Establishing a thousand-year family from the nobles of the Western Han Dynasty

Chapter 151 Xu Yuan rises up and launches the first attack against Mang

After years of being a local emperor in Yongliang, Xu Yuan had a very bad temper. Apart from his brother and the emperor, he didn't think anyone could surpass him.

He successively pacified the Qiang people in Wuwei, the countries in the Western Regions and the three counties of Dunhuang, and his contributions were extremely great. When Han Xiao rebelled with great momentum, it was he who led the troops to defeat him.

Not to mention the Three Dukes and Nine Ministers, it is not possible to allow some Confucian scholars who don't even have a rank to make decisions, right?
Moreover, in Xu Yuan's opinion, the time has come long ago. The governor of Dongjun, Zhai Yi, has contacted him more than once to plan a joint uprising. Coupled with the power of Jingzhou and Youzhou, when would he rebel if not now?
Should we wait for the enemy to take action first? Then it will be too late!

"Grand...Grand Commander, are we going to start the war now? Isn't it a bit too hasty?"

Although he had prepared himself mentally, Chen Xiang was still a little scared. Although the court was controlled by treacherous officials, it was still the orthodox Han Dynasty in essence! Once the army was launched, there would be no turning back.

If you succeed, you will be an important official in the new dynasty, but if you fail, you will die without a burial place!

Chen Xiang was the prefect of Longxi before Xu Yuan entered Yongliang. After becoming his confidant, his status rose rapidly. He was promoted to the positions of Chief Clerk of the Northwest Military Governor's Office, Prefect of Longxi and Inspector-General of Four Counties, becoming the de facto second-in-command of Yongliang.

I can't stay out of this matter any longer. I will rise and fall with the Grand Commander together! So of course I have to be cautious.

"I have already started preparing since Wang Mang was promoted to Prime Minister, and now everything is already quite complete!"

"I lied to the court about the number of troops before, and accumulated enough food and grass to feed the army for two months. This is enough. Once we capture Jizhou, we will have everything we need."

"Of course, it would be even better if we could take advantage of the situation and capture Chang'an."

Xu Yuan said confidently that he never fought a battle without preparation! He had already made all the plans in advance, and he would respond immediately if his second brother raised the banner of rebellion.

"Rebellion! Chen Changshi, please don't hesitate."

"Yes, don't you know the Grand Admiral's fighting style? He never acts rashly."

Everyone started to persuade the second-in-command of the Governor's Office.

The Grand Commander had great trust in Chen Xiang, and the important task of guarding the camp and confronting Han Xiao's rebels head-on was given to him.

Therefore, if Chen Xiang disagrees, Xu Yuan will change his mind.

"Well, I will risk my life and property to take a gamble with you! You give the order." He didn't want to mess back again.

If we start a rebellion now, the at least we should divide and rule. They are not just in Yongliang. The two Xu regions have always been closely connected, and one move can affect the whole body!

If Xu Yuan started a rebellion, people in other places would not just sit there and watch, but would have to force themselves to respond immediately.

But the situation on the prime minister's side is a bit dangerous, as Chang'an is enemy territory.

But there's no time to worry about so much. After all, the Xu family has been operating in Chang'an for hundreds of years. It's impossible that there is no residual force at all. It shouldn't be difficult to escape!

"Come over here, I've already made this plan in my mind."

Xu Yuan did not intend to rebel in such a high-profile manner. Those messengers were also variables and they had to be eliminated. If any one of them escaped, the news of the uprising might be leaked.

Wang Mang would have enough time to react, and his elder brother would be in danger.

"Zhang Duan, take my handwritten letter and mobilize the troops in the name of inspection. Don't worry, they won't get suspicious. According to convention, tomorrow is also the time for inspection."

"Yes, sir." Zhang Duan, the Left General of the Military Governor's Office, agreed.

"Chen Xiang, go and invite all the "customs envoys" of Liangzhou to the Governor's Mansion in the name of a meeting. Hide the swordsmen and axes behind the screen and use the breaking of cups as a signal."

"Remember this point is extremely important. No one can slip through the net! Once the leader dies, the imperial guards outside the city can strangle him at any time!"

"Yes." Chen Xiang accepted the order.

“By the way, don’t keep that guy Wang Fu. Let Li Qingluan kill him and appoint him as the general to suppress rebellion and the commander-in-chief of the 10,000 troops in Wuwei. The subsequent prefect can also make his own decision.” A hint of ruthlessness flashed across Xu Yuan’s serious face.

Wang Fu was sent by the imperial court to monitor the affairs of Yongliang. He was the governor of Wuwei. Now that they have fallen out, there is no need to keep his dignity.

"From now on, everyone should perform their duties and be ready to serve the king and eliminate the traitors at any time!"

"Yes, sir." All the generals said in unison.

