The Xie family merchants in Luochuan began to run into trouble one after another. They fled in droves, going to various places.
Xie Ji received news that his people had been attacked. He went to meet them and heard that merchants from Luochuan had taken advantage of the situation to seize their property in the Northern Region. Xie Ji was furious.
Upon hearing that the Luochuan merchants were taking advantage of the chaos, Li Li immediately dispatched an envoy to negotiate with the Northern Regions. Upon receiving the news, the Northern Luochuan authorities ordered the Luochuan merchants to return their property to the Xie family and to release those they had arrested.
The Xie family members fled to Yifan with their property, and it's inconvenient to return to Tianjing now, so they have no choice but to stay in Tianjing.
Before they could even directly confront the Xiongnu, they were already facing betrayal from their own side.
This greatly displeased Xie Ji, who completely lost his sense of security in the Northern Region. Li Li was unable to persuade Xie Ji based on facts, so he could only try to compensate the Xie family with his own private treasury.
Xie Ji had no choice but to concede, given Li Li's sincerity.
"We cannot afford to be distracted by our rear. Otherwise, it will be detrimental to the war effort."
Xie Ji sighed and said, "Your Highness, how could I not know? Even if I trust you, it doesn't mean that the hidden dangers behind it will disappear."
Li Li felt this wasn't a solution. He sent people hoping that Bei Luo could manage the rear during the war.
Bei Luo had already dealt with several similar matters; this was nothing more than a battle. Yet, before the battle even began, demands kept pouring in.
This made Bei Luo a little dissatisfied. However, since they were just minor requests, he granted them.
Then, a group of refugees robbed merchants from Luochuan, and what's more, the merchants were transporting tribute that was rightfully owed to Beiluo. Enraged by the theft, Beiluo immediately dispatched troops to block the area between Yifan and Luochuan, leading to another uprising by the refugees.
Soon, trouble broke out elsewhere. This time it was Luerqu, where the old forces had raised an army and surrendered to the city. Yelü Wen immediately dispatched troops to wipe them out, and even implemented a system of collective punishment, executing the relatives of the old forces one by one, creating a massacre.
Some innocent people were killed in the process. The people of the city were driven towards Luochuan.
Bei Luo was completely dumbfounded. What was his son doing? He immediately sent someone to verify, but Yelü Wen made an excuse, saying it was to ensure the Luerqu River could be safely opened to all countries. He claimed it was a matter of national interest that could not be violated. Then Yelü Wen also sent the month's customs duties, totaling 300,000.
It is higher than Luochuan's annual income and expenditure.
Bei Luo received tangible benefits, only reminding his son to continue maintaining order. He would handle the other matter, but his attitude towards Li Li was completely different.
Both Beiluo and Yelü Wen's every move was known to both sides.
Dan Yuhou stood at Luerqu, looking with satisfaction at the two ports opened to the motherland. The Second Prince's men were currently building a road, a ten-mile-long road that would lead directly to the city gate.
He stepped onto the hardened cement, admiring its affordability and durability. He couldn't help but exclaim, "The Central Plains of South China is indeed teeming with talent. They've discovered things that even our country hasn't found before."
"After this battle, I will also open a cement factory here so that the people of my motherland can use this cheap and durable road."
The Second Prince Yelü Wen, sitting in the armchair beside him, sipped his tea and said with a smile, "In this battle, only Li Li lost."
"Poor Crown Prince of the Northern Region is still in the dark." He has no idea that he has become a stepping stone between the two countries.
Seeing his leisurely demeanor, Shan Yuhou reminded him, "Besides you and my people, there are others causing trouble in Luochuan."
"Second Prince, don't be careless. Your eight generals are a lesson you'll never forget."
Upon hearing this, Yelü Wen's expression instantly turned extremely sinister: "This time, I will absolutely not allow those traitors to harm my interests."
Dan Yuhou didn't seem to believe Yelü Wen, because he had already been tricked once.
Yelü Wen's men in Luochuan arrested many spies who were secretly spreading information. Most of them were from the Central Plains. Yelü Wen had them all killed. Then he arrested a storyteller, who was designated as the mastermind and used by Yelü Wen to bargain with Shan Yuhou.
"This time the envoy should trust me; I will never make the same mistake twice."
"I hope so. Second Prince, our king has invested a great deal in you." Marquis Shan Yu reluctantly believed in his abilities, because he had indeed found many thorns in the side that were trying to sow discord between Luochuan and Huxiong.
No one dared to spread rumors in Luochuan anymore. Bei Luo finally had some peace and quiet, and after hearing that they had received firearms from Tianjing, he slept even more soundly.
He will have more leverage in future negotiations with the Xiongnu. At that time, the new Tianjing will also give more consideration to its relations with the Northern Regions, considering his efforts in resisting the Xiongnu.
