Chapter 199: Jin Prefecture Iron Cavalry, Unrivaled In The Northern Frontier
After a night of fierce fighting, Eastern Capital City had been completely occupied by the Northern Sea Army.
On the widest street inside the city, hundreds of corpses were neatly laid out horizontally, and the air was filled with a thick bloody smell.
Ali Da stood with a group of generals in front of Xiao Daru’s corpse.
It was covered with dozens of blood holes, traces left after arrows were pulled out.
In last night’s fighting, Xiao Daru refused to surrender even in death, even attempting to counterattack the Royal Mansion to rescue Xiao Simo, but ultimately outnumbered, he perished under the arrows of the Northern Sea Army.
Ali Da’s expression was grave as he said in a deep voice: “Although Xiao Daru held the Great King hostage and committed treason, deserving death, he was still the Great King’s bloodline.”
“He died in battle on the path of charging, which can be considered not disgracing the Great King’s prestige.”
“Give him a proper burial!”
“As for these soldiers who died in battle, they were merely bewitched by Xiao Daru; in the end, they are all warriors of our Northern Frontier. Bury them properly.”
Ali Da’s action was intended to rally the morale of the Eastern Capital Army.
With that said, he looked up at Yalixin and the other Eastern Capital generals, asking: “General Yalixin, do you have any thoughts?”
Yalixin and the others exchanged glances and shook their heads one after another: “Governor Ali Da has considered everything thoroughly; we have no objections.”
In the current Eastern Capital, with Xiao Daru dead and Xiao Simo missing, the highest-ranking official was Ali Da, the North Sea Governor.
Therefore, these remnants of the Eastern Capital forces tacitly followed Ali Da’s lead.
“However, the most urgent matter now is still to find the Great King. We don’t know where that thief Xiao Daru imprisoned the Great King.” Another Eastern Capital general said angrily.
They had nearly turned the entire Eastern Capital upside down but found no trace of Xiao Simo, leaving all the Eastern Capital generals very uneasy.
Fearing that Xiao Simo had already been killed.
“Indeed, the top priority is still to find the Great King. People have already been sent out of the city to search, and a reward has been issued to the herdsmen; we should find him soon.” Ali Da nodded lightly and said.
“However, the Royal Court Army has already passed the Alatao Mountains and is less than three hundred li from our Eastern Capital City, posing the greatest threat to our Northern Frontier.”
“At this critical moment, we should unite as one to resist the external enemy.”
Hearing Ali Da’s words, Yalixin instantly understood his intention.
While still hesitating, Nie Jida, formerly the deputy commander of the Royal Mansion guards and now the East City chiliarch, said without hesitation: “In the current Eastern Capital City, the highest-ranking person is Governor Ali Da.”
“I suggest that before finding the Great King, Governor Ali Da leads us to fight against the Royal Court Army.”
As soon as the words fell, several Eastern Capital generals echoed in agreement. After these power struggles, the Eastern Capital generals had been divided and lacked cohesion.
Some had already defected to Ali Da, and the remaining Yalixin and others had no room to object in the face of the overwhelming situation, acknowledging Ali Da’s position as temporary overall commander.
Until Xiao Simo was found.
Afterward, Ali Da simply reorganized the Eastern Capital’s army, assigned combat tasks, and prepared defenses against the Royal Court Army.
Soon after, he returned to the Bayi Inn.
Following Xiao Daru, this place had become Ali Da’s temporary command center.
Forcibly requisitioned without payment; the Uyghur owner cried to death.
In one of the rooms at this time, the copper pot was already bubbling on the mud stove.
Xiao Pula Yelu crushed two bricks of tea and threw them into the boiling water, then poured fresh milk into the pot and sprinkled in a handful of coarse salt.
Soon, two bowls of steaming milk tea were ready.
Seeing Ali Da arrive, Xiao Pula Yelu said indifferently: “Sit.”
“Taste the flavor of Southern Xinjiang milk tea.”
This was the tea-drinking method Xiao Pula Yelu had learned from Eastern Kara-Khanid Khanate people during his years living in Southern Xinjiang.
Ali Da sat opposite, took the steaming milk tea in hand, and said in a deep voice: “The Eastern Capital’s army has been dealt with; they are now all under our control.”
Xiao Pula Yelu nodded lightly, his expression unchanged. He had long planted some pawns in the Northern Sea central army, so these matters were no secret to him.
