Chapter 134: Left Route Army Commander
Facing Xiao Lintta’s accusation, Li Xiao remained calm and composed.
He had long anticipated that Xiao Lintta would challenge him, yet he didn’t take it to heart at all.
Xiao Simo had clearly known about this for some time, and his face showed a timely expression of frustration as he lightly frowned and shook his head.
On one hand, both Xiao Lintta and Li Xiao were his capable right-hand men, yet they were at odds due to differing positions.
Although he had deliberately orchestrated this from behind the scenes, he did not want their enmity to affect the warfare.
On the other hand, he was also annoyed that Li Xiao had brought trouble upon him, thinking to himself: “This bastard boy, even if he wanted to attack the Duoluoban Tribe, he should have waited until the war was over.”
The matter of the Duoluoban Tribe had indeed already caused panic among the other tribes of the Seven Rivers Grassland.
If Li Xiao could not provide a valid reason, Xiao Simo would have to punish him lightly to silence the crowd.
Otherwise, it would be like Yelü Zhilugu’s protection of Tāyánggǔ, leading to the loss of all popular support.
“Li Xiao, what do you have to say for yourself?”
“This King’s military order to you was to eliminate Basaigan’s forces, so why did you also attack and destroy the Duoluoban Tribe?”
“Did you not know that Duoluotahan has already submitted to This King?”
Xiao Simo’s voice was indifferent, carrying a tone of reproach but actually reminding Li Xiao.
As long as Li Xiao followed his lead and claimed it was an accidental injury to the Duoluoban Tribe, he could deal with him leniently, with a light punishment serving as a warning.
But Li Xiao was already prepared for this and said unhurriedly: “Lord, this general did not kill innocents indiscriminately; the Duoluoban Tribe truly deserved it.”
He then turned to Xiao Lintta and asked: “Governor Xiao, according to our Great Liao laws, what is the punishment for harboring and concealing a death row criminal?”
Xiao Lintta, experienced as he was, immediately understood Li Xiao’s intent upon hearing this, frowned slightly, and replied: “Same crime, but~”
Before he could finish, Li Xiao interrupted him.
“Let me finish first.”
Li Xiao looked serious as he turned to Xiao Simo and said: “After this general broke through Basaigan’s forces, their Sijin Tiyal fled to the Duoluoban Tribe.”
“When this general went to demand the man, Tarhan not only lied that Tiyal was not there but also drew his blade and actively attacked our army.”
“Tarhan even boasted wildly that he and Governor Xiao Lintta were sworn friends for life, and not long ago he had written a letter to Governor Xiao and sent some gifts!”
Hearing this, Xiao Lintta could no longer hold back and angrily shouted: “He’s talking nonsense!”
“This Governor doesn’t even know him.”
He knew full well that he could not have any association with Tarhan, especially letter correspondence; such secret collusion was a great taboo for those in power.
Li Xiao smiled: “I said that Sijin called Tarhan was lying. Governor Xiao, far away in Jin Prefecture—if he had frequent letter exchanges with him, wouldn’t that suggest disloyal intentions?”
But in truth, there were no such letters at all.
They were all fabricated by Li Xiao to smear Xiao Lintta.
“You…”
Xiao Lintta’s face was furious as he glared fixedly at Li Xiao. “Don’t quibble; we’re talking about your matter now!”
Li Xiao’s lips curved slightly as he smiled faintly: “Alright, let’s talk about my matter.”
“The Duoluoban Tribe attacked proactively, our army was forced to counterattack, and after a fierce battle, we broke through them and beheaded their Sijin Tarhan.”
That’s right, that guy had already been dealt with by Li Xiao.
That reckless bastard actually dared to propose marriage to Xiao Simo, to marry Xiao Yanyan?
Li Xiao had once said that anyone who dared to marry her would have their entire clan exterminated.
Not only was Tarhan beheaded, but even all his family members were not spared.
Except for one person.
That was his Hdun, Chuluo Susi.
Soon, two of Xiao Simo’s personal guards brought in a woman.
Her face was pale, she wore a simple round robe, her hair disheveled; clearly, she had suffered multiple severe whippings.
Li Xiao said: “Lord, this woman is the Hdun of the Duoluoban Tribe, Chuluo Susi; her sister is Jie’er Khan’s consort.”
As he spoke, he pretended to be embarrassed and said softly: “This general initially did not know her identity, so…”
They were all men; seeing a woman in such a state, who wouldn’t know what good deed Li Xiao had done?
