Chapter 67: News from Heyang

Previously, the Yan troops led by Geng Chongmei had numbered over four thousand in total. After one battle, counting those killed and those who fled, roughly two thousand were taken prisoner—a small portion were with Li Wanchao in Zezhou, while the majority were brought back to Shangdang by Liu Chengyou, where they were detained and disciplined.

These Yan troops were all stalwart men of Youyan—robust, strong, and skilled in battle, all veterans who had seen combat. This time, had they not been outmaneuvered by Liu Chengyou while following Geng Chongmei, and had they met him head-on in open formation, it was uncertain whether they could have been overpowered.

Seeing such a force, how could Liu Chengyou not covet it? During the period of rest at Shangdang, Liu Chengyou put genuine effort into winning over these "Yan troops." Gradually, the Yan troops set aside their faint sense of resentment toward Liu Chengyou.

But to make them willing to serve him would still require a period of persuasion (brainwashing) and buying their loyalty.

In this chaotic age, soldiering for food was itself a common means of livelihood. A soldier drifting from prefecture to prefecture, switching allegiance to different commanders, was also the norm of the era. These Yan troops were no exception—having lost the battle, submitting to Liu Chengyou was hardly a remarkable thing.

However, most of them were from the Youyan region, with their families living under Khitan rule. This was unlike the annexations among the Central Plains' warlord domains—they had to consider their families' safety. Liu Chengyou understood this and said he would find a way, even floating a promise, saying that sooner or later he would march north and retake Youyan, and so forth.

Though he said such things aloud, what Liu Chengyou was actually thinking was that, one day, these "Yan men" could simply resettle in the Central Plains, take wives, and raise children...

In an era of frequent dynastic changes and perennial warfare, even ordinary commoners could hardly secure a stable home, let alone these soldiers who licked blood from their blades.

"Have the man brought into the office and served tea; I shall return shortly!" Upon learning that Wu Xingyou had come to call, Liu Chengyou gave such instructions to the personal guard who came to report.

In fact, ever since taking Lu and Ze prefectures, Liu Chengyou had been keeping a close watch on the surrounding Khitan forces, especially the three prefectures of Heyang. During the days he returned to Jinyang, he participated in the strategic discussions organized by Liu Zhiyuan. After a round of seeking common ground while setting aside differences, the general strategic direction for the Hedong army's next moves had essentially been settled.

First take the Central Plains, then secure Hebei; the capital region as the primary objective, with Zhao and Ye as secondary.

And Heyang was the shortest and most convenient route for the Hedong army to march south into the Central Plains—truly a road that must be passed. Hence, how could Liu Chengyou not care about Heyang? He had kept Li Wanchao monitoring the situation to the south all along.

The moment Wu Xingde made his move in Heyang, word spread swiftly to Shangdang. By the time Wu Xingyou arrived, three days had already passed. Toward this Wu Xingde who had suddenly emerged, Liu Chengyou felt a measure of curiosity and surprise.

It seemed this man was not lacking in boldness, luck, or foresight—one could tell simply from his choice of Heyang as the place to act.

Since the start of the third month, resistance against the Khitan in the Central Plains, Hebei, and the western parts of Hedong had been blazing like fire. The rebels struck at and ambushed scattered Khitan soldiers, slew officials appointed by the Khitan, and seized cities under Khitan control.

But most of these righteous armies operated within areas under the control of Khitan military forces. They could hold the advantage for a moment, but lasting long was difficult. Especially those righteous armies that blocked the Khitan's road of retreat north—they would become the primary targets of Khitan military suppression. Take the already-dead Wang Qiong, for example: he raised the banner in Chanzhou and was brutally annihilated by troops Yelu Deguang dispatched.

Heyang was different—once controlled, it could make contact with the Hedong forces. With Hedong at their backs for support, their ability to withstand risk was far greater. Of course, choosing the right place was only the first step. What truly demonstrated Wu Xingde's capability was the whole sequence of actions: rising up to slay the barbarians at Heyin, then advancing west against the current to defeat Cui Tingxun with a weary and outnumbered force, and then steadily holding Mengzhou.

Liu Chengyou looked favorably upon the situation in Heyang, and he was also somewhat curious about this Wu Xingde who could make waves there—this was a man worth winning over.

