Patrol Captain

A few days later, on the Northern Liang Road, a snow-capped peak stretched across the southern sky like a silver screen. The snow and ice that had never melted for thousands of years reflected a cold, sharp light under the sun. The great river formed by the melting snow and ice resembled a green ribbon, nourishing the fertile fields on both banks, where lush grass grew.

But the sky was yellow, the wind swirling sand and dust, connecting with the heavens, a desolate scene.

“xiao”

On the distant horizon, a loud eagle's cry pierced the sky.

Following closely behind,

"drive"

"drive"

At the end of an official road, dust began to rise, and a troop of people slowly approached from the horizon.

Amidst the dust and smoke, leading the way were hundreds of soldiers in golden helmets and silver armor, riding extraordinary horses and holding large banners bearing the character "乾" (Qian), exuding an awe-inspiring presence.

Following closely behind were dozens of palace attendants carrying banners embroidered with auspicious beasts and various ceremonial regalia. In the center were several ornate carriages with canopies and curtains embroidered with phoenix patterns. The carriages were surrounded by attendants who carried swords, their fish-shaped pouches swaying at their waists, and the copper bells hanging from their waists jingling softly with each step.

At the rear of the caravan, about twenty porters led over a hundred camels, laden with goods, their camel bells jingling in harmony with the sound of the gongs ahead.

As the group moved forward, a majestic pass loomed in the desolate landscape not far away.

Liangzhou!

Backed by the Qilian Mountains and connected to the vast desert to the north, it is a vital passage between the Central Plains and the Western Regions. It served as a hub for trade routes and commercial ports in the Western Regions, and was also a military fortress protecting Guanzhong, earning it the reputation of "the capital of the Five Liang states and the metropolis of Hexi".

Throughout history, this magnificent city has left behind many immortal legends, from the clash of swords and the galloping of horses across the vast sea to the sounds of Qiang flutes and the presence of nomadic women amidst the desolate desert. Beneath the city walls, the Gobi Desert holds the remnants of ancient battlefields, while snowmelt from the peaks nourishes fertile oases, and the tents of herders stand across the river from the villages that follow.

The people here are known for their fierce spirit and thriving trade. There is a folk song that goes: "Liangzhou has a hundred miles and ten thousand households, and half of the Hu people know how to play the pipa!"

It was dusk, and in the distance, a lone plume of smoke rose straight from the vast desert. On the official road, a group of people soon arrived at the city of Liangzhou!

Liangzhou City, like a giant whale lying at the foot of the Qilian Mountains, boasts weathered, yellowish-gray walls with jagged crenellations that abruptly demarcate the boundary between the Gobi Desert and the oasis. Nine gates teem with people, and the upturned eaves of the watchtowers pierce the sky, their copper bells ringing in the wind, their sound carrying for miles. Climbing the tower and gazing north, one can see the vast desert stretching to the horizon, the yellow sand churning like a stampede of ten thousand horses.

At the south gate, the procession that had arrived below the city reined in their horses. The imperial guards at the head of the procession lined up on both sides. The wheels of the carriages came to a stop, and a palace attendant came to the front of the carriage, lifted the curtain, and inside the tall carriage, a middle-aged man was bending down to step off the footboard.

This man wore a deep crimson round-necked robe, with two-finger-wide brocade trim of lotus flower patterns on the collar and cuffs. His jade belt buckle was adorned with thirteen lychee-patterned buckles, and a gold fish-shaped pouch hung from the sash at his waist. The ends of his black gauze turban were slightly upturned, making his face appear even more refined. His hair was gray, yet meticulously combed, and he possessed an air of inherent elegance.

It was none other than Xu Liang, the Vice Minister of the Court of Imperial Sacrifices who had once served as an envoy to Shu!
For some unknown reason, this Vice Minister of the Court of Imperial Sacrifices traveled all the way from the capital to Liangzhou.

Xu Liang alighted from the carriage, his black cloud-patterned boots landing steadily on the ground. He looked up at the towering, imposing city wall, then lowered his head. His brow furrowed slightly as his clear, stern gaze swept over the welcoming officials, but he quickly regained his composure.

Before the city gate, the city gate guards led a group of soldiers clad in dark silver armor to bow and greet them. Nearby civilians, kept aside by the soldiers, gathered to watch the spectacle.

