Chapter 59: Consolation

Under the leadership of these men, the defeated soldiers gradually retreated. Yang Lian did not know what they had told their troops, but that was unimportant—the crucial thing was that they withdrew. Still mounted on his horse, Yang Lian slowly approached the city wall. He was alone; Sui Kuangfu did not regard him as much of a threat. The scene that had just unfolded was clear to him, yet somewhat perplexing.

“General of the Divine Martial Army, Marquis Yang Lian, sent by Deputy Envoy Li and Commander Gao, requests an audience with Prefect Sui,” Yang Lian announced loudly.

Sui Kuangfu’s heart stirred. “Marquis Yang, is Deputy Envoy Li well?”

“He is in perfect health,” Yang Lian replied, gazing up at the battlements with a smile. “Prefect Sui, do you not wish to allow me entry?”

Sui Kuangfu slapped his forehead and laughed. “What a fool I am.” Then he ordered the soldiers, “Quickly, open the city gates.”

The gates were swung open, the drawbridge lowered, and Yang Lian rode through. At that moment, a cloud of dust rose in the distance behind them, the sound of horse hooves thunderous. Sui Kuangfu was startled. Was there another attack on Changzhou? He must close the gates swiftly.

Yang Lian glanced back and said, “Prefect Sui, no need to panic. It is Chen Keyan.”

“Chen Keyan?” Sui Kuangfu was taken aback. “I wondered where he had gone. So he is with General Yang.” His tone shifted. Though the Tang army had been defeated, Yang Lian had distinguished himself. Upon returning to Jinling, the emperor would surely reward him—perhaps even grant him the rank of commanding general or higher.

Yang Lian smiled. “Prefect Sui flatters me. I am but a humble Marquis; hardly worthy of the title ‘General.’”

“Today you may not be a general, but tomorrow you shall be. General Yang is a man of justice and integrity. This time he has delivered the people of Changzhou from great peril. I thank you sincerely,” Sui Kuangfu said, bowing deeply.

Yang Lian nodded. “All thanks to His Majesty’s grace.”

Sui Kuangfu paused, then laughed heartily. “Indeed, it is His Majesty’s benevolence.”

As they spoke, Chen Keyan arrived with his troops and, upon seeing Yang Lian, breathed a sigh of relief. He first saluted Sui Kuangfu, “Prefect Sui,” then looked at Yang Lian. “What happened with the defeated soldiers?”

“There was sabotage from within. The culprit took his own life, leaving no clues. I suspect the involvement of the people from Wuyue,” Yang Lian explained.

Sui Kuangfu stroked his beard. “That seems very likely.” Though no major conflicts had erupted along the border in recent years, small provocations were frequent. Qian Wenfeng’s long tenure defending Suzhou was no empty reputation.

Yang Lian clasped his hands. “Prefect Sui, to pacify the defeated troops, I promised sufficient grain and tents within Changzhou. I will rely on you for this.”

Sui Kuangfu considered briefly. “Though the court allocates provisions, this is an exceptional circumstance. I will authorize the immediate release of three thousand shi of grain and one thousand tents from the Changzhou treasury. For more, some time is needed.”

Yang Lian calculated that the defeated numbered no more than six thousand. This grain would suffice for a while. “Many thanks, Prefect Sui.”

“You are too courteous, General Yang. I will have preparations made immediately and dispatch five hundred soldiers to accompany you,” Sui Kuangfu said, turning to arrange the matter.

His efficiency was remarkable. Within the hour, grain and tents were loaded onto carts. Sui Kuangfu ordered Chen Keyan to accompany Yang Lian in delivering the supplies. As they exited the city, Lin Renzhao and Chen Tie escorted Li Zhenggu, Gao Shensi, and Zhu Kuangye toward them.

Yang Lian hurried forward, saluting the three. “Deputy Envoy Li, Commander Gao, Commander Zhu.”

Gao Shensi narrowed his eyes, appraising him, and forced a smile. “Yang Lian, you seem reckless, but were well prepared. This was handled admirably.”

Li Zhenggu exhaled deeply. He had feared the defeated soldiers would rebel for sure, but Yang Lian had diffused the crisis, allowing them to enter Changzhou calmly. Even if the emperor later sought to punish someone, the blame would not be so heavy. He also studied Yang Lian carefully, noting that this man shared a name with the former crown prince of the previous dynasty and seemed capable. He saluted unexpectedly. “Yang Lian, you have performed a great service. I will report this to His Majesty.”

Behind him, Sui Kuangfu smiled. “When the defeated troops besieged the city, I already sent word to His Majesty by fast horse. Now that they have withdrawn, I have reported this good news as well.”

Li Zhenggu snorted, somewhat displeased at Sui Kuangfu’s haste, but it was a fait accompli, and he could do nothing.

Yang Lian briefly reported the situation. Zhu Kuangye’s eyes brightened. This man was extraordinarily bold, and from his account, he already suspected the cause of the defeat and risked his life to capture the instigator alone. Regardless of his thoughts at the time, the mission had succeeded. Zhu Kuangye pressed his lips together, recalling his clashes with Chen Decheng and Lei Zhen, and sensed that Yang Lian was different.