Well now!
He had directly become brothers-in-law with Yelü Zhilugu.
Xiao Tula Duo and the others chuckled, their eyes inevitably showing some envy.
Chuluo Susi was stunningly beautiful and very pretty; more importantly, her status was something ordinary people couldn’t obtain.
Xiao Simo glared at him fiercely but said nothing more.
For a man to have three wives and four concubines was commonplace, let alone enemy wives and daughters captured in war—whatever the means, it was not excessive, and Xiao Simo did not dwell on it.
But on the other side, Xiao Lintta could no longer stay calm; his eyes widened instantly as he shouted: “Impossible.”
“Chuluo Susi is already dead; her head is still hanging in the Eastern Capital!”
“That’s fake!” Li Xiao said in a deep voice.
It was just to deceive you fools.
He had seen that head too.
At first, he thought it was real.
Until he saw Chuluo Susi’s appearance in the Duoluoban Tribe, and everything clicked instantly.
“It was Tarhan’s trick; he found a woman who looked similar, cut off her head, and sent it to the Eastern Capital.”
“In reality, it was just a conspiracy between him and Yelü Zhilugu: pretending to submit to our army while secretly preparing to turn against us at a critical moment.”
After hearing Li Xiao’s words, Xiao Lintta slowly fell silent, his face growing even darker.
Damn it, this time Li Xiao had slipped away again.
Then, Li Xiao turned to Xiao Simo and said: “Lord can interrogate people from the Duoluoban Tribe to confirm that this general speaks the truth.”
“No need.”
“This King believes you.”
Xiao Simo waved his hand indifferently, a light smile on his face.
He only believed half of what Li Xiao said.
This bastard definitely deliberately destroyed the Duoluoban Tribe because of A Man.
But by sheer luck, he found the real Chuluo Susi and exposed the Duoluoban Tribe’s conspiracy.
Fortunately, he had stumbled into the right thing.
Otherwise, once the decisive battle came, if the Duoluoban Tribe contacted other Seven Rivers Tribes and struck from behind…
The Eastern Capital Army might really be in some danger.
At this moment, the look Xiao Simo gave Li Xiao carried even more appreciation.
“You really are a lucky general.”
He then looked at Chuluo Susi slumped on the ground and said gravely: “Since you are already a dead person, there’s no need to waste grain keeping you alive.”
“Drag her away and behead her.”
Xiao Simo hated most being deceived.
And to be fooled with such a simple fake death ploy made him seem stupid.
But there was no helping it; Chuluo Susi herself was a minor figure, seen by few in her true appearance.
They had just seen someone similar and believed it to be true.
Now, Xiao Simo wanted to correct his mistake.
Immediately, Chuluo Susi was dragged out by the personal guards.
Watching this, Li Xiao clicked his tongue.
Thinking to himself: “What a pity!”
Originally, Li Xiao had been thinking of capturing Yelü Zhilugu’s consort in a while, to have the sisters together.
That plan was shattered.
Afterward, Xiao Simo convened the Northern Frontier Supreme Military Conference.
Because of the arrival of those Seven Rivers leaders, even Xiao Simo’s large tent was not big enough.
So, they cleared a plot of land on the nearby grassland.
“Greetings, Great King.”
The leaders of the Seven Rivers Tribes bowed their heads to Xiao Simo one after another.
From the current situation, Xiao Simo’s forces were powerful, his troops at peak momentum, with a great chance of breaking through the Royal Court.
Some had proactively placed their bets early.
Of course, most just did not want to get involved in the Khitan people’s trivial matters.
But the situation allowed no neutrality; the Northern Frontier Army had just slaughtered two tribes, the blood not yet dry, and it seemed one could still hear the wails of those aggrieved souls.
No one wanted to be the next tribe slaughtered.
So, they had no choice but to join the Eastern Capital side, actively or passively.
The sky was a clear blue; Xiao Simo sat on the folding stool at the head, his gaze sweeping over these tribal leaders one by one, and slowly said: “Welcome, my friends.”
“You have made the wisest choice; I believe you will never regret this decision.”
……
Xiao Simo’s gaze was steady, his voice growing louder: “The foolish ruler is unrighteous, favoring treacherous ministers…”
“Once we break through the Royal Court, Great Liao will usher in a brand-new golden age.”
“Each of you will be meritorious officials of Great Liao; you may select the most fertile grasslands with the richest water and grass, expand your cattle, sheep, and horses as you wish, and henceforth your tribes will possess endless wealth.”
