Chapter 4: The New Dynasty Falls, the Hero Rises; Once More, the False Emperor is Captured

Shecheng.

Shouts of battle erupted in waves as Gu Xiao directed his several thousand soldiers to charge fiercely at the city before them.

That’s right, Gu Xiao now had over two thousand men under his command.

These were the troops Liu Xiu had given him after they had grown close, and he had even provided him with plenty of grain and fodder.

Although the two had parted ways.

Liu Xiu had never once expressed any intention of recalling these troops from beginning to end.

The land of Hebei was currently in a state of extreme chaos.

The three kings of Hebei each occupied their own territory, and each had their own ideas and ambitions.

Gu Yi did not intend to make too much of a stir this time, as the forces under his command were not particularly numerous.

Moreover, since Liu Xiu’s safe escape from the Gengshi regime was tied to these three kings of Hebei, he naturally would not make too many changes.

What Gu Yi needed to do was first gain a foothold in this land of Hebei!

To occupy a stable city!

With shouts of battle rising in waves, such a small city, and one with little in the way of defenses, could naturally not hold back a brute like Gu Xiao.

Hmm, that’s right.

Gu Xiao was just a brute.

This was the assessment Gu Yi had made over this period of time.

If this ancestor of his family could follow the right person, he should be able to serve as a general.

As for being a commander capable of leading three armies—

He was somewhat lacking in ability.

However, there were naturally benefits to being a brute; Gu Yi could compensate for Gu Xiao’s weaknesses in overall strategic vision and handle the necessary deployments for him.

As for the rest, he would leave it to Gu Xiao to charge ahead!!!

The three armies roared incessantly.

Gu Yi watched all of this as if he were a god, and as time passed, the gates of Shecheng were finally breached.

Gu Xiao immediately led the three armies in a direct charge.

In truth, Gu Yi had originally wanted to choose Yuancheng instead of Shecheng.

Because according to historical records, once Liu Xiu arrived in Hebei, Liu Lin would enthrone a man named Wang Lang in Handan.

Yuancheng was an important city under Handan Commandery.

Its geographical location was extremely critical.

As long as he waited for Liu Xiu to rise to power in Hebei, Gu Xiao would naturally have the best chance to claim the merit of pacifying Wang Lang.

But unfortunately, Wang Mang and Empress Dowager Wang Zhengjun were from this very Yuancheng.

Under their demands, the current Yuancheng was no longer what it once was; his small force could never possibly take it.

Therefore, Gu Yi had no choice but to settle for Shecheng.

Compared to Yuancheng, Shecheng’s importance was somewhat inferior.

However, it was not without its benefits; compared to the difficulty of attacking Yuancheng, Shecheng was naturally much simpler.

And most importantly, in such a chaotic era, occupying only a small city would not attract too much attention.

Gu Yi had already considered this.

During this period, he could quietly be a small, independent warlord.

As long as he didn’t go too far, he would absolutely not attract too much attention.

Sure enough, as Gu Yi restricted his soldiers and did not lay a hand on the powerful local clans within the city, the entire Shecheng immediately settled down.

And after this news spread, it did not cause any significant impact.

Liu Lin and Wang Chang in Handan merely sent a letter.

Urging Gu Xiao to surrender to them.

This was a characteristic of this era; to them, someone like Gu Xiao, who did not have many troops, could at most be considered a local power.

A single letter was enough to urge surrender.

It was precisely because of this.

Gu Xiao settled down directly within Shecheng.

While constantly drilling his soldiers, he recruited men, gathered intelligence, and kept a close eye on the movements of the entire world.

Sure enough, the Battle of Kunyang had completely exhausted the fortune of the entire Xin Dynasty.

Upon learning the news, especially that a meteorite had fallen to help Liu Xiu during the Battle of Kunyang, Wang Mang was exceptionally shaken.

He held a grand ceremony to weep to the heavens.

Wishing to pray for Heaven to help him pacify the rebel armies in all directions.

But everything was already fated.

September—

The Green Forest Army broke into Changancheng; Wang Mang fled to the Graduated Terrace under the protection of Wang Yi and others, and was subsequently beheaded by Du Wu, a member of the insurgent army.

His head was hung in the Wanshi market, and dozens of soldiers vied to kill Wang Mang, dismembering his corpse.

The Xin Dynasty was completely destroyed.

October—

The Profound Han General of Valor Liu Xin killed Liu Wang in Runan, and all the commanderies and counties under his jurisdiction surrendered.

The Gengshi Emperor Liu Xuan intended to move the capital to Luoyang, enfeoffed many princes, and issued edicts to all parts of the world.

Wishing to persuade the warlords in all directions to surrender!

In an instant, the world was shaken!

No one would have thought that Wang Mang would end up in such a state.

And even fewer thought that the Gengshi regime would actually have the momentum to unify the world.

But to say that these people would lay down the power in their hands based solely on a few edicts—then this world would truly no longer be a chaotic era.

All kinds of rumors arose at once.

Finally, under this tense situation.

More news arrived.

