Chapter 26

Since receiving the appointment from Lord Yue Shi, Lu Yao and his companions were once again considered part of the official army of the Great Jin. At that moment, the two of them led He Yun to return to Liu Kun's camp. There were military doctors in the camp to treat He Yun.

Seeing Lu Yao, He Yun naturally had a lot of complaints. Indeed, it was frustrating. Despite his flawless speech and behavior, he could not withstand the brutality of the Xiongnu cavalry. He Yun was tied up for a whole day, and no one knew how many beatings he endured, like a lamb awaiting slaughter. If not for Lord Yue Shi's rescue, this half-grown child would have been frightened to madness.

Compared to He Yun, the villagers were even more tragic. Not only were the goods they had accumulated over the years plundered, but two young men were killed, and one was severely injured, likely to be disabled. Such losses were almost unbearable for the small mountain village. But in a chaotic era, there was nothing they could do. Lu Yao and Xue Tong, being soft-hearted, secretly left some of their weapons to the villagers for self-defense.

At this time, Liu Kun's main camp was stationed at Huguan City. Huguan had been plundered by the Xiongnu just a month ago, and the city was now in ruins, with many places burned to the ground. The mansions of many high-ranking officials were looted and in disarray. Some civilians had fled to the mountains during the war and were now returning in small groups. Many were digging through the ruins, trying to find the remains of their family and friends, and cries of sorrow could be heard from time to time.

There were too many unattended corpses in the city, and if the army were to move in, it might cause an epidemic. Therefore, Liu Kun's troops had to set up camp on a wasteland several miles outside the city, while they reorganized the troops and gathered wagons and provisions. Although they were supposed to set out immediately, it took five days to prepare everything.

It turned out that when Liu Kun was appointed as the Governor of Bingzhou, the Xiongnu army had already marched south, threatening Luoyang. The counties of Hedong and Henei were in flames, and the bridges at Pushe and Mengjin were cut off, making the roads impassable. Worried about the situation in Bingzhou, Liu Kun abandoned his wagons and supplies, leading a few hundred light cavalry across the Yellow River at night, and galloped quickly to arrive.

However, the situation in Bingzhou was worse than Liu Kun had anticipated. After the defeat at Daling, Sima Teng, who was stationed in Shangdang, seeing the overwhelming strength of the Xiongnu, fled the city at night and went directly to Yecheng. Over 20,000 households of Bingzhou's military and civilians followed him, and on the way, they were pursued and killed by the Xiongnu generals Liu Cong and Huyan Yan. The dead and injured were countless, and the Fushui River turned red. In the following month, the situation in Bingzhou completely collapsed. The Xiongnu army swept through the north and south, and wherever they went, major cities and counties fell. The people were scattered, and almost none remained. Even Jizhou was plagued by bandits, with a notorious bandit named Ji Sang leading tens of thousands of followers to capture cities like Anyang, Neihuang, Handan, and Guantao.

Liu Kun had originally planned to recruit soldiers and gather provisions in Shangdang, but he found that the southeastern counties of Bingzhou had been ravaged by the Xiongnu, with most of the people either captured or fled to the mountains. There were no soldiers to recruit. He had to travel back and forth between Tunliu, Changzi, and Xiangyuan, meeting with the leaders of the displaced people in the mountains, and with great effort, he finally recruited a few thousand men. However, among them, only about a thousand were strong and able-bodied, while over two thousand were old, weak, or sick. The provisions he carried were already insufficient, making the situation even more dire.

On this day, Liu Kun convened a meeting in his tent.

"General Lu, please follow me." A bearded man at the gate respectfully invited him. This man was one of Liu Kun's close generals, Wang Xiu, whose courtesy name was Zihao. He had once fought with Lu Yao using a saber in Xiangyuan. Wang Xiu was a martial arts enthusiast and, after his duel with Lu Yao, he greatly admired Lu Yao's skills, often seeking him out for sparring, which made their relationship quite close.

Seeing Wang Xiu come to greet him, Lu Yao quickly walked a few steps to walk alongside him and solemnly returned the greeting: "I dare not, Brother Zihao, thank you for your trouble." It was his first time attending a military meeting, so he was somewhat nervous and kept adjusting his armor and clothing along the way.

After passing the two rows of armored soldiers holding spears, they entered the tent. Pine wood was burning inside, emitting a pleasant fragrance. In the center of the tent was a finely crafted wooden table, behind which was a huge screen about four zhang wide, depicting the geography of the Hebei region. On both sides of the tent, officials and generals were standing, waiting for Liu Kun, who had not yet arrived. A few more people arrived shortly, and they greeted each other.

