Chapter 1549

Hu Xiaotian approached the sand table; without further comment, just from its construction one could see Su Yuchi's military talent—this being an age of cold weapons lacking modern high‑tech means, modern surveying tools, let alone satellite cloud maps, yet Su Yuchi had crafted the sand table with such precision that every pass and valley around Yunyang was marked clearly.

While admiring him, Hu Xiaotian couldn't help feeling wary; such a person, if not used for himself, would become a serious threat, and this time he must seize the great opportunity of Xichuan and Xingzhou joining forces to attack Yunyang to settle the matter.

Su Yuchi said: "Recently, Li Tianheng's side in Xichuan has been frequently moving troops in the Fierce River area of northeastern Xichuan, and Xingzhou also shows movements; I wonder if you have heard any news?"

Hu Xiaotian said: "Actually, I've heard a bit."

Su Yuchi said: "Li Tianheng should be planning to join forces with Guo Guangbi to attack Yunyang."

Hu Xiaotian said: "Li Tianheng seems not to have undertaken any external military action for a long time; Xichuan is already large enough—could it be that it can no longer satisfy his ambition?" Actually he certainly knew full well; earlier Xie Jian had already explained the situation clearly.

Su Yuchi, unlike Xie Jian who liked to beat around the bush, spoke directly: "My lord, you have blocked Li Tianheng's southern passage; Xichuan trade is greatly affected, and if Li Tianheng does not want to be trapped to death in Xichuan, he must seek a route."

Hu Xiaotian said: "Then, according to that, this matter is actually my fault?"

Su Yuchi smiled: "Anyone would do the same; but this way Li Tianheng throws caution to the wind heading northeast to seek a route, so Yunyang, where I am stationed, becomes the first target."

Hu Xiaotian said: "Yunyang is indeed a fortress, but it lacks any natural defenses; if Li Tianheng and Guo Guangbi join forces, General Su, this battle will be tough."

Su Yuchi said: "Xingzhou is nearly out of grain; Guo Guangbi burns, kills, and plunders everywhere, his ill repute spreading, causing the people of Xingzhou to flee in droves, and he now can seize nothing. Thus he wants to escape his predicament and must seek cooperation." Su Yuchi gave Hu Xiaotian a meaningful look: "In fact, young master Hu should be his first choice of partner."

Hu Xiaotian chuckled: "Perhaps they have that idea, but I have no such intention."

Su Yuchi said: "For you, my lord, such cooperation seems to have no downside, right?"

Hu Xiaotian said: "I can't think of any benefit either; why don't General Su help me analyze?"

Su Yuchi said: "They need grain and fodder; you need Yunyang!"

Hu Xiaotian laughed loudly: "General Su, you really like to joke—what would I do with Yunyang now? With you, General Su, as this windbreak standing before me, I feel utterly secure. As for Guo Guangbi of Xingzhou, I truly cannot see any reason to cooperate with them; in my view they are merely a rabble, a bunch of fawning beggars, an army that cannot even guarantee grain and fodder—what combat power could they have? Would General Su still worry about them?"

Su Yuchi said: "A centipede dies but does not stiffen; a cornered dog jumping over a wall is not uncommon—Yunyang may have to face two mad dogs at once." Guo Guangbi is a mad dog; to survive he must stake everything, otherwise he will soon face a grain shortage. Li Tianheng is likewise a mad dog, eager to find a passage. After weighing the options, he abandoned Redwood River and chose Yunyang.

Hu Xiaotian said: "General Su, do you have any reservations about me?"

Su Yuchi smiled: "I have always trusted your character, young master Hu; the last time we met at Heisha, if you had not helped me, I probably would not be sitting here talking with you now."

Hu Xiaotian said: "After all, I am a traitor of Dakang; I hope our cooperation will not cause trouble for General Su."

Su Yuchi said: "I always act openly and aboveboard, daring to take responsibility; I never fear being implicated, only seeking a clear conscience. I also do not hide from you, Sir: handling these two attacks alone is indeed somewhat taxing for me; if they breach Yunyang, your interests will be the first endangered, young master Hu—even if you wished to stay aloof, you would ultimately be unable to remain uninvolved."

Hu Xiaotian laughed: "General Su, do you want to drag me into this war as well?"

Su Yuchi said: "It would be best if you, young master Hu, could fight alongside me, but I dare not hope for that—after all, everyone has their own aspirations, no one wants to be lightly drawn into war, especially when the flames have not yet reached them; moreover, once war truly breaks out, it would not be bad for you either. If I were you, I would strike when the three sides fight to the death, enjoying the fisherman's gain—how pleasant!" Su Yuchi had in fact long ago gauged Hu Xiaotian's intentions clearly.

Upon hearing him finish, Hu Xiaotian couldn't help bursting into loud laughter—indeed, "Sima Zhao's heart is known to all"; his little schemes are no secret. This guy's skin is thick enough; even if his thoughts are exposed, he remains calm and composed, actually able to shamelessly say: "So it turns out the person General Su truly worries about is me!"

Su Yuchi nodded and said: "Exactly!"

Hu Xiaotian said: "Then General Su, rest easy—I will not intervene in this matter."

Su Yuchi said: "Young master Hu, do you think I will abandon Yunyang?"

