Eastern Jin Dynasty: My powerful father

Chapter 418: Battle in Hedong (VI) 4000
What is an open conspiracy? It means that the opponent knows that this is a trap set by you, but has to jump into it and has no choice at all.

Huan Xi's attempt to alienate Murong Jun and Murong Chui was an open conspiracy.

Everyone, including the Murong brothers and Fu Jian, knew that he was the one behind the scenes, but the State of Yan still changed its generals because of this incident.

It was not that Huan Xi's strategy was so brilliant, but the rift between Murong Jun and Murong Chui was too big. There was no trust in their brotherly relationship at all, and Huan Xi only added fuel to the fire.

Although the result was different from Huan Xi's expectations, he hoped that Murong Jun would be able to kill Murong Chui, or that Murong Chui would decisively escape in panic.

Unexpectedly, Murong Chui would take the initiative to go to Dongyuan County to apologize because he trusted Murong Ke.

Of course, the end result was the same, and the effect was the same. Changing generals before the battle had an irreversible negative impact on this Yan army detachment in Wenxi County.

Yes, Yue Wan once had outstanding military achievements and could be considered a good general, but he had been away from the army for so many years and had been focusing on domestic affairs, so he still had some skills left.

For example, Yu Jin, one of the five best generals of Cao Wei, left the front line in his early years and engaged in farming in the rear. He got used to farming, and his courage and sensitivity were worn away.

A general should know geography. No matter what, he should ask the locals about the water and soil environment. However, Yu Jin did not notice the changes in the water level and was captured alive by Guan Yu. Even with Pang De as an example, he did not dare to die and ultimately lost his integrity in his later years.

Huan Xi did not regard Yue Wan as the second Yu Jin, but no matter what, Yue Wan, who had been away from the front line for many years, was easier to deal with than Murong Chui, who was known as the number one war god of the Sixteen Kingdoms.

Jie County where the Liang army was located was only 150 miles away from Wenxi County. Shi Yue's messenger set out in the evening, and Huan Xi received the news early the next morning. He immediately set up a tent in the camp to gather his generals, and the sound of drums was deafening.

Soon, all the generals gathered, but Li Yuan had already left.

Huan Xi glanced at the crowd and saw that they still had doubts on their faces. He smiled and said:

"Everyone, the plan to sow discord has worked. Shi Yue sent an envoy to report that Murong Chui has left Wenxi County, leaving Yue Wan to lead the troops."

For a moment, there was an uproar in the commander's tent, and everyone was talking among themselves. They knew that this was the opportunity that Huan Xi had been waiting for.

Xie Xuan asked excitedly:
"Lord Liang! May I ask when our army will march north?"

The general's tent fell silent in an instant, and everyone looked at Huan Xi, waiting for his answer.

Huan Xi slowly uttered two words:
"immediately!"

Since Dongyuan County and Wenxi County do not border each other, and Anyi County located between the two is occupied by the Liang army, Murong Chui could not risk passing through Anyi for safety reasons and was destined to take a long detour.

He needed to go north from Wenxi, leave Hedong through the Chenguan Pass, and then go west from Henei County to reach Dongyuan County.

Although he took a long detour, Murong Chui rode at full speed all the way and only took him three days to complete the journey. He even met the messenger sent by Murong Jun to recall him on the way.

The person who was undoubtedly the happiest about Murong Chui's return was Murong Ke.

Even though he swore in front of Murong Jun that Murong Chui could not possibly have any rebellious intentions, he hoped that Murong Jun would not wrongly accuse Murong Chui.

But Murong Ke had no idea whether Murong Chui would flee in panic once he heard the nursery rhyme.

Fortunately, although Murong Chui did not trust Murong Jun, he trusted Murong Ke, and he also trusted the weight of Murong Ke in Murong Jun's heart.

So he's back.

Outside the Yan army camp, Murong Ke looked at the dusty Murong Chui and said with a heartfelt smile:
"A Liudun, I'm glad to see you again."

If Murong Chui really chose to escape, I am afraid that this last farewell would be the final farewell between the brothers.

Murong Chui had been running all the way and was exhausted, but he still smiled back:

"Agan, you said that with you here, no one would spread slander against me in front of His Majesty."

A warm current surged through Murong Ke's heart. He took Murong Chui's hand and said:

"Now is not the time to reminisce about the past. His Majesty is still waiting in the camp. Come with me to see him."

Murong Chui nodded heavily and entered the camp with Murong Ke.

The imperial tent was already full of people. Murong Ke led Murong Chui in. Without waiting for the two to greet each other, Murong Jun stood up and accused them first:
"A Liudun! I handed over 30,000 soldiers to you. How dare you come to see me on your own initiative?"

