LFHYB -Chapter 147 Who’s Raiding with Cattle and Sheep

The “capital” of the steppe nomadic tribes like the Turks was called a Yazhang by the Central Plains people. Though called a capital, a Turkic Yazhang could be moved at any time, which was a headache for the Central Plains dynasties attacking nomads.

Typically, the Yazhang followed the Khagan. When the Tang defeated the Eastern Turks, Khagan Xieli moved the Yazhang near Yinshan, only to be wiped out by Li Jing.

When the Turks had no intention of attacking the Central Plains, the Yazhang was generally in their ancestral land, downstream of the Orkhon River, south of the Hangai Mountains.

The Hangai Mountains were the ancient Yanran Mountains, where the “Yanran Inscription” was discovered.

Although the Xiongnu and Turks were different, nomads treated the Yanran Mountains as sacred and often set their capitals there.

Although Shibi Khagan had gone south to attack the Sui, his intention was only to intimidate, not to fight a full-scale war. Hence, he didn’t move the Yazhang from the Yanran foothills.

Li Shimin’s destination was Shibi Khagan’s Yazhang.

There is debate among later historians about the location of Wolf Mountain (Fenglang Juxu), but the site of the Yanran Inscription is clearly identified. Li Shimin was truly aiming for the Yanran Inscription.

He had even planned what he would write.

“A-Xuan said to set up a large stone tablet with ‘Li Shimin, Li Xuanba was here’ engraved on it,” Li Shimin joked with Pei Xingyan and the others during the march. “Do you want to leave one too?”

Although Pei Xingyan was a general, he was well-read. Hearing this, he groaned and held his forehead: “Can you make a full essay engraved instead?”

Li Shimin said: “We’ll grab the Yazhang and run. If we take too long, Shibi Khagan will return with his army. When would I have time to carve an essay?”

Zong Luohu said: “Just ‘was here’ is fine, right? Master, can I carve my name?”

Li Shimin laughed generously: “Everyone carve it. Ye Hu, you carve yours too.”

Ye Hu thought, “…Me, a Uighur, at Yanran Inscription? Kinda exciting.”

He sighed: “Isn’t it too early to talk about this? Li Erlang, is three thousand really enough? Even if Shibi Khagan brought hundreds of thousands of cavalry, at least thirty to forty thousand elite soldiers remain in the Yazhang.”

Li Shimin looked disdainful: “Elite soldiers? Who are they to be called elite? Qin Shubao, you come charge with me first—I’ll see which elite can stop the two of us.”

Qin Qiong: “…I’ll go first; Master, you should command from the rear.”

Zong Luohu sighed: “Master, Qin Shubao and I will charge first.”

Pei Xingyan joked: “Li Er, Li Er, are you protecting us so we don’t outshine you?”

Xue Ju wanted to say something to join the conversation, but he didn’t know Li Shimin well enough to speak freely and felt anxious.

This time, Xue Ju followed Li Shimin on the campaign and brought along his son, Xue Ming, to broaden the boy’s horizons.

Xue Ming fancied himself a “match for ten thousand men,” but under Li Shimin’s command were Zong Luohou, Qin Qiong, Pei Xingyan—all considered “match for ten thousand men,” and Li Shimin himself was the same.

Upon hearing that Xue Ming also claimed to be a “match for ten thousand men,” Li Shimin grinned, thinking it would be fun to have his generals spar with Xue Ming. However, Xue Ming’s father, Xue Ju, seized the boy and gave him a proper beating, yelling, “Your father is the only one worthy of that title! You brat dare snatch your father’s fame?!”

From that day on, Xue Ming no longer dared to call himself a “match for ten thousand men.” In their family, there was only one—his father.

After beating Xue Ming, Xue Ju then sparred with Li Shimin’s elite generals. Fighting back and forth with several of these “match-for-ten-thousand-men” warriors, he was recognized as one himself.

Only then did Xue Ming understand why he had been beaten: his father was concerned that he would bring shame to the family, so he humiliated him in advance.

Xue Ming was naturally greedy and cruel, but with such mighty figures around him, he had no choice but to restrain himself and behave as a competent junior officer.

Now, as the troops volunteered to take the field, Xue Ming whispered, “You are all great generals. Going first would be too disrespectful to the Turks. Let me, a small soldier, test their skill first.”

Li Shimin immediately agreed: “Yes, yes, you are all older and senior generals. Xue Rengao and I are young, just junior officers. Let Rengao and me go first!”

