang. What do you think we should do?”
Yuan Zhao immediately stood up, “Father, Uncle, I believe we should not take any land from Lüliang County. We need the technology for cannons, firearms, machines, and large ships! This is the most practical!”
Yuan Yong shook his head, “That is the least practical. Li Xian cannot reveal everything. But perhaps we could acquire one or two types of technology.”
“My suggestion is that we should take Lüliang County’s land and Anyang’s technology, but only some of the technology.”
“However, technology negotiations will likely be very difficult. I think we should first secure Lüliang County’s land and deal with the technology issue later.”
“Yuan Zhao, you take ten thousand taels of gold to the imperial tombs and meet Li Xian in person. Right now, Xu Ren and the others aren’t by his side, it’s the perfect opportunity!”
Yuan Zhao was overjoyed when he heard this, “Understood!”
The ten thousand taels of gold was for the burial offerings at the imperial tombs, which served as an excuse to visit the tombs—otherwise, not just anyone could go there.
They then discussed some details, such as “renewing old grudges” with the Kong family and preparing for the upcoming struggle for dominance, and so on. After discussing for about half an hour, Yuan Yong and Yuan Zhong met with Beichen Yuqing again.
This time, it was Yuan Zhong, the Governor of Dongyuan County, who spoke, “Beichen, generally, we agree. But we want to make a few changes.
Firstly, we don’t need too much land from Lüliang County, just the area south of the Xian Dai River is enough. We will govern on either side of the river, and this is the best option.
As for the rest, we want some technology. I know, you can’t make decisions on the technology issue, so I plan to send Yuan Zhao to the imperial tombs to meet with Director Li (Li Xian) in person.
What do you think?”
Beichen Yuqing frowned; the situation was somewhat unexpected.
Yuan Yong immediately added, “Strategist, don’t be troubled. As long as we agree to govern on either side of the river, we will send troops immediately. As for Yuan Zhao’s negotiation with Li Xian, it can be dealt with later; whether it succeeds or fails, it will depend on fate.”
Beichen Yuqing understood; this was a typical move to retreat in order to advance. The area south of the Jade Belt River was less than one-fifth of Lüliang County’s land, mostly mountainous, unsuitable for farming, settlement, or building cities.
However, considering the current situation, Beichen Yuqing agreed. Anyang needed an ally now, even if it was just one to lend support; it was far better than fighting alone! And clearly, the Yuan family was an excellent ally!
Although their territories now bordered each other, there was no past enmity between them. Now they shared common interests—dividing Lüliang County and jointly fighting against Nanyang County’s Kong family!
The two sides swore an oath and formalized the agreement in writing, establishing a temporary alliance.
Once the agreement was made, Dongyuan County immediately sent troops to Zhongshan County, preparing to ally with Anyang and push back Nanyang County’s Kong family.
Meanwhile, in the imperial capital, another flying vessel from Anyang arrived, sparking countless speculations. However, the flying vessel was still “in and out quickly,” never making any stops; it delivered the letter and immediately took off, carrying Song Xing to the far west, to the Cloud Peak Mountain and the imperial tomb construction site.
As for Li Yulong, upon receiving the letter, a smile finally appeared on his face, and the worry on his face was completely lifted.
“Yang Zhong, prepare the sedan!” Li Yulong, sitting in a grand sedan chair, making a show of it as if trying to make sure everyone knew, wobbled his way to the palace.
The increasingly frail emperor was lying in a rocking chair, basking in the sun. When he saw Li Yulong enter, he lazily said, “Lord Li, what a grand display.”
Li Yulong, calm but happy, replied, “Yes, Your Majesty, we have won, a great victory! Anyang and Kaiping Counties joined forces to defeat the Zhongshan County rebels, capture the Governor of Zhongshan County, Shi Chengsong, alive, and even capture the spy of the Great Xia Kingdom, Minister Ye Mingquan of the Honglu Temple. The two of them are on their way, and they should arrive in three days at the latest.
Furthermore, in this battle, Zhao Guoshan’s son, Zhao Youdan, the Governor of Lüliang County, will redeem his crimes, stabilize Lüliang County, and provide a large amount of grain and supplies.”
“Oh…” The emperor suddenly opened his eyes, and a sharp light flashed in his murky eyes, “Summon the officials. We will hold court in one hour!”
The entire imperial capital was immersed in a strange excitement, or perhaps a sickly excitement. The past period had been incredibly eventful. The crown prince was replaced, the positions of Grand Chancellor, Prime Minister, and Chief Minister had all changed, and the rebellion in Zhongshan County; on top of that, the growing popularity of the idea of industrialization and commercial prosperity had made the seemingly defunct capital of the Great Xia Kingdom unusually prosperous.
But this prosperity was tinged with an unsettling air; now, with the flying vessel descending once again, with Li Yulong ostentatiously heading to the imperial palace, and with the emperor ordering an urgent court session, a strange atmosphere began to envelop the capital.
An hour passed quickly, and the court session began precisely at noon.
The emperor, sitting high upon his throne, appeared as thin as a withered tree, yet his gaze remained sharp.
“Kong Xiang!”
Ad
“Your Majesty, I am here.” Kong Xiang hurriedly stepped forward.
The emperor stared at Kong Xiang for a long time before slowly speaking, “Where is the army of Nanyang County now?”
Kong Xiang, an experienced official, had long sensed something was off. Hearing the emperor’s question, his heart skipped a beat, but he answered steadily, “Your Majesty, I received the military report just yesterday. The troops are already nearing Zhongshan County’s capital, Ding Mountain City. They should have already begun their siege.”
The emperor gazed at Kong Xiang for a long while before slowly speaking again, “The soldiers of Nanyang County have worked hard. In just three days, they’ve covered 300 miles and surrounded Ding Mountain City. There must have been many casualties, right?”
Kong Xiang’s face turned crimson with embarrassment, unable to believe the emperor would openly humiliate him like this! Three days to cover 300 miles? Were the soldiers of Nanyang County crawling like turtles? Everyone in the army was a cultivator—sometimes they could march a thousand miles in a day!
The emperor sighed deeply, “All of you, listen well. Anyang has achieved a great victory and destroyed the Zhongshan County rebels. As a reward, and as punishment for Zhongshan County, it will be dissolved and incorporated into Anyang.
Furthermore, Nanyang County’s delayed march has caused great harm to military operations and nearly led to a disastrous mistake. A fine of ten thousand taels of gold is to be sent to the imperial tombs.”
“Where is the Crown Prince?”
“Here, Your Majesty.” The Crown Prince, the second prince, Xia Shu, rushed out.
The emperor glanced at Li Yulong, then at the officials, “The Governor of Lüliang County, Zhao Guoshan, and his people will redeem their sins. However, Zhao Guoshan and Zhao Youdan are to be demoted to commoners and placed under the supervision of Anyang.
The Crown Prince will take up the position of Governor of Lüliang County!”
At this order, Li Yulong was left dumbfounded.
As for Kong Xiang, his expression became dark and strange, realizing that the emperor’s intentions were far more complicated than he had anticipated.