Chapter 205: Is There A Lineage For Kings? It Belongs To Those With Strong Soldiers And Sturdy Horses
The next morning at dawn, the moment the morning light pierced through the clouds, golden rays sprinkled on the broken city walls of Eastern Capital City, plating the ruins with a layer of blood-red gold edges.
In the Jin Prefecture Army Camp, Shu Lü Wujin had just eaten a simple breakfast and was sitting outside her tent, staring blankly at the red clouds on the horizon, her eyes empty and devoid of any spirit.
Her eye sockets were swollen, her expression haggard; in just a few short days, it was clear that her figure had slimmed down significantly.
It was enough to see that Xiao Helun’s death had dealt her a heavy blow.
At that moment, Guard Commander Sainakh arrived with an Imperial Guard soldier wearing yellow-based red-trimmed cotton armor.
“Princess Consort, the Great Governor requests your presence.” Sainakh stood at a short distance beside her and said softly.
Hearing the voice, Shu Lü Wujin slowly turned her head. Upon realizing it was someone sent by Li Xiao, a slight spark returned to her face.
Looking at the Imperial Guard soldier, she said in a slightly dry and hoarse soft voice: “What is the matter?”
“Forgive me, Princess Consort, this subordinate does not know.”
Shu Lü Wujin did not press him, nodding lightly as she said: “Wait while I tidy up, I’ll go right away.”
She then stood up and walked back into her tent.
Moments later, she changed into a clean set of clothes, lightly applying some powder to her face to cover her haggard look.
She held her neck high, as if she had once again become the noble Princess Consort of the King of the Northern Frontier.
Mounting her own little mare, accompanied by two Royal Mansion guards, she followed the Imperial Guards toward Eastern Capital City.
Although the Jin Prefecture Army had broken through Eastern Capital, Shu Lü Wujin had not returned to the Royal Mansion to live; she still resided in the Jin Prefecture Military Camp.
On one hand, it was for safety; on the other, the Royal Mansion had become a place of sorrow for her, with nothing left worth lingering over.
Eastern Capital City was not too large; only part of the Jin Prefecture Army had entered the city, while most remained stationed in the large camp south of the city.
As Shu Lü Wujin approached the city gate, her gaze involuntarily fell on the collapsed section of city wall in the distance.
“Is that what the Divine Might Cannon did?”
During yesterday’s assault on Eastern Capital City, she had stayed in the rear, hearing only the terrifying roar of the Divine Might Cannon, but this was the first time she had seen its devastating power with her own eyes.
“You are correct, Princess Consort; that is precisely the power of the Divine Might Cannon.”
“Not to mention city walls—even mountains and boulders would struggle to withstand the power of the Divine Might Cannon.”
The young Imperial Guard soldier rode alongside her, speaking softly, his tone carrying a subtle pride.
The Divine Might Cannon was something unique to Jin Prefecture, one of a kind under heaven.
Forget a mere section of city wall—even facing thousands of troops and cavalry, the Divine Might Cannon could blast them to pieces.
Jin Prefecture not only had the Divine Might Cannon but also sturdy armor, sharp weapons, countless war horses, and the absolute strength to sweep away all enemies.
It was this power of the Jin Prefecture Army that made every soldier feel a sense of pride.
“To think there is such a divine weapon under heaven—truly miraculous.” Shu Lü Wujin murmured softly.
This time, she had witnessed the true foundation of the Jin Prefecture Army. To put it bluntly, even the Northern Frontier at its peak could not compare to Jin Prefecture now.
Looking at the deathly still Eastern Capital City before her, Shu Lü Wujin, who had lost her husband and child, stood silently, murmuring softly: “Perhaps Jin Prefecture is the future of the Northern Frontier.”
With that, she walked toward the city gate.
Meanwhile, on the other side, a group of Eastern Kara-Khanid Khaganate war prisoners were being driven by Jin Prefecture Army soldiers using whips and bows and arrows.
“Hurry up, all of you move for me.”
“If the city walls aren’t repaired within ten days, you’ll all die.”
“Pa~”
With that, a whip lashed onto one of the war prisoners.
Destroying a city might take only an instant, but rebuilding it would take much longer.
The collapsed section of Eastern Capital City’s walls was not too extensive, and repairing it was not too difficult; naturally, this task fell to the Royal Court war prisoners.
The Kuli Army could at least exchange military merit for status, but these Eastern Kara-Khanid Khaganate war prisoners were pure cannon fodder, with no human rights whatsoever.
