[{"data":1,"prerenderedAt":-1},["ShallowReactive",2],{"origin-restoring-the-mountains-and-rivers":3,"chapter-restoring-the-mountains-and-rivers-restoring-the-mountains-and-rivers-chapter-389":6},{"origin":4,"title":5},"chinese","Restoring the Mountains and Rivers",{"chapter":7,"nextChapterSlug":19,"prevChapterSlug":20,"totalChapters":21,"novelImage":22},{"id":8,"novel_id":9,"title":10,"slug":11,"index":12,"content":13,"wordcount":14,"created_at":15,"updated_at":15,"volume":16,"translator":17,"content_hash":18},2364658,4623,"Chapter 389: Struggle","restoring-the-mountains-and-rivers-chapter-389",389,"\u003Cp>On the battlefield, an army's collapse often happens in an instant.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The supervisory troops failed to act at the critical moment, instantly triggering countless copycats, and within the blink of an eye, it evolved into a massive rout.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The city gates, heavily guarded, were simply handed over by the defenders, allowing countless Yu troops to rush into the city.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"You may proceed.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Remember this clearly: the Court wishes to recover Annan but does not want to leave behind any hidden dangers.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Anyone who might threaten the Court's rule must disappear.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Once this matter is handled well, not only will you receive pardons, but you will also each receive a share of the fine fertile lands outside.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Seeing that the city was about to fall, Zhang Ning solemnly instructed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Before entering Annan, he had always opposed Li Mu's plans for Annan.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>However, after witnessing with his own eyes the vast fertile fields along the Nine Dragons River, his stance instantly shifted from opposition to support.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Having so much fertile land left in the hands of barbarians was truly too wasteful.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhang Ning was not the only one whose stance was affected; most of the troops participating in the expedition had become strategic supporters.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>There was no other reason; Li Mu had made a promise beforehand to share these fertile lands with everyone.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Most soldiers in the army came from peasant backgrounds, and their longing for land was deeply ingrained in their bones.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Compared to the two Guang regions, which were dominated by mountains and hills, the Red River Plain was far too fertile.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>To obtain this land, one first had to eliminate its original owners.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Such dirty work was not suitable for the official army to handle personally.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It did not matter if the rebel army did it; their cover identity was the Annan Rebel Army, dedicated to overthrowing the Annan King's rule.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The news the Court received would only be that the Annan King had acted perversely, forcing the people to rebel due to oppressive officials.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As for what the rebel army did, that was an internal conflict of the Annan Kingdom and had nothing to do with the Yu Army.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Yu Army marched south to punish the disloyal and to save the people and punish the guilty.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Regional Commander, you can rest assured; we guarantee we will handle this matter beautifully.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"If any fish slip through the net, we will take responsibility for the cleanup!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The bearded burly man immediately pounded his chest to assure him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Doing dirty and exhausting work was fine; the Court assigning them tasks meant they had value.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In these chaotic times, only those with value could live comfortably.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As for the excessive killing, that was done by the Annan rebels; what did it have to do with them, the common people of Great Yu?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Anyone mixing in this world prepared several cover identities!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"The city has fallen!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>When the disastrous news reached the Prime Minister's residence, Cui Zi fainted directly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Defeat collapsing like a mountain became the true portrayal of the Thang Long defenders.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Everyone was busy fleeing for their lives, and no one stopped the enemy from entering the city.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Cui Zi's fainting left the city without leadership.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>When disaster strikes, each flies away on their own.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At the moment of life and death, human nature withstands testing the least.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>One after another, they shouted loyalty to the Great Viet Dynasty, yet when the city fell, each ran faster than the last.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Except for a very few who chose to die for their country, most of the nobility took their valuables and embarked on the path of escape.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Unfortunately, it was all too late; the rebel army entering the city was targeting them specifically.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Even setting aside the Court's promises, the treasures they carried on their persons alone were worth the effort.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Viet Army Camp.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Shi Yufeng, what have you been doing?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Despite being a veteran minister of three reigns and a seasoned general of our Great Viet, he could not even accomplish the task of intercepting the enemy.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"This old bastard has ruined me!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"...\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Facing the Emperor's endless angry scolding, everyone in the tent had long grown accustomed to it.