Chapter 197: Eastern Capital Falls, Northern Sea Army Mutinies
These past few days, a chilling atmosphere of impending storm permeated the Eastern Capital City.
The news of the army’s defeat at Yili had spread, and although a considerable number of soldiers had scattered, the various tribes throughout the Eastern Capital were nearly at the point where every household was in mourning.
Soon after, more news arrived: the Royal Court Army, carrying the momentum of a great victory, had crossed the Alatao Mountains and was advancing to assault the Eastern Capital City.
Meanwhile, downstream along the Ili River, the Royal Court main force was also taking advantage of the opportunity to fiercely attack the Seven Rivers Grassland.
Seven Rivers Governor Jiu Meng’an He was striving to block them, but without reinforcements, no one knew how long he could hold out.
The Eastern Capital City had become precarious, and the common people inside the city were gripped by panic.
Under orders from the Royal Mansion, regardless of gender or age, as long as one could ride and shoot arrows, all were incorporated into the army.
Even if it meant draining the last drop of blood, they had to defend the Eastern Capital City.
Another day passed, when a scout clad in tattered leather armor and covered in mud charged into the city, galloping down the street to dismount before the Royal Mansion gates.
“Report…”
“Reporting to the Governor.”
“North Sea Governor Ali Da has arrived at Tole Mountain with five thousand iron cavalry, only fifty li from here!”
Hearing this, Xiao Daru showed joy on his face and hurriedly approached the scout:
“Is it true? The Northern Sea Army has reached Tole Mountain?”
“That’s right, Governor. The vanguard scouts under Governor Ali Da are right outside the city.”
Hearing this, Xiao Daru burst into excited laughter, feeling a heavy sigh of relief in his heart.
“Hahaha, good, excellent.”
“Heaven aids me!”
Immediately, his fist slammed heavily on the desk, a ferocious smile on his face.
“With the three thousand iron cavalry in this Governor’s hands, plus Ali Da’s five thousand elite cavalry~”
He drew the saber from his waist, pointing the blade at the Ili position on the map, where the Royal Court Army’s marker was located.
“This rabble numbers over twenty thousand, but the true Royal Court troops are only a few thousand.”
“Most are Eastern Kara-Khanid Khanate troops, along with some Yili Geluolu People’s stragglers and deserters—nothing more than rabble on the grassland!”
The Liao State’s internal armies also had a hierarchy of disdain.
Based on combat strength, the most formidable were the Northern Frontier Iron Cavalry and the Royal Court direct troops.
Next came the armies of vassal states like the Eastern Kara-Khanid Khanate and Western Kara-Khanid Khanate.
The latter lagged behind the Northern Frontier and Royal Court armies in cavalry numbers, soldier combat strength and willpower, and army organization.
So, with these eight thousand Northern Frontier Iron Cavalry in hand, Xiao Daru no longer saw the Royal Court’s twenty thousand rabble as a threat.
“However, why did the North Sea army arrive so quickly?”
Kumo Xi, the first general to defect to Xiao Daru, asked puzzledly.
At this time, the Jin Prefecture and Great Desert armies had probably only just set out!
Xiao Daru waved dismissively, unconcerned: “What’s strange about it? The North Sea is the closest to the Eastern Capital to begin with.”
“Ali Da received the Eastern Capital’s message first, and with his loyalty to Father King, he would surely muster troops immediately and spur his horses onward.”
“Arriving first at the Eastern Capital is only natural.”
Hearing Xiao Daru’s explanation, the others nodded slightly, harboring no further doubts.
Next, Xiao Daru discussed with these generals how to annihilate this Royal Court army.
With eight thousand Northern Frontier Iron Cavalry at hand, he was no longer content with merely defending the Eastern Capital; he aimed to completely wipe out the invading enemy.
Xiao Daru narrowed his eyes, pointing his scabbard at the map: “According to the scouts’ report, the Royal Court rebel army has just crossed the Alatao Mountains and is resting at the foot of the mountain.”