Even back in Eastern Capital, these war prisoners would be sent to mine.
There was no helping it; the Eastern Kara-Khanid Khaganate people, mainly Uyghurs and Geluolu People, had gradually lost the valor of their ancestors.
In terms of combat ability, they were no match for Naiman Tribe and Kereit Tribe soldiers.
Therefore, Li Xiao preferred selecting war slaves from grassland captives, while these Eastern Kara-Khanid Khaganate soldiers’ fate was likely to fall dead in some mine one day.
“Princess Consort, please~”
After entering the city gate, Shu Lü Wujin was escorted by a team of Imperial Guards up onto the city wall.
Turning the corner of the walkway, she looked up and saw a tall, straight figure.
At this time, Li Xiao had removed his cotton armor, wearing only a black plain robe, looking like an ordinary young man.
But every movement exuded an intangible pressure of authority, inspiring awe and making it hard to look directly at him.
Shu Lü Wujin stood in place, staring dazedly at his back.
Under the rising sun, he resembled a cold war god statue; the golden Sun and Moon Battle Flag fluttered behind him, slicing the morning light into fragmented spots that sprinkled over Li Xiao, as if forming a layer of holy glow.
Hearing the footsteps, Li Xiao turned around, his gaze meeting Shu Lü Wujin’s dazed stare.
The next second, Shu Lü Wujin quickly averted her eyes, while Li Xiao smiled lightly and said: “Princess Consort, how does it feel to return to Eastern Capital City?”
Shu Lü Wujin shook her head gently, turning away; everywhere her gaze fell were the densely packed houses and streets inside the city.
After so many battles, most of the buildings inside the city had been destroyed; everything seemed changed beyond recognition.
“No particular feeling.” Shu Lü Wujin shook her head lightly, murmuring: “All the familiar people and things are gone.”
“This is no longer the Eastern Capital I cherished.”
Li Xiao sighed softly as well, looking at the ruined streets inside the city, saying in a faint voice: “Since Emperor Dezong proclaimed himself emperor from Eastern Capital City, this town has weathered over seventy years of storms.”
“Now, it has fulfilled its mission.”
Li Xiao said in a meaningful tone, then turned to Shu Lü Wujin: “I asked you here today regarding Elder Brother’s matter.”
“Now that Eastern Capital City has been retaken, the masterminds behind Elder Brother’s death have been captured. It is time to avenge him and comfort his spirit in heaven.”
With that, Li Xiao turned and stood at the highest point of the city wall, facing the sunrise with hands behind his back; the flapping Sun and Moon Battle Flag behind him cast his shadow long, like a giant beast poised to strike.
Out of curiosity, Shu Lü Wujin stepped forward and looked in the direction of Li Xiao’s gaze, seeing two Divine Might Cannons standing below the city wall.
The black cannon barrels refracted a cold gleam under the sunlight, muzzles pointed at a forty-five-degree angle toward the sky, emanating powerful deterrence like pillars of a demon god.
“Bring them up.”
Seeing Li Xiao and Shu Lü Wujin in position, Centurion Zhang Shitou of the Imperial Guard shouted loudly from afar.
Immediately, a group of Imperial Guards escorted two disheveled prisoners to the base of the wall.
Both men were bare-chested, their dark skin covered in whip marks, battered and scarred.
Their breaths weak, they were thrown to the ground like dead dogs.
As Shu Lü Wujin wondered about their identities, Li Xiao explained: “These two are Xiao Pula Yelu and Ali Da.”
Hearing this, Shu Lü Wujin’s beautiful eyes widened instantly, her knuckles turning white as she gripped her silk handkerchief.
“It’s them?”
Tortured beyond recognition, Shu Lü Wujin hadn’t identified them at first.
But careful scrutiny revealed the features of North Sea Governor Ali Da.
As for Xiao Pula Yelu, this illegitimate uncle, Shu Lü Wujin was not too familiar with him; after all, the old man had left the Xiao Family ten years ago, and his appearance had changed greatly.
“Tie them up!”
At Zhang Shitou’s command, eight Imperial Guards pounced forward like wolves and tigers, hoisting the two in front of the cannon muzzles.
Rough hemp ropes dug deep into their flesh, binding them securely to the Red Robe Cannon barrels.
Their current state resembled boiled lobsters—upper bodies and legs folded together tightly against the muzzle, only their abdomens blocking the cannon opening.
