Strange Tales from the Northern Qi Dynasty

Chapter 436 The Chen people are coming to attack the city!

Nanyang County.

Before Quan Jingxuan became the chief steward, he had served as the prefect of Nanyang County. Even after he became the chief steward, this place was once one of his defense areas.

However, this Nanyang is not the old Nanyang in Jingzhou that everyone is familiar with, but the Nanyang in Anzhou.

The two Nanyangs are not far from each other and are often confused. This problem arises because there are too many states at present, the place names have changed repeatedly, and the jurisdictions have changed year after year. In comparison, the same name is just a small problem.

Quan Jingxuan had governed here in the past until he was dismissed due to unfavorable war results in the north. Yuwen Yong then found a not-so-new person to replace him.

At this moment, six of Nanyang's eight city gates were open, and there were still many people coming in and out, making it as bustling as a big city.

The clerks in the city held documents and informed people along the way.

In recent days, the imperial court has issued many decrees, which has made the minor officials extremely busy and left them with almost no time to rest.

But their spirits were still good. Although their responsibilities had increased, their treatment had also increased accordingly. Several of them put on new clothes and worked harder when reading the speeches.

There were even more officials coming in and out of the government office.

The gate was open and it was much noisier than the city gate.

At this moment, in the inner room, several important officials were reporting on the situation in various places.

The governor of Jingzhou and Anzhou, the governor of fourteen states including Jing and Xi, the military commander of eight states including Nanyang and Pingyang, the governor of Jingzhou, the Duke of Wukang County, and the general Cui Qian were sitting in the upper seat, listening to the reports from the crowd.

Cui Qian is an old minister.

He started his career during the Northern Wei Dynasty, and later followed Heba Sheng, the governor of Jingzhou. After returning to the Western Wei Dynasty, he was appreciated by Yuwen Tai and was promoted all the way. He fought in wars, governed the land, defeated the people of Chen, and chased the people of Qi. He was one of the few remaining famous officials in the country.

When Lao Quan was the governor of Jingzhou, this person was already the governor of another state. After Quan Jingxuan passed away, he was promoted on the spot and became the governor of two states.

When the old man was young, he was brave and good at fighting, and he could make plans for the army. Now that he is old, he can't ride a war horse, but he uses his past experience to appease the military and civilians in his jurisdiction, implement education, and govern well. His political achievements have ranked first in the country for many years. It took only a few months for Yuwen Yong to issue an imperial edict to praise this good shepherd.

It’s a pity that Cui Qian is too old.

He was sitting in the upper seat at the moment, like a candle in the wind, thin, small, and a little dry. The official uniform he wore seemed too big, as if it was covered by a quilt. His hair and beard were sparse, gray and dry, and his eyes were a little cloudy.

The county magistrate felt very sorry when he saw his appearance.

"Mr. Cui, I will go to Xiangyang to report on the autumn harvest. Why do you have to come here in person?"

"You have just recovered from a serious illness, so you should not move around."

This county magistrate was Cui Qian's "old official". Cui Qian had recommended him when he was working in the Secretariat. Logically, the two of them could not serve in the same place, but Cui Qian had a very good reputation. Yuwen Yong did not care about this. He only wanted to find some capable people for him as much as possible so that he could govern the place better.

Cui Qian looked up at the county governor. "In the past, most local officials were like what you said. After arriving at a place, they locked themselves in their houses and waited for their subordinates to send them documents describing their achievements. After three years in the local area, they still didn't know the roads in the city, and couldn't even find their way to the government office. Can they really govern the local area like this?"

"You too, I always say that officials should first be familiar with their duties. Don't just stay in the office pretending to be a noble. Go out more often and see what the place you are in is like."

"If I take the lead, you will do it. If you take the lead, the other officials in Junxiang will do it."

"Your Majesty has entrusted me with an important task. How can I let this minor illness delay my important work?"

"Go on."

The county magistrate did not dare to persuade him any further and had to report seriously.