“Once the Northern Sea Army arrives, our forces will split into two routes: one to hold the Eastern Capital City and draw the Royal Court rebel army to attack.”
“The other route will circle behind, cut off their retreat, and cooperate from within and without to utterly annihilate this Royal Court army.”
Xiao Daru declared spiritedly.
Strategically speaking, his plan was flawless.
Among the twenty thousand Royal Court troops, most were Eastern Kara-Khanid Khanate and Yili Geluolu forces—not rabble, but far from elite.
Once caught in a pincer attack, they likely wouldn’t hold out long before the whole army collapsed.
Imagining that outcome, Xiao Daru smiled faintly: “Once joined by the Jin Prefecture and Great Desert reinforcements, this Governor will personally lead the army on a western expedition to the Seven Rivers Grassland.”
“I will ensure those Royal Court rebel scum are all buried in the Seven Rivers.”
At that time, he, Xiao Daru, would turn the tide in crisis, and with such monumental military merit, who could stop him from inheriting the Eastern Capital Governor position?
He would lead the Northern Frontier Iron Cavalry straight to the Royal Court, making the entire Great Liao State grovel trembling at his feet.
At this moment, Xiao Daru was full of vigor, pointing at the map like a king.
He loudly commanded: “Pass the Great King’s order: have the Northern Sea Army camp outside the city, rest for a day, and await orders.”
“Understood!”
The Northern Sea Army had marched urgently, with soldiers and horses exhausted, needing rest before entering battle.
But the Eastern Capital was only a small city, unable to accommodate too many troops, so the Northern Sea Army had to camp outside.
The five thousand Northern Sea Army arrived like dark clouds pressing on the city below the Eastern Capital.
The foremost soldiers wore iron armor, with spears slanted on their saddles and bows on their backs— the elites of the Northern Sea Army.
The following light cavalry wore seasoned cowhide soft armor, wielding spears and sabers, as if the entire army steamed with killing intent.
Upon receiving the Royal Mansion’s order, the Northern Sea Army set up camp on a spacious plain north of the city.
As the soldiers busied themselves, a tower-like man rode a silver-maned war horse through the camp.
He appeared in his twenties, with rugged features and a solemn expression, gazing at the Eastern Capital City under the setting sun.
In a low voice, he said: “Mister, by protocol, this Governor should enter the city immediately to pay respects to the Great King.”
Beside him, an old man in leather armor, dressed like an ordinary soldier, rasped: “In extraordinary times, take extraordinary measures.”
“If Xiao Simo senses something amiss and keeps you in the city, we’ll be in trouble.”
“So, at this moment, we can’t worry about those formalities.”
“Send someone into the city to relay the message: it’s late today, you’re occupied with camping, and you’ll enter tomorrow morning to pay respects.”
Ali Da nodded lightly upon hearing this, saying no more.
Over these years, he had followed Xiao Simo on campaigns in the south and north, earning countless merits, rising from an ordinary soldier to the North Sea Governor, wielding military and political power in a border region.
He had fully transformed from a poor boy into a high-ranking official in a border region.
Besides his own desperate fighting, the key was Xiao Simo’s discerning eye for talent.
In his heart, he was full of gratitude toward Xiao Simo.
But thinking of the plot he was about to execute, Ali Da showed a flicker of struggle and reluctance, his heart filled with guilt.
Yet, he had no choice.
If the events of that year were exposed, he would lose everything in an instant, and even death would be a luxury.
So, he could only steel himself and press on.
That night, the Northern Sea Army camped outside the city.
After dinner, Ali Da summoned all the Northern Sea Army generals.
“Everyone, I have confirmed intelligence: Great Prince Xiao Daru has rebelled and confined the Great King.”
Hearing this, the generals erupted in uproar.
“What? The Great King has been confined?”
“Then who issued the order for us to camp outside the city? The Great Prince?”
“The Great Prince is muddle-headed!”
The Northern Sea Army generals exclaimed in shock.