He didn't believe that given the current situation, Xin Tianjing, being a friend, would want to gain another enemy. He was certain that Feng Ning would bow to the Northern Region in order to win them over.
He and his son could easily gain advantages between the two countries by acting separately. At worst, he could simply turn around and assist in the fight against the Xiongnu, thus earning special treatment from the new Tianjing.
Furthermore, the Northern Regions controlled Luerqu. With him and his son Yelü Wen attacking from both sides, the Hu and Xiongnu had no choice but to obey orders and let them set conditions to win them over.
Bei Luo had already decided what conditions he would propose. He had long coveted the Hu Xiongnu's large treasure ships and cannons. These were crucial weapons for strengthening the Northern Region.
Thinking about what he should do after acquiring the weapon, Bei Luo was already happily dreaming in bed.
At this time, Wu Shang finally arrived in Luochuan. He requested to see Beiluo, and no one dared to stop him. This was because he was the son of a member of the Mu clan, and his status was above that of ordinary members of the royal family.
He wanted to see Bei Luo. Even though Bei Luo had instructed that no one should disturb him, someone still mustered the courage to remind him: "Your Majesty, Young Master Wu has returned."
Bei Luo opened his eyes and looked at the mosquito net, his brows furrowed with displeasure: "Let him wait outside for a while, I will be right there."
After all, he was the son of the Mu family, and he had to give some face to the conservative faction within the imperial clan if he wanted to win them over. Especially since the Mu family wielded considerable influence among the populist forces in the Northern Region. The Mu family had mediated the Luerqu incident; without their intervention, he probably wouldn't have been able to quell the Luerqu rebellion so quickly. Therefore, he dared not be negligent.
Although Bei Luo was impatient, he remembered that Wu Shang's brother hadn't given him any face by supporting the Crown Prince. He became even more impatient.
"The younger brother and the older brother are indeed worlds apart." It's hard to tell whether this is a compliment or an insult.
After leaving the palace, Bei Luo received Wu Shang in the main hall. Wu Shang noticed that Bei Luo looked tired and was clearly still half asleep.
Then, realizing it wasn't evening yet and it was still official business hours, Bu Han actually went to bed early.
He couldn't help but sound a little indignant: "Bureau Khan, so many things are happening outside, don't you know?"
Upon hearing this, Bei Luo's impatience intensified. Sure enough, all of Mu's descendants were so arrogant, even their manner of speaking showed no respect for him, the ruler of the nation.
At that moment, Bei Luo's tone turned serious: "Young Master Wu, I have been busy dealing with refugees and some foreign spies these past few days. It has been quite some time since I last slept."
"What do you wish to report to me, Khan?"
Upon hearing this, Wu Shang was unaware of the situation. He thought he had misunderstood Bei Luo. He immediately bowed to Bei Luo, barely managing to regain some of Bei Luo's goodwill.
"I have returned from Tianjing and have completed the tasks my mother instructed. I am back now because I wish to tell the Khan some things about Marshal Xie."
Upon hearing Xie Lanzhi's name, Bei Luo immediately perked up his ears. Ever since the North-South Alliance was torn up by Feng Ning, Bei Luo had actually no desire to cooperate with the new Tianjing. If it weren't for the Hu Xiongnu valuing Lu Erqu, adopting a humble attitude, and offering so many generous gifts, he wouldn't have considered the Northern Hu Xiongnu first.
Unfortunately, Lord Xie turned a blind eye to his wife's breaking of the North-South alliance. Now, merchants from the new Tianjing were unwilling to send grain to Luochuan. However, the Xie family still had people sending grain.
It's not hard to see that Xie Zhu is still holding back some information from Luo Chuan. It's surprising that she doesn't value the North-South alliance.
Bei Luo's temper flared up again: "I don't want to hear about this person."
Wu Shang knew about the North-South Alliance, but he felt the alliance was inherently unreliable. Furthermore, the Xie family and the new Tianjing held opposing views on the alliance. Although the new Tianjing had blocked the supply lines, the Xie family was still upholding the alliance. Xie Ji's 50,000 troops were still fighting alongside the Crown Prince, and Xie family merchants continued to ensure the supply of provisions.
He couldn't help but remind her, "Bukhan, perhaps you don't get along with Prince Fengning, but you should be aware of Marshal Xie's actions."
"Therefore, there is absolutely no need to explain or not explain."
After all, they have done everything that the treaty stipulated in the alliance should have done.
Bei Luo thought for a moment and then asked, "What are you doing on behalf of Lord Xie?"
Wu Shang told Bei Luo about the bet he made with Xie Lanzhi at Prince Dun's mansion. Bei Luo was initially resistant to hearing that Wu Shang had used the three-year port rights of Luerqu as the wager, and was annoyed that Wu Shang dared to act on his own initiative.
Then I remembered that there was a port in Luerqu that belonged to the Mu family. We would need to use the Mu family's port in the future.
He had no choice but to endure it.
