Chapter 219: Army Returns In Triumph, Revenge
Two days later, a grand funeral was held inside Eastern Capital City.
Great Liao Emperor Chengtian’s son, Sixth Courtyard Department Great King, and Eastern Capital Governor Xiao Simo passed away.
Li Xiao wore plain white cloth and personally carried the funeral bier. Xiao Yanyan and Shu Lü Wujin supported each other, crying until they nearly fainted.
Hundreds of Imperial Guards also wore white cloth, riding war horses in neat formation, like two solid walls escorting the funeral bier forward.
Endless sorrow and solemnity permeated the procession.
Watching Xiao Simo’s coffin lowered into the grave pit, Li Xiao’s expression was solemn, a trace of lament flashing in his eyes.
In the years before this, Xiao Simo had undoubtedly been the person who influenced Li Xiao the most.
Without Xiao Simo’s promotion, Li Xiao would probably still be just a local strongman in Jin Prefecture today, never achieving his current accomplishments.
He might have unified the Jin Prefecture Han Tribe, but he would inevitably struggle bitterly under the Naiman Tribe’s deterrence.
With noble support, one really can avoid many detours.
Hearing the sound of loess rustling into the grave pit, memories of time spent with Xiao Simo continuously surfaced in Li Xiao’s mind.
Back when they faced the Naiman Tribe in decisive battle at Golden Mountain, before Li Xiao led the army around A Lai Ridge, Xiao Simo had solemnly said, “Kid, dare to bet your life with me?”
After routing the Naiman main force and sending Sun Khan fleeing in panic, Xiao Simo shouted spiritedly, “Remember, where Northern Frontier Iron Cavalry treads, water will freeze and fire will extinguish.”
After Li Xiao gave Western Wind Fierce to Xiao Simo to taste, he drank the most happily, exclaiming, “A real man’s blood should be like Shao Daozi liquor—fierce going down the throat, scorching on the aftertaste.”
Li Xiao reached out and took a wineskin from the guard beside him, pouring the crystal-clear Western Wind Fierce onto the fresh soil.
In a low voice, he said, “You said Northern Frontier warriors’ backbones must be harder than Eastern Capital City’s walls.”
“From now on, leave the Northern Frontier burden to me.”
After burying Xiao Simo outside the city, Li Xiao left some Royal Mansion guards to watch the tomb, even relocating their family members here to become Xiao Simo’s tomb-guarding clan.
Two days later, Li Xiao led the army to return to Jin Prefecture.
The scorching sun blazed, baking the vast land.
The golden Sun and Moon Battle Flag fluttered in the wind, shining brilliantly under the sunlight, like a golden ocean.
The army set off in grand array, hoofbeats like thunder, shaking the land.
Like most soldiers, Li Xiao wore only a simple round-collar plain cloth to shield from the blazing sun; his armor was already stowed on the supplies’ horse backs.
Riding his war horse, Li Xiao looked at Li Dashan opposite him and said gravely, “Sixth Uncle, I’m leaving Yemili City to you.”
“The land here is fertile, with abundant water and grass—reclaim it quickly for our use.”
“Sixth Uncle, your burden is heavy.”
Li Xiao left Li Dashan in Eastern Capital also to prevent generals from staying too long in one place, forming local separatism.
Frequent rotations strengthen Jin Prefecture’s central authority.
Moreover, Li Dashan had experience reclaiming desert, knowing how to clear wasteland.
“Don’t worry, with me here!” Li Dashan nodded heavily.
“But still, send a batch of Han people quickly, or we can’t get anything done.”
“Don’t worry, Yemili’s population will only grow from now on,” Li Xiao laughed.
Then, his gaze turned to Xiao Yanyan beside him.
She was bidding farewell to Shu Lü Wujin at the moment.
“Sister-in-law, you’ll be alone in Eastern Capital from now on—take good care of yourself.”
“Send word to Jin Prefecture immediately if anything happens,” Xiao Yanyan said reluctantly.
Shu Lü Wujin was unwilling to go to Jin Prefecture; after all, it was a completely unfamiliar place to her.
In Eastern Capital City, there were at least traces of Xiao Simo and Xiao Helun, plus the vast Royal Mansion and other industries—Shu Lü Wujin could live well staying in Eastern Capital.
“Don’t worry, it’ll be fine. Sister-in-law is grown up and can take care of herself,” Shu Lü Wujin said, her expression sorrowful.
She, a widow who had lost her husband and son, guarding the vast Royal Mansion—days were somewhat hard.
