Strange Tales from the Northern Qi Dynasty

Chapter 349: Golden Sword Liu

As the sky brightened, Jinyong City gradually became noisy.

The soldiers hurriedly opened the city gate.

A cavalry team quickly left the city and headed north at a very fast speed.

Dugu Yongye rode a colorful warhorse, wearing thick armor, and looked uneasy.

Many generals followed him, and everyone wanted to talk to Dugu Yongye.

"General, you can't go!"

"The general is becoming more and more powerful. He defeated Wu Mingche in the south and will soon return to the north! The court did not reward us at the beginning, but it was the general who stood up for us!"

"The court is at odds with the general, but we have nothing against the general."

"Why should we offend the general for the sake of a temple that has never taken us seriously?"

"If we go to welcome the Emperor and Duan Shao now, we will be creating an enemy for ourselves. Who will have the final say in Heluo from now on? When the general comes to attack us, who will die?!"

Several people surrounded Dugu Yongye and spoke impatiently.

Just as Liu Taozi was in charge of the Northern Road Office and Lu Qian was in charge of the Yangzhou Office, Dugu Yongye had been in charge of the Heluo Office for many years.

Here, he had all the power of the executive office. He could appoint officials of all levels, promote his family members at will, and call up the army. It was completely a small local court and was basically not subject to any restrictions.

In fact, Dugu Yongye's office was one of the earliest offices. The purpose of setting up the office was very simple, which was to stop the Zhou people.

The Zhou people always had an inexplicable obsession with Heluo. Every time they sent troops, they had to attack Heluo first. If they did not attack Heluo, it would not be considered a real expedition.

The people of Qi also discovered that if a unified organization was not established in Henei and Luoyang, they would end up dead if they were forced to fight the Zhou people alone.

Therefore, the Qi State government established such a unified executive office, which was in charge of all power as long as it could stop the Zhou people.

Dugu Yongye was even the earliest local "powerful official" in Qi State.

Because his power in Heluo was too great and he was a military man, not a civil official like Lu Qian, his status in Heluo was rising day by day, almost to the point where his orders here were more effective than imperial decrees, just like Liu Taozi in Wuchuan.

The imperial court was still very powerful at that time. With one imperial decree, Dugu Yongye was dismissed and sent to Jinyang to serve as an official.

But as soon as Dugu Yongye left, Heluo was in chaos, a civil uprising broke out, and some officials wanted to open the city gates to welcome the Zhou people.

The government was frightened and hastily reassigned Dugu Yongye. As soon as Dugu Yongye arrived, the civil unrest disappeared immediately, the officials bowed their heads and obeyed instantly, and the soldiers returned to the training ground obediently.

From then on, the court no longer paid any attention to Dugu Yongye. He just stayed in Heluo and even waited until the demise of Qi.

Therefore, the generals following him now are all his Dugu Yongye’s confidants, and their status is similar to that of the veterans around Liu Taozi.

Today, Dugu Yongye hurriedly gathered them together and announced a piece of important news.

Duan Shao brought the emperor to Xunzhang City and even entered the city, asking himself to bring people to greet him.

Before everyone could react, Dugu Yongye took them to Xunzhang City to welcome them.

It can be seen that at least 70% to 80% of Dugu Yongye's confidants were opposed to welcoming the emperor.

They were serving as local emperors here, and were doing well. Suddenly, an emperor and a great marshal appeared and tried to seize their brothers' power. None of them were convinced.

Even Duan Shao couldn't suppress them.

Listening to what these people said, Dugu Yongye did not say a word, but just held the reins in his hands and kept increasing the speed.

If he didn't speak, there was nothing the others could do no matter how anxious they were.

Several of them looked at each other, with murderous gleams in their eyes.

If the elder brother can't make a decision, then they can help him make the decision, or at the cost of their lives!!

They walked north for a long time and then crossed the river.

Everything here is not as out of control as in Jinyang.

