Chapter 147: Jin Prefecture Governor, Marquis Wu Cheng
Outside the Eastern Capital City, the sky was as clear as washed jade, without a cloud in sight.
The grassland was filled with the fragrance of grass, mixed with the mellow aroma of horse milk wine.
Countless herdsmen gathered from all directions, dressed in festive attire. Women wore multi-colored bead necklaces, and men carried sabers and riding bows at their waists.
Children weaved through the crowds playing, their laughter like silver bells echoing across the vast grassland.
“This battle is finally over.”
An old man with white hair, leaning on a poplar crutch, his cloudy eyes flickering with worry.
“My grandson went to the battlefield for the first time, I don’t know if he was injured.”
“Don’t worry, Uncle Ebu Hua!”
A middle-aged woman next to him smiled and comforted, “My husband sent word back saying that after this great victory, our casualties were very few.”
“Your Batu is a renowned archer; not only is he fine, but the Great King also rewarded him with a female slave, so you’ll be holding your great-grandchild before long.”
Hearing this, the old man immediately bared his only two large yellow teeth and grinned.
He nodded repeatedly, saying, “That’s good, that’s good!”
However, an old man with a missing arm beside him slightly shook his head and said in a deep voice, “I think!”
“This battle might not be a great victory, and the losses might be significant.”
But as soon as the old man finished speaking, he was met with angry glares from several women around him.
This was practically cursing their husbands and sons.
“Old Ba He, what nonsense are you spouting?”
“The Royal Mansion has already announced that we achieved a great victory, eliminating over forty thousand of the Royal Court’s troops, and forcing the False Khan to flee in disarray.”
“Even the Capital City was broken through by the Great King’s brother-in-law, the Jin Prefecture Deputy Governor Li Xiao.”
“It’s clearly a great victory.”
“I think you’ve become senile and are just talking nonsense all day.”
Facing the angry glares of the women, the one-armed old man smiled helplessly, shook his head slightly, and his face was still filled with an unresolvable worry.
He had fought in battles his whole life and naturally understood what was happening.
The common herdsmen were the easiest to deceive because they lacked channels of communication with the outside world and had only a superficial understanding of what was happening.
Naturally, they believed whatever the upper echelons announced.
And in order to prevent unrest and shake the rule.
Even in defeat, the upper echelons would avoid mentioning it.
A great defeat would be turned into a small defeat, a small defeat into a small victory, and a small victory would be directly turned into a great victory.
Therefore, the one-armed old herdsman remained skeptical of the great victory proclaimed by the Royal Mansion.
The war must not have gone smoothly, otherwise, the army would not have chosen to return so early.
“May Buddha bless my second and third sons to return alive,” the one-armed herdsman thought to himself, praying for his two sons who had gone to war.
At the same time, not far outside the city gate.
Xiao Yanyan and Shu Lü Wujin sat on horseback, side by side.
Beside them stood an old man and a youth.
The youth was the legitimate son of Xiao Simo, Xiao Helun.
With a dazed yet nervous gaze, he looked into the distance, waiting for the army to return.
“Mother, is Father really alright?” Xiao Helun asked Shu Lü Wujin.
In the Khitan language, Azhu and A’me respectively meant father and mother.
Shu Lü Wujin nodded gently, looking at Xiao Helun and saying, “Your Father is truly alright; he only sustained a slight injury. With the medicine from your Uncle Gu Zhi, he’s almost recovered, so don’t worry.”
“But they said Father was severely injured and almost died,” Xiao Helun said.
Xiao Yanyan frowned slightly upon hearing this and asked, “Hu Gu, who told you that Father was dying?”
Xiao Helun named several children, his usual playmates.
“What else did they say?” Xiao Yanyan asked again.
“They said that I will be the Great King of the Sixth Courtyard Department in the future, and asked me to take good care of them,” the honest Xiao Helun replied truthfully.
Upon hearing this, Xiao Yanyan looked directly at the old man beside her.
