Chapter 61: Taking Bones (I)

Li Kuo successfully implemented the land reclamation policy in Tangzhou, Nanyang, and Fangcheng. Large tracts of uncultivated land were reasonably distributed to the local people under the supervision of officers at all levels of the Tongwu Camp. The newly recruited local militia, after initial training, showed a significant improvement in morale and combat capability.

Although this Jianghuai Militia was still relatively weak compared to both the imperial army and the rebels, it did not stop the local people from harboring deep loyalty toward this army and Li Kuo himself. In their eyes, the most important thing in a time of chaos was to survive better. Whoever could help them live better and protect their lands from destruction through war would be unwaveringly supported by them.

To live—what an ordinary yet profound desire!

At the same time, Li Kuo gathered the veteran craftsmen he had brought back from Anxi and ordered them to produce a batch of long spears and armor by October. These were naturally intended for the newly recruited militia. After nearly a decade of battles, Li Kuo had come to fully recognize the importance of military equipment and armor. Though some battles could be won through clever tactics and fierce determination, the decisive role of armor and weapons could not be ignored.

This importance would be even more critical for the militia!

Although Li Kuo had led many elite troops, they were mostly veterans who had experienced numerous life-and-death battles and were seasoned warriors. The local militia, though well-trained, had a solid foundation, but turning them into an elite force in just three to four months was clearly unrealistic. Li Kuo had no time to train them slowly, nor did he believe in miracles. Therefore, the most important task was to strengthen this reserve force in other ways, turning them into a ready-ready force that could be deployed to the battlefield at any time.

And the natural way to do this was by providing better armor. High-quality armor could effectively protect soldiers’ lives, as evident in the Tang Dynasty’s military hierarchy. Whether in border troops or imperial armies, officers above the rank of captain were equipped with top-tier Mingguang armor, while lower-ranking officers had slightly inferior armor. As for the common soldiers, they were already fortunate if they could get any leather armor at all.

The impact of differences in armor was starkly evident on the battlefield. Officers in heavy armor often survived more easily, while ordinary soldiers in leather armor frequently became stepping stones for others to gain glory.

It’s no coincidence that the lowest-ranking soldiers always suffer the most casualties in battle. Although Li Kuo’s current strength isn’t enough to equip the entire army with Mingguang armor, he still makes every effort to enhance the army’s overall strength. With a limited number of soldiers at his disposal, he must cherish each one and ensure they’re not disadvantaged in terms of armor and weapons. The person in charge of rushing the production of armor and weapons is Erwa. Since learning blacksmithing skills from an experienced craftsman, Erwa has mastered all the steps involved in crafting weapons and completed his apprenticeship three years ago. Armor and weapons aren’t like ordinary farming tools; every inch must be carefully crafted, as even the slightest carelessness can lead to serious mistakes and put his comrades at a disadvantage on the battlefield. Therefore, Erwa doesn’t dare be negligent. After receiving this task from the governor, he gathered all the craftsmen, carefully assigned tasks to each of them, and began the intense work of production. Producing 5,000 spears and sets of armor by October is no easy task. But Erwa doesn’t complain at all; he believes he can definitely deliver them on time! “Everyone has their own value in this world. Doing your best to realize that value is the best support for yourself and those you care about!” Those words spoken by General Li kept echoing in his ears, constantly… The weather in September is as changeable as a girl’s face. Li Heng gazed out the window at the crimson maple trees and sighed wistfully. Although he had been in Lingwu for over two months and had left the rebels far behind, he still felt no sense of security. Perhaps because Lingwu was part of a border province, Li Heng heard the sound of horse hooves and the clanging of armor and weapons every day. His accustomed life of luxury had long worn away his sharpness and edge. Suddenly moving from the grand palaces to this harsh place was difficult for him to adapt to. If there was any difference between his current life and a few months ago, it was probably his title. He was now the emperor, the emperor of the Tang Dynasty! After arriving in Lingwu, he had intended to rest properly and, once recovered, discuss strategies to defeat the enemy with his ministers. But just as he was still settling in, officials from the northern regions rushed into the palace and proclaimed him emperor. He initially refused, believing it was unfilial to do so while his father was still alive. But after considering the situation in the northern regions and the will of the people, and with the persuasion of Pei Mian, Du Hongjian, and others, he eventually agreed.

On that day, I ascended the throne in the South Tower of Lingwu City and proclaimed myself emperor! Below the tower, the civil and military officials knelt repeatedly and cheered in homage. On the high platform, I sighed and wept as I accepted the allegiance of my subjects. No one could understand my feelings at that moment—no one could!

On that day, my years as crown prince, filled with peril, came to an end. I no longer had to worry about the Imperial Guards storming the Eastern Palace in the dead of night to arrest me under false charges of rebellion! As emperor, I no longer needed to pay attention to people like Li Linfu and Yang Guozhong!

For I was the emperor, the emperor of the Tang Empire, the supreme ruler of this empire!

But was it really that simple?

I was in Lingwu, far away from the capital. The rebels had already taken control of both capitals, and restoring lost territories and quelling rebellion remained a daunting task.

Reflecting on my journey so far, Li Hen couldn’t help but sigh again.

After parting ways with Li Longji at Mawei Post, I followed my son, the Prince of Jianning’s, advice and led my troops north to Lingwu. Fearing pursuit by the rebels, I ordered the entire army to move at night and rest during the day, rushing all the way to Fengtian before finally catching our breath. Fengtian was the ancestral home of the Li family from Longxi. I should have visited it, but I was in flight for my life—where was the time or inclination for such things?

Along the way, at the slightest sign of movement, I was in constant panic, sometimes unable to even eat properly. The army marched nonstop for days and nights, traveling 300 miles, until we finally reached Xinping.

Perhaps because An Lushan had given orders, or perhaps because the rebels had indulged in plundering and killing after capturing Chang’an, Cui Qianyou and Sun Xiaozhe did not send troops to pursue me.

I managed to rest briefly in Xinping, only to receive tragic news. My son, the Prince of Guangping, found that more than half of the guards and supplies protecting us had been lost. There were now barely a few hundred soldiers left.

To think that I, the crown prince of the great Tang Dynasty, the heir to the throne, had fallen to such a state—it was truly heartbreaking!

As for the local officials along the way, they all abandoned their posts and fled. Few remained loyal to their duties. Filled with rage, I sent troops to search everywhere and captured many fleeing officials. Despite my son’s strong objections, in my fury, I ordered them to be executed on the spot as a warning to others.

Now, thinking back, I had just ascended the throne and needed capable people. If I had kept these officials and allowed them to atone for their faults, it might have been a good strategy.

“Ah, is it fate that wants to destroy me?”

Note 1: Lingwu is located south of Yinchuan City and was formerly known as Lingzhou. Benefiting from its proximity to the Yellow River, Lingwu has a developed agriculture and abundant water resources. The Yellow River flows through the area for 47 kilometers from south to north. As it lies in the heart of Ningxia’s Yellow River irrigation area, it is renowned as the “Jiangnan of the Northern Frontier.”