Chapter 745
Something's happened! Fangcheng has fallen, and Xiangping is in danger!
On the other side, Grand Marshal Xiao He had already received news of the successful capture of Fangcheng at the border. He was very pleased and immediately summoned his generals for a meeting.
The tent was brightly lit. Xiao He sat in the main seat, his expression stern, and gave the order in a deep voice:
"Zhang He, listen to my command. You will lead 10,000 troops to stay and guard this city. You must strictly guard the border defenses, appease the people in the city, and be vigilant against enemy attacks. There must be no negligence whatsoever."
Zhang He stood up, cupped his hands in greeting, and responded loudly:
"Your subordinate obeys!"
Xiao He nodded slightly, then looked at the other generals:
"The rest of the army will rest for one night to recuperate and replenish their strength. Tomorrow morning, the entire army will set off for Fangcheng to meet with Fei Yi and Ma Su and discuss the next steps!"
"Follow the order!"
All the generals inside the tent rose together and clasped their hands in greeting.
The next morning, just as dawn was breaking.
Xiao He personally led his army, advancing towards Fangcheng in the morning light.
The procession stretched for miles, displaying its impressive grandeur.
Zhang He stood on a high point in the military camp, his gaze following the departing figures of Xiao He and the army.
After about half a day's journey, Xiao He led his army to the city of Fangcheng.
He reined in his horse and looked up, immediately struck by the sight of the city before him.
Although Fangcheng was not as magnificent and sprawling as the capital city of Luoyang, it was still a city with high walls and thick ramparts, and its imposing presence was remarkable.
Xiao He dismounted and, accompanied by his personal guards, slowly walked towards the city gate.
From afar, one could see that a line of men had already been waiting at the city gate. Ma Su and Fei Yi, dressed in official robes, stood side by side at the front of the line with respectful expressions.
Behind him were four generals, including Deng Ai.
Further on, three local merchants from Fangcheng stood with humble smiles, while Gongsun Rong stood quietly to the side.
As Xiao He approached, Ma Su and Fei Yi stepped forward first, cupped their hands, bowed, and shouted in unison:
"Welcome to Fangcheng, Grand Marshal!"
As soon as he finished speaking, Deng Ai and the other two merchants, Gongsun Rong, and everyone in the welcoming party shouted in unison:
"Welcome, Grand Marshal!"
Xiao He raised his hand slightly, then calmly dismounted.
Ma Su and Fei Yi hurriedly stepped forward, bowed again to greet him, and led the way, inviting Xiao He and the others into the city.
Stepping through the city gate, the scene inside the city is even more lively and extraordinary. The streets are wide and flat, lined with shops on both sides, bustling with people and traffic.
Chen Li followed closely beside Xiao He, taking the initiative to lead the way while introducing Xiao He to the local customs, people's livelihood, governance, and commerce of Fangcheng.
At the same time, he took the opportunity to lead Xiao and his group toward the Daliao Ward in the city.
As Xiao He walked, his gaze slowly swept over the scene around him. He was deeply moved by the sight of the people coming and going on the street, the rows of shops, and the orderly atmosphere.
It is truly remarkable that Fangcheng has achieved such prosperity in such a short time since its initial establishment.
Before long, the group arrived at the gate of the Liaofang.
Xiao He looked up and saw that the buildings in the Liaofang district were towering, with carved beams and painted rafters, vermilion doors and gold decorations, and a magnificent atmosphere. From a distance, they exuded an air of luxury, which was completely different from the surrounding buildings.
He was startled, then a smile appeared on his lips:
"It truly lives up to its reputation. This Da Liao Fang is indeed luxurious. Let's go in and take a look."
Upon hearing Xiao He's words, Gongsun Rong quickly whispered:
"Grand Marshal, please come with me."
Having said that, he turned and led the way.
The group followed closely behind and entered the Da Liao Fang, heading straight to the fourth floor.
Unlike the last time Xiao He attended a banquet here, the fourth floor was exceptionally spacious today, without the usual crowds, making it feel more roomy and elegant.
In the hall, three long tables were neatly arranged, and exquisite brocade had already been laid out on the tables. Everything was arranged in an orderly manner.
Everyone took their seats in turn, with Xiao He naturally sitting in the main seat.
Ma Su and Fei Yi sat on either side of the main seat, at the nearest tables, ready to receive Xiao He's instructions.
Deng Ai and the others took their seats in order of rank, and the entire hall was orderly, with a solemn yet harmonious atmosphere.
After everyone was seated, Gongsun Rong specially arranged for dancers and singers to come and entertain.
As the dance ended and the music faded, the dancers and singers bowed and stepped aside to wait.
Xiao He slowly picked up the wine glass on the table, stood up slowly, and glanced at everyone present.
Seeing this, everyone present hurriedly picked up their wine glasses from their tables, stood up, and looked at Xiao He respectfully.
"Thank you all for your kind hospitality today. You must be tired from your journey. This first toast is for you!"