Moreover, on this trip from Southern Xinjiang, he had brought a group of confidants with him.
He had also gathered a group of remnant soldiers in the Eastern Capital, giving him a not-insignificant armed force.
“Although the Eastern Capital Army has only two thousand or so left, it is still an asset to us and must be kept in hand.”
“As for those three chiliarchs in the Northern Sea Army, letting them live will always be a problem.”
The Northern Sea Army was not monolithic but divided into many factions.
Only about two thousand had truly followed the two in rebellion; three chiliarchs remained loyal to Xiao Simo.
If they learned the truth, the Northern Sea Army would likely split in two immediately.
Hearing this, a flash of ruthlessness crossed Ali Da’s face, and he nodded heavily: “I understand, but we need an opportunity.”
“I have already ordered people to bribe their subordinates. When the time is ripe, we can take down the three directly.” Xiao Pula Yelu said in a deep voice.
Hearing this, Ali Da’s heart jolted; the old man was indeed vicious.
The many centurions of the Northern Sea Army were originally leaders of the various North Sea tribes, and their loyalty to the three chiliarchs could be measured with money.
What truly shocked Ali Da was that the old man had already begun laying out plans against the three chiliarchs—what about his own direct chiliarchs?
Had any been bought by the old man?
Though shocked by Xiao Pula Yelu’s viciousness, Ali Da remained outwardly composed.
Listening to Xiao Pula Yelu continue: “After taking down the three, you arrange the Left Chiliarch position as you see fit. Hand the Right Chiliarch and Lower Chiliarch to Lü Xie Zhen and Han Jialu.”
These two were Xiao Pula Yelu’s men, servants who had followed him into exile on the frontier.
This was essentially a division of the Northern Sea Army’s military power.
Throwing the Left Chiliarch position as a sop to appease Ali Da, allowing Xiao Pula Yelu to directly insert himself into the army.
In this way, nearly half of the Northern Sea Army’s troops would be controlled by Xiao Pula Yelu, and even some of Ali Da’s direct centurions might be bought by him.
This filled Ali Da with anger: “Damn old man.”
“Is he planning to kill the donkey after unloading the millstone?”
He absolutely could not let Xiao Pula Yelu’s plan succeed, or he would gradually become a puppet.
But direct confrontation was unwise, so Ali Da superficially agreed but planned to sabotage in secret.
Anyway, war was about to break out; he could then take the opportunity to eliminate all the old man’s people and truly purge the Northern Sea Army.
The Northern Sea Army was the foundation of his standing; he would never allow this old man to take it.
Then, Ali Da changed the subject: “Just received news that the Jin Prefecture Army will arrive at the Eastern Capital in five days, and the Great Desert Army in eight.”
“Both are elite forces of the Northern Frontier, especially the Jin Prefecture Army under Prince Consort Li Xiao of Chu State, which is brave and skilled in combat, exceedingly elite.”
“He was the Left Route Army Commander during the Western Expedition against the Royal Court and holds great prestige in the Northern Frontier Army.”
“If the Jin Prefecture Army arrives, it will greatly impact our plans.”
Hearing this, Xiao Pula Yelu’s expression also turned serious: “I’ve heard quite a bit about Li Xiao.”
“Even in the Royal Court, he is a renowned figure.”
“His rapid rise is astounding; in two or three years, he became Jin Prefecture Governor. Though A Man’s relationship played a part, his own abilities are not to be underestimated.”
“His battle achievements and merits leave many lifelong generals in awe.”
Especially in the Western Expedition, Li Xiao led the Left Route Army to nearly annihilate the allied forces under Xiao Lintta, advancing unstoppable and forcefully breaking through Kuyun-Ordu.
This battle made Li Xiao’s name resound throughout Western Liao.
Subsequently, he campaigned against Gaochang Kingdom, broke through the Gaochang royal capital, killed the Gaochang king, and forced the Gaochang remnants to submit.
This event similarly shocked the Royal Court; after all, Gaochang as a Western Liao vassal state had considerable strength.
To be extinguished by Li Xiao in just two or three months gave new recognition to his abilities.
But it was beyond their reach; the Royal Court could do nothing about Gaochang and had to let it be.
As for Li Xiao’s deeds on the Grassland—annihilating the Naiman Tribe, heavily damaging the Kereit Tribe army, and wiping out the Mongol flanking army.
These events were only months old.
In the Western Regions, information transmission is very slow.