Xue Ming excitedly said, “I, your humble servant, am willing to… hey! Father, why are you hitting me with the horsewhip?”

Xue Ju scolded: “Ungrateful boy! You’re the one being whipped. If anyone goes in the vanguard, it’s me—you stay behind.”

Xue Ming: “……”

Pei Xingyan laughed loudly: “It’s always tricky being father and son in the same army. The son can never compete with the father for glory. Good thing my father is still in the Sui army.”

Li Shimin asked seriously, “If in the future you and your father face each other on opposite sides of a battlefield, what will you do?”

Pei Xingyan also answered solemnly: “As a senior general, I’ll send the junior officer Li Erlang to the vanguard… and capture my father alive!”

After this exchange, Li Shimin and Pei Xingyan burst into laughter on horseback, wobbling side to side.

Qin Qiong twitched at the corner of his mouth.

Ye Hu whispered to Zong Luohou beside him: “Are we supposed to be raiding the Turkic army camp, or going on a picnic?”

Zong Luohou replied: “For the commander, it’s probably about the same.”

Ye Hu: “……I think the difference is still quite large.” He regretted coming personally. He wasn’t cut out to be a fierce general—he was just an ordinary veteran. While he trusted Li Erlang’s skills, he doubted he could escape danger himself.

Seeing Ye Hu’s worry and hidden fear, Xue Ju finally found an opening to join the conversation.

He asked Ye Hu, “I am not very familiar with the Turks. General Ye, could you tell me a bit about their customs?”

Ye Hu initially wanted to protest that his surname wasn’t Ye, but then remembered that he had legally changed his Han name to Ye Hu—so perhaps he really should answer as Ye. He nodded: “Alright.”

He began explaining the current Turkic nobility to Xue Ju, who mentally noted their names and numbers, already calculating potential war merits.

The Turkic nobles were fairly numerous; the other generals, Pei and company, should be able to leave a head or two for him, right?

Xue Ming listened quietly, calculating as well. On the battlefield, it would be based on skill—surely his father wouldn’t hit him with a whip or steal his glory there?

While Li Shimin and his men were boasting, Changsun Wuji and Zhou Da led 40,000 troops through the Hexi Corridor, following Li Shimin’s route northward.

Changsun Wuji said to Zhou Da: “Although I am the commander this campaign and you are the deputy, I’ve never led more than ten thousand men alone. We are relying entirely on your guidance.”

Zhou Da smiled wryly: “General Changsun, you jest. I’ve only ever been a deputy myself, never the main general. Besides, we are following the hoofprints of the young lord; there probably won’t be any major battles—just mopping up along the way.”

Li Shimin led the elite troops light and fast. Ten days later, Fang Qiao and others gathered 40,000 infantry to catch up with his route, responsible for cleaning up and providing support.

Changsun Wuji shook his head: “He only brought 3,000 men. He can’t fight every tribe along the way. We need to cause as much chaos on the steppe as possible, to make Shibi Khan think a Sui army is attacking and force a retreat. That means many small battles along the way… hmm? What’s that ahead?”

Changsun Wuji pulled up his horse and saw Turks kneeling everywhere before them.

Thanks to his father’s strict teaching, Changsun Wuji knew many barbarian languages—he had learned seven or eight Turkic dialects alone.

He listened carefully, his expression strange, and spoke in Turkic: “We won’t take anything from you. Just guide us.”

The Turks, weeping, stumbled forward to lead the way.

Although Zhou Da could understand some Turkic, the men were crying too much for him to catch the words: “General Changsun, what did they say?”

Changsun Wuji sighed: “They say they were just robbed by the Sui not long ago. They have no cattle or sheep to offer us.”

Zhou Da: “That was the young lord.”

Changsun Wuji nodded: “They just happened to run into Li Erlang—truly unlucky.”

After a few dozen miles, they met another Turkic tribe, crying and willing to surrender to them.

Zhou Da: “That was the young lord.”

Changsun Wuji thought for a moment: “It’s midsummer; the grass is plentiful. If the lord didn’t take all their cattle, we can have them drive their own livestock with us. That way we save provisions and have them escort our supplies. When we reach the camp, we can even use them to disrupt the enemy formation. General Zhou, what do you think?”

Zhou Da: “All according to General Changsun.”

After another hundred miles, a Turkic tribe, seeing them, prostrated themselves, crying that they were robbed by the Western Turkic tyrant and wanted to join the Sui army for revenge.

Although Shibi Khan had already broken with the Sui, the small tribal leaders still assumed the Turks were Sui subjects. Seeing the Sui army, they were as thrilled as if they’d seen Shibi Khan himself.