But it wasn’t suitable to go to Jin Prefecture either; after all, what widow goes to her sister-in-law’s home? The reverse would be more fitting.
“As for you, your months are getting bigger—you can’t be willful anymore.”
“Rest well and be sure to give birth to a male heir.”
Shu Lü Wujin looked at Xiao Yanyan’s belly and advised.
But deep in her eyes, a trace of envy still showed.
“I hope he turns out strong too,” Xiao Yanyan murmured, touching her belly.
Women in Li Xiao’s rear mansion were increasing, especially since he was soon to marry a daughter of the Zhirugu.
Though these women posed no threat to Xiao Yanyan’s status, they could threaten her child’s status.
Legitimate son and eldest legitimate son still had some distinction.
Xiao Yanyan hoped more than anyone that the child in her belly was a boy.
After the farewells, Li Xiao shouted, “Let’s go!”
Then, he mounted his horse, glanced at the haggard Shu Lü Wujin, and said, “Sister-in-law, take care of your health.”
“If there’s time to come to Eastern Capital, I’ll visit sister-in-law again.”
With that, he took Xiao Yanyan and turned to leave.
Meanwhile, prisoner of war Yelü Jin and her two sisters had already followed the Jin Prefecture army several li out.
Turning to look at the shrinking Eastern Capital City, her heart was slightly uneasy.
Leaving a familiar environment for an unfamiliar place always felt this way.
“Jin Prefecture is said to be eight hundred li from Eastern Capital!”
“After arriving in Jin Prefecture, will I have to marry him?” Yelü Jin murmured inwardly, feeling something indescribable.
She should have resisted this greatly, but surprisingly she didn’t; there was even faint anticipation.
Especially recalling that day when Li Xiao was so close, his strong man’s scent overwhelming—even thinking back made her body go weak.
At this thought, Yelü Jin felt her face flush slightly.
……
Yili.
Vast heaven and earth, undulating mountain grasslands like an endless green blanket stretching to the horizon.
Beneath a high mountain, a Geluolu Tribe that had just fled here was busily setting up camp.
Their tents were neatly arranged, colorful banners flapping loudly in the wind.
People in the tribe worked busily and orderly: women squeezed sheep milk outside tents, men repaired saddles or sharpened tools, knives, and bow and arrows.
But every face showed worry, eyes revealing fear and unease.
Outside the central tent, several tribe headmen sat together.
Some looked bitter, some sighed, others silently chopped branches for arrows without speaking.
“We thought Xiao Simo was gravely ill, leaving Northern Frontier leaderless, but who knew Jin Prefecture Army was so formidable.”
“If we’d known, we wouldn’t have gotten involved with them—Royal Court is just a bunch of trash,” an old noble said resentfully.
The birch wood branch in the man beside him suddenly snapped; that arrow was ruined.
He then looked around at the others, forcing a laugh harsher than crying from his throat: “Involved? We’re just pawns discarded by Royal Court! Last month their arrowheads—seven out of ten were defective.”
“Royal Court worms.”
Someone kicked over an earthenware pot nearby; shards shattered sharply on the stone slab.
“They said Northern Frontier would chaos after Xiao Simo died, but Jin Prefecture Army took Eastern Capital City in three days and routed Royal Court Army back to the south bank of Ili River in half a month.”
“Now they’ve turned their accounts on us—next they’ll come for us.”
“We shouldn’t have listened to Royal Court’s lies.”
The Geluolu Chieftain remained silent throughout, trembling as he pulled out his waist flask, only to find it empty.
He shook his head bitterly and said, “What’s the use talking about it now?”
“It’s happened—think how to face Jin Prefecture Army’s revenge.”
A young noble gripped his saber tightly and said gravely, “Royal Court Army and Kangli Army together nearly a hundred thousand troops, yet routed by Jin Prefecture Army.”
“With our tribe’s fewer than two thousand, how can we beat Jin Prefecture Army?”
The crisis of clan extermination loomed over everyone’s hearts.
“Hudarhu Tribe has entered Kete Mountains, seemingly heading south to seek Royal Court’s protection.”
“Why not go to Royal Court too?” a middle-aged man suggested.
Another shook his head: “That means leaving Yili?”
“If we go to Royal Court and they give no grassland, what do our cattle and sheep eat? How do we survive?”
Huaxia villagers fight over farmland and water; these nomadic peoples likewise slash over prime grassland.
Every tribe has its territory and grassland; in unfamiliar places, it’s hard to gain footing.
“Better than Jin Prefecture Army’s blades at our necks.”
“What if we surrender to Jin Prefecture Army? Will they spare us?”
