Entrepreneurship in the Late Tang Dynasty

Chapter 254 Mergers
Outside Zhongdu City, Kang Huaizhen sat on his horse, looking at the camp outside the city with curiosity and suspicion.

It's chaotic here because the battlefield is right next to the camp, and groups of people who look like servants are constantly moving between the two places.

Sometimes they would return with a cartload of spoils, sometimes with a few people, and he even saw some people wearing white armbands, carrying howling wounded soldiers on their backs with two long spears pierced through a piece of cloth.

The people looked at them with suspicion, but they didn't seem afraid of their cavalry.

Just then, Kang Huaizhen saw a group of about a hundred men, with about ten warriors wearing crimson military robes and wearing forehead towels, approaching them and cautiously watching his side.

Are these the Righteous Army?

Kang Huaizhen couldn't help but have some doubts about her choice.

Since choosing to break out of Xiaqiu City with Yan Bao, they have been feeling somewhat lost about the future.

While abandoning the city would free him from danger, it would also cut him off from the Yanzhou navy. Neither the acting governor of the Li faction nor his fellow soldiers would tolerate him, since no one would allow someone who would abandon them to remain a comrade.

Of these two, whether it was him, Yan Bao, or the more than six hundred Yan naval knights behind him, they all cared more about the latter's attitude.

After all, Li Xi, the governor, only served for a few years before leaving, while the generals in the army were powerful families who had been in charge of the Yanzhou Navy for generations. If you offended them, you wouldn't be able to stay for generations.

However, in his heart, Kang Huaizhen seemed to know that with their retreat, the morale of the troops on the city wall would be greatly diminished, and Xiaqiu City might really fall. Li Xi might even die in Xiaqiu before he could be officially appointed as the governor.

Hey……

Kang Huaizhen was not the kind of person who could do such a thing. He had been a military officer in the Yanzhou Navy for generations, and his ancestors had been rooted in Yanzhou since the Ziqing Town era. He had feelings for the regional military governors.

But how can a battle be fought like this? Yes, he and Yan Bao did indeed have the only two cavalry units in the city, so the task of launching an attack outside the city naturally fell to their cavalry.

But we can't call them every time! These Yanzhou naval knights were all raised by their parents, and many of them were Kang Huaizhen's neighbors. Their parents were even people Kang Huaizhen knew.

He had already said from the city wall that the cavalry were no longer able to fight. He didn't mean to avoid battle, but rather to allow the warhorses seven or eight days to rest.

With the city walls and fortifications in place, surely we can hold out for seven or eight days?

But even that's not enough. Who is Kong Miao? Does he have the right to speak on military matters? And the Li faction is also irresponsible, not daring to support their brothers.

Alas, those who uphold integrity are truly harming the country. It's not that these brave men of the Yanzhou Navy aren't willing to risk their lives.

If Kang Huaizhen doesn't work hard to find a way to survive for his brothers, he might end up dying at their hands first.

Is it really that easy to become a general?
So since you want to fight, fine, don't blame Old Kang for being ruthless.

So he just discussed it with Yan Bao, and the two of them decided to break through.

As for where to break through, let's break through first and then figure it out.

After that, he summoned all the knights in the entire camp who could move, and directly led out 600 elite cavalrymen, and then began to break out to the north.

The army's lines were still as vulnerable as ever, but Kang Huaizhen and Yan Bao's horses never turned back. So, without a word, the cavalry that followed them out of the city also left without looking back.

The cavalry of the Grass Army had assembled to pursue and kill Kang Huaizhen and his men, but they were summoned away by the sound of drums and gongs. Then Kang Huaizhen led Yan Bao and the others northward.

He considered which direction he could go, but having been trapped in the city for so long, Kang Huaizhen really didn't know where to go, and where the city was still in the hands of the Tang army.

We can't go south, can we? That would mean going through the lines of Liu Yanzhang's bandit army again.

Just as Kang Huaizhen was at a loss, a dozen or so riders suddenly galloped out from a grove of trees. Each of them was an excellent rider, especially the leader, whose horse and rider were like dragons, their bodies becoming one with their warhorses, rising and falling with each gallop.

Kang Huaizhen was greatly alarmed and immediately led his elite troops, who had been on high alert, to intercept the enemy. Then, he heard a shout from the opposite side in the distance:

"Are you brothers from the Taining Army? This is the Baoyi Army!"

Kang Huaizhen was stunned when he heard this. When did the Taining Army appear? And they are the Baoyi Army?