Warfare and tribal conflicts often disrupt trade routes.
Without special attention, Grassland news might not reach the Royal Court even in a year.
So, if the Royal Court learned of the Grassland events, they would be even more shocked and pay greater attention to Li Xiao.
In political importance, he still fell far short of Xiao Simo.
But in military threat, Li Xiao far surpassed Xiao Simo.
“Indeed, I have had contact with Li Xiao; whether marching and fighting or scheming, he is no simple man.”
“Even a veteran like Xiao Lintta was crushed by Li Xiao without power to fight back.”
“If he interferes, we’ll be in big trouble.” Ali Da said in a grave voice.
Xiao Pula Yelu also nodded with a gloomy face: “What a pity; he is A Man’s husband. Otherwise, I would truly want to recruit him for my use.”
He had gone to such lengths to occupy the Eastern Capital not to make wedding clothes for the Royal Court, but to replace Xiao Simo.
The Northern Frontier situation would remain dire afterward, still facing Royal Court attacks. Recruiting a fierce general like Li Xiao, brave and skilled, would give him more confidence against the Royal Court’s counterattack.
But unfortunately, Li Xiao would likely not submit to him.
“Since we can’t get him, then destroy him.” Xiao Pula Yelu said coldly.
He looked at Ali Da and said: “Send someone to pass a message to Li Xiao, saying to invite him to the Eastern Capital to discuss important matters.”
Hearing this, Ali Da frowned slightly: “Capture the leader first? Does Mister want to take down Li Xiao?”
“But the Jin Prefecture Army is different from other armies; it was almost entirely built by Li Xiao single-handedly.”
“The main generals are Li Xiao’s kin and fellow villagers. Even if we capture Li Xiao, we can’t kill him, or it will only enrage the Jin Prefecture Army completely.”
What Ali Da said was the biggest difference between the Jin Prefecture Army and other armies.
Like the Northern Sea Army, whose main body consisted of the many nomadic tribes of the North Sea.
These tribes had deep conflicts among themselves, scattered like sand, forcibly gathered by the Khitan people.
If Ali Da were killed, these tribes would never avenge him, reverting to scattered sand, independent of each other, even attacking one another.
In contrast, the Jin Prefecture Army’s main body was the former Four Fort Allied Army.
Through repeated campaigns and political means, Li Xiao had annexed other fortresses and tribes, and forcibly plundered large numbers of Han people from Western Xia, forming the current Jin Prefecture Army.
Thus, the Four Fort Allied Army’s command structure remained unchanged; it had only expanded the territory.
Most generals were Han people, and the high-level ones were entirely Li Xiao’s kin.
Their existence turned the Jin Prefecture Army into an impenetrable iron barrel with extremely strong internal cohesion, monolithic, almost completely independent of the Northern Frontier system.
If Li Xiao were killed, the Jin Prefecture Army would not scatter and fight individually.
The various generals would only attack the Eastern Capital fiercely under the banner of avenging Li Xiao; whoever avenged him would have a shot at becoming the next Jin Prefecture Governor.
So Ali Da’s idea was to absolutely not kill Li Xiao, but use him to command the Jin Prefecture Army.
After hearing Ali Da’s explanation, Xiao Pula Yelu looked surprised: “The Jin Prefecture Army’s power is so concentrated?”
“It seems I underestimated Li Xiao.”
“Good, first capture Li Xiao, control the Jin Prefecture Army, then persuade him to serve me.”
Afterward, the two discussed how to deal with the Jin Prefecture Army.
But as soon as Ali Da stepped out of the room, the smile on his face vanished, a murderous glint flashing in his eyes.
“Old man, if you control the Eastern Capital, wouldn’t all my efforts be in vain?”
Though Ali Da had been forced into Xiao Pula Yelu’s plan out of necessity, did he not have ambitions of his own?
Advancing from North Sea Governor meant becoming Eastern Capital Governor.
Following Xiao Pula Yelu in rebellion was seizing grain from fire, but not without a slim chance of survival.
Yet now, Xiao Pula Yelu wanted to kill the donkey after unloading the millstone and scheme for his Northern Sea Army—how could Ali Da tolerate it?
The old man had courted death.
However, the Northern Sea Army was not entirely Ali Da’s people; some were Xiao Pula Yelu’s confidants, so the old man was not without resistance.