Among them were chiliarchs and centurions placed by Xiao Simo, as well as local nomadic tribe leaders.
A complex mix of origins.
But on this matter of right and wrong, all the generals were united, verbally condemning Xiao Daru.
Seeing the generals’ attitudes, Ali Da nodded inwardly, subtly exchanging glances with a few among them before continuing.
“Not long ago, this Governor received the Great King’s secret order, commanding us to enter the Eastern Capital City, seize Xiao Daru, and rescue the Great King himself.”
With that, Ali Da produced a piece of cloth and silk.
The Khitan script on it baffled many generals, but they recognized the seal—it was indeed Xiao Simo’s.
“Pa~”
The next moment, a Khitan general slammed the table, fuming: “We never saw it before—Xiao Daru has such wolfish ambition.”
“To commit such treason, we must rescue the Great King.”
“That’s right, rescue the Great King.”
“Seize Xiao Daru and have the Great King emerge to lead us against the Royal Court rebels.”
“Let’s act, we must rescue the Great King.”
The generals roared indignantly.
The Khitan generals among them might have been sincere, as they were all promoted by Xiao Simo himself, and a change in power would most affect their interests.
As for the local North Sea leaders serving as chiliarchs and centurions, most were just putting on a show.
After all, whether Xiao Simo or his son took charge, their status wouldn’t be greatly affected.
But grassland traditions and proprieties still needed upholding, lest sons frequently overthrowing fathers make them live in fear.
“Good~”
Ali Da raised his hand lightly to halt the righteous indignation, saying in a low voice: “Since everyone thinks the same, we must seize the Eastern Capital and rescue the Great King.”
One sentence set the tone.
The Northern Sea Army would attack the Eastern Capital.
Then, Ali Da had someone unroll a simple map of the Eastern Capital City layout, pointing to the East Gate and saying.
“Xiao Daru has deceived the city soldiers and confined the Great King, but many warriors refuse to submit to the traitor.”
“They are secretly gathering strength in the city, awaiting our arrival.”
“This handwritten decree from the Great King was sent by Deputy Commander of the Royal Mansion Guards Nie Jida.”
“He feigned surrender to Xiao Daru to gain trust and has been promoted to chiliarch by Xiao Daru. Tonight’s East Gate is guarded by Nie Jida.”
“This Governor has already arranged with him: at midnight, he will open the East Gate to let our army in.”
Hearing this, the North Sea generals were all surprised, not expecting Ali Da to have such a backup plan.
With a city-defending chiliarch as inside help, the Eastern Capital City became like a miss stripped bare, ripe for the taking.
“Excellent.”
“This way, the Eastern Capital City is within easy reach; we can rescue the Great King tonight.”
“Capture that bastard Xiao Daru and make him kneel before the Great King to repent.”
“Right, Governor, give the order.”
Ali Da’s face turned grave, nodding firmly: “Good.”
“Our goal is to rescue the Great King, but we can’t let the ringleader Xiao Daru escape.”
With that, Ali Da looked to a Khitan general: “Chiliarch Chu Mo Du, take men to seal the North Gate; let no soldier or officer escape the city.”
“Understood.”
“Chiliarch Wa Er La, take men to seal the West Gate.”
Ali Da assigned three chiliarchs to block three directions, while he himself would lead his confidants through the East Gate to deal with the city garrison and rescue Xiao Simo.
The generals had no doubts about the plan and nodded in agreement.
At midnight, the Northern Sea Army mobilized, dispatching three armies to the Eastern Capital’s other three gates.
Outside the East Gate, Ali Da led two thousand troops quietly approaching the gate.
These were all his confidants or plants from that mysterious mister.
The remaining soldiers he couldn’t fully control were sent to the other three gates to avoid interfering with tonight’s action.
“Ali Da, have someone light three torches.”
The old man rode his horse, clad in black clothes, blending into the darkness.
“Good~” Ali Da nodded firmly and had three torches lit.
Soon, three torches were lit atop the city gate as well.
