Dark Sand: My Players Are All Actors
Chapter 530 - 272: The Opportunity to Recover Yan Cloud_4

Chapter 530: Chapter 272: The Opportunity to Recover Yan Cloud_4

"Even if the Liao and Jin were strong, how could they be stronger than the Northern Barbarians?

"Back when our dynasty’s founder embarked on the Northern expedition, even though he captured Shandong, the majority of the north remained in the hands of the Northern Barbarians. To ensure a thorough victory, Emperor Taizu first took over Henan, then advanced the troops to Tong Pass, and only after pruning away all the surrounding branches did he manage to decide the fate of the world in one battle.

"And indeed, that was the case. After sweeping the surroundings, it took only one month to capture the capital.

"The so-called impregnable city is, after all, dependent on people for defense. Once the momentum is built, there is always a way to take down any city.

"It’s just a pity that although the Qi Dynasty held important territories such as Shandong and Henan in its own hands, it was utterly helpless when it came to the mere Yan Cloud region."

Zhao Haiping nodded, "General Deng speaks well.

"In fact, the more I experience it, the more I feel that history is often made up of a series of coincidences.

"Take the four missed opportunities of the Qi Dynasty, for example. Wasn’t each one of them a case of coming so close to victory? Each one was a cause for lamentation. With just a bit more luck, the outcomes might have been very different.

"So... I cannot afford to miss the fifth opportunity."

Zhao Haiping looked at the walls of Yan Jing city, "In fact, there is still a fifth opportunity for the Qi Dynasty to recover the Yan Cloud region, and that is now.

"General Han Fuyue was originally unstoppable in his advances, winning consecutive battles, but he was wrongly killed through a conspiracy between Emperor Gaozong of Qi and Qin Huizhi. Afterward, the Qi Dynasty settled in Jiangnan, never considering a Northern expedition again.

"They did not even recapture their former capital, never saw the Yellow River again, let alone reclaim the Yan Cloud region.

"But actually, at this moment there is a prime strategic window, and that is... the death of Wanyan Sheng.

"After Emperor Taizong of Jin passed away, Emperor Xizong of Jin ascended the throne. Wanyan Sheng held the reigns of power and launched a major war against the Qi Dynasty, while Emperor Xizong was preoccupied with the imperial court.

"However, Emperor Xizong had no talent for statecraft and initially relied entirely on Wanyan Sheng, leading a carefree royal life without any desire for progress; after the death of Wanyan Sheng, he became increasingly paranoid, even dominated by the Empress.

"Emperor Xizong was fond of alcohol, prone to killing his officials, and his moods were unpredictable, leading to estrangement from his subjects. Eventually, he was assassinated in a conspiracy led by Wanyan Hailing.

"After him, Wanyan Hailing became tyrannical and once again marched troops to the south but was killed in a mutiny by his own soldiers. After Wanyan Hailing died, Emperor Shizong of Jin ascended the throne and was one of Jin’s most commendable emperors, earning the title ’Little Yao and Shun.’ From that point on, the strategic window for the Qi Dynasty closed completely.

"So, the fifth opportunity is now.

"Wanyan Sheng is already old and ailing, unable to conduct military campaigns, and less than a year from his death; Emperor Xizong neglects state affairs while Wanyan Hailing secretly plots a coup. The entire Jin Country is at its most vulnerable.

"Yet, the former Qi Dynasty failed to seize this strategic window and instead wrongly killed General Han Fuyue, allowing Jin to regain its strength.

"From this point of view, Emperor Gaozong is an eternal sinner!

"At a time when Huaxia needed heroes the most, he callously strangled a hero.

"Just being poisoned is letting him off too lightly.

"But luckily, once I capture Yan Cloud and extinguish Jin, there will still be a chance to exhume his body for punishment."

General Deng Yuanjing remained silent, unsure what to say about such dangerous remarks concerning exhuming and punishing a monarch.

Just then, a soldier came to report, "General! A Grand Commandant from the Qi Dynasty has arrived at the camp, claiming to bear a secret imperial edict and requests an audience with you!"

Zhao Haiping remained silent for a moment, "Have him wait in the camp."

...

That night, the army returned to camp.

Although this period is an ideal window to seize Yan Cloud, it is after all a strong city, and no matter how swiftly we act, it will take over a month to conquer.

After days of relentless fighting, the soldiers were also worn out, with no small number of injuries. It was crucial to take the opportunity to rest and recuperate.

