Chapter Sixty: Preparing for a Rainy Day

After washing up, Yang Lian sipped the rice porridge. At this time, he could not eat anything too hard, nor could he eat too quickly.

The porridge appeared to have been simmered for a long time; tender chunks of fatty lamb had been boiled down until they practically dissolved in the mouth. The flavor was quite pleasing, prompting Yang Lian to eat eagerly.

After finishing a bowl, his body felt considerably warmer, his stomach no longer growling, and his spirit somewhat revived.

A servant brought another bowl, and this time Yang Lian ate much more slowly.

“Did anything happen yesterday?” he asked while eating.

The servant stood with hands folded. Although Yang Lian was only a deputy commander, Governor Sui had given explicit instructions to take good care of him. As a mere servant, he dared not neglect his duty.

“In the past few days, many defeated soldiers have returned—about two thousand or so. They have been settled outside the city. It is said that General Zhu is doing his utmost to pacify them,” the servant replied, offering what little information he knew.

Yang Lian nodded; that was enough. After finishing the porridge, he went out for a walk. After sleeping for a whole day and night, his bones ached unpleasantly. Some exercise would do him good.

Late at night, a gentle breeze brought a chill, but Yang Lian paid it no mind. He paced slowly, deep in thought.

From his estimation, the people of Wuyue would likely not attack Changzhou. Though the conflict in Fuzhou seemed resolved, pacifying the populace, restoring the economy, and establishing defenses would require great effort and time. Moreover, Li Renda had invited the Wuyue forces into Fuzhou merely to drive out the Tang soldiers. If the Southern Tang withdrew from Fuzhou, there might be some unsavory dealings between Li Renda and Wuyue.

Under such circumstances, attacking the strongly fortified Changzhou would plunge Wuyue into a dire predicament, incurring great losses.

Putting aside Wuyue for now, the defeats at Fuzhou and Suzhou would surely enrage the emperor. Yang Lian had no idea what punishments Feng Yanlu, Chen Jue, and Li Zhenggu might face. But at this moment, Prince Qi must distance himself from these individuals and refrain from pleading on their behalf; otherwise, the emperor might suspect him of factional intrigue.

The faction led by Han Xizai and Xu Xuan would undoubtedly seize the opportunity to further undermine them. These men were formidable adversaries. Yang Lian could not bear to see Li Hongji seize the upper hand or even usurp the heir apparent position.

He had to prepare for the worst and break this deadlock. Yet, after pondering, he found no suitable solution.

Unconsciously, dawn was breaking. Unable to stay idle, Yang Lian continued exercising indoors. Just as the sun rose, Sui Kuangfu arrived upon receiving news.

The past few days had truly exhausted him. Changzhou was a strategic stronghold that could not be lost. Thousands of defeated soldiers were like the dammed waters of the Yangtze, ready to burst forth at any moment. How could he not worry? Fortunately, Yang Lian had eliminated the major threat and resolved the crisis at Changzhou.

The defeated soldiers’ accommodations and provisions were now to be supplied by Changzhou city. The number was considerable, and the government’s clerks and constables had been mobilized to settle everyone properly. Though more defeated soldiers might arrive, their numbers should be small. Sui Kuangfu finally breathed a sigh of relief.

After exchanging pleasantries and seeing Yang Lian looking vigorous, he felt reassured.

Yang Lian inquired about the Wuyue forces and learned that Qian Wenfeng had no immediate plans to advance northwards, which eased his mind. Otherwise, with the defeated troops at Changzhou, it was doubtful whether they could hold off Wuyue.

Once Sui Kuangfu left, Yang Lian tidied himself and went to visit Gao Shensi.

Though aged, Gao Shensi was a seasoned general with robust health. His amputated arm was bandaged and treated with quality herbs; he was also taking medicine to nourish his blood. Compared to several days prior, his condition had improved markedly.

Yang Lian entered and saluted, “Your humble servant Yang Lian pays respects to the commander.”

Gao Shensi quickly rose and smiled, “Yang Lian, you have finally awakened! Come, sit here—you need not be so formal.”

Yang Lian surveyed Gao Shensi and said, “Commander Gao, this battle was a near-death ordeal. At least a thousand of our Tang soldiers were slain. It pains my heart deeply.”

Gao Shensi waved his hand, “Though painful, what can be done? His Majesty ordered our retreat, surely for profound reasons. For now, we will not attempt to retake Suzhou.”

Yang Lian said, “Commander Gao, this retreat was sudden: orders came in the afternoon, and by nightfall we had to withdraw. It was highly confidential. How then did Qian Wenfeng learn of it and set an ambush to trap us?”

Gao Shensi nodded, “I discussed this with Deputy Li and General Zhu. We cannot fathom it. Could Qian Wenfeng have some supernatural insight, knowing all our movements?”

“Commander Gao, logically, our scouts were stationed within a ten-li radius of the camp, making it impossible for Wuyue to infiltrate unnoticed. I have a rather unripe thought,” Yang Lian said.

