Chapter 303: Claiming Loyalty, Then Spitting Out My Money!
The Wuxi Duke utilized dragon bones to obtain another two months’ worth of grain from the Dayue Dynasty and immediately raised an army to march against Capital.
With an army of 600,000, they marched mightily towards the Phoenix/Fenghuang Mountain Range.
Similarly, the Southern Jiang Prince used dragon bones to acquire several months’ worth of grain from the Great Yan Dynasty and raised an army.
The Great Wu Civil War had finally erupted!
People from all over the world were watching this internal conflict.
Would the decadent Great Wu Court emerge victorious, or would the two ambitious vassal kings succeed?
In the Northern Hebei region, within the palace.
Military strategist Zhuge was excited as he rushed forward. “Your Highness, it’s wonderful news! The Wuxi Duke can’t bear it any longer. He’s leading an army of 600,000 to the Phoenix Mountain Range, confronting the imperial forces in a strategic position! The Southern Jiang Prince couldn’t hold back either, and he’s raised an army as well. The court is now under attack from two sides. Our opportunity has arrived!”
The Northern Hebei Prince burst into laughter. “I knew that these two younger brothers of mine couldn’t endure it any longer! Without food, all they can do is give it their all! Otherwise, they won’t have another chance!”
“Your Highness’s words are very true!” Advisor Zhuge chuckled.
“Strategist, our opportunity has come. Do you have any brilliant strategies now?” The Northern Hebei Prince asked expectantly.
“Your Highness, our opportunity has indeed come, but it’s not yet time to take action!” Zhuge smiled. “With the three sides battling each other, neither victory nor defeat will be determined in the short term.”
“When they are all wounded and weakened, it will be the perfect time for us to act! The longer we delay, the weaker they become, and the stronger we grow. This is advantageous for us! Only when the snipe and clam fight can the fisherman profit!”
“Strategist, you’re absolutely right!” The Northern Hebei Prince nodded in satisfaction. This idea matched his own.
“However, Your Highness, although it’s not yet time to raise an army, we can send experts to secretly cause disruption. Let them fight more fiercely!” Advisor Zhuge added.
“That’s correct! I’ll leave this matter to the strategist. I trust you!” The Northern Hebei Prince patted Zhuge ‘s shoulder.
“Thank you for Your Highness’s trust!” Advisor Zhuge exclaimed loudly.
In the Wuxi region, the Slanted Moon Army also learned about the situation.
“Wuxi Duke has finally raised his army! It’s unexpected yet also within reason!”
“Yes, if he doesn’t raise his army now, the Wuxi forces will starve!”
“They’ve been pushed into a corner, with rebellion as their only option!”
…
“Brave comrades, this is a great opportunity for us to seek revenge!”
Princess Ziyue exclaimed with joy. “The strategist mentioned that when the Wuxi Duke raises his army and fails to conquer quickly, he will definitely seek help from Dayue. We can use our geographical advantage to deliver a heavy blow to the Dayue forces!”
Everyone was excited.
“Princess’s words are correct. It’s time for revenge!”
“We’ve been operating in the Wuxi region for so long. Even the Wuxi Duke can’t do anything to us. Once the Dayue forces step into Wuxi, they will become our targets. We can deal with them as we wish!”
“We’ll take as many as they bring and won’t let any of them leave alive!”
“Our revival mission is one step closer, haha!”
…
Princess Ziyue’s eyes danced as she spoke, “Brave comrades, we can now disrupt the Wuxi forces secretly, forcing them to face enemies on multiple fronts. This way, as the Wuxi Duke’s attack drags on, the Dayue forces will come to their aid. We can finally get revenge for the grievances we’ve suffered!”
“Princess’s words are absolutely right!” Everyone nodded one after another.
The world’s winds and clouds were stirred by these events.
At this time, Lin Beifan had carried out the imperial decree and arrived by the side of Songjiang.
“Underling pays respects to Loyalty and Valor Count, Prefect Lin!” The officials all spoke in unison.
Lin Beifan got straight to the point and asked, “What’s the current situation? Have the commoners all been evacuated? Are they properly settled now? Where are the Southern Jiang Prince’s troops, and where have they reached?”
“Prefect Lin, as soon as we received the imperial decree, we acted immediately. Most of the commoners have already been moved to the other side of Songjiang River. Everything that could be carried has been taken, and everything that couldn’t be carried has been destroyed. We won’t give the Southern Jiang Army even the slightest advantage!”
“Regarding the Southern Jiang Army, they’ve already set out and are on their way,” reported Lin Beifan’s subordinates. “Since we didn’t organize any resistance, they’re moving swiftly. It’s estimated that by tomorrow noon, they’ll reach Songjiang and confront us.”
Lin Beifan looked over at the densely packed commoners near Songjiang, where they were starting fires to cook. He was very satisfied. “Good! You’ve done an excellent job! I’ll record this as an accomplishment for you.”
“Thank you, Prefect Lin!” The officials were overjoyed.
At this moment, Lin Beifan had already become one of the most prominent figures in the court. His high position and authority, along with the Empress’s trust, praise, and approval, made them extremely happy and excited.
“Now, we’ll occupy Songjiang and stand firm, not allowing them to step past us!”
“Yes, Prefect Lin!”
Next, accompanied by a few officials and generals, Lin Beifan inspected the situation of the reserve forces and the resettlement of the commoners, and didn’t find any major issues.
On the second day at noon, the Southern Jiang Army arrived as scheduled.
