Song Xiu

Chapter 81 You are destroying your own Great Wall

If Lu Zan was worried after hearing Liu Ji'en's words, then Liu Jiye was shocked.

Liu Jiye asked himself why he, who was loyal to the Han Dynasty, was suddenly accused of "treason".
If it weren't for Liu Ji'en being the one to deliver the imperial edict, Liu Jiye would have certainly suspected that the edict was forged.

Shocked, Liu Jiye recalled some sinister rumors circulating in the camp recently.

Liu Jiye had realized earlier that Zhao Dexiu was using a divisive tactic.

However, Liu Jiye was not too worried at that time, because which general in the Five Dynasties would not be suspected by the emperor when he went on an expedition?

Liu Jun was indecisive, and some speculations at the front lines would not make him decide to change generals at the last minute.

Unless there's a change of regime!
Realizing this, Liu Jiye managed to calm himself down and looked up at Liu Ji'en, saying:
"Your Majesty, I have never been disloyal to you. There are people in the court who are framing me. I am writing this letter to defend myself."

Liu Jiye comes from a family of military generals, so he has a keen sense of politics.

Unfortunately, Liu Jiye failed to grasp the true nature of the matter.

Liu Jiye's words made Liu Ji'en sneer:
"Is someone framing me?"
The whole of Taiyuan is in turmoil, all of it is an impeachment against you.

The actions of several officials may be a setup, and the entire court is currently speaking with one voice.

"Could it be that you are the only loyal subject in my great Han Dynasty?"

The Northern Han dynasty was established on the support of the Hedong interest group, and Liu Jiye, who came from Linzhou, was a key figure left by Liu Min to counterbalance the local forces in Hedong.

This is why the local forces in Hedong were so eager to dismiss Liu Jiye after hearing that he might rebel.

Perhaps in Liu Jun's mind, he did not want to hastily replace Liu Jiye.

However, when Liu Jun could no longer protect the interests of Hedong, Liu Min did have other sons still alive!

Liu Ji'en's words left Liu Jiye speechless.

Liu Jiye never imagined that he would be facing universal condemnation without even realizing it.

A sense of sorrow arose in Liu Jiye's heart.

Taking advantage of Liu Jiye's grief, Liu Ji'en signaled his men to step forward and seize Liu Jiye.

Upon realizing Liu Ji'en's intentions, many of Liu Jiye's personal guards instinctively drew their long swords to protect him.

This instinctive protective action, like a spark, instantly ignited the already oppressive atmosphere in the room.

As soon as Liu Jiye's personal guards drew their swords, the many generals who had been surrounding him also reacted quickly.

Most of the generals chose to stand on Liu Ji'en's side, drawing their swords and pointing them at Liu Jiye.

Due to Liu Ji'en's reckless behavior, the audience was quickly divided into two distinct factions, and the atmosphere gradually became tense.

Seeing that Liu Jiye was no longer hiding his "treasonous intentions," Liu Ji'en was both angry and afraid.

"I used to respect you as an elder brother, and yet you draw your sword against me?"

When Liu Ji'en accused Liu Jiye, Lu Zan realized that the situation might get out of control, and he quickly tried to dissuade Liu Jiye, saying:

"There was a great deal of criticism from both the court and the public. In order to stabilize the country, His Majesty temporarily relieved the general of his military power."

Once our army returns to Taiyuan, if the general feels wronged, he may appeal to His Majesty in person.

There is still room for recovery. General, do not act impulsively and make a grave mistake.

Luzan's words were full of reassuring intent.

Lu Zan suspected Liu Jiye, but he did not want to cause a bloodbath in the army.

Liu Ji'en and Lu Zan's words reminded Liu Jiye of the immense trust Liu Min had placed in him when he was alive.

The kindness shown to him in the past was still vivid in his mind, but when he compared it with the deep doubt on Liu Ji'en's face, Liu Jiye's grief grew even stronger.

Overwhelmed with grief, Liu Jiye sadly gave the order:

"Put down your weapons."