Hence, toward Wu Xingyou, this messenger, Liu Chengyou behaved with considerable courtesy. After returning to the city, he personally received him in the central hall together with Zhang Yanwei, Guo Rong, Gao Fang, and Xiang Xun.

Especially after Wu Xingyou directly stated that he had come on behalf of Wu Xingde to pledge allegiance and loyalty, Liu Chengyou's attitude grew even warmer: "General and his brother risked death to drive out the wicked—this has fully upheld the great righteousness of the state, and it is admirable. Now you come to join Hedong; my heart is greatly pleased. I imagine that when the Son of Heaven at Jinyang learns of this, he too will be overjoyed."

"Many thanks, Your Highness!" Seeing Liu Chengyou's mild demeanor, Wu Xingyou breathed a sigh of relief.

"While at Shangdang, I heard of General Wu's righteous deeds and my heart yearned toward them. But all I have heard is hearsay—could you tell me and the gentlemen present here about it?"

At the question, a flicker of pride passed across Wu Xingyou's brow. It was clear he held great admiration for his elder brother as he recounted the details of the uprising in a torrent of words. In particular—how Wu Xingde had endured humiliation to win the Khitan's trust, how he had racked his brains to plan the mutiny, and how he had fought with his back to the river to take Heyang...

It truly sounded like a legendary tale.

"General Wu is a true hero!" Though his heart was utterly unruffled, Liu Chengyou deliberately let a trace of excitement seep into his tone as he praised. Had his expression been a bit more convincing, it would have been perfect—clearly, Liu Chengyou's "hypocrisy" attribute had grown stronger.

Wu Xingyou beamed cheerfully and offered a modest word on his brother's behalf, then his expression gradually turned serious as he said solemnly: "Your Highness, my elder brother sent me north this time to seek aid."

"Oh?" Liu Chengyou adopted an attentive listening posture.

Wu Xingyou dared not delay and immediately explained: "Though my elder brother defeated Cui Tingxun and took Heyang, expanding his forces somewhat, his troops remain weak. Cui Tingxun is currently regrouping his army at Wen County and conscripting soldiers in Huai and Wei. Our army holds only the single city of Heyang, and there are still Khitan troops in the Henan lands. I fear we cannot withstand them. Please have the Hedong army march south swiftly—my elder brother will surely lead the Heyang forces in support, joining together to strike the Khitan!"

Hearing Wu Xingyou's request, Liu Chengyou nodded: "It seems the situation in Heyang is indeed not optimistic."

However, Liu Chengyou did not reply directly to this matter. Instead, he asked about something he was more concerned about: "You say the Khitan had General Wu transport weapons and armor by water route to the north?"

"That is correct." Wu Xingyou was somewhat puzzled.

"Are the Khitan preparing to withdraw from the Central Plains?" Liu Chengyou's voice suddenly rose as he stared hard at Wu Xingyou.

At the question, Wu Xingyou only then realized and answered: "To answer Your Highness, my elder brother told me that the Khitan are indeed planning to withdraw from the Central Plains. Over the past half month and more, considerable amounts of the gold, silver, goods, and armor they plundered have already been sent north."

Hearing this, Liu Chengyou's eyes lit up at once. He swept a glance at Guo Rong and the others and saw their expressions shift as well. After pondering briefly, Liu Chengyou raised his eyes and replied to Wu Xingyou: "If the Khitan intend to pull out of the Central Plains, they likely won't go to the trouble of dispatching troops to attack Heyang. As for Cui Tingxun—he is already a defeated general and probably no match for General Wu."

"Here is what I shall do: I will send men to escort you north to Jinyang, where you may personally report General Wu's righteous uprising to the Son of Heaven. As for the situation in Heyang, I will order the troops of Zezhou to march south to coordinate with you!"

"Thank you, Your Highness!"

"This Wu Xingde—previously unknown and unremarkable, but this time he has made a name for himself across the realm. He counts as a hero of the age!" After Wu Xingyou withdrew, Liu Chengyou remarked aloud in the hall.

As he was speaking, Guo Rong chose that moment to speak up, reminding him gravely: "Your Highness, all signs indicate that the Khitan are preparing to retreat north. We should make preparations to respond!"