“Moreover, I will establish special seats for you all in the Imperial Court, bestow titles upon you, so that your descendants may enjoy inexhaustible glory and wealth.”
“Prosperity with the nation.”
Xiao Simo’s words rang out firmly, his deep voice carrying far across the grassland.
This was painting a big pie for the Seven Rivers tribal leaders, and also a promise to Li Xiao and these old generals.
As long as Xiao Simo ascended to that position, they would all be enfeoffed as marquises and appointed as prime ministers, their descendants blessed, enjoying endless glory and wealth.
Great Liao would be thoroughly controlled by the Northern Frontier military clique.
As soon as Xiao Simo’s words fell, Li Xiao immediately stood up to express his stance.
“We vow to follow the Great King to the death, to purge the ruler’s side, execute the treacherous ministers, carry out the heaven-mandated pacification, and restore Great Liao’s might.”
As his words fell, Xiao Simo immediately cast an appreciative gaze at him.
Purge the ruler’s side, execute treacherous ministers, heaven-mandated pacification.
Listen to that—well said!
That was exactly what Xiao Simo wanted to express.
But Xiao Lintta was displeased and secretly glanced at Li Xiao.
Damn it, he had grandstanded again.
But there was no way around it; Li Xiao was currently the favorite in Xiao Simo’s eyes.
Not only had he become Xiao Simo’s brother-in-law, he was truly one of their own.
Moreover, he had accumulated countless merits, with illustrious military achievements.
Capable, loyal, and with a honeyed tongue that pleased the leader.
Who wouldn’t like such a subordinate?
No helping it; Xiao Lintta truly could not outmatch Li Xiao right now.
As Li Xiao’s words fell, everyone stood up, following his example, and shouted in unison.
“We vow to follow the Great King to the death.”
“We vow to follow the Great King to the death.”
……
Afterward, the military conference officially began.
Xiao Simo had many connections in the Royal Court, so he knew about seven or eight parts of their troop movements, if not completely.
This time, although Yelü Zhilugu outwardly still had Tāyánggǔ as commander.
But according to Xiao Simo’s intelligence, this was just to mislead him.
In reality, after these two great battles, Yelü Zhilugu had realized Tāyánggǔ’s inadequacy.
Thus, he secretly reactivated an old general.
Zhen Wuchi.
“General Zhen Wuchi?”
Li Xiao had no impression of the name; he had never heard of him.
But upon hearing it, Xiao Tula Duo and the others’ faces grew grave.
“Old General Zhen Wuchi has actually come out of retirement.”
“This battle won’t be easy!”
Xiao Lintta and the others said quietly.
Zhen Wuchi was no fool like Tāyánggǔ.
He was an antique from the Yelü Yilie era, and even during Yelü Pusuwan’s time, to balance the Xiao Family’s military power, he was still heavily employed.
He had participated in multiple foreign wars.
Even the most famous war during Yelü Pusuwan’s reign, suppressing the Geluolu rebellion in Transoxiana, was fought by Zhen Wuchi.
He was an old general like Lian Po.
But Xiao Simo showed no fear of him, instead saying indifferently:
“General Zhen Wuchi’s reputation is widespread, but after all, he is advanced in age, and has no usable troops in hand.”
“Yelü Zhilugu is cowardly and incompetent; even now, he clings tightly to the Pishi Army and gives the old general only twenty thousand troops to block our army.”
“Our sixty thousand strong army against twenty thousand—how could we not win?” Xiao Simo chuckled.
But in truth, the Eastern Capital had only forty-six thousand plus; Xiao Simo was deliberately exaggerating.
Even so, it was far more than the Royal Court’s troops.
The consecutive failures of two wars had greatly impacted the Royal Court.
Apart from the Royal Court’s Pishi Army guards, they could only mobilize twenty thousand troops.
What did this mean?
Yelü Zhilugu’s control over the Royal Court tribes had weakened! They were starting to obey outwardly while defying inwardly.
Moreover, even among these twenty thousand troops, there were many ragtag armies like the Seven Rivers Tribes.
Plus five thousand troops conscripted from the Eastern Kara-Khanid Khanate.
The truly Khitan tribal troops numbered less than ten thousand.
“General Zhen Wuchi is currently deploying troops, intending to block our army north of the Ili River.”
“But a mere twenty thousand troops absolutely cannot stop our army’s advance.”
Xiao Simo said gravely, then painted a big pie for the crowd.
