The two armies faced each other. Ye Xingli, looking at the young man in a moon-white robe standing on the city wall, felt a touch of speechlessness. He was already on the battlefield, yet so particular about his attire. He quickly asked the person beside him, "Who is this person?"
"If this subordinate's eyes do not deceive him, this is General Liu, the nephew of the Provincial Governor." The person beside him was a spy who had been lurking in Xuzhou for a long time. He had received orders from the Grand Commander and only then retreated from the city, specifically to guide them.
Ye Xingli nodded. His initial contempt for the man vanished when he witnessed his agile movements during his spar with his own general. Indeed, one cannot judge a person by their appearance, nor can one measure the sea with a ladle.
Those who disregarded worldly customs indeed possessed extraordinary skills. If he were not a member of the Liu family, Ye Xingli would genuinely want to recruit him to his command. However, he knew that given the Liu family's relationship with the Emperor, betrayal was impossible, and he felt a pang of regret.
Little did he know that General Liu was equally astonished. In daily training and spars with his peers, he was considered invincible within the entire army. Yet, after his first exchange with this man from Binzhou, he realized the opponent's skill was profound. He even regretted not wearing his armor, having been too careless.
The two fought for thirty rounds. As General Hu was about to be defeated, Li Dahu immediately entered the fray. Yes, this time he had left his master and come to the battlefield to strive for personal glory.
General Hu's spear had just been parried by the opponent, and before he could counter, another spear thrust came his way. He believed he was doomed, yet he was defeated by this young brat.
In a flash, Li Dahu hurled his saber, forcing the opponent back two steps. General Hu seized this opportunity, mounted his horse, and quickly retreated.
Their weapons clashed. General Liu grumbled inwardly, no wonder they had so easily conquered Yizhou. This formidable general's prowess was undoubtedly superior to his own. He wondered where that barren place, Binzhou, had found so many skilled fighters.
They fought for ten rounds. Li Dahu seized an opening and with a thrust of his spear, dislodged the opponent from his horse, killing him on the spot.
Of course, as General Liu was nearing defeat, his subordinates quickly charged forward, attempting to rescue him. A few generals from Ye Xingli's side also engaged them in combat.
Not only did they fail to rescue General Liu, but they also lost their own lives there.
Outside the city gates, the imperial troops, leaderless, frantically pounded on the city gates, trying to gain entry. The generals on the ramparts dared not let them in, and could only watch as they surrendered.
"My nephew, my nephew..." When the Provincial Governor of Xuzhou received the news, he could scarcely believe it. His nephew was the most outstanding of their generation, and the family had placed immense hope in him. To think that the person who had appeared before him alive just yesterday was now reduced to remains outside the city, with no one daring to collect them.
That very night, a thunderous roar was heard again, and the county town was breached.
With its defenses shattered, Xuzhou was in a state of continuous retreat. The Provincial Governor of Xuzhou incessantly sent pleas for aid to surrounding prefectures, but none came to his assistance. Everyone remained hidden, watching silently.
It was evident that the forces from Binzhou were advancing with great momentum, and offering support would undoubtedly incur losses. For them, the era of chaos had already begun, and the most crucial task was to preserve their strength. Although Binzhou's influence had expanded to their vicinity, they did not believe the Emperor would stand idly by. He would undoubtedly find ways to suppress them, and they merely needed to watch the conflict unfold.
"What did you say? The Provincial Governor of Xuzhou has committed suicide?" The Emperor looked at the eunuch beside him in disbelief.
"Yes, Your Majesty. Word is that the forces from Binzhou broke through Xuzhou a few days ago. Now, Xuzhou and Yizhou are all their territory. With these three prefectures, they can advance and defend, and can already contend with the imperial court." The Grand Eunuch looked at the Emperor with deep concern. He and the Emperor were in the same boat; if the Emperor did not fare well, neither would he. If there was anyone in the palace with disloyal intentions, who would betray him, the Grand Eunuch would surely not.
The Emperor's upright spine suddenly curved. He instantly appeared ten years older, tears streaming from the corners of his eyes. "Am I such a failed Emperor? I have tried my best; I have barely slept in recent times, yet why is the foundation laid by my ancestors about to crumble in my hands? How can I face my ancestors?"
"Your Majesty is a good Emperor. It is their incompetence that they cannot share Your Majesty's burdens." The Grand Eunuch choked out, speaking to the Emperor. He had watched the Emperor grow up and, in his heart, the Emperor was his child. Others might not care, but he did.
Complaints aside, the Emperor wiped his tears and summoned his ministers to discuss countermeasures. After much deliberation, he was dissatisfied with all the proposed strategies.
Seeing that the forces from Binzhou could not be suppressed, everyone actually suggested seeking peace. Some proposed enfeoffing the Grand Commander as a prince, while others went further, suggesting a partition of territory and allowing him to claim kingship, which would essentially carve up the empire's land.
The ministers, seeing the Emperor's constant frown, knew they were also uncomfortable. The current situation was grim. Not only were there the forces from Binzhou, but also the princes led by Prince Qin were restless. It was clear the forces from Binzhou were not to be trifled with, and they no longer had the energy to deal with them. If they concentrated their forces to attack Binzhou, other princes would inevitably expand their territories. They could only stabilize the situation for now and look for an opportunity to annihilate them later.
However, these were precisely the strategies the Emperor could not accept. Lying in bed at night, he tossed and turned, unable to sleep. After a night of reflection, he finally agreed to their proposals.
The choice of envoy for peace negotiations was also crucial. After much deliberation, they settled on the eldest son of the Marquis of Anding's residence.
He departed from the capital amidst the anxious concern of his family. The journey was somber. It was clear to everyone that Binzhou's prospects were excellent, and he wondered if he would be beheaded upon arrival for peace talks.
"Be polite when you meet the eldest son of the Marquis of Anding's residence," Ye Xingli instructed his subordinate upon receiving the news.
"Does the Grand Commander truly intend to accept the so-called princely title?" Although they knew the Grand Commander was highly intelligent, some generals could not help but voice their doubts. In their eyes, Binzhou's prospects were exceedingly bright. If the Grand Commander continued on this path, he would undoubtedly ascend the throne. Why would he act foolishly?
"How could that be? The reason I asked everyone to be polite to him is simply because we have some past connections. Furthermore, I do not wish to accept the imperial court's enfeoffment as a prince. Instead, I intend to establish a temporary parity with him. We have just conquered Xuzhou and Yizhou and require time for governance. Besides, several princes are restless, and I wish to play the role of the mantis stalking the cicada, with the oriole behind." Ye Xingli knew their concerns and quickly explained.