Simultaneous Transmigration: The Re-merging of 99 Selves

Chapter 176 Zhao Yu's Power

After shaking off Shi Zhixuan's aura, Zhao Yu dared not linger and sped south.

Several days later, the outline of Gaoyou City finally came into view.

By the eleventh year of the Daye era, the world was no longer the peaceful and prosperous place it once was.

Yang Guang's three campaigns against Goguryeo ended in disastrous defeats, exhausting the people's strength. War raged across the land, with uprisings breaking out in Shandong and Henan. The Sui Dynasty was already teetering on the brink of collapse.

When Zhao Yu first transmigrated to this world, before his cheat ability had even awakened, he used his foresight to choose the Hongze Lake area as his base.

If he had encountered Li Shimin from official history, Zhao Yu might have thought twice and dared not easily harbor any ambition to contend for supremacy.

However, in the world of The Legend of the Twin Dragons of the Tang Dynasty, although the Li Tang Dynasty still holds a dominant position, it is far from being unshakeable.

Moreover, the Li Shimin depicted in the original novel is truly not someone who inspires awe.

Having finally traveled through time, it would be a great pity not to take advantage of this chaotic world to fight for the world.

Therefore, Zhao Yu lay low for several years, taking over several cities including Shanyang and Xuyi with Gaoyou as the center, controlling the waterways of the two lakes, and establishing connections with the Giant Kun Gang through the private salt trade to exchange for intelligence and money, quietly accumulating strength.

To the outside world, they always used the title of "General Manager of the Sishui River Township," outwardly submitting to the Sui Dynasty, paying tribute to Jiangdu County with grain and silk on time, without claiming the title of king, without appointing officials, and putting on the appearance of a township that only sought to protect itself.

With rebels everywhere and the court preoccupied with its own problems, it was naturally happy to go along with his cleverness and tacitly approved his rule over the area around Gaoyou.

It was precisely because of this that Du Fuwei, who occupied Liyang, became increasingly hostile towards him, and the two armies often clashed across the water, with constant conflicts of all sizes.

According to Zhao Yu's original plan, he was to follow the path of "building high walls, storing up grain, and delaying the declaration of kingship." He would first cultivate Huainan, accumulate grain, armor, and soldiers, and then, after Yang Guang's coup and death in Jiangdu, and the country was in complete chaos, he would then lead his troops to sweep across Jiangnan and then head north to compete for supremacy.

With powerful clans dominating the north and the rebel army wielding immense strength, he, being of humble origins, had no chance to infiltrate the region. Only the dispersed power in the south presented him with a true opportunity.

If we can unify Jiangnan in the future, and then try to win over the Song clan in Lingnan, we may have a good chance of winning the battle for the Central Plains.

But Shi Zhixuan's sudden appearance completely disrupted his rhythm.

Just because a casual remark about Pei Ju was leaked, it attracted the attention of this evil king.

In order not to implicate his subordinate forces, Zhao Yu had no choice but to flee alone, luring Shi Zhixuan away. This escape lasted for more than a month.

Now that he has escaped and returned, his biggest worry is that without a leader, Du Fuwei will seize the opportunity to swallow up the territory, and all his years of hard work will be in vain.

Zhao Yu put on a straw hat, pulled the brim low, and slowly walked into the city, mingling among the refugees.

His flag was still flying atop the city wall, unchanged, which eased half of his anxiety.

As they walked along the street, they saw that the people looked anxious, most of the shops were closed, and the soldiers were patrolling more frequently than usual. Clearly, something big had happened in the city.

As Zhao Yu walked to the front of the governor's mansion, the guards at the gate immediately stepped forward and waved him away, saying, "Go away! This is a restricted area; unauthorized personnel are not allowed to approach!"

Zhao Yu raised his hand and slowly removed the bamboo hat from his head: "It's me."

The guard was taken aback at first, stared at him for a moment, then his eyes widened instantly, and his face broke into a look of wild joy.

"Master Steward! You're finally back!"

This shout immediately alarmed everyone inside and outside the government office.

The gatekeepers, patrolling officials, and civil and military officials on duty all rushed out. When they saw Zhao Yu standing below the steps, their faces showed a mixture of surprise and joy, and they all bowed down.

"Greetings, Chief Steward!"

In an instant, the entire governor's mansion was in an uproar.