When the Cao army entered Yanzhou, Xiaqiu had not yet been completely besieged, so the city still knew a lot of information about the outside world.

He still remembered that among the various armies that Marshal Song had deployed, there was one army called the Baoyi Army.

Kang Huaizhen remembered this Baoyi Army because his comrades who had returned from Xichuan all spoke of how a "Baoyi Hu" had emerged in the army and how outstanding he was on the Xichuan battlefield.

Even his good friend Tian Chongyin, though he hadn't returned—he had been left in the army by the high-ranking official Gao to go south to Nanzhao together—praised Zhao Huai'an in his letters back, saying that in three to five years, this man would surely become another great general of the Tang Dynasty.

So when he heard the other side claim to be the Righteous Army, Kang Huaizhen felt relieved, but he did not let his men behind him lower their guard. He kept his bow drawn, ready to strike at any moment.

The cavalry general opposite was particularly bold, still requesting to enter the battle under these circumstances. Kang Huaizhen admired such a warrior, so he nodded and let him in.

Then, he was led by several Yanzhou naval cavalrymen to Kang Huaizhen. Looking at the man's slender waist, long arms, and broad, handsome face, Kang Huaizhen knew that this man must have spent countless hours and sweat honing his martial arts skills.

In other fields, it's one thing, but among martial artists, there's a real saying: "Meeting them is like meeting the person."

All of a military general's past experiences are reflected in his body. He has never stopped honing his martial arts skills, so his physique is strong and muscular. Even if he is fat, he is fat with muscles.

But if this military general is just a good-for-nothing with a military reputation, spending all his time and energy on women and alcohol, then no matter how stubborn you are, you will still be a fat man.

Especially if you've exercised a lot before, the weight gain will be even more severe, almost like you've blown your weight up in a short period of time.

What's even more terrifying is that if you waste just three months of your well-maintained physique, all your previous efforts will be for naught.

So, it takes a lot of willpower to maintain a strong but not fat physique year after year.

At this moment, with just one glance, Kang Huaizhen knew that the cavalry general of the Baoyi Army in front of him was such a determined warrior.

Kang Huaizhen felt even more favorably disposed towards him. He sized up the man and asked:
"You say you're with the Righteous Army? Has the Righteous Army already sent reinforcements to the vicinity?"

The imposing and resolute cavalry general that Kang Huaizhen was observing was none other than Yang Yanqing. He had been ordered by Zhao Huai'an to lead a troop of knights to the vicinity of Xiaqiu to assess the battle situation there.

Then he encountered Kang Huaizhen and others who had broken out of the city. Seeing the "Yanhai" military flag they were carrying and their full Tang army equipment, he decided to come and ask them questions.

Therefore, he only took about ten riders with him, while the rest remained in the forest. If anything seemed amiss, they would immediately retreat.

Upon hearing the question from the imposing and powerful cavalry general opposite him, Yang Yanqing quickly replied:

"Our army has just annihilated 30,000 bandits in Zhongdu City. At present, the main force is stationed in Zhongdu. Because my lord is concerned about the situation in Xiaqiu, he has specially ordered us to come and scout."

Although Yang Yanqing is straightforward and outspoken and has never been inclined to think things through, he has grown up after spending so much time under Yang's command.

Because the true identity of this cavalry team was still uncertain, Yang Yanqing deliberately concealed the strength of the Baoyi Army. In short, he told you that we had defeated 30,000 bandits, so how could our strength be small?
Sure enough, Kang Huaizhen was shocked when he heard this, because he knew that the Cao army had a large camp in Zhongdu, but he did not expect that it would be broken by the Baoyi army.
Looking at the state of the peasant army outside Xiaqiu City, they clearly didn't know about this situation, so he was overjoyed.

If he could summon the Baoyi Army to support Xiaqiu and thus lift the siege of Xiaqiu, then his and Yan Bao's abandonment of the city would become a breakout to call for reinforcements!
Not only was he without fault, but he also made a great contribution!

Therefore, Kang Huaizhen told Yang Yanqing about his situation and the crisis in Xiaqiu City without hesitation, and finally asked:

"Take me to your lord immediately! The lives of over ten thousand people in Xiaqiu depend on your lord!"

Yang Yanqing, on the other hand, simply couldn't believe the cavalry that claimed to have broken out of the city to seek reinforcements.

Those who break out are usually small, elite cavalry units, which are more flexible and mobile, and have less supply pressure.