Just yesterday, Xiao Pula Yelu had witnessed the power of these ‘Thunder God Pillars’; they could even blast down Eastern Capital’s walls.
Though he didn’t know what the Jin Prefecture Army intended, he instinctively sensed danger.
He twisted his body frantically at the muzzle, but the ropes only tightened: “What are you doing? What do you want?”
“Let me go.”
The cannon pointed toward the grassland outside the city, so looking up, he could see Li Xiao and Shu Lü Wujin, that dog of a couple, on the wall.
Even without having seen Li Xiao’s face, who else could stand there but him?
He shouted frantically: “Li Xiao, Li Xiao, I am your Fourth Uncle.”
“We are family.”
“Spare me, I don’t want to die.”
“As long as you let me go, I’ll be your ox and horse; I can help you become King of the Northern Frontier, become Emperor of Great Liao.”
“Xiao Simo is dead; you are now the greatest in the Northern Frontier, but you lack legitimacy.”
“I can help you~”
“I can make you the rightful King of the Northern Frontier, let you swallow everything of Xiao Simo.”
“His territory, his power, his women—I can help you take them all…”
Faced with the threat of death, Xiao Pula Yelu unleashed the last of his life’s potential, roaring madly.
These words made Shu Lü Wujin’s pretty face change abruptly, her annoyed gaze turning to Xiao Pula Yelu.
Talking of power and territory was one thing, but mentioning women?
However, Shu Lü Wujin had to admit Xiao Pula Yelu was right.
Currently, Jin Prefecture held the greatest strength in the Northern Frontier.
With Eastern Capital reduced to ruins and heavy losses, it had naturally lost actual control over the various prefectures; mere nominal rule could not last long.
So, who would be the next King of the Northern Frontier?
Shu Lü Wujin’s gaze quietly flicked to Li Xiao beside her.
“I thought you would be a staunch, iron-willed man like Grandfather Xiao Wulila and Elder Brother.”
“I didn’t expect you to be such a cowardly, fearful wretch.”
“Grandfather handing the Xiao Family to Elder Brother instead of you was indeed the right choice.” Li Xiao said coldly, hands behind his back.
Li Xiao bore a blood feud with him for killing his son, yet he still begged for mercy on bended knee.
If not a cowardly wretch, then a forbearing schemer—even more reason not to let him go.
“Proceed~” Li Xiao said faintly.
At once, the cannoneers lit the fuses with torches; the hissing sound crackled like a viper flicking its tongue.
Xiao Pula Yelu let out a heart-wrenching cry: “No…”
Ali Da, however, remained silent throughout, eyes closed, calmly awaiting death.
Perhaps for him, this was the best release.
“Li Xiao, you’ll die a horrible death.”
“Even as a ghost, I won’t let you go.”
Amid Xiao Pula Yelu’s curses, the moment the sunrise fully cleared the horizon, the fuses at the muzzles erupted in soaring flames.
“Boom!”
“Boom!”
Two thunderous blasts shook the earth.
Flames from the muzzles instantly engulfed the two; the shockwave hurled blood and flesh into the air, bursting in the golden morning glow like a demonic blood-red flower.
But this was what they deserved.
Li Xiao watched calmly, raising a hand to shield his eyes from the glaring sun; morning light filtered through his fingers onto his cold face.
As if murmuring softly: “Since ancient times, the strong in arms and horses become king.”
“What need have I, Li Xiao, for your help?”
Finished, Li Xiao turned to Shu Lü Wujin beside him and asked softly: “Princess Consort, are you alright?”
Shu Lü Wujin had turned away, her face bloodless, handkerchief over her mouth as she dry-heaved.
Clearly, the gruesome scene below the wall had frightened her.
Though she had seen many killings, this was her first time witnessing such a brutal ‘cannon execution.’
“I, I’m fine, urp~”
Shu Lü Wujin waved her hand lightly.
“Someone, escort the Princess Consort back to camp to rest.” Li Xiao said to Sainakh in the distance.
Since Xiao Simo’s death, Sainakh had led the remaining Royal Mansion guards to stay by Shu Lü Wujin’s side, repaying Xiao Simo’s favor.
However, Shu Lü Wujin took a deep breath, shaking her head slightly: “No need, Da Long, I’m fine.”
“These two were the chief culprits in the Great King’s death; this end is what they deserve.”
“The Great King can now rest in peace in the Western Paradise.”
Hearing this, Li Xiao said firmly: “This is what Li Xiao should do.”