“E’gu Nai, go and investigate who is behind these poisonous rumors and inciting the masses.”
Xiao Yanyan keenly felt that the matter was not that simple.
Either it was spies from the Royal Court spreading rumors to incite the masses.
Or someone was deliberately driving a wedge between Xiao Simo and Xiao Helun.
“Alright, leave it to me,” Xue Gu Eluda said with a deep nod.
The Sixth Courtyard Department was divided into four Shi Lie.
The former Xiao Lintta, Xiao Tula Duo, and Jiu Meng’an He served as the generals of three of these Shi Lie, respectively.
And the last general was Xue Gu Eluda, and he still holds the position of general to this day.
It was not because Xiao Simo disliked him, but because he trusted him too much.
Every time he went on an expedition, he would leave Xue Gu Eluda behind to guard the home front for him.
Therefore, Xue Gu Eluda was truly Xiao Simo’s absolute confidant.
Not long after, a cloud of dust rose from the horizon.
“They’re here! They’re here!”
“The army is back.”
Someone shouted, and the crowd immediately erupted.
Children ran forward, women adjusted their clothes, and the elderly trembled as they rode their horses and peered ahead.
The warhorses advanced slowly. As they got closer to the Eastern Capital, the first thing that caught the eye was a Xiao character flag fluttering in the wind, gleaming golden in the sunlight.
Following closely, a vast cavalry formation appeared in view.
Walking at the forefront were a thousand armored cavalry.
Their warhorses were clad in heavy black iron armor, revealing only their bright, fierce eyes. With every step they took, the grassland seemed to let out a low moan.
The riders wore ferocious helmets and full suits of fine steel armor, completely encasing them from head to toe. With every movement, metal clashed with a crisp sound.
On the grassland along both sides of the road, countless herdsmen stood still, and upon seeing this sight, they all let out cheers.
“It’s the Tiger Pounce Camp.”
“Our Tiger Pounce Camp is back.”
The Khitan people living in the Eastern Capital all knew the name of the Tiger Pounce Camp.
This was the only armored cavalry unit in the Eastern Capital, numbering a thousand men, the elite of the elite. Even the Royal Court did not possess such a scale of armored cavalry.
“I will definitely become a member of the Tiger Pounce Camp when I grow up,” a child declared with determination.
Behind the Tiger Pounce Camp were other Khitan soldiers, as well as soldiers from other tribes living in Yinshan Prefecture.
These soldiers, acting as the vanguard of the returning army, marched at the forefront, enjoying the welcome of the herdsmen.
Amidst the Khitan army, Li Xiao, Xiao Simo, and other generals slowly advanced, accompanied by their personal guards.
“Great King.”
“It’s the Great King! He’s back.”
“That’s great, the Great King is fine. Who said the Great King was seriously injured and about to die?”
“Who is that White Armor general next to the Great King? He looks so young.”
“I know him, that’s the Jin Prefecture Deputy Governor Li Xiao, and also our Great King’s brother-in-law, the Eldest Princess’s husband.”
“I saw what he looked like from afar when the army set out last time,” a woman said excitedly.
“It’s him? He really looks so young, is he twenty years old?”
“I heard that the one who broke through Kuyun-Ordu this time was the Prince Consort leading the troops, and they captured many nobles.”
“Really? Is the Prince Consort that powerful?”
“More than that, I heard that later at the Ili River, tens of thousands of the Royal Court’s army drowned.”
“Hiss, tens of thousands.”
“That’s terrifying, such a heavy killing intent.”
“From now on, with our Great King and the Prince Consort in the Eastern Capital, and so many capable generals, who would dare provoke us?”
……
Xiao Simo, clad in armor and mounted on his warhorse, smiled and waved to the herdsmen on both sides.
Hearing the faint voices, he chuckled and turned to Li Xiao, saying, “Your reputation, Great Governor Li, is immense, almost catching up to mine.”
