Standalone Northern and Southern Dynasties

Chapter 535
Taicheng, also known as Yuancheng, namely Jiankang Palace, is located in the south of Jiming Mountain in Nanjing City. It was originally the rear garden city of the Wu State in the Three Kingdoms period and was rebuilt during the reign of Emperor Cheng of the Eastern Jin Dynasty.

From the Eastern Jin Dynasty to the end of the Southern Dynasties, this place has always been the location of the imperial court and the imperial palace. It is both a political center and the place where the emperor lives.

After Xiao Yan ascended the throne, he strengthened the defense of Taicheng and arranged garrisons and food reserves in Taicheng as the last bastion against palace coups.

There are still a thousand royal guards left in Taicheng, and with the stored supplies, they can still hold out for a while.

After all, Heba Sheng's army had less than a thousand people. No matter how weak the Southern Liang was, there were still soldiers in the local areas. Xiao Yan enfeoffed his sons in local areas because he learned the lesson of Xiao Qi's harsh criticism of the royal family, so that they could come to Jiankang to serve the king at the critical moment.

At the same time, on Suzaku Street.

Zhuque Gate is the largest gate in Jiankang City. There is Zhuque Bridge in front of the gate. After crossing the bridge, there is Zhuque Street leading directly to the Taicheng Imperial Palace.

In fact, Jiankang City is still very difficult to attack.

During several coups in the Eastern Jin Dynasty, the rebels reached Zhuque Bridge but were never able to break through the defenses of Jiankang city.

However, Chen Qingzhi did not expect that in the past few years, the military strength of Southern Liang had been exhausted to such an extent.

He led the city's defenders to Zhuque Street. Faced with Heba Sheng's cavalry charge, these soldiers actually dropped their weapons and fled.

Chen Qingzhi had no other choice.

Since returning to Jiankang, although Xiao Yan tried his best to publicize Chen Qingzhi's military achievements throughout Southern Liang and portray him as a figure like Zu Ti, he ignored Chen Qingzhi's repeated petitions requesting to rebuild the White Robe Army.

Chen Qianzhi actually understood that His Majesty was old and no longer had any ambition.

Chen Qianzhi's original desire to achieve great things has now faded.

But today, he suddenly woke up and found that Heba Sheng had already reached Zhuque Street. Chen Qianzhi then realized that the army of Southern Liang was rotten to the core.

Seeing this situation, Chen Qingzhi gathered the remaining troops and organized the troops that could still fight, and retreated towards Taicheng.

When Zhu Yi arrived at the gate of Taicheng with the imperial edict, he happened to encounter the defeated army of Chen Qianzhi.

Seeing Chen Qingzhi in such a state of disgrace, Zhu Yi was also horrified and said:

"General Chen! How is the battle going on up front?"

Chen Qingzhi immediately said:
"The enemy is fierce, and the Jiankang army is not good at fighting. The only plan now is to retreat to Taicheng. Please ask Lord Zhu to send messengers to the various towns and ask them to lead the troops to Jiankang to defend the king!"

After hearing what Chen Qingzhi said, Zhu Yi knew that something was wrong. He immediately followed Chen Qingzhi's advice and sent people to break out of the city and ask for help from the four surrounding vassal states.

Chen Qingzhi asked again:

"Where is King Chu?"

Zhu Yi was shocked. Yes, where is King Xiao Yi of Chu?

As a possible heir to the throne, Xiao Yi's safety is of vital importance. If Heba Sheng lets Xiao Yi capture him, won't all his plans be in vain?

Chen Qingzhi reminded again:
"Please ask Lord Zhu to have all the royal family members in the city evacuate to Taicheng."

Zhu Yi said anxiously:
"Your Majesty has handed over the Tiger Talisman for mobilizing troops to me. I hope General Chen can hold out for a while longer."

Zhu Yi immediately understood what Chen Qingzhi meant. He must not allow Heba Sheng to capture the Southern Liang royal family and give him the opportunity to support a false emperor.

