Chapter 936: Personally Heading to Yunzhou

Another spring rain had passed, the clear breeze carrying a slight chill as it blew over towering mountains and deep ravines. Following the route of Murong Yanzhao's advance, a force of roughly twenty thousand men moved northwest along the Yan Mountains, following the flow of water.

Within the central army, dragon banners fluttered in the wind. Mighty and imposing cavalry roamed on both flanks, while small units of horsemen constantly galloped back and forth between front and rear—now charging ahead, now slowing their pace. The ground was still damp, the roads somewhat muddy, and the pace of the march was inevitably affected.

This was naturally the Han emperor's field headquarters. By now it was mid-February, and the great war between Han and Liao, which had lasted seven months in total, was already entering its final phase. The Liao sovereign had fled north, and Liao's strength had contracted on a massive scale as it avoided the Great Han's military edge.

Of the Sixteen Prefectures of Yanyun, only Yunzhou remained not fully pacified. Yelu Talie, the Great King of the Southern Division of Liao, was leading a lone army in a desperate defense of Yunzhong City, clinging to a faint and unrealistic hope.

After achieving the great victory at Duanyun Ridge and arranging the defenses along the Great Wall line, Murong Yanzhao had led his troops west from Huai'an, advancing toward Yunzhou. By the sixth day of the second month, the three routes of the Han army, totaling twenty-five thousand men, finally converged beneath the walls of Yunzhong City—fully ten days ahead of the planned schedule. This was also an effect of the changed military situation caused by the Liao army's withdrawal.

On the eighth day of the second month, Emperor Liu Chengyou of Han decided that the imperial carriage would set forth for Yunzhou, hence this journey. The ministers, whether in the capital or accompanying the emperor, were all hoping for the emperor's return to the capital, and so they all urged against his trip to Yunzhou, including the Prince of Yan, Zhao Kuangzan.

The reason was also simple: the newly occupied territories were not yet stable, and mishaps were feared. Moreover, with the emperor venturing far beyond the frontier, he would be even farther from the capital. Of course, persuasion was to no avail.

Liu Chengyou could sympathize with and understand his ministers' concerns, but for Liu Chengyou personally, if this northern expedition were to end with only Youzhou as the terminus of his journey, it would be a regret. Youyun, Youyun—since You was already under Han governance, Yunzhou ought to bear his footprints as well, only then would this northern expedition be truly complete.

At the same time, Liu Chengyou had secretly resolved that, barring unforeseen circumstances, this would be his last personal campaign. Therefore, for Yunzhou, this key strategic objective, he was determined to go in person.

Zhao Kuangyin had led troops to the front lines, and the post of Commander-in-Chief of the imperial camp was concurrently held by Gao Huaide. Meanwhile, the recovered Han Lingkun served as Chief Inspector. Around the time of the Nankou battle, Han Lingkun had performed well, nearly dying from his wounds.

As for Youzhou, Zhao Kuangzan and An Shenqi served as co-acting deputy defenders. That's right—both defenders were serving in an acting capacity, and moreover, the Prince of Yan had very tactfully volunteered to serve as An Shenqi's deputy. In his own words, how could a junior take the Prince of An as his deputy? Zhao Kuangzan's political awareness and deferential attitude made the Han emperor increasingly satisfied.

Inside the imperial carriage, Liu Chengyou held a book in his hands, reading. Because the road was bumpy and constantly jostling, it looked somewhat laborious, and before long, his eyes began to feel sore.

Within the carriage, a fragrant scent lingered—the fragrance from Noble Consort Gao's person. It was not strong, but very pleasant. Of the two consorts accompanying the emperor, Consort Guo Ning had remained in Youzhou because she was pregnant. It should be said that Consort Guo had entered the palace over three years ago, and only now becoming pregnant was truly no easy feat.

Noticing Liu Chengyou rubbing his eyes, she leaned over and confiscated the book from his hands, then took out a cup and poured a bowl of warm milk wine, presenting it to him with both hands: "Your Majesty, rest for a while!"

Liu Chengyou did not stand on ceremony. He took two sips, smacked his lips, then drained it in one go. Looking at the voluptuous and beautiful Noble Consort Gao, he said: "This grassland milk wine, sour and spicy, truly has a distinctive flavor!"

Noble Consort Gao smiled sweetly: "Your Majesty mentioned it before, so I specially had someone brew it. The flavor still needs some refinement, but if Your Majesty likes it, you may drink more!"

Liu Chengyou shook his head and picked up the book again. Seeing this, Noble Consort Gao immediately pressed it down: "Your Majesty really should take better care of your eyes!"

Seeing Noble Consort Gao's resolute expression with her delicate brows slightly furrowed, Liu Chengyou felt somewhat helpless. He leaned back and said: "On this long journey, you must let me find something to do, otherwise, wouldn't it be dreadfully dull?"