“Li Xiao owes his position today to Elder Brother’s promotion; I dare not forget it for a moment.”
“For avenging Elder Brother, even if it means braving fire and water, Li Xiao will not hesitate.”
The sun climbing to mid-sky stretched his shadow long, slanting over the Princess Consort’s pale skirts like a bloodstain severing life and death.
Shu Lü Wujin gazed at that face edged sharp by the morning glow, Li Xiao’s tightly pressed lips set with frost-like resolve.
The once gentle brows now steeped in killing intent—that was the resolve of vengeance for Xiao Simo.
Shu Lü Wujin looked deeply at Li Xiao, then nodded slightly: “The Great King long knew Da Long’s loyal heart, so he left a secret decree beforehand, kept by Guard Commander Sainakh.”
“He just handed it to me; it should be opened under the joint witness of the Northern Frontier governors and the Sixth Courtyard Department stone lie masters.”
“But with the Northern Frontier now in pieces, we must make do; shall Da Long and I open it together?”
Hearing this, Li Xiao was slightly surprised: “Secret decree?”
He truly hadn’t expected such a thing; after so long in this world, his mindset influenced by grassland culture, he instinctively accepted ‘the strong in arms and horses become king.’
The principle that after Qin’s fall, the world chased the deer—who didn’t understand it?
But on the other hand, it was normal for Xiao Simo to leave a secret decree; succession of power required legitimacy.
“Good, the Great King’s decree—Li Xiao shall obey.” Li Xiao nodded heavily.
But only if it didn’t harm his interests.
With that, Shu Lü Wujin took a brocade box from her bosom, sealed with a strip; inside was a letter sealed with sealing wax.
Then, Shu Lü Wujin personally opened the letter.
“I, by heaven’s mandate, guard the land and open frontiers, yet heaven grants no years—my end approaches. Mindful now of the Northern Frontier’s state and people’s trust, I issue this decree to clarify succession.”
“My legitimate son Helun, though young, bears pure bloodline and virtue within. He shall inherit the heavenly position, succeeding me as Eastern Capital Governor and Sixth Courtyard Department Great King. May he study diligently, uphold ancestors’ will, protect borders and peace.”
“Yet Helun is young and cannot yet handle affairs; thus, I appoint Princess of Chu Xiao Yanyan to manage Northern Frontier military and political matters as regent.”
“My sister has a reputation for wisdom, clever and bold; may she prioritize the Northern Frontier, exert herself fully, secure our foundation.”
“Further appoint Yin Mountains Governor Xue Gu Eluda, North Sea Governor Jiu Meng’an He, Great Desert Governor Xiao Tula Duo, Jin Prefecture Governor Xiao Lintta, and Jin Prefecture Deputy Governor Li Xiao as the five regent ministers.”
“Each governor holds great power, commands a region; Li Xiao has repeated military merits, exceptional talent and wisdom. May the five unite, assist the young lord.”
“All military and state matters require consensus of the five, submitted to Princess of Chu for final decision; no acting alone or shirking.”
“I urge you ministers to fulfill duties faithfully, not betray my trust. Any disloyalty, rebellion—let all under heaven condemn them. This decree issues forthwith and must be implemented.”
The secret decree was short; moments later, Shu Lü Wujin finished reading.
At this moment, tears streamed down her face.
Perhaps grieving for her son Xiao Helun, or because Xiao Simo’s decree never mentioned her from start to finish.
After all, by Khitan tradition, if the new emperor was young, the mother should oversee court affairs.
The sole variable was Emperor Chongtian Yelü Pusuwan, mother of Xiao Simo and Xiao Yanyan.
She had taken regency from her brother, then ascended as emperor.
Now, Xiao Simo followed his uncle’s example, handing regency to his sister instead of bedside consort Shu Lü Wujin.
He indeed had his reasons.
First, Shu Lü Wujin’s maternal clan had declined, while Xiao Yanyan, married to Li Xiao, had strong roots in Jin Prefecture.
Second, Shu Lü Wujin’s temperament was soft, unfit to lead the Northern Frontier; Xiao Yanyan, raised in camps with Xiao Simo, had a fearless nature.
If born male, she would not fall far short of Xiao Simo.
Clearly, Xiao Yanyan as regent was more suitable, at least ensuring the Xiao Family’s power wouldn’t be seized by outsiders.
The four governors—Xiao Tula Duo and others—existed to check Xiao Yanyan.
