Chapter 116: The Heroes of the Northern Frontier (Bonus Chapter 2 for 'I Want to Live for a Few Decades')

The battle in the early winter of the third year of the Daqian reign could only be described as bizarre.

It began when Northern Liao forces slaughtered several villages in Great Tang. When the news reached Chang’an, the Emperor was furious, convinced that the Northern Liao Emperor, Helian Feng, was simply trying to spite him before the year’s end.

Duke Xu, Zhang Chumao, was promptly dispatched with an army of fifty thousand to exact retribution. Decades ago, such a force could have toppled an entire kingdom, but now, it was merely a punitive expedition. Upon reaching Tao County, the army halted and hunkered down, refusing to budge until the Northern Liao forces gathered in strength, only then emerging from the city.

Everyone had been anticipating a great battle—the first major clash between the two nations in years. Even after the vanguard suffered a crushing defeat, many still hoped Zhang Chumao would engage the Northern Liao to test the current mettle of both empires.

But Zhang Chumao retreated.

He led his army back into Tao County. The Northern Liao besieged the city for a day and then withdrew. The entire campaign ended with a whimper—after deploying fifty thousand men and squandering untold wealth, grain, and labor, all they had to show for it was a tepid, so-called "great victory."

Zhang Chumao stayed in Tao County, waiting for the report of his "victory" to reach Chang’an, hoping the Emperor would recall him in time. He had no choice; the officials and generals in Tao County were incredibly rude, treating him with nothing but cold indifference.

"Prefect, the Washe tribe had eight hundred cavalrymen."

Inside the office of the Regional Commander, Wu Lin, the judicial officer, held a report sent from Chen Prefecture, his face flushed with anger. "Chen Prefecture actually falsified the military report!"

Before Huang Chunhui could speak, Jiang Cunzhong slammed his palm onto the desk. "It’s a morale-boosting tactic, you fool!"

Even the refined Jiang had resorted to profanity. He then looked at Huang Chunhui and said, "Prefect, I heard that the 'Dare-to-Die' battalion is composed entirely of convicts and only has four hundred men. To defeat twice their number is proof that this Yang Xuan has genuine talent. Prefect, why not summon him to Tao County? At least let him buy us a drink!"

"Greetings, Deputy Commissioner Liao."

Sounds of greeting erupted from outside as Liao Jin, the Deputy Commissioner of the Northern Frontiers, arrived. Nearly fifty years old, Liao Jin was tall and possessed a gentle, amiable smile.

"Greetings, Deputy Commissioner Liao." Everyone stood to pay their respects.

Liao Jin nodded with a smile and returned the salute. "Greetings, Prefect."

"I was worried you’d run into the Northern Liao army while inspecting the northern borders, and I’d have to shoulder the duties of both Commissioner and Deputy myself. That would be exhausting," Huang Chunhui joked.

Liao Jin sat down. "I heard about the battle on my way back. By the way, is that Duke still not leaving?"

Someone replied, "He says he is waiting for a summons from Chang’an."

Liao Jin sighed. "The vanguard’s defeat is expected, but is there any good news?"

Jiang Cunzhong said, "Deputy Commissioner, a magistrate in Chen Prefecture led a 'Dare-to-Die' battalion of convicts to defeat eight hundred cavalry of the Washe tribe."

"Oh?" Liao Jin said with a smile. "How old is this magistrate?"

From outside the door, Zhang Du said, "Deputy Commissioner, they say he is only fifteen. He volunteered to go to Chen Prefecture."

"Oh!" Liao Jin laughed. "It seems he is a talented youth. By the way, Zhang Du, why are you outside?"

Zhang Du lowered his head. "I spoke out of turn last time, and the Prefect threw me out. He said I couldn't come back in until you returned."

Ordinarily, a deputy general would have no business loitering here, but Liao Jin held Zhang Du in high regard, so an exception was made.

"Come in."