This order was given by Liu Jiye to his personal guards and the generals who supported him.

Those who stood in front of Liu Jiye were puzzled when they heard his order.

"General." Before the general could say anything, Liu Jiye gave the order again:

"The enemy is at Huguan!"

Having come this far, how could Liu Jiye not know that the upheaval in the court might be the work of Zhao Dexiu?
Given Zhao Dexiu's shrewdness, he would not miss this excellent opportunity should the Han army fall into infighting.

Moreover, Liu Jiye also knew that most of the 20,000 Han soldiers were from Hedong, and they would not support him once the imperial edict representing the will of the Hedong local forces arrived.

If they recklessly engage in a firefight, they will only face certain death due to their numerical superiority.

It would be better to do as Lu Zan suggested, obey the imperial edict and hand over military power, and then return to Taiyuan to explain yourself and have a chance to make a comeback.

Without clear evidence of guilt, even the most rampant local forces in Hedong would not dare to directly kill a meritorious general.

After careful consideration, Liu Jiye took action to safeguard the overall situation.

Under Liu Jiye's strict orders, his guards had no choice but to lay down their weapons.

Upon seeing this, Lu Zan breathed a deep sigh of relief.

Liu Ji'en was extremely excited. He, who had been hiding behind the crowd, stepped forward again and directed his men to remove Liu Jiye's armor and weapons.

Of course, after what just happened, Liu Ji'en had some reservations, and he didn't plan to tie her up with ropes again.

When Liu Ji'en's men arrived, Liu Jiye used a stern look to drive them away.

"I can solve it myself!"

After saying this, Liu Jiye was the first to take off his helmet.

After removing his helmet, Liu Jiye looked at the many "traitors to the country" opposite him, and he could not help but feel indignant and worried.

Liu Jiye slammed the helmet to the ground.

"With the Great Wall destroyed, where can our army find safety!"

Zhao Dexiu is currently unaware of the dramatic changes within the Han army camp.

An incident occurred in Huguan City these past few days.

A few days ago, Zhao Kuangyin sent an envoy to deliver a handwritten letter to him.

The reason why Zhao Kuangyin suddenly sent an envoy was that he had learned that 20,000 Han soldiers were stationed outside Huguan City.

After Zhao Dexiu went on his expedition, Zhao Kuangyin showed little outward concern for him, but in reality, he cherished him greatly.

The secret letter was short, but half of it was Zhao Kuangyin warning Zhao Dexiu not to be careless.

As for the other half of the content, Zhao Kuangyin explained his views on a certain person to Zhao Dexiu.

That man was none other than Cao Bin, the envoy sent by Zhao Kuangyin.

Zhao Kuangyin's intentions were perfectly clear to Zhao Dexiu.

When Zhao Dexiu reported on the military situation earlier, he had subtly indicated that he had no one at his disposal.

Tian Chongjin was loyal and upright, while Huyan Zan was brave and fierce. Although they each had their strengths, they were not people who could discuss military matters together.

Unexpectedly, not long after the letter was sent, Zhao Kuangyin sent his response.

In fact, Zhao Dexiu had heard of Cao Bin's reputation in later generations, even without Zhao Kuangyin's introduction.

When Zhao Dexiu first met Cao Bin, his first impression was that he was somewhat dull.

Cao Bin was very respectful to himself. On several occasions when they sat down together, Cao Bin kept his eyes fixed on him and maintained a solemn attitude.

If Zhao Dexiu hadn't known that Cao Bin was one of the four famous generals of the early Song Dynasty, he would have thought that Cao Bin was "the second Tian Chongjin".

Even today, during a game of chess, Cao Bin inadvertently uttered the following words:

"The way of chess is like the way of war; if a fortified city is nearby, it is better to attack its reinforcements."

Once reinforcements breach the defenses, the fortified city will fall.

Upon hearing Cao Bin's insight, Zhao Dexiu liked him even more.

(End of this chapter)