172: Emperor of Southern Tang: You can kill my son Changan! (23

Chapter 171: King of Tang: You Can Execute My Son Chang'an! (23)

Luzhou, Southern Tang Deep Palace.

The Emperor Hong, who had grown as round as a ball, was listening to a eunuch analyze the situation.

"Your Majesty, the Li Yang Dynasty is powerful, and it might attack us in two years."

"Western Chu is also not weak; it still has over a hundred thousand elite soldiers, so we cannot offend them either."

The Emperor's eyes darted around, and he immediately felt confused.

"Your Majesty, I listened to you yesterday and have already agreed to this marriage alliance. What should I do now?"

The eunuch showed a cunning expression, "Treat the Western Chu envoy group well."

"Agree to the marriage alliance for now, but do not promise any troops. We cannot offend the Li Yang Dynasty at this time."

The Emperor thought about it and still felt it was inappropriate, "But the marriage alliance..."

A hint of coldness flashed across the eunuch's Face, "Your Majesty, Chang'an was born of a palace maid and is also the youngest son."

"Using him to marry the Western Chu Emperor's beloved daughter does not show how much we value it."

"If the Li Yang Dynasty blames us in the future, just hand over the young prince, and Your Majesty can still sit securely on the high platform."

Upon hearing these words, the Emperor was suddenly enlightened; after all, he was just a palace maid's son, no need to feel bad!

That night, a grand palace feast was held.

The King of Tang personally received the Western Chu envoy group, and the high Specification of the Western Chu envoy group was astounding.

The chief envoy of the group was Grand Tutor Sun Xiji, who, along with the Military Saint Ye Baikui, was known as the 'Twin Jades of Western Chu' and was a renowned minister of the world.

Li Chang'an, for the first time, was arranged at the banquet, and in a relatively prominent position.

Sitting next to him was a delicate and pretty little girl, dressed in a yellow silk skirt.

Although the little girl's eyes were lively, she was clearly a bit reserved.

Jiang Si was indeed nervous; to have a husband chosen at such a young age, she didn't understand anything yet.

The Southern Tang court was corrupt and incompetent; anyone with a bit of ability was ostracized, and most of the ministers in the hall were sycophants.

Sun Xiji saw this and secretly shook his head.

But in the current world, the only one who could help Western Chu was Southern Tang.

"Your Majesty, the Li Yang Dynasty's military might is flourishing, having already conquered five nations."

"My Western Chu still has a hundred thousand elite troops, and your esteemed nation has a hundred thousand elite soldiers and a hundred thousand naval forces."

"Our nation proposes a joint defense strategy against the enemy; what are Your Majesty's thoughts?"

The Emperor's smile was innocent and amiable, but he did not utter a single concrete word.

"Grand Tutor Sun, Southern Tang is a small country with exhausted troops; these soldiers are barely enough to guard our borders."

"However, Grand Tutor Sun, rest assured, since our two families are allied by marriage, if Western Chu Faces difficulties, I will not stand idly by..."

This was a clear excuse; if they couldn't even manage a joint defense, by the time Western Chu was on the verge of collapse, it would be too late for rescue.

With Li Chang'an's current cultivation, he naturally heard these words clearly.

Although Li Chang'an had Transmigrated into a fetus, his appearance was actually the same as in his previous two lives.

The System had hinted that this was due to the strengthening of the Soul during the Reincarnation process.

As Reincarnation progressed, it might even be possible for the Soul and Physical Body to merge, allowing for direct Transmigration of the Physical Body.

Although Li Chang'an was only nine years old, he already possessed a Face that made palace maids blush and their hearts pound with just a glance.

He found it incredibly boring to listen; such a court was filled with decadent voices, offering little of value.

Feeling bored, Li Chang'an began to eat the Rake orange in front of him.

This fruit, which he had never tasted in his previous life, was one of his favorites.

Two of the three Rake orange were quickly eaten, leaving only one.

He turned to look at Jiang Si's table, where there were still three unpeeled Rake orange.

"Jiang Si, give me one of your Rake orange."

Jiang Si appeared to be sitting upright, but in reality, she had secretly glanced at Li Chang'an several times.

She had to admit, this older brother was very handsome.

But upon hearing Li Chang'an ask for her things, she subconsciously said, "No!"

