Chapter 345

Lou Gui was not acting; he was genuinely stunned.

In truth, it was not just Lou Zibo — even Xi Zhong, the previously indifferent Tian Feng, and all the officers and soldiers in the army, whether steady or restless by nature, were all somewhat subdued at this moment.

Finally, the entire army parted its formation, and Gongsun Xun personally spurred his horse forward, yet even he fell silent for a time.

After all, the General of the Guard had campaigned north and south, served in many places, and seen many of the realm's famous cities. From Chang’an to Luoyang, from Handan to Yecheng, from Fanyang to Jixian, from Puyang to Guangzong — these renowned cities each had their own merits... Some were richly ornamented with carved beams and painted rafters, some were bustling hubs of commerce, some were exquisitely elegant, and some were majestically imposing, but never had there been a city as strange as Jinyang.

If one had to give this famous city, renowned as a northern stronghold since the Spring and Autumn period, a defining characteristic, it could only be said that it was a city born with the features of a military fortress.

In fact, standing before this imposing city, Gongsun Xun’s first reaction was actually to think of Lulong Pass.

Jinyang truly resembled Lulong Pass — its walls were towering, its gate towers lofty and magnificent, and like Lulong Pass, it was divided into three distinct, well-arranged tiers, with a river flowing through the city. Even more formidable was that both were surrounded by their own complete military defense systems.

If one had to point out a difference, it was that Lulong Pass relied more on mountains and less on water, while Jinyang relied more on water and less on mountains... But without a doubt, Jinyang was larger, stronger, and more awe-inspiring.

"General." The one who broke the silence was the youth Wen Hui, who had followed Gongsun Xun to the front of the army. He seemed to remember his role of 'providing military intelligence.' "As you can see, here at Jinyang, the city is divided into three tiers. The western city contains the armory, granaries, government offices, schools, military barracks, workshops, and high platforms, each enclosed by its own small wall; the eastern city is mostly markets and residences... I recall that your family's Anli Trading Company also had a shopfront there, but it had already been sealed when I came. And the middle city, between the eastern and western cities, has the Fen River passing through it, with water gates at both ends, usually serving as a dock for Jinyang’s transport. As for outside the city, General, you should see it at a glance."

"Indeed, I see it at a glance," Gongsun Xun replied expressionlessly.

Of course, it was obvious at a glance.

North of Jinyang, after the Fen River passed through the middle city, it was artificially diverted to form a broad, living-water moat around the western city. At the same time, on the other side of the three-way fork where the Fen River was diverted north of the city — that is, west of the Fen River — another diversion formed an enormous artificial lake, severely obstructing military deployment and advance. And that was not all: the tall, imposing western city not only had the artificial lake as a shield in front, but just a few hundred paces to its west, there were actually two natural stone hills!

To be fair, these two hills, located in the mountain nest that was Bingzhou, were nothing special in themselves. But situated here on the flat land of the Taiyuan Basin, standing opposite the western city of Jinyang, they appeared exceptionally steep and perilous. Moreover, not only were these hills shielded by the lake in front, but a river also wound out from between them. This river flowed from behind the lake along the western city, serving as yet another natural moat, and finally turned into the Fen River at the middle city’s water gate.

Faced with such terrain, such an imposing city, such a military fortress that combined city, mountains, and water to the extreme, what could Gongsun Xun do besides remain expressionless?

And looking more closely, there were troops stationed on the hills, where Guo banners could be seen in the distance. North of the western city, at the pass from behind the lake to the foot of the hills, there was a well-ordered military camp, where the large Yang banner fluttered in the wind — clearly, the Grand Administrator of Taiyuan, Yang Zhong, had led his main force here, and judging by its scale, it had to be at least four to five thousand men. North of the eastern city, behind the three-way fork of the Fen River, another camp was arrayed with its back to the wall and facing the river; this one was slightly smaller, likely around two thousand men. While these three forces echoed each other from a distance, everyone also noticed that the ice along the edges of both the Fen River and the lake looked somewhat wrong — it was obvious at a glance that it had been deliberately smashed and then refrozen into thin ice... In other words, Taiyuan had long been prepared, layer upon layer, top to bottom, and had clearly completed its basic military deployment.

And a basic military deployment, one without any serious errors, paired with this imposing city, was in fact already the most outstanding military deployment possible.

"Our army has many cavalry; the enemy dares not cross the pass to harass us. We will camp directly north of the lake and attack the city tomorrow!" Faced with such a situation, Gongsun Xun naturally would not probe rashly. After observing for half a day, he could only issue this one military order, and then said no more.

By that evening, during the army's strategic planning, even someone as seasoned as Lou Zibo had no extra words to offer... First, the troops could not be deployed effectively. Separated by the Fen River and that lake, the Youzhou Army’s advantage in numbers and cavalry was utterly useless!

