Chapter Eighty-Six: Calm Response

No one expected that as soon as Chen Xuanli arrived with his army at Tong Pass, an urgent imperial decree summoning him back to the capital would follow close behind. This shocked not only Chen Xuanli himself and his officers, but also Ge Shuhan, Wang Sili, Pang Zhong, and the others. The only one who was not surprised was Yang Xi, for he had requested this in a secret letter to his father, Yang Guozhong, and made a similar plea in his memorial to Emperor Li Longji.

Chen Xuanli had deliberately slowed his march to aid Tong Pass, nearly causing an irreparable crisis. This was a despicable act that disregarded the greater good of the nation. No matter what previous grievances he had with Yang Guozhong, to vent his personal resentment by exploiting the dangers at Tong Pass was intolerable to anyone.

Yang Xi was furious; Chen Xuanli had to be punished. He also feared that once Chen Xuanli arrived at Tong Pass, he would compete for military authority, inciting internal strife that might grant the rebels an opportunity. Whether from personal motives or from the perspective of national interest, Yang Xi did not wish Chen Xuanli to remain at Tong Pass. Hence, he wrote to the court, insisting that Chen Xuanli must be dealt with, and urged the emperor to recall him. In his letter to his father, Yang Guozhong, he laid out the dangers of Chen Xuanli remaining at Tong Pass and implored his father to find a way to remove him, no matter what.

With Chen Xuanli gone, the sixty or seventy thousand troops at Tong Pass would fall entirely under Yang Xi’s command. No one else possessed the prestige to challenge his authority. This was something Yang Xi deeply desired; he hoped to use the matter of Chen Xuanli to further enhance his own reputation. Now that the imperial decree had arrived, and so swiftly, Yang Xi was elated. He believed Emperor Li Longji was also angry at Chen Xuanli’s deliberate delay and would certainly mete out punishment.

For someone who disregarded the nation’s interests, Yang Xi felt no sympathy, regardless of how impressive his past achievements may have been.

If the court were to order Chen Xuanli’s execution immediately, Yang Xi would welcome it with applause.

“General Chen, I truly did not expect that you would barely arrive at Tong Pass before the imperial decree summoning you back to the capital for a critical mission would follow. I had hoped to work closely with you, to fight together, and keep the rebels outside the gates. But it seems there is no chance for that now; perhaps another time!” Yang Xi, having composed himself, addressed the still-stunned Chen Xuanli with a calm tone: “Nevertheless, General Chen, you must be exhausted from your rapid march. Please rest here at Tong Pass before you depart. I am certain His Majesty will understand!”

Upon seeing the imperial order demanding his immediate return, Chen Xuanli was utterly stunned. He began speculating about the emperor’s intentions, his mind in turmoil, so distracted he barely heard Yang Xi’s words. Only when Yang Xi finished did Chen Xuanli regain his composure, replying awkwardly, “Marshal Yang, I never expected the court would send an urgent decree!”

Yang Xi’s gaze was indifferent; Ge Shuhan, Wang Sili, Pang Zhong, and the other generals appeared unfriendly. The officers under Chen Xuanli were in a state of shock. All of Chen Xuanli’s plans were rendered useless, and he felt utterly at a loss.

“Is this Yang Guozhong’s doing?” The thought flashed through Chen Xuanli’s mind.

But before he could react, a soldier rushed up to Yang Xi and reported loudly, “Marshal, the rebels have begun their assault on the city!”

At the news of another attack, Yang Xi’s heart tightened; he had no time to quarrel further with Chen Xuanli. Raising his voice, he issued orders: “General Tian, General Gao, you are responsible for settling the troops General Chen brought. Make sure they rest well—do not neglect this! All other generals, follow me to the city walls to defend against the enemy. Anyone who hesitates or shirks from facing the enemy will be executed!”

Yang Xi’s last words were filled with murderous intent, startling Chen Xuanli and the other newly arrived officers. Yang Xi’s commanding presence stirred unease among many.

After the generals received their orders, Yang Xi turned to Chen Xuanli with a courteous gesture. “General Chen, the rebels are assaulting the city again. Do you wish to return to Chang’an immediately, rest for a while before departing, or join me atop the city walls to defend or observe?”

Wang Sili, Pang Zhong, and the others were about to leave, but paused, curious to see Chen Xuanli’s response.

Faced with their expectant gazes, Chen Xuanli could not remain silent. After a brief hesitation, he replied awkwardly, “I shall accompany Marshal Ge Shu and Marshal Yang to the city walls to observe the battle. If necessary, I will join the fight.”

Events were entirely beyond his control. Upon arriving at Tong Pass, he felt powerless. From Yang Xi’s decisive arrangements and the compliance of the generals, he could tell Yang Xi commanded the situation. If he showed reluctance, the other officers might turn against him. He had no choice but to follow Yang Xi’s lead, and he could not afford to appear timid. Observing or participating in the battle was his only option.

“Very well, then. General Chen and all officers who have just arrived at Tong Pass, follow me to the city walls. The rebels’ assault will be fierce—we must give our all to defend!” With these words, Yang Xi wasted no time, ordering the generals to their duties. He himself snapped his riding whip and hurried toward the south gate tower. Chen Xuanli and his accompanying officers could only follow Yang Xi and the others toward the south gate.

Upon reaching the city wall at the south gate, the scene astonished many. Countless rebel soldiers were launching a frenzied attack, many carrying bamboo or wooden rafts as they charged forward.

The ballistae atop the walls had already begun firing. Though the rebels had not yet entered archery range, the Tang soldiers on the walls had their bows drawn and arrows nocked, ready for action.

While Yang Xi led Ge Shuhan, Wang Sili, Pang Zhong, Tian Liangqiu, Gao Shi, and others to meet the reinforcements under Chen Xuanli, several key generals remained at their posts atop the city walls. Li Chengguang guarded the east gate; Li Fude, Liu Guangting, and Lü Chongben were stationed at the south gate tower. With these capable commanders holding the fort, Yang Xi felt confident enough to lead the others to meet Chen Xuanli.

The rebels’ overwhelming assault exceeded Yang Xi’s expectations, but he showed no surprise. Chen Xuanli and his officers, however, were taken aback by the scale of the enemy’s formation. The rebels’ deployment suggested that at least twenty thousand troops were committed to this frontal attack. The bamboo and wooden rafts were clearly intended to fill the defensive moat for their advance.

Yang Xi ignored Chen Xuanli’s astonishment, calmly issuing new orders. As the rebels reached the eastern edge of the moat and entered archery range, the defenders unleashed a dense volley of arrows, just as they had the previous day. Simultaneously, they prepared large quantities of dry grass and hot oil.

After giving these commands, Yang Xi turned to Wang Sili and called out loudly, “General Wang Sili!”

Wang Sili hesitated briefly, then stepped forward and responded loudly, “Present!”

“General Wang, I order you to lead three thousand troops and prepare to sortie against the enemy!”

Wang Sili paused only for a moment before understanding Yang Xi’s intent, straightening and replying, “Yes, Marshal! I obey!”