Dugu Yongye's death was morally flawed, but his fighting ability was indeed strong. Until the demise of Qi, the Zhou people were unable to occupy this place. He also had a very high degree of control over Heluo. From top to bottom, all were his people, without exception.

Including the three ferry crossings here, without his order, the envoys from Jinyang could not cross the river.

After crossing the river, Dugu Yongye continued to move forward. At this moment, he was finally not as impatient as before and slowed down slightly.

He glanced at the few confidants around him.

"Don't think I don't know what you're thinking."

"Without my order, no one is allowed to take action. If anyone dares to act on his own, I will kill his entire clan!"

Everyone bowed their heads.

One of the generals asked helplessly: "Brother, why is that?"

"Jinyang is gone, and the emperor was killed by Duan Shao. Who will recognize this little emperor now?"

"Even if Duan Shao leads his elite troops, we still have tens of thousands of troops under our command. Why should we be afraid of him? How much food and grass can he have? How long will it last him?"

"As long as we block the road along the way, Liu Taozi's people will attack him from behind, and he will definitely die!"

"Brother."

"Shut up!!"

Dugu Yongye looked at them angrily, "How can you reckless men know about the major events in the world?"

"I have my own ideas. If you don't obey me, I will kill you!"

No one dared to persuade him anymore and they all looked dejected.

However, there were some smart people among them who seemed to understand what their brother meant at this moment.

Dugu Yongye always had great ambitions. In order to gain the appreciation of the mad emperor Gao Yang, Dugu Yongye performed dances for Gao Yang every day. Relying on his extraordinary dancing talent and strong interpretation ability, he was rewarded by Gao Yang. From then on, he began to rule Heluo and started his legendary life as a local king.

Why are you so eager to go and greet her now?

When Dugu Yongye arrived at Xunzhang City, the city was the same as usual, the gates were wide open, people were coming and going, and there was no tense atmosphere of the emperor moving in and the change of commanders.

The generals almost thought they had received false information.

But when they saw the knights guarding the city and the Baibao Xianbei, they no longer had any doubts.

Dugu Yongye did not enter the city. Instead, he led his troops to stay at the city gate and sent people in to report, hoping to be able to meet the emperor.

Just as Dugu Yongye led everyone standing outside the city waiting, a large group of people walked out from the South Gate.

The person taking the lead was Duan Shao.

Dugu Yongye walked quickly forward and bowed deeply to Duan Shao.

"Da Sima!!"

"General Dugu."

Duan Shao helped him up. Dugu Yongye's eyes were red with grief. "I thought I would never meet the Grand Marshal again in this life. I never thought that the Grand Marshal's people were protected by God and escaped triumphantly!"

He bowed his head again and saluted, "I am willing to follow the Grand Marshal, support the country, and quell the rebellion!"

Duan Shao helped him up again, his face equally solemn, "With the help of General Dugu, what else do I need to worry about?"

"In today's world, only General Dugu can shoulder the heavy responsibility of restoring the country."

"How dare I? The Grand Marshal is the chief minister who supports the country. I am willing to assist him with all my strength."

The two of them talked back and forth for a long time, and Duan Shao finally took his hand affectionately, "His Majesty is waiting in the palace, I will take you to see him."

The two men walked quickly into the city. The people behind Dugu Yongye wanted to persuade him again, but when they saw their brother's determined back, they dared not speak.

The two entered the city, and Duan Shao told him what he saw and heard along the way.

Dugu Yongye just lowered his head and listened.

"Wei Xiaokuan sent an army of 10,000 to station in Pingyang. His army has been defeated by me. The Zhou people had difficulty sending troops to begin with. This time they sent 10,000 troops, which was already a stretch. After such a disastrous defeat, I'm afraid the Zhou people won't be able to send out even a few thousand troops next time."

"Heluo borders the Zhou people. This battle brought Heluo many years of peace."

"For a long time, we won't have to worry about the Zhou people." Dugu Yongye nodded, "The Grand Marshal is so brave and invincible, so the Zhou people will naturally not dare to send troops easily again."

The two of them walked all the way to the gate of the government office.