The Gengshi Emperor Liu Xuan appointed Liu Xiu as General Who Breaks the Captives and acting Grand Marshal to pacify Hebei.

Upon learning of this.

Gu Yi understood that the opportunity had arrived!

However, he was in no rush to see Liu Xiu, merely observing everything silently within Shecheng and sending men to constantly gather intelligence.

Liu Xiu traveled north, and the initial stages were exceptionally smooth.

He bestowed grace widely throughout the land of Hebei.

He sent his subordinates to various commanderies and counties to frequently redress unjust cases, abolish the harsh laws of the Wang Mang era, and ordered a general amnesty for Hebei.

Upon arriving at Handan, Liu Lin, the son of the Prince of Zhao, personally welcomed Liu Xiu to discuss matters of resisting the Red Eyebrows.

But their discord began there.

December—

Liu Lin enthroned Wang Chang as Emperor in Handan, established the Zhao Han, and placed a bounty on Liu Xiu.

"Whoever in the world obtains Liu Xiu’s head and presents it to Us shall be granted a fief of one hundred thousand households."

In an instant, the land of Hebei was in turmoil once again.

Liu Xiu fled Handan and headed north, straight for Zhending.

"How miserable..."

"This period should be the most miserable time for Liu Xiu, right?"

Gu Yi did not choose to help Liu Xiu at this time.

Shecheng was merely a small city; if they were to use Shecheng to receive Liu Xiu, it was estimated that they would all die right here.

The true key to this Shecheng was its location!

It was to become a dagger pointed straight at Handan!

At a time like this, Gu Yi would naturally not make a scene, only continuing to send men to inquire about Liu Xiu’s news.

Sure enough, everything that followed developed exactly as recorded in history.

Liu Xiu fled all the way until he reached Xindu Commandery, where he finally stood his ground, gained the support of the Prefect Ren Guang, and began to campaign against Wang Lang and Liu Lin.

He rapidly captured cities and seized territory, strengthening his forces.

He also entered into a marriage alliance with the Prince of Zhending, Liu Yang, gaining the over one hundred thousand troops under his command, and his strength increased greatly!

In fact, many people nowadays feel that Liu Xiu’s founding of the dynasty was not difficult because they feel everything went too smoothly for him.

He became famous throughout the world in one stroke at the Battle of Kunyang.

He went to pacify Hebei, quelled the rebellion, and subsequently gained the support of the Hebei noble clans.

Although there were some hardships during this period.

Compared to other founding emperors, it seemed to be far, far less.

Likewise, it was precisely because Liu Xiu cooperated with the noble clans that many people criticized him as one of the primary culprits responsible for the rise of the noble clans.

In fact, this kind of matter does not need much discussion.

Many people are always accustomed to looking at the events of that time from the perspective of a modern person looking back, not knowing that history has always been a process of gradual progress.

What do the great clans represent in this era?

——Talent and heritage.

Looking at the current situation, the great clans are the most powerful force in the world today.

If one wishes to unify the entire world under the current circumstances, it is almost impossible to do so without accepting the great clans.

It is said that this era is one where the hearts of the people yearn for the Han.

But whose hearts, specifically?

In the late Western Han, the taxes of the entire imperial court had already left all the common people of the world unable to catch their breath.

Land taxes, poll taxes, and corvée labor.

Various systems had long since left the common people with no path to survival.

Would anyone truly miss such a Great Han?

Cooperating with the great clans!

It can indeed be called the turning point of Liu Xiu’s destiny.

But no matter what, one cannot ignore the talent of Liu Xiu himself.

After his strength expanded, Liu Xiu immediately launched a counterattack against Wang Chang and Liu Lin.

At this moment, his ability to command the overall situation was fully displayed.

As for the generals under his command, he could be said to have fully utilized their greatest talents, winning victory after victory.

Until he defeated Ni Hong at Julu.

The situation changed instantly, and Liu Xiu’s army marched straight toward Handan City!

"Brothers!"

"As the saying goes, soldiers are raised for a thousand days to be used for a single moment!"

"The world is in chaos now; this is the very time for us to establish our merits and careers!"

"To pacify the world and fight for a peaceful and prosperous age for our families and descendants!!!"

Inside Shecheng, the three armies were arrayed, as steady as mountains and as deep as pools.

Gu Xiao, wearing a suit of battle armor, was roaring in front of the formation with his booming voice.

For some time now.

Gu Yi had been using somewhat modern methods to drill the army.

Of course, it was greatly simplified.

Compared to the bodies of modern people, the physical fitness of these men was indeed inferior; after all, the food they ate was completely different.

Although he did not know if doing this would actually be useful.

But at the very least, on the surface, these thousands of troops now looked much stronger!

"Kill!!!"

"Kill!!!"

"Kill!!!"

As Gu Xiao’s voice fell, the thousands of troops responded instantly.

The shouts were like thunder.

The deputy general even rode his horse over directly, looking at Gu Xiao with an excited face and saying: "General, are we going to crusade against that Liu Xiu?"

"Hmph!"

