Chapter Four: Helplessness

Throughout their conversation, Yang Xi kept a close eye on Yang Guozhong’s expression, carefully observing the subtle shifts in the powerful Tang chancellor’s demeanor. He quickly realized his words had struck a chord, and felt fortunate to have chosen the right approach.

Seeing that Yang Guozhong remained silent, Yang Xi hurriedly pressed on, “Father, that’s why I believe the court’s top priority now must be to focus all efforts on defending Tong Pass against the rebel attacks, ensuring it does not fall. Nothing else matters—not even trying to lure the main rebel force into a decisive battle outside the city. If Tong Pass holds, then Chang’an is safe! Has it not occurred to you that Ge Shuhan’s string of victories might be part of the rebels’ plan to draw us out?”

As Yang Guozhong’s brow twitched, Yang Xi continued, “If we force Ge Shuhan to leave the pass and engage in battle, and the campaign goes badly—if we suffer a crushing defeat or even lose the entire army—then Tong Pass is likely to fall as a direct result. And if Tong Pass is lost, there’s no way Chang’an can be defended!”

“If the rebels reach Chang’an, you will be their first target, Father. They might even subject you to a gruesome execution, and my brothers, myself, and the rest of our family would likely meet a similarly tragic end. Even if you manage to help His Majesty escape before the city falls, the Emperor may still blame you, and our family would face disaster all the same. Lying awake today, I thought of these things and was seized by fear. That’s why I summoned the courage to speak to you, hoping you would consider this carefully!”

Yang Xi’s final words made Yang Guozhong’s face twitch, and a flash of terror appeared in his eyes—though he quickly hid it, Yang Xi had already noticed. This only heightened his hope; perhaps he had struck at Yang Guozhong’s most vulnerable spot.

Having said all he could, Yang Xi fell silent, watching his father—whose mood was clearly different from earlier—waiting to see how he would react.

Yang Guozhong’s heart was in turmoil. No one had ever dared speak to him so directly; Yang Xi was the first. But his words brought him suddenly to his senses. Yang Xi was right: An Lushan’s rebellion was launched under the banner of purging the Emperor’s corrupt ministers—meaning him. If Tong Pass fell and Chang’an was lost, he would fall into rebel hands, and his death would be as wretched as possible. Lingchi would not be out of the question. Tong Pass was the gateway to Chang’an; if it held, the capital would be safe. If Chang’an did not fall, he would not face such peril.

The ease with which Luoyang, the Eastern Capital, had fallen to the rebels was telling. If Tong Pass was lost, Chang’an could not be held.

The city walls of Luoyang were as tall as those of Chang’an, yet Luoyang had been taken in a matter of days. If the rebels besieged Chang’an, how long could it last?

Yang Xi’s words had shaken his confidence, even making him reconsider the imperial orders already issued—to possibly recall Ge Shuhan’s forces before they could be lured out to battle.

But Yang Guozhong was not a man easily swayed. After careful thought, he concluded that Yang Xi’s warnings were exaggerated and alarmist. He was, after all, only seventeen—how could he grasp the complexities of military and state affairs? Perhaps he had been influenced by someone else.

This suspicion made Yang Guozhong angry and he nearly scolded his son, but seeing Yang Xi’s anxious, earnest face, his love for the boy prevailed. He composed himself and said calmly, “Xi’er, your concerns are not without merit. I too know that holding Tong Pass is crucial; should it fall, Chang’an is indeed in danger. But to suppress the rebellion, we cannot simply hunker behind Tong Pass.”

“Now, An Lushan’s forces may be planning to retreat to Fanyang and abandon Luoyang. If the imperial army takes the initiative, using our superior numbers to crush the rebels—who are far from home—we can not only relieve Tong Pass, but even reclaim Luoyang. Wouldn’t that be best? Ge Shuhan commands two hundred thousand men—he should be more than capable! The rebel forces outside Tong Pass number less than thirty thousand; their vanguard is barely five thousand, and mostly the old, weak, and sick! Our forces vastly outnumber theirs, Ge Shuhan is a seasoned general, and our troops are riding a wave of victories in the north. If we use the natural defenses of Tong Pass to fight a decisive battle, we may achieve total victory in one stroke!” With these words, Yang Guozhong’s confidence returned.

