CCWAD – Chapter 34

Chapter 34

The Army Approaches the City

Epigraph:

“When the Liangshan battle flags rose over the outskirts of Bianliang, the defending imperial generals were so terrified they fell from the city walls. Gazing at the city that had imprisoned Li Shishi for half her life, I said to Yang Bamei, ‘Tonight, we will make this city change its master.'”

—

In the outskirts of Bianliang in October, the autumn chill had deepened. The news of Tong Guan’s complete annihilation traveled faster than Yan Qing’s army, as if it had grown wings. When the first wave of defeated soldiers fled back to Bianliang, the entire city plunged into unprecedented panic.

Inside Chuigong Hall, Emperor Huizong of Song, Zhao Ji, was meticulously painting a scroll titled “Asking the Way on Autumn Mountains.” This emperor, possessed of great artistic talent, was completely unaware of the situation on the front lines. It wasn’t until an inner attendant rushed into the hall, tumbling and scrambling, that he unhappily put down his brush.

“Your Majesty! Disaster has struck!” the attendant’s voice was choked with tears, “Grand Marshal Tong… Grand Marshal Tong he…”

Zhao Ji frowned, “What about Tong Guan? Is he here to demand military funds again?”

“Grand Marshal Tong’s army of twenty thousand has been annihilated! He himself has been captured alive!”

With a “plop,” the imperial brush fell to the floor, leaving an ink stain on the freshly painted landscape. Zhao Ji staggered back, caught by the attendant before he could fall.

“Completely… annihilated?” he repeated in disbelief, “Where is Tong Guan?”

“Captured… captured alive by the Liangshan bandits…” the attendant stammered, “And now Liangshan’s forces are heading towards the capital!”

Just as the emperor was in a state of panic, Cai Jing rushed into the palace, not even having time to adjust his court robes. This Grand Chancellor, who held immense power, was now also pale-faced:

“Your Majesty, the Western Army must be immediately summoned for defense! Furthermore, all city gates must be closed, and the entire city placed under martial law! The Liangshan bandits will undoubtedly head straight for the capital next!”

“Yes, yes, yes! Quickly! Quickly issue the decree!” Zhao Ji stammered, “Order Zhong Shidao to immediately lead the Western Army into the capital! Close all city gates! Quickly!”

While the court was in utter chaos, Yan Qing was already leading Liangshan’s elite forces, traveling day and night, directly towards Bianliang. Although this force numbered only five thousand, they were all battle-hardened elites selected from various camps. Lin Chong’s Dragon Soaring Camp, Qin Ming’s Tiger Wing Camp, and Yang Bamei’s Flying Phoenix Camp were all present. Even Dong Ping and Zhang Qing, who had recently recovered from serious injuries, volunteered to join.

During the march, Yan Qing continuously received secret reports from the capital. These were informants Li Shishi had cultivated over many years, and they now played a crucial role.

“Brother,” Lu Junyi rode his horse alongside Yan Qing, “according to the latest intelligence, the capital’s defending forces number around thirty thousand, and the city walls are strong. A direct assault is by no means the best strategy.”

Wu Yong also added, “Moreover, Zhong Shidao’s Western Army is rushing here day and night. They will reach the capital in at most five days. We must breach the city before then.”

Yan Qing’s expression remained calm. She took a silk scroll from her怀中, “Shishi has been operating in the capital for many years and has already paved the way for us.”

This was the Bianliang defense map left by Li Shishi, detailing the strengths and weaknesses of the city’s defenses. It clearly indicated which sections of the wall were in disrepair, which defending generals were greedy and lustful, and even the rotation times of the imperial guards in each camp.

Seven days later, on Mount Mo Tuo outside Bianliang, Liangshan’s battle flags fluttered in the autumn wind.

Yan Qing stood on the ridge, gazing at the magnificent city, the foremost in the world, in the distance. The outer city walls, eighty li away, were majestic, the city towers soared high, and the moat reflected a cold glint in the setting sun. This was the cage that had imprisoned Li Shishi for half her life, and the last bastion of this corrupt dynasty.