Duan Shao pulled Dugu Yongye out of the car and walked on the road, continuing: "Liu Taozi is fighting a fierce battle with the Chen people in the south. I think he is in great danger."

"Although he defeated Wu Mingche, the Chen people are not short of generals, and they can also get continuous assistance. Liu Taozi can win in a short period of time, but once the stalemate begins, he will not be able to stay."

"In Hebei, the new army is still in training. After Liu Taozi returns, he will not be able to send troops south in the short term."

"Even if the Chen people in the south can repel Liu Taozi, I'm afraid they won't be able to achieve all their goals easily, and I'm afraid they won't be able to take Lianghuai completely."

"The next step is our best chance."

"While the three parties are all exhausted, we can take over Yan, Yu, Xu, Huai and other places. The officials in these places are all loyal and righteous ministers. They have heard about Liu Taozi's atrocities in the north. I will bring Your Majesty here to recover them and bring them back to the court."

"Then, we can start recruiting talented people, appointing officials, and gradually restore order in Henan. At the same time, we can recruit troops and station them in various places."

Dugu Yongye was stunned when he heard this. No matter what Duan Shao said, he just nodded in agreement.

The two men walked into the government office and, led by several knights, came to the inner courtyard of the county government office.

Yes, this is the present 'palace'

The young emperor sat on the throne in a daze, wearing a crown and robes, which looked quite formal.

There were knights on both sides acting as guards, which made the scene quite formal.

Dugu Yongye walked quickly to the door, read out his name loudly, then walked into the house and kowtowed to the little emperor again.

Gao Yan did not show any fear. He politely asked about Dugu Yongye's situation, rewarded him, and then gave him a seat.

The three of them just sat in the hut.

The atmosphere suddenly became silent.

Duan Shao said softly: "General Dugu, the world is in danger right now, but it is also a good opportunity for wise men to make great achievements."

"Although generals were able to garrison Heluo in the past, how many troops could Heluo support, and how many attacks could it withstand?"

"If Jinyang doesn't exist, Liu Taozi and the Zhou people will find ways to attack Heluo fiercely."

"A general can hold out once or twice, but there will always be a day when he is exhausted, just like when Jinyang was besieged. Without food, he could not go out to fight."

"Liu Taozi doesn't like the general, and Pseudo-Zhou is even less so. The general will never get such a good opportunity again."

"But now, if I can take advantage of the chaos among the parties and assist His Majesty to retake Henan, I will have countless opportunities in the future. If I am lucky enough to take Hebei, then I will be the chief minister of the Great Qi Dynasty and achieve great success and wealth."

Duan Shao spoke very frankly, without hiding anything, and he looked at the little emperor standing beside him.

"You have also met His Majesty. His Majesty is wise and completely different from the deposed emperor and the late emperor. If there are wise men to assist His Majesty, he can really accomplish great things."

"I told the general the truth, and I don't want the general to hide his true feelings. Please tell me the truth."

Dugu Yongye raised his head and said seriously: "Grand Marshal, there is no outsider here. Even if you tell the truth, I don't want to hide it."

"When I received your letter, many people told me that we should not welcome you, but should keep you north of the river."

"They are worried that the Grand Marshal will come and depose me and replace me."

"But I know what kind of person Da Sima is, and I also know the pros and cons of the future."

"Liu Taozi won't tolerate me. Many people who took the initiative to seek refuge with him didn't end up well, and I don't have the ability to face Liu Taozi alone."

"I am willing to follow the Grand Marshal to help the country. This is for the sake of the Great Qi, and also for myself."

Duan Shao nodded, "Okay."

"General Dugu's words put me at ease."

He looked at the emperor.

Gao Yan was also very understanding and immediately said: "General Dugu is loyal and commendable. He will be promoted to the title of King, given the title of King of Linchuan, and appointed as the general!"

Dugu Yongye hurriedly stood up and knelt to thank Gao Yan.

Afterwards, Duan Shao and Dugu Yongye talked about taking the emperor away.