Zhou Da: “Surely the young lord did this.”

Changsun Wuji wiped the sweat from his brow: “We can’t take this tribe along. If they knew it was the Sui who robbed them, they’d switch sides in battle. Just deal with them lightly and move on quickly.”

Zhou Dadao said, “I don’t think this is good. They actually want revenge. We must strike them to the root. This time, General Changsun, please follow my plan.”

Changsun Wuji recalled his father’s teachings and said, “Ah… very well.” A general cannot be kind—kill them!

After wiping out the tribe and seizing a batch of cattle, sheep, and horses for military supplies and pack animals, Changsun Wuji turned to Zhou Dadao and said, “Our lord isn’t really going to just rob along the way, is he? Such a forced march?!”

Zhou Dadao replied, “As vice general, I follow whatever the young master says. I never think for myself, so don’t ask me.”

Changsun Wuji: “…”

He understood now. That bastard Li Er (Li Shimin) paired him with Zhou Dadao precisely to force him to think for himself and become independent.

Li Shimin led his elite troops in the front, plundering as they marched, while Changsun Wuji and Zhou Dadao swept up the rear. Gradually, their force grew from 40,000 to 60,000—practically 100,000.

Over 20,000 of these had no weapons, yet they had cattle and sheep to eat. Driven like nomads by their own leaders, their morale was not only stable but even cheerful.

This was because the livestock belonged to tribal nobles, while the herders themselves could only graze the animals, not eat them. Even receiving a single bone from the nobles could bring them half a day of joy. Normally, they would fill their stomachs with milk mixed with fodder and animal dung.

Now, the Sui army had no intention of keeping these animals, nor would they abuse the people for fun. So these old and weak tribesmen were living even better than usual.

Changsun Wuji was surprised: “Your troops really aren’t mistreating them?”

Zhou Da was even more surprised: “Why would I mistreat them?!”

Changsun Wuji asked, “Bandits and soldiers are often the same. I’ve seen the Sui troops in the Central Plains—they all have bad tempers. The elite troops I commanded before were one thing, but these conscripts pulled from various Yingyang Garrisons—how are they so disciplined?”

Zhou Da replied, “You should ask the Third Young Master. After he took command of the counties in He’you, he first improved the troops’ conditions and emphasized discipline. If they gain more by being good than by being cruel, they won’t act like fools. They are simply following the Third Young Master’s old rules now.”

Changsun Wuji said, “Seems like Li San (Li Shimin) is also good at training troops. When I see him, I’ll have to discuss training methods with him properly.”

He glanced at the obedient Turks, a trace of cunning and malice flashing in his eyes: “We could drive more Turks to the army camp. When we leave, we’ll leave them behind. I wonder if they’ll bankrupt the army?”

Zhou Dadao said, “The Turkic khan will kill them.”

Changsun Wuji said, “Then leave them some broken swords.”

Zhou Dadao nodded, secretly admiring him. No wonder he was General Changsun Sheng’s son—just as cunning… just as formidable as the stories said.

Li Shimin and Changsun Wuji marched in tandem toward Mount Yanran. The Battle of Yanmen had already begun, and Yang Guang was trapped in the lonely city of Yanmen.

Relying on the intimidation of the Turks, the few conscientious ministers finally forced Yang Guang to make decisions.

First, postpone any plans to invade Goguryeo, so that the soldiers and civilians can feel secure. Only when the populace is calm can each county recruit troops for aid.

Second, Yang Guang must personally go to the army to boost morale, rewarding rescuers with wealth and titles.

Third, send Princess Yicheng of the Sui royal family to marry into Eastern Turkic society, first to Khagan Qimin and then to Khagan Shibi. In Turkic custom, the Khagan’s advisors can participate in state affairs; they can request assistance from Princess Yicheng to persuade Shibi Khagan to withdraw.

Three days after the messenger Yang Guang sent broke through from Yanmen County, Luo Shixin and Li Zhiyun first sneaked out and then returned to request an audience with Yang Guang.

While waiting, Li Zhiyun whispered to Luo Shixin, “I don’t think the Turks are that formidable. With tens of thousands of troops in the city, they could easily break the siege and return to the Central Plains.”

Luo Shixin rolled his eyes: “You want that cowardly emperor to break out himself? He’d be so scared he couldn’t even stay on his horse. Haven’t you heard that the people in Yanmen all know he spends every day crying?”

