blenderwars Chapter 129 Trouble in the West
Chapter 129 Trouble in the West
The vigorous formation and training of the Trapped Camp added a sharp and formidable foundation to Xinghuo Fortress's already increasingly powerful military strength. The return of Dian Xiong, this "evil one," not only brought hundreds of fierce soldiers, but his own bravery and leadership were like a boulder thrown into a calm lake, stirring up ripples within Xinghuo Fortress's military and political system, boosting the entire army's martial spirit and fighting will.
However, the skies over the North were never truly calm. As Chen Xing shifted his gaze from the bustling training ground to a broader map, the latest news from the northwest made him keenly sense the impending change.
"The King of Western Liang..." Chen Xing's finger landed on the area marked "Liangzhou" in the northwest corner of the map. The King of Western Liang, whose real name was Han Sui, was not a legitimate prince conferred by the previous dynasty. Instead, taking advantage of the chaos in the world and the court's authority not extending to the border regions, he relied on his family's foundation in Liangzhou and the military strength he had accumulated in his early years to carve out a territory in Western Liang and call himself the "King of Western Liang." This man was ambitious but lacked talent, was suspicious, and was harsh and ungrateful to his subordinates. Although he had no shortage of elite Qiang and Hu cavalry and fierce soldiers from Liangzhou under his command, he was never truly integrated due to constant internal strife and unclear rewards and punishments. His expansion was weak, and he relied more on the remote and strategic location of Liangzhou to maintain a closed-off policy.
According to fragmented intelligence reports from Li Shu's network and observations from traveling merchants, the Western Liang King was already rife with internal conflicts. His generals were divided into numerous factions, with constant friction between the Qiang and Hu tribes and Han generals, and the distribution of spoils was extremely unequal. Han Sui himself was also highly suspicious, especially wary of generals who had become too powerful or overly capable, often resorting to "discarding the millstone after it has served its purpose," further alienating his troops.
At this moment, the latest secret report laid out in front of Chen Xing confirmed that the escalation of this conflict had reached the brink of explosion.
"According to multiple sources, about half a month ago, Han Sui, the King of Xiliang, suspected that his general Ma Teng, known as 'General Who Guards the West,' was harboring rebellious intentions due to the growing power of Ma Teng and Ma Teng's repeated complaints about Han Sui's withholding of military pay and unfair treatment. Han Sui, believing these slanders, summoned Ma Teng to his palace under the pretext of 'discussing military affairs,' intending to detain or even harm him." Li Shu stood beside the map, reporting in a low voice, his tone heavy. "Unexpectedly, the news leaked out, and Ma Teng's son, Ma Chao, only eighteen years old but exceptionally brave, known as 'Splendid Ma Chao,' was enraged upon hearing the news. He led his father's three thousand elite 'Xiliang Iron Cavalry' troops straight to the palace to demand Ma Teng's return! A fierce battle broke out between the two sides in front of the palace. Ma Chao was unstoppable, killing several of Han Sui's generals, and even Han Sui's personal guards could not stop him. In the chaos, Ma Teng was rescued, but he was seriously wounded, and both his troops and Han Sui's personal guards suffered heavy casualties."
Chen Xing's eyes narrowed slightly: "After Ma Chao rescued Ma Teng, where did he go? And how did Han Sui react?"
"After rescuing his father, Ma Chao knew that Liangzhou was no longer a safe place. Without hesitation, he led his remaining troops, along with Ma Teng's family and close associates, totaling about 5,000 cavalry, through Han Sui's army's blockade and headed west. It is believed that he went to seek refuge with the Qiang tribes further west or towards the Western Regions," Li Shu continued. "After this turn of events, Han Sui's prestige plummeted, and he became even more suspicious. In order to consolidate his power and intimidate other generals, he even adopted the advice of his close advisors and began a large-scale purge of 'suspicious' generals and those who disagreed with his policies. Among them, the first to be targeted was his chief strategist, Jia Wen, who was known for his wisdom and resourcefulness but was also arrogant and often spoke frankly about Han Sui's policies."
"Jia Wen..." Chen Xing repeated the name, and the image of the top strategist known as the "Poisonous Strategist" in the original story, full of schemes but difficult to control, instantly surfaced in his mind. This person did indeed possess extraordinary talent, but his plans were often too ruthless and decisive, disregarding ordinary morality, and he was also cold-hearted and extremely arrogant. Only a great ruler could use him, and even if he did, one had to be constantly on guard.