Li Chang'an pouted. This stingy girl would indeed be greedy for money in the future.

Li Chang'an smiled slightly at her, and little Jiang Si couldn't help but be stunned.

He picked up his remaining Rake orange and placed it on Jiang Si's table.

Jiang Si's eyes immediately lit up, and the corners of her mouth could barely be contained.

Li Chang'an said, "Look, now with these four Rake orange, don't we both have a share?"

Six-year-old Jiang Ni nodded, thinking this person was quite nice.

Even though the items belonged to both of them, placing them together filled the young girl's heart with a sense of satisfaction.

Li Chang'an coaxed, "Things for two people should, of course, be divided equally."

Before Jiang Si could react, Li Chang'an immediately said, "But, I will also give you half a banana."

Jiang Si had just felt something was off, but was instantly attracted by half a banana. She was getting a good deal again!

"Okay!"

Jiang Si had fallen for it, but she showed a triumphant smile.

"So, you get two Rake orange, I get two Rake orange, and Brother Chang'an gives you half a banana. Aren't you making a profit?"

While speaking, Li Chang'an broke off half a banana and handed it to Jiang Si.

Jiang Si proudly took the banana, put it in her mouth, and sweetly smiled, "Thank you, Brother Chang'an."

Li Chang'an took the two Rake orange and quickly ate them.

This little one, Jiang Si, only cared about getting a good deal, not realizing she had secretly suffered a loss.

Just as he finished the Rake orange, Li Chang'an heard the Emperor drunkenly calling him.

"Chang'an, in the next few days, accompany Princess Taiping and show her around Luzhou, fulfilling your duties as a host!"

Li Chang'an looked up and saw the Emperor pointing at a eunuch and giving orders.

Li Chang'an had many sons in his previous life, but he recognized each one clearly.

This muddle-headed Emperor, no wonder his country fell.

Over the next few days, Li Chang'an took Jiang Si to explore Luzhou City.

In reality, Li Chang'an was scouting for talent. He had Cao Zhengchun record the talents he found, secretly developing the Brocade-Clad Guards.

But during these days, Jiang Si developed a considerable reliance on Li Chang'an.

This was inevitable; any casual wisdom or story Li Chang'an told was enough to make Jiang Si ponder for a long time.

Li Chang'an knew that this little fangirl was a Innate Sword Embryo, a Genius of the Dao of the Sword.

This Princess of a fallen nation would later be cunningly kept by Xu Xiao in his manor to serve Xu Fengnian as a maid.

Considering she was his little fangirl, he might have a chance to rescue her in the future.

After all, an Innate Sword Embryo was a potential Land Sword Immortal, and should not benefit Xu Fengnian.

In the end, apart from successfully arranging the marriage alliance, the Western Chu envoy group only received empty promises from the King of Tang.

A year later, the Western Chu capital, Shenhuang City, was breached. The Western Chu Emperor, Empress, and hundreds in the palace committed suicide for their country.

Afterward, Xu Xiao was enfeoffed as the King of Northern Liang.

The following year, the new Grand General Gu Jiantang led his army south and met the Southern Tang Grand General Gu Dazu.

Both Gu's, one from the north and one from the south, were renowned generals of their time.

Unfortunately, the outcome of war is determined not by generals, but by the court and national strength.

When the Li Yang Dynasty army marched south, Gu Dazu proposed not to hold out in a corner.

There were no less than fourteen routes for the enemy to come, and they were constrained on all sides.

He believed that to defend Southern Tang, they must fight outside Southern Tang territory.

Unfortunately, Emperor Hong did not heed his advice, keeping 300,000 elite soldiers confined to Jiujiang and Luzhou.

During this period, the Southern Tang naval general Du Jiankang faked his death, and the Li Yang Dynasty navy, believing it to be true, advanced carelessly.

Grand General Gu Dazu personally led the Southern Tang navy in a great battle against the Li Yang Dynasty navy on Poyang Lake.

He first feigned a retreat to reinforce Jiujiang, luring the enemy deep, then personally led three thousand elite guards to block the narrow waterway at the lake's mouth.

This strategy succeeded, cutting the Li Yang Dynasty navy in half. Du Jiankang suddenly reappeared, leading the Southern Tang naval reinforcements to fight fiercely against the Li Yang Dynasty navy.

