Chapter Fifty-Nine: Consolation

Under the leadership of these few men, the defeated soldiers gradually retreated. Yang Lian did not know what they had told the troops, but that was unimportant; what mattered was that they were withdrawing. Yang Lian remained mounted on his warhorse, slowly approaching the city wall. He was alone, and Sui Kuangfu did not consider him much of a threat. The scene that had just occurred was witnessed by Sui, though he could not quite comprehend it.

“Yang Lian, acting as Deputy of the Shenwu Army, comes at the order of Vice Commissioner Li and High Commander Gao to request an audience with Prefect Sui,” Yang Lian announced in a clear voice.

Sui Kuangfu was stirred and asked, “Deputy Yang, is Vice Commissioner Li well?”

“Vice Commissioner Li is in good health,” Yang Lian replied, gazing up at the wall with a smile. “Does Prefect Sui not wish to let me in?”

Sui Kuangfu slapped his own forehead and laughed, “How muddle-headed of me.” With that, he ordered the soldiers, “Quick, open the city gate.”

The gate was opened and the drawbridge lowered. Yang Lian rode through, but at that moment, a swirl of dust rose from behind, and the thunder of hooves sounded ominous. Sui Kuangfu was startled—could there be another attack on Changzhou? He hurried to have the gate closed again.

Yang Lian glanced back and quickly said, “No need for alarm, Prefect Sui. It is Chen Keyan.”

“Chen Keyan?” Sui Kuangfu was surprised. “So that’s where he was, together with General Yang.” His tone shifted as he spoke. Though the Tang troops had been defeated, Yang Lian had distinguished himself. Once back in Jinling, His Majesty would surely reward him—perhaps even grant him command or a higher post.

Yang Lian smiled modestly. “You flatter me, Prefect Sui. I am but a lowly deputy, hardly worthy of being called general.”

“You may not be a general today, but you will be one tomorrow. General Yang, your dedication and righteousness have saved the people of Changzhou from disaster. Allow me to thank you.” Sui Kuangfu spoke sincerely and offered a bow.

Yang Lian nodded, “All thanks to His Majesty’s great fortune.”

Sui Kuangfu was taken aback, then burst out laughing. “Indeed, all thanks to His Majesty’s great fortune.”

As they conversed, Chen Keyan arrived with his troops. Upon seeing Yang Lian, he breathed a sigh of relief, bowed to Sui Kuangfu, “Prefect Sui,” and then turned to Yang Lian, “What was the matter with the defeated soldiers?”

“Someone was stirring up trouble from the shadows. The man took his own life and left no clues. I suspect it was the work of agents from Wuyue,” said Yang Lian.

Sui Kuangfu stroked his beard. “That is very possible. Though there have been no major conflicts between our borders in recent years, there have been continuous minor provocations. Qian Wenfeng has held Suzhou for many years—not a man of empty reputation.”

Yang Lian saluted. “Prefect Sui, to calm the defeated troops, I promised that Changzhou would supply ample grain and tents. I must rely on you for this.”

Sui Kuangfu pondered briefly. “Though the court has its own provisions and reporting requirements, these are extraordinary times. I will take responsibility and release three thousand shi of grain and one thousand tents from the city stores. More will take some time.”

Yang Lian calculated that there were no more than six thousand defeated soldiers; this supply would suffice for a time. “Many thanks, Prefect Sui,” he said gratefully.

“You are too courteous, General Yang. I will see to it at once and send five hundred soldiers with you.” With that, Sui Kuangfu turned to make arrangements.

He worked efficiently; within an hour, the grain and tents were loaded onto carts. Sui Kuangfu instructed Chen Keyan to accompany Yang Lian to deliver the supplies. As they passed out of the city gate, Lin Renzhao and Chen Tie escorted Li Zhenggu, Gao Shensi, and Zhu Kuangye toward them.

Yang Lian hurried forward and saluted the three men. “Vice Commissioner Li, Commander Gao, Commander Zhu.”

Gao Shensi narrowed his eyes, sizing him up, and forced a smile. “Yang Lian, you seem brash, but are actually well-prepared. You handled this matter admirably.”

Li Zhenggu, in turn, breathed a sigh of relief. He had believed a mutiny among the defeated troops was inevitable, yet Yang Lian had defused the crisis, allowing them all to enter Changzhou in good order. Even if His Majesty blamed them later, their responsibility would be greatly lessened. He studied Yang Lian for a moment—the man who shared the same name as the former crown prince—and found him unexpectedly capable. He bowed with unfeigned respect. “Yang Lian, you have rendered a great service this day. I will report to His Majesty myself.”

From behind, Sui Kuangfu laughed, “When the defeated soldiers surrounded the city, I had riders report to His Majesty at once. Now that the danger has passed, I have sent word of the good news as well.”

Li Zhenggu grunted with some displeasure—Sui Kuangfu was certainly quick to act—but the facts were established; there was nothing to be done.

Yang Lian made a brief report of events. Zhu Kuangye eyed him with newfound appreciation. This man was bold indeed, and from his account, it was clear he had suspected foul play in the mutiny and risked himself to apprehend the instigator alone. Whatever his reasoning at the time, the result spoke for itself. Zhu Kuangye recalled Yang Lian’s previous conflicts with Chen Decheng and Lei Zhen and realized he was no ordinary man.