“Hmph, Abar, bet our tribe’s fate on the enemy’s mercy?”
“I say Kara-Khanid Khanate is good too—desert everywhere, but their armies far easier to handle than Royal Court Army or Jin Prefecture Army.”
“Besides, we share common enemies with Kara-Khanid Khanate; they might want our help.”
Eastern Kara-Khanid Khanate was mainly Uyghur people, but had many Geluolu People too.
Same roots as Yili Geluolu People, easy to integrate.
Most importantly, Eastern Kara-Khanid Khanate’s army strength was severely depleted after these wars.
Even unwilling to accept them, they could seize territory by force.
After heated argument, the chieftain decided: “Fine, to Kara-Khanid Khanate.”
“But one day we’ll return.”
With that, he looked reluctantly at the surrounding grassland and distant mountains.
This was their ancestors’ homeland; when the tribe grew strong, they must reclaim it.
But the next moment, the chieftain slowly looked up, feeling chill on his skin.
“Wind’s rising.”
Faintly, northwest over the grassland where heaven met earth, dark clouds surged, a heavy black mass like a mountain pressing in, bringing indescribable oppression.
Storm coming!
By Geluolu People’s experience, it would reach their tribe in less than a quarter-hour.
“Everyone go pack up, corral the cattle and sheep, call the children back.”
“Rest here tonight, set off for Kara-Khanid Khanate at dawn.”
After the chieftain’s orders, everyone dispersed silently.
Men took tools to reinforce tents; women swiftly gathered drying furs and prey, carrying them inside.
Elders hurried to drive foraging sheep flocks back to enclosures—the greatest wealth of every nomadic family.
Losing even one or two in the storm would burden an ordinary family.
Wind grew louder, mixed with sheep’s panicked bleats, stirring unease.
Sky darkened; in less than a quarter-hour, the whole tribe would be shrouded in blackness.
After packing, Geluolu People huddled in tents, praying to heaven for the storm to pass quickly, minimal livestock loss.
Most importantly, hoping Jin Prefecture Army would spare them, forgive their past actions.
As sky dimmed, several li from the Geluolu Tribe under a small hill, hoofbeats sounded.
“Whoa whoa whoa~”
Three riders reined in, standing on the hillside gazing afar.
Though terrain undulated, clouds not fully here, they clearly saw the distant tribe’s outline.
“Looks like our luck’s good.”
The lead rider sized up the tribe’s scale while chuckling to the two beside him.
All three wore dark crimson cotton armor, tasseled helmets, cavalry sabers at waists, hooked scythe spears in hand, standing firm in the evening cold wind.
“Luck’s good—no sleeping on grassland tonight,” the one on the left grinned.
The other seriously observed the tribe and said softly, “Looks like a Geluolu People’s tribe.”
“But quite populous, about two thousand plus.”
“Hmph, even twenty thousand—what of it? Just rabble.”
“Let’s go report to the Myriad Household Commander.”
……
Thirty li northwest of the Geluolu Tribe, an army advanced steadily.
The army like a crimson dragon racing over vast grassland, hoofbeats booming low like thunder, making earth tremble slightly.
A two-thousand-strong army, all cavalry.
Soldiers wore dark crimson cotton armor, tasseled helmets, held bow and arrows and spears, three horses each—Er Hu’s Yili detachment.
Originally four thousand, split into two upon reaching Yili.
To hunt Geluolu Tribes hiding in mountains and eliminate them.
This force personally led by Er Hu.
“Myriad Household Commander, big rain coming.”
Jin Prefecture Army noticed the sky’s change but stayed calm.
After all, Western Regions summers, influenced by Atlantic warm currents, had frequent rain.
Especially Yili, a westward-facing trumpet mouth.
Rain blocked by Tianshan Mountains fell entirely on Yili grassland, forming the mighty Ili River.
But Yili rain came and went fast.
So Er Hu ordered: “Whole army dismount, prepare to rest.”
Resume march after shower, or camp here as sky not too early.
Just then, three rider groups appeared afar on grassland—Jin Prefecture Army scouts.
The three reached Er Hu, saluted on horseback with right fist to chest: “Myriad Household Commander, spotted a Geluolu Tribe ahead, about two thousand people.”
“Around thirty li from here.”
Hearing this, Er Hu’s face lit up: “Two thousand?”
A big fish!
But seeing clouds approaching, Er Hu ordered: “After rain stops, whole army attacks, wipe out this Geluolu Tribe.”
Big rain came fast, left fast.
Two quarter-hours later, clouds passed over Geluolu Tribe, drifting southeast.
