Chapter 69: East Out of the Taihang Mountains

Linlu County, at the eastern foot of the Taihang Mountains, within the jurisdiction of Xiangzhou, was a county of no great size, its territory mostly mountains and hills. Yet with the Taihang range at its back, its geographic position was still favorable—a key point for advancing east or reaching west.

It was not far from Luzhou either—only a single Taihang Mountain in between... a hundred-odd li of mountain paths and forests. Were it not for the ancient roads to follow, one might spend ten days to half a month without necessarily finding the way out.

While Yelu Deguang was still struggling to cross the river at Baima Ford, Liu Chengyou had already led the First Army along the Hulin Road, over the mountains, and stationed his troops at Linlu City, receiving the "warm" welcome of the local soldiers and civilians.

On the walls of Linlu County, the scattered Khitan banners that had hung there had already been taken down by the County Magistrate, trampled and burned, to atone for their former crime of "submitting to the rebels." Replacing them were several brand-new Jin banners, along with conspicuous banners bearing the character "Liu."

Not long before, Liu Zhiyuan had conducted his first round of official appointments in Taiyuan, aimed basically at the military. The mid- and senior-ranking generals of the former Hedong armies all received concurrent honorary posts as Prefect or Defense Commissioner of other prefectures. Although those prefectures were still not under control, this round of dividing the spoils was still quite morale-boosting for the civil and military officials of Hedong.

Among the imperial sons, aside from the eldest, Liu Chengxun, only Liu Chengyou was appointed Grand General of the Left Guard and Commander-in-Chief of the Hebei Field Headquarters. Just as Liu Chengyou had hoped, he was entrusted with command over a whole region, leading troops into Hebei Circuit to take charge of the great task of resisting the Khitan there.

The "resistance" enterprise in the Central Plains had already reached its climax; next, clearly, it would be Hebei's turn. Of course, Liu Zhiyuan did not hold too great expectations for this. The tasks given to Liu Chengyou in his open edicts and secret letters were very clear: merely to delay and harass.

No one thought Liu Chengyou could accomplish any great feat with the Longqi Army. With the meager forces under his command, if he ran into the main Khitan army, he would not even be enough to fill the gaps between their teeth.

Of course, even Liu Chengyou himself did not have too high expectations or goals for the campaign into Hebei. He did not think that being the protagonist meant he could sweep all before him, invincible and unmatched.

Liu Chengyou's truest motive in requesting permission from Liu Zhiyuan to lead troops east out of the Taihang Mountains was simply to extend the new dynasty's reach thoroughly into Hebei, preparing for the day when the various prefectures would be reclaimed. He was soberly aware that Hebei was not the Central Plains—the Khitan's strength here was far greater. Even if Yelu Deguang withdrew his main force, the remaining power should not be underestimated.

Moreover, the various military governors and regional commands across the land held their troops and defended their own territories. To fully restore the prefectures of Hebei and rescue the millions of households from their suffering, one would need to employ both force and strategy. If preparations were not made early, there would surely be trouble later.

At the same time, Liu Chengyou also had the aim of building up another piece of credentials and reputation for himself. Commanding a region alone, as long as he produced even a little achievement, combined with his identity as an imperial prince, would be enough to make everyone remember him.

However, even with his expectations set low enough, that did not stop bold ideas from sprouting in Liu Chengyou's heart. Others did not know, but he clearly remembered that Yelu Deguang, in the prime of his life, would suddenly die of illness on the road back to his homeland.

As long as the butterfly's wings did not flap too violently, and Yelu Deguang truly passed away as the "script" wrote, then Liu Chengyou absolutely had the nerve to bite a big chunk of fat off the Khitan.

Of course, if Yelu Deguang unexpectedly survived, then in that case, Liu Chengyou would have no choice but to honestly play the role of a troublemaker in Hebei, calling on the soldiers and people of Hebei to stand up, kill the barbarian invaders, and restore the rivers and mountains...

During the two days of stationing troops at Linlu, Liu Chengyou personally received several waves of local prominent clans and "righteous armies" that had come upon hearing the news. Called righteous armies, they were in truth nothing more than bandits and outlaws operating under the banner of resisting the Khitan. Still, clearly the "resistance" cause in Hebei was also proceeding in full swing—especially after news spread that the Khitan were preparing to withdraw from the Central Plains, the atmosphere of resisting the barbarians had already been built up quite well.