Zhang Du entered and said with a grin, "Deputy Commissioner, please persuade the Prefect. We all want to see what this youth is like, but the Prefect insists it’s too cold and that it would be a bother."

Liao Jin chuckled. "You’re the most restless of them all. Come now, Prefect, why not see him?"

Huang Chunhui sighed. "I didn't want him to come because Zhang Chumao is in the city. He claims a 'great victory' despite his defeat. If this young magistrate who actually achieved a real victory arrives, how could Zhang save face? Whoever brings him here will have to protect him!"

"Understood!" Jiang Cunzhong and Zhang Du replied in unison, then both burst into laughter.

...

When Yang Xuan received the order, he was training the Dare-to-Die battalion. After the battle, he had selected a new batch of convicts from the city to fill the ranks back to five hundred.

"This battle exposed many problems. Firstly, we lack cavalry and mobility, but we captured plenty of horses this time, so we can compensate," Yang Xuan lectured. "Secondly..."

The sound of hooves approached.

"Magistrate, a messenger from the Northern Frontiers has arrived."

The messenger brought news that left Yang Xuan slightly bewildered.

"You are ordered to report to Tao County immediately."

"Magistrate, the Regional Commander is in Tao County!" Zhao Youcai was trembling with excitement, much like a villager hearing they would finally get to visit the capital.

Yang Xuan accepted the order, instructed Nan He to continue the drills, and returned to the county office to pack.

"Old Thief is recovering, Old Cao is watching the fort, Nan He is in command of the troops, and Er will come to Tao County with me."

Yang Xuan realized his staff was still too thin.

Yi Niang, while helping Zhang Siniang pack his things, grumbled, "Couldn't Huang Chunhui have picked a better time? Spring would be much better; you could enjoy the journey." She suddenly turned around. "Young Master, let Siniang go with you to serve you along the way."

Yang Xuan gave a bitter smile. "I’m going to see the Regional Commander. Bringing a maid would be a laughingstock."

Yi Niang realized he was right.

...

When Yang Xuan arrived at Tao County, the first heavy snow of the season began to fall. Standing at the front, he watched as the world turned white and couldn't help but exclaim, "This is the true power of nature."

Tao County was a vast expanse of white. The guards at the gate were huddled together, stamping their feet in the gatehouse.

"In this weather, nobody will be coming. We should just close the gates, go back, get a small clay stove, warm some wine, and take a nap... Ah! I wouldn't trade these days for anything, not even for a god's life!"

"I hear horse hooves."

"Alert!"

As they stepped out, they saw a group of twenty riders slowly approaching.

"Where are you from?"

"Taiping, Chen Prefecture."

Yang Xuan dismounted. "I am Yang Xuan, Magistrate of Taiping County. I am here by order."

"You are Magistrate Yang?"

The eyes of the guards lit up.

*Huh?* Yang Xuan was stunned, wondering why they were so startled. "Yes, I am!"

A guard said excitedly, "Magistrate Yang, you have no idea! When we heard you led two hundred men of the Dare-to-Die battalion to crush three thousand Washe iron cavalry, many people said you were a 'tiger-mouthed snake-waisted' hero..."

*What the hell is a tiger-mouthed snake-waisted hero?*

"Hahahaha!" In his earpiece, Zhuque laughed so hard its green light stopped blinking.

Someone immediately led them to the Regional Commander's mansion. It had a long history, and the guards at the door looked formidable.

"Magistrate Yang?"

A minor official came to greet him with a look of admiration. "I have heard of your bravery in that battle, Magistrate. I am truly in awe!"

Yang Xuan just gave a non-committal laugh.

...

Outside the main hall, the official went in to announce him.

"Regional Commander, Magistrate Yang Xuan of Taiping County, Chen Prefecture, requests an audience."

"Oh!" Huang Chunhui nodded. "Let him in."

When Yang Xuan entered, everyone stared at him.

"Greetings, Regional Commander," Yang Xuan saluted.