At this time, everyone held great expectations for the future of this war.
Afterward, Xiao Simo made strategic arrangements.
“Now, our army’s momentum is at its peak, with troops numbering sixty thousand.”
“For easier command, This King decides to divide the army into three.” Xiao Simo stood up, his dignified gaze sweeping the assembly.
He said gravely: “This King will personally lead the Yin Mountains troops and Geluolu Cavalry as the central army force.”
The Yin Mountains troops included Xiao Simo’s most direct Sixth Courtyard Department troops of five thousand, plus three thousand from other tribes.
Ten thousand Naiman Captives army, plus two thousand Ili Geluolu Cavalry.
The central army’s actual strength was twenty thousand.
“The troops under Jin Prefecture Deputy Governor Li Xiao, plus the Northern Sea Army, form the Left Route Army.”
“The troops under Jin Prefecture Governor Xiao Lintta, plus the Great Desert Army Camp, form the Right Route Army.”
“The Seven Rivers Tribes’ troops, divided in two, to join the left and right armies respectively, under their command.”
With these words, the Eastern Capital Army’s basic structure was formed.
Left, center, right three armies.
Li Xiao commanded four thousand five hundred, plus four thousand Northern Sea Army, plus five thousand Seven Rivers Army, totaling thirteen thousand five hundred for the Left Route Army.
Xiao Lintta commanded two thousand five hundred, plus five thousand Great Desert Army, plus five thousand Seven Rivers Army, totaling twelve thousand five hundred for the Right Route Army.
Left, center, right three armies, totaling over forty-six thousand.
For the Western Regions at this time, this was already an extremely massive military force.
Even during the founding of Western Liao, Yelü Dashi’s troops numbered only around forty to fifty thousand.
Thus, such a powerful Eastern Capital Army filled the generals with confidence.
Dynasty change, enfeoffment as marquises and appointments as ministers— all within reach today.
With the army structure formed, the next most important matter was at hand.
Selection of commanders!
The Central Army commander was certainly Xiao Simo himself.
The Left and Right Route Army commanders became the focus of everyone’s attention.
But in truth, the qualified candidates for these two positions were not many.
No more than Xiao Lintta, Xiao Tula Duo, and Jiu Meng’an He, these three Northern Frontier Governors.
Of course, now perhaps adding Li Xiao.
After all, he had earned sufficient military merit for the Northern Frontier, all at critical junctures in major wars.
Military merit alone might not be enough.
After all, which of Xiao Lintta and the other two lacked illustrious achievements? And they had deeper seniority.
But Li Xiao’s true capital was his status.
Son-in-law of the Xiao Family, Prince Consort of Chu State, brother-in-law of Xiao Simo.
Sometimes, family ties were more useful than military merit.
Thus, the atmosphere at this moment became somewhat eerie, with everyone’s gazes unconsciously falling on Li Xiao and the other three.
Xiao Simo glanced indifferently at the four, not letting speculation linger, and directly announced his decision.
“Left Route Army Commander: Li Xiao, with Jiu Meng’an He as deputy.”
“Right Route Army Commander: Xiao Tula Duo, with Xiao Lintta as deputy.”
Hearing this, everyone was inwardly shocked.
Xiao Tula Duo was as expected, but no one had thought Li Xiao could truly take the Left Route Army Commander position.
“Isn’t he not even twenty yet?”
“And he’s reached a level equal to General Xiao Tula Duo and the others, even surpassing General Jiu Meng’an He to take the Left Route Army command.”
“Becoming a son-in-law of the Xiao Family really changes one’s status.”
“Born with good looks, truly saving decades of detours.”
At this moment, everyone had their own thoughts: some envied, some jealous, some admiring, but no one voiced opposition.
Though young, Li Xiao had illustrious military merit and was brave and skilled in combat.
Becoming Left Route Army Commander was enough to convince the men.
Moreover, with the halo of his status, Li Xiao’s future achievements were bound to be limitless.
No one would offend Li Xiao at this time.
Even North Sea Governor Jiu Meng’an He showed no displeasure.
As if fully obeying Xiao Simo’s orders, with Li Xiao as the lead.
Only Xiao Lintta was more frustrated.
He shot Li Xiao a resentful glance, then unwillingly turned his face away.
But deep in his eyes flashed a trace of viciousness and resolve.
This was the command of an entire route army—high position, great authority, easy to earn military merit.
More importantly, it could influence the battle situation.