Second, the terrain was too strategically perilous. Whether crossing the river to attack the camp beneath the eastern city walls, or assaulting the pass beneath the western city walls where Yang Zhong was stationed, both would involve enormous risk. In particular, even if one could gain something at that pass — the only route by which one could advance over land — Guo Yun could immediately sweep down from the hills, catching one in a pincer attack. A single misstep could lead to a severe defeat.

As for finding a small path up the hills to attack Guo Yun, that seemed like a possible plan, but Wang Ze and Linghu Hua both firmly asserted that the rear of those two hills were sheer cliffs, and one could only ascend from the side facing the city... In fact, when the retainers of Zhao Jianzi built Jinyang back then, they had precisely chosen this spot for the excellent relationship between these two hills and the Fen River, and only then built the city!

This was what was called a heaven-sent natural barrier.

Thus, after much discussion, the only 'plan' they could come up with was to advance through the pass and attack the military camp beneath the city walls.

As for the fact that even if this camp were taken, Yang Zhong would simply retreat into the city, and how they would then face the even tougher nut of Taiyuan's strong walls themselves — no one spoke of it... If they were to be bogged down beneath such an impregnable city, with a long campaign yielding no results, it would no longer be just a military problem... Because with the Youzhou Army at this scale, if they could not take such a strong city in one fell swoop, then they truly would not be able to take it at all.

To this, Gongsun Xun did not express his stance, merely nodding his approval of the next day's attack plan before dismissing the war council.

It was a winter night; though the sky was frigid and the ground frozen, the moon was bright and the stars were sparse. Gongsun Xun, his mind full of thoughts, did not return to the rear tent to rest. After the council, still in full armor, he led Han Hao, Zhao Yun, Tian Yu, and Wen Ze from the White Horse Volunteers, along with several dozen trusted guards, to inspect the camp.

After walking around for a while, he stopped at the place in front of the camp where they had chiseled through the ice to draw water... This was understandable, for this spot faced that lake directly. Across the lake and on the hills to the side, the military camp's lights shone brightly, while the bright moon overhead was as clear and cold as ice. The icy lake reflected the moon, the moon reflected the icy lake; firelight shimmered on the water, the water shimmered with firelight. Though it was the eve of battle, there was a distinct and unique flavor to it.

Gongsun Xun stood before the lake, hand on his sword, and after gazing for a while, suddenly let out a sigh.

Zhao Yun and Han Hao were both sincere and steady men, so naturally they would not ask much. But Tian Yu had a somewhat lively personality and could not hold back for long: "My lord, are you worrying about tomorrow's battle?"

"I am worrying about myself, and also worrying about others," Gongsun Xun replied without turning his head. "And then I also recalled a departed old friend, so my heart is filled with sorrow. Yet I am not at all worried about tomorrow's battle."

Tian Yu gave an awkward, embarrassed laugh: "This must be what you taught us back in Changping, my lord: 'Those who know me know my heart's sorrow; those who do not know me ask what I seek'?"

"Yes," Gongsun Xun still did not turn his head. "That is probably what it means."

Tian Yu had nothing more to say. Apart from the distant sound of the night-watch clappers, the lakeside fell silent as before.

But at that moment, another person suddenly spoke up from the side: "The reason my lord worries about himself is actually that he worries few people understand his painstaking efforts, is it not? And worrying about others is actually worrying that some on the opposing side will lose their lives tomorrow because of their own ignorance, is it not? As for the departed old friend, I do not know..."

The voice sounded familiar to Gongsun Xun, yet somehow felt off. He turned around and then understood... It turned out the speaker was Wang Ze, Wang Jidao, the Grand Administrator of Dai Commandery, who had returned from Jinyang just that day. This renowned official of the Jinyang Wang clan had arrived at some unknown time, and the moment he opened his mouth, he addressed him as 'my lord' rather than 'General,' which was what caused the confusion.

"How does Lord Wang come to be here?" Before Gongsun Xun could ask, Zhao Yun beside him had already grown alert. "We saw no one approach."

"I came here after the war council and have been standing over there under the fence, gazing absently at the lake. It is rather you, my lord, and all of you who arrived somewhat late," Wang Ze replied frankly, pacing forward with his hands clasped behind his back.

"So that is how it is," Gongsun Xun's expression returned to normal as he once again rested his hand on his sword and looked toward the opposite shore of the lake. "Lord Wang is in fine spirits... Are you also moved to melancholy by the season?"

"Man is not made of wood or grass; how could there be no moments of deep feeling?" Wang Ze slowly stepped forward and stood to the side and rear of Gongsun Xun, then pressed with a series of questions. "Even one as divinely martial as you, my lord, must rarely have such feelings, no? What is my lord feeling? Were my guesses just now correct?"