Yang Lian then said, “Vice Commissioner Li, this is not the place to talk. Please enter Changzhou, settle in, and have the physicians attend to you first. I must go to reward the troops at once, lest any further unrest brews.”

Though Zhu Kuangye was weary, his injuries were light. “Deputy Yang, let me accompany you. No matter what, I am still commander of the Tianxiong Army.”

Gao Shensi nodded. “That is well.” He drew a command token from his robe and handed it to Yang Lian. “The road ahead is long—this may serve you.”

Yang Lian saw it was the command token of the Shenwu Army and bowed in thanks. He watched Li Zhenggu and Gao Shensi enter the city, then spurred his warhorse toward the northern encampment, five hundred fully armed soldiers and hired porters pushing carts behind him.

Zhu Kuangye followed, wanting to speak yet unsure how to begin. He had been displeased with Yang Lian just days ago, but now Yang Lian had saved his life, leaving him with mixed emotions.

The defeated troops had retreated ten li from Changzhou, to a broad plain well-suited for encampment. Despite their recent defeat, they were imperial guards and retained some discipline, especially after Yang Lian promised provisions. The surviving commanders and captains organized the forces, dividing the Tianxiong and Shenwu troops into separate sectors to camp according to rank. If a commander had fallen, the captain took over; if the captain was dead, the deputy; and so on, with the most respected men stepping in as needed.

Witnessing this, Yang Lian narrowed his eyes in satisfaction—this was the discipline expected of the imperial army. Their earlier panic was due to fear and incitement by agitators, but now order was restored, and disaster averted.

As soon as Yang Lian appeared, a sharp-eyed soldier spotted him. A man who looked like a commander hurried over; spotting Zhu Kuangye, he saluted. “Subordinate Wang Chenghai greets Commander.”

“Commander Wang, you may rise,” said Zhu Kuangye, casting a glance at the soldiers and sighing. “How many brothers remain?”

“We are still counting, but losses exceed thirty percent,” Wang Chenghai answered.

Zhu Kuangye shook his head; thirty percent was no small number. He followed Wang Chenghai to comfort the Tianxiong soldiers, while Yang Lian led the supplies to the Shenwu Army’s sector. Fortunately, several captains and deputies under Zhou Hongzuo had survived; they cheered at the sight of food.

Yang Lian informed them of Gao Shensi’s condition—some rejoiced at his survival, others remained silent. Their defeat had been bewildering and bitterly disappointing.

As Yang Lian chatted with Yao Feng, Li Ping, and others, the grain was unloaded and the hungry soldiers quickly began to cook. Sui Kuangfu had been generous, supplying not only three thousand shi of grain but also several dozen sheep, which were slaughtered and cleaned. Within half an hour, the camp was filled with delicious aromas.

Yang Lian, hungry himself, joined in the meal and quietly warned Yao Feng and Li Ping that the mutiny had been incited—almost certainly the work of Wuyue’s agents. Though order was restored, he cautioned that Wuyue would not give up easily and that vigilance was essential.

Yao Feng and Li Ping nodded solemnly, promising to remain alert. Half an hour later, as dusk fell, the final numbers were reported. Both the Shenwu and Tianxiong Armies had lost thirty percent of their strength. Commander Zhou Hongzuo of Yang Lian’s unit was missing—possibly killed, possibly elsewhere. Two other commanders were dead, one gravely wounded; the Shenwu Army had suffered significant losses. The Tianxiong Army had fared little better, though their commander, Zhu Kuangye, remained unharmed; with replenishments, they would soon recover their strength.

Gao Shensi of the Shenwu Army, however, had lost half an arm and would likely retire. Who would succeed him as commander remained uncertain. After some idle talk, Yang Lian ordered the severely wounded to be loaded onto carts and taken back to the city for proper treatment.

Back in Changzhou, Gao Shensi was already receiving the best medicine from the city’s physicians. His life was saved, though his arm was lost—a misfortune, but not the worst possible outcome.

Yang Lian himself was thoroughly exhausted. Returning to the quarters prepared for him by Sui Kuangfu, he collapsed into sleep. He had no idea how long he slept, but when he awoke, he was famished. Rising, he discovered his dirty clothes had been removed and his body cleaned—evidently while he slept.

Shaking his head, Yang Lian thought wryly to himself: so this is how one’s first time is lost?

He stepped outside to find two soldiers at the door, dozing with heads bowed. His movement woke one, who, upon seeing Yang Lian, quickly said, “Deputy Yang, you’re finally awake!”

Yang Lian glanced up at the star-filled sky. “What time is it?”

“It is the second watch,” the soldier replied.

“I only slept a short while?” Yang Lian was surprised.

“A short while? Deputy Yang, you slept a full day and night! Prefect Sui was worried sick, summoned several physicians, but they all said you were simply exhausted and would recover after a good sleep,” the soldier explained.

“So that’s how it is.” Yang Lian gave a bitter laugh, amazed he had slept so long. “I’m hungry. Is there anything to eat?”

“Yes, Prefect Sui ordered the servants to keep food ready at all times.” The soldier hurried off to fetch it, asking Yang Lian to wait a moment.