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Since the great army began its retreat, the Emperor's temper had suddenly become irritable.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At the slightest issue, he would beat or scold his subordinates.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This left the ministers trembling with fear, terrified of becoming the Emperor's punching bag.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Having just received disastrous news that the enemy had latched onto the rear guard, posing a severe danger to the Viet Army's safety, Hu Yuzhe's fury was ignited once again.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Your Majesty, calm your anger!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Everyone spoke in unison.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Regardless of whether they could persuade the Emperor, the necessary formalities could not be omitted.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Hmph!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Now that things have reached this point, you still tell me to calm my anger? If I calm down any further, the Great Viet Dynasty will be gone!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Must we wait until the enemy breaches Thang Long City before you realize the severity of the situation?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hu Yuzhe's outburst left the ministers extremely awkward.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>With the rear guard pinned by the enemy, they were equally worried.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But some matters could not be resolved simply by rushing.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Turning the army back to rescue them would amount to a decisive battle with the enemy's main force.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Winning would be one thing, but if they carelessly lost, the Great Viet Dynasty would be finished immediately.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Regardless of whether they could drive out the Yu Army in the future, the realm would change hands.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If they did not go to the rescue, the rear guard would inevitably suffer heavy losses.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The war had progressed to a point where Great Viet had been slowly carved up; after losing more troops and generals, there would be no way to survive in the days ahead.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Your Majesty, the Art of War states: 'Do not mobilize the army in anger!'\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Although the enemy is detestable, the most urgent task now is to withdraw the army to protect the foundation lands of Hanoi first.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"If we stop to tangle with the Yu Army, we will fall exactly into the enemy's scheme.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"They are clinging to us relentlessly, attempting only to delay time and buy opportunities for those Yu troops disguised as rebels.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Chen Jingfu stepped forward to advise.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The strategic plans of both sides were laid bare on the table.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Knowing full well it was a trap set by the enemy, they could only follow the script and jump into the pit voluntarily.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Liangshan was impoverished and could not support an army of over a hundred thousand.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Having lost the Hanoi region, even if they defeated the pursuers behind them, they would still be trapped and starved to death here.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Transmit the edict: order the rear guard to serve as the rearguard force; they must hold off the enemy for seven days.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After glancing at everyone, Hu Yuzhe steeled his heart and spoke.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Unable to change the strategic plan, they could only try to minimize losses as much as possible.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>With the rear guard pinned by the enemy, it would be difficult to shake off the enemy's pursuit without reinforcements.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Since they were destined to be lost, it was better to make these sacrifices more valuable.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Report!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Your Majesty, urgent... military intelligence... from the rear...\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Thang... Thang Long... City...\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Before finishing the sentence, the messenger collapsed to the ground unconscious.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ignoring the need to save the man, Hu Yuzhe snatched the military report, and upon opening it, his body instantly began to tremble.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Impossible!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"This is impossible!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Thang Long City was the capital of the Great Viet Dynasty; its walls were solid and its grain supplies sufficient. Under normal circumstances, holding out for a year or two would not be a problem.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The urgency to lead the great army back was not due to fear of the enemy breaching Thang Long City, but rather fear of rebels causing widespread destruction in the Hanoi area.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Seeing the Emperor lose his composure, the ministers also became panicked.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>An ominous premonition arose in the hearts of everyone present.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Everyone, do not overthink; Thang Long City is fine. My loss of composure just now was mainly due to the passing of the Prime Minister.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Prime Minister Cui was a veteran minister of three reigns; his sudden departure means I have lost a pillar of support!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After recovering a sliver of rationality, Hu Yuzhe hurriedly explained.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Unfortunately, everyone present was intelligent; the more he tried to cover it up, the more certain they became that something had happened to Thang Long City.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If it were merely the Prime Minister's death, no matter how grief-stricken the Emperor was, he would not have displayed an expression of panic.