"But you still need proper rest!" Noble Consort Gao said: "These past days, your eyes have been far too tired!"

"Fine, I'll listen to you!" Liu Chengyou's hand reached toward the consort's waist, preparing to engage in some activity.

Noble Consort Gao helped him put the book away, then asked with slight curiosity: "This Essentials of the Zhenguan Reign—Your Majesty has read it over ten times already, and still can't put it down?"

At the question, Liu Chengyou sighed softly: "With Yanyun recovered, sweeping away the separatist forces in Jiangnan will be as easy as turning over one's hand. How to pacify the people and govern the realm is the foremost concern. The Zhenguan governance is the model for emperors in ruling the state. Though times have changed, there is still much to draw from it. Every time I read it, I gain new insights..."

Hearing Liu Chengyou say this, Noble Consort Gao looked at him, a trace of heartache flashing through her beautiful eyes. His role as emperor was truly not an easy one. The northern expedition had already consumed his energy and focus, and before the fighting had even ended, he was already beginning to worry about future matters. One step forward, three steps planned ahead—during this period, from the Eastern Capital to Youzhou, before and behind the army, all kinds of heavy practical affairs and various pressures bore down on him...

"Why are you looking at me with that expression?" Seeing that the consort did not have the expected reaction, Liu Chengyou withdrew his restless hand.

Noble Consort Gao sighed: "Your Majesty should still take care of your health!"

"Do I look frail?" Liu Chengyou raised an eyebrow.

Noble Consort Gao smiled: "Your Majesty is naturally strong and vigorous with abundant energy, but even the most majestic and sturdy body needs rest. Since the northern expedition began, you have worried over military matters and fretted over state affairs alike. Even through the bitter winter, you have had no respite. Compared to being in the capital, it is even more exhausting. If this continues..."

"Enough!" He patted her hand: "The great undertaking of the northern expedition is nearing completion. Once we return to the capital, I will have plenty of time to rest!"

Having flirted a little with the beautiful and charming Noble Consort inside the imperial carriage, Liu Chengyou resumed his proper demeanor and asked outward: "Zhang Dejun, where are we now?"

After making some inquiries, Zhang Dejun came to report: "Your Majesty, we have already passed Duanyun Ridge and are about to turn. The forward troops are reinforcing the pontoon bridge, preparing to cross the Yang River!"

"Let's get out and take a walk!" Hearing this, Liu Chengyou became interested.

In the mid-spring season, light green covered the landscape everywhere. Wild grass radiated vitality, and the trees had gained a touch of verdant color. The air was noticeably moist. After walking a stretch of road, his feet had picked up quite a bit of mud, but none of this dampened his pleasant mood.

Although the battlefield at Duanyun Ridge had been cleaned up and the corpses all cremated, the traces of war could not be erased in a short time. While Liu Chengyou was admiring the spring scenery, Zhang Dejun came to report: "Your Majesty, news has come from Liao again!"

This abruptly interrupted Liu Chengyou's pleasant mood. Taking the secret report and looking at it, his expression quickly returned to numbness. News of the rebellion in Liao had only reached Liu Chengyou after the Battle of Duanyun Ridge, and even then, it was vague and incomplete. He knew there was unrest, but the specific circumstances were unclear. A thousand li away, in Liao's rear, gathering intelligence and relaying messages—how could that be easy?

However, though the specific details were unclear, judging from the Liao army's northward withdrawal, it could be determined that the situation must be very serious. Therefore, Liu Chengyou subsequently issued several urgent orders, directing the Great Han's hidden agents in Liao to investigate thoroughly at any cost.

Although the Great Han's intelligence network in Liao had made some achievements, it was in fact very weak. In the past, it could only rely on merchants and envoys for understanding and placement, supplemented by bribing some tribal people. Compared to intelligence building against other separatist forces, it was far more difficult.

"Have you rested enough?" Liu Chengyou turned his head and asked Noble Consort Gao.

Seeing that the emperor had turned serious, the consort nodded. Liu Chengyou then waved his hand: "Pass the order—cross the river as quickly as possible, speed up the march, and head for Yunzhou!"

The secret report Liu Chengyou received contained a clearer description of the internal unrest in Liao. There was rebellion in the Supreme Capital, imperial clansmen rising in revolt, and four inner tribes of the Khitan rebelling. It also included the movements of the Liao sovereign Yelu Jing after his northward retreat.

Over there, the six tribes of the Xi people, who roamed the Raole and Songmo regions, had also erupted in turmoil. Therefore, besides sending Commissioner of Military Affairs Xiao Husi north with troops to return to the Supreme Capital, Yelu Jing himself had gone to the Xi tribes to suppress the rebellion.

Liao's internal unrest showed a trend of worsening, more severe than Yelu Jing had anticipated. As such, the Han army could now focus wholeheartedly on attacking Yunzhou.