“Indeed, it is a city of unparalleled strength,” Lu Junyi sighed, “The city walls are five zhang high, the moat is twenty zhang wide, and the defending forces number no less than thirty thousand. A direct assault is by no means the best strategy.”

Wu Yong fanned himself with his feather fan, “Furthermore, the city has ample provisions. Even if we besiege it, it can last for half a year. If we wait for the Western Army to arrive, we will be trapped between two forces.”

All the generals looked troubled. Yang Bamei struck her silver spear on the ground, “Even the strongest city has a weakness. In my opinion, we should concentrate our forces and attack one gate.”

“That won’t do,” Lin Chong shook his head, “The nine gates of the capital are mutually supporting. If we attack one gate, the defenders of the other gates will quickly come to its aid.”

As everyone was discussing, Yan Qing pointed to the west of the city, “Look here.”

The crowd followed her gaze. It was Xincao Gate.

“The defending general is Liu Guangshi,” Yan Qing said faintly, “This man is fond of luxury, greedy, and lustful. And his concubine is one of Shishi’s people.”

Everyone suddenly understood. Wu Yong clapped his hands and laughed, “Excellent! With this connection, breaching the city will be as easy as turning over one’s hand!”

That night, Liu Guangshi, the defending general of Xincao Gate, was feasting in his mansion. Despite the approaching army outside the city, he seemed unconcerned. Fine wine, delicacies, song, and dance filled the air, entirely unlike a time of war.

“General, why worry?” his subordinate raised his cup and advised, “No matter how formidable the Liangshan bandits are, can they fly over this five-zhang high city wall? Moreover, Zhong Shidao’s Western Army will arrive soon. When they do, we will attack them from both inside and out, ensuring those bandits never return!”

Liu Guangshi laughed heartily, “You speak the truth! Come, drink this cup! This capital is as solid as gold, they won’t be able to break in even if given three months!”

After several rounds of drinks, Liu Guangshi’s eyes were hazy with intoxication. Suddenly, a strange sound came from the backyard. Just as he was about to send someone to investigate, a figure in a blue robe emerged from behind a screen.

“General Liu, you have quite the refined taste,” Yan Qing said calmly.

Liu Guangshi was startled sober by half, and the wine cup in his hand clattered to the floor. “You… how did you get in? Guards! Guards!”

“No need to shout,” Yan Qing sat down opposite him, “Your men are all asleep.”

“You… what do you want?” Liu Guangshi tried to compose himself, “As long as I shout…”

“You shout,” Yan Qing smiled, “Let’s see who arrives faster, your men or my sword.”

As soon as she finished speaking, Yang Bamei’s silver spear was already at Liu Guangshi’s throat. Simultaneously, a few muffled thuds were heard from outside, indicating that Liu Guangshi’s personal guards had been subdued.

Liu Guangshi slumped down in defeat, “What do you want me to do?”

“It’s very simple,” Yan Qing produced a document, “Open the gates and surrender the city.”

“This… this is rebellion!” Liu Guangshi’s face turned ashen.

“Rebellion?” Yan Qing sneered, “This world has long been due for a change of masters.”

She stood up and walked to the window, pointing to the distant imperial palace, “Zhao Ji is incompetent, Cai Jing is corrupt, and Tong Guan is incapable. Does such a court deserve your loyalty?”

Liu Guangshi broke out in a cold sweat, “But…”

“No ‘buts’,” Yan Qing turned around, “Either enjoy wealth for life, or lose your head. Choose for yourself.”

Just as Liu Guangshi was hesitating, a beautiful woman emerged from the inner chambers, none other than Liu Guangshi’s most favored concubine. She said softly, “General, a wise man adapts to circumstances.”

Liu Guangshi sighed deeply and finally pressed his fingerprint onto the document.

At the same time, inside Fan Lou in the east of the city, Li Shishi was playing her final melody. The music flowed like a murmuring stream, sorrowful and lingering, as if playing a requiem for the dynasty on the verge of collapse.