Gu Dazu's two sons filled small boats with oil jars, set them on fire, and perished with the enemy's giant ships, intercepting and annihilating the unstoppable Li Yang Dynasty navy on Poyang Lake.

This great fire, visible across the entire Southern Tang, burned for three days and three nights.

In this battle, Gu Dazu's sons all died, and his two daughters-in-law, from Jianghu families, committed suicide together in Poyang Lake.

Gu Dazu's entire family was loyal martyrs; he, with white hair, sent off his entire family with black hair.

After this battle, the renowned general Du Jiankang continued to command the navy.

Gu Dazu, disheartened, disappeared into the Jianghu.

At this time, the Brocade-Clad Guards already numbered several thousand, many of whom were full of passion.

But Li Chang'an knew that his martial arts were not yet perfected, the Li Yang Dynasty's Luck was flourishing, and Southern Tang was weak and incompetent. It would be better to smash it and start anew.

While preserving their strength, the Brocade-Clad Guards' elites assassinated several cruel Li Yang Dynasty generals.

The great defeat at Poyang Lake, coupled with the assassinations and sabotage by the Brocade-Clad Guards, caused Gu Jiantang to slow his advance.

Li Chang'an knew that the old Southern Tang could not be saved.

However, the way Southern Tang fell was truly too humiliating.

Due to the inspiration from Gu Dazu's loyal and martyred family and the secret assassinations by the Brocade-Clad Guards, a wave of resistance was ignited throughout Southern Tang.

The Li Yang Dynasty Emperor Zhao Li adopted the strategist Yuan Benxi's plan and directly issued an imperial decree to the King of Tang.

"If Southern Tang submits, its ruler can be enfeoffed as King of Tang, continuing to guard the Southern Tang territory."

When Cao Zhengchun brought this news, Li Chang'an knew that the tide had turned.

In the original work, Zhao Li's promise to Emperor Hong was merely a Duke of Southern Nation, which led to Southern Tang's surrender.

Now, a princely title was directly offered, and that shameless King of Tang would surely open the city gates and surrender immediately.

Du Jiankang led the remaining Southern Tang navy ashore and rushed to reinforce Luzhou.

Du Jiankang entered Luzhou and drank the welcome wine from His Majesty the Emperor.

He had expected that after this wine, it would be time to fight to the death for his country.

But he never expected the wine to be poisoned, and a renowned general met his demise.

Emperor Hong wore sackcloth, opened the city gates, presented a casket to beg for forgiveness, and knelt to welcome the Li Yang Dynasty army. Southern Tang was destroyed.

Li Yang Dynasty Prince Zhao Yi and Grand General Gu Jiantang were outside Luzhou City, preparing to accept Southern Tang's surrender.

Suddenly, a great storm raged, and dust obscured the sky.

The Li Yang Dynasty generals were filled with fear, but only the Celestial Phenomenon Realm Grand General Gu Jiantang remained as steady as a mountain.

"Gu Dazu!"

"Southern Tang is gone, are you not satisfied?"

"Look! This is the Emperor Hong you served!"

The storm paused, and a large saber rested on Emperor Hong's neck.

Gu Dazu saw that the box in the Emperor's hand contained Du Jiankang's head.

His heart was twisted with pain, and tears streamed down his Face!

Gu Jiantang knew Gu Dazu was a loyal minister, so he deliberately provoked him.

"Cut him down, cut him down! This dog Emperor's death is not to be regretted!"

Gu Dazu suddenly laughed uproariously, letting out a heart-wrenching accusation!

The might of the Celestial Phenomenon Realm was heard throughout Luzhou City.

"From this day forward, all under heaven shall be ashamed to bear the surname Hong!"

After cursing, he vomited three liters of blood and departed desolately.

Zhao Yi said to Gu Jiantang, "Grand General, why not order the army to surround him?"

Gu Jiantang smiled triumphantly, "Gu Dazu was loyal to Southern Tang, but Southern Tang was such a thing."

"Just now, he has fallen to the Zhi Xuan Realm; his heart is dead, he is but a Living Corpse."

Li Yang Dynasty, Tai'an City.

Southern Tang fell, the world was unified, returning to the Li Yang Dynasty.