"Matters of the heart are things one can hardly explain clearly even to oneself; how can they be summed up in a single phrase?" Gongsun Xun disagreed. "Just like the surface of this mirror-like lake — the moon shines at its center, surrounded by the glow of lamps, a scene of dazzling splendor. Yet in truth, it is all reflections of the surrounding scenery. Its true heart is instead as plain as water, as cool as the night."

"But even if they are reflections, they must have a source, no?" Wang Ze was unrelenting. "The moon in the lake comes from the moon in the sky; the fire in the lake comes from the fires around it. Even that heart of ice — is it not also poured in from the Fen River? If my lord has the leisure, why not speak with me... What exactly are you worrying about yourself?"

"To speak of it will make Lord Wang laugh," Gongsun Xun found it hard to refuse, given how much the other wanted to talk. "I was thinking that now, in these chaotic times, looking across the realm — ambitious tyrants and wise lords, heroes and gallants, renowned ministers and virtuous generals, venomous advisors and wicked villains... from the court to the countryside, there are simply characters and stories everywhere. Just thinking of them, just hearing of them, one cannot help but be filled with admiration!"

"That is indeed a great truth."

"So I then thought further — why not let those heroes and gallants clash gloriously on the battlefield, trading blows back and forth? Let those ambitious tyrants and wise lords summon the wind and rain in the world? Let those renowned ministers and virtuous generals temper themselves and seize both fame and merit? And let those venomous advisors and wicked villains scheme against each other and die with their eyes open...?" Gongsun Xun continued with a light laugh. "Watching them, for fame and profit, for righteousness and loyalty, for family status and clan, for ambition and self-preservation — some becoming the darlings of their age, others dying tragically — would that not be a kind of pleasure?"

Wang Ze gave a cold laugh: "My lord is young, after all, and so still holds some appreciation for such things. But forgive my bluntness — you will likely see no shortage of such things in the future. Past Taiyuan, ahead lies Shangdang, Hedong, and then Dong Zhuo... I fear that after a long time, my lord will instead grow as disgusted as an old man like me, who has seen too much of such affairs."

"Lord Wang thinks too much. It is not that I delight in such things!" Gongsun Xun shook his head in reply. "It is just that I feel somewhat ashamed!"

"Ashamed?"

"Indeed." Gongsun Xun sighed. "Stories that could have been so splendid, heroes that could have been so remarkable, masterpieces that could have been passed down through the ages, an era that could have made one close the book and sigh — yet all because I, Gongsun Xun, have come here today, they will not appear in this world! To be honest, at first I truly felt quite apologetic. I always felt I have delayed many people and ruined the reputations of many..."

Wang Ze's expression changed abruptly: "So my lord still feels that this campaign to take Taiyuan is lacking in rectitude?"

"One cannot say it is not."

"On this, I also have a word to say," Wang Ze suddenly spoke with stern solemnity. "Will my lord hear it?"

"Who in this army could stop Lord Wang's mouth?" Gongsun Xun did not mind.

"Let this world produce heroes wherever it pleases, let it be tumultuous wherever it pleases! I, a man of Taiyuan, only wish that Taiyuan might, for a hundred years, a thousand years, never be touched by such stories and heroes!" Wang Ze answered in a ringing voice. Behind him, the four commanders — Han Hao, Zhao Yun, Tian Yu, and Wen Ze — were all visibly moved at almost the same instant.

Gongsun Xun, however, remained as composed as ever.

"Does my lord know why Wen Shu and his son Wen Hui were determined to seek refuge with you?" Wang Ze continued to press relentlessly.

"As I said, today Lord Wang may speak as he pleases."

"Very well." Wang Ze clasped his hands and answered himself. "Because this time, father and son fled all the way back from Jingzhou, where Wen Shu held office. They crossed provinces and commanderies, and fortunately, no one made trouble for a sickly man abandoning his post to return home. Only thus could they pass through the territory of the Bobo Bandits and the Xiongnu and return to their home in Qixian..."

Gongsun Xun finally turned his head to look at this renowned official of Bingzhou, for he had at last felt a trace of curiosity.

"Does my lord know why I was determined to return to the army?" Wang Ze met Gongsun Xun's eyes directly and continued in a ringing voice. "Because when I reached Jinyang, I met countless people like Wen Shu and his son, fleeing back from the south. Only then did I learn how Dong Zhuo slaughters high officials as if butchering chickens, how his soldiers plunder Henan and cruelly abuse the common people! Only then did I learn how Wang Kuang over in Henei sets up 'retainers' to arrest people at will and swallow up the wealth and property of the commandery's people! And only then did I truly learn how Sun Jian, at the slightest disagreement, arbitrarily kills Inspectors and Grand Administrators!"