"It's the imperial flag!"

"The imperial court has sent people."

"."

Amidst the whispers, the city gate guard who had led the welcoming party quickly stepped forward and offered his hand to Xu Liang and the several officials who subsequently emerged from the carriage behind him.
"Welcome, Special Envoy and Your Excellencies!"

"My lords, you have traveled a long way and must be tired along the way."

"This humble official is here on the orders of the Prince to welcome you, sir and all of you. Originally, the Prince was supposed to come out of the city to greet you, sir, but the Crown Prince has passed away, and the Prince is deeply grieving. Alas."

"However, the Prince's residence has already received news of your arrival in the city and will be welcoming you outside the residence. We hope that you will be accommodating, Lord Xu."

The city gate guard explained to Xu Liang why he had greeted him outside the city.

After all, Xu Liang was not only the Vice Minister of the Court of Imperial Sacrifices, but also a special envoy sent by His Majesty!

Represents His Majesty!

Seeing that not a single respectable person from the Prince's residence had arrived, several officials alighted from the carriage at the back, some frowning, others scoffing.

"The King of Beiliang is grieving, but are all the others dead? We are here on His Majesty's orders to offer our condolences and comfort him, and to read the eulogy for the Crown Prince of Beiliang. And yet only a lowly general like you comes to greet us? What kind of decorum is this?" An old man from the Imperial Clan Court, his face flushed with anger, rebuked the city gate guard without any politeness.

The city gate guard was rebuked, but his expression remained unchanged; he simply apologized.

At this moment, Xu Liang, the Vice Minister of the Court of Imperial Sacrifices, who was acting as a special envoy, raised his hand, his expression calm, and spoke:

“I understand. I have come here on His Majesty’s orders for this very matter. I suppose the King of Beiliang has no such intention. Lead the way!”

"Thank you, sir!" Upon receiving the message, the city gate guard immediately turned around, waved his hand, and soon a subordinate brought over a horse. Then, the guard leaped onto the horse, led his soldiers, and led the special envoy from the imperial court into the city.

The main street inside the city was paved with large yellow-gray stone bricks. It was about twenty feet wide and exceptionally spacious, allowing many horses to ride side by side. Once inside the city, the crowds were dense and the city was bustling with activity.

Caravans of merchants from the Western Regions lined the streets, their bells jingling incessantly. Goods from both the Western Regions and the Central Plains mingled in the shops along the way. Blacksmith shops of all sizes also lined the streets, the clanging of forging weapons rising and falling, sparks flying like meteors.
Unlike other parts of the Central Plains, there are many people riding horses on the street here, and it is not prohibited. There is no distinction between men and women. The men gallop and shout, which is majestic and powerful. When the women ride horses, their skirts flutter like colorful butterflies, which is very impressive. It has a unique local style.

As the imperial procession entered the city, Xu Liang, the Vice Minister of the Court of Imperial Sacrifices, silently observed everything through the side window of the carriage and discovered many unusual things.

For example, the armor worn by the Liangzhou soldiers who led the way and served as flank guards was quite different from that of the Central Plains.

These cavalrymen wore dark silver armor, based on lamellar armor with plates shaped like willow leaves, wider at the top and narrower at the bottom. A copper belt about four fingers wide was tied around their waist, from which hung a skirt of armor woven from small strips of leather. The skirt reached to their knees, and each strip of leather was adorned with a small copper bell. The purpose of these bells was to create a series of faint, continuous sounds during marches, which would serve to intimidate the enemy and their horses.

Their helmets were helmet-shaped, with a black iron wolf tail hairpin inserted vertically at the top. The ear guards on both sides could be flipped upwards, and the inside of the ear guards was lined with wolf skin, which could protect against the wind and cold and also cushion the impact of blunt weapons.

In addition, the left arm of the Northern Liang cavalry was often covered with a detachable round shield-shaped arm guard, the surface of which was decorated with lotus scroll patterns. It seemed to be decorative, but it was actually used to block enemy lances.
The armor is adorned with numerous details, clearly the result of experience gained through continuous warfare. Another point is that there are far too many blacksmith shops in Liangzhou City, brazenly operating on the main street, hammering and banging away. The blacksmiths, sweating profusely by their furnaces, even watch their procession, their eyes reflecting the firelight of their forges.