"Yes." Li Shu nodded. "Jia Wen, courtesy name Wenhe, is from Guzang in Liangzhou. He is a man of profound wisdom and strategy, especially skilled in military tactics, instigation, sowing discord, and psychological warfare. He has an extremely keen sense of the situation. Han Sui's early ability to stabilize the situation in Xiliang was largely due to Jia Wen's advice. However, Jia Wen is arrogant and sharp-tongued. He often mocks Han Sui's generals for being crude and lacking in strategy, and has repeatedly criticized Han's governance and harsh management of his subordinates. He has already offended many people around Han Sui. This time, Han Sui is purging dissidents. Although Jia Wen does not have military power for the time being, his influence and 'unruly' nature make him an inevitable target. It is said that three days ago, Han Sui ordered the arrest of Jia Wen, intending to charge him with 'inciting the army and plotting rebellion.' But Jia Wen seems to have received advance warning and sneaked out of Guzang City last night during the chaos. His whereabouts are unknown."
"His whereabouts unknown?" Chen Xing raised an eyebrow. "Given Han Sui's control over Xiliang, especially after the recent rebellion and the tense atmosphere, how could Jia Wen, a mere scholar, escape so easily? Is there a trap? Or is someone secretly helping him?"
Li Shu said, "My lord, you are wise. According to the last message our informant in Guzang City risked his life to deliver, Jia Wen did indeed escape, and it seems he wasn't entirely without help. There are indications that some officials or generals in the city who were dissatisfied with Han Sui may have secretly facilitated his escape. Jia Wen himself was not unprepared; he seems to have a secret hiding place and channel within the city. Currently, the Xiliang army is setting up checkpoints everywhere to search for him, but there has been no news of his capture yet. Based on my speculation, Jia Wen is likely trying to escape east or south, leaving the Xiliang territory."
Chen Xing stood up and paced before the map. The internal strife in Xiliang, the defection of generals, and the flight of strategists… for Xinghuo Fortress, this presented both an opportunity and a challenge. The opportunity lay in the fact that the Xiliang King's forces, weakened by this internal conflict, would be unable to focus on the east in the short term, relieving pressure on Xinghuo Fortress's northwest and potentially creating an opportunity for them to exploit. The challenge, however, lay in the fact that Ma Chao and his son Ma Teng had taken an elite cavalry unit with them westward; and that a top strategist like Jia Wen, now adrift, would undoubtedly become a formidable foe if captured by other forces.
Especially Jia Wen. His schemes are often unexpected, ruthless, and cunning, making them difficult to guard against. If he cannot be used by us, then we must grasp his movements before he joins the enemy camp, and even... eliminate the potential threat.
"Increase intelligence gathering in the Xiliang direction, especially regarding Jia Wen's possible escape route. We must ascertain it as soon as possible!" Chen Xing ordered in a deep voice. "At the same time, order all outposts and patrols along the northwestern border to be on high alert, carefully checking suspicious individuals, especially those traveling alone or with few followers, or scholars of distinguished bearing. If any are found, do not act rashly; report immediately!"
"Yes, sir!"
"Furthermore," Chen Xing said, glancing at the buffer zone between Xiliang and Xinghuo Fort's territories on the map, "Xiliang is in turmoil, and its borders are inevitably vulnerable, with many deserters and fleeing soldiers. Order Chen Wei and Dian Xiong to strengthen border patrols. They can also send out small elite units to scout ahead. If any small groups of deserters from Xiliang cause trouble or can be recruited, they should act accordingly. But remember, they must not go too deep and must not engage in large-scale conflicts with the Xiliang army. Right now, our focus is still on digesting internal problems and consolidating our foundation."
Li Shu wrote them down one by one.
Turbulence has broken out in the west, and the winds of change are blowing fiercely. The valiant general Ma Chao has fled west, the cunning strategist Jia Wen has escaped, and Han Sui, the King of Xiliang, is preoccupied with his own survival. This sudden upheaval, like a whirlwind from the northwest, is bound to disrupt the existing balance of power in the north. For Chen Xing, who aspires to dominate the north and beyond, the crucial task ahead is to seize opportunities, recruit talent, and mitigate risks amidst this turbulent situation.
Jia Wen… this strategist known for his “poison” is now a fugitive amidst the chaos of war. Where will he flee to? And to whom will he choose to seek refuge? Chen Xing’s gaze seemed to have traversed hundreds of miles of mountains and rivers, landing on that unseen path of escape.