And this dark mass of cavalry in front of us, probably not just five or six hundred, but almost half of our entire cavalry force, are you telling me that such a large number of cavalry broke out to ask for help?
What good governor would send out such a decisive force?

Therefore, Yang Yanqing understood the situation perfectly well, but he didn't expose it on the surface. Instead, he patted his chest and said:

"Lord Kang, rest assured, my lord is a man of unparalleled righteousness. He led us all the way from Bianzhou to here, saving countless friendly troops. Now, who doesn't praise our lord as 'benevolent and righteous'? I'll take you to find him right now! Moreover, my lord has always loved heroes. He'll be overjoyed to see you all here!"

At this moment, Kang Huaizhen's attention was entirely focused on the first part of Yang Yanqing's words. He was shocked to discover that the Baoyi Army had actually fought their way from Bianzhou through Cao and Yun before entering Yanzhou!

Cao and Yun were the places where the rebel army started, and countless rebels and bandits were stationed there. Yet the Righteous Army managed to break through them. It seems that this is truly a powerful force.

Thinking of this, Kang Huaizhen and Yan Bao exchanged a glance, then laughed in unison:

"Then I'll trouble you, brother, to take us to find Magistrate Zhao!"

At this moment, neither of them could understand what the saying "the magistrate loves heroes" really meant.

……

Outside Zhongdu City, Yan Bao stood next to Kang Huaizhen, leading his horse. Because of his large waist and belly, the burden on his warhorse was heavier, and he was reluctant to ride on his horse unless he was fighting.

At this moment, he was also curiously observing the battlefield in the distance.

Although the area had been cleaned up, the time was too short, and a large number of corpses and wounded were still left on the battlefield.

Therefore, Yan Bao could also see from this that the battle at that time was extremely fierce.

It seems that what Yang Yanqing said was true; the Baoyi Army did indeed win a great victory here.

He looked at Sui Fu, who was carrying a wounded soldier, and asked Yang Yanqing beside him:
"Those wounded soldiers still on the battlefield are all common soldiers, right? Why are you bothering with that?"

Yang Yanqing shrugged and replied:
"We can't just let them keep howling, they're lives too, right? But we don't have enough manpower, so we'll save as many as we can. The rest will stay on the battlefield and it's up to fate."

Upon hearing this, Kang Huaizhen and Yan Baoqi were both startled, and they saw the astonishment on each other's faces.

not enough people?

No, the way you spoke so confidently before almost made them think that the Righteous Army had brought at least ten thousand men.

There aren't even enough people to clean up the battlefield right now, and there are only a few of them!

But the next moment, Yang Yanqing added:
"This is our vanguard; most of our manpower is still stationed on the banks of Juye Marsh." These words brought a sigh of relief to the two generals. Why was Yang Yanqing speaking with such heavy breathing? Where did he pick up that bad habit?

However, after hearing this, the two generals were also a little surprised. This Baoyi Army was only a vanguard force, yet it was able to defeat 30,000 bandits. Its combat power was truly not to be underestimated.

But that's just right, because a weak army can't lift the siege of Xiaqiu.

Then Yan Bao asked another question that had puzzled him before:

"Brother Yang, why did you call us the 'Taining' Army from the beginning? Doesn't our banner say 'Yanhai Army'?"

Upon hearing this, Yang Yanqing laughed and said:

"Just this month, an imperial edict arrived in Chang'an, changing the name of your Yanhai Navy to Taining."

These words left Yan Bao and Kang Huaizhen with mixed feelings. Their family's Yanhai Navy ship, where generations of their family had lived, was gone just like that.

Who's being so annoying? Did they even ask for their opinions?

Just as the two were feeling depressed, the city gates of Zhongdu opened wide, and a troop of cavalrymen carrying a canopy and ceremonial guards came out in a long procession.

Yang Yanqing quickly shouted:

"The magistrate has arrived. I will lead you to greet him."

Then they dismounted, and the other righteous knights did the same. These elite cavalrymen, each a hero in their own right, were now holding their breath and behaving with utmost respect.

Kang Huaizhen and Yan Bao exchanged a glance, and although they hesitated, they dismounted and followed Yang Yanqing to greet them.

……

Inside Zhao Huai'an's tent, wine cups were clinked and laughter filled the air.

Kang and Yan, the two generals of the Taining Army, sat on the right, with the generals of the six hundred cavalry units behind them. The ten or so men filled one side of the tent.