The setting sun descended in the west, a cool breeze blew past, and in the forests around the city, trees swayed and thickets bent. Standing atop the walls of Linlu, Liu Chengyou habitually gazed toward the southeast, a hint of expectation hidden beneath his calm eyes.

"Your Highness, since we have already come out of the Taihang Mountains, why not directly advance on Anyang and seize Xiangzhou?" Beside him, seeing Liu Chengyou lost in thought again, Zhang Yanwei, who was getting a bit bored standing there, could not help but speak up.

"General Ma, explain it to Chief Commander Zhang." Liu Chengyou did not even turn his head, raising a hand to indicate Ma Quanyi at his side.

Zhang Yanwei had now been promoted a rank, formally becoming Chief Commander of the Longqi Army.

Ma Quanyi was somewhat surprised by this order at first, but quickly recovered. After pondering briefly, he clasped his hands toward Liu Chengyou and Zhang Yanwei: "This general merely offers his humble opinion. If there are errors or omissions, I hope Your Highness and the General will forgive me. The Khitan army crossing at Baima Ford is clearly taking the Liyang–Anyang route for their withdrawal. If our army advances to occupy Anyang, would we not be directly in the enemy's path?"

At this point, even with Zhang Yanwei's not-so-quick mind, he nodded repeatedly, saying: "Exactly, exactly. With the Khitan's hundred-thousand-plus army, our forces had better not go looking for that bad luck."

"Our army is here now—if Yelu Deguang comes to attack us, what then?" Suddenly, Zhang Yanwei asked again.

"Since Yelu Deguang wishes to withdraw, he will certainly not create unnecessary trouble!" Liu Chengyou spoke, his tone as calm as ever: "Even if he does send troops. If few, I will hold against them myself; if many, we only need to rely on the mountain defenses. At worst, we withdraw from Xiangzhou. Time favors us and not the enemy. The longer we drag it out, the more we will make Yelu Deguang feel a 'hospitality' even warmer than the Central Plains'. For years, the soldiers and people of Hebei have suffered the bitterness of the Khitan far more deeply..."

"Isn't this about the same as dealing with Geng Chongmei before?" At this, Zhang Yanwei reacted much faster this time.

Raising one index finger, Liu Chengyou said flatly: "Different approaches, same wonderful result. This is the advantage of fighting on home ground!"

"Home ground?" Zhang Yanwei was a bit puzzled, but seeing Liu Chengyou's calm expression, he felt he vaguely understood—it seemed to make a lot of sense.

"In truth, I actually rather hope that Yelu Deguang will see our army as a threat and come attack with his forces..." Without explaining Zhang Yanwei's confusion, Liu Chengyou stroked the parapet, feeling the cold of the stone and earth, and sighed softly: "It's just a pity that I and the soldiers probably won't even catch his eye."

His two eyes became especially bright at this moment, blinking several times in succession before concealing that "divine light." Clearly, possessing foreknowledge, Liu Chengyou was again deducing some possible development of events.

"Your Highness, General Shi has sent word—he has led his troops into Shangdang!" As the three chatted, Xiang Xun ran up along the steps and reported to Liu Chengyou.

Upon learning the news that Yelu Deguang had set out on his return home, over in Jinyang, Liu Zhiyuan reacted very quickly this time, immediately ordering Shi Hongzhao to lead the entire Wujie Army of over ten thousand troops south as the vanguard.

While Liu Chengyou advanced east, Shi Hongzhao's mission was to head all the way south—once he confirmed that the main Khitan army had crossed the great river, he was to fight his way straight into the Central Plains and recover the two capitals.

Liu Chengyou received the letter, quickly scanned through it, and a hint of an inscrutable gleam soon appeared on his face. From the words alone, nothing should have been discernible, but Liu Chengyou could somehow sense a trace of pride.

"So he's arrived, has he! Does this Chief Commander Shi expect me to go back personally to welcome him?" A faint curve lifted at the corner of his mouth as Liu Chengyou spoke.

At these words, the people around him exchanged glances. Liu Chengyou drew a breath, then waved his hand and said to Xiang Xun: "Write a reply for me, sending my regards to Chief Commander Shi..."

"Yes!"