For more than a month, Zhao Yu has been missing, and rumors have been spreading. Some say he died outside, while others say he was kidnapped by his enemies. People are in turmoil, and the situation is only being managed by a few people in charge.

Now that Zhao Yu has returned safely, everyone can finally breathe a sigh of relief.

Zhao Yu waved his hand, signaling everyone to stand up, and stepped into the main hall of the government office.

Since he started his rebellion, he has always referred to himself as "general manager" and has never used the titles of general or king, in order to conceal his abilities and avoid disaster.

This method did indeed help him evade a lot of attention from the imperial court during the chaos at the end of the Sui Dynasty.

Upon entering the main hall, a middle-aged scholar in a blue official robe strode forward, a worried expression on his face: "The Grand Steward has been gone for over a month, without a word from him. We have been worried sick day and night. Is the Grand Steward alright?"

This man's name was Cui Shanwei, Zhao Yu's chief strategist.

After transmigrating to this world, he only knew of famous ministers and generals such as Qin Shubao and Fang Xuanling, as well as characters from the original novel.

However, those people were all active in the north, and Zhao Yu really couldn't recruit them. Therefore, he could only appoint people according to their talents and promoted Cui Shanwei.

At the time, he only felt that Cui Shanwei was capable in handling affairs, so he promoted him to take charge of internal affairs and general matters.

It wasn't until the two Zhao Yus merged and he read the history books in the Southern Song Dynasty that he realized that this seemingly insignificant county official would later rise to the position of Vice Minister of Revenue in the Tang Dynasty, and was a truly capable and efficient minister.

Besides Cui Shanwei, the naval commander Zhou Faming and the infantry commander Su Shichang were also such figures.

Although he may not be considered a top-tier minister, he is loyal and capable, and his abilities are sufficient to support the current situation.

"I'm fine."

Zhao Yu took the main seat, gestured for everyone to dispense with formalities, and then looked at Cui Shanwei: "How has the situation been in the city since I left?"

The joy on Cui Shanwei's face faded, replaced by a solemn expression.

"Sir, the situation is not optimistic. The news that you were being chased by your enemies and forced to leave the city could not be kept secret and spread quickly. Upon learning this, Du Fuwei immediately mobilized the navy to garrison on the west bank and has been probing the enemy frequently for days, resulting in several small-scale clashes. In addition, the Sui army in the surrounding area is also restless, frequently moving troops, probably intending to take advantage of the situation."

"We managed to stabilize the situation by simultaneously blocking information and reorganizing our troops. But if it had been any later, I'm afraid—"

""

He didn't say what he was going to say next, but the meaning was clear: if he had come back a few days later, Gaoyou might have been divided up by someone else.

Upon hearing this, Zhao Yu scoffed, "They're nothing but chickens and dogs. Now that I'm back, I'll settle this score with them sooner or later. Du Fuwei and the Sui army won't be able to cause trouble for long."

"General, you must not underestimate the enemy," Cui Shanwei hurriedly advised. "Du Fuwei has many soldiers and generals under his command, and many bandits from Jianghuai have also submitted to him. His strength far surpasses our army. This time, he has come prepared, so we need to plan carefully."

Zhao Yu said calmly, "Don't worry, I have had another stroke of luck this time, and my martial arts have greatly improved. In a real battle, Du Fuwei is no match for me. If he behaves himself, fine; but if he dares to attack, we can take advantage of the situation and seize Liyang."

As soon as he finished speaking, a maid in green carrying a teacup came out from the back room.

The girl had delicate features, but her eyes were red-rimmed. When she saw Zhao Yu sitting in the hall, tears instantly streamed down her face.

She hurried forward, her voice trembling with tears, "Master Steward—you're finally back! I—I thought I'd never see you again—"

This is Qing'er, Zhao Yu's personal maid. She is always meticulous and considerate, and is deeply loved by Zhao Yu.

Seeing her crying pitifully, Zhao Yu was about to say something to comfort her when a sudden alarm bell rang in his heart.

Almost instinctively, he flipped his wrist and shoved Qing'er aside.

"Be careful!"

"boom""

Before Zhao Yu could finish speaking, the roof tiles above his head suddenly shattered, sending shards of stone and wood flying everywhere.

A dark figure, brimming with murderous intent, swooped down from the hole, its palm strike chillingly cold, aiming straight for Zhao Yu's crown.

Shi Zhixuan arrived so quickly!