As soon as Xiao finished speaking, he tilted his head back and drank the wine in his cup in one gulp.
Everyone tilted their heads back, drank their glasses of wine in one gulp, and then said in unison:
"I dare not accept what the Grand Marshal has said!"
Xiao He put down his wine cup, and a servant quickly stepped forward to refill it for him.
He raised his wine cup again, his gaze shifting to the three merchants:
"This second cup of wine is to toast the wise choice of you merchants. Thank you for your wholehearted assistance, which has made today's situation possible."
After saying that, he drank another glass of wine in one gulp.
The three merchants quickly bowed and expressed their gratitude, saying:
"We are deeply grateful for the Grand Marshal's kindness. We have only done our best to contribute to Fangcheng!"
After saying that, they all drank the wine in their glasses, their faces full of honor.
Xiao He put down his wine cup again, and the servant quickly refilled it once more.
He raised his third glass of wine, looked at everyone present, and said loudly:
"This third toast is to the future, to the more prosperous and thriving housing city we will build together!"
After three cups of wine, Xiao He slightly raised his hand, gesturing for everyone to sit down.
Then, the dancers and singers came forward again, and the melodious music and graceful dances began once more.
Before we knew it, an hour had passed, and the lively banquet was gradually coming to an end.
Everyone enjoyed themselves and left, then rose to bid farewell to Xiao He.
Xiao He and Ma Su got up together and walked out of the Da Liao Fang side by side.
The next morning, as dawn broke, Xiao He, accompanied by Ma Su, Fei Yi, Deng Ai, and others, began to inspect the city.
They traveled through the streets and alleys of Fangcheng, visiting shops and workshops, carefully observing the daily lives and business conditions, and listening to the voices of the people and merchants.
After a full day of detailed observation, Xiao He's admiration for the merchants of Fangcheng grew even stronger.
At this time, Fangcheng was already extremely prosperous, with bustling streets, lively crowds, and all kinds of shops scattered throughout the streets and alleys.
Such a scene was extremely rare in other cities at that time. Xiao He looked at everything before him with great satisfaction, and his impression of Fangcheng completely changed. He couldn't help but look at it with new respect.
Now that the city was stable and the overall situation was settled, Xiao He summoned Fei Yi and others that very night to discuss the subsequent strategic plan.
Inside the brightly lit council chamber, Xiao He sat upright in the main seat and slowly began to speak:
"Now that Fangcheng is secure, we no longer need to focus on it. Next, we can launch the next offensive, deal with Gongsun Kang, and put an end to this matter."
"Once the important matters are settled, we can return to the Han Kingdom together, lay down our burdens, and enjoy a few days of carefree and peaceful life."
As soon as the words were spoken, Ma Su, Fei Yi, Deng Ai, and the others present all stood up and shouted in unison:
"We are willing to serve you like dogs and horses, follow the Grand Marshal, work together to defeat Gongsun Kang, and help the Grand Marshal accomplish his great cause!"
As the noise in the hall subsided, Xiao He's gentle expression vanished, and he immediately got to the point, his gaze sweeping over everyone present:
"Fangcheng has fallen, but Gongsun Kang's remaining forces are still entrenched in Xiangping. The reason I have gathered you all here today is to finalize the next course of action."
Upon hearing this, everyone put aside their distracting thoughts and turned their gazes to the map hanging in the hall. Their brows furrowed as they pondered the best tactics for advancing into Xiangping and annihilating Gongsun Kang.
...
Xiangping City.
Inside Gongsun Yuan's bedchamber, candlelight flickered.
Gongsun Kang sat upright on one side of the bedchamber, his gaze fixed on Gongsun Yuan, who was having his bandages changed. The worry in his eyes was undisguised, and his brows were always slightly furrowed.
Since Gongsun Yuan returned from his defeat and was wounded, he had been guarding outside his bedchamber every day, constantly worried about his son's injury, and often neglecting even trivial matters in the court.
Although Gongsun Yuan's injuries have improved considerably in recent days, the wounds on his back have stopped bleeding and festering, and the swelling has subsided considerably.
Now he can slowly get up with the help of his servants and sit up to eat, no longer as bedridden and unable to move as before. However, Gongsun Kang still dares not relax in the slightest, fearing that his son's injury will relapse.
Seeing that Gongsun Yuan was able to swallow a few mouthfuls of porridge smoothly, Gongsun Kang felt a huge weight lifted from his heart, and a rare smile appeared on his face.
As long as their son recovers, the Liao Kingdom still has hope.
Just then, a shout suddenly came from outside the bedchamber:
"Your Majesty, something terrible has happened! A terrible tragedy has occurred!"
Before he could finish speaking, Li Xu, covered in sweat, stumbled in from outside the hall, his face filled with terror, as if the sky had fallen.
Upon seeing this, Gongsun Kang's brows, which had just relaxed, instantly furrowed, and his face darkened. A sense of foreboding washed over him.