At this point, Wang Ze grew increasingly indignant and unable to contain himself: "My lord, I did previously feel that your actions this time were lacking in rectitude. From the day I saw you coerce the Grand Marshal in Youzhou, I even felt you were somewhat violent and lacking in virtue. But this time, returning home and meeting many old friends, I finally understood that the so-called heroes and gallants, the ambitious tyrants and scheming advisors of this world — every single one of them rises by trampling on the flesh and blood of the innocent! Compared to them, my lord, you pacified Youzhou and showed compassion to the common people. On this entire campaign, your orders have been strictly enforced, and there has been no offense against the people. When the two are contrasted, my lord, your conduct is practically like a royal army recovering lost land, consoling the people and punishing the tyrants! Tell me, if we do not follow you, should we follow men like Dong Zhuo and Wang Kuang? Or should we prop up a fool like Yang Zhong and let Taiyuan fall into chaos in vain? General of the Guard! Marquis of Ji! I..."

"What is it?"

"My feelings today are twofold: first, I lament that the realm is so frail it can be trampled upon by those so-called heroes! Second, gazing across the lake at the northern encampment, I thought of those reckless young clansmen of mine in the army, and I could not help but resent that you, my lord, would treat us, the great clans of Taiyuan, as enemies to be crushed before even considering us as allies…"

"And should I not?" Gongsun Xun retorted on the spot. "You possess both name and substance, both renown and real power. Once unrest breaks out, who could stop you?"

"My lord, I simply do not understand — if the realm descends into chaos, what benefit could that possibly bring to established clans like ours?" Wang Ze's face was full of grief, indignation, and helplessness. "If you, my lord, can bring stability to this region, why would we still contemplate rebellion? Whom would we follow if not you? Yuan Shao? After Wang Kuang committed his atrocities, did he not simply seize all the plundered wealth to fund his own army? Or Yuan Shu? Was it not Yuan Gonglu who had Sun Jian kill the Inspector and the Grand Administrator?"

Gongsun Xun was about to speak again, but Wang Ze bowed deeply. "My lord, I have not come today to complain. First, upon returning home, I did indeed see that some of my clansmen, precisely because they possess both name and substance, have grown wild-hearted and hard to restrain — otherwise, how could I have returned empty-handed? Second, now that matters have reached this point, more words are useless… Today I only wish to tell you, my lord, that at the very least, those of us who are older — who have witnessed plagues, endured the chaos of war, pacified rebellious commoners, and traveled the realm knowing how this world truly works — we will not err on matters of great consequence! If you, my lord, wish to purge and set things in order, we will offer no evasion. Is it not merely a matter of coin, grain, and household registries? Take them as you will! I only hope that you, my lord, will show a little mercy and swiftly bring the Taiyuan affair to a close!"

Gongsun Xun sighed wordlessly, then slowly nodded. "In this realm, whether noble or base, human life is of the utmost weight… This principle I do understand. So even without your words, Lord Wang, I would move swiftly to take Jinyang."

"That is good, then."

"And do you know, Lord Wang?" Gongsun Xun suddenly spoke up on his own. "The reason I thought of that departed old friend — first, it is because he happened to be a son of your Taiyuan Wang clan; and second, it was precisely he who taught me this principle… I still feel the pang of it! Let me ask you — do you still remember a clansman of yours named Wang Xian?"

Wang Ze's face was full of bewilderment; clearly he did not remember this clansman.

Gongsun Xun let out a sigh. "Those who know me say my heart is burdened; those who know me not ask what it is I seek… Lord Wang, I will not deceive you — although at first I too felt that my actions this time had strayed somewhat into devious ways, after speaking with Wen Hui during the day and hearing of the chaos in the south and the displacement of the common people, and then today, gazing upon the lake and recalling this old friend, I have long since come to my senses… What I have done is still right! For today's devious turn may slightly tarnish my reputation, but somewhere in the future, it may well spare tens of thousands of lives in this realm!"

Wang Ze was half embarrassed, half lost in melancholy, and in the end could not help but smile bitterly.

"Lord Wang has long served in the provinces and is renowned throughout the age as a famed minister. When the court sent you to Dai Commandery, it was precisely to use your talents to restrain the Wuhuan of Dai Commandery and the Xianbei beyond the frontier." Gongsun Xun suddenly grew solemn. "And your accompanying me on this campaign was in part due to the chance to return home and visit your family… Now that you have returned home, I wonder — do you have any plans?"

"I am willing to accept whatever assignment you, my enlightened lord, may give," Wang Ze, coming to his senses, immediately bowed his head once more.

"Submit a memorial resigning from the post of Grand Administrator of Dai Commandery. The General Who Crosses the Liao, Lord Jia, has died in office. And Han Zhuo, Han Zizhu, the Grand Administrator of Yanmen, is adequate in civil administration but lacking in military strategy — having him watch over the Xiongnu was only a stopgap measure… I will immediately submit a memorial recommending you as General Who Crosses the Liao, still stationed at Gaoliu in Dai Commandery. On my behalf, you will oversee the Murong, Yuwen, and Duan tribes, as well as the various Xiongnu tribes, and also monitor the movements of the Xianbei… The various Xianbei tribes, though scattered, still occupy Mobei and Monan, and their strength remains — we must guard against them!"