Seeing this, a thrilled smile appeared on the man’s aged face.
“Excellent~”
“Xiao Simo, let’s see how you break this situation now?”
To defeat Xiao Simo, he had schemed for ten years.
Both North Sea Governor Ali Da and Royal Mansion Guards Deputy Commander Nie Jida were pawns he had carefully selected and placed under Xiao Simo.
Even after being outmaneuvered by Xiao Simo and exiled to the border, he still had Ali Da and Nie Jida’s parents and relatives well cared for.
Likewise, their repeated military merits that caught Xiao Simo’s eye were due to his behind-the-scenes manipulation.
Now, the time to reap the rewards had finally come.
Amid his surging emotions, the Eastern Capital’s gate slowly opened.
Ali Da swiftly led his men inside.
“How’s the situation?”
Ali Da loudly asked a general at the gate.
This was none other than the original Royal Mansion Guards Deputy Commander Nie Jida, clad in full iron armor, his effeminate face flickering in the firelight.
He said gravely: “The East Gate is secured; all are my men.”
His account matched Ali Da’s.
Xiao Daru had rebelled and confined Xiao Simo.
He had received Xiao Simo’s secret decree on cloth, ordering the Northern Sea Army to enter and eliminate the traitors.
“The other three gate commanders: two are of unclear stance, somewhat dissatisfied with Xiao Daru’s actions.”
“Only the South Gate commander is Xiao Daru’s confidant; if fleeing, he would surely exit via the South Gate.”
“The Great King is still in the Royal Mansion, but surrounded by Xiao Daru’s men.”
“As for Xiao Daru himself, he should still be at the Bayi Inn. Since his rebellion, he rarely visits the Royal Mansion, treating the inn as his tent.”
Nie Jida briefly explained the current situation in the Eastern Capital City.
Ali Da nodded lightly, suddenly understanding, and chuckled.
“That fool Xiao Daru has finally done one good thing.”
Indeed a good thing, but only beneficial to these true rebels.
Without Xiao Daru confining Xiao Simo and provoking resentment among the Eastern Capital officers and soldiers, how could the Northern Sea Army enter so easily?
They weren’t rebelling; they were restoring order and rescuing Xiao Simo.
After a brief exchange, Ali Da drew his saber and shouted to the Northern Sea Army soldiers behind him.
“Brothers, charge into the Eastern Capital City and rescue the Great King.”
“Kill for me!”
“Kill…”
The two thousand North Sea troops surged into the Eastern Capital City, shouting loudly: “Seize the traitor Xiao Daru, rescue the Great King.”
“Seize the traitor Xiao Daru, rescue the Great King.”
The city soldiers, upon learning of the Northern Sea Army’s entry, were shocked and furious, preparing to resist—until they heard the slogan and froze.
“The Northern Sea Army is here to rescue the Great King~”
“I heard the Great King was confined by the Great Prince.”
“The Great Prince is disloyal and unfilial.”
“So, with the Northern Sea Army rescuing the Great King, do we fight?”
“Fight my ass—save your strength for the Royal Court rebels!”
“Go to sleep!”
Xiao Simo had led the Northern Frontier Army on eastern and western expeditions, seizing vast supplies and slaves, greatly improving life for the Eastern Capital officers and soldiers.
Thus, he held great prestige in the army.
Xiao Daru’s rebellion in imprisoning his father dissatisfied many soldiers, so they turned a blind eye to the Northern Sea Army’s actions.
As for how ordinary soldiers learned of Xiao Simo’s confinement, credit went to Nie Jida and others’ plotting.
For tonight’s action, they had gone to great lengths.
They had bewitched many Eastern Capital and North Sea soldiers into believing they were truly rescuing Xiao Simo.
……
Bayi Inn.
At this time, Xiao Daru was deep in sleep.
After becoming Yin Mountains Governor, he realized the position was demanding, with endless worries.
He was busy until late every night before sleeping.
As he slept soundly, a personal guard suddenly burst through the door, shouting in panic: “Governor, disaster!”