A total of 500,000 soldiers, forming a dense mass that extended as far as the eye could see. Banners fluttered in the wind, and the imposing sight was overwhelming, like a sea of people and mountains.
At a glance, it was an immense pressure.
In contrast, the imperial forces numbered just over 200,000, with less momentum.
In reality, it wasn’t that the court couldn’t organize more troops; it was simply that Lin Beifan didn’t require more.
This battle was primarily focused on defense. As long as they held onto Songjiang and prevented the Southern Jiang Army from crossing, dragging them on for two or three months until they ran out of food, the Southern Jiang Army would collapse on its own.
Among the Southern Jiang Army, there was a portly figure, wearing shining bright armor, seated in a war chariot made of steel and pulled by four horses. He looked imposing.
This person was the Southern Jiang Prince, who couldn’t hide his plump physique even in armor.
This was the second time Lin Beifan had seen the Southern Jiang Prince. The first time, he had burned all their grain. Now, they were meeting on the battlefield. His emotions were quite complicated.
Could he be the bane of the Southern Jiang Prince’s existence?
Southern Jiang Prince gazed across the riverbank to a handsome and compelling young man dressed in a bright red official robe, surrounded by ministers and officials. It was clear he was a high-ranking court official.
To achieve such a high position at such a young age, there was only one person in the entire court who fit the description: Lin Beifan, the Loyalty and Valor Count, the Prefect of the Capital, and the Principal of the Imperial Academy.
This was the first time the Southern Jiang Prince had seen Lin Beifan, and he looked nothing like the image of a corrupt official he had imagined!
The corrupt officials in his mind were skinny with sharp features, insatiable greed, and an ugly appearance.
However, the person before him gave off an air of nobility and arrogance, standing apart from the others in an unapproachable manner.
But, when he thought about how the person before him had embezzled tens of millions from him and was now leading an army to attack, the Southern Jiang Prince’s feelings grew complicated.
After stealing so much money from me, and now you’re coming to attack me? Doesn’t your conscience ache?
Whether Lin Beifan felt remorse or not, the Southern Jiang Prince didn’t know.
But Lin Beifan himself felt remorseful, as he felt he had fed tens of millions to the dogs.
Lin Beifan clasped his hands together and said, “I greet His Highness, the Southern Jiang Prince. Long live the king!”
“Lin Beifan, I’ve finally met you! I never expected that our first meeting would be under these circumstances.”
The Southern Jiang Prince’s tone was quite complex. “Actually, I’ve always admired you. I thought you were a person of great talent and wanted to bring you into my service. Unfortunately, fate plays its games. Before we even had a chance to meet, we’re now facing each other with weapons.”
“Thank you for your kindness, Your Highness. I’m unworthy of such favor,” Lin Beifan replied, bowing.
“However, even now, I still greatly admire you! My niece is a foolish ruler. Following her won’t lead to any prospects. Why not switch sides and join me? Together, we can create a great future.”
The Southern Jiang Prince was speaking the truth. Although he hated that Lin Beifan had embezzled his money, he did genuinely admire his talent.
Being able to manage the capital so efficiently and prosperously was a significant accomplishment in itself. Other abilities were self-evident.
He was truly multi-talented, seemingly knowledgeable in everything and capable of anything.
In summary, gaining Lin Beifan’s support was equivalent to acquiring a valuable talent, which greatly contributed to the Southern Jiang Prince’s ambitions. Additionally, Lin Beifan possessed the Dragon Bone, something the Southern Jiang Prince desperately needed.
“Your Highness, what nonsense are you spouting?” Lin Beifan spoke righteously, “I am a loyal servant of the court, devoted to the Emperor. I will absolutely not consort with traitors like you!”
The Southern Jiang Prince was so angry that he nearly fell off his chariot.
You call yourself a loyal servant? With your embezzlement and corruption, punishing you a hundred times over wouldn’t be enough!
Claiming to be a loyal servant? First, return my money!
The Southern Jiang Prince retorted angrily, “Lin Beifan, are you shameless? Don’t forget what you’ve done!”
Lin Beifan fired back, “Southern Jiang Prince, you’re the one without shame! The royal family has raised you, yet you have no intention of serving the court. Instead, you draw your sword against it! Has your conscience been devoured by dogs? Even prostitutes have more integrity than you!”
The comparison to prostitutes made the Southern Jiang Prince roar in fury.
Lin Beifan continued, “Southern Jiang Prince, I advise you to surrender and admit defeat! Considering your royal status, Her Majesty is likely to show leniency and spare your life. If you continue to be stubborn, don’t blame me for showing no mercy!”
“Do you think I’ll kneel before that niece of mine and surrender? Impossible!” The Southern Jiang Prince snorted. “Since I set foot on this path, I’ve never thought about retreat. Either I wear the imperial robe or die trying!”
Lin Beifan sighed regretfully, “Your Highness, there’s no need for this. Even ants fight for their lives…”
“Shut your mouth!” The Southern Jiang Prince roared, “It’s my turn to become the Emperor! She should step down now! Generals and soldiers, cross the river and march toward the imperial city!”
“Yes, Your Highness!” The soldiers responded in unison.
With the Southern Jiang Prince’s command, the Southern Jiang Army crossed the river mightily.
Some used boats, while others swam directly across.
Lin Beifan shouted, “Guard the riverbank! Do not let them ashore!”
“Yes, Prefect Lin!”
Archers stepped forward, releasing a volley of arrows. Some soldiers hurled stones, while others wielding spears and swords waited on the shore, ready to pierce any enemy that came too close.
The Battle of Songjiang began, and the river soon ran red with blood.