Geluolu People emerged from tents, resuming unfinished tasks.
But soon, a low rumble shattered the tribe’s calm.
“Boom boom boom boom~”
Like muffled thunder from sky, or earth dragon roaring.
All Geluolu People paled; as nomads, they knew exactly what this sound meant.
Large-scale cavalry charge!
“Enemies!”
“Mount up quick.”
Men grabbed weapons, mounted; women panicked, shoving children into tents—tribe in chaos.
Shouts and horse neighs rose and fell; even chieftain’s yells useless.
“They’re coming!”
“Jin Prefecture Army.”
A cry silenced the chaos instantly; every face filled with terror.
Looking up, on the hillside two li away, cavalry crested then charged down, endless stream.
Soon forming a vast crimson sea below the hill.
All in dark crimson armor, spears and riding bows in hand, crimson Sun and Moon Battle Flag waving in wind.
Iron Cavalry surged wildly under storm, like crimson evening clouds rolling toward the tribe.
The shock indescribable.
“Jin Prefecture Army.”
“Those Jin Prefecture devils—their flag, no mistake.”
“Jin Prefecture people come for revenge.”
Geluolu soldiers panicked, gripped bow and arrows, ready for desperate fight.
Hoofbeats neared like thunder, moments later reaching tribe front.
Leading was a Centurion under Er Hu, in full dark crimson cotton armor, spear in hand, only face exposed, coldly scanning panicked Geluolu People.
Behind him, soldiers raised crimson battle flags with sun and moon emblem; gleaming weapons shone coldly in sun.
“Geluolu Tribes colluded with rebels—unforgivable crime!”
Centurion’s voice boomed like thunder: “By Great Protector’s order, wipe out Geluolu Tribes.”
Words fell; arrows from both sides launched almost simultaneously.
Geluolu soldiers’ arrowheads ordinary smelted iron, reused till blunt, unable to pierce Jin Prefecture Army’s cotton armor.
Jin Prefecture Army arrows pure Hexi Steel, razor-sharp; at close range, ignored Geluolu leather armor.
In mere breaths, screams rose from Geluolu guard army.
Every Jin Prefecture soldier’s face showed excitement, coldness—no fear, many eager.
For this tribe held wealth, slaves, women.
“Kill their soldiers, loot their cattle and sheep, take their women.”
This filled every soldier’s mind—their purpose coming from Jin Prefecture to Yili.
Plunder.
Commonly called raiding grass valleys.
“Kill!”
Jin Prefecture Army charged into tribe.
A Jin Prefecture soldier with hooked scythe spear passed a spear-wielding Geluolu soldier.
Pierced his chest; blood gushed, corpse slammed to ground.
“Adunu~”
Afar, a Geluolu Woman saw soldier killed, wailed miserably—perhaps his sister or wife.
Next second, Jin Prefecture soldier lassoed her neck precisely.
“Hahaha~”
Soldier laughed, yanked her over, pinned her on horse back, smacked her rear hard.
“Smack~”
Crisp sound made soldier grin: “A decent-looking Geluolu girl—sell to Hexi Merchant Guild for ten sheep.”
Raiding makes money fast.
Though handing over two-thirds, soldier still thrilled.
Elsewhere, tribe’s strongest warrior Aboda, guard army commander, wielded spear protecting family retreating slowly.
Shouted to his eldest son: “Protect your grandma and brothers, flee to mountains, to Kara-Khanid Khanate.”
His spear blade chipped, leather robe soaked in blood—unclear whose.
Jin Prefecture cotton armor strong defense, inner iron plates.
Even with his brute strength, hard to pierce—not broken armor cone but mere spear.
But as Aboda divided attention, three Jin Prefecture cavalry flanked in triangle.
One lassoed, dodged; another charged, Aboda swept spear.
Next second, he felt shoulder agony.
Third soldier sneaked hooked scythe spear into his shoulder.
Yanked him down hard.
Second soldier followed, from above stabbed hooked scythe spear at his ribs.
“Ah~”
Painful scream; distant family wailed in grief.
Er Hu ordered no mercy for Geluolu People, especially resisting guard soldiers—all kill without pardon.
After felling tribe’s strongest warrior, three Jin Prefecture soldiers eyed his family.
Lead soldier laughed: “Geluolu female slaves fetch good price in Jin Prefecture.”
“Kill the knife-wielding cub for merit, sell the rest.”
Jin Prefecture Army killed resisting guard soldiers; ordinary commoners were golden wealth to them.
Reluctant to kill.
