Chapter Sixty: Preparing for the Storm

After washing up, Yang Lian sipped his rice porridge. At this time, he could not eat anything too hard, nor could he eat too quickly. The porridge appeared to have simmered for hours; plump lamb had been diced and boiled until it nearly dissolved in the mouth, its flavor rich and inviting, awakening his appetite.

With one bowl finished, warmth spread through his body, the hunger eased, and a hint of vigor returned. A servant brought another bowl, and this time, Yang Lian ate slowly.

“Was there any news yesterday?” he asked between spoonfuls.

The servant stood respectfully. Though Yang Lian was merely a junior officer, Prefect Sui had given strict instructions to care for him well; as a servant, he dared not neglect his duty.

“In recent days, many defeated soldiers have returned—about two thousand, now settled outside the city. I hear Commander Zhu is working to pacify them.” The servant knew little, but offered what news he could.

Yang Lian nodded; these tidings sufficed. After finishing the porridge, he went out for a walk. After sleeping a whole day and night, his bones ached unpleasantly; exercise would be good.

In the deep night, a breeze carried a chill, but Yang Lian did not mind. He paced, lost in thought. By his estimation, the Wu-Yue forces would not attack Changzhou. Though the battle at Fuzhou was settled, pacifying the people, restoring the economy, and building defensive lines would require great effort—not tasks that could be completed in a day. Moreover, Li Renda had invited the Wu-Yue troops into Fuzhou merely to expel the Tang forces. If Southern Tang withdrew from Fuzhou, Li Renda and the Wu-Yue might develop further discord.

Under such circumstances, an assault on the equally fortified Changzhou would mire Wu-Yue in hardship and inflict heavy losses. Leaving aside the Wu-Yue for now, Fuzhou’s defeat, along with Suzhou’s, would surely provoke imperial fury. What punishment would await Feng Yanlu, Chen Jue, and even Li Zhenggu? Yang Lian could not guess. Yet now, the Prince of Qi must remain uninvolved, not plead for these men, lest he too seem embroiled in factional strife in the emperor’s eyes.

The opposing faction led by Han Xizai and Xu Xuan would certainly seize the chance to attack; they were all formidable adversaries. If Li Hongji gained the upper hand, perhaps even snatching the position of heir, it was an outcome Yang Lian could not accept.

He had to prepare in advance, break this deadlock. Yet after pondering, Yang Lian found no suitable solution.

Unknowingly, dawn crept in. Restless, Yang Lian continued his exercises indoors. When the sun had just risen, Sui Kuangfu arrived, having received word.

These past days had truly worn him out. Changzhou, as a strategic stronghold, could not be lost; those thousands of defeated troops were like a dammed river, threatening any moment to burst forth. He had every reason to worry. Fortunately, Yang Lian had removed the great threat, resolving the crisis in Changzhou.

The city now had to provide food and shelter for the defeated soldiers—a considerable number. Officials and constables were mobilized to settle them, and though more would trickle in, their numbers would not be as great. Sui Kuangfu finally felt he could breathe easier.

After exchanging pleasantries and seeing Yang Lian’s renewed spirit, Sui Kuangfu’s worries eased.

Yang Lian asked about the Wu-Yue forces and learned that Qian Wenfeng had no intention of moving north for now, which relieved him. Otherwise, with the defeated troops in Changzhou, whether they could withstand the Wu-Yue was uncertain.

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

Though aged, Gao Shensi was a military man and still robust. His broken arm had been bandaged, treated with fine herbs, and nourishing medicines. He looked much improved from days before.

Yang Lian entered and saluted, “Your subordinate Yang Lian greets the commander.”

Gao Shensi hurried to stand, smiling, “Yang Lian, you are finally awake! Come, sit here, no need for such formality.”

Yang Lian eyed Gao Shensi, saying, “Commander Gao, this battle was a near-death experience. At least a thousand Tang soldiers were killed—I cannot help but feel bitter.”

Gao Shensi waved his hand, “Though bitter, what can we do? The emperor ordered us to retreat; he must have his reasons. For now, we should not attempt Suzhou.”

Yang Lian replied, “Commander Gao, this retreat was ordered at the last minute—our baggage packed in the afternoon, withdrawal at night. It was a highly secret matter, so how did Qian Wenfeng know and lay an ambush ahead of time, waiting for us to fall into his trap?”

Gao Shensi nodded, “I, Deputy Li, and Commander Zhu have discussed this. None of us can understand it. Is Qian Wenfeng gifted with supernatural insight, able to learn our every move?”

“Commander Gao, our scouts should have covered a radius of over ten miles around camp. Wu-Yue troops could not have entered, so how could they have learned our situation? If I may be bold, I have an immature theory,” Yang Lian said.

A voice sounded behind him, “Whatever theory you have, speak freely.” Turning, he saw Li Zhenggu.