"This is precisely what I desire!" Wang Ze answered without the slightest hesitation. "Ze is willing to carry out your will, my enlightened lord, and depart northward to take up the post at dawn tomorrow!"

"So quickly again? Will you not wait until I have finished dealing with the Wang clan before leaving?" Gongsun Xun asked with a wry smile.

"Your heart, my enlightened lord, is like iron and stone — your resolve was long since made. Why should I remain here wasting time?" Wang Ze dismissed the notion and, with a cupped-hand salute, took his leave.

Watching the man depart, Gongsun Xun turned his head and looked at Han Hao, Zhao Yun, Tian Yu, and Wen Ze — the four whose expressions varied — as well as the accompanying White Horse Volunteers, and could not help shaking his head with a sigh. "All of you are already outstanding talents of the age, and now you follow at my side, listening to this and learning that. If one day you are sent out to take charge of military or civil affairs somewhere and fail to do your jobs well, I fear you will bring shame upon yourselves!"

The four commanders and below, along with the dozen or so attendants, all cupped their hands and saluted. Gongsun Xun, however, steadied himself on his broken blade, turned, and went to find Wang Xiu to discuss matters.

The night passed without a word. The next morning, the newly appointed General Who Crosses the Liao, Wang Ze, departed from the encampment's northern gate on his own, while Gongsun Xun threw open the camp's eastern, western, and southern gates and sent forth his entire army to give battle to the Grand Administrator of Taiyuan, Yang Zhong.

Horns sounded in succession; cavalry swept the field; infantry marched forth; banners arrayed themselves; gongs and drums fell into orderly rhythm.

At once, the twelve hundred White Horse Volunteers all dismounted and formed ranks on the eastern side of the frozen lake, bearing bows, spears, swords, and arrows, facing the small encampment beneath the eastern wall of Jinyang across the Fen River. Meanwhile, the infantry commander Gao Shun personally led two thousand armored soldiers, with his deputy Jiao Chu, bearing great shields, long spears, and short swords, while Yuwen Heita led a thousand dismounted Hu cavalry behind them, carrying bows and shields as support — these forces arrayed themselves at the narrow pass on the western side of the frozen lake, directly facing the main camp of Yang Zhong's army beneath the western wall of Jinyang, at the foot of the hill where Guo Yun was stationed.

Yang Zhong had initially wished to send an envoy to parley and exchange a few words with Gongsun Xun, but before the envoy could set out, three rolls of the war drums had already sounded from within the Youzhou army's formations.

Once the drums sounded, on the western side, the three commanders Gao Shun, Jiao Chu, and Yuwen Heita struck first, charging straight for the narrow pass to break the enemy lines. The pass was narrow, with the lake on the left and the hills on the right, leaving no room to deploy a large force. Yet the moment the two sides clashed, it was visible to the naked eye that the Youzhou troops were pushing the Taiyuan commandery soldiers back without pause.

On the eastern side, where the White Horse Volunteers were positioned, aside from Central Protector of the Army Han Hao, who remained with the central army to assist in relaying orders, the three commanders Zhao Yun, Tian Yu, and Wen Ze had long since formed ranks before the Fen River… However, they were in no hurry to attack.

In fact, the first to move on this side was none other than the General of the Household Who Guards the Army, Wang Xiu, Wang Shuzhi. He reined his horse forward and gave the order with a wave of his hand. Immediately, before the dumbfounded stares of the local Jinyang militia and commandery soldiers on the opposite bank of the Fen River, countless Youzhou army auxiliaries surged forward and actually used packhorses to drag row after row of wooden palisades to the front of the army! And right after that, tents were brought over and plastered whole over the palisades!

But it did not end there. Once the palisades had been roughly covered with tents and bound together with ropes, those auxiliaries actually pushed the palisades out onto the ice!

At this moment, not only were the Taiyuan soldiers on the opposite side struck speechless with shock, but even the Youzhou troops themselves, looking back, only then realized what was happening… It turned out that the very camp which tens of thousands of men had labored so hard to build the day before, and in which everyone had slept so comfortably the previous night, was being dismantled on the spot by those wasteful auxiliaries!

And yet, the effect was superb.

It must be said, in the depths of the twelfth month, both the Fen River and the frozen lake had long since frozen a full foot thick and could easily bear foot traffic. However, the Taiyuan troops had long prepared for this, laboriously smashing and breaking up large sections of ice beforehand, so that the Youzhou army dared not advance across the Fen River or the frozen lake, where the ice conditions were uncertain. But even so, no matter how much ice they smashed, in such low temperatures, how could they truly create an ice-free zone? It was nothing more than using ice ridges and thin ice to form a defensive line akin to a combination of chevaux-de-frise and pit traps.