Back in the central military tent, Zhao Haiping met again with Imperial Grand Commandant Chen Yuanshan.

But the last time he saw him, he was sent by Emperor Gaozong of Qi to deliver terms of appeasement, while this time, it was Emperor Yingzong who sent him with the Cloth Belt Edict.

"General Han, please consider the state of the Qi Dynasty and the lives of the people. Dispatch your troops to protect the king!"

Chen Yuanshan’s plea was fervent, he was nearly on the verge of kneeling and kowtowing.

Zhao Haiping read the Cloth Belt Edict several times and calmly said, "Master Chen, if the Zhao Yi Army withdraws its forces now, the great endeavor of reclaiming Yan Yun will once again be destroyed."

Chen Yuanshan hastily said, "General Han!

"But now, Qin Huizhi is secretly plotting to usurp the throne, and the royal family has already been placed under house arrest. I fear it won’t be long before their lives are in danger!

"General Han’s military strategies are divine, and Yan Yun can be reclaimed later. But if we don’t attend to the protection of the king now, I fear, I fear that our Qi Dynasty’s realm... might just..."

Zhao Haiping glanced at it and a strange expression crossed his face, "Could it be that the Qi Dynasty’s welfare is even more important than reclaiming Yan Yun?

"Without Yan Yun, the people of the Northern Land suffer under the Barbarians’ iron hooves every moment, either being captured or slaughtered, without a night of peaceful sleep.

"When the Northern Land was in chaos, the royal family enjoyed peace and prosperity in the capital. Have they ever considered that while the people are loyal to the state, can the royal family... dare to say they are worthy of the people?"

Zhao Haiping’s words left Chen Yuanshan speechless.

Indeed, what right do they have to implore General Han Fuyue to rush to the king’s side?

The Jingping incident was caused by Emperor Qihui and Emperor Yingzong of Qi, these two disastrous emperors.

They suffered great indignities when captured by the Jin Country, true, but they were the culprits behind the Jingping incident. Why should the people suffer the Jin’s ruthless slaughter because of their fault?

They still live in luxury, but what about the common people who were slaughtered or starved to death?

As for Emperor Gaozong of Qi, even on the brink of continuous victories, he insisted on recalling General Han Fuyue and sought peace with the Jin, allowing Qin Huizhi to dominate the royal court.

The fact that Qin Huizhi could reach the stage of plotting to seize the throne, isn’t it a consequence of Emperor Gaozong’s own doing?

Emperor Gaozong was poisoned, and now it’s Emperor Yingzong’s turn.

These two are indisputably emperors by legal succession, but to the people... they are only getting what they deserve.

At this moment, General Han Fuyue’s mission to reclaim Yan Yun is clearly much more important than rescuing Emperor Yingzong.

Chen Yuanshan panicked, "General Han, what can be done about this matter?"

Zhao Haiping actually had a plan in mind for a long time, after all, he was the one who instigated Qin Huizhi’s usurpation.

However, he still feigned contemplation before speaking, "Actually, the situation is not as severe as you think.

"Master Chen, you have the Cloth Belt Edict, it would be more appropriate to find the commander of the Qi Dynasty’s imperial guards for this task of protecting the king. Though Qin Huizhi holds significant power, there are not a few within the military who despise him.

"In light of this, to ensure your safety, Master Chen, I am willing to lend you five thousand elite troops. Additionally, I hold some influence with the military officers in the court and will write several letters stating the pros and cons.

"When the time comes, I will trouble Master Chen to make haste and convene these officers to the capital with the Cloth Belt Edict to protect the king and execute Qin Huizhi. Thus, we will achieve both ends!"

Master Chen was overjoyed, "Such an arrangement would be excellent! I am grateful to you, general!"

Zhao Haiping turned away with a slight smile, took out pen and paper, and quickly wrote a letter.

This letter was addressed to several of his acquaintances who were loyal to the Qi Dynasty.

Although Qin Huizhi wielded great power, constantly replacing key official posts with his people, and continually suppressing military officers, the idea of completely purging the Qi Dynasty’s military officers was ultimately unrealistic.

Many of these officers were still observing and waiting.

Of course, they could not accept Qin Huizhi’s usurpation, but they were powerless to resist on their own.

Because a stand against him would likely lead to charges of treachery and swift suppression.

But now, the Cloth Belt Edict, the letter from General Han, and this contingent of elite soldiers to ensure Master Chen’s safety... all these elements enabled Master Chen to form an army to revolt against Qin Huizhi, making resistance a possibility.