After the report, Yang Lian said, “Deputy Envoy Li, this is not the time for talk. Please enter Changzhou, arrange lodging, and have the physicians examine everyone. I will now go to reward the troops. We must not allow them to harbor any more rebellious thoughts.”

Though exhausted, Zhu Kuangye’s wounds were light. He quickly said, “Marquis Yang, allow me to accompany you. No matter what, I am still commander of the Tianxiong Army.”

Gao Shensi nodded. “That sounds wise.” He produced a command token from his bosom and handed it to Yang Lian. “The road ahead is long. This token may prove useful.”

Yang Lian accepted it and bowed in thanks. Watching Li Zhenggu and Gao Shensi enter Changzhou, he slapped his horse and headed north of the city. Behind him, five hundred fully armed soldiers followed, while hired laborers pushed carts toward the garrison camp.

Zhu Kuangye trailed behind, wishing to speak with Yang Lian but uncertain how to begin. He had been quite displeased with Yang Lian not long ago, yet now Yang Lian had saved his life, leaving him conflicted.

The defeated troops had retreated to a plain ten li outside Changzhou, an ideal site for encampment. Though defeated, these were imperial soldiers with some discipline remaining. Especially after Yang Lian promised provisions, several surviving commanders and captains organized the troops. The Tianxiong and Divine Martial armies each took separate quarters, stationed according to their chain of command. If a commander fell, his captain would assume command; if a captain died, the marquis would step in; if the marquis fell, the deputy would take over; and if all failed, a respected elder would lead.

Witnessing this, Yang Lian narrowed his eyes. This was the quality expected of imperial troops. Their earlier chaos had stemmed from panic and sedition, but since uncovering the plot in time, disaster had been averted.

As Yang Lian appeared, a sharp-eyed soldier recognized him. A man who looked to be a commander hurried over and, upon seeing Zhu Kuangye, saluted. “Commander Wang Chenghai pays respects to the commanding general.”

“Commander Wang, no need for formalities,” Zhu Kuangye replied, surveying the soldiers with a sigh. “How many men remain?”

“We are still counting, but losses exceed thirty percent,” Wang Chenghai answered.

Zhu Kuangye shook his head slightly. Thirty percent was a heavy toll. He went with Wang Chenghai to comfort the Tianxiong troops, while Yang Lian took the grain and tents to the Divine Martial camp. Fortunately, several captains and marquises under Zhou Hongzuo were unharmed. Seeing the supplies, they cheered loudly.

Yang Lian informed them about Gao Shensi’s condition. Hearing that Gao was alive, some rejoiced, others were silent. This battle had been a bewildering defeat, leaving a bitter taste.

While chatting with Yao Feng and Li Ping, the grain was unloaded and the starving soldiers immediately began cooking. Sui Kuangfu proved generous, not only providing three thousand shi of grain but also sending over a dozen sheep, which were slaughtered, cleaned, and prepared. Within half an hour, the camp was filled with fragrant aromas.

Yang Lian, feeling hungry, ate with the others while quietly instructing Yao Feng and Li Ping. The rebellion among the defeated was incited by someone—almost certainly agents from Wuyue. Though order was restored for now, vigilance against Wuyue’s malice was imperative.

Yao Feng and Li Ping both nodded, pledging constant watchfulness to prevent further interference. After another half hour, dusk fell, and reports came in on troop numbers. Both Divine Martial and Tianxiong armies had lost about thirty percent of their strength. Commander Zhou Hongzuo’s whereabouts were unknown—whether dead or elsewhere was unclear. Two commanders had died, one severely wounded. The Divine Martial Army had suffered significant losses from top to bottom. The Tianxiong Army was similarly afflicted, but their commander Zhu Kuangye was unharmed. Once replenished, they would be formidable once more.

Gao Shensi had lost half an arm and might have to retire. The future of command in the Divine Martial Army was uncertain.

After some casual talk, Yang Lian ordered that severely wounded soldiers needing special care be loaded onto carts to return to the city for proper treatment.

Back in Changzhou, under the physicians’ care and with potent herbal remedies, Gao Shensi’s life was saved, though his arm was lost—a misfortune softened by fortune.

Yang Lian was utterly exhausted. Returning to the room Sui Kuangfu had arranged for him, he collapsed into sleep. How long he slept was unknown, but upon waking, he felt ravenous. Rising, he noticed his filthy clothes had been changed and his body washed—someone must have cleaned him while he slept. Shaking his head, he wondered if his first sleep had been so brief.

Stepping outside, two soldiers were dozing at the door. One stirred upon seeing Yang Lian and hurried over. “Marquis, you are finally awake?”

Yang Lian looked up at the star-filled sky and asked, “What time is it?”

The soldier replied, “It is the hour of the Ox.”

“You’ve only just woken?” Yang Lian was surprised.

“What do you mean ‘just’? Marquis, you have slept a full day and night. Prefect Sui was quite worried and summoned several doctors, who said you were simply overtired and that rest would restore you.”

“I see,” Yang Lian smiled wryly, amazed to have slept so long. “I’m hungry. Is there food?”

“Yes. Prefect Sui has instructed servants to keep food ready at all times.” The soldier left quickly to fetch something.