"I have heard that the imperial court’s army has been repeatedly defeated by that Liu Xiu!"

"If we brothers win against that Liu Xiu at this time, the imperial court will surely reward us!"

This deputy general was excited, and the soldiers clearly all thought the same.

Although many of them had followed Liu Xiu before.

But in this era, following Liu Xiu did not mean they had much affection for him; people of their status had not even seen Liu Xiu without an accident.

Not to mention that during this period, Gu Yi had strengthened their obedience training.

Now, these people could be said to follow wherever Gu Xiao led!

"Fight Liu Xiu?"

Gu Yi was stunned; he never expected to hear such a question just as the army was setting out.

He immediately became serious.

He responded immediately: "Who told you we were fighting Liu Xiu!"

The sound stopped abruptly.

The expressions of everyone around froze instantly.

"Today’s battle, we are here to help the General wipe out that Wang Chang!"

"Restore the Han house."

"In our Great Han, how can there be an Emperor with the surname Wang?"

Having said that, Gu Yi immediately controlled Gu Xiao to raise the weapon in his hand.

Only at this moment.

Did these soldiers realize who they were going to fight.

After a brief moment of astonishment, they immediately reacted and began to shout again.

The sounds of killing rose once more!

Gu Yi did not hesitate and immediately led the army to charge out.

He took all his men with him.

Originally, Gu Yi actually had some concerns, after all, this battle was meant to be a surprise attack.

Taking advantage of Liu Xiu attracting the attention of Liu Lin’s army to launch a sneak attack.

If the news leaked, it might be counterproductive.

But now Gu Yi was not afraid.

Even his own soldiers thought they were going to fight Liu Xiu, let alone those inside the city.

And given the recent prestige of Liu Xiu’s army.

Who with eyes would go to help Liu Lin and the others at a time like this?

This was a battle that was sure to be won.

For Gu Yi, it was just a matter of how much merit he could establish!

The three armies marched out without any concealment, the army moving with great momentum, heading straight for Handan.

At this time, Handan City.

Inside the Zhao Prince’s Mansion, which was now the Zhao Han Imperial Palace.

The Zhao Han Emperor Wang Chang was looking at Liu Lin in a panic, asking urgently:

"Prime Minister, what should we do?"

"If this Liu Xiu breaks through Handan."

"We will likely die without a burial place!"

He was truly a bit panicked.

In fact, Wang Chang had not expected that he would actually have such an opportunity; he had only boasted that he was the son of Emperor Cheng of Han, and as a result, he really became the Emperor.

It was just that this Emperor reigned quickly and would fall quickly; now it seemed that the fall of the nation was imminent.

Liu Lin’s expression was also somewhat ugly.

He had not expected that Liu Xiu would be so valiant, and that none of his subordinates could stop him.

"Your Majesty, do not panic."

Liu Lin sighed deeply, "My Handan City is as solid as a golden soup, and there is countless grain in the city; it is absolutely not that easy to break through."

"I have long heard that there is a rift between that Liu Xiu and the Gengshi Emperor, Liu Xuan."

"That Liu Xuan even killed Liu Xiu’s own brother."

"Now that Liu Xiu is growing strong again, I do not believe that Liu Xuan can live in peace."

"I have already summoned troops from four regions; as long as we can hold out, that Liu Xiu will surely retreat sooner or later."

Liu Lin spoke with certainty.

As soon as Wang Chang heard this, his eyes lit up instantly, as if he had grasped a life-saving straw, and he grabbed Liu Lin’s arm:

"Good! Good! Very good!"

"With the Prime Minister here... I have no worries."

But... the development of events once again exceeded their expectations.

Handan City was indeed a strong city.

But it could not influence the hearts of the people.

Even before Liu Xiu’s army had reached the walls of Handan, the clans and common people within the city were already wanting to surrender.

The common people in the entire city were living in a state of panic.

It was under these circumstances that Gu Xiao arrived at Handan City; it seemed that there was indeed a major problem in the city, and when he flew the banner of the Zhao Han court, he entered the city just like that.

When Liu Xiu arrived.

He saw the gates of Handan wide open.

Feng Yi only saw that incredibly familiar scene happen once again.

Gu Xiao was seen walking out of the city with a group of bound people.

The difference was that last time, it was he who was bound.

And this time, it was Wang Chang, Liu Lin, and others who were bound.

──────────

"Gu Xiao was a man of both courage and strategy. After the Battle of Kunyang, the world was not yet at peace, and Xiao remained in hiding in the lands of Hebei, waiting for the opportune time.

When the Emperor Guangwu sought to pacify the various rebels and restore the Han Dynasty, Gu Xiao employed brilliant schemes and set clever traps, ultimately capturing the false emperor of Zhao Han. His contribution was immense, and the entire army praised his ability."

The Emperor commended his merit, decreeing: "Gu Xiao trod through danger and braved risks to capture the chief villain. His wisdom does not yield to the Marquis of Liu, and his courage is comparable to the Wave-Subduing General."

———— "Book of the Later Han: Biography of Gu Xiao"

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(End of chapter)