Li Zhenggu looked despondent. The army’s defeat had crushed him; he felt he had failed the emperor’s trust and had aged visibly, his beard in disarray, the usual carefree elegance gone. Hearing Yang Lian mention an immature theory was like a drowning man grasping at straw—he cared for nothing else, only wanting to hear what he had to say.

“If Qian Wenfeng could not scout our army, perhaps someone secretly colluded with the enemy, passing the news to him?” Yang Lian voiced his conjecture.

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

Gao Shensi pursed his lips. Yang Lian’s idea was extraordinary, for the imperial guard’s families mostly resided in Jinling; it seemed none would betray them. Yet it was the most plausible explanation; otherwise, the event was inexplicable. But who would do such a thing? Where was the evidence?

Yang Lian smiled slightly, “Perhaps it was not anyone from the Shenwu or Tianxiong armies, but someone else—even someone from Jinling?”

“What?” Li Zhenggu and Gao Shensi shared identical expressions of disbelief. Neither could accept that someone from Jinling would sell such vital information to Wu-Yue. Moreover, whoever learned such news was no ordinary person—at least someone attending court.

Who could it be? Few fit the criteria—certain princes of the royal family, or high ministers. But how could someone of such status commit treason? Besides, this was only speculation, with no evidence; neither princes nor ministers could be accused without cause.

After a long moment, Li Zhenggu smiled bitterly, “Such words must not be uttered again.”

Yang Lian nodded, “It is only conjecture. I shall be careful and not speak recklessly.”

Gao Shensi nodded, “Though we lost this battle, we did slay an enemy commander at Shashan, regaining some honor. Yang Lian, your future is bright—be careful in word and deed, lest rash speech ruin your prospects.”

Yang Lian nodded, “Thank you, Commander Gao. I shall remember your advice.”

Li Zhenggu frowned, “I have always had a doubt.” He glanced at Yang Lian, hesitated, then spoke, “Yang Lian, if I had not seen your portrait and visited your tomb, I would suspect you are that Yang Lian.” Even now, he had scruples; the former crown prince was a forbidden topic.

Gao Shensi frowned; he too had once asked Yang Lian such a question.

Yang Lian laughed, “What if I truly were the former crown prince Yang Lian?”

Li Zhenggu’s expression changed, waving his hand in annoyance, “Do not speak such nonsense.”

Yang Lian grew serious, “Our bodies and names are given by our parents; I cannot change my name. If I were truly the former crown prince, I would fight with all my might—never yielding.”

Gao Shensi sighed, “Child, you are too headstrong; remember, rigidity breaks. Why…” He trailed off, having nothing more to say; Yang Lian was simply such a person, unlikely to change anytime soon.

Yang Lian cupped his hands, smiling, “Thank you for your advice, Commander Gao.”

Li Zhenggu fell silent for a moment, then said, “Not necessarily. When the former crown prince died, the whole court was stunned. Princess Yongxing, upon hearing the news, made several scenes, provoking the emperor’s wrath. In the end, nothing came of it, and Princess Yongxing passed away in sorrow.”

“Now, so many years have passed. Though the matter has faded, the emperor cannot have forgotten. How could a dead man return to life?” Li Zhenggu spoke slowly.

Gao Shensi nodded, “That makes sense.”

Yang Lian remained silent, letting them speculate.

Li Zhenggu continued, “And if I were Yang Lian, having survived with great difficulty, why would I come to Jinling, inviting suspicion?”

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

“No normal person would do so, for it is harder than venturing into a tiger’s den. Yang Lian, are you not a normal person?” Li Zhenggu laughed, already having his answer; his last words were a jest.

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

The topic ended there. Li Zhenggu said, “The emperor must have received word; who knows how he will respond.”

“What else could he do?” Gao Shensi shook his head, “Though the emperor is a scholar—mastering music, chess, calligraphy, and painting—he still seeks achievement. Upon receiving this news, he will surely be furious.”

Li Zhenggu nodded. Since ascending the throne, the emperor had abandoned his predecessor’s cautious policies and pursued action, clearly striving for accomplishment. Unfortunately, though the Min campaign won much land, the battle for Fuzhou ultimately favored Wu-Yue. The thought was bitter indeed.

Yang Lian nodded, “Now the war goes poorly for Tang. Upon returning to Jinling, there will be those who seek to exploit the situation. Deputy Li, Commander Gao, you must beware!”

Li Zhenggu sighed, “That is inevitable. Han Xizai, Xu Xuan, and the others will not rest until they stir up trouble.”

“This is their prime opportunity—they will surely rally supporters, submit memorials, and impeach us. When we return, Jinling will be rife with intrigue and strife.”

“Deputy Li, Commander Gao, we must not let Han Xizai and his faction grow too powerful.” Yang Lian said, and after a moment’s thought, added, “I have an idea, though I am not sure if it will succeed.”