Duan Shao did not intend to take the emperor to Jinyong City. Duan Shao hoped to temporarily arrange the emperor to Yangcheng, and wait until Liangzhou was recovered, and then make Liangzhou the main place, and let the emperor temporarily stay in Chenliu or Kaifeng Palace.

Dugu Yongye had a different opinion.

"General, Liangzhou is across the water from the enemy and is close to Qingguang. Liu Taozi can send troops to attack at any time, and Yangcheng is too far away from me. If something happens, it will be difficult for me to rescue in time."

"Although Jinyong City is very close to the Zhou people, there is a large army stationed here. Moreover, with me here, the enemy will not be able to break through the city. This is the safest place. Before recovering Hebei, Your Majesty can let Jinyong City serve as a temporary palace."

Dugu Yongye spoke very firmly. Duan Shao pondered for a moment before nodding.

"Okay, let's do as you say."

Duan Shao did not hesitate and quickly began to arrange for the emperor to leave the city and go to Jinyong City. Duan Shao took the emperor to the front line, and Dugu Yongye took the initiative to walk at the back, saying that he was helping the emperor to cover his retreat and prevent enemy attacks.

And the generals under his command were following behind him at this moment.

Everyone's face didn't look so good.

Dugu Yongye received the reward, but they got nothing. They were even walking at the end, watching those Hundred Guard Knights passing by them in a domineering manner.

Dugu Yongye looked at the reactions of the people around him, cleared his throat, and said, "Your Majesty's visit to Heluo this time was my own request."

"Your Majesty came here to recover Henan."

"Many officials in Henan were very nervous before and had no ability to govern the local area. Now that the emperor and the Grand Marshal are in Jinyong City, there is a way to make them surrender. Once they surrender, we will send troops to garrison there and promote new officials."

"By then, there will be many provincial governors and prefects."

"With the emperor's name and Duan Shao's prestige, we can easily expand the Xingtai to an unprecedented level."

"By then, all these states will belong to us. Do you understand?"

The gentlemen walking beside Dugu Yongye were all overjoyed at this moment.

"I see!"

"I was wondering why brother had to come here and why he left in such a hurry!"

"If we can get the whole of Henan, maybe brother can become an emperor?"

"Shut up!"

Dugu Yongye scolded, and then said softly: "Golden Knife"

"Liu still lives in China, Chang'an is the hegemon, Qinchuan is full of joy, and the six barbarians are submissive."

"The rumors about the golden sword among the people are getting more and more intense. They all say that this is a sign that Liu Taozi will ascend the throne and establish a country."

Dugu Yongye suddenly stopped and licked his lips, "But my last name is Liu too."

"I am Liu Zhongshan, a true descendant of the Han Dynasty. My ancestor is the King Jian of Zhongshan in the Later Han Dynasty."

"As for Liu Taozi, his father is Liuzhen Cangtou, who is the descendant of Liu Yuan who pretended to be surnamed Liu. He is not the orthodox one!"

"When Henan changes hands, I can restore my original surname."

The people around had sparkling eyes and were so excited that they were speechless.

Can we also fight for the world?

Dugu Yongye looked at Baibao in the distance and came to his senses again. He looked around and said seriously, "Originally, I shouldn't have told you about these things, but I'm afraid that you guys will act on your own and affect my major event, so I'm telling you in advance that when you go back, you must persuade your subordinates not to do anything stupid, and you must obey my orders in everything."

"When the day comes that I can restore my ancestral family name, you will naturally each receive a reward."

"Hahaha~~~"

ps: The prophecy says: Liu Xiu sent troops to arrest the unrighteous, and cultivated virtue in the year of Mao Jin to become the emperor. ——"Book of the Later Han"

Emperor Shizu of Qi was in the side hall, using a golden-handled knife to cut a melon. Yan, who was standing by, said, "There is talk of golden knives outside, I'm afraid it's not appropriate to use this." Emperor Shizu was stunned. - "The Book of Southern Qi·Biography of Yuan Tuan"

(End of this chapter)