Chapter 39: Marching South Through the Night

Receiving Liu Chengyou's "gift," Governor Xue showed a hint of surprise, then fell into contemplation, gradually understanding something, and finally gave a cold smile. Aside from his flaws in personal conduct, this was a clever man—a fool could not have achieved such governance in Liaozhou.

Just at dusk, Xue Qiong again took the initiative to seek an audience with Liu Chengyou, taking his leave to return, his face wreathed in smiles, not uttering a single word about the conflict, as if the matter had been completely brushed aside.

But given this man's temperament, he had likely harbored a grudge in his heart—otherwise, why rush back to Liaozhou overnight? His attitude carried a hint of "silent protest." As for who exactly the object of his resentment was, that was uncertain.

Liu Chengyou was not overly concerned about Xue Qiong's affair. Even a Prefect was still a minor figure to Liu Chengyou as he was now. Moreover, his attention remained on Luzhou, on the grand scheme of the realm.

The spring night's moonlight was still faintly cold, quietly spilling over the silent military camp. The central camp was pitched on a high ridge southeast of Siting Town. Within the tent, several candle flames flickered gently, illuminating the space inside.

Liu Chengyou stood with his hands clasped behind his back, silently gazing at a map hanging before him. The map was not entirely complete—aside from Hedong and its surrounding prefectures and counties being relatively detailed, the other circuits and prefectures were only briefly marked with their geographic locations.

Liu Chengyou's gaze fell upon the Eastern Capital, Kaifeng, his eyes growing distant, the dim lamplight seeming somewhat blurred. Starting from Kaifeng, Liu Chengyou involuntarily began to simulate in his mind the route of the Khitan's northward retreat: Huazhou, Chanzhou, Xiangzhou, Cizhou, Mingzhou, Xingzhou, Zhaozhou, all the way to Zhenzhou (present-day Shijiazhuang).

He couldn't help stepping forward two paces to look closer. Liu Chengyou's index finger pointed at Zhenzhou, lightly tracing circles around that area, his gaze gradually deepening: Where is Luancheng? And where is the Killing Hu Forest?

Shifting his thoughts, Liu Chengyou returned his attention to Luzhou. His eyes were like those of a hawk, full of piercing sharpness, staring intently at Shangdang. After all this delay, the matter of Luzhou should be concluded.

"Your Highness! Xiang Xun has returned!" came the report from the personal guards outside.

"Bring him in!" Snapping back to himself, Liu Chengyou immediately ordered.

Shortly after, Xiang Xun strode into the tent, raising his hands in salute: "I pay my respects to Your Highness!"

"No need for ceremony. Sit."

Xiang Xun straightened up but did not sit, because Liu Chengyou was still standing.

Liu Chengyou's gaze was as clear and cold as ever as he sized up Xiang Xun—travel-worn, with a weary face and slightly labored breathing. From Shangdang to Siting, it was at least a hundred li by any reckoning; the round trip was by no means easy.

Previously, Liu Chengyou had sent Xiang Xun into Luzhou to investigate. After the army had advanced to Siting, he had returned once to report on the situation in Shangdang. Thereafter, he had again borne Liu Chengyou's mission southward...

Liu Chengyou personally poured a bowl of clear water, walked before Xiang Xun, and handed it to him. Taking it with both hands, a trace of surprise and gratitude surfaced in Xiang Xun's eyes: "Thank you, Your Highness."

Seeing that he was still standing there holding the water, Liu Chengyou turned and sat down behind the desk. Only then did Xiang Xun take his seat.

After he had taken a drink of water and steadied his breathing, Liu Chengyou finally asked: "What was the result?"

Facing Liu Chengyou's inquiry, Xiang Xun clearly had his answer prepared, replying almost without hesitation: "The contacts have been made. Administrative Assistant Gao Fang, Patrol Inspector Wang Shou'en, and Commander Li Wanchao of the Surui Command all uphold the great righteousness of the state and are willing to turn back and welcome the royal army! General Li asked me to report to Your Highness that as long as our army marches south, they will surely open the city gates to welcome us!"

Hearing this, Liu Chengyou pondered briefly, then asked: "What about Acting Military Governor Zhao Xingqian?"

