[{"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-69":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},2364338,4623,"Chapter 69: Breaking the Siege of Yangzhou","restoring-the-mountains-and-rivers-chapter-69",69,"\u003Cp>“So eager to see me—has something major happened?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Marquis of Wuyang asked irritably.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Disturbing someone’s sleep in the dead of night is utterly annoying.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If the situation weren’t so unusual, he’d have thrown the man out long ago.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Congratulations, Marquis!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Under your brilliant command, our troops launched a night raid on the rebel camp, burning countless supplies and slaying fifteen thousand rebels and eight hundred officers…”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The enemy is in chaos—expected to retreat by tomorrow.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The siege of Yangzhou is lifted!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>When Li Mu finished speaking, the Marquis of Wuyang was stunned.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He’d seen boastful men before, but never one this bold.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>What night raid? He had no knowledge of any such thing.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>For a moment, the Marquis of Wuyang wondered if he was hallucinating.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Li Battalion Commander, think carefully—falsifying battlefield reports is punishable by death!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Marquis of Wuyang asked sternly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Marquis, every word I said is true!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“If you doubt it, come with me to the city wall—right now, the rebel camp is ablaze, filled with shouts and screams.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As for the exact number of enemy slain, it’s too dark to count properly—but the number is certainly substantial.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Once the enemy retreats, we’ll send men out to collect the corpses—then we’ll know the true tally!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Seeing Li Mu speak with such conviction, the Marquis of Wuyang was already nine-tenths convinced of the night raid’s success.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The only lingering doubt was the headcount—perhaps slightly inflated.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Those were minor issues; as long as Yangzhou’s siege was broken, the battle report could be smoothed over.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“How many men did you send on the night raid?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Marquis of Wuyang asked with interest.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>To share credit, their stories had to match.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Five hundred men!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Mu answered honestly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Upon hearing this, the Marquis of Wuyang rolled his eyes.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Are you kidding me?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Five hundred soldiers launch a night raid, burn enemy grain depots, and slay ten thousand enemies?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If such a fantasy report reached the Emperor, even I, as the imperial uncle, couldn’t shield you from his wrath.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Young men are bold—willing to risk anything for glory.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Fine, let’s go to the wall together.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Marquis of Wuyang waved dismissively.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Though he suspected exaggeration, he still believed the raid had succeeded.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Knowing Li Mu as he did, the man might inflate the numbers—but wouldn’t fabricate a battle out of thin air.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After quickly donning his official robes, the group headed straight for the city wall.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Gazing at the distant flames and listening to the screams from the rebel camp, the Marquis of Wuyang’s grim face broke into a smile.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“The enemy seems to have suffered a camp mutiny—was your raid responsible?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Marquis of Wuyang asked pointedly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Camp mutinies during war were rare—but when they happened, fortune smiled upon you.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After the enemy slaughtered each other, you could simply go out and collect heads—ready-made battlefield merit.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Commander, the rebel mutiny was caused by our raid.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“In their temporary camp, they’re holding a victory feast for their heroes—and the soldiers are waiting for you to distribute silver rewards!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I made a personal promise: anyone who successfully burns the enemy’s grain stores gets fifty taels of silver.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“For those killed, an additional fifty taels of compensation.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Surviving active officers are promoted three ranks.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“The rest will be offered government positions with a monthly salary of no less than one and a half taels—they may choose whether to accept.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hearing Li Mu’s outrageous demands, the Marquis of Wuyang was startled.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The silver reward was easy—five hundred men, a few ten thousand taels; the treasury could afford it.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The positions were even simpler—the court recruits annually, and those bold enough to raid at night were all fierce warriors.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Those willing to stay could be absorbed directly into the Five City Military Command.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But promoting all active officers three ranks? That was a nightmare—where would he find so many openings?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Didn’t you send out all your subordinate Battalion Commanders?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hearing the Marquis’s question, Li Mu realized he’d been misunderstood.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After all this, the man still doubted the raid’s authenticity.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Commander, how would I dare deceive you?