The Li Yang Dynasty celebrated throughout the land, holding grand celebratory ceremonies.

The King of Northern Liang Xu Xiao, Grand General Gu Jiantang, the two great meritorious officials, and all the princes Zhao Chun, Zhao Yi, and Zhao Heng all attended.

Even the recently surrendered King of Tang, the former Emperor of Southern Tang, secured a seat at the very end.

Emperor Zhao Li hosted a grand banquet for his officials. Halfway through the wine, he suddenly saw the King of Tang sitting in a corner.

"King of Tang, why do I only see Du Jiankang's head, but not Gu Dazu's?"

Du Jiankang and Gu Dazu had cost the Li Yang Dynasty a hundred thousand naval troops.

This made Zhao Li lose Face in front of Xu Xiao, and Zhao Li was very displeased.

Emperor Hong prostrated himself on the ground and loudly replied, "This subject's heart to submit to the Heavenly Dynasty has been long-standing!"

"Gu Dazu has already gone into seclusion; after this subject returns to his country, I will surely apprehend him!"

Zhao Li smiled and said, "Long-standing intention to submit?"

"How is it that I hear you once formed a marriage alliance with Western Chu, vowing to resist my Heavenly Army together?"

Hearing Zhao Li's words, Emperor Hong was drenched in sweat, trembling like a sieve.

"Your Majesty, at that time, Western Chu sent Sun Xiji to coerce me; this subject had no choice but to deal with them."

At this time, Sun Xiji, who was still heavily favored by Zhao Li after the fall of Western Chu, was present.

Zhao Li smiled and said, "Sun Xiji, listen! Listen!"

"Southern Tang was deceiving you then, hahaha!"

As a surrendered minister, how could Sun Xiji dare to say anything more?

"Your Majesty's heavenly might is vast. At that time, the King of Tang's words were so convincing that this old subject truly believed him."

Sun Xiji's words made Emperor Hong even more nervous.

He suddenly shouted, "My loyalty to Your Majesty can be attested by heaven and earth!"

"If Your Majesty does not believe me, after I return to my country, I can execute my son Chang'an to prove my sincerity!"

Hearing Emperor Hong's words, even a butcher like Xu Xiao of the Li Yang Dynasty was stunned.

"Hmph! This grandson, even a tiger doesn't eat its cubs!"

Zhao Li even showed a contemptuous smile, "Such heartlessness in a human!"

"King of Tang, you don't need to return to your country. Just stay in Tai'an City."

"Let my son Zhao Yi go and guard the former Southern Tang territory."

Emperor Hong's heart tightened, but then he thought, how could a fallen monarch reside in his old lands?

He had surrendered voluntarily, even offering the head of a great general, and was willing to offer his son's head. What more could Zhao Li be uneasy about?

That night, Emperor Hong passed away peacefully in his princely manor in Tai'an City.

The next day, Zhao Li summoned his old companion Yuan Benxi.

Yuan Benxi, along with Li Yishan, Huang Longshi, and Nalan Youci, was known as one of the Four Great Strategists of the Spring and Autumn Period.

"Benxi, if Emperor Hong lives, there will always be people in Southern Tang who yearn for restoration."

"So, it's better that he died."

"However, I once announced to the world that the ruler of Southern Tang could become a king upon surrender."

"The world is newly settled, and what our dynasty needs is the allegiance of the people. What do you think should be done?"

Yuan Benxi's eyes darted around. What did he mean, wanting both?

"Your Majesty, among the King of Tang's descendants, keep the most useless one to inherit the princely title, and kill all the others!"

Zhao Li mused, "How about we keep Hong Chang'an, the son the King of Tang wanted to kill, and then tell him that his father wanted to kill him."

"We also need to find a way to make the Southern Tang remnants abandon their thoughts of restoration."

Yuan Benxi said, "There are two feasible strategies."

"Firstly, change Hong Chang'an's surname to Li, symbolizing leaving his homeland and being disloyal!"

"Secondly, the new King of Tang, Li Chang'an, cannot remain in the former Southern Tang territory; he must go to Yong Province."

Zhao Li's eyes lit up upon hearing these two ideas.

"Yong Province, near Northern Liang... Excellent!"

PS: Map of Sword Snow Stride.