Although Cui Qian is old, his mind is still very clear. If there is anything wrong in their reports, he can immediately find it and correct it, so everyone is very serious in front of him.

Just as everyone was busy working, a burst of hurried footsteps sounded from outside the door.

The next moment, a tall young officer walked in quickly. He looked at everyone, walked quickly to the old steward, and whispered a few words in his ear.

"what?!"

Manager Cui's cloudy eyes suddenly became clear, and some uneasiness flashed in his eyes.

He glanced at the people in front of him, "You guys stay here!"

"The rest of you get out!"

No one knew what was going on, and soon, only Chief Steward Cui and several important officials of the county were left in the room.

"The Chen cavalry attacked Yiyang Pass! Now they are heading towards Nanyang County!"

"what??"

The officials' reactions were similar to that of the commanders stationed at the checkpoint. They all thought it was absurd at first.

The Chen cavalry came to knock on the gate? Is this fucking reasonable?

The county governor was the first to react, "Oh no! Those rebels from Qi must have conspired with the people of Chen to invade!"

He looked at Chief Steward Cui hastily, and in his urgency, he even addressed him in a private way, "Sir, please get in the car immediately and return to Xiangyang!"

“Nanyang is far from Yiyang Pass”

The county magistrate's voice was suddenly interrupted. The distance between the two sides was too close. The enemy cavalry might have already approached the city at this moment. Escaping in a car would simply be sending oneself into the hands of the enemy.

Cui Qian said, "Not to mention that I can't get out, even if I can, I will never run away!"

"This is my defense zone. How can we allow the Chen people to act so recklessly here?"

"Go and tell everyone immediately to prepare to defend the city. Have the clerks issue another notice, telling the people not to be afraid. Just tell them that I, Cui Qian, am here and will protect them!"

Cui Qian cheered up and began to give orders.

There is not much that can be done at the moment. There are not many troops in Nanyang, the main force of Jingzhou is in Jiangxia, and the main force of Anzhou is in Liang State.

In this situation, there is not much that can be done.

Cui Qian can only do three things now: close the gates and defend, appease the people, and ask for reinforcements.

The cozy atmosphere in Nanyang just now disappeared in an instant. Soldiers rushed into the city and guarded the city walls in various places. At the same time, they were on guard inside the city and no one was allowed to enter or leave. There were soldiers guarding the road intersections everywhere. When the people in the city saw such a situation, they naturally understood what was going on. They became a mess and all hid at home, trembling, hoping that nothing big would happen.

The clerks set out again, but this time they changed the content of the announcement. They informed people that bandits were coming and that the general manager Cui Qian was in the city, so everyone should not panic.

These notices finally calmed the people in the city a little.

Manager Cui and the others still know about it.

That's a good official.

An hour later, the enemy cavalry appeared outside the city.

Liu Taozi rode a black warhorse, staring at the city in the distance. Huang Fachi and others followed beside him, watching together.

Huang Fate felt that it was a little unreal at this moment.

He never imagined that one day he would follow Liu Taozi to fight.

Thinking back to the time when the two had confronted each other in the past, Huang Fachi was even more stunned. He always had a sense of unreality.

Liu Taozi pointed at the city in the distance and looked at Huang Fate beside him. "The enemy is really prepared. What do you think we should do, General Huang?"

"Ah, Lord Han"

"If you feel uncomfortable, just call me General."

"Isn't this rude?"

"Then you shall be called the Great King."

"But, my king, Nanyang is not a small city, but the troops are insufficient. I think there is no need to fight. You just need to step forward, tell them your identity, and persuade them to surrender. Your king never kills those who surrender, and your prestige is known all over the world. When they know that it is your king who has come in person, even if they are unwilling to surrender the city, they will lose their morale."

Liu Taozi suddenly looked at him, "Is my name so scary?"

Huang Fate smiled bitterly, "When I confronted the king in the past, I was so scared that I couldn't eat for several days when I heard the king's name."