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“The highest-ranking officer in the raid was merely a Platoon Leader.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Of the five hundred men, fewer than ten were active officers; only three returned alive.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Mu explained, looking genuinely aggrieved.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Sending noble Zidi  on such a suicide mission? Even a fool would see something was wrong.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Even if he wanted to win loyalty and distribute merit, he could wait until after the rebels left to collect heads—no need to create such a dangerous risk.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“If the highest commander was only a Platoon Leader, then promoting him three ranks isn’t impossible.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“My Five City Military Command has many nominal officers—adding one more Deputy Battalion Commander wouldn’t hurt.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“But there are no vacancies in the Yamen —these positions can only be honorary. To gain a real post, they must be assigned to the provinces.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“The same applies to the others—any real post requires provincial assignment.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“You started this mess—explain it to them yourself.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Marquis of Wuyang’s tone softened.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Knowing the merit came from low-ranking soldiers, he no longer doubted the raid’s truth.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Noble Zidi  might fabricate merit for themselves—but would never risk their necks for a bunch of common soldiers.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Since the raid was real, he had no fear of imperial investigation—and welcomed the added glory for himself.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Commander, rest assured—they’ll be grateful to you, not resentful!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Mu immediately declared.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In the Great Yu Dynasty, encountering a superior who didn’t steal merit and kept his promises was a blessing from eight lifetimes of good karma.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>With a greedy superior, these men’s achievements would’ve been sold off as favors.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>That the Marquis of Wuyang honored his promises without hesitation felt like a miracle to Li Mu.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Don’t celebrate too soon—we can only distribute the silver now.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Once the enemy outside retreats and we confirm Yangzhou’s siege is lifted, only then can I fulfill these appointments.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“And you, young man—you should prepare yourself.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“With such great merit, you must be moved to a new post—get your uncle to work the connections early.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“If you want to stay in the capital, fine—but if you seek an external posting, the Jiangnan region is an excellent choice.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Marquis of Wuyang smiled pleasantly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>No banquet in officialdom lasts forever.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Everyone here is connected; with the defense of Yangzhou as a credential, most will be promoted.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Thank you for your guidance, Commander!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As the Imperial Inspector of Salt Transport, the Marquis of Wuyang held influence over appointments in the Two Huai region.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>By hinting at this now, he was clearly offering a favor in return.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After all, they moved in the same circle—merit couldn’t be taken without reciprocity.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Understanding the subtext, Li Mu’s head ached.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>By convention, capital officials posted outside were promoted one rank.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Add this achievement, and two promotions were certain—three might even be possible.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Promotion was assured; the key was the posting.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Among officers of the same rank, authority could differ vastly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Choosing the right position was the key to the next step.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Burdened with thoughts, Li Mu attended the victory feast—dawn was breaking by the time it ended.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Neither Li Mu nor the Marquis of Wuyang felt any sleepiness; they stood silently on the wall, waiting for the final outcome.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The fire in the rebel camp still burned, the screams had long ceased, and no movement could be seen in the distance.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Battalion Commander, the enemy has fled!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hearing the scout’s report, Li Mu broke into a delighted smile.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He had won the gamble!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Commander, order the gates opened—pursue the fleeing remnants!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Mu immediately spoke up.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It’s time to claim heads.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If we don’t act quickly, the other officers will move first.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Issue orders to all units: open the city gates and pursue the remnants.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Don’t chase too far—beware of an enemy counterattack!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Marquis Wuyang issued his orders with great triumph.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The curse that had plagued him for days was finally lifted.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After this battle, anyone who dares say he rose through connections will get a slap.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As an imperial relative with military merit, he had already separated himself qualitatively from those imperial relatives who merely ate and waited to die.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>(End of Chapter)\u003C\u002Fp>",1365,"2026-06-21T08:09:02.410Z",1,"Qwen3.5 397B","4e5075e60869ad803d6006cd14a5e54186df5cf087e68f3a7a50a1f38413606e","restoring-the-mountains-and-rivers-chapter-70","restoring-the-mountains-and-rivers-chapter-68",391,"https:\u002F\u002Fnovelzhen.com\u002Fimages\u002Fcovers\u002Frestoring-the-mountains-and-rivers-cover.jpg"]