Hu Xiaotian blinked his eyes, not knowing why Su Yuchi suddenly asked that.

Su Yuchi said: "If Yunyang were in your hands, my lord, it would be tantamount to seizing Xichuan's throat; even if Li Tianheng had the ability to move heaven and earth, he could not accomplish an outward breakthrough. Any state or territory that loses the ability to communicate with the outside world can only face a gradual decline."

Hu Xiaotian said: "General Su, you see things so clearly—why not join hands with me to jointly create a grand undertaking that carries forward the past and opens the future?"

Su Yuchi smiled: "My Su family is wholly loyal and righteous; born as Dakang people, we die as Dakang spirits; I appreciate your good intentions, young master."

Hu Xiaotian said: "General Su, do you not remember what I told you before?" Hu Xiaotian had already informed Su Yuchi at the previous Heisha gathering that the true emperor Long Xuan'en had died and that the one now in power is Qiqi; he recalled that Su Yuchi's attitude then seemed to have softened, but he never expected that upon returning this time Su Yuchi would be so resolute—evidently, during his trip to Kangdu, Qiqi must have put in considerable effort, otherwise Su Yuchi would not show such firmness; indeed, from the recent reinforcement of Yunyang's troops one can see that the court has given Su Yuchi considerable support, and Hu Xiaotian knows Qiqi's methods well: she is not only ruthless and vicious but also adept at winning over people's hearts, capable of bringing even figures like Hong Beimo, Quan De'an, and Ren Tianqing under her control, let alone the general Su Yuchi himself. For a commander, there is no greater favor than trust; a scholar dies for one who knows him. Originally Hu Xiaotian hoped Su Yuchi would see the situation clearly and defect to his side, but now it seems unlikely.

Su Yuchi said: "As long as Dakang exists for a single day, I will remain loyal to Dakang." The words were already quite clear; even though the old emperor has died, Dakang still exists, and his loyalty is to Dakang, not to Long Xuan'en.

Hu Xiaotian said: "General Su, your loyalty and righteousness are truly admirable; I can only wish you well."

Su Yuchi said: "If you, young master Hu, are merely offering blessings, then I am truly relieved." He had determined that Hu Xiaotian intended to use this war to make a name for himself.

Hu Xiaotian laughed: "Who knows what the future holds? Even if we cannot become friends, General Su will always be someone I respect; should you ever encounter difficulties, do not forget me—my doors are always open to you, General Su."

Su Yuchi laughed: "Young master Hu, do you think I will lose to them?"

Hu Xiaotian gave a noncommittal laugh: "I lack the gift of prophecy; who knows who will win?"

Su Yuchi said: "As long as I have a breath left, no one can take Yunyang from my hands." He spoke these words with unequivocal certainty, clearly addressing Hu Xiaotian.

Hu Xiaotian secretly smiled; firm words alone do not make it happen—anyone is powerless before the prevailing trend. He had now resolved to seize this opportunity to pull out this nail, Su Yuchi, whose presence has always been a threat to him.

Hu Xiaotian said: "By the way, please keep an eye on the Wang Chun River bandits, General Su."

Su Yuchi said: "I have already sent personnel to strengthen patrols on the western bank; I can assure you, young master Hu, that this matter is unrelated to our side."

Hu Xiaotian nodded, inwardly wondering: Su Yuchi says it has nothing to do with him, and earlier Xie Jian also said it had nothing to do with Xingzhou—how strange; could these bandits merely be drifters? What drifter in this region would dare act so boldly?

The Bai Lang Dui talks this time obviously failed to achieve their intended purpose; if Hu Xiaotian did not have expectations of Su Yuchi, he would not have made the trip himself. On the return journey, Huo Shengnan also noticed Hu Xiaotian's displeasure and gently advised: "Everyone has their own aspirations; why force it?"

Hu Xiaotian said: "I'm just a bit puzzled; Su Yuchi seems full of confidence, as if he has grasped victory."

Huo Shengnan said: "He currently has fewer than sixty thousand troops, and Yunyang lacks natural defenses; if Xichuan and Xingzhou were to attack him simultaneously, he would probably struggle to hold them off."

Hu Xiaotian said: "Don't you feel he acts as if he has nothing to fear, his desire to meet me today and form an alliance is not strong; instead, he subtly conveys a threatening tone toward me."

Huo Shengnan laughed: "How could that be? You're overthinking it."

Hu Xiaotian shook his head: "I hope it's just my imagination."

Huo Shengnan embraced him softly: "Don't make yourself too rushed; since returning, you've been nonstop busy with affairs—you should relax a bit."

Hu Xiaotian nodded: "All right, when we pass by the Sandy Island Ranch we'll stop by for a look—just the thing to unwind."

Huo Shengnan smiled warmly: "Go ahead; I need to head back, there are still many military matters awaiting me."

This chapter was finished this afternoon; just as I was about to update, Aunt Changyu came, wouldn't let me post, saying she wanted to treat me to a meal, she plied me with drink and I came back drunk; the rivals are really devious—one round of drink knocked me down to fifth place; although I didn't drink, brothers and sisters, help me boost, I can't reach Aunt Changyu's chrysanthemum! (To be continued~^~)