“Everyone is still in such high spirits,” a chilling voice came from outside the door.

Cai You, son of Cai Jing, burst in with a large contingent of imperial guards, surrounding the small pavilion. This dissolute young man wore a triumphant expression, as if victory was already assured.

“What is the meaning of this, Young Master Cai?” Li Shishi’s expression remained unchanged, her fingers still gliding over the strings.

“Someone has accused you of colluding with Liangshan,” Cai You sneered, “Do I need to say more?”

Li Shishi gently stroked the strings, “If one wishes to condemn, why worry about finding a reason?”

“Whether it’s a fabricated charge, you know in your heart,” Cai You waved his hand, “Tong Guan has been defeated and captured, and the capital is in imminent danger. All of this is connected to you, isn’t it?”

“Young Master Cai jokes,” Li Shishi said calmly, “How can a mere woman like myself influence matters of state?”

“Stop playing coy!” Cai You shouted, “Guards! Take her away!”

Just then, a thunderous roar of killing erupted from outside the city. A pillar of fire shot into the sky, originating from the direction of Xincao Gate. Immediately after, alarm bells rang, and the entire capital was in an uproar.

“It seems…” Li Shishi smiled slightly, “It’s time.”

Inside Xincao Gate, Yan Qing stood beneath the opened city gate, watching the Liangshan soldiers pouring into the city. The firelight illuminated her resolute face, her blue robe fluttering in the night wind.

“Proceed according to plan,” she commanded in a deep voice, “Brother Lin Chong, lead the Dragon Soaring Camp directly to the Imperial City. Qin Ming, control all gates. Bamei, accompany me to Fan Lou! Remember, no harm to the common people. Those who disobey will be executed!”

“Understood!”

Liangshan’s elite forces surged into the city like a tide. These strictly trained soldiers were disciplined and quickly secured all the key routes. The defending forces, caught off guard, retreated steadily.

Yan Qing led the charge, heading straight for Fan Lou. Her blue robe billowed in the night wind, and where her long sword pointed, no one could stop her. Yang Bamei led the Flying Phoenix Camp closely behind, her red attire and silver spear exceptionally striking in the night.

Outside Fan Lou, Cai You was about to escort Li Shishi away when he saw a troop of female soldiers arrive like a whirlwind. The leading female general’s silver spear danced, it was Yang Bamei.

“Protect the young master!” the imperial guards scrambled to engage.

But the female soldiers of the Flying Phoenix Camp were all valiant, quickly scattering the imperial guards. These women, having undergone rigorous training and harboring deep hatred for the court, struck ruthlessly and without mercy.

Seeing the situation turn for the worse, Cai You drew his saber and held it against Li Shishi’s throat, “Don’t come any closer! Or I’ll kill her!”

Just then, a blue shadow flashed like a phantom. Yan Qing’s Flowing Cloud Steps were unleashed, and she instantly appeared before Cai You. With a flash of her sword, Cai You’s saber fell to the ground.

“You…” Cai You stared in disbelief.

Yan Qing’s sword tip was already at Cai You’s throat, “Let her go.”

Cai You’s hand went limp, and he collapsed to the ground.

Yan Qing helped Li Shishi up. Their eyes met, a thousand words passing between them without being spoken. At this moment, they were no longer the leader of Liangshan and a famous courtesan, but confidantes who had fought side-by-side.

“You’ve come,” Li Shishi said softly, tears glistening in her eyes.

“I’ve come,” Yan Qing held her hand, “From now on, no one will be able to imprison you.”

A thunderous roar of killing came from the direction of the Imperial City, and flames illuminated half the sky. Liangshan’s banners were now flying on the palace walls. This ancient capital of a thousand years was welcoming a new master.

Yan Qing looked towards the distant imperial palace and said softly, “It’s time.”

Li Shishi nodded in understanding, “Yes, it’s time.”

The two women smiled at each other and walked hand-in-hand towards the Imperial City. Behind them were the blood-soaked Liangshan warriors; before them, a new era.

The reign of the Great Song was changing hands.

—

(End of Chapter 34)