Hearing this, Li Xiao quickly feigned panic and shook his head.
“Elder Brother praises me too highly.”
“My meager contributions are not worth mentioning.”
“Besides, without your guidance, I would still be herding sheep in Jin Prefecture.”
Li Xiao felt annoyed, these old women, they don’t know anything, aren’t they just harming me?
Fortunately, Xiao Simo only mentioned it casually, and then said, “No need to be humble.”
“Merit is merit, mistakes are mistakes.”
“All these honors are what you deserve,” Xiao Simo said with a chuckle.
But as he finished speaking, a cool breeze blew, and his complexion immediately became abnormal, and he began to cough violently.
“Elder Brother, it’s cold, you should put on a cloak,” Li Xiao said quickly.
For the past half a month, Li Xiao had been giving Xiao Simo large doses of allicin, both orally and topically.
He had successfully rescued Xiao Simo from the clutches of death.
The wound on his chest was healing, but the arrow had damaged his right lung.
Xiao Simo often coughed and gasped for breath, his body still very weak.
Along the way, he had been traveling in a horse carriage, and only upon nearing the Eastern Capital did he don his full armor.
He rode his warhorse for this journey.
It was to build confidence among the herdsmen of the Eastern Capital, to let them see that he, Xiao Simo, was in good health, and to quash the rumors.
“It’s fine, this King can still endure.”
“We’ll talk about it after returning to the Royal Mansion,” Xiao Simo said in a low voice, panting.
Li Xiao had no choice but to follow closely beside Xiao Simo, guarding him.
Soon, they arrived at the city gate.
The Princess Consort, dressed in luxurious attire, her posture elegant, but her eyes couldn’t hide her anxiety and worry.
Seeing Xiao Simo slowly approaching on his warhorse, her eyes instantly welled up, tears gathering in her eyes, but she forced herself not to let them fall.
“Great King, you’ve finally returned!”
The Princess Consort’s voice trembled slightly, filled with endless longing and concern.
She walked to Xiao Simo’s horse, looking up at him, her eyes full of heartache and relief.
Xiao Simo dismounted, reached out, and gently held the Princess Consort’s hand, saying softly, “I’ve made you worry.”
Xiao Helun also came around, excitedly shouting, “Father, you won a great victory, you’re amazing!”
A look of admiration flashed in his eyes. Although young, he tried to straighten his back, attempting to project a composure beyond his years.
Xiao Simo looked at his wife and son, a warm smile on his face, and chuckled.
“It wasn’t a great victory, at most a small one.”
“This time, Yelü Zhilugu managed to escape.”
“Once Father reassembles the army and prepares, we will definitely annihilate the remaining remnants of the Royal Court next time.”
According to the Royal Mansion’s official statement, the Eastern Capital Army had achieved a great victory this time, eliminating many Royal Court troops, and even conquering the capital city of Kuyun-Ordu, thus completely ending the Royal Court’s rule.
It was a pity that Yelü Zhilugu was too cunning and, seeing the situation turn unfavorable, directly fled with his men.
Next time, the Northern Frontier Army would surely capture him.
At this moment, the common people outside the city gate erupted in enthusiastic cheers: “Long live the Great King! Long live the Princess Consort! Long live His Highness the Prince!”
The cheers rose one after another, echoing through the sky.
Xiao Simo straightened his body and waved to the common people, a smile on his face, a warm current flowing through his heart.
Meanwhile, Li Xiao had unknowingly stood beside Xiao Yanyan, holding her hand, and said softly, “Did you arrange this?”
“Otherwise?” Xiao Yanyan retorted.
“Is it appropriate to shout ‘Long live’ at this moment?” Li Xiao clicked his tongue and said.
Xiao Yanyan gently shook her head: “There’s nothing inappropriate about it.”
“The Eastern Capital needs morale and encouragement.”
Li Xiao shook his head and remained silent, looking at the cheering crowd and then at Xiao Simo walking ahead.