Huang Chunhui gestured to the generals and officials below. "You were all thinking of this youth. Now that he is here, ask him whatever you wish."

Someone introduced them to Yang Xuan. "This is Deputy Commissioner Liao." "This is..." "This is the General of the Left Guard."

After the introductions, they were all famous figures of the Northern Frontiers.

Liao Jin stroked his beard and asked, "Taiping is a place of exile. Why did you volunteer to go there?"

*Can I say I had no other choice?*

Yang Xuan spoke with a solemn expression, "Serving the Great Tang knows no distinction of place. The harsher the conditions, the more it needs to be defended."

*A hot-blooded, naive youth,* Liao Jin thought, nodding. "Those convicts are the most cunning. How did you train them?"

*Ugh!* This was a tricky question.

Yang Xuan carefully weighed his words. "After arriving in Taiping, I discovered that those convicts still harbored a desire to serve the country, so I inspired them and drilled them daily..."

It was a flawless answer, but entirely devoid of any substance.

*I take back the 'naive' label,* Liao Jin thought. "Finally, where did you learn your military strategy?"

Everyone was interested in this question.

Yang Xuan answered without hesitation, "I was a student at the Imperial Academy. I found many military texts in the academy’s library and studied them myself."

*Cough, cough, cough!*

An awkward silence filled the hall, punctuated only by dry coughs.

Everyone present was a professional soldier who had studied under masters and honed their skills through years of bloodshed. Yet here was Yang Xuan, claiming to be self-taught.

*How embarrassing!*

Huang Chunhui said, "The boy is quite capable. Now, tell us about the situation on the Chen Prefecture front. Speak truthfully; do not embellish or omit anything."

The Regional Commander’s office naturally had ways of knowing the facts; otherwise, it would be dereliction of duty. But Huang Chunhui was testing him.

Yang Xuan thought for a moment. "Regional Commander, the main problem facing the Chen Prefecture front is the three major tribes: the Jibo, Yuhu, and Washe. If these three tribes join forces, Chen Prefecture will be difficult to hold."

Huang Chunhui squinted, as if nodding off.

"Beyond the three tribes lies Northern Liao. In recent years, they have often crossed the border to harass Chen Prefecture, though the scale has been small. The only real concern is those three tribes..."

Jiang Cunzhong nodded and asked, "What if Northern Liao launches a full-scale invasion of Chen Prefecture?"

"I believe the possibility of Northern Liao launching a full-scale invasion of Chen Prefecture is low."

"Why?"

"Chen Prefecture is a land of poverty and treacherous terrain. If Northern Liao were to commit their full strength to an attack there, the main force of our Northern Frontiers could immediately strike their flank. That would put the Northern Liao army in great danger."

A glimmer of appreciation appeared in Jiang Cunzhong's eyes.

Zhang Du could no longer restrain himself. "But what if Northern Liao incites the three tribes to attack? They could take Chen Prefecture without lifting a finger, while their main force attacks Xuan Prefecture."

Yang Xuan had no answer for that.

Zhang Du said sheepishly, "I forgot, you are only a magistrate of Taiping."

His straightforwardness earned him a bit of favor in Yang Xuan's eyes.

Liao Jin glanced at Huang Chunhui and said, "What do you suggest we do to defend against the three tribes? Don't even think about sending a large army; the Ministry of Revenue would roar like thunder."

Jiang Cunzhong gave a bitter smile. "We in the Northern Frontiers control three prefectures, none of which are wealthy. The tax revenue we collect each year can only support a limited number of troops."

This was the biggest problem in the Northern Frontiers, yet the court in the capital had no interest in managing it.

Yang Xuan felt the scope was too large, but he had to take a stand.

He pondered for a moment. "To defend against the three tribes, we can only rely on ourselves. In my view, the quality of troops is more important than quantity."

*Hmm!* Huang Chunhui opened his eyes. "That is well said."

Of course it was well said—it was a mantra of military strategists from his previous life, a truth proven by countless battles.