Although the tent was not small, with nearly twenty people inside, it felt a bit crowded. Lu Yao, knowing his low rank, stood at the end of the left side, listening to the conversation in front.

At the head of the left side stood an old general with a square face and a long, white beard, looking very stern. Most of the officials entering the tent greeted him, and he only nodded slightly, indicating his high status. He was likely Lord Yue Shi's deputy, the Protector General Linghu Sheng, appointed by Prince Sima Ying of Donghai.

The next person was one of Lord Yue Shi's most valiant and fierce generals, Ding Miao, also known as Ding Wen Hao. He looked to be in his early twenties, with a round face and a short beard, and his eyes sparkled with a fierce light, like lightning.

Lu Yao could not immediately identify the others, but their confident and imposing stance clearly marked them as experienced and capable generals.

These military leaders were very familiar with each other and were discussing among themselves. Lu Yao stood alone for a while, but no one spoke to him. It was understandable, as Lord Yue Shi had led his army to victory in many battles over the years, and his generals had earned great merit, truly deserving the title of "proud and fierce generals." In the eyes of these battle-hardened men, only the brave and skilled were considered true men. The Bingzhou army, which had been defeated by the Xiongnu, was not worth much. As a defeated general in the Bingzhou army, Lu Yao was naturally not taken seriously by them.

In such a situation, others might have felt awkward, but Lu Yao had excellent composure and stood calmly at the end of the line. Wang Xiu, feeling a bit embarrassed, turned to Lu Yao and said, "Daoming, you have just taken up your new military post, and everyone is not yet familiar with you. Come, let me introduce you to the other generals."

Just as Lu Yao was about to respond, a general emerged from behind the tent, holding a staff and striking the ground, shouting, "The Lord has arrived."

Everyone immediately became solemn.

Liu Kun's footsteps echoed as he entered and sat behind the table, his sharp features showing no emotion.

After everyone bowed and greeted him, he took a letter from his chest and said straightforwardly, "Gentlemen, today the Secretary Wen sent an urgent report: the imperial army has suffered consecutive defeats against the Xiongnu, and the counties of Hedong, Henei, and Pingyang have fallen into enemy hands. The Xiongnu vanguard has crossed Mengjin and is threatening Luoyang."

The faces of the generals tightened slightly, while the civil officials became agitated. One official stepped forward, his sparse beard trembling with fear, "Lord, the situation is critical! Our army's connection with Luoyang has been completely cut off, and we are now an isolated force!"

Liu Kun threw the letter on the table and nodded, "Indeed. The Xiongnu are in high spirits, and the court is busy mobilizing troops to defend Luoyang, temporarily ignoring the situation in Bingzhou. We are an isolated force in the midst of tigers and wolves, with no external support and no provisions, and the situation is extremely critical!"

The official exclaimed, "What can we do? Lord, should we still go to Jinyang?"

Another official suggested, "In such a situation, how can we go to Jinyang! The best course of action is to follow the example of Lord Dongying and retreat through the Fugou to Jizhou or Yecheng."

Another person angrily retorted, "Fugou is treacherous and easily attacked by the Xiongnu. Do you want us to walk to our deaths?"

Another official stepped forward, citing historical examples to counter the suggestion. The civil officials began to argue among themselves, and no one mentioned going north to Jinyang, only discussing how to escape the danger.

The generals on the left side initially showed disdain, but as the argument continued, they became increasingly angry. Finally, one general shouted, "You scholars, none of you have the courage of a man, you are all cowards!"

"Exactly!" another general shouted, "Even if Jinyang is surrounded on all sides, we are not afraid, and you scholars should be ashamed!"

Another general said, "Why go to Jinyang? Why not hold Shangdang?" As he spoke, some supported him, while others opposed him.

The civil and military officials argued loudly, and the tent became chaotic. Liu Kun, however, watched with a look of interest.

The leading civil official, who had not spoken until now, coughed lightly and stepped forward, "Enough! Such disorder is unacceptable!" The officials hurriedly apologized. This man was about forty years old, with a face like a jade crown, bright eyes, and a long beard, exuding a noble presence. He bowed to Liu Kun and said, "I wish to hear your wise opinion, Lord."