That guy, he’s truly dazzling.
Further back in the procession, in a carriage, Yelü Jin heard the cheers of the herdsmen, and her face instantly showed anger.
“Long live?”
“Does he, Xiao Simo, deserve that?”
“These people in the Eastern Capital are indeed a bunch of ruffians.”
However, upon thinking that her remaining life might forever be tied to the Eastern Capital, Yelü Jin felt disheartened.
Looking at the Eastern Capital City, it was far inferior to Kuyun-Ordu.
Fortunately, their safety was not an issue for the time being.
Other matters could only be considered later.
Afterwards, Li Xiao and others walked through the long street and entered the Royal Mansion.
The other common people gathered outside the city, watching the prisoners of war pass by.
They pointed and commented, turning it into a prisoner offering ceremony.
Just as Xiao Yanyan had said.
The Eastern Capital needed these actions to boost the morale of the populace and eliminate the influence of unfavorable remarks.
Because Xiao Simo’s injuries had not yet healed, the celebration banquet that was supposed to be held in the evening was postponed.
After Li Xiao finished the family banquet, he took Xiao Yanyan back to her small courtyard.
As soon as they entered the room, he swept her up and carried her into the room, throwing her onto the bed.
Having not seen each other for so long, Xiao Yanyan was also extremely excited, her voice hoarse.
An hour later, the two separated, still naked.
Li Xiao sighed heavily, his rough palm stroking her smooth back as he told her about some of the events during the campaign.
Although Xiao Yanyan already knew some of it, it was not very detailed.
“You can know a person’s face but not their heart. I never expected Xiao Lintta to be a traitor,” Xiao Yanyan said, panting slightly.
It was precisely because of Xiao Lintta’s betrayal that the Eastern Capital Army suffered heavy losses, causing Xiao Simo to be seriously injured.
Xiao Yanyan hated him to death.
“Elder Brother has already ordered him to be cut into a thousand pieces,” Li Xiao said softly.
That’s right, Xiao Lintta did not escape.
After being sent to Xiao Simo’s central army camp, Xiao Simo spoke with him alone for half an hour.
Afterward, he ordered him to be cut into a thousand pieces.
Xiao Lintta got what he deserved.
“Yelü Wusitu?” Upon hearing this name, Xiao Yanyan was also slightly confused.
“I haven’t met him, but I’ve heard of him.”
“When I was very young, he was sent away for a marriage alliance.”
“I didn’t expect him to hide so deeply, and without us realizing it, he has become the tribal leader of the Kangli people.”
Li Xiao shook his head slightly, quite speechless at Yelü Pusuwan’s actions.
He didn’t expect there to be people who weren’t afraid of death and used a prince for a marriage alliance!
It’s just that Yelü Wusitu’s abilities were too poor, and he endured for so many years before gaining power.
If it were someone like Zhu Di, he would dare to rebel within the second year.
“When the Kangli people retreated, they plundered Kuyun-Ordu completely, taking all the people back to the grasslands.”
“The Royal Court is finished!” Li Xiao said in a deep voice.
He suddenly felt a bit regretful that he hadn’t plundered Kuyun-Ordu thoroughly enough, and in the end, it benefited the Kangli people.
Li Xiao was now in most need of slaves.
“If Elder Brother were fine, we would have completely defeated the Royal Court by now,” Xiao Yanyan said, looking heartbroken.
Thinking of Xiao Simo’s injuries, her eyes began to redden.
This battle was not a victory for the Northern Frontier, nor a loss for the Royal Court; it was a mutual injury.
“But you don’t need to worry too much. I see that Elder Brother’s injuries have improved, and he only needs to rest. He will definitely recover slowly,” Li Xiao comforted.
“By the way, I have some good news for you.”
“On the way back to the Eastern Capital, I discussed our wedding date with Elder Brother. It will be in seven days,” Li Xiao suddenly said.