Liu Taozi curled up the corners of her mouth, revealing a barely noticeable smile.

In fact, Liu Taozi and Huang Fate have similar personalities. Whether in terms of combat style or other aspects, Huang Fate also likes to make some not-so-funny jokes and play tricks on others from time to time.

The two armies were facing each other, and the people on the city wall were also shocked when they saw the so-called soldiers in the distance.

With this armor rate and this formation, they would never believe that this is the cavalry of the State of Chen.

These are the cavalrymen under Dugu Han’s command. They are so elite. Could it be that Yao Xiong or Gao Yanzong came in person?

The prefect supported Cui Qian and stood on the city wall.

This prefect was a Han Chinese, also with the surname Liu. He did not like Liu Taozi, a Khitan who "pretended" to be surnamed Liu.

He loved reading and had some talent in governance, but he was not good enough in military affairs. After Emperor Yuwen Yong came to power, he promoted many such cultured people to gradually replace the sons of military nobles who were good at shooting eagles with bows. This certainly brought many benefits and was conducive to domestic affairs, but it also had disadvantages, such as not knowing how to fight.

It’s not that he knows nothing about military affairs. He definitely has some understanding of military affairs, but it’s a bit difficult for him to command operations.

Cui Qian's eyesight was not very good. As he got older, his vision became more and more blurry. He could not see the knights outside the city very clearly, so Governor Liu described them to him one by one.

After hearing what Governor Liu said, Cui Qian's expression became increasingly grim.

A man rode out from the enemy camp on his horse. This man was very experienced. He came to the outside of the city wall, so that the people on the wall could see him and he was just out of the shooting range.

Liu Taozi raised the lance in his hand and roared loudly: "I am Liu Taozi from the Han State!!!"

"I order you to surrender and offer your city immediately!!!"

"Those who surrender will not be killed!!"

Liu Taozi had a loud voice, and when he shouted, enemies far away could hear it. The messengers behind him stood in a row and began to pass on his message.

Governor Liu was originally describing the enemy's situation to Cui Qian. He was confused when he saw a man on horseback rushing out, and then he heard this voice.

At this moment, Governor Liu's face turned pale, his legs were shaking violently, he could not stand steadily, and he was frightened out of his wits.

A steady and strong hand held his hand.

It’s Cui Qian.

Cui Qian stared at him and said seriously: "Don't be afraid, don't let others see your fear."

The governor Liu's lips were trembling. "My lord, my lord, that's Liu, Liu."

"I know."

Cui Qian said this, and then turned to look at the rest of the people.

With Liu Taozi's shout, even the prefect was frightened, not to mention the other soldiers.

There was a commotion on the city wall. Liu Taozi now finally had the prestige that Yang Zhong and Duan Shao had in the past.

They were able to intimidate the enemy and lower their morale with their own names. Yang Zhong led several thousand men to the State of Qi, shouting his own name along the way, which frightened many Qi generals into fleeing without a fight. This was even more true for Duan Shao. When the enemy heard that Duan Shao was coming, the reinforcements did not dare to move forward.
Looking at the panicked crowd, Cui Qian looked at the officers around him and said loudly: "I am stationed here under the order of His Majesty. We must not let the Eastern bandits seize the city. I will never bow to Liu Taozi. If you are afraid, just cut off my head and give it to Liu Taozi!!"

The officers suddenly became quiet.

They looked at the white-haired old man.

This old man did a lot of good things in the local area, he got winter clothes for the people, increased rewards and salaries, and set up better rotations.
The fear on everyone's faces suddenly dissipated a lot.

A few people plucked up their courage and said, "So what if it's Liu Taozi?! Can he fly onto the city wall?! Our reinforcements will arrive soon, what is there to be afraid of?"

"Even if I die, I will die with a virtuous man. Why not?!"

Many generals on the city wall spoke up in support.

Liu Taozi stayed on the city wall and watched the enemy become chaotic at a speed visible to the naked eye, and then gradually calm down. He rode back on his horse.