Across from them, Zhao Liu, Dou Pangzi, and other masters of drinking kept them company, along with a group of Baoyi generals who frequently raised their glasses to toast them.

At this moment, Yan Bao's eyes were squinting from drinking so much. His face was already chubby, and now it was almost just a slit.

Looking at those righteous generals opposite him, he sighed inwardly:

They're so enthusiastic! The Baoyi Army is so enthusiastic!

Especially the general opposite him, who was about the same size as him and had slightly crossed eyes, was incredibly enthusiastic. He immediately offered him three bowls of wine, saying that he felt an instant connection with him.

That's true, because Yan Bao also felt a connection with the person opposite him.

Under the tent, all he could see were strong and vigorous warriors. Only he and the fat Doulu Sanlang next to him were friendly.
It was from Doulu Saburo that he learned that the Baoyi Army actually had a close relationship with the Yanhai Army.

It is said that when they were still in Xichuan, the Yanzhou Navy, led by Lao Tian, ​​who was on autumn defense, took great care of these militia members, and many of them were even from the Yanzhou Navy.

Sigh, now it should be called Taining Army, but he still thinks Yanhai sounds better.

Oh, back then, Doulu Sanlang also mentioned the name "Zhou Dexing".

He recognized the man; he was from Mizhou. He used to be a famous Mo Dao general in the army, but he didn't have much of a background. He heard that he was sent to the west to guard against the autumn harvest by people from that area.

I didn't expect this guy to have joined the Righteous Army, and judging from what Doulu Sanlang said, Zhou Dexing is doing quite well!

Just then, a warm, magnetic voice interrupted his reverie, and he heard:

"Rest assured, both of you. General Tian of your army has been kind to me. Back then, I was able to raise an army outside Shuangliu City entirely thanks to General Tian's recommendation. Therefore, your army's affairs are my affairs. I, Zhao Da, will never play tricks on my brothers."

The one who said this was Zhao Huai'an, who was sitting at the head of the table.

Kang Huaizhen was still drinking with Zhao Liu when he heard this. He and Yan Bao stood up. As soon as the two of them stood up, the dozen or so Taining cavalry generals below also raised their glasses and stood up.

This scene caught Zhang Guinian's eye, and he seemed to be deep in thought before smiling.

Kang Huaizhen, who usually gets flushed easily but not drunk, was now as red as a monkey's bottom, but holding up his glass, he clearly and logically expressed his gratitude to Zhao Huai'an, saying:

“Lord Zhao is truly benevolent and righteous. On behalf of the people of Xiaqiu, I first express my respect to Lord Zhao.”

Then he drank the wine in his cup in one gulp, and the dozen or so people below him did the same, displaying the decisiveness and efficiency of a martial artist.

Zhao Huai'an laughed heartily, then downed his drink. Just as he was about to speak, Zhao Liu, who was sitting next to Kang Huaizhen, coughed and said in surprise:

"My lord, is it too late to save Xiaqiu?"

After saying that, he turned to the puzzled Kang Huaizhen and said:
“Old Kang, you don’t know, we also received intelligence today that the grass army has already captured the outer city of Xiaqiu, probably when you break out.”

Upon hearing this, Kang Huaizhen, who had been immersed in joy, was completely stunned.

He subconsciously felt that Xiaqiu's rapid collapse must be related to him, and he panicked. He could only force a smile and looked at Yan Bao beside him.

Yan Bao was also stunned, but he couldn't let his guard down now, so he followed Zhao Liu's words, clasped his hands in a fist and bowed to Zhao Huai'an, saying:

"Ha, is it that critical? Then please, Lord Zhao, send troops immediately, or it will truly be too late!"

Yan Bao said he was bowing, but his belly was so big that he only buried his head, like an old hen laying eggs in a sand pit.

The same was true for Fatty Dou next to him. Now that he had drunk hot water, he opened his robe to reveal layers of wavy white flesh, which contrasted interestingly with the dark and fat Yan Bao next to him.

Zhao Huai'an shook his head inwardly. If Yan Bao and Dou Pangzi were to be paired together, they would definitely weigh over 600 pounds!

After hearing Yan Bao's request, Zhao Huai'an nodded and said:

"Yes, after we finish this meal, we can set off."

Now Yan Bao and Kang Huaizhen were relieved, but when they sat down, they weren't as happy as they appeared.

Now they're a bit conflicted.