Of course, ever since Gongsun Xun's battle at Guanzhong, the whole realm practically turned pale at the mention of ice — the deterrent power of this thing was beyond doubt. Even the fiercest warrior feared stepping into an ice pit and dying like a lump of dumpling filling.

But now, the Youzhou army had used the very camp they had labored so hard to build the day before to forcibly lay down several unimaginable "pontoon bridges" across the ice of the Fen River!

The ice conditions were uncertain, yet they were enough to support the wooden palisades; the rough covering of tents was enough to keep the palisades from slipping and made them easy to connect… In a brief moment — truly a brief moment — the Youzhou army had laid down three "pontoon bridges"! Each bridge was crooked and askew, and none was particularly sturdy, but they were more than sufficient to cross the mere hundred-odd paces of the still-frozen Fen River!

The Taiyuan troops, suddenly realizing what was happening, rushed to meet them, but it was precisely at this moment that the most elite and outstanding force in the entire Youzhou army — the White Horse Volunteers — abandoned their horses to fight on foot and charged across the palisades over the river… In fact, before the last raft of logs was even in place, the three commanders Zhao Yun, Tian Yu, and Wen Ze had already led the charge themselves, all leaping onto the opposite bank to protect the log rafts.

In roughly half a shichen, the small eastern encampment beneath Jinyang's walls, which held about two or three thousand men, was completely overturned by the Youzhou army, and its commander, a deputy general surnamed Wang, was dispatched by a single spear thrust from Zhao Yun. On the western side, the narrow pass was likewise brought under Youzhou army control through Gao Shun's fierce assault!

It must be said that the walls of Jinyang were tall and imposing, and with such natural barriers and military deployments before them, no one knew how many of Jinyang's local gentry and commoners had climbed the walls to watch the battle. At first, they merely whispered among themselves at the sight of the Youzhou army's formidable formations, but now, witnessing the Youzhou army's might, they were struck speechless with shock!

Gongsun Xun caught a distant glimpse of this, and a thought stirred in his heart. He turned and summoned Wei Yue, giving him brief instructions.

The battle continued… In truth, although Yang Zhong beneath the western wall had also been frightened by the Youzhou army's martial prowess, he still had some grounds for confidence:

First, the main camp beneath the western wall where Yang Zhong was stationed had ample troops — four to five thousand men.

Second, unlike the isolated small camp on the eastern side, which relied solely on the river for support, this main camp behind the frozen lake on the western side had Guo Yun with eight hundred men stationed on the hill further west. Even if these Youzhou troops truly charged to the very edge of the camp, as long as Guo Yun led his forces out in an attack from above, he could sever the narrow pass in one stroke and in turn encircle those Youzhou soldiers who had charged too far forward.

Third, even if this entire battle were lost — lost utterly and completely — and all the camps, hills, and waterways outside the city used for support were gone in an instant, it would not matter. Behind this military camp was the western gate of Jinyang itself, and within the city there were plenty of able-bodied men and provisions — they could simply withdraw into the city and hold it!

Thus, Yang Zhong sat steadily on the high platform in the main camp outside the western wall and continued to calmly dispatch troops to block the Youzhou army at the narrow pass opposite.

However, Gao Shun was truly one of the foremost veteran commanders of the age at breaking enemy formations, and the troops under his command were elite infantry rarely seen in the present era, combining experience, equipment, logistics, and quality into one. So although Yang Zhong had superior numbers, he was still steadily and relentlessly pushed back by Gao Shun, step by step!

"Watching Suqing fight is like watching the wolf packs of northern Bing hunt a herd of roe deer — his defense is utterly flawless, and his attacks always strike straight at the vital points… Moreover, his unit's military bearing is strict and orderly, their coordination superb, and they specialize in shield and spear. When it comes to seizing formations and crushing armies, this unit can be called the finest infantry in our entire force!" Lou Gui sighed with admiration from afar. "By comparison, although the White Horse Volunteers are each one man picked from a hundred, and their smashing of the small eastern camp just now had the force of a raging gale and stormy waves, it cannot help but seem somewhat reliant on sheer momentum. And besides, there are far too many outstanding officers among them…"

"That is the honest truth," Tian Feng said, stroking his beard and sighing from the side. "In truth, what the White Horse Volunteers have learned and what they wield is too varied. When it truly comes to battle, they must mount their horses to dominate by virtue of their diverse martial skills… However, I suspect our lord is also reluctant to use this unit as a mere instrument for charging and breaking enemy lines, is he not?"

Gongsun Xun smiled without speaking, though no one knew what thought had crossed his mind.