“The Northern Sea Army has invaded.”
Xiao Daru jolted awake, sitting up abruptly, gripping his saber warily.
After several breaths, he reacted, recalling the guard’s words.
His face changed drastically.
“What? What did you say?”
“Governor, the Northern Sea Army has invaded; they say they’re here to rescue the Great King.”
Hearing this, Xiao Daru completely lost composure.
He hurriedly rose, hastily donning clothes without time for armor, and as he rushed out, the thundering cavalry grew clearer.
Accompanied by countless shouts: “Seize the traitor Xiao Daru, rescue the Great King.”
Xiao Daru’s face twisted in rage, roaring madly: “Are they rebelling?”
“My Yin Mountains Governor title was personally granted by Father King—how dare they?”
Xiao Daru was furious; though he had initially forged a decree to rebel, later Xiao Simo had acknowledged his status, willing to play Li Yuan.
In that case, the Northern Sea Army should have obeyed his orders obediently and joined him against the Royal Court rebels.
How dare they attack the Eastern Capital City?
Worse, they had actually breached it.
“Kill, kill our way out.”
“This Governor will execute all these rebels.”
Xiao Daru gripped his saber, roaring in fury.
But the incident was sudden; most city soldiers were resting, and in the haste, Xiao Daru couldn’t muster many troops.
For him, the situation had reached a critical extreme.
Royal Mansion.
Xiao Simo, who had coughed blood all night and finally fallen asleep, was awakened at once by the city’s clamor.
He faintly heard shouts: “Seize the traitor Xiao Daru, rescue the Great King.”
Instantly, Xiao Simo’s face turned ugly.
His pale face filled with horror: “What’s happening?”
“Where’s this battle cry from?”
At that moment, the door guards—personal guards, now replaced by Xiao Daru’s men—rushed in.
They were no longer the original guards; all swapped for Xiao Daru’s people.
Their sole task: prevent anyone from contacting Xiao Simo.
“Are the rioters in the city our Eastern Capital troops?” Xiao Simo asked sternly.
He suspected some Eastern Capital generals, dissatisfied with his confinement, had launched a mutiny.
The guards exchanged glances and shook their heads.
They had stayed in the Royal Mansion and hadn’t heard news of the outside unrest.
But one guessed: “It could also be North Sea troops.”
Though just a guess, Xiao Simo’s face turned utterly horrified upon hearing it.
“Northern Sea Army? They’ve come to the Eastern Capital?”
These days, confined in the Royal Mansion and cut off from news, he had also despaired and stopped inquiring about affairs.
So he didn’t know of the Northern Sea Army’s arrival.
“Yes, they arrived this afternoon,” a guard said softly.
As Xiao Simo coughed, his face turned bluish-purple, roaring angrily: “Is Ali Da rebelling?”
Though the distance from Eastern Capital to North Sea was shortest, from order relay to army muster and arrival at Eastern Capital City.
The process required at least ten days.
Yet the Northern Sea Army reached outside the Eastern Capital on the sixth day.
How could this not enrage Xiao Simo?
The only explanation: the Northern Sea Army had prepared in advance and rushed to the Eastern Capital upon receiving the message.
The Northern Sea Army wasn’t here to rescue him—they were truly rebelling!
In that instant, everything connected in his mind, thoughts clarifying yet plunging him deeper into despair.
Finally, he closed his eyes powerlessly, his face full of bitterness.
“Is my, Xiao Simo’s, judgment really so poor?”
“Xiao Lintta, whom I treated as brother and kin, betrayed me; Great Desert Deputy Governor Shi Gu Bi will betray me.”
“North Sea Governor Ali Da, whom I personally promoted and entrusted as confidant, still betrays me.”
“Why?”
“Power, status, gold, honors, women~ This King gave you all of it.”
“Why still betray me?” Xiao Simo muttered angrily.
But with matters at this point and his body in this state, he was helpless despite his will, unable to manage anymore.