Murong Jun never mentioned that he had actually sent people to recall Murong Chui.

Murong Chui did not refute the fact that he met Murong Jun's envoy on the way. After all, he did not receive Murong Jun's order when he left.

Murong Ke had already told him when he entered the camp that no matter what Murong Jun said, he had to accept it all and he would be the one to plead for mercy.

"I deserve to die, Your Majesty, please forgive me!"

Murong bowed his head, his attitude was very respectful.

Murong Jun felt indescribably proud when he saw this.

Murong Ke did not just stand there and watch, he defended Murong Chui and said:
"Your Majesty! Huan Xi used a nursery rhyme to alienate the ruler and his subjects and slandered the King of Wu. The King of Wu was upset, so he came here to prove his innocence. His behavior may not have been appropriate, but his loyalty is irrefutable.

"Besides, Guangxin County Duke (Yue Wan) is a veteran general in the army. Your Majesty appointed him as deputy general to deal with emergencies like this. Since the King of Wu has made arrangements before leaving, please forgive him."

With Murong Ke taking the lead in expressing his attitude, the generals and officers in the imperial tent also pleaded for Murong Chui.

Murong Jun pointed at these people who were begging for mercy and said to Murong Chui:

"Huan Xi's little trick made you panic. Is it because I can't distinguish between loyalty and treachery? Or are you worried that these people will slander you?"

After scolding Murong Chui harshly, Murong Jun felt refreshed. It was impossible for him to really kill Murong Chui for this reason.

First of all, let’s not talk about whether Murong Chui’s crime is worthy of the death penalty. If Murong Chui really wanted to kill him, even if Murong Chui entered the door with his left foot first today, it would be enough for Murong Jun to sentence him to death.

Murong Jun said coldly:

"Today, considering that everyone has pleaded for you, the death penalty can be spared, but you cannot escape the punishment of living!"

As he spoke, Murong Jun shouted:

"Someone, come! Drag Ah Liudun out and punish him with a hundred military sticks!"

Upon hearing this, Murong Ke and Murong Chui both breathed a sigh of relief. If a hundred military sticks were really used to hit someone, they would definitely kill him. But since Murong Jun didn't want to kill Murong Chui now, he naturally wouldn't kill him on purpose.

I am serious. The death penalty can be avoided, but the living punishment is hard to escape.

At that time, Ran Min was beaten with 300 military sticks by Murong Jun in a rage, but he was still alive and well. He was not beheaded until he was taken to Longcheng.

Murong Chui was taken away by Murong Jun's personal guards, and everyone in the imperial tent also left. No one stopped to watch Murong Chui being tortured. They tried to avoid it for fear of being hated by Murong Chui.

Murong Ke was kept in the tent by Murong Jun.

Murong Jun smiled and said:
"Xuan Gong, are you satisfied now?" Murong Ke said truthfully:

"I plead for Ah Liudun, firstly because I value his talent, and secondly, I do not want Your Majesty to bear a stigma."

It is not a good thing after all for brothers to kill each other.

Murong Jun did not kill Murong Chui not because he was worried about his reputation, but because the Huan family was now powerful and needed the Murong family to be united.

Murong Huang killing Murong Han is something that only happened once, but it must not happen a second time, unless Murong Chui really wanted to rebel.

Otherwise, how could Murong Chui be alive today? With Murong Jun's vengeful nature, Murong Ke could protect Murong Chui once or twice, but if it happens too many times, it would be useless.

Murong Jun knew that Murong Ke was not lying, and his trust in his fourth brother was difficult for ordinary people to understand.

Seeing that Murong Jun was in a good mood, Murong Ke hurriedly said:
"The incident has passed and the misunderstanding has been cleared up. Please allow Ah Liudun to return to Wenxi."

In Murong Ke's opinion, apart from himself, only Murong Chui could be a match for Huan Xi. Therefore, Murong Chui must be allowed to return as soon as possible to continue leading the troops.

However, Murong Jun did not intend to listen to Murong Ke. He shook his head and said:
"If there is one, there will be two. If there is two, there will be three. Huan Xi has now made up his mind to start with the relationship between me and A Liudun and alienate us brothers. In my opinion, A Liudun is no longer suitable to be the commander of the detachment.

"With Yue Pushe leading the army, I can rest assured."

Yes, Murong Chui’s loyalty withstood the test this time, but if the test happened more times, would Murong Chui still be able to make the same choice?

Murong Jun was not sure, so he decided to keep Murong Chui by his side.

Although Murong Chui has outstanding abilities, he has other people under his command, so why should he let Murong Chui lead the army?