"General Huang, it seems that I am not as scary as you say."

Huang Fate frowned at this moment, staring solemnly at the city wall in the distance, "I know the governor here, he is a young man with little courage, and was once looked down upon by the soldiers. How could there be someone else like him here?"

Just as Huang Fachen was thinking hard, a man strode up to him and said in a muffled voice: "General!! I am willing to be the vanguard!!"

Huang Fachi was startled and turned around hurriedly, only to find that the person who spoke was none other than his general Xiao Mohe.

Huang Fachi was a little confused.

It was not long ago that Chunyu Liang praised Xiao Mohe to Huang Facchus, saying that he was becoming more and more calm and had the talent of a great general. How come he became so impatient after meeting the Han people? Was his old illness recurring?
We haven't figured out the situation yet, we don't even know who is defending the city, and you're going to start attacking it?
Huang Fate was not in a position to dissuade them. His own men had requested to fight, and if he refused, what would his allies think? Should he save his strength and let his allies attack?
Just when Huang Fachi didn't know how to start, Liu Taozi spoke.

"Don't rush to attack. First check the surrounding terrain and find out where the reinforcements may come from before making siege equipment. I think the city walls are too high. Even if we can capture them, there will inevitably be too many casualties."

Huang Fate looked at Liu Taozi with some gratitude, and then glared at Xiao Mohe, "General Chunyu just praised you, why are you so impatient?"

Xiao Mohe said hurriedly: "General, it's not that I'm anxious for military merit, but the enemy is not yet ready to defend. Even if the reinforcements get the news, they won't be able to arrive at this moment. This is a good opportunity to capture the city. If we delay, I'm afraid the siege will be blocked by the reinforcements."

Huang Fate said nothing.

Liu Taozi said calmly: "The gain or loss of a city is not important."

"We have come from afar, not just to occupy Nanyang. When fighting, we should have a long-term vision."

"Brother!"

Gao Yanzong couldn't hold it in any longer and spoke quickly. This was the first time he interrupted Liu Taozi. He said helplessly, "Why are you still teaching him when he's not one of our family members?"

Liu Taozi was not angry either. "Now that we are allies, we should put aside our grudges, treat each other sincerely, and work together. If we fail to do so, we will only be defeated by the enemy."

Xiao Mohe was stunned for a long time, then bowed his head and saluted Liu Taozi.

Liu Taozi did not choose to attack the city directly, but instead sent his troops out to investigate the surrounding situation. He looked calm and confident.

Cui Qian, who was on the city wall, was a big man who had participated in many wars in the past. At this moment, he was becoming more and more anxious when he heard the governor beside him telling him about the other party's actions.

"not good!"

"They are trying to use Nanyang as bait to eat up the reinforcements from all over the place!"

"This is the old tactic that the Qi people have always used. They have been fighting this way since Gao Heliuhun!"

"Then, what should we do?"

A hint of ruthlessness flashed across Cui Qian's face.

"How many pigeons do you have here?"

"There are thirteen more."

"enough."

"follow me."

Cui Qian asked the prefect to help him walk down, and ordered several trusted men to reinforce the northern city wall.

After they walked down the city wall, Cui Qian suddenly asked, "Liu Sheng, are you afraid of death?"

Governor Liu shuddered all over.

"My lord, I."

"There are no great generals in Anzhou or outside of it. The only one we can rely on is the Duke of Yun who just arrived near Zhongzhou."

"I plan to have the reinforcements not move forward and wait for the Duke of Yun to arrive, and then lead them here. During this period, the city will be entirely up to us to defend."

The governor was silent for a long time, and then whispered: "I am willing to fight to the death with you, sir."

"Don't be afraid. We are fighting to the death for the king's cause. The Duke of Yun is known for his swiftness in employing troops. Go and pass on my orders."

"Now that the country has a wise ruler who can restore order, even if I die for the king, what regrets would there be?"

(End of this chapter)