"Xu Zhonglang, there is no need for formalities," Liu Kun extended his hand to support him, allowing Xu Zhonglang to step back into line. This man was Xu Run, the Secretary of the Central Office, from Weichang, Zhongshan. He was Liu Kun's fellow townsman, known for his talent and Confucian scholarship. Liu Kun appointed him as the Secretary of the Central Office of Bingzhou. Not only did he have excellent administrative skills, but he was also skilled in music and played the qin well, making him highly trusted by Liu Kun.

Turning around, Liu Kun suddenly pointed to Lu Yao, who was standing at the far end, and called out, "Lu Yao, you have been in Bingzhou for a long time and are familiar with the local situation. If you have any insights, feel free to speak your mind!"

Lu Yao was deep in thought. The Xiongnu army was concentrated in the border regions of Xinghe and Hedong, and if Liu Kun, as the Governor of Bingzhou, did not retreat to Luoyang, he would have to establish his base in the northern counties of Bingzhou. However, due to geographical constraints, places like Leiping and Yanmen were not suitable for a capital. Therefore, the only options were Shangdang and Jinyang.

Hearing Liu Kun call his name, Lu Yao was taken aback. However, he had already analyzed the pros and cons of these two places. After a moment's thought, he stepped forward, "My humble opinion,未经权衡。若有不当之处，还望主公宽宥。"

Liu Kun waved his hand casually, "何须客套，讲。"

Lu Yao bowed to Liu Kun and turned to the civil officials, "近年来天下纷扰不定，陆某位虽卑下，然而忧国之心不敢或忘，时常想一个问题：朝廷所患者为何？"

一名文官冷笑道，"这又何须多想？朝廷所患者，自然是胡人。"

陆遥应声道，"若朝廷所患者是胡人，那莫非西蜀李特、李雄等辈，并非朝廷之患？莫非江东陈敏、杜弢等辈，并非朝廷之患？莫非冀州汲桑等辈，并非朝廷之患？莫非那焚毁本朝宗庙的逆贼张方等辈，并非朝廷之患？"

徐润沉吟道，"既如此，朝廷所患者，乃是那些作乱的贼人。"

"徐中郎所言极是！"陆遥拍手道，"朝廷所患者，乃贼也，非胡也。如今上党左有王弥汲桑乱军扰动冀州，右有匈奴大军虎视眈眈，而南方不远处的黎亭，便是数月前匈奴主力就食的邸阁所在。此真乃腹背受敌、左右皆贼之绝地。"

"更何况北方乱贼同气连枝，彼此多有勾结。若冀并之贼意图携手，则上党就成了他们两家的眼中钉、肉中刺。我军虽然骁勇，毕竟兵微将寡，如何抵敌？而晋阳则不同……"

老将令狐盛一直旁观众人争辩而未曾出声，此时插言道，"晋阳乃边塞，胡虏极多。更是匈奴五部聚集之地，只怕比上党更加危险吧？"

陆遥摇头道，"我大晋奄有四海，普天之下莫非王土，率土之滨莫非王臣。汉、胡、羌、氐、蛮、夷，凡此种种族类，皆我大晋之子民。晋阳确系边塞，四面皆胡，然而晋阳以西为羌胡，种类与匈奴不同，非贼也；以北为拓跋鲜卑，曾应东瀛公之邀共击匈奴，亦非贼也；以东为段部鲜卑，此辈与安北将军王浚友善，亦非贼也。此三面之胡，皆可抚而定之，养而用之。若主公立足晋阳，徐徐建设恢复，同时援引三面之胡，抗击南面之匈奴，窃以为并州可定，匈奴可灭。伏惟主公英断！"

"好！"刘琨拍案而起，喜不自禁地道，"众位今日所言皆有道理，然而唯有陆道明之言深合我意！"

他在案几前负手踱了数个来回，指着那面绘着山川形势的巨大屏风沉声道，"诸君请看，并州名曰边鄙，其实地位不下于中原腹心各州，向南经河内直达洛阳；向东与冀州相邻；向北可以交引胡狄诸多种落为援；而在西侧，则是与匈奴鏖战的战场。此时、此地，乃是勇士持劲弓策良马、建立不世功业的所在，非寻常儒生可知也！吾既受朝廷重托，纵有艰险，绝不可半途而废；待击破匈奴，再与诸君凯旋！"

话音刚落，徐润出列高声道，"前汉武帝曾云：盖有非常之功，必待非常之人。吾等不才，愿竭尽全力，随主公立非常之功！"

刘琨哈哈大笑，扬声道，"众将听令！"

帐中文武应声高喝，"在！"

刘琨眼神如电，一一扫过帐中众人，"明日拔营起兵，北上晋阳！"

众人轰然应诺，"是！"

翻页上AD开始

翻页上AD结束

---

Since receiving the appointment from Lord Yue Shi, Lu Yao and his companions were once again considered part of the official army of the Great Jin. At that moment, the two of them led He Yun to return to Liu Kun's camp. There were military doctors in the camp to treat He Yun.

