Chapter Twenty-One: So It Was This Complicated

"Carry out the order immediately—burn the bodies in the forbidden trench first!" Geshu Han once again issued his command, shouting at the generals who stood dumbfounded.

Yang Xi quickly grasped Geshu Han’s intention, as well as nuances that some other commanders had yet to comprehend. Geshu Han’s order to incinerate the corpses in the forbidden trench was a deliberate act: he wished to shoulder the "guilt" of burning the fallen soldiers, sparing the newly appointed Marshal from this burden. If Geshu Han gave the order, the soldiers would be less resistant; if Yang Xi, the new Marshal, did so, it could spark outrage, unrest, or even mutiny.

After all, the bodies in the forbidden trench were not those of rebels, but of Tang soldiers. Many among the survivors in Tongguan were likely kin, friends, or brothers of the dead. To ask them to burn the bodies of their own relatives would be unbearable for many, and some would inevitably oppose it. The effect of the command would be entirely different depending on who issued it.

Geshu Han’s high prestige, combined with the military necessity of restoring the forbidden trench’s defensive power, would make the order palatable, if not agreeable, to the troops. Yang Xi, as a newcomer, lacked such authority.

Yang Xi knew that, even though Geshu Han was willing to let him command the Tongguan forces, many officers remained unconvinced by his leadership and only complied out of respect for Geshu Han’s endorsement. Should he do anything to provoke outrage—like ordering the burning of fallen soldiers’ bodies—some might seize the opportunity to oppose him.

He desperately wanted to give the order himself, for the sake of reinstating the trench’s function, but hoped Geshu Han would take the initiative. Now, things were progressing as he had wished: Geshu Han had assumed the responsibility. How could Yang Xi not rejoice?

He also understood that, from now on, he must seize every chance to build his own prestige, display his abilities, and win the willing obedience—and eventual admiration—of the generals.

A touch of resentment stirred within him: it was all thanks to his hateful father, Yang Guozhong, that he had been given command at Tongguan, yet could not effectively lead the generals. Everything had to be achieved through Geshu Han.

Yet, it was precisely because his father was Yang Guozhong that he had this opportunity: in such times, he otherwise would never have commanded an army to rescue Tongguan or replace Geshu Han. Heaven, or history, had granted him this chance—to do what few ever could. He must strive with all his might to reverse the tide, change the history of the Great Tang, and alter the fate of himself and his family.

"All commanders, execute the order at once—burn the bodies in the forbidden trench!" Seeing many generals still in shock, Yang Xi shouted forcefully.

"Yes!" The generals responded in unison and rushed out.

Yang Xi’s authority radiated naturally, and the generals felt a certain pressure. This young man’s bearing was indeed extraordinary.

Yang Xi, sensing this himself, was quite satisfied.

"Marshal Geshu, I will go inspect the city walls to quickly familiarize myself with the situation and military affairs at Tongguan, so I can respond promptly when the rebels attack." Dawn had not yet broken—it was the darkest hour before daybreak. Yang Xi wished to use this time to survey the walls, then return for a brief rest and a meal, so he would be full of energy when the rebels came to assault the city.

Geshu Han already had attendants assigned to him, left behind by Pang Zhong, and Yang Xi believed they would care well for him.

Of course, he hoped Geshu Han would accompany him on his inspection.

But as Yang Xi awaited Geshu Han’s response, the old marshal called him back: "Marshal Yang, it’s not yet dawn; the rebels will not attack right now. The generals are already preparing as ordered. While we have this brief respite, there are some things I must discuss with you. Once you understand, you’ll find it much easier to command the generals."

Yang Xi instantly understood Geshu Han’s meaning, stopped in his tracks, approached the old marshal, and bowed respectfully. "Marshal Geshu, please speak freely. I will obey your instructions."

He did not know what Geshu Han wished to say, but sensed it would not be ordinary—it must be serious. Yang Xi did not presume that his actions since arriving at Tongguan had won Geshu Han’s wholehearted submission and support. He knew the old marshal’s greatest motivation was likely guilt over the defeat at Tongguan, fearing the consequences for Chang’an and harsh punishment from the court, so he had temporarily set aside old grudges to cooperate with Yang Xi and publicly support him.

Once the peril at Tongguan was resolved, perhaps everyone’s true colors would emerge.

He waited quietly for Geshu Han to speak.

Geshu Han subconsciously glanced at the open doorway, ensuring no outsiders lingered nearby, then began: "Marshal Yang, you’ve surely heard of the infighting among court ministers, but perhaps you do not know that the generals at Tongguan also have their own rivalries. Among those summoned just now, some are sworn enemies, and their disputes have been frequent of late—each refusing to accept the other’s authority. This was, alas, a crucial factor in the defeat at Lingbao. The feud between Infantry Commander Li Chengguang and Cavalry Commander Wang Sili is especially sharp, and even I can do little about it."

