Chapter Thirty-Two: Perfect Timing

After closely examining the terrain of Han Tong Pass and the Twelve Linked Fortresses together with the Forbidden Gully, Yang Xi truly could not understand why, after retreating to Tong Pass, Geshu Han had chosen to abandon these strategic points.

Even if the Forbidden Gully was filled with corpses, the fortresses on the western side—the several passes of the Twelve Linked Fortresses—could still inflict heavy casualties on the attacking rebels.

Given insufficient troops, abandoning the already ruined Han Tong Pass itself might have been justifiable. However, the Twelve Linked Fortresses should never have been relinquished.

For over half a year, the rebels had relentlessly assaulted Han Tong Pass, causing severe damage—one could say the city was riddled with wounds. With constant warfare preventing any large-scale repairs, its defensive capacity had plummeted, making it easy prey for the rebels. If there were enough troops, it could be defended; if not, withdrawal was understandable.

But the Twelve Linked Fortresses, which served as mutual shields with the Sui Tong Pass, should never have been abandoned under any circumstances!

Could it be that the old marshal had been frightened out of his wits?

Before Geshu Han could respond to Yang Xi’s suggestion, Li Chengguang, standing nearby, quickly interjected, “General of the Cavalry Yang, Marshal Geshu, I believe General Yang’s words are entirely reasonable. Regardless of how undermanned the defenders in Tong Pass may be, the Twelve Linked Fortresses must not be abandoned. We must immediately dispatch soldiers to defend them!” This was a view Li Chengguang had always maintained.

Gao Shi also stepped forward at once to give his opinion: “Marshal, I agree wholeheartedly with General Yang. Although not all the corpses have been cleared from the Forbidden Gully, its function and that of the Twelve Linked Fortresses has been restored. We should assign soldiers to hold them. If the rebels attack the fortresses, they can effectively pin down the enemy and, to some extent, slow their assault on Tong Pass!”

Although Wang Sili and the other generals did not speak up, their expressions showed they agreed with Yang Xi’s proposal and supported dispatching troops to the Twelve Linked Fortresses.

Geshu Han hesitated only briefly before nodding in assent. “I, too, approve General Yang’s suggestion. Immediately send troops to defend the Twelve Linked Fortresses—one hundred and twenty soldiers to each fortress, each led by a captain!” He then fixed his gaze on Gao Shi, standing behind Yang Xi, and ordered, “General Gao, you are to decide which captains lead which fortresses.”

“Yes, Marshal! General Yang, I shall obey!” Gao Shi responded loudly and left at once to carry out the arrangements.

Seeing all the generals support his proposal, Yang Xi breathed a sigh of relief.

Still, he regretted allowing Geshu Han to take charge of the South Gate—he ought to have commanded it himself.

After all, Geshu Han was old, and sometimes became confused.

Fortunately, he had made that inspection that afternoon; otherwise, to leave such an important position as the Twelve Linked Fortresses undefended would have been a tragedy! He still puzzled over why, at that moment, Geshu Han had failed to see the importance of the fortresses and why none of the other generals had raised the issue.

Was he the only one thinking clearly while the rest had all been frightened into confusion? Even Yang Xi began to question himself.

Still, he would not confront Geshu Han or the other generals about it now. The inspection continued.

Aside from the major changes in the South Gate’s defenses, other positions remained largely as before.

The inspection concluded, and just as the generals were about to disperse to their posts, a soldier came running with urgent news: the imperial eunuch overseer, Bian Lingcheng, had returned!

The generals were all taken aback, and so was Geshu Han.

The imperial eunuch overseer was no ordinary figure. Since the court instituted eunuchs as military supervisors, their status had surpassed that of the generals, second only to the marshal and commanders of the cavalry. Due to their close ties to the emperor, their words often carried more weight than even those of the marshal or the cavalry commander. At critical moments, they could decide the fate of an entire army, and even that of the marshal and commanders themselves. Take Feng Changqing and Gao Xianzhi, two of the greatest commanders—because of Bian Lingcheng’s repeated memorials and with Yang Guozhong’s interference, they lost their lives despite their illustrious service.

For officers at all levels, the imperial eunuch overseer was an ever-present threat—a sword hanging over their heads, a figure to be deeply feared, especially after a defeat. Their memorials alone could decide a commander’s fate—even life or death.

Truly, the imperial eunuch overseer was the most dreaded, unwelcome, and loathed person in the army. Especially one like Bian Lingcheng, who could communicate directly with the emperor, enjoyed his trust, and had been responsible for the deaths of Feng Changqing and Gao Xianzhi. Many had long wished for his demise; nearly everyone had hoped he would perish amid the chaos at Lingbao. Yet now, haunting them like a ghost, he had returned once more.

None present knew where Bian Lingcheng had come from.

If he had fled the rebel army, he should have appeared in front of Tong Pass, but in fact, he had entered from the western gate! How had he come from that direction? It was a mystery to all.

Yang Xi, for his part, despised this so-called confidant of his “father.” Had it not been for Bian Lingcheng’s repeated memorials, perhaps Feng Changqing and Gao Xianzhi would have survived. Had they lived, the disaster at Tong Pass might never have occurred!

Hearing that Bian Lingcheng had arrived, Yang Xi frowned and coldly ordered him brought forth.

Unlike Geshu Han and the other generals, he felt not the slightest fear or apprehension toward Bian Lingcheng.

When the news of Bian Lingcheng’s arrival reached the generals, many looked to Geshu Han and Yang Xi—the highest military authorities in Tong Pass—and noted their contrasting reactions. Geshu Han appeared tense, even fearful; Yang Xi looked on with disdain and indifference.

Seeing such differing expressions on their leaders’ faces, many generals grew curious, eager to see how Yang Xi would treat Bian Lingcheng.

Of course, none could know what decisive resolve had just formed in Yang Xi’s heart upon hearing of Bian Lingcheng’s arrival. He had made up his mind—he would use this man to bolster his own authority!

“Bring Bian Lingcheng here!” Yang Xi’s voice was calm, betraying nothing of his true feelings, yet his words provoked surprise among many present.

Yang Xi ignored the generals’ scrutiny and stood proudly atop the South Gate, awaiting Bian Lingcheng.

Soon, Bian Lingcheng appeared, escorted by several soldiers.

He was a eunuch in his early forties. Once fair-skinned, his complexion had been darkened by the sun and the ravages of war—his face now a ruddy black, with only the skin hidden beneath his clothes remaining pale.

With his darkened face, disheveled appearance, mud and bloodstains, he looked almost comical.

Yang Xi’s thick brows furrowed even more at the sight.

Despite his bedraggled state, Bian Lingcheng’s authority still weighed heavily; many generals, willingly or not, stepped forward to salute him, even Geshu Han offered a brief greeting.

Only Yang Xi stood aloof, his gaze cold as he watched Bian Lingcheng, supported by several attendants, stumble before the assembly.

Yang Xi had already guessed why Bian Lingcheng had come from the west gate, and a trace of delight flickered in his heart.

This eunuch had arrived at the perfect moment, bringing him a most generous gift!