Chapter Ninety-Nine: Everyone Is Scheming

Upon learning of the massive Liao army invasion, although no definitive news had yet arrived, the city of Taiyuan had already imposed a curfew and adopted a scorched-earth policy, evacuating all villagers from the surrounding towns into the city.

The highest official of Taiyuan Prefecture was indeed Liu Wenguang, but the military command was held by a general named Han Shizhong.

As a crucial frontier stronghold, Taiyuan was already heavily garrisoned. Upon hearing of the Liao army’s approach, a large number of able-bodied civilians were mobilized, bringing the city’s defense force to over one hundred thousand.

What was even more critical was that the granaries were all located within Taiyuan city itself.

After Shi Qian’s report, Zhao Yu involuntarily drew a sharp breath. With a garrison of one hundred thousand defending the city, while they had only ten thousand troops, attempting to seize the grain within was nothing but a fool’s dream.

Yelü Huan was also stunned. After a moment of silence, he said, “Your Highness, we should return. If the Song forces catch wind of this, the consequences would be unimaginable!”

Zhao Yu’s expression turned grave as he pondered deeply before slowly shaking his head, “I will enter the city.”

Both Yelü Huan and Shi Qian were shocked—Taiyuan at this moment was like a dragon’s den or tiger’s lair. To enter now was akin to courting death.

Before they could voice their objections, Zhao Yu continued in a low voice, “The only way now is to capture Liu Wenguang and Han Shizhong. Only then can we possibly reverse the unfavorable situation.”

Madness—he must be mad. Such a reckless act, not to mention doing it, merely thinking of it was absurd!

“This is absolutely impossible. If Your Highness suffers any harm, how am I to report to the Princess and the Emperor? No, it simply cannot be. I will order preparations at once...”

“Yelü Huan, who is the commander here, you or I? If you dare obstruct me again, I will die before your eyes.”

Zhao Yu, now desperate, suddenly drew his sword and pressed it against his own neck. Of course, suicide would be painful; this was merely to scare Yelü Huan.

Indeed, Yelü Huan was startled by Zhao Yu’s madness and hastily waved his hands. “Your Highness, please reconsider. Everything can be discussed.”

“No discussion. At most three days. If we fail within three days, I will return immediately.”

“Very well, then. At worst, you’ll have my life as well.”

Yelü Huan threw caution to the wind. Truthfully, he was unwilling to return empty-handed. If Zhao Yu’s plan failed, they would have to seize the supplies by force; otherwise, starvation would claim them long before reaching Youzhou.

---

Such an endeavor required a small, stealthy force. Besides, Wu Song was already hiding within the city with several dozen skilled men.

Shi Qian and Yan Qing also opposed Zhao Yu’s plan to enter the city, but seeing Zhao Yu’s firm resolve, they had no choice but to obey.

That night, accompanied by Yan Qing and Shi Qian, Zhao Yu quietly slipped into Taiyuan.

Although the city was under martial law, the Liao army had yet to appear. A large contingent entering the city was impossible, but a small group sneaking in was feasible—especially with masters like Yan Qing and Shi Qian at his side.

Before Zhao Yu left the Central Plains, he had already instructed Yang Xu to quietly establish assets in Taiyuan. Wu Song and others were now concealed there, so after entering, Zhao Yu and his companions headed straight to that location.

Yang Xu was already en route to Youzhou. The secret base was managed by one of Zhao Yu’s former guards named Zhang Huansheng.

Previously, there had been no plan to abduct Liu Wenguang. According to Zhao Yu’s new strategy, the investigation had to start anew.

However, Zhao Yu had clearly underestimated Wu Song’s capability. While investigating the city’s situation, Wu Song also tracked Liu Wenguang’s movements.

Upon seeing Zhao Yu enter the city personally, Wu Song was greatly alarmed. Meeting him, he reproached, “Your Highness, your noble body must not be exposed to danger so recklessly. Do you not trust Wu Song?”

“Brother Wu, you misunderstand. We are sworn brothers in life and death, sharing fortune and adversity together. Enough of that—do you have any way to capture Liu Wenguang?”

In Zhao Yu’s mind, Liu Wenguang was insignificant. He intended to use Liu as bait to catch Han Shizhong, the true prize. Without capturing Han, seizing Liu would be of little use.

“Capturing him should not be difficult. Taiyuan is tense outside but lax inside. More precisely, they are awaiting further news from Zhendong Prefecture. I doubt Liu Wenguang ever imagined Your Highness would come personally.”

Because he nearly became Zhao Yu’s father-in-law, Zhao Yu had previously investigated Liu Wenguang thoroughly, storing all his likes and habits in mind.

Nodding, Zhao Yu said to Zhang Huansheng, “Huansheng, prepare some valuables and a few large boxes—the kind that can hold a person. Tomorrow, we shall pay a visit to Lord Liu’s residence.”

“Your Highness, no need for such trouble! I can capture him for you tonight.”

“Capturing him alone is pointless. The key is General Han. By the way, Huansheng, is Han Shizhong’s family in Taiyuan?”

“Your Highness, forgive me, but I have not investigated that yet.”

---

“Better to check now. If all goes well, after we leave, you must find a way to bring his family away.”

Han Shizhong was a great talent and would inevitably become a major threat in the future. He had to be abducted.

That same night, several hundred miles away, the gates of Zhendong Prefecture quietly opened. A unit of about five hundred armored cavalry slipped out stealthily before the gates slammed shut behind them.

The troops rode on until far from the city walls, then mounted and spurred into a gallop, heading straight for Taiyuan.

To outwit others, one must be equally cunning. Zhao Yu was not the only clever man in this world.

According to normal historical stratagems, at this time Zong Ze should have resigned and stayed home. Yet, in this timeline, not only did he not resign, he held the high post of Commissioner of the Western Hebei Circuit and governor of Zhendong Prefecture.

Moreover, Zong Ze had a keen eye for talent. In suppressing the rebellions of Tao Jun and Jia Jin in Hebei, he discovered the capable Yue Fei and promoted him to his side.

When the Liao army invaded, Zong Ze was surprised, knowing that the Liao main forces were occupied fighting the Jurchens in the north, lacking the capacity to invade Song territory.

Still, since the enemy had come, he prepared rigorously for battle, intending to deliver a crushing blow. Yet the Liao army’s actions confounded him—they neither besieged the city nor pillaged, merely circling before withdrawing.

At this time, rumors of Zhao Yu’s betrayal of Song had spread wildly, but Song scouts found no trace of Zhao Yu in the Liao forces.

Sensing something amiss, Zong Ze immediately guessed the Liao army’s objective was not Zhendong, though he was uncertain of their true intent. Nor did he know much about the legendary Prince Yi.

After careful consideration, Zong Ze ordered Yue Fei to lead five hundred cavalry westward to scout.

This was purely an instinct—he sensed a trap but never dreamed Zhao Yu would dare to seize grain from Taiyuan.

Fate weaves strange tales. Many unrelated factors came together, linking several originally unconnected people.

Zhao Yu himself never imagined he would meet Yue Fei in such a manner...