"Thank you for granting me a request?"
"Yes, if we hold this battle, then the Lord will owe our Northern Region a promise." Wu Shang said, "At that time, the Khan can take this opportunity to propose conditions that are more favorable to our country."
Bei Luo's eyes lit up as he sized up the martial merchant. He hadn't expected the man to still have the cunning to benefit the country. He was happy with anything that could bring him, Bei Luo, profit.
"Are you transferring the right to propose this condition to me?"
Wu Shang said, "Yes!"
"Good! Good! You truly deserve to be the son of Yelü Mu. In the future, not only I, the Khan, but all the Hu people will sing your praises for the blessings you have brought to the country." Bei Luo immediately patted his shoulder and suddenly found him quite pleasing to the eye.
Wu Shang said, "I hope that the Khan and the Second Prince can help me win Xie Zhu's favor."
Bei Luo readily agreed, "Of course, of course."
Meanwhile, they prepared 950 firearms to form a firearms battalion, ready for battle.
The bombing of the Red River border resumed, and everyone hid in the trenches, afraid to show their faces. It was thought that the artillery barrage would stop after one round of bombardment. Then, the frontline troops encountered a Xiongnu artillery battalion.
The Hu Xiongnu's firearms battalion clearly had the advantage. The enemy had formed a square formation, with chariot shields pushed in front and the firearmsmen hiding behind them, all firing at once.
Upon encountering trenches, they dropped what appeared to be explosive charges used for artillery bombardment, killing over three hundred men inside. Once the tank shield passed through, someone discovered that it was actually a grenadier inside.
First came the sound of gunfire, then the sound of small cannons. The surviving barbarian soldiers either fled or scattered. Xie Ji received the news and immediately ordered the artillery battalion to set up sandbags on the road, with the artillerymen lying on top of them to fire.
"We must never let the Xiongnu set foot in Guanxia Valley again."
"Yes!" The thousand firearmsmen split into three teams.
Li Li's base also took out the cannon that Xie Lanzhi had given him and used it to fire at the Hun soldiers behind the tanks from the watchtower.
This forward team has a total of three thousand men. They are led by Arnaud.
Arna, leading a thousand arquebusiers and six cannons, was immediately bombarded by the watchtower above the canyon as soon as he showed his face. The watchtower itself was instantly blasted apart and collapsed by a shell fired from an unknown source nearby.
Only then did the Xiongnu soldiers realize that Arna had merely been sent to lure them in. The Xiongnu had spent days bombarding their border, blasting a path through the natural barrier. This attack, however, wasn't a formal battle; it was aimed at their watchtower.
Some of the barbarian soldiers calculated that the cannon was only 300 meters long. Others risked their lives to discover the shields on the Hunnic chariots, and someone quickly pieced together the cannon and fired it at the watchtower.
The barbarian soldiers immediately ordered their men to bomb these people, causing considerable damage to the Xiongnu troops.
Boom! Boom! Boom! Boom! Boom! The air was filled with the roar of artillery fire, the earth shook, and the sound echoed throughout the heavens and earth. The entire city felt the ground tremble. People were constantly being injured by flying rocks. Everyone was gripped by fear.
Because they had never fought a battle where they couldn't even see the enemy, yet artillery fire was raging overhead. In the past, the most they encountered was a hail of arrows. Now, these weapons were many times more powerful than a hail of arrows.
Some of the soldiers were already overcome with fear. Many had become afraid of the sound of firecrackers because of the cannonballs, and couldn't sleep at night, fearing that if they closed their eyes they wouldn't wake up again.
The soldiers, suppressing their fear, hid in the rear, with artillerymen and musketeers holding the line, preventing the Huns from advancing for the time being. But what happened next?
Everyone was terrified of the Hun's powerful firepower.
Because the arquebusiers were inexperienced, their first instinct upon encountering the chariot shields was to fire. The Hun soldiers behind the chariot shields clearly hesitated when faced with the firearms. Then, the grenadiers appeared and blew up the first group of soldiers in the sand trench.
The second sand trench was right next to the fork in the road. Xie Bing reacted quickly, immediately grabbing a mortar and throwing it behind the wheels of the tank shield, stopping the tank shield in its tracks. However, the tank shield was a steel cage and was completely useless; it only stopped briefly before continuing its advance.
Upon seeing this, a captain surnamed Xie immediately shouted, "Throw stones!!!"
A hundred tons of stones rained down, completely blocking the first sand trench. Many more stones were thrown onto the road after that, hindering the advance of the chariots.
The Xiongnu soldiers who had just started to move the stones were quickly killed by Xie Bing's firearmsmen.
Bang! A single shot killed one of Al-Na's personal guards. Al-Na frowned immediately: "The tanks are no longer effective. Follow the training. Everyone, disperse."
"Find cover and ambush Xie Bing!"
Chapter 204 Little Phoenix Challenges Her