Zhang Du shifted in his seat, restless, while Jiang Cunzhong’s eyes shone. "To be self-taught and achieve this level is not simple. You are truly a military genius."

He looked at Huang Chunhui. "Regional Commander, the Northern Frontiers need talent like this!"

Liao Jin remarked softly, "Chen Prefecture needs talent like this, too."

In his ear, the long-silent Zhuque suddenly chimed in, "The Western Depot also needs talent like you."

Huang Chunhui raised his head, stretched his neck, and said, "The Chen Prefecture front is perilous, but it is also poor and cannot afford a large army. Yang Xuan."

Yang Xuan stood up.

Huang Chunhui smiled. "You’ve had a hard journey. Sit down and speak."

Liao Jin joked, "I remember the last person who came in had to stand for half an hour. You’re showing favoritism, Regional Commander!"

The others laughed. Yang Xuan joined in.

Once the laughter died down, Huang Chunhui said slowly, "Liu Qing in Chen Prefecture is a stubborn man; he’s always bickering with me. He wants this, he wants that—he’s better at begging for resources than anyone."

Yang Xuan thought of Liu Qing’s personality and couldn't help but grin.

"See?" Huang Chunhui saw him smile and laughed along. "But he has it tough in Chen Prefecture. These past few years, he’s been struggling just to hold things together. The three tribes have developed ambitions, and Chen Prefecture cannot continue like this."

Yang Xuan knew the Regional Commander, rumored to be senile, was about to propose a plan.

Huang Chunhui cleared his throat, his cloudy eyes scanning the room.

"Chen Prefecture has six counties. Taiping, having been breached seven times, has suffered the most. Five years ago, when Taiping fell, the rest of Chen Prefecture was helpless. Since then, I’ve been thinking... what if I sent a fierce general to guard Taiping? I thought those convicts wouldn't dare act up. And now... the fierce general is right before my eyes."

*I’m a scholar-general!* Yang Xuan bowed slightly. "You flatter me, Regional Commander."

"You haven't even reached adulthood, yet you’ve made those convicts submissive... Don't deny it. I’ve been in the army for years. I know how difficult those proud, fierce soldiers are. No tricks work on them; only tangible merit and victory can win them over."

In that moment, Huang Chunhui showed a glimpse of his former strength.

"If I give you the quota for one thousand troops, can you hold Taiping?"

Yang Xuan hadn't expected this. He thought for a moment. "Regional Commander, if a small enemy force attacks, one thousand men can hold Taiping without issue, and we could even counterattack. But if one of the three tribes attacks with their full force, one thousand men can hold the city, but they lack the strength to push back."

Liao Jin suddenly laughed. "Not satisfied with just holding the city? You want to counterattack? Truly the hot-bloodedness of youth!"

Huang Chunhui shook his head. "I cannot give you too many..."

Yang Xuan lowered his head slightly. "Regional Commander, our people in the Northern Frontiers are fierce and often get into trouble. Those convicts... Taiping is willing to take them off your hands."

"Convicts?" Liao Jin was surprised and laughed. "Are you addicted to collecting convicts? Regional Commander, what do you think?"

Huang Chunhui said flatly, "If you can't control them, they will riot, and Taiping County will be reduced to ruins."

Those convicts were capable of anything—murder and arson were just the start. If they were allowed to run wild, it would be a headache for anyone.

Yang Xuan felt a secret joy. "I can control them."

...

Huang Chunhui thought the idea wasn't bad; it saved the trouble of housing the convicts. "How many do you want?"

"Five thousand!" Yang Xuan held up five fingers. He looked troubled, as if this population would bring him immense hardship.

"Bullshit!" Huang Chunhui coughed. "I'll give you three thousand. Get out!"

Those three thousand men couldn't all be convicts, so this was a significant relocation project. Even Liao Jin looked at Huang Chunhui in surprise, taken aback by his generosity.

Yang Xuan stood up with a grin and bowed. "If there are any more convicts in the future, Taiping is willing to share the burden."

