Chapter 1324 - 1000: Clash
Seeking aid!
Upon hearing the words from Ashina Zhuxie’s lips, Wang Shaoqiu’s face immediately darkened.
In fact, before he came, he had already thought of the wording he would use, yet these were merely diplomatic utterances between the two sides. He understood well that for those truly skilled in warfare and knowledgeable in military affairs, merely hearing about the current situation in Luoyang would reveal everything.
Yu Wenye had only led thirty thousand troops, yet they had swiftly broken through several passes south of Luoyang. Although Liang Shide was still sending reinforcements to attack Cijian, aiming to capture Yu Wencheng to take revenge, and simultaneously gain a chip to threaten the opponent, Yu Wencheng, despite lacking other skills, was adept at defense; even being attacked heavily, he hadn’t been captured. Of course, this was also thanks to Emperor Yang’s previous efforts in Cijian, which allowed him to take advantage of the locality.
Therefore, the current situation in Luoyang is that they cannot attack successfully, yet defending is fraught with countless difficulties.
This is why Liang Shide sent him to seek aid from the Western Turks.
𝘧𝘳𝘦ℯ𝓌𝘦𝒷𝘯𝑜𝑣𝘦𝓁.𝒸𝘰𝓂
But Wang Shaoqiu did not intend to exert too much effort in this affair; first, his allegiance to Luoyang was merely a temporary measure, and he was not genuinely willing to remain under others for long; second, he could see that Liang Shide did not fully trust him — after all, betrayal could happen once and could happen infinitely often. Thus, Wang Shaoqiu had not been heavily utilized in Luoyang until Yu Wenye attacked and captured several surrounding passes, which made Liang Shide somewhat panicked, sending him north to contact the Western Turks, hoping they would send troops to assist.
Weighing all considerations, Wang Shaoqiu treated this task of being sent to the Turkic Khan’s camp as an opportunity to meet the Turkic Khan. If he could eliminate Yu Wenye, it would be naturally excellent. However, if he could plan for his own path forward, it would be even better, as he had no interest in wholeheartedly making wedding gowns for others.
Yet the sharp gaze and meticulous mind of the Zhuxie Khan were somewhat beyond his expectations.
Wang Shaoqiu was momentarily stunned, then immediately laughed: "The Khan is indeed wise."
Ashina Zhuxie replied indifferently: "Whether this Khan is wise or not is not crucial; what matters is, this Khan does not particularly enjoy making wedding gowns for others."
Wang Shaoqiu’s eyes glimmered: "So, does the Khan not wish to kill him?"
Ashina Zhuxie said: "Killing him, what benefit does that bring me?"
"..."
"A matter without benefits, why should this Khan do it?"
"..."
Upon hearing these words, Wang Shaoqiu closely scrutinized this Western Turkic Khan, eventually taking a deep breath and said: "The Khan is indeed wise!"
The same words repeated in a short timeframe, this now was not merely flattery, but truly heartfelt.
However, after his expression of such sentiment, he immediately said: "But, the Khan marching south, is it merely to attack Xiazhou? Is Xiazhou, small as it is in the eyes of the Khan, truly a ’benefit’?"
Upon hearing this, Ashina Zhuxie’s gaze turned sharp.
A mere Xiazhou indeed does not necessitate his personal action, yet his leading of the main troops south this time clearly signifies ulterior motives.
Firstly, though the Turks possess vast grasslands, the resources are not abundant. Crucial supplies either need to be traded with Central Plains people or looted. From the loss of Taiyuan to his ascension as Khan, he has focused inwardly, almost stopping external military actions to stabilize internally, coupled with war in the Central Plains halting many border trades. Now, with stability regained, actions are required.
Secondly — Wang Shaoqiu’s words were not entirely off his mind.
Though Yu Wenye has not formally clashed with him yet, he feels this person will pose a future threat to the Turks, and quite possibly the greatest. If he can eliminate him, it would certainly be advantageous for the Turks.
And should he truly wait until Yu Wenye stabilizes the Central Plains and has time to spare, he might not be able to gain much benefit in confrontation.
For a moment, two people with their own motives gazed into each other’s deep eyes full of scheming, and it seemed sparks flew in the air, while the commanders standing by the tents frowned deeply, uncertain of their intentions.
At this moment, sudden hurried footsteps were heard outside the tent.
A soldier entered, saluted Ashina Zhuxie, and said: "Khan, a scout’s urgent report."
Ashina Zhuxie immediately withdrew his sharp gaze, and his demeanor reverted to calm and composed, as if the flash of scheming in his eyes moments before was merely others’ misconception. Raising his hand, the soldier promptly handed the letter to him.
Wang Shaoqiu also lowered his head.
Originally assuming it was some news from the Turks here, more precisely, military news from Xiazhou, since Ashina Zhuxie’s obvious purpose for coming was this, Wang Shaoqiu didn’t bother to focus on this matter. However, Ashina Zhuxie’s expression changed oddly once he had quickly read through the urgent report.
There seemed an excitement, yet a tad of confusion.
After pondering, a hint of a smile appeared at the corner of his lips as he glanced at Wang Shaoqiu: "Are you aware of what this urgent report says?"
"...?"
Wang Shaoqiu furrowed his brow and looked up at him.
What connection could there be between this urgent report from the Turks and him; why would Ashina Zhuxie ask him first?
The surrounding commanders all felt something amiss, thinking perhaps this new Khan had lost his head. Goli stepped forward: "Khan——"
Yet Ashina Zhuxie gently raised his hand, signaling him to remain silent, then looked at Wang Shaoqiu with a faint yet deliberate smile: "It seems this Khan won’t be able to meet your lord’s request to aid Luoyang."
Explicitly stating this, Wang Shaoqiu felt a chill in his heart.
Yet curiously intrigued by this sudden urgent report, he respectfully raised his hand: "May I ask, what does this urgent report received by the Khan say?"
Ashina Zhuxie said: "My people are surrounding Xiazhou, surely Liang Shide is aware of this."
"Yes."
"Does he know, Princess Qiancheng has already dispatched people to send multiple letters to Chang An seeking help and requesting Yu Wenquan’s military aid?"
Wang Shaoqiu’s eyes turned cold: "Did Yu Wenquan already dispatch forces to support Xiazhou?"
"Indeed,"
Ashina Zhuxie said: "Just days ago, I received reports from scouts that Chang An dispatched a force to support Xiazhou."
Wang Shaoqiu’s eyes flashed as he said, "I suppose this urgent report has clarified the specific military strength of that force and who is leading, right?"
"Indeed."
"Can you share, who is leading the troops?"
"This person is an old acquaintance of yours," Ashina Zhuxie said: "The Princess Qin of the Dasheng Dynasty."