And even as they spoke, the battle situation had already shifted once more. It turned out that once the small camp beneath the eastern wall of Jinyang had been destroyed, a fair amount of wooden palisades, tents, and other materials had been left behind… Wang Xiu made a prompt decision and directly ordered the auxiliaries to salvage what they could from there, and then began laying pontoon bridges across the stretch of the Fen River that flowed out from beneath Jinyang's central wall, attempting to have the White Horse Volunteers cross the river from that point as well, so as to coordinate with Gao Shun in a two-pronged assault on Yang Zhong's main camp beneath the western wall.

Seeing this, Yang Zhong naturally grew increasingly flustered and hurriedly redeployed his troops.

But as the saying goes, the situation on the battlefield shifts in the blink of an eye. Just as the "pontoon bridge" across the Fen River at the central wall was being laid down once more, another tremendous change occurred on the battlefield.

It turned out that earlier, the Youzhou army's deputy cavalry commander Wei Yue had secretly led packhorses laden with war drums, bronze gongs, and horns to the area beneath the already-captured eastern wall of Jinyang… Then, seizing the moment when the Volunteers were making their second "river crossing," he suddenly began to "play music"!

Across a single moat, gongs and drums suddenly blared in unison. The Jinyang gentry and commoners watching the battle from the city wall were first given a terrible fright, and then tried to retreat. But the cacophony was so overwhelming that even as they withdrew, they could not help but be caught up in it, adding their own clamor… Above the walls and below, inside the city and out, for a time it was a scene of utter pandemonium.

Yang Zhong, seated on his high platform, could naturally see clearly and understood what was happening. But the soldiers in his camp all lost their composure, clearly gripped by the fear that the eastern wall had been breached and their homes were no longer safe.

This was what is meant by the army's morale suddenly collapsing into chaos.

But it did not end there. How could Gongsun Xun let such an opportunity slip? Seeing that the little trick he had devised on a whim had produced such an enormous effect, he no longer hesitated. He personally gave the order for the entire army, arrayed in formation on the northern side of the frozen lake to watch the battle, to raise a cheer in unison.

At this, the Taiyuan army's main camp west of the city instantly fell into complete disarray along the entire line!

Yang Zhong had never imagined that the dignified General of the Guards would resort to such a battlefield trick, much less that it would have such an effect. He could not help but rise from his seat on the distant high platform and curse furiously. Yet the surrounding noise was so loud that no one could hear a word he was saying!

In fact, his own loss of composure only made the already thoroughly panicked soldiers in the camp even more convinced that Jinyang had already fallen…

Now, how could frontline commanders like Gao Shun, Zhao Yun, Tian Yu, and Yuwen Heita possibly let such an opportunity slip? Both sides struck with full force almost simultaneously, and in one surge they pushed right up to the very edge of the Taiyuan army's camp!

Yang Zhong, watching the situation from afar, let out a sigh. He stopped cursing and no longer hesitated. He actually rose to his feet, drew his blade, and personally cut down one of the two banners that had been planted earlier on the high platform!

And as this banner slid down from the high platform, further west of the main camp, a military encampment on the hill immediately stirred into motion.

Lou Gui and the others understood at once what was happening and immediately pointed it out to Gongsun Xun. Seeing this, Gongsun Xun also let out a wry laugh — and then gave an utterly unimaginable order.

"Have the whole army shout in unison: 'Carry the pot!'"

"Bei Guo?"

"Boycott?"

"Shoulder the dagger-axe?"

"Elegy?"

The officers in the army were all bewildered, but they managed to convey the general sound down the ranks... Presently, the Youzhou Army's formation actually began shouting "Elegy!" in unison!

At the same time, Yang Zhong also hurriedly cut down the second banner, then hastily descended the platform.

"Uncle!" Guo Hu, Guo Yun's nephew, hurriedly came to request instructions. "Down below, Grand Administrator Yang has already cut down the second banner. This means the situation is extremely urgent and we must go down immediately to escort him into the city!"

"This is too much bullying!" Amid the chaotic and enormous cries of "Elegy!", Guo Yun shook his head helplessly, then abruptly rose to his feet and drew his saber. "The entire army follows me down the mountain! The enemy is at the gates of Jinyang!"

With these words, he took the lead himself, showing considerable courage — he personally wielded a naked blade and led his troops in a charge down the mountain! And from top to bottom, in one continuous sweep, in an instant, these eight hundred fresh troops from the mountain had already surged straight down.

Seeing the enemy on the mountain suddenly arrive, Gao Shun, positioned disadvantageously at the foot of the mountain, was alarmed and uncertain. He hurriedly ordered his forces to contract. However, amid the cries of "Elegy!", the commander of these several hundred troops on the mountain, Guo Yun, actually ignored Gao Shun and abandoned the bulk of his own forces. Instead, he took only a hundred or so trusted men and directly surged into the main camp, heading for the city gate at the rear of the camp. Moreover, he very efficiently seized control of the drawbridge at the great northern gate of Jinyang's western wall behind the camp, and countless routed soldiers were also orderly dispatched by him back into the city.