At that moment, a voice rang from behind, “If you have an idea, speak freely.” Turning around, it was Li Zhenggu.

Li Zhenggu looked gloomy. The crushing defeat aged him greatly. His beard was disheveled, lacking his usual carefree air. Hearing Yang Lian mention an idea was like a drowning man grasping at a straw; he seized on it without hesitation.

“Since Qian Wenfeng could not have discovered our plans by force, is it possible someone secretly betrayed us and passed the information to him?” Yang Lian ventured.

Li Zhenggu shook his head, “That seems unlikely.”

Gao Shensi pursed his lips. Yang Lian’s suggestion was bewildering. After all, the imperial guards’ families mostly resided in Jinling; none should have reason to betray. Still, this was the most plausible explanation. But who could the traitor be? Where was the proof?

Yang Lian smiled faintly, “Perhaps it is not someone from the Divine Military or Heavenly Hero armies, but an outsider—even someone from Jinling?”

“What?” Li Zhenggu and Gao Shensi shared a similar expression of disbelief. Neither could accept that someone from Jinling would sell such vital intelligence to Wuyue. Whoever had access to this information must be of high rank, at least someone attending court.

Who could that be? Few fit the criteria—either royal princes or high-ranking ministers. But could such a person commit treason? Moreover, this was mere speculation without evidence. Neither princes nor ministers could be falsely accused.

Li Zhenggu finally reacted after a while, smiling wryly, “Such talk must not be repeated.”

Yang Lian nodded, “It is only conjecture. I will be cautious and speak no more recklessly.”

Gao Shensi agreed, “Though defeated, we did kill a commanding officer at Shashan, somewhat salvaging our honor. Yang Lian, your future is boundless. Be careful in your conduct; reckless words may ruin your prospects.”

Yang Lian bowed slightly, smiling, “Thank you for your counsel, Commander Gao. I will remember it well.”

Li Zhenggu frowned slightly, “I have long harbored a doubt.” He glanced at Yang Lian, hesitated, then spoke, “If I had not seen your portrait and visited your grave, I might suspect you truly are that former crown prince.” He was still wary; the previous crown prince was a taboo subject.

Gao Shensi frowned slightly, recalling he had asked Yang Lian about this before.

Yang Lian laughed heartily, “And what if I were the former crown prince?”

Li Zhenggu’s face changed, waving his hand in displeasure, “Do not speak recklessly.”

Yang Lian’s tone turned serious, “The body and flesh come from one’s parents; my name is not something I can change. If I truly were the former crown prince, I would fight with all my might, never yielding.”

Gao Shensi sighed, “You are too headstrong, boy. Remember, rigidity breaks easily. Why must you be so...?” He trailed off, knowing Yang Lian’s nature was unlikely to change anytime soon.

Yang Lian clasped his hands in thanks, “Many thanks for your reminder, Commander Gao.”

Li Zhenggu was silent for a moment, then said, “Actually, not quite. When the former crown prince died, the entire court was shocked. Princess Yongxing was informed and caused several disturbances, inciting the emperor’s anger. But it ended inconclusively, and the princess died in sorrow.”

“Now, many years later, though the event has faded, the emperor cannot forget. How could someone dead come back to life?” Li Zhenggu said slowly.

Gao Shensi nodded, “That makes sense.”

Yang Lian remained silent, waiting for them to elaborate.

Li Zhenggu continued, “Besides, if I were Yang Lian, having barely survived, why would I come to Jinling and invite suspicion?”

Yang Lian smiled faintly, “Perhaps there are such people in this world.”

“Any sane person would not do so. This is more perilous than entering a tiger’s den. Yang Lian, are you not a normal person?” Li Zhenggu chuckled. In his heart, he already had his answer; the last remark was mere teasing.

Yang Lian laughed aloud, “Yang Lian is, of course, a normal man.”

The topic ended there. Li Zhenggu said, “I fear His Majesty has already learned of this. I wonder how he will react.”

“What else can he do?” Gao Shensi shook his head. “Though a man of letters, versed in qin, chess, calligraphy, and painting, the emperor still desires to achieve greatness. Upon hearing this, he will surely be furious.”

Li Zhenggu nodded. Since ascending the throne, the emperor had abandoned his predecessor’s conservatism and taken initiative to make achievements. Unfortunately, though much territory was gained in Min lands, the loss at Fuzhou still favored Wuyue. It was a bitter pill to swallow.

Yang Lian also nodded, “The current war situation is unfavorable to the Tang. Upon returning to Jinling, no doubt petty rivals will seize the opportunity to undermine us. Deputy Li and Commander Gao must remain vigilant.”

Li Zhenggu sighed, “That is inevitable. Han Xizai, Xu Xuan, and the like would never be content without stirring trouble.”

“This is their best chance. They will rally their followers and accuse us in petitions. Upon returning, Jinling will likely be rife with turmoil.”

“Deputy Li, Commander Gao, we must not allow Han Xizai and his faction to grow strong,” Yang Lian said, then paused thoughtfully. “I have a plan, though I am uncertain whether it will succeed.”