After all, Xiao Simo’s mother had usurped her nephew’s throne to become emperor.
Heeding the lesson, he had to guard against it.
These four governors controlled eighty percent of the Northern Frontier’s forces then; united, even Xiao Yanyan would be forced to step down awkwardly.
But to prevent Xiao Yanyan from losing to these four, Xiao Simo granted Li Xiao equal regent power.
And due to Xue Gu Eluda’s uniqueness, loyal only to Xiao Simo, he wouldn’t side with others, supporting Xiao Simo’s heir Xiao Helun unconditionally.
Thus, implementing Xiao Simo’s decree would create three political factions in the Northern Frontier.
Jiu Meng’an He, Xiao Tula Duo, and Xiao Lintta held military power over three prefectures, strongest but not absolute allies.
Xiao Yanyan had regency legitimacy and Li Xiao, holding most of Jin Prefecture’s troops then, as support—her faction not to be underestimated.
Finally, Xue Gu Eluda backed Xiao Helun, remaining neutral.
This would form a tripod balance of political power in the Northern Frontier.
Without upheaval, this balance would hold until Xiao Helun came of age, reclaiming power upon personal rule.
Xiao Simo was undoubtedly an excellent politician, masterful in power plays—at least surpassing his uncle, Western Liao’s second emperor Yelü Yilie.
But this was ultimately just Xiao Simo’s fancy.
The current Northern Frontier situation differed vastly from then.
“Tianxi 21st year, autumn, ninth month ninth day.”
Seeing the date at the end of the secret decree, Li Xiao sighed softly: “So it was then.”
This year was already Tianxi 25th; this was Xiao Simo’s decree from four years ago.
Then, the Battle of Golden Mountain had just ended; Xiao Simo led the Northern Frontier Army to crush the Naiman Tribe and had returned to Jin Prefecture.
Li Xiao was appointed Jin Prefecture Deputy Governor, commanding six chiliarch armies—a major power in the Northern Frontier.
By then, Li Xiao and Xiao Yanyan’s matter was essentially settled, qualifying him for a seat at the table.
Xiao Simo’s decree was flawless; this power allocation was most beneficial for both Northern Frontier and Xiao Family.
But he couldn’t have foreseen that four years later, not only Jin Prefecture Governor Xiao Lintta, Great Desert Governor Xiao Tula Duo, and Yin Mountains Governor Xue Gu Eluda would die for various reasons.
Even his legitimate son Xiao Helun was captured by Royal Court Army, dying from severe wounds.
With even the heir Xiao Helun gone, Xiao Simo’s power framework for the Northern Frontier was utterly hollow.
Among them, only Li Xiao and his wife Xiao Yanyan remained intact.
Even Jiu Meng’an He had no news; he was blocking the Royal Court main force in Seven Rivers Grassland, his situation unknown.
After reading Xiao Simo’s handwritten secret decree, Li Xiao sighed lightly, folded the letter, returned it to the envelope, and handed it back to Shu Lü Wujin.
He said softly: “This is Elder Brother’s own handwriting; Princess Consort, keep it for remembrance.”
The decree wasn’t entirely useless; at least it bolstered Li Xiao’s momentum legally.
But it was mere icing; the foundation was absolute strength.
Does a king need noble birth? The strong in arms and horses claim it.
What belonged to Li Xiao, he would never relinquish; but with Eastern Capital just retaken and Northern Frontier war ongoing, Li Xiao planned to bide his time.
“Princess Consort, you’ve been through much these days; rest well in Eastern Capital from now on.”
“This general will leave sufficient troops to garrison Eastern Capital, giving no opportunity to petty villains.”
Hearing Li Xiao, Shu Lü Wujin roused herself, asking puzzled: “Is Da Long leaving?”
Li Xiao nodded lightly, gazing southwest: “Royal Court Army has invaded Seven Rivers Grassland; Governor Jiu Meng’an He is outnumbered and won’t hold long.”
“After one day of rest, tomorrow morning, this general will personally lead the main cavalry to reinforce Seven Rivers Grassland.”
“Sweep away the Royal Court Army.” Li Xiao said firmly.
“The Northern Frontier—absolutely will not allow others to meddle.”
In the Five Dynasties and Ten Kingdoms period, Shi Jingtang sold the Sixteen Prefectures of Yan and Yun; Chengde Army Jiedushi An Chongrong killed the Khitan envoy, pointing to heaven: “Does the Son of Heaven have heirs? The strong in arms and horses claim it.”