He abruptly stood up and walked towards the outside of the bedchamber, fearing that the commotion inside would disturb Gongsun Yuan, and rebuked him:
"What's the panic? What's the matter that you're so flustered, daring to make a fuss outside the bedchamber and disturb the young master's rest?"
Li Xu, leaning against the palace wall and panting heavily, reported:
"Your Majesty, urgent news has arrived from the front! Yesterday... Fangcheng has fallen!"
He paused for a moment before daring to continue telling the truth:
"Moreover, the fall of Fangcheng was not due to a strong attack by the Han army, but rather to the merchants within the city who betrayed the Liao Kingdom!"
"What did you say?"
Upon hearing this, Gongsun Kang was struck dumb, his whole body trembled, and he cried out:
"Tell me again, what happened to Fang Cheng?"
Li Xu's legs went weak, and he almost knelt down, repeating:
"Your Majesty, Fangcheng... Fangcheng has indeed fallen. The Han army has already occupied Fangcheng."
Gongsun Kang stepped forward, grabbed Li Xu by the collar, and asked:
"You just said that it was the merchants in the city who did it? They betrayed me and the Liao Kingdom?"
"Yes, Your Majesty."
Li Xu was gripped so tightly he could barely breathe, but dared not conceal anything, and told the truth:
Yesterday, the Han army besieged Fangcheng. Upon learning the news, the merchants in the city secretly joined forces and launched a surprise attack on the soldiers guarding the city, imprisoning all the garrison. They then opened the city gates and welcomed the Han army into the city.
"The Han army lost Fangcheng with almost no casualties."
Upon hearing Li Xu's report, Gongsun Kang's anger intensified.
He abruptly released his grip, shoving Li Xu to the ground, and roared:
"These treacherous and wicked scoundrels! I have treated them well, bestowing upon them wealth and honor, yet they dare to betray me and the Liao Kingdom, completely disregarding the kindness I have shown them!"
His roar was deafening and chilling.
Li Xu fell to the ground, trembling with fear. He quickly lowered his head, not daring to breathe, for fear of angering the enraged Gongsun Kang and losing his life.
Gongsun Kang's roar was so loud that it could be clearly heard inside the bedchamber even through the thick palace doors.
Gongsun Yuan, who was resting quietly, was startled when he heard his father's angry roar. He felt a tightness in his chest, thinking that he had done something wrong to anger his father. He quickly signaled the servant beside him to go outside the palace to inquire about the situation.
Upon seeing this, the imperial physician, who was tidying up the medicine bowls nearby, quickly put down what he was doing, stepped out of the bedchamber, and met the furious Gongsun Kang. He hurriedly asked:
"Your Majesty, please calm your anger. Why are you so furious? Could it be that the Crown Prince has done something wrong that has angered Your Majesty?"
Gongsun Kang was in a fit of rage when he heard the imperial physician's question. He was taken aback, and his anger subsided slightly.
He frowned, his tone softening slightly, and asked in return:
"What do you mean by that? Does Yuan'er think I'm blaming him because he heard my roar?"
The imperial physician hurriedly bowed and replied:
"Yes, Your Majesty."
"When the prince heard the king's roar just now, he was very uneasy, fearing that he had displeased the king. However, he was not in a position to come and ask in person, so he ordered his subordinate to come and ask the king what had made him so angry."
Upon hearing this, Gongsun Kang's anger dissipated almost entirely, replaced by a sense of guilt.
He sighed, waved his hand to signal Li Xu to leave, then turned and pushed open the door to the bedchamber, and went inside.
Hearing footsteps, Gongsun Yuan quickly looked up and gazed towards the doorway. Seeing Gongsun Kang enter, he cautiously asked:
"Father is back... But what did I do wrong to make you angry?"
Since his defeat and injury, and his return in a sorry state, Gongsun Yuan has become extremely cautious, careful with every word and action, for fear of making the slightest mistake and displeasing Gongsun Kang.
He was even more afraid that his father, frustrated by the setbacks in the war, would take his anger out on him.
After all, the Liao Kingdom was in a difficult situation, suffering repeated defeats in battle and causing widespread panic. He knew that as the crown prince, he bore a heavy burden and dared not slack off in the slightest.
Gongsun Kang walked to Gongsun Yuan's bedside, stopped, looked down at his son's pale face and the thick bandages still wrapped around his back, and felt a mix of emotions.
There was guilt, heartache, and a touch of worry for the future of the Liao Kingdom.
He reached out and gently patted Gongsun Yuan's shoulder, then sighed deeply:
"It has nothing to do with you, it's not your fault. It was your father who was troubled and lost his temper, which frightened you."
"Why was Father so furious just now?"
Gongsun Yuan's unease subsided somewhat, but he still had some doubts.
After a moment's thought, as if suddenly realizing something, his face turned deathly pale, and he asked in a trembling voice:
"Father, could it be... could it be that the Han army has attacked? Has something happened in Xiangping City?" (End of Chapter)