Seeing Lu Yao, He Yun naturally had a lot of complaints. Indeed, it was frustrating. Despite his flawless speech and behavior, he could not withstand the brutality of the Xiongnu cavalry. He Yun was tied up for a whole day, and no one knew how many beatings he endured, like a lamb awaiting slaughter. If not for Lord Yue Shi's rescue, this half-grown child would have been frightened to madness.

Compared to He Yun, the villagers were even more tragic. Not only were the goods they had accumulated over the years plundered, but two young men were killed, and one was severely injured, likely to be disabled. Such losses were almost unbearable for the small mountain village. But in a chaotic era, there was nothing they could do. Lu Yao and Xue Tong, being soft-hearted, secretly left some of their weapons to the villagers for self-defense.

At this time, Liu Kun's main camp was stationed at Huguan City. Huguan had been plundered by the Xiongnu just a month ago, and the city was now in ruins, with many places burned to the ground. The mansions of many high-ranking officials were looted and in disarray. Some civilians had fled to the mountains during the war and were now returning in small groups. Many were digging through the ruins, trying to find the remains of their family and friends, and cries of sorrow could be heard from time to time.

There were too many unattended corpses in the city, and if the army were to move in, it might cause an epidemic. Therefore, Liu Kun's troops had to set up camp on a wasteland several miles outside the city, while they reorganized the troops and gathered wagons and provisions. Although they were supposed to set out immediately, it took five days to prepare everything.

It turned out that when Liu Kun was appointed as the Governor of Bingzhou, the Xiongnu army had already marched south, threatening Luoyang. The counties of Hedong and Henei were in flames, and the bridges at Pushe and Mengjin were cut off, making the roads impassable. Worried about the situation in Bingzhou, Liu Kun abandoned his wagons and supplies, leading a few hundred light cavalry across the Yellow River at night, and galloped quickly to arrive.

However, the situation in Bingzhou was worse than Liu Kun had anticipated. After the defeat at Daling, Sima Teng, who was stationed in Shangdang, seeing the overwhelming strength of the Xiongnu, fled the city at night and went directly to Yecheng. Over 20,000 households of Bingzhou's military and civilians followed him, and on the way, they were pursued and killed by the Xiongnu generals Liu Cong and Huyan Yan. The dead and injured were countless, and the Fushui River turned red. In the following month, the situation in Bingzhou completely collapsed. The Xiongnu army swept through the north and south, and wherever they went, major cities and counties fell. The people were scattered, and almost none remained. Even Jizhou was plagued by bandits, with a notorious bandit named Ji Sang leading tens of thousands of followers to capture cities like Anyang, Neihuang, Handan, and Guantao.

Liu Kun had originally planned to recruit soldiers and gather provisions in Shangdang, but he found that the southeastern counties of Bingzhou had been ravaged by the Xiongnu, with most of the people either captured or fled to the mountains. There were no soldiers to recruit. He had to travel back and forth between Tunliu, Changzi, and Xiangyuan, meeting with the leaders of the displaced people in the mountains, and with great effort, he finally recruited a few thousand men. However, among them, only about a thousand were strong and able-bodied, while over two thousand were old, weak, or sick. The provisions he carried were already insufficient, making the situation even more dire.

On this day, Liu Kun convened a meeting in his tent.

"General Lu, please follow me." A bearded man at the gate respectfully invited him. This man was one of Liu Kun's close generals, Wang Xiu, whose courtesy name was Zihao. He had once fought with Lu Yao using a saber in Xiangyuan. Wang Xiu was a martial arts enthusiast and, after his duel with Lu Yao, he greatly admired Lu Yao's skills, often seeking him out for sparring, which made their relationship quite close.

Seeing Wang Xiu come to greet him, Lu Yao quickly walked a few steps to walk alongside him and solemnly returned the greeting: "I dare not, Brother Zihao, thank you for your trouble." It was his first time attending a military meeting, so he was somewhat nervous and kept adjusting