Xiao Lintta desperately wanted to advance, desperately wanted this position.
Unfortunately, Li Xiao had obstructed him not only in Jin Prefecture but now blocked his path entirely.
Xiao Lintta believed that without Li Xiao, this Left Route Army command would surely have been his for the taking.
Thus, at this moment, his resentment toward Li Xiao deepened even more.
He even inwardly grumbled at Xiao Simo’s heartlessness: new favorites forgetting the old.
Regardless of what others thought, Li Xiao was extremely pleased.
He stood up alongside Xiao Tula Duo and said: “Xiao Tula Duo obeys the order.”
“Li Xiao obeys the order.”
At this moment, Li Xiao became the Northern Frontier Left Route Army Commander, directly commanding the combat of thirteen thousand five hundred troops, all cavalry.
At this moment, looking at Li Xiao’s back, everyone seemed a bit dazed.
His brilliance was too dazzling, making people subconsciously forget Li Xiao’s age.
Left Route Army Commander at merely sixteen.
Truly one of the peaks of this Northern Frontier power group.
“No wonder everyone loves eating soft rice—it’s just too sweet!” Li Xiao thought to himself.
He knew it clearly in his heart.
Although he had earned considerable military merit, that alone absolutely could not make him Left Route Army Commander.
The most important reason was still Xiao Yanyan.
Becoming Xiao Simo’s brother-in-law meant he was one of their own.
Li Xiao’s interests were thoroughly bound to Xiao Simo’s—one prospered together, one fell together.
Thus, Li Xiao’s status and trust in Xiao Simo’s heart had been elevated to the highest.
Despite some lack in seniority, the Left Route Army Commander position was still unhesitatingly given to Li Xiao.
There was a saying that was spot on.
In this world, strength alone isn’t enough; you need backing too.
“I remember, the old man of the Xiao Family also served as Left Route Army Commander.” Li Xiao suddenly thought of Xiao Wulila.
That low-rent version of Western Liao’s Sima.
Back in the Battle of Qavart, Western Liao’s founding battle.
Xiao Wulila had served as Western Liao Army’s Left Route Army Commander, defeating the Seljuk Empire alongside Yelü Dashi, laying the foundation for Western Liao’s dominance in Central Asia.
And today, this position had fallen to Li Xiao.
Fate seemed to be a cycle.
……
After the crowd dispersed, Li Xiao said goodbye to Xiao Tula Duo and then caught up with Jiu Meng’an He.
“Governor Jiu Meng’an~” Jiu Meng’an He stopped and turned to Li Xiao.
“Governor Li~”
This was a man around forty, not tall, sturdy build, with a broad honest face—giving the first impression of an honest man.
Li Xiao stepped forward and said softly: “Li Xiao has been honored by Lord Xiao’s favor to serve as Left Route Army Commander.”
“But I know my own abilities, and my experience is far less rich than yours, Governor Jiu Meng’an.”
“So, on some matters, I ask Governor Jiu Meng’an not to hesitate to advise me.”
Hearing Li Xiao’s words, Jiu Meng’an He chuckled, looked up at Li Xiao, and said.
“Governor Li need not be like this; I, Jiu Meng’an He, am not a petty jealous type.”
“As long as it benefits our Eastern Capital cause, even if ordered to be a frontline foot soldier, I Jiu Meng’an He would not utter a word.”
“What’s more, Governor Li, your abilities are plain for all to see.”
“You taking this Left Route Army Commander position—I, Jiu Meng’an He, am convinced in heart and mouth.”
Li Xiao had not interacted much with him daily, but knew Jiu Meng’an He was straightforward.
He liked what he liked, disliked what he disliked.
After all, his own seniority was less than Jiu Meng’an He’s; taking this governor position, he worried the man might harbor resentment.
For the team’s unity and to avoid making more enemies, Li Xiao had come proactively to show goodwill.
But unexpectedly, Li Xiao had overthought it.
The man was loyally devoted to Xiao Simo, single-mindedly for the success of Xiao Simo’s great cause, willing to sacrifice himself.
“Governor’s righteousness.”
Li Xiao thumped his chest heavily.
Regardless of what Jiu Meng’an He truly thought, the man spoke fine words of face; Li Xiao’s acting couldn’t lag.
Thus, with a righteous demeanor, he said to Jiu Meng’an He: “I, Li Xiao, swear to do my utmost to break through the Royal Court.”
“Not failing Lord Xiao’s expectations, not failing the Governor’s trust.”