Seeing that his father’s attitude was unchanged, Yang Xi grew desperate. “Father, that is all well and good, but the current combat strength of the imperial army is truly abysmal. Just look at how Feng Changqing suffered defeat after defeat! For decades, he earned countless military honors and was rarely beaten, but now he has been routed repeatedly. It’s not that his command has faltered, but that his troops are simply too weak!”

“Of the two hundred thousand men at Tong Pass, no more than thirty thousand have any fighting ability; the rest are a motley crew. Unless they are trained for at least half a year, they are useless—at the first sign of the enemy, they’ll scatter like leaves! In my view, if we can simply hold Tong Pass with these men, that would already be an achievement. How can we talk of winning a decisive victory?” Yang Xi challenged him, holding nothing back.

Yang Guozhong’s anger faded. He was, in fact, pleased that his son could give such an analysis. Smiling with relief, he said, “Xi’er, Fourth Son, I am truly pleased that you have such insight into the war. On this point, you surpass your brothers. In the future, feel free to speak your mind to me; I won’t be angry, no matter what you say. As for this matter, His Majesty has already discussed it with his ministers. Everything is the Emperor’s decision. Don’t trouble yourself further. You’re still recovering—rest and recover your strength. I have business to attend to. When you’re able, go visit your mother.”

“Father, please listen to me a little longer!” Yang Xi, seeing Yang Guozhong about to leave, rushed forward and grabbed his sleeve, pleading, “Please, Father, think carefully about what I’ve said. All my fears could become reality!”

But Yang Guozhong only sighed and showed little reaction. Yang Xi’s hopes plummeted into despair and frustration, yet he tried once more, earnestly entreating his father, “Truly, you cannot let Ge Shuhan take the offensive. The five thousand ‘troops’ the rebels have stationed before Tong Pass—mostly the old and infirm—are clearly bait, meant to lure our forces out! The rebels have suffered defeats in the rear; the road between Luoyang and Fanyang is damaged; An Lushan is desperate to seize Tong Pass and then Chang’an, so he can secure his position and avoid facing the loyalist armies summoned by the court. The rebels want a decisive battle with our defending forces, to win prestige and avoid being cut off. We must not do as they wish. We must hold the pass and force them to exhaustion! If we send all our troops out, we’ll fall right into their trap. The terrain outside Tong Pass is narrow—unsuitable for large-scale deployment. Even if Ge Shuhan leads out two hundred thousand men, no more than forty or fifty thousand can fight at once. Against the rebels, this is no advantage! Please, Father, think carefully—otherwise, there will be no chance for regret. Do you truly wish our family to meet a tragic end?”

Yang Guozhong turned back, gazed at Yang Xi affectionately, and patted his hand. “Fourth Son, I know you speak from concern for our family’s fate, and I am comforted by it. I am also surprised by your understanding of these matters; in all these years, I’ve never discussed state affairs with you, but it seems your insight surpasses your brothers’. In time, I’ll give you the opportunity to involve yourself in court business, and ask His Majesty to grant you an official post. For now, though, matters of war will be decided by the Emperor and his ministers. Say no more. I must attend to pressing affairs and cannot linger at home. You’ve only just recovered; take care and rest well! I’m leaving now—I must report to His Majesty. Rest well!”

With that, he freed himself from Yang Xi’s grasp and strode out, ignoring his son’s repeated calls. He summoned Ping’er and the other attendants to wait on Yang Xi and help him rest.

Seeing his father leave without a backward glance, Yang Xi grew frantic and angry. When his calls went unanswered, he rushed after Yang Guozhong to make his case more clearly. But as soon as he reached the door, several servants stopped him and dragged him back inside.

“Fourth Young Master, you’ve only just recovered—please lie down and rest,” urged Ping’er, the little maid supporting his arm.

Yang Zheng, holding the other arm, added anxiously, “Fourth Young Master, Master ordered you to rest and regain your strength. When he has time, he’ll come see you and talk with you. I’ve already sent word to Madam that your injuries are much improved—if she’s able, she’ll surely come to visit you!”

“Let me go—I have something important to say to my father!” Yang Xi struggled, trying to break free from their grasp.

But, perhaps because his body had only just recovered, he lacked the strength, and was soon guided back to his bed by Yang Zheng and Ping’er. Frustration and rage overwhelmed him—he even felt a violent urge toward Yang Guozhong—but in the end, he could only lie down again, unwilling and defeated.

Heaven, how could things have turned out like this?