Huang Chunhui picked up his teacup. "The year is ending, and I must report to Chang’an. You will go along with the provincial staff."

Yang Xuan was surprised. "What for?"

Huang Chunhui rubbed his temples. "The military designation for the Taiping army isn't easy to get. Since you are a student of the Imperial Academy, use your connections there."

The Imperial Academy was part of the Left Chancellor's faction, and Yang Xuan was naturally one of them. This would save him a lot of trouble.

Yang Xuan was then led out by Jiang Cunzhong and Zhang Du.

"Let’s go, time for a drink!"

The three found a brothel, ordered food and wine, and began drinking heavily. Yang Xuan felt a bit dizzy.

Jiang Cunzhong was also tipsy, wrapping an arm around Yang Xuan’s shoulders and letting out a wine-heavy burp that made Yang Xuan feel like retching.

"Want to come to Xuan Prefecture?"

Yang Xuan shook his head. "No."

If he went to Xuan Prefecture, he’d be someone else’s pawn. He wasn't that stupid.

"What does Taiping have?" Zhang Du found the boy interesting and like-minded, wishing they could cut a chicken and burn yellow paper to become sworn brothers right then and there.

"It has... *hic!*" Yang Xuan burped and waved away the smell of wine. "It has a group of brothers."

That was where his dreams were.

"Bring more food!"

Jiang Cunzhong was drunk and slammed the table. "The best food, the best wine, the best women."

The food and wine flowed in. Yang Xuan even saw ingredients rarely found in Chang’an.

*Holy crap!*

He looked at the two men and whispered, "This must cost a fortune, right?"

Zhang Du said nonchalantly, "General Jiang has money."

Jiang Cunzhong paused. "I’m so broke this month..."

Both looked at Yang Xuan.

Yang Xuan gave a bitter smile. "I didn't bring much money with me."

He was here on official business; why would he bring so much money?

The three looked at each other.

"What do we do?"

"Oh my! The three generals have arrived!"

The madam herself came in with her girls. They stood in a row!

"Please, choose whoever you like. If not, you can keep them all," the madam said with a beaming smile, as if looking at three little gold nuggets.

"Cough!"

Jiang Cunzhong whispered, "Let's just play along. If nothing else, we can write an IOU... Zhang and I will pay it off eventually."

*How blunt!*

Yang Xuan raised an eyebrow. "Count me in."

He had his noodle business, but he knew the value of keeping one's wealth hidden; otherwise, these two honest brothers might grow suspicious.

"Good!"

And so, the three began to drink and make merry.

"Master, drink up!"

"Young Master, let me feed you!"

A group of people arrived outside, their footsteps heavy.

"Get out!" someone shouted coldly, followed by a scream.

Zhang Du cursed, "Who the hell dares to cause trouble in Tao County? I'll kill him!"

The chaos outside suddenly fell silent.

Then, a man walked in.

"Duke Xu?"

The three stood up and saluted. Zhang Chumao stared at the three of them coldly.

The Chief Clerk walked in and whispered, "General Jiang of the Left Guard and Deputy General Zhang Du are both favorites of Huang Chunhui. That youth is likely the newly arrived Yang Xuan. The so-called 'great victory' is his."

Zhang Chumao walked in slowly. "Not training troops, not reading books, but indulging in pleasure here."

*As if you came to a brothel for official business,* Zhang Du thought, curling his lip.

"Get out!" the Chief Clerk shouted.

This was a classic case of a fox borrowing a tiger’s prestige. Zhang Chumao waited for the three to resist so he could scold them, suppress them, and then use the momentum to challenge Huang Chunhui, hopefully forcing him to squash the "rumors" outside.

"Yes!" The three bowed and slipped out.

They ran fast, as if chased by ghosts.

After a long while, the madam came in.

"Oh! They didn't pay!"

Duke Xu, who had taken over the room, looked at the fawning madam... and suddenly felt deeply depressed.

"Pay her!"