Yang Guang had evacuated the civilians of Yanmen County into the city and implemented a scorched-earth policy. With soldiers and civilians mixed together, arrows could reach Yang Guang, and the people could see his completely unguarded sobbing.

Li Zhiyun commented, “Useless! Even when my third brother was sick… ugh, I shouldn’t even compare him to this useless man!”

Luo Shixin grew concerned: “Careful, your mouth might get you executed by the emperor. Are you sure it’s safe for the Third Young Master to have you meet the emperor?”

Li Zhiyun snorted coldly: “Don’t underestimate me. While my second and third brothers are away, I know how to win favor!”

Yang Guang summoned Li Zhiyun and Luo Shixin. Luo Shixin nervously followed.

“I, Li Wulang of the Tang Duke’s household, Li Zhiyun, pay respects to Your Majesty!” Li Zhiyun knelt and raised his head, eyes red. “I delayed in rescuing Your Majesty. Please forgive me!”

Luo Shixin: “…” startled.

Yang Guang anxiously asked, “Li Wulang? Could it be… Li Erlang has come?!”

Li Zhiyun cried: “My second brother is far away in Zhangye, probably unaware of Yanmen County’s situation. After the Eastern Turks attacked He’dong County, my third brother and I were stranded in the mountains. My third brother was gravely ill and unable to rise, trapped deep within enemy territory with no way to send news. His health is now improving, and having barely escaped the bandits, he heard Your Majesty was under attack while returning north to Taiyuan, so he brought a few hundred newly recruited villagers to Yanmen County to assist.”

Yang Guang was stunned: “Li Sanlang… Dade isn’t dead?”

Li Zhiyun wiped his tears: “Although my third brother was so sick he could barely walk, he has now passed the critical stage.”

Pei Shiju took advantage of Yang Guang’s distraction: “The Third Young Master is such a good child. Even while sick, knowing Your Majesty was under attack, he brought a few hundred men to assist.”

Yang Guang’s heart warmed: “Yes, Dade cares for me. I know.”

Yuwen Shu asked, “Did Dade let you enter the city? Is there any urgent matter you need to relay?”

Li Zhiyun wiped his eyes hard, sniffling: “Yes, yes. My third brother was observing the Turks with his personal guards. Although they are numerous and powerful, their formation is chaotic. Aid troops are now rushing to Yanmen County. As long as reinforcements exceed 10,000, my third brother is confident he can use a feigned formation to scare off the Turks.”

He wiped his tears again, as if making an effort to recall, and continued: “Third Brother asked me to enter the city to see Your Majesty, to put Your Majesty at ease. Reinforcements will arrive in a few days. Within ten days, he will definitely be able to rescue Your Majesty. Please rest well.”

Yang Guang couldn’t believe it: “Only ten thousand troops?”

Yuwen Shu, after all, was a general capable of commanding armies. He thought for a moment and said, “The Turks know that the Sui will send a large army to rescue Your Majesty, but they don’t know when it will arrive. The wise strategy is to take advantage of the Turks’ disordered formations and use ten thousand Sui soldiers to create the illusion of a hundred thousand, making the Turks believe the full Sui army has arrived, and frighten them into retreat.”

He thought a bit more and added: “Even if the Turks are not completely scared off, he should still be able to create confusion among them and ensure Your Majesty’s safe departure.”

Pei Yun frowned: “If the main Turk army hasn’t fully withdrawn, Your Majesty might still face danger leaving Yanmen City. Even a ten percent risk is still a risk.”

Yuwen Shu glanced at Pei Yun, who knew nothing about military affairs, and arrogantly said: “By using the army to isolate the Turks outside, even half of the risk won’t exist. When Dade was just ten years old, he was able to capture the Tugu Hunnu Khan alive. You, Doctor Pei, can trust his military skill. Your Majesty, I am willing to vouch for Dade.”

Pei Shiju cupped his hands and said: “Your Majesty, I also vouch for Li Sanlang.”

Yang Guang waved his hand to interrupt: “Vouch for what? He’s coming to rescue me—is this some kind of deed that needs a guarantee? He only wants me to wait in peace. What need is there to vouch? Grant Li Wulang a seat.”

Li Wulang bowed and replied: “Third Brother would never let Your Majesty take risks. Your Majesty and all the ministers may rest assured. He wouldn’t dare open the city gates without first forcing the Turks to retreat.”

Yu Shiji spoke before Pei Yun could: “Then we are at ease. Li Sanlang is a reliable young man, and I trust the skills of him and Li Erlang. Your Majesty, please grant Li Sanlang an imperial edict to command the rescue forces, so that no one underestimates him and delays the rescue.”