In fact, it is not too difficult to start an uprising. Liangzhou has been under the management for many years, and Xu Yuan has long been the one in charge. The only reason it is so troublesome is to keep it secret as much as possible.

Although there may still be mistakes, at least it is cleaner than killing them one by one.

Even if someone could escape back to Chang'an, it would be too late.

.........

Following the order of the Grand Commander, Chen Xiang invited sixteen customs envoys from various counties to the Longxi Prefecture's Mansion in the name of an apology banquet.

There have been a lot of frictions these days. The people of Yongliang are already tough, and with the connivance of the Grand Commander, how can they tolerate this?
Only the envoys from neighboring Youzhou could be a little more restrained.

The envoys did not think much about it, they just thought that Xu Yuan wanted to stabilize the court, and they never expected that this guy would rebel like this.

Wang Mang inferred that Xu Hua had no intention of turning the table over in the short term, otherwise how could he not even leave a way out? He did not think that the other party had the courage to give up his life.

Therefore, these envoys were not very wary. As Dazai's confidants, they naturally knew some inside information.

In fact, anyone with a discerning eye could see that the Xu family would definitely rebel! Because they were die-hard Liu supporters, all the Liu family princes might vote for the king, but the Xu family alone would not!

This has been their bottom line for generations.

"Greetings to Governor Chen." Zhang Yu, the leader of the customs envoys, bowed. He did not call him by the title of the Chief Clerk of the Governor's Office.

It is enough to represent the resentment in his heart.

As the special envoys of the Prime Minister, they were treated as honored guests wherever they went! Even when they arrived in Jingzhou, they were not neglected. Xu Zhong did not refute the fake auspicious signs.

But they ran into obstacles everywhere in Yongliang, a remote place! All kinds of work could not be carried out. From the governor to the county magistrate, everyone, except Wang Fu, was very reluctant to see the envoy's inspection.

There was even a serious physical conflict!

"Hahaha... You distinguished envoys have come from afar, I'm sorry for not welcoming you in person." Chen Xiang was not angry and walked over with a flattering tone.

Why bother with the dead? Once you step into the gate of the prefect's mansion, you will die.

"The administration of officials by the prefect Chen is not very good." Zhang Yu started to attack and directly brought up the matter with a hint of questioning.

"The people of Yongliang are tough and brave. In addition, the Grand Commander-in-Chief employs many local people from Xiliang as officials due to the special local conditions. This character is indeed a bit unique. I hope your forgiveness will be given." Chen Xiang replied with a smile.

Zhang Yu didn't say anything after hearing this and passed the buck to Xu Yuan, the living devil. If he continued asking, he might not be able to leave Longxi.

Chen Xiang turned sideways and made a "please" gesture: "Dear envoys, please take your seats. It is my fault for not disciplining you properly. I apologize."

Seeing this, Zhang Yu was no longer embarrassed. He bowed and led the envoys into the inner hall.

At this time, a table of food had been set up in advance. It was very rich, which was extremely rare in this barren Yongliang.

These people have not yet realized that this is a Hongmen Banquet. There are two hundred burly swordsmen hiding behind the screen, waiting for the sound of cups breaking, and then they will rush out and hack Zhang Yu and others to death!

"You have all come from afar to inspect Liangzhou on behalf of Lord Anhan. You have really made great contributions. I would like to offer you a toast first."

After everyone was seated, Chen Xiang, the host, also sat down at the main seat, picked up the wine, and drank a glass. Zhang Yu on the side also gave him face and followed suit. After all, in their view, everyone was still an official appointed by the court, and it was not the point of fighting against each other.

Who can be as decisive as Xu Yuan? I knew he was a radical, but after all these years, I didn't fight him earlier or later, but I had to meet him.

how can that be possible.

After drinking a glass of wine, Chen Xiang put the wine back to its original place, with a big smile on his face, but there was a dangerous flash in his eyes.

It's just like a butcher looking at pigs and dogs waiting to be slaughtered, so contemptuous and so calm.

"Does Governor Chen have anything to say?" Zhang Yu was keenly aware of this strange emotion.

"Of course I have something to tell you, or rather, you need to tell your family members well." Chen Xiang said something very sharp.

What do you mean? Could it be that... it's impossible?

Zhang Yu stood up in shock, holding the sword at his waist with a vigilant look.

The other envoys nearby also drew their weapons. The Confucian scholars of this era were not powerless. They all learned the six arts of a gentleman, including swordsmanship of course.

"What does this mean, Governor Chen? We are officials appointed by the imperial court! Even Commander-in-Chief Xu has to show respect to us. How dare you kill us?"

Someone threatened that even a fool could guess that the purpose of this banquet was impure.

But they did not think it was Xu Yuan's order, because Xu Hua had said not to move the troops, so they guessed that he acted on his own and wanted to coerce his superior.

But in fact, it was Chen Xiang who went ahead with it.