Even if they bring reinforcements back to Xiaqiu now, the outer city has already fallen, which shows how great the losses are. And all of this will be blamed on the two of them. I'm afraid that when the grass army withdraws, their heads will be on their shoulders!
But if we don't bring reinforcements, not only is that somewhat dishonest, but the Baoyi Army is already preparing to send troops. What will they say then? That it's unnecessary and that Xiaqiu should just wait to die?
This is a slap in the face!

So Yan Bao and Kang Huaizhen were caught in a dilemma: whether to save him or not. They could only hope that the meal would last a little longer.

Just as they were feeling uncertain and anxious, a clear voice suddenly rang out. It was Zhang Guinian who said:
"Generals, I have a better idea. Would you be interested?"

Kang Huaizhen looked at him and saw that he was the kind of intelligent person, so he quickly nodded and bowed.
"Please enlighten me."

Zhang Guinian then smiled at these Taining army generals and said:
"Have you not heard the cry of 'besieging Wei to rescue Zhao'? To tell you the truth, before you arrived, our army was already preparing to launch a surprise attack on Wang Xianzhi. I wonder if you are willing to join our army and march eastward together?"

Upon hearing this, all the Taining generals were stunned.

No, do you Baoyi Army really have that much guts?
How many of you are there to assassinate Wang Xianzhi? And all you're doing is trying to rescue Xiaqiu, and you expect us to go and die with you?

If that's the case, then Xiaqiu isn't actually someone who absolutely needs saving, really.

But Zhang Guinian didn't wait for them to speak, and said directly:

“Our army has a foolproof plan. Even if you don’t go, we will still go. But you probably won’t dare to return to Taining Army then! So why not take a gamble with our army? As long as we kill Wang Xianzhi, that bandit chief, what does any other transgression matter? You will then have made a great contribution and rise to prominence.”

These words embarrassed Kang Huaizhen, Yan Bao, and other generals of the Taining Army, clearly indicating that the other party knew how they had come to be there.

However, what they said is also true. The only way to get by is to make a great contribution, and if there really is a chance, they are not afraid to take the gamble.

Therefore, Kang Huaizhen asked:

"I wonder how your army manages to launch such a rapid attack?"

Zhao Huai'an laughed heartily, and then had Zhang Guinian, who was playing the bad cop, inform the Taining generals of the plan.

After hearing this plan, regardless of whether these people agree or not, they will never be allowed to leave the camp again, and he will not even spare the cavalry under their command.

Don't forget Zhao Huai'an's identity; he's a military leader!

What kind of military leader is one who doesn't take over allied forces?
Meanwhile, Kang Huaizhen and the others were both excited and alarmed after hearing the plan. They could tell that the plan had a very high success rate, and they also knew that once they heard the plan, they were practically already on board.

After glancing at the smiling, cheerful Prefect Zhao, Kang Huaizhen made a decision. He slammed his hand on the table, stood up, and called out to Zhao Huai'an:
"Lord Zhao, count us brothers in! This feat, comparable to the Duke of Liang's night raid on Cai Prefecture, will surely be recorded in history regardless of success or failure! It would have been fine if we hadn't witnessed it, but now we're fortunate enough to participate. What incredible luck! They're just a bunch of bandits! Let's fuck them!"

These words drew attention from Zhang Guinian and his advisors.

Kang Huaizhen had the appearance of a foreigner, and not only did he speak fluent Tang language, but he was also surprisingly familiar with classical Chinese texts from the Qing Dynasty.

The Liang State Duke he was referring to was Li Su, the eighth son of the Prince of Xiping. Li Su was honored with a place in the Temple of Emperor Xianzong for his night raid on Caizhou, reaching the pinnacle of military power in the dynasty. He was also posthumously given the title "Wu" (武, meaning martial).

Meanwhile, Kang Huaizhen, who had inadvertently revealed his true strength, shouted to the Taining army generals behind him after finishing his speech:
"Will you do it or not?"

Yan Bao and the others started to clamor and shout:
"Yeah, kill them! Damn it, they think we're easy to bully, they've been beating us up. This time, we'll take down their entire base!"

Therefore, Kang Huaizhen clasped his hands in a respectful gesture and said sincerely:
"So, Your Excellency already knows Wang Xianzhi's location?"

Zhao Huai'an remained expressionless, meeting Kang Huaizhen's gaze with a smile:
"Wang Xianzhi's location? We'll find out!"

(End of this chapter)