Xu Liang looked at all this, his eyes narrowed slightly, and thinking about the task he was assigned, he felt a little heavy-hearted; it was definitely not a good job.

His Majesty secretly summoned him to the palace and personally gave him four instructions, which likely concealed turbulent undercurrents.

That prince of Beiliang, His Majesty's own brother, is not someone to be trifled with!
As the people and merchants from the Hu tribes watched, Xu Liang and his entourage of the imperial court passed through the south city and arrived at a magnificent complex of buildings in the north city, with walls stretching for miles.

As the leading troops halted, two towering vermilion gates appeared, several meters high. Twelve gilded bronze nails, each the size of an adult's fist, ran vertically along the gate. The bronze rings with animal heads, each the size of a millstone, adorned the gates; ordinary people simply couldn't push them open. Above the vermilion gates, the plaque inscribed with "威镇西黍" (Majestic Guardian of the Western Frontier) gleamed in the setting sun, its strokes sharp and powerful, said to be the work of the late emperor, weathered by centuries of wind and rain. The gateposts on either side were carved from single pieces of white marble, their shafts entwined with four-clawed golden dragons, their claws deeply embedded in the stone's texture, as if they were about to burst forth and soar into the clouds beyond the pass.

We've arrived at the Northern Liang Royal Palace!

In the distance, a deep, resonant drumbeat rang out from the corner tower of the city wall. The evening drum sounded, startling the flock of geese roosting on the city wall. They flew over the city wall, which was bathed in the golden light of the setting sun. From the distant northern desert, the desolate sound of the Huqin (a type of reed pipe instrument) mingled with the drumbeat.

At this moment, two rows of people stood before the magnificent gates of the Prince's Mansion. On the left stood a general in armor, the armor plates gleaming coldly in the setting sun. On the right stood the officials of the Prince's Mansion, from the chief clerk to the registrar, dressed in scarlet or blue robes, the hems of their robes fluttering in the wind, standing respectfully with their hands at their sides.

There were dozens of people, each with a different expression and sharp eyes, watching the Imperial Guards who were reining in their horses and the carriages behind them!
Between the two lines of people was a group of people dressed in fine clothes, some with arrogant eyes and others with cautious minds.

The leader, dressed in a black python robe, stood beneath the plaque. His temples were streaked with white, his shoulders and back resembled distant mountains, his brow bones were high and straight, his eyebrows were raised, and his pupils were extremely dark. He exuded an aura of authority!
The King of Northern Liang, Xiao Zhongtian!
The Western Region people called him a god of war; the people of the martial arts world called him a wise king.
“yu”

The carriage of the imperial envoy stopped in front of the Prince's Mansion.

Xu Liang got out of the car, pulled a bright yellow scroll from his sleeve, unrolled it in his hand, and then read it aloud.

"King of Northern Liang, receive the imperial decree!"

As soon as these words were spoken, everyone in the Prince's Palace knelt down. The civil officials knelt on both knees and kowtowed to the ground, while the military officers, clad in armor, knelt on one knee with their heads bowed. Only the Prince of Beiliang stood alone, as this was a special privilege granted by the imperial authority, allowing him not to kneel upon receiving an imperial decree.

"By order of the Great Qian Emperor,"

"Xiao Zha, the heir apparent of Northern Liang, was intelligent and dignified. From a young age, he received strict family instruction, learning both literary and military arts. In his early years, he accompanied his father on the frontier, slaying generals and capturing flags, quickly gaining renown. I have always admired his youthful vigor, saying he possessed the same spirit as his father. Recently, I was shocked and saddened to hear of his passing. I suspended court for three days to express my grief. Considering his innate martial prowess, I posthumously grant him the title of 'Zhaoyi Piaoji' and the posthumous name 'Jinghui.' His funeral will be conducted according to the standards for a prince's heir, with additional honors. I have dispatched Xu Liang, the Vice Minister of the Court of Imperial Sacrifices, to Northern Liang to offer sacrifices. [The Imperial Clan Court...]"