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>According to normal procedure, upon the Prime Minister's death, the most urgent task would be to select an official to continue managing the domestic situation.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Your Majesty, restrain your grief!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The ministers shouted in unison.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Seeing through it but not speaking aloud was the way of officials.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>With their power and influence, no matter how the Emperor blocked the news, they would uncover the whole story within a few days.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hu Xinbo was naturally aware of these matters.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The current information blockade was primarily intended to stabilize morale while they deliberated on their next move.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>With Thang Long City lost, the fall of the Hanoi region was merely a matter of time.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Having lost their foundational territory, the food, water, and sanitation for these hundreds of thousands of troops had become a colossal problem.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In the past, when faced with invasions from the Central Plains dynasties, they would always retreat southward.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The current situation was unique; the Great Viet Empire had long been severed at the waist, with rebel armies and pirates rampant everywhere.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After those scoundrels had ravaged the land, even if he led his troops there, he feared they would find nothing but dirt to eat.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Rebel armies and pirates might not defeat a regular army in battle, but the destruction they inflicted upon the common people was countless times greater than that of regular forces.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This was especially true in those newly annexed territories, which were still filled with numerous remnants of the former dynasty; it was estimated that they had already broken free from Great Viet's rule.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Enough for today; everyone dismiss and rest!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hu Xinbo ordered, barely suppressing his rage.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The matters to be discussed next involved too much sensitive content, suitable only for trusted confidants.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>To ensure stability in the rear, he had brought along the leaders of the factions at court who did not submit to him when he launched this expedition.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He had originally intended to establish his authority through military achievements and intimidate those fellows.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He never expected the situation to develop in the opposite direction.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The setbacks on the battlefield had greatly diminished his status as Emperor in the eyes of his ministers.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Especially that group of fellows who refused to submit to him; privately, they had not spared any sarcastic jabs at him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Given the current dire situation, Hu Xinbo was deeply worried that these fellows would sell him out at a critical moment.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Great Viet Empire had always been governed jointly by the Emperor and the aristocratic families, with social stratification even more severe than in Great Yu.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Only the region's abundant resources, combined with continuous victories in foreign wars, had masked the internal contradictions.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>According to the normal rhythm, a disastrous defeat in a foreign war would inevitably intensify internal contradictions.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The endless rebel armies emerging domestically were a manifestation of these intensified internal contradictions.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Without the participation of locals, relying solely on those foreign prisoners of war, it would have been impossible to spread the sparks of rebellion across the entire country in such a short time.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Mere uprisings by the lower classes had already turned the Great Viet Empire upside down.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If the aristocratic families opposed to him were to join in as well, the situation would be utterly beyond redemption.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In fact, Hu Xinbo had never been able to understand why the Yu army was launching fierce military attacks without engaging in political persuasion for surrender.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>For the aristocratic families, as long as the Yu dynasty was willing to stop, anything was negotiable, whether ceding territory and paying indemnities, or replacing him as Emperor.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It was precisely because the enemy had not made an offer that these people remained standing with him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Once the enemy changed their strategy, his rule could collapse at any moment.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Under the tributary system, it was nothing new for the Emperor of Great Yu to issue an imperial edict dismissing the king of a vassal state.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>With a sense of crisis now weighing on his mind, Hu Xinbo had been living in constant fear these past few days.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>To consolidate his position, he was forced to maintain an aggressive demeanor at all times.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>To outsiders, he appeared quick to anger when faced with problems, but in reality, it was all to mask the fear within his heart.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Bang, bang, bang...\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The dense volleys of musket fire made the Viet troops responsible for the rearguard action suffer immensely.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The musketeers suffered the most; the ammunition they carried had long been exhausted, rendering their weapons nothing more than firewood sticks.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>On the battlefield, every inch of length conferred an advantage; to adapt to the new combat conditions, they could only hastily manufacture a batch of bamboo spears to make do.