Moreover, the Jin Prefecture Army, Royal Court Army, and Great Desert Army would arrive successively at the Eastern Capital.
In this chaotic situation, Ali Da found it hard to act for the moment; the Northern Sea Army alone could not handle so many forces.
In the room, Xiao Pula Yelu’s face was also gloomy as he muttered darkly: “Let you live a few more days; once the plan succeeds, I’ll send you to meet Xiao Simo.”
After stabilizing the Eastern Capital, Ali Da as North Sea Governor would have no utilitarian value left.
After all, having a subordinate with heavy troops in hand would make Xiao Pula Yelu uneasy even as Eastern Capital Governor.
Military power could only be held by his own people.
……
At the same time, four Royal Mansion guards were riding horses, struggling toward Jin Prefecture.
They had fled the Eastern Capital in haste, with insufficient grain and arrows; halfway, they were nearly out of supplies.
The four kept only basic bows and spears, trading everything they had, including a fine steel saber, with herdsmen for a sheep and a horse carriage.
After sharing the food, they had the strength to continue.
“Saur Mountains are ahead; once over them, it’s Jin Prefecture.” The lead guard said loudly.
On the carriage behind him was a very crude coffin they had improvised for Xiao Simo.
Though Xiao Simo had told them to bury him anywhere and move him to the Xiao family ancestral grave later.
But the four understood this was because Xiao Simo did not want to implicate them.
So, no matter how hard, they persisted in bringing Xiao Simo’s body to Jin Prefecture.
“I wonder how the Eastern Capital is now?” One guard sighed softly.
“Hmph, I knew that dog Ali Da couldn’t be trusted; I should have chopped him to pieces back then.” Another said angrily.
“Once we join the Prince Consort’s army, we’ll kill back to the Eastern Capital.” The guards said as they went.
But the next second, the lead guard suddenly raised his hand, signaling them to stop.
The atmosphere tensed instantly; the four drew bows and arrows, preparing for battle.
This was the border between Jin Prefecture and Eastern Capital, under Northern Frontier control but not absolutely safe.
Horse bandits occasionally harassed tribesmen; if they encountered a group, the four would be in danger.
In this tense atmosphere, the people opposite also spotted them.
About a li away on the hillside, several cavalry appeared as if emerging slowly from the horizon.
They all wore white armor darkened with black, surfaces covered in dark mud, tasseled helmets on their heads, curved bows in hand, standing tall on the hillside.
Watching the four guards from afar.
Seeing the familiar attire, the four guards’ tense expressions relaxed instantly.
They exchanged glances, showing relief.
“It’s the White Armored Army!”
……
East of Saur Mountains, the endless Jin Prefecture Army Camp stretched out, golden Sun and Moon Battle Flags fluttering in the wind.
The camp was also filled with yellow, red, and white battle flags, each representing a chiliarch’s army.
For this battle, Li Xiao anticipated a large scale, as the Royal Court main force was fully committed to attacking the Seven Rivers Grassland.
So he ordered each chiliarch office to draw six hundred troops.
Jin Prefecture’s sixteen chiliarch offices totaled ten thousand troops.
Additionally, for this campaign, Li Xiao brought twenty thousand Naiman and Kereit tribe prisoners of war, all incorporated into the Kuli Army as cannon fodder.
Survive the waves, select true warriors through blood and fire to supplement the Jin Prefecture garrison soldiers.
Thus, the camp’s total troops reached a full thirty thousand.
But this was not the entirety of the Jin Prefecture Army’s forces for this expedition.
Western Sea was too far; Li Xiao did not mobilize Western Sea troops.
Instead, he ordered Desert Guard General Li Dashan to lead thirteen chiliarchs, eight thousand troops, from the Great Desert.
Expected to arrive at Eastern Capital three days after the Jin Prefecture troops.
Thus, the Jin Prefecture Army’s expeditionary force totaled a staggering thirty-eight thousand, topping the Northern Frontier.
Even without restraint, Li Xiao could muster at least thirty thousand more garrison soldiers and war slaves.
In just three years, the Jin Prefecture Army’s garrison soldiers plus war slaves had surpassed the total of the other four Northern Frontier prefectures.
With this force, even directly confronting the Royal Court main force, Li Xiao had no fear.
In the Golden Tent, sitting face-to-face with Shu Lü Wujin.
This woman had arrived at the Jin Prefecture Army camp just days ago, protected by Royal Mansion guards, and brought Li Xiao a message.