Yuwen Shu said: “I second that!”

Pei Shiju said: “I also second it.”

Su Wei thought for a long moment before speaking: “Can your Third Brother’s health support this?”

Pei Shiju’s eyes also showed a trace of worry: “Since Sanlang is rescuing Your Majesty, whether his body can endure or not, he will accomplish this mission.”

Su Wei sighed: “Ah, yes. Your Majesty, quickly grant Li Sanlang the military orders so he can act. The supplies in the city are almost depleted.”

Pei Yun: “…I second that.” He finally understood that whenever it involved Li Erlang or Li Sanlang, all he had to do was say “yes, yes, yes” and nod. He decided from now on to raise Li Erlang and Li Sanlang to the same level as the other ministers around him.

This time, Yang Guang was also accompanied by his brother-in-law, Xiao Yu.

Xiao Yu had often heard Empress Xiao mention Li Erlang and Li Sanlang, and he especially favored Li Sanlang, who frequently delivered gifts to the palace.

Although Xiao Yu was upright, disliked sycophants, had very low emotional intelligence, and got along poorly with his colleagues, Li Erlang and Li Sanlang were young and, as the nephews of the Emperor and Empress, giving gifts to elders was filial piety, not flattery. Thus, Xiao Yu’s impression of Li Xuanba was not bad.

He also spoke a word of praise for Li Xuanba: “Your Majesty, the city has many soldiers and the defense is sufficient, but they dare not break out recklessly. Your Majesty may assign two thousand troops to accompany Li Zhiyun outside the city, allowing Li Xuanba to act in advance.”

Li Zhiyun and Luo Shixin shot Xiao Yu a subtle glance.

Who is this person?! How dare he call my Third Brother / Third Master by name! Even the Emperor hasn’t been this impolite!

Yang Guang said: “Very well, as per the ministers’ suggestion. Dispatch two thousand troops with Li Wulang to break through.”

Li Zhiyun and Luo Shixin’s anger at the arrogant courtier eased slightly. Considering the two thousand troops, they forgave him.

With Yang Guang providing two thousand troops, Li Zhiyun and Luo Shixin easily broke through and left.

The envoys seeking aid had already made several sorties, and the Turks, after symbolic resistance, allowed Li Zhiyun and Luo Shixin to depart.

Once outside the city, Li Zhiyun switched his demeanor, muttering disdainfully: “If Your Majesty…”

Luo Shixin coughed loudly: “Cough! Cough! Cough!”

He gestured with his eyes to the troops behind them—they belonged to the Emperor!

Li Zhiyun said: “If the city commanders fought to the death, a breakout might have been possible.”

Luo Shixin was exasperated. No matter who is rude with words, you must add your own commentary? Is this the rebellious phase Third Son mentioned?

After Li Zhiyun and Luo Shixin completed the task assigned by Li Xuanba, Li Shimin finally located the Turk camp.

Although it was midsummer with lush vegetation, Li Shimin and his group, driving cattle and sheep, were spotted by the Turk soldiers from afar.

Li Shimin had already ordered everyone to dismount, hide their weapons and armor under sheepskins, and then swagger toward the Turks who were scouting.

Li Shimin said to Ye Hu: “It’s your turn.”

Ye Hu took a deep breath, put on a flattering expression, and loudly spoke in Turkic to the soldiers: “I am the chief of the Tiele Yueshi tribe! I come to pledge allegiance to the Great Khan!”

Pei Xingyan whispered into Li Shimin’s ear: “Which tribe is the Tiele Yueshi?”

Li Shimin murmured: “He’s making it up. There are so many tribes on the steppe; the Turks don’t know all their names.”

Ye Hu took out a handful of gold and gave it to the leading Turk noble: “Please speak favorably to the Khan on my behalf.”

Greed flashed in the Turk noble’s eyes as he pocketed the gold: “Don’t approach the camp. Station here.”

Ye Hu bowed repeatedly: “I understand, I understand.”

The Turk noble left with his guards. Ye Hu wiped the sweat from his forehead and relaxed.

Ye Hu asked Li Shimin: “Will this really work? Will they really let us camp near their main camp?”

Li Shimin said: “Who brings this many cattle and sheep when sneaking into a camp? Considering these tens of thousands of cattle and sheep, they shouldn’t suspect us.”

Ye Hu: “…I also wanted to ask, who sneaks into a camp with tens of thousands of cattle and sheep?!”