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The weapons were a minor issue; what gave them the biggest headache was that the Yu army played dirty.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Clearly, they could have engaged in close-quarters combat, yet the enemy always preferred using muskets and cannons.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Several times they had formed their battle lines, intending to engage the enemy in a decisive battle, only to be blasted until they lost all spirit to fight.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Send someone to urge the Ministry of War to hurry up and deliver ammunition to us!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Watching his troops retreat in disarray, Pu Yufeng could not help but issue the order.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>However, these efforts were destined to be futile.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>With the main army retreating all the way, who would still send military supplies to this side?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Moreover, even if the Ministry of War wanted to send supplies, the rear had to be capable of delivering them first.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"My Lord, weapons and ammunition alone are not enough; have them send a batch of grain and fodder as well.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Our provisions were mostly lost during the earlier battles, and some units are about to run out of food entirely.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The middle-aged lieutenant standing nearby hurriedly added.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>That the main army had not collapsed entirely during this step-by-step retreating rearguard action was a testament to their formidable combat effectiveness.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Had the timing been different and the two armies faced off in a direct confrontation, they would certainly not have suffered such a humiliating defeat.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Inform His Majesty that our unit has exhausted both ammunition and food.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Order the troops ahead to leave a batch of supplies for us along their retreat route for emergency use.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Transmit orders for all units to contribute the grain they hold so we can cook meals together.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His Majesty's decree to us is to delay the enemy for seven days; hold on a little longer, and it will soon pass.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Pu Yufeng nodded and said.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At this moment, he finally understood Shi Yufeng's bitterness.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>With that useless teammate in the Ministry of War, strategic materials could not be delivered in time, meaning the army's full combat effectiveness could at best be reduced to thirty or forty percent.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If such a meager level of combat power could still defeat the enemy, then the outcome between the two sides would have been decided back at Zhennan Pass.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"My Lord, why not simply requisition grain locally!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"No matter how poor the Liangshan region is, it should still be able to gather enough food to supply us for a few days.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The grain and fodder for the retreating army should have been their responsibility to provide; their share of the blame is clear now that the army lacks food.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The middle-aged lieutenant spoke with righteous indignation.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Although Liangshan held strategic importance, its development was severely limited by its geographical location.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Nominally a provincial capital, it was in reality inferior to some large county towns.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ever since Great Yu abandoned Jiaozhi, they had never set their sights on this place again, and the local area had enjoyed peace for over a hundred years.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Were it not for the outbreak of war, the high command of Great Viet would never have remembered this place, let alone invested any resources here.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>By now, the local gentry had long vanished, and even the officials of the local yamen, upon receiving news of the army's retreat, had chosen to flee immediately.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Without the cooperation of local powers, the best option to quickly gather a batch of grain was to let the soldiers loose to plunder.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Or more precisely, to commit robbery under the guise of requisitioning grain.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After all, the Liangshan region was about to fall into enemy hands, and the probability of Great Viet recovering the lost territory was essentially zero.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Whatever could be seized now was pure profit, with no need to worry about reckoning by the court.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Mm!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I hear there are rebel armies causing trouble nearby; be careful when going out to requisition grain.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Of the captured spoils, besides keeping our share, set aside a portion to grease the wheels of relationships.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Order the soldiers holding the rearguard against the enemy to withdraw by nightfall; we will directly defend Liangshan City and cease engaging the enemy in field battles.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Pu Yufeng decided immediately.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>There were many ways to boost morale, and the simplest operation among them was to let the soldiers loot.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Once everyone had made a fortune, morale would recover.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Holding Liangshan for the long term was unrealistic, but defending it for a few days was still achievable.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>(End of Chapter)\u003C\u002Fp>",2999,"2026-06-21T08:09:04.021Z",1,"Qwen3.5 397B","cdd8fc577608096866005cc82ca0f86a11c8d57190dba3ef6f47d5db6963ba7f","restoring-the-mountains-and-rivers-chapter-390","restoring-the-mountains-and-rivers-chapter-388",391,"https:\u002F\u002Fnovelzhen.com\u002Fimages\u002Fcovers\u002Frestoring-the-mountains-and-rivers-cover.jpg"]