Both sides lined up their troops at Haoze, but before they could engage in battle, a torrential rain began to fall. In such conditions, continuing the fight would only lead to chaos, making it impossible to convey commands.
Both sides had ample supplies, leading to an unspoken truce. Particularly on Yang Su's side, there was no need for support from the court. The officials and prominent families who had been captured in the city had previously submitted to the rebels, and now they were willing to go to great lengths to prove their loyalty to the court.
Yang Su was not a stingy man, especially with the free food available. He ordered that the soldiers be provided with hearty meals, ensuring that every meal was filling. The large pots contained rich meat broth, and even in the cold downpour, they could enjoy a warm meal. The morale of the Sui Army was high.
Yang Su treated himself even better. Aside from a few confidants on guard duty, most of the generals were in his tent drinking and enjoying performances. Nearby, they roasted beef, lamb, pork, and venison, with chefs frequently bringing freshly cooked meat to the table.
Halfway through the banquet, a City Gate Captain came to report that the rebels attempted to launch an attack during the rain. However, they became disorganized before even reaching the front lines, scattering like headless flies. Some charged forward and suffered casualties; others fled back; many simply dropped their weapons and lay down in front of the Sui Army camp, refusing to leave.
Yang Su laughed heartily and commanded, "Separate them and provide food; do not mistreat them."
"Understood."
After everyone congratulated him, Yang Su raised a leg of lamb and encouraged everyone to dance. Even the burliest general joined in, shaking his waist and belly as he moved.
The most graceful dancer among them was Li Jian Cheng. For several years now, he had hosted banquets almost daily and was no longer the novice who could only clap along.
Eventually, everyone surrounded Li Jian Cheng, clapping in rhythm as he performed. They watched as the valiant young man wielded a gleaming long sword, singing and dancing with it. His movements alternated between slow elegance and fierce intensity, blending grace with strength.
"A man should establish his name in this world; once established, it brings peace to his life.
To bring peace to life, I shall drink; when I drink, I shall sing wildly.
A true man should establish his name in this world; once his name is established, the Kingdom Establishment will follow."
Kingdom Establishment Chengxi, the four seas are calm, the four seas are calm, the world is Peace.
In the world of Peace, I will get drunk, I will get drunk and dance with the Frost Blade.
...
Han Wang Yang Liang was furious after hearing that hundreds more had deserted and overturned the table in front of him: "We can't delay here any longer; I must lead the troops back to Jinyang."
Jinyang had already been organized, and there was enough grain piled inside for the army to defend the city. Then he would contact his relatives to replace him in Court to plead for mercy. As long as the emperor pardoned him from death, he would be willing to enter the court.
Everyone remained silent, clearly accustomed to this Han Wang, who had once held a favorable situation but now frequently changed his orders. Only Wang Yi advised, "Retreating in front of the enemy shows weakness and dampens the morale of our soldiers while boosting the spirit of the Western Army. I hope Your Majesty will not return."
It was better to remain silent, but upon hearing Wang Yi, Yang Liang felt a surge of anger and picked up a bowl from the ground, throwing it at his face with precision, hitting Wang Yi, who cried out in pain.
"I command it: retreat!"
Knowing that if he allowed Yang Liang to command, the retreat would inevitably turn into a rout, Xiao Mohe stepped forward to comply and began to properly arrange the retreat.
However, there was no news that could be hidden from Han Wang, who had already been infiltrated. Yang Su quickly received accurate information, even knowing all about Xiao Mohe's arrangements.
Naturally, there was nothing more to say. Yang Su sent Fierce General to lead brave warriors all the way to Qingyuan, targeting the weakest point for an assault. After suffering hundreds of casualties, Han Wang's army collapsed on its own.
Han Wang escaped under the protection of his loyal guards, but only with a few dozen Hundred Riders. The rest were caught up in chaotic military disorder, and even Xiao Mohe was captured.
Yang Su ordered the surrender, and the hills were filled with the defeated soldiers of Han Wang. They had broken the Han Wang army in just a couple of hours, but it took them three whole days to gather the scattered troops.
They also needed to pursue some traitors, specifically those who had incited Han Wang's rebellion; they had to be captured, and the court demanded justice.
Wang Yi was naturally a top priority, but strangely, despite having confirmed that he had fled in this direction, they could not find him anywhere.
The City Gate Captain stepped forward and saluted Li Jian Cheng, who was mounted on his horse. "General, we are incompetent; we have yet to locate Wang Yi."
Li Jian Cheng looked up at the time and said, "A mere scholar has likely perished in the chaos of battle. The commander is urging us to return to camp and prepare to besiege Jinyang."
The City Gate Captain seemed to understand something and took his leave. After a while, he dragged in a corpse that was unrecognizable and dressed in official robes. "General, we have found Wang Yi!"
"Good, we can report back now."
...
After the Sui Army regrouped, they began their advance and directly surrounded Jinyang. At this point, the battle could be considered over; Yang Liang was like a fish in a barrel, just waiting for the emperor to decide how to deal with him.
However, before they received any imperial orders, Han Wang Yang Liang was bound hand and foot and pushed out. No matter what Yang Liang did, he was no match for Yang Su; after confirming his identity, Yang Su ordered his confidant to escort him back to the capital.
Then they stationed themselves in Jinyang and took over the city defenses. The Han Wang rebellion had lasted less than two months before it was so abruptly quelled.
Li Jian Cheng entered the city with a complex mix of emotions. Jinyang was a good place, but unfortunately, it was not yet his.
After entering the city, Yang Su first pacified the tribal people, then he began to capture the officials of Han Wangfu in large numbers, executing them in front of Dou Lu Yu's tomb. He then repaired the tomb, and the court had already learned of his actions, with the emperor praising him greatly.
He had been posthumously honored as a General and granted the title Duke of Justice County. Since he had no sons, he was instructed to choose a loyal and virtuous child from Dou Lu to adopt, ensuring the continuation of his lineage.
This emperor only showed his imperial favor to the deceased Loyal Minister and capable generals.
After some time, the imperial decree finally arrived, personally delivered by Yang Yue. It hardly mentioned anything about the events following the Suppression of Rebellion; instead, it was filled with praises for Yang Su. It was said that it was even written in the emperor's own hand:
"You have established a foundation for generations to come and hold steadfast in your convictions. As the ancients said, a strong wind reveals resilient grass; in times of chaos, there are loyal ministers, and you are among them.
Your achievements should be inscribed on a ceremonial vessel; they deserve more than mere records on bamboo scrolls!
Your contributions are remarkable, and words cannot express my admiration. As it is getting colder, you should take care of your health. I cannot go personally, so I have sent your brother to look after you."
The essence of this message was to praise Yang Su for his outstanding contributions and unwavering loyalty, stating that his achievements would be engraved for future generations. The note also reminded him to take care of himself in the cold weather and that his brother would be sent to attend to him.
Li Jian Cheng couldn't help but shiver at such flattery, inexplicably thinking of a general with the surname Nian.
After delivering the decree, Yang Yue quietly said to his brother, "Xuan Gan has repeatedly requested to join the military campaign but has been refused by His Majesty."
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