Upon hearing Geshu Han’s lament, Yang Xi quickly pieced together the situation.

After the court, following Prime Minister Yang Guozhong’s advice, executed the generals Gao Xianzhi and Feng Changqing for disorder and cowardice, Geshu Han—then at home convalescing—was dispatched to Tongguan. However, his illness had worsened over the years, making even walking difficult, let alone managing military affairs or training troops. After arriving, he could not personally oversee much, leaving administration to Tian Qiuliang, and putting Wang Sili in charge of the cavalry and Li Chengguang over the infantry. But Wang Sili and Li Chengguang constantly argued, issuing conflicting orders, and Tian Qiuliang failed to command respect. Geshu Han was troubled but had little means to reconcile them, for the disputes reflected deeper court rivalries.

In the recent campaign outside Tongguan, Geshu Han had anticipated a rebel ambush, but due to poor cooperation between Wang Sili and Li Chengguang, Wang’s vanguard was encircled, and Li did not send reinforcements in time. Li’s own troops were soon ambushed, suffering heavy losses. Both failed to discipline their men and organize effective resistance, resulting in the rout. Had there been no personal grudges and the generals worked together, Lingbao would not have ended so disastrously.

"So that’s how it is!" Yang Xi was astonished by Geshu Han’s revelations, realizing the depth of animosity among the Tongguan generals. He knew Wang Sili was Geshu Han’s trusted protégé, while Li Chengguang was not favored by the old marshal and instead leaned toward Yang Xi’s father, Yang Guozhong. Before Yang Xi’s own march to Tongguan, Yang Guozhong had told him the eunuch supervisor Bian Lingcheng and Li Chengguang could be trusted among the army.

It seemed that, beyond Yang Guozhong’s misguided strategies, the defeat at Lingbao was also due to internal discord among the Tongguan commanders—a fixed point in history.

Yang Xi had not seen Bian Lingcheng, the eunuch supervisor, and did not know whether he had perished during the defeat or escaped back to Chang’an.

What Yang Xi most needed now was the support of his subordinate generals. Whether Bian Lingcheng, Li Chengguang, or others, if he could not win their backing, and internal strife continued, how could Tongguan ever be defended?

He was glad Geshu Han had confided in him before the decisive battle for Tongguan’s defense. He would certainly devise strategies to secure the support of all the generals.

He also discerned Geshu Han’s clear bias: the old marshal favored Wang Sili and disparaged Li Chengguang. Yet, for Yang Xi, this was not the most important matter. He knew Wang Sili had once tried to persuade Geshu Han to lure Yang Guozhong to Tongguan and kill him, believing that An Lushan’s rebellion was merely a pretext to purge Yang Guozhong, and that his death would rob the rebels of their justification. If Wang Sili was not Geshu Han’s confidant, how could he have dared to make such a proposal?

Understanding these rivalries among the generals was useful; perhaps Yang Xi could exploit their conflicts or competing interests to bring them all under his command.

But this intention could not be revealed to Geshu Han. After listening, Yang Xi merely replied coolly, "Thank you, Marshal Geshu, for your advice. I will be vigilant. These men are truly audacious, daring to disregard the orders of a renowned marshal like yourself and place the affairs of the realm in jeopardy. Even in crisis, they plot against each other. I hope that, in facing the enemy, they will not repeat such behavior; otherwise, I will report their crimes to the court. I am also aware that General Wang Sili suggested to you that my father be lured to Tongguan and killed, believing that An Lushan’s rebellion was only a pretext to remove my father. If he were executed, the rebels would lose their excuse to advance. Fortunately, you, Marshal, weighed the situation carefully, put the state above all, and did not adopt such a plan, which is reassuring. But these are matters of the past. I do not wish to pursue them further, and will treat them as if they never happened. I only hope that all the generals will do their utmost to resist the enemy and defend Tongguan, preventing the rebels from seizing this gateway to Chang’an. Should Tongguan fall, none of us will escape the court’s punishment. But if we hold the city, the court will surely reward us all—and even your defeat, Marshal, will not be held against you!"

"Ah?!" Geshu Han was dumbstruck by Yang Xi’s blunt words.

Such candor! Not a hint of tact or courtesy!

"Report—" At that moment, a shout came from outside. A sweat-soaked soldier rushed in, knelt on one knee, and cried, "Marshal, the rebel army has appeared ten li southeast of Tongguan!"

"What?" Geshu Han was shocked again.

The rebels had arrived too swiftly!

"Send orders to all commanders—prepare for battle!" Yang Xi immediately commanded, striding out first.

Geshu Han signaled two soldiers to support him, and headed toward the south gate.

Everyone knew that the great battle outside Tongguan was about to erupt—the most trying moment was at hand.