"That man is obstinate and unrepentant, wholly devoted to throwing in his lot with the Khitan, with no intention of turning back," Xiang Xun said.

"Did he take any notice?" Liu Chengyou's brows knitted slightly.

"That man oppresses the officers of Luzhou and suppresses the soldiers and civilians to resist the royal army. He sits trapped in the governor's residence, waiting single-mindedly for Khitan reinforcements." Xiang Xun shook his head, a look of disdain on his face.

"Khitan reinforcements?" Liu Chengyou pressed immediately: "It's been quite some time now—has there been any word of Geng Chongmei?"

At this mention, a trace of gravity involuntarily appeared on Xiang Xun's face. He said in a low voice: "I was just about to report to Your Highness. Word from the governor's residence is that Geng Chongmei has led the puppet Liao troops northward, already entering Zezhou and drawing near Luzhou."

Upon receiving this news, Liu Chengyou's expression turned considerably more serious. He rose and began pacing slowly in thought.

Xiang Xun stood up as well and continued his report: "Upon first hearing this news, I feared something unexpected might happen, so I hurried north at once. Your Highness, if the barbarian troops enter Luzhou, the situation may slip beyond our army's control—we must guard against this!"

"Do you know how many troops Geng Chongmei commands, and how much distance remains to Luzhou?" Liu Chengyou looked at Xiang Xun, seeking confirmation.

But Xiang Xun shook his head, giving a rather disappointing answer: "I only ascertained that his army has already passed Zezhou. As for the rest, I cannot be certain."

Hearing this, Liu Chengyou's brows knit even tighter, his mood seeming to sour. He drew a deep breath, then suddenly let out a leisurely sigh: "They surely wouldn't march through the night, would they?"

Hearing Liu Chengyou say this, Xiang Xun was somewhat taken aback, not understanding his meaning. Just as he was about to ponder it, Liu Chengyou resolved his confusion, saying to him: "It seems I must trouble you for another trip!"

Xiang Xun seemed to understand, and immediately clasped his fists: "Please give your orders, Your Highness!"

Liu Chengyou did not reply directly, but called out loudly: "Someone! Bring me Senior Officer Ma! And summon Han Tong as well!"

Having said this, he turned and sat back down at the commander's desk, waiting in silence.

In a moment, Ma Quanyi strode in with brisk, capable steps, followed by Han Tong. Before they could even salute, Liu Chengyou got straight to the point and issued his orders directly: "Quanyi, you will immediately lead the soldiers of the First Army, lightly equipped and swiftly marching south, heading straight for Shangdang under cover of night. I am sending Xiang Xun to assist you. Once there, make contact with the righteous men in the city, coordinate from within and without, and take control of Shangdang as quickly as possible. I will lead the main force in support."

"Hmm..." As he spoke, Liu Chengyou glanced at Xiang Xun again: "Though there are contacts in Shangdang, you must not be careless. Be vigilant, do not let your guard down. Xiang Xun will brief you on the specifics!"

"Yes!" Ma Quanyi had been surprised at first, but once he understood, he accepted the order decisively.

"Han Tong!" Liu Chengyou turned to Han Tong.

Hearing himself called, Han Tong's eyes widened with excitement as he straightened up and answered: "Here!"

"In a moment, you will ride out ahead with the cavalry command and Xiang Xun, heading to Shangdang. Afterward, circle around the city southward to scout the enemy's situation, and find out the movements of Geng Chongmei's army. Remember—if you discover traces of the barbarian troops, do not startle them or draw their attention!"

Upon receiving the order, Han Tong roared out in his gruff voice: "Yes!"

With the orders issued, Liu Chengyou's body gradually relaxed again. He waved his hand: "Go!"

At Liu Chengyou's urgent command, the soldiers of the Longqi Army at Siting stirred into motion once more. Not just the First Army—the entire force prepared to strike camp. The garrison camp that had been quiet for some time soon plunged into a flurry of activity.

The First Army was highly efficient, assembling rapidly. Abandoning all heavy equipment and carrying only half a day's rations, they raised torches and followed the road from Siting, heading south into the darkness.

As for Liu Chengyou, he spent a little over an hour more getting everything in order.

With all three armies assembled, at Liu Chengyou's command, the entire Longqi Army began its march on Shangdang!