Yang Zhong, watching from afar, naturally breathed a sigh of relief and continued shouting orders to gather the routed troops, preparing to bring as many soldiers back into the city as possible. However, the Youzhou Army advanced with extreme speed, and it was already evident they had fought their way into the stockade. Reinforcements also continuously surged over from the pass and the "pontoon bridge." Yang Zhong shook his head helplessly, silently cursed a few names in his heart, then simply abandoned the routed troops and headed directly for the city gate.

Then, just as countless clever people had long guessed, Guo Yun, from a distance, bared his naked blade at him and publicly cut the ropes of the drawbridge.

Yang Zhong was shocked beyond control... It must be understood that even when defeat was certain moments before, he had not truly panicked, only felt somewhat dejected. But now, it was truly as if he had fallen into an ice cave on the Fen River — he completely collapsed!

But it did not matter; this terrible feeling quickly ceased, because just at that moment, before Yang Zhong could even voice his question, an arrow shot from afar, directly piercing through this Grand Administrator of Taiyuan's temple and causing him to die cleanly on the spot.

Guo Yun, seeing Yang Zhong die before him, felt his already terrible mood worsen by several degrees. He could not help but look angrily toward the archer... He recognized this man. He knew this man was a leader among the White Horse Volunteers, a trusted subordinate of Gongsun Xun, and one of the few people who knew he was an inside agent!

Gongsun Xun could avoid those wise counselors and army generals, but there were some matters he simply could not avoid from these men!

However, Tian Yu, covered in bloodstains, put away his bow and arrows and did not even glance at Guo Yun. Amid the panicked flight of routed soldiers around him, he simply came before Yang Zhong's body, bent down, and personally closed those eyes that could not rest in peace:

"What a pity. But if one governor dies today, perhaps ten thousand of the weak and frail may live elsewhere! Your single death is as weighty as Mount Tai!"

Hearing these words, all of Guo Yun's myriad frustrations dissolved into nothingness, and he could only raise his head to the sky and sigh.

On the sixteenth day of the twelfth month of the sixth year of Zhongping, Gongsun Xun, who had been campaigning for several months, breached Jinyang, the famous city of central Jin, and killed Yang Zhong, the Grand Administrator of Taiyuan. Although he was still far from controlling the entire Taiyuan Commandery, the overall situation was already in hand. And at the same time, separated by Shangdang and Henei, at the very center of the Great Han Empire, a group of ambitious lords, heroes and champions, renowned ministers and excellent generals, venomous advisors and vicious villains, were also each preparing to display their loyalty, filial piety, integrity, righteousness, divine martial prowess, and strategic brilliance before the entire realm.

—————— I am the dividing line for those who received no Valentine's Day gifts ——————

"At that time, Yang Zhong's troops were encamped below the western wall of Jinyang, with their backs to a strong city, a lake before them, and a stone mountain flanking them. On the mountain was a military stockade, and only the pass between the mountain and the lake allowed the passage of troops. When Xun arrived below the city and sought battle, none of the various armies dared to advance first; only Gao Shun did. Xun encouraged him, and thereupon used the White Horse Volunteers to cross the Fen River and attack the east, while ordering Gao Shun to seize the pass and attack Yang Zhong. The thousand-odd troops under Gao Shun's command, their armor and weapons all finely crafted and uniformly arrayed, every soldier handpicked, were named the Formation Breakers. In every assault, none could withstand them. Once he received the order, he immediately formed ranks and attacked. Yang Zhong's troops were numerous and held advantageous terrain, yet Gao Shun's unit was calm and unhurried, using the few to strike the many, attacking and prevailing, prevailing and holding ground, holding without losing it, and without losing it, attacking again. At that time, tens of thousands of men and women of Jinyang City climbed the walls to watch the battle. Seeing Gao Shun's unit attack like wolves and tigers, they thereupon fled in a great clamor, trampling and stumbling over one another, the sound like rolling thunder. Gao Shun then spread the call: 'The rebels are defeated!' The entire army was roused; the small camps on the left and right and the mountain camp all fell. They then combined their strength and fiercely attacked again. Yang Zhong's army was utterly routed, and he himself died amidst the chaos. Thus was Taiyuan pacified." — Records of Heroes at the End of Han, by Wang Can

PS: Continuing to kowtow for New Year greetings... no, wait... Happy Valentine's Day, everyone! Happy Valentine's Day to single folks too! Also, thanks to classmate Jinse Qiujia for the red-envelope reward. Also, the battle example where civilians watching the battle triggered a total collapse and the breaching of a strong city is historically real... In history, Yuwen Xin and Gao Jiong used this very tactic to capture Yecheng and pacify Yuchi Jiong, though their methods were rather cruel.

The new group is 931557287; those interested can join.

(End of Chapter)