"You're not stupid, but it's a pity that it's too late." Chen Xiang chuckled and stood up, holding the wine in his hand, and silently retreated to the side of the screen and let go of his hand.

Bang!

The wine shop fell to the ground, making a sound.

In an instant, hundreds of soldiers in armor and armed with sharp weapons rushed out and began the massacre mercilessly.

"what…"

"Chen Xiang, you will die a miserable death!"

Screams rang out again and again.

Chen Xiang gently wiped the warm blood splattered on his face and slowly walked to the table where blood was flowing.

Zhang Yu, who was so arrogant just now, has lost his life. He holds the scabbard tightly in his hand, his eyes are wide open, and he died with his eyes open!

"Be careful when you get underground. Even if you rely on the power of others, you have to know when to act." Chen Xiang shook his head and peeled off the pair of glaring eyes.

The pungent smell of blood gradually filled the entire hall.

The soldiers who had just carried out a massacre stood respectfully on both sides, with sticky blood sticking to the tips of their cold swords. The whole scene made people feel physically uncomfortable.

But Chen Xiang had fought in wars and seen blood, so he didn't react.

"Bury these bodies where they are."

.........

Wuwei County.

Thousands of soldiers surrounded the governor. They were holding fine steel weapons and wearing standard armor. They looked like officers and soldiers.

There were even more soldiers in the courtyard, densely packed together, surrounding the entire mansion.

Dozens of soldiers holding shields were guarding the last door of the inner room, their clothes were soaked with sweat, and they were very panicked.

"Retreat quickly, retreat quickly, if you leave now, I will forgive you for what happened!"

Wang Fu, the governor of Wuwei, wearing a helmet, hid behind the guards and gave a warning.

His forehead was also covered with beads of sweat, and he was far from being as calm as he looked.

In fact, this is normal. Wang Fu is still confused. He was just taking a nap in the mansion, but somehow, countless soldiers surrounded the entire prefectural mansion.

He held a spear and confronted it head-on, and he still didn't understand why.

"So many county soldiers... who could it be? It's impossible." Wang Fu began to think. Apart from himself, the only person in Wuwei who was qualified to mobilize troops was the captain Li Qingluan.

But even the prefect did not have the power to mobilize so many people at will. There were only more than 2,000 county soldiers in Wuwei, and the remaining 8,000 were under the jurisdiction of the Zhenjun Military Governor's Office. They were only temporarily stationed here, and no one could give orders except Xu Yuan himself.

"Wait..." Wang Fu's eyes widened as he discovered a horrible fact: an army so well-equipped might not be county soldiers.

It was the Northwest Army! The elite troops trained by Xu Yuan himself!
Just then, a man wearing general's armor slowly walked out of the crowd and stood behind the shield of the shield soldier.

"Li Qingluan! What on earth do you want to do? Are you trying to rebel?" Wang Fu quickly recognized the man's identity and was shocked and angry.

But I had some guesses in my mind.

Even if Li Qingluan had ten times the courage, he would not dare to rebel, let alone mobilize the Northwest Army. He was afraid that the one he was rebelling against was Xu Yuan, the commander-in-chief of the Northwest Army and the local emperor of Yongliang!

This guy just happens to be from the Zhenjun Military Governor's Office.

"Treason? Humph, it was Wang Mang who was the one who was rebelling. He ignored the older princes and insisted on making Liu Ying, a child, the emperor. Isn't that a desire to usurp the throne?"

"Tomorrow we will attack Chang'an under the leadership of the Grand Commander!"

Li Qingluan shouted angrily, and the archers behind him drew their bows and arrows, ready to fire a volley.

The situation is one-sided.

"The righteous army will only kill Wang's rebels. You are all Liangzhou people, and you are also Han people. Why do you want to help the tyrant? Now put down your weapons and bring the thieves here. The commander-in-chief will forgive you for what happened."

"After all, you guys don't know the situation either. It's a brave act to protect the commander, and it deserves praise."

Sure enough, as soon as these words were spoken, the bodyguards were immediately shaken. This guy was not from Xiliang in the first place, so why should he risk his life for this?
"You...you let me go, you traitor, you traitor!"

The soldiers lifted up the struggling Wang Fu, put him down and silently escorted him to Li Qingluan. They surrendered before the fight even started.

As a Yongliang native, I must support the Grand Commander. Who the hell is this Wang Fu?

Li Qingluan looked at the ferocious Wuwei Governor Wang Fu in front of him and waved his hand: "Take him away, cut him into pieces, and display his head to the public!"

On the third day of June in the second year of the reign of Emperor Jushe, Xu Yuan, governor of Liangzhou and commander-in-chief of the Northwest Garrison Army, announced his rebellion against the imperial court with the slogan "defeat the rebels and purge the court of corrupt officials". His army of 100,000 was ready to march south to Chang'an at any time.

At this time, neither Wang Mang nor Xu Hua were aware of the changes in Yongliang.

(End of this chapter)