Chen Qingzhi dragged his tired body and said:
"Of course. Please ask Lord Zhu to hand over the guards of Taicheng to me. I will definitely be able to hold Heba Sheng back for another two hours."

Hearing what Chen Qingzhi said, Zhu Yi did not hesitate and immediately handed the tiger talisman to Chen Qingzhi. He hurriedly took his confidants out of Taicheng and headed for the royal palaces of the various clans. After all, Yulin was the army guarding Taicheng. Although there were also some wealthy children among the soldiers, at least their equipment and training were guaranteed.

Chen Qianzhi was also an idol in the hearts of young soldiers. Under his leadership, the sons of military generals in the city also came with their family private soldiers to support him.

Among them, Wei Rui's grandson Wei Can led a hundred volunteers he organized to support Chen Qingzhi. The commander of the prince's guard, Liu Jin, led the guards of the Eastern Palace to come to support. Chen Qingzhi set up barricades in the streets in front of Taicheng and finally blocked Heba Sheng's attack.

At the same time, Zhu Yi found King Xiao Yi of Chu.

At this time, Xiao Yi was already frightened out of his wits. When he saw Zhu Yi, Xiao Yi pulled him aside and said:
"Mr. Zhu, take me to Taicheng quickly!"

Zhu Yi pushed him away and said:
"Your Highness cannot go to Taicheng!"

"why?"

Zhu Yi said:

"The thief general Heba Sheng is a general under the Third Prince, and he is known for his ability to clear the court of corrupt officials. If Taicheng City cannot be defended in the end, how do you think His Majesty will treat you?"

This made Xiao Yi break out in a cold sweat.

"Chong'er is safe outside, but Shensheng is dead inside. Your Highness, the best thing for you now is to return to Jingzhou and lead the Jingzhou volunteer army back to Jiankang!"

Hearing this, Xiao Yi quickly said to Zhu Yi:

"Thank you for your teachings, Mr. Zhu! I will return to Jingzhou immediately!"

Xiao Yi tried to seize the throne, so he naturally recruited some people. He changed into ordinary people's clothes and left Jiankang City in the chaos.

By nightfall, Heba Sheng had still not reached Taicheng, and Xiao Yi was already outside Jiankang city.

Looking at the Jiankang City in the distance, Xiao Yi looked back unwillingly. He was just one step away from being appointed crown prince, but he encountered such a thing at this critical juncture.

But there's no point in being unwilling.

The fairy tale created by my father of loving fathers and filial sons, and brothers who are friendly and respectful to each other has collapsed. The fight for the throne depends on each person's ability.

Under the protection of his trusted men, Xiao Yi headed towards Jingzhou in a hurry.

At the same time, Xiao Gang was shocked when he received the letter from Heba Sheng.

He first called everyone around to ask questions, and some even suspected that this was a conspiracy of Emperor Xiao Yan. In fact, Heba Sheng had already been defeated, and this letter was to encourage Xiao Gang to rebel, and then take Xiao Gang down.

But this doesn't make sense.

Moreover, Yangzhou is not far from Jiankang, and the news will be transmitted back soon.

Sure enough, less than half a day later, the messenger sent by Xiao Gang came to report that Heba Sheng had indeed occupied Shitou City and entered Zhuque Street.

Xiao Gang was overjoyed. Heba Sheng's eight hundred cavalrymen actually succeeded?

At this time, he no longer pretended to be a loving father and a filial son. He immediately ordered his men to form a team in Yangzhou and march towards Jiankang.

The pretext for Xiao Gang's movement was to kill the treacherous ministers around Xiao Yan and to demand the restoration of the clean and peaceful administration that existed in the early days of Xiao Yan's reign. This slogan soon gained the support of the people outside Jiankang City, and many people joined Xiao Gang's rebel army.

The same thing happened in Jiankang City. Lu Kutao lived in the slums of Jiankang City, where many of the people lived, including family members and children of Southern Liang soldiers.

Because of the exploitation of the people over the years, when Heba Sheng reached Zhuque Street, many people in Jiankang City actually asked to join his team to kill those treacherous officials who were bringing disaster to the country and the people!
(End of this chapter)