Dark Sand: My Players Are All Actors
Chapter 528 - 272: The Opportunity to Recover Yan Yun_2

Chapter 528: Chapter 272: The Opportunity to Recover Yan Yun_2

The soldiers of the Zhao Yi Army, having been allocated lands, regularly underwent countless specialized trainings. Whether in field battles or sieges, they possessed exceptionally formidable combat strength.

During this time, Zhao Haiping also had craftsmen construct numerous siege engines.

But these were not the most crucial reasons.

The most important reason was, this was the old Qi territory, where the hearts of the people belonged!

When the Jin invaded and broke through Taiyuan City earlier, they nearly massacred all the civilians within, turning Taiyuan almost into a city of death.

But afterwards, as the Jin ruled over Taiyuan, this strategic stronghold inevitably required a large influx of populace moved in.

It’s the same old story, the Jin were few in number, ruling over a variety of other ethnic groups, and moreover, for construction and the daily operations of the city, they still had to bring in people from other parts of the north, people of the former Qi, whether for hard labor or commerce, in any case, there was no shortage of people from Qi within the city.

And these people, just like the Rebel Armies scattered across the land, were all eagerly anticipating General Han Fuyue’s swift march over.

Therefore, the Jin-defended Taiyuan City was far from how Taiyuan City had been under Qi, where the military and civilians were united as one.

The most secure citadels are often breached from within.

On the first day, the Zhao Yi Army launched fierce assaults, and the Jin soldiers within fought valiantly, repelling the invaders multiple times without gaining much ground.

On the second day, riots broke out within the city, and the Jin had to split their forces to suppress them.

On the third day, amidst the chaos, a breach appeared in the Jin’s city defenses, and civilians inside opened the gates, allowing the Zhao Yi Army to march straight in.

By nightfall, Taiyuan was liberated.

...

One in the south and one in the north, both originally part of Qi territory, now presented two entirely different states of affairs.

North of the Huai River, within the governed region of the Zhao Yi Army, the people enthusiastically supported the northern expedition. Not only did they pay the usual taxes, but many also voluntarily pushed carts, transporting grain to the front lines.

In the rear, after being allotted their own lands, the people’s enthusiasm surged, diligently constructing water conservancy projects and cultivating farmland, presenting a bustling scene of activity.

However, south of the Yangtze River, the Qi capital remained peacefully untouched, but within the countryside, there were many famished people who had become displaced due to oppressive and heavy taxes.

Within the capital, birds sang gracefully, and the wealth and splendor prospered. Storytellers in the teahouses engaged audiences with the thrilling tales of General Han Fuyue taking an oath for a northern campaign to reclaim lost territory.

Inside the palace, however, a violent upheaval began once more.

...

Within the palace, Emperor Yingzong of Qi hastily summoned a high-ranking official.

The Grand Commandant, Chen Yuanshan.

This was the very person who had previously been sent to deliver the edict to General Han Fuyue.

In fact, there were originally many ministers within the court who disapproved of Qin Huizhi, such as Zhang Deyuan who often opposed Qin Huizhi. Unfortunately, during the accession of the emperor to the throne, these ministers were purged.

At this moment, as Emperor Yingzong cast his gaze about, he noticed the court was filled with Qin Huizhi’s followers. Among the high-ranking officials, only Chen Yuanshan seemed somewhat trustworthy.

Chen Yuanshan was a man who excelled at preserving his own well-being and had not been completely ousted by Qin Huizhi. Additionally, he had met General Han Fuyue, which was also of utmost importance.

"Your Majesty!" Chen Yuanshan also faintly sensed that the emperor had a matter of great importance to discuss with him.

Emperor Yingzong looked around to ensure there were no eunuchs placed by Qin Huizhi to supervise, then lowered his voice and said, "Master Chen, keep this safe, hurry to the north, and find the Zhao Yi Army!"

Chen Yuanshan received an object from Emperor Yingzong’s hand, gave it a careful look, and instantly his expression turned to shock, "This, Your Majesty, this is the Cloth Belt Edict!"

Emperor Yingzong’s expression was fraught with fear and helplessness, "Hurry and let General Han Fuyue come with the edict to punish the traitors!"

Chen Yuanshan’s face showed difficulty, "But, General Han, he..."

Emperor Yingzong shook his head slightly, "There’s no time to consider so much! It’s better to take a risk than to let Qi fall at this moment!

"Qin Huizhi is already conspiring to commit treason, I’m not afraid to die, but... but can I allow Qi to perish by my hand?"

Chen Yuanshan fell silent, yet ultimately, he secured the Cloth Belt Edict in his sleeve and knelt to the ground, "This servant, will not fail your mission!"

Chen Yuanshan was well aware that Emperor Yingzong’s plan had a very low chance of success, and there was even the risk of inviting the wolf into the house.

But...

Did Emperor Yingzong have any other choice at this moment?

Qin Huizhi was secretly planning a rebellion, and such a grave matter could not possibly be completely leak-proof. Emperor Yingzong, although under virtual house arrest and closely monitored, couldn’t possibly prevent all ministers from visiting; it hadn’t reached that stage yet.

And if Emperor Yingzong were fully placed under house arrest, then the final act of usurpation would not be far off.

It was precisely because Emperor Yingzong sensed this that, with no way out, he resorted to this plan.

Summon General Han Fuyue, to lead the Zhao Yi Army into the capital for a royal defense.

If we’re being honest, the Zhao Yi Army was no longer under the control of Qi. After occupying the old territory of Qi to the north, the Zhao Yi Army recruited refugees, allocated lands, changed the tax laws of Qi, and disregarded the administrative system of Qi... In short, they were completely a separatist force.

However, in name, they were still an army under Qi.

In this circumstance, General Han Fuyue could proclaim himself emperor just by giving the word.

But Emperor Yingzong still preferred to have General Han Fuyue come.

Why?

Because at least in public, General Han Fuyue acknowledged he was a minister of Qi, versus Qin Huizhi, who was about to rebel and usurp the throne!