The matter of marriage was brought up by Xiao Simo to Li Xiao himself.
Perhaps this injury made him feel insecure, and he wanted to see Xiao Yanyan married off as soon as possible.
After all, Xiao Yanyan was no longer young, and in this era, she was definitely considered an older unmarried woman.
“I’ve already sent someone back to Hexi Fort to pick up Grandfather and Mother.”
“In seven days, you will be my official Madam.”
“Are you happy?” Li Xiao looked at Xiao Yanyan in his arms and said.
Hearing this, Xiao Yanyan was secretly happy, but outwardly she gave a light smile and said coquettishly, “Tch.”
“Marrying me, this princess, is a bargain for you, kid.”
“Hahaha~”
In the following days, the people of the Eastern Capital were immersed in the grief of losing loved ones and the joy of victory.
Xiao Simo also went out for walks from time to time, telling everyone that he had only suffered a minor injury and was fine.
However, the arrival of a piece of news caused Xiao Simo’s slightly improved mood to worsen again.
“The people of Gaochang are simply courting death.”
Xiao Simo’s stern voice echoed in the great hall.
Standing in the hall was a soldier, covered in dust.
He came from the Great Desert, bringing news.
The Gaochang Uyghur Kingdom had dispatched troops and was attacking the heavily fortified city of Bieshiba in the Great Desert.
“The Kingdom of Qocho must have been instigated by the Royal Court,” Xiao Tula Duo said angrily.
The Gaochang Uyghur Kingdom was located south of the Tianshan Mountains, separated from the Great Desert only by the Tianshan Mountains.
There was a lot of daily exchange between the two regions, and they had always been at peace.
This time, the Kingdom of Qocho’s attack was definitely the Royal Court’s doing from behind the scenes.
In fact, during the previous great battle, Yelü Zhilugu had ordered the Kingdom of Qocho to act and attack the Great Desert from the rear.
But at that time, Xiao Simo’s power was strong, and he might even overthrow the Royal Court and take the throne himself.
The King of Qocho chose to observe, not daring to offend Xiao Simo.
As the Western Expedition ended and the Northern Frontier Army returned without success, the Royal Court remained.
The Kingdom of Qocho was once again enveloped in the shadow of the Royal Court.
They had no choice but to attack the Great Desert.
“Yelü Zhilugu is waiting for me to move the army to the Great Desert, and then he will prepare to attack the Seven Rivers,” Xiao Simo snorted coldly.
He then said to his personal guard, “Relay the order to Jiu Meng’an He. He doesn’t need to worry about the Northern Frontier’s affairs; guard the Seven Rivers for this King.”
“As you command.”
The personal guard received the order and left.
After this great battle, the Seven Rivers Basin north of the Ili River had been brought under Xiao Simo’s control.
Not long ago, the Xiangwen Prefecture of the Seven Rivers was established to rule and manage the local tribes, while also defending against the Royal Court’s army south of the Ili River.
The Bashihai of the Seven Rivers, that is, the Governor of the Seven Rivers, was appointed to Jiu Meng’an He.
At the same time, the position of North Sea Governor was given to Shi Lie, the general who made the greatest contribution in this battle from the Sixth Courtyard Department.
The positions of the others remained largely unchanged.
“Great King, your humble servant does not need many troops. As long as I can lead the troops of the Great Desert back, I can surely crush the Gaochang rebel army.”
Xiao Tula Duo requested to fight.
As the Great Desert Governor, this battle was naturally his responsibility to lead the troops, and he could not shirk it.
“Granted!”
Xiao Simo nodded heavily.
Then he looked at Li Xiao and said, “Since the Kingdom of Qocho has already dispatched troops, it is impossible to guarantee that Yelü Zhilugu will not contact the Naiman people.”
“Li Xiao!”
“Your humble servant is here!” Li Xiao stepped forward.
“After you marry A Man, you should also return to Jin Prefecture.”