In the past, Yue Wan joined forces with Yao Xiang, Shi Zhi and others to defeat Ran Min's 100,000 infantry and cavalry. Now, if he joins forces with Fu Jian, it is not impossible for him to defeat Huan Xi.

When Murong Ke heard this, his heart immediately sank.

Huan Xi is not a man like Ran Min who is brave but not wise. Yue Wan has not led troops for many years. Now that he has come out again, he has encountered an opponent like Huan Xi. The slightest negligence may lead to a great defeat.

"Your Majesty! No! Although Yue Pushe is a famous general, he is definitely not Huan Xi's opponent. Your Majesty, please think twice!"

Murong Jun frowned upon hearing this:
"Xuan Gong, how can you boost others' morale and destroy your own prestige!"

After that, he insisted:
"I have made up my mind, no need to discuss further!"

Murong Ke was helpless, for he knew that Murong Jun had made up his mind and would not change it. After all, Murong Jun was also an emperor with his own ideas. Although he trusted Murong Ke, he would not listen to him on everything.

When Murong Ke walked out of the imperial tent in frustration, Murong Chui had not yet finished his hundred blows.

The executioners used different levels of force. Although Murong Chui looked bloody, it was only a flesh wound with no damage to his internal organs.

Murong Ke did not leave immediately, but waited for Murong Chui to finish his punishment. If someone else was watching here, they might laugh at him, but Murong Ke certainly did not have such an idea.

After the hundred military blows were over, a personal guard came into the tent to report. Murong Jun just had Murong Chui taken to recuperation and did not see him.

Murong Ke then helped Murong Chui to leave and came to the tent that had been prepared for Murong Chui. The military doctor had not arrived yet, so Murong Ke sighed and said:

"His Majesty wants to keep you here."

Although Murong Chui said when he parted with Fu Jian that he might return, he was actually prepared in his heart because he knew his second brother Murong Jun too well.

Therefore, upon hearing the news, Murong Chui did not seem depressed. He said with gratitude:
"I was lucky enough to escape death this time, all thanks to Agan."

After saying this, Murong Chui suddenly grinned, as if he was thinking of something.

Murong Ke asked curiously:

"Although you have survived a disaster, it was an unexpected disaster. How can you still be in the mood to laugh?"

Murong Chui said proudly:

"Agan, Huan Xi is so deliberate in wanting to get rid of me. This proves that he is afraid of me. Tell me, how can I not be happy?"

There is no doubt that although Huan Xi's move was full of malice, it was also a recognition of Murong Chui.

Murong Ke knew that he was trying to have fun in misery, so he didn't know what to say, so he could only say helplessly:
"You should take good care of yourself. Even if you stay in the army, you can still make suggestions and contribute to your country."

Murong Chui replied:
"As it should be."

But he knew in his heart that Murong Jun probably didn't want him to offer advice.

Murong Ke left only after the military doctor arrived and confirmed that Murong Chui was not seriously injured.

After applying medicine and giving Murong Chui a simple bandage, it was already dark outside.

He lay alone on the couch with a gloomy face.

After this incident, Murong Chui became more and more certain that although he was the King of Wu of Great Yan, it would be difficult for him to find a place to stay in such a huge country like Yan.

The most crucial thing is that not only does he have a very bad relationship with Murong Jun, but the relationship between Murong Chui and Queen Kezuhun is not much better either.

If Murong Jun were still alive, even though he hated her, he would still be able to consider the overall situation. If Murong Jun was no longer around, and that short-sighted woman was ruling the country from behind the curtain, I'm afraid Queen Kezuhun might not be able to consider the overall situation.

In fact, Murong Chui once wanted to flee to the State of Yu instead of returning to the emperor to apologize and pinning his hopes for his life on Murong Jun's mercy.

But this battle was too crucial. If he defected to Fu Jian now, the alliance between Yu and Yan would collapse.

At that time, Murong Jun will ask Fu Jian for Murong Chui, and Fu Jian will decide whether to give it to him or not.

At this time, Murong Chui had already made up his mind to escape, but not now, and of course, it didn't necessarily have to be Fu Jian.

In Murong Chui's view, Fu Jian did trust him, but Huan Xi also recognized his talents.

As the night deepened, Murong Chui was tired from the journey and had been beaten with a hundred military sticks. He felt so tired that he fell into a deep sleep.

However, Fu Jian couldn't fall asleep. He was the saddest one because of Murong Chui's departure.

Because of the need for coordinated operations, Fu Jian and Yue Wan had more contact and communication after Murong Chui left.

When discussing military affairs, Fu Jian could clearly feel the gap between Yue Wan and Murong Chui, which made him unhappy.

Of course, what made Fu Jian even more worried was that Huan Xi had already led his troops northward and would arrive at the city of Wenxi soon.

(End of this chapter)