Chapter One: Return to the Capital

On the sixth day after Geshu Han departed from Tongguan, Yang Xi set out, preparing to return to Chang'an to report his duties and submit a petition regarding numerous matters.

He organized the issues he needed to present, wrote a clean draft to carry with him, and planned to express all his intentions and objectives both to the emperor and during his private conversation with his father, Yang Guozhong. Having arrived in this era and already participated in major historical events, Yang Xi could not remain detached. From every perspective, history was leading him forward, and he must continue to play a central role in many events, perhaps even becoming a protagonist of the entire age.

To achieve this, he needed sufficient strategy and foresight. Returning to the capital to present his case before the emperor was imperative—and urgent.

He had made the most thorough arrangements for all affairs in Tongguan, placing utmost trust in Wang Sili, Pang Zhong, and Gao Shi, assigning them to oversee the military operations at Tongguan. He repeatedly urged them to rigorously train the garrison, aiming to turn the majority of the hundred thousand troops into elite soldiers. The selection and training of specialized units would be addressed upon his return from Chang'an, as this task could only be accomplished by his personal involvement.

Yang Xi also assigned Wang Sili, Pang Zhong, Gao Shi, and others another crucial task: the restoration of the Han-era Tongguan city.

The ancient city had played a significant role in resisting the rebel army's assaults, but frequent warfare and several major fires had left it largely defenseless. Yang Xi ordered the deployment of soldiers and conscripted laborers to repair the city, restoring its defensive capabilities. The Sui-era Tongguan city had also suffered some damage in recent battles; the twelve linked towers and their beacon platforms needed urgent repairs, and the debris and bodies in the moat had to be cleared away.

To ensure Tongguan's effectiveness in defense, the natural barrier of the moat had to be preserved.

Yang Xi personally inspected the upper reaches of the moat in recent days but found no suitable location for constructing a reservoir—the terrain was too uneven and mountainous, making such a project impossible with current conditions. He had to abandon the idea.

After settling all affairs, Yang Xi embarked on his journey back to Chang'an.

He did not take any soldiers with him—not even all his personal guards. Only fifty household guards, led by Yang Dong, accompanied him.

With so few people, they could ride swiftly through relay stations. There were plenty of horses prepared along the way, enough for the fifty to change mounts and advance rapidly. They could reach Chang'an in about half a day. Because the daytime heat was oppressive and exhausting for both men and horses, Yang Xi traveled by night. It was mid-month, and the bright moon illuminated the scenery; the wide official road stretched before them, inviting them to gallop unhindered.

It took just over half the night; at the break of dawn, Yang Xi arrived outside Chang'an.

At the nearest relay station to Chang'an, Yang Xi and his guards paused to bathe and change, avoiding entering the palace in a state of sweat and odor.

He slept for about an hour at the station before rising. To his surprise and delight, Geshu Han, who had set out five days before him, was also resting there. Upon inquiry, Yang Xi learned that Geshu Han, hindered by a leg ailment, had been forced to travel by carriage in the latter days, thus had not yet reached Chang'an.

However, Yang Xi sensed that Geshu Han was in no hurry to arrive, likely fearing punishment after meeting the emperor.

"General Geshu, it's perfect—we can enter the palace together and report on Tongguan's affairs!" Yang Xi said with a cheerful smile after understanding the situation.

"That will do," Geshu Han replied, stroking his graying beard, feeling as if a burden had been lifted from his heart.

Once the morning drums sounded, Yang Xi accompanied Geshu Han, entering through Spring Bright Gate ahead of the crowd, and into the city of Chang'an.

Today was a day of court assembly.

In his later years, Li Longji rarely handled state affairs personally, but with Tongguan's situation just stabilized and the rebellion ongoing, he needed frequent discussions with his ministers. Today, he had risen early to preside over the court.

When Yang Xi and Geshu Han arrived at Chang'an and requested an audience at the gate of Xingqing Palace, the court session had just begun. Upon hearing they were waiting outside together, Li Longji immediately summoned them in.

Under the gaze of all the ministers, Yang Xi, clad in military attire, assisted the infirm Geshu Han into the hall, where each saluted Emperor Li Longji, seated upon his throne.

"Young Minister Yang, Minister Geshu, rise," Li Longji said, visibly delighted, having received news days before that Tongguan was held and the rebels retreated to Shan Commandery. Smiling, he looked at Yang Xi and Geshu Han below, and continued, "Young Minister Yang, I never thought someone of your youth could display such valor—holding Tongguan with just ten thousand battered troops against tens of thousands of rebels until reinforcements arrived! You have rendered great service; I shall reward you handsomely!"

Before Yang Xi could offer his humble reply, Wei Fangjin, the Prefect of Jingzhao, stepped forward to report: "Your Majesty, in the Han dynasty, Huo Qubing led armies at seventeen, and at twenty achieved incomparable feats, his name immortalized after sealing the Wolf Mountain! Marshal Yang, in times of crisis, volunteered to rescue Tongguan and successfully repelled countless rebel assaults, reversing the tide and saving our great Tang from peril. His merits are not inferior to those of Huo Qubing! Your Majesty, this is your fortune and the empire's fortune; Minister Yang has raised his son well! You must reward Marshal Yang and Minister Yang generously to honor their achievement and inspire our troops!"

Though Wei Fangjin's words carried an air of flattery, seeking favor with Yang Guozhong, they were not without reason. Yang Xi's achievements at Tongguan were undeniable; Wei Fangjin's advocacy for rewards met little resistance, though some in the court were uncomfortable.

Yang Guozhong, standing foremost in the hall, showed no expression, but he could not conceal his pride within.

His youngest son truly was a blessing—not only helping him avert disaster but also adding glory to the Yang family. The decision to let Yang Xi lead troops to Tongguan was, in hindsight, unquestionably correct.

It was not a desperate gamble but rather a crowning moment for his family's honor.

His youngest son had real potential, far surpassing his other three sons; he must dedicate all his efforts to nurturing him. It was highly likely that Yang Xi would carry the family's legacy forward, making it ever more illustrious and reaching unforeseen heights.

While Yang Guozhong was inwardly rejoicing and making silent plans, Wei Jiesu, Minister of War, also stepped forward to support Wei Fangjin: "Your Majesty, I concur—Marshal Yang's outstanding achievements in the battle at Tongguan, holding off the rebels with just ten thousand battered troops, deserve the highest rewards from the court!"

"Hmm, you ministers speak well," Li Longji said, stroking his beard and laughing. "Yang Xi has rendered great service at Tongguan; the court shall reward him accordingly! Merit must be rewarded, faults must be punished; only thus can we strengthen our military and national spirit. Otherwise, it would dampen the soldiers' morale!"

After these words, Li Longji suddenly called out loudly, "Where is Yang Xi?"

Startled by the emperor's command, Yang Xi immediately stepped forward and responded respectfully, "Your Majesty, I am here!"

Before Li Longji could announce his rewards, Yang Xi quickly voiced his prepared request: "Your Majesty, while I did achieve merit at Tongguan, it cannot be separated from the soldiers who fought to the death. I hope Your Majesty will reward all the defenders of Tongguan alongside me. Furthermore, I hope Your Majesty will allow those who bear the blame for defeat at Lingbao to continue leading troops, so they may redeem themselves through service!"

His request astonished everyone present, including the previously elated Yang Guozhong and the repentant Geshu Han.