Chapter Twelve: The Capture of Tianshan City

Tianshan City was shrouded in solemnity.

With the entry of the Divine Strategy Army, the original garrison soldiers surrendered one after another and were taken captive.

After a brief period of chaos, order was swiftly restored to its former state.

Many citizens hiding in their homes were astonished to find that, despite the soldiers' fierce aura, none acted recklessly.

“Issue orders: no one is to disturb the populace, and under no circumstances shall there be arson, pillaging, or looting. Any violators will be executed on the spot.”

Guo Huan, refreshed and resolute, had just cleaved the quartermaster in two with a single stroke before sternly issuing the post-battle commands.

This was the consistent discipline of the Divine Strategy Army, especially since these were all subjects of the Great Qi Empire.

“Monkey, lead the way.”

Gripping his saber, Guo Huan called out loudly.

Immediately, a slight, nimble figure darted forward like a ghost, leapt onto a horse’s back in an instant—it was the dwarf who had opened the city gates earlier.

“Brother Guo, finally I see you again!” Monkey danced excitedly on Guo Huan, resembling a real monkey.

“Enough fooling around. Take me to those wealthy merchants quickly. This time, the prince is returning to the northern border to wage war against the Jurchen Kingdom,” Guo Huan reminded him.

Monkey promptly jumped down from the horse and emitted a strange, piercing scream like a monkey’s call.

One by one, ragged beggars emerged from the streets and alleys.

Guo Huan immediately understood and quickly divided his men into twenty squads of twenty each, following the beggars out.

With their guidance, within just an hour, Guo Huan’s forces had sealed off all the mansions of the merchants in Tianshan City.

Meanwhile, inside the government office, the Divine Strategy Army had just thoroughly ransacked the entire compound, uncovering seven million taels of silver, eight hundred thousand taels of gold, twelve chests filled with pearls, agates, and priceless paintings—only a portion of Song Zhiyuan’s embezzled wealth.

“They say our Great Qi Empire is poor, but it seems only the people are destitute,” Qin Xuan sneered coldly, staring at Song Zhiyuan. “Your private residence—should I send men to seize it, or will you surrender it voluntarily?”

“I’ll give it all, everything! Just don’t kill me!” Song Zhiyuan pleaded desperately.

Song Zhiyuan’s ruthlessness rivaled that of the King of Chu, a notorious tyrant who, in the three centuries since the founding of Great Qi, was the only one capable of leading troops to threaten the throne and nearly succeeded in usurping power.

If it weren’t for the retired emperor’s intercession and the current emperor’s self-imposed apology, the realm might already have been in his grasp.

“Guan Xingsheng, this matter is entrusted to you.”

“Awaiting orders!” Guan Xingsheng clasped his fists and took Song Zhiyuan to the Song mansion.

“These despicable corrupt officials have plundered so much of the people's hard-earned wealth; their crimes are unforgivable,” Zhao Luoying said indignantly, looking at the chests full of gold, silver, and jewels.

Qin Xuan shook his head helplessly and smiled. “Every dynasty has such people. Heaven has eyes; otherwise, how could Song Zhiyuan have fallen into my hands?”

“Hmm!” Zhao Luoying smiled faintly, then asked, “Prince, what shall we do next? Should we allow the refugees into the city?”

The capture of the city was achieved through a coordinated internal and external strategy, so the Divine Strategy Army’s actual presence was only fifty thousand rather than the full hundred thousand.

Of these, some guarded the former garrison soldiers, others maintained order within the city, and the remainder Qin Xuan planned to use as “bandits” to extort some wealth from the rich merchants of Tianshan City.

Thus, outside the city still remained fifty thousand Divine Strategy soldiers and over thirty-five thousand refugees.

“The number of refugees is too large. Letting them in hastily would cause unnecessary chaos,” Qin Xuan shook his head and rejected the proposal.

Not out of cruelty, but because allowing so many refugees inside would inevitably lead to problems—food shortages, housing issues, and even possible violence.

Humans are strange creatures; when starving, even a bowl of plain porridge is sweet to the taste.

But once inside the city with better conditions, they would demand white rice.

Yet the citizens of Tianshan City are also human; it would be unjust to sacrifice them for the sake of another group.

“Mr. Zhuge, please return to the barracks and have the elderly, weak, women, and children counted. When the time is right, we will bring them into the city.”

Qin Xuan seemed to have a plan and issued the order.

Zhuge Xuan nodded slightly and inquired, “And what about the others?”

“For now, keep them at the barracks. I have other uses for them,” Qin Xuan murmured thoughtfully.

Zhuge Xuan did not press further and went to carry out the orders.

“Do you have another scheme brewing?” Zhao Luoying, now alone with Qin Xuan, rarely revealed her youthful demeanor.

She gently hooked her arm around his, her enchanting eyes filled with admiration.

Qin Xuan was most vulnerable to that captivating gaze and had no choice but to surrender: “It’s not really a brilliant plan, just a delaying tactic.”

“What do you mean?” Zhao Luoying leaned closer, her intoxicating scent wafting over him.

Qin Xuan quickly steadied himself. “The emperor ordered us to delay at Tianshan City as long as possible, but he never expects us to breach the city within two days.”

“So I’m thinking of leaving part of the Divine Strategy Army outside the city to create the illusion that Tianshan City is still resisting us. That way, we can return to the northern border at the fastest speed.”

Zhao Luoying’s eyes lit up at once but after a moment’s thought, she grew worried: “But what if the Jurchen are waiting for us at the northern border? With only fifty thousand troops, we might not stand a chance.”

“My little fool,” Qin Xuan smiled, elaborating, “I said leaving part of the army behind, not the entire fifty thousand.”

“Actually, as long as we control the government office and the garrison, even without a single soldier left, it would suffice. But to be absolutely certain, we must leave two thousand men to deter and manage the city.”

Tianshan City was far from the imperial capital; even if the emperor sent inspectors, it would take five or six days to arrive. By then, any deception would already be exposed, and Qin Xuan’s forces would nearly have reached the northern border.

“What about the refugees? Leave them as well?”

Zhao Luoying pressed again.

“Of course. To others, they are refugees, but to me, they represent future productivity.”

The greatest drawbacks of the northern border were the cold climate, barren land, and sparse population.

Climate can be adapted to; land can be improved. But population—unless people come willingly—it’s impossible to create out of thin air.

“I will not only bring the refugees back but also trick some from Tianshan City to come with us.”

A gleam of sharp determination flashed in Qin Xuan’s eyes. “Luoying, remember, talent is the foundation of all things. For the northern border to become a kingdom within a kingdom, it must have a sufficient population.”

Looking at the beloved man before her, Zhao Luoying’s eyes were filled with admiration and reverence.

“I believe you can do it!”

Softly, Zhao Luoying embraced Qin Xuan from behind, resting her face against his back. “Prince, Luoying will always be by your side.”

Qin Xuan turned and drew her into his arms.

Zhao Luoying blushed slightly, shyly lowering her head.

At that moment, Qin Xuan suddenly kissed her deeply. Only when she struggled for breath did he slowly release her.

Gazing upon Zhao Luoying’s breathtakingly beautiful face, he whispered, “In this lifetime, whether for you, for me, or for the people of this world, I, Qin Xuan, will ascend to the pinnacle!”