Xiao Daru had rebelled and taken Xiao Simo hostage.
Any future orders from Eastern Capital were invalid; Li Xiao need not heed them.
“A Man lost her parents young and was raised by the Great King and Princess Consort, like brother and father, like sister and mother.”
“Nair is A Man’s most beloved nephew; I, Li Xiao, will never stand idly by while Xiao Daru rebels.”
“Princess Consort, rest assured; I will surely rescue the Great King.”
“When my Jin Prefecture Army arrives at Eastern Capital, before absolute troop strength, no matter how A Man’s department head struggles, he can only submit obediently.”
The Jin Prefecture Army had thirty-eight thousand troops, while the Great Desert Army’s expedition commander was Xiao Chilü, son of Xiao Tula Duo.
Based on prior relations, Li Xiao could fully pull him over.
Thus, Li Xiao could mobilize over forty thousand troops; even breaking Eastern Capital would be a matter of days.
So he had full confidence in saying this.
Hearing this, Shu Lü Wujin was deeply moved.
Li Xiao had clearly stated his position: in the Royal Mansion’s succession struggle, he stood firmly with Shu Lü Wujin and Xiao Helun.
Whether from personal sentiment or self-interest, Li Xiao would choose this mother and son.
“A Man is a fortunate child to find someone like Governor Li as husband; it truly makes others envious.” Shu Lü Wujin said gratefully.
Subconsciously thinking Li Xiao supported her and her son entirely for Xiao Yanyan’s sake.
“Only, Nair’s whereabouts in Yili are unknown. Some say they saw him fall in battle, others that he was captured by Royal Court Army~”
“If something happens to Nair, how is a weak woman to live on?”
With that, Shu Lü Wujin wiped tears; after all, he was her only son—how could she not ache and miss him?
At this moment, her greatest regret was agreeing to let Xiao Helun go to Yili.
She would rather he not compete for that position than risk his safety.
Seeing the weeping woman, Li Xiao didn’t know how to comfort her.
He could only say softly: “Nair has the luck of the blessed; he’ll be fine.”
“If he was truly captured by the Royal Court Army, I will do everything to rescue him.”
Li Xiao’s words were half-true, half-comfort.
After all, Xiao Helun’s status was special; if truly in Royal Court hands, even if Li Xiao annihilated their army, he’d only get a corpse.
Unless capturing a key Royal Court figure for exchange.
But with no certain news on Xiao Helun’s situation, Li Xiao had no way to act.
“For now, Princess Consort, stay temporarily in the army. Once my Jin Prefecture Army reaches Eastern Capital and rescues the Great King, you can return to the mansion.”
“The army conditions are crude; I apologize for inconveniencing the Princess Consort.” Li Xiao said gravely.
Shu Lü Wujin quickly shook her head lightly: “Not inconvenient.”
“To have a place to stay at this point is already immense gratitude.”
As she spoke, Li Xiao was about to arrange for Shu Lü Wujin to rest in her tent when Wuwei Army chiliarch Tie Tou entered and whispered something to Li Xiao.
“What?”
Li Xiao’s eyes widened instantly; he abruptly stood, incredulous and shocked.
He turned to Tie Tou and demanded: “Is it true?”
Tie Tou nodded heavily: “Absolutely true.”
“I saw the corpse with my own eyes.”
Hearing this, Li Xiao took a deep breath, slowly sat back on the stool, eyes still filled with shock.
Though he had long known this day would come, he never imagined it so sudden and swift.
Xiao Simo was dead!
The body had been brought to Jin Prefecture by four guards and happened upon by Jin Prefecture Army scouts; Tie Tou had verified it was indeed Xiao Simo.
“Take the coffin to the adjacent tent. Call those four guards; I want to question them personally about what happened!” Li Xiao said gravely.
“Yes!” Tie Tou nodded and quietly left the tent.
During this, Shu Lü Wujin sat quietly opposite, gently wiping tears, a hint of curiosity on her face.
“Princess Consort, there is something I am utterly shocked and grieved by. Please take care after hearing it.”
Li Xiao looked at Shu Lü Wujin and said heavily: “The Great King has passed away.”
Hearing this, Shu Lü Wujin’s face froze, the silk handkerchief slipping from her hand to her feet.
“Wh-what?”
“The Great King he~”
Shu Lü Wujin’s red lips trembled, tears rolling slowly down her fair cheeks.