“Cough, cough, cough~” Xiao Simo coughed and said.
“As you command!” Li Xiao nodded heavily, also somewhat worried about the safety of Jin Prefecture.
After discussing these matters, they arrived at the main event of this meeting.
Gu Zizhong took out a piece of cloth covered in writing and said loudly:
“By decree of the Eastern Capital Governor: The great achievements of quelling the rebellion were due to the assistance of all officials and the dedicated service of the officers and soldiers, leading to the peace of the nation and the prosperity of the common people.”
“Now, Li Xiao, loyal and brave, with distinguished military merit, is a pillar of the state. He is hereby rewarded to honor his achievements.”
“Li Xiao is enfeoffed as the Jin Prefecture Governor, governing the land of Jin Prefecture, holding military and political power, and guarding the gateway to our Northern Frontier.”
“He is enfeoffed as Marquis Wu Cheng, with a fief of one thousand households, and granted a vermilion-lettered iron certificate, to be inherited by his descendants without interruption.”
“Additionally, he is granted the title of General Who Conquers the West, with a rank equivalent to the second grade. He may participate in the politics of the Northern Frontier, assist in military and state affairs, enter and exit the Royal Mansion and palace, demonstrating his honor.”
“A reward of one thousand taels of gold, one thousand bolts of silk, and an unspecified quantity of jewels and jade ware.”
…
After hearing this long list of rewards, Li Xiao immediately showed surprise and joy on his face.
He said loudly, “Thank you, Great King.”
In fact, Xiao Simo’s rewards were considered exceeding his authority.
After all, he had not yet been crowned Emperor and was not qualified to grant noble titles to Li Xiao.
But since they had already broken ties with the Royal Court.
Xiao Simo and his generals no longer cared about the attitude of the Royal Court.
In their view, Xiao Simo was only one formal ceremony away from being Emperor, and the rewards he promised were even more effective than those of Yelü Zhilugu.
Thus, after Gu Zizhong finished reading Li Xiao’s rewards, Xiao Tula Duo and others smiled and said.
“Congratulations, Governor Li.”
“Congratulations.”
“Marquis Wu Cheng is brave and skilled in combat, with distinguished military merit, and should be a model for us all.”
Li Xiao humbly waved his hands, said a few polite words, and then stood back, listening as Gu Zizhong read out Xiao Tula Duo’s rewards.
At this moment, Li Xiao could not help but feel a sense of emotion.
He remembered when he first met Xiao Simo, he was sitting in the back of the large tent.
But now, in just one year, he had become the most important general under Xiao Simo.
Even when reading out the rewards, Li Xiao was listed first.
The circumstances of life are truly marvelous.
“Jin Prefecture Governor, Marquis Wu Cheng, General Who Conquers the West~” Li Xiao murmured softly in his heart.
In his opinion, everything else was superficial, and only the title of Jin Prefecture Governor was substantial.
Marquis Wu Cheng was a noble title, merely an indication of status and position. Apart from being inheritable by descendants, it had no great practical significance.
In fact, Li Xiao wished he had been enfeoffed as Marquis of Champion.
That was the highest honor for a military officer, but unfortunately, Xiao Simo did not grant it.
After all, they were Khitan, and Huo Qubing had fought against his ancestors back then.
However, Marquis Wu Cheng was also good.
Wang Jian, who pacified the six states, was enfeoffed as Marquis Wu Cheng.
Deng Ai, after conquering Shu, was also enfeoffed as Marquis Wu Cheng.
Marquis Wu Cheng was considered one of the best noble titles for military officers.
As for General Who Conquers the West, it had even less practical meaning and was more of an honorary title, completely lacking military power.
The only position with real power was that of Jin Prefecture Governor.
This was a regional lord who held the military and political power of Jin Prefecture, a high-ranking official in a border region.
From now on, Li Xiao would no longer have any restraints in Jin Prefecture; the entire Jin Prefecture would become the domain of the Li family.