"Considering my brother's long service on the frontier and his arduous service, and his current loss of a son, I am deeply saddened. Therefore, I hereby grant that once my brother has calmed his grief, he may come to court in a simple entourage. I will prepare wine in the Imperial Study to reminisce with him, discuss past grievances, and address border affairs. We will discuss the importance of the nation and the people, and also ease his sorrow over the loss of his son. Although I am of the imperial family, I know the deepest human pain, and I wish to offer my brotherly affection and heartfelt words to comfort him. This decree shall be proclaimed throughout the land so that all may know. This is my decree!"

After Xu Liang finished reading the imperial edict, he put it away, surveyed the crowd, and finally fixed his gaze on the imposing and independent King of Beiliang, who was dressed in a python robe.

"Your Majesty, I accept your decree and express my gratitude. Long live the Emperor!" The King of Beiliang lowered his eyes and spoke in a hoarse voice, leaning on his arm.

The other officials of the Prince's Palace had slightly different expressions, but they also thanked the Emperor for his great favor and shouted "Long live the Emperor!"

Seeing this, Xu Liang, holding the imperial edict in one hand, walked with measured steps until he reached the prince.
"Your Highness, please accept our condolences. When His Majesty first heard the news, he suspended court for three days. He originally intended to send us here as soon as possible, but the Shu region has suffered a great upheaval, and troops from various places have been drawn to maintain the situation. The matter is complicated, and the court and His Majesty have devoted themselves to this matter, which is why it has taken so long."

Xu Liang handed over the imperial edict, explaining the reason with a regretful tone.

After all, news of the death of the Crown Prince of Northern Liang had reached the court more than a month ago. Since the court only sent people to offer condolences at this time, it was natural to explain to the prince a little.

At this moment, a group of military officers and their families from the Prince's Palace stood up. Upon hearing Xu Liang's words, some looked at him coldly, some had anger flash in their eyes, and some kept their eyes downcast. The atmosphere was somewhat subtle.

After all, the news of the prince's death has been out for so long. It's really unwelcome for the court to send people here at this time. The prince has already been buried, and you come here to mourn him.

Moreover, the fact that His Majesty the Emperor summoned their prince to the capital after this matter stirred up everyone's nerves.

The King of Beiliang received the imperial edict, but his expression remained unchanged. He then spoke:

"Life and death are predestined; no one can be blamed."

"Your Majesty still cares about this matter. The danger in Shu has shaken the world. This should be the top priority. Your Majesty has not forgotten my son. I should be grateful."

"Minister Xu and everyone else, you must be tired from your journey. Please rest at your residence first, and we will preside over the ceremony tomorrow."

"I will follow Your Highness's arrangements!" Xu Liang readily agreed and nodded.

Therefore, Xu Liang and the others from the imperial court stayed at the Northern Liang King's Palace.

Silent all night.

The next day, Xu Liang and others went to the burial site of the Northern Liang crown prince and read the eulogy. People from the Imperial Clan Court came to discuss with the Northern Liang king the selection of the next crown prince. This was the procedure and also a rule of the imperial family.

When this news spread, undercurrents began to surge within the Prince's Palace. The Prince of Beiliang had many sons, as many as thirteen. Even with one dead, there were still twelve.

All the sons wanted to become the heir apparent, so the detached courtyard where the court officials stayed gradually became lively. Some people came to visit one after another, some asked others to come through intermediaries, and some visited secretly.

That night, in a room in the Prince's Mansion, Xu Liang was discussing matters with Zuo Zongren (an official title) sent by the Imperial Clan Court. A unique restriction, unique to the Martial Temple, was set up in the room.

"Any leads? Who else is behind the Prince's mansion?" Xu Liang asked.

"It won't be that fast. The people who have come yet are just small fry. They can't access the deeper things. Asking around rashly will only backfire. We have to wait patiently!" Zuo Zongren said in a low voice, mysteriously.

"As long as this prince's sons want to become the heir apparent, there's a chance to find out some things!"

Xu Liang narrowed his eyes, his expression gradually turning stern. "We need to find out as soon as possible. His Majesty has received the news and is suspicious."

The two exchanged a few quick words, then continued with some normal topics before leaving.

They were in the Prince's residence, and they suspected that someone was secretly watching them, so they were very cautious.

In the darkness, undercurrents surged. (End of Chapter)