Chapter 425: Chapter 286: Cut from the Same Cloth
This Yan Zhongjie is both loyal and honest. Just by looking at his name, it’s clear he’s a die-hard loyalist of the Immortal Palace, a standard model of a distinguished official. As the Prefectural Governor of Changshan, he can rally the hearts of the entire county, using merely a few thousand rebels to delay the tens of thousands of rebel troops, earning more battle merits than the Royal Army.
However, the Immortal Palace is too weak; eighty thousand fought against twenty thousand and suffered a great defeat with bodies strewn across the fields. Thus, after holding Changshan for several months, when supplies ran dry, the rebel army broke through and massacred the city, and Yan Taishou’s entire family was hung and executed for public display.
But the Yan family hadn’t been wiped out, because Yan Changshan still had a brother, the former Pingyuan Guard of the Gen Kingdom, Yan Wenzhong. Yes, another ’Zhong’, another ’Guard’, highlighting the family upbringing.
In short, one ’Zhong’ was in Changshan, and another in Pingyuan. The brothers united for justice, supporting each other and rallying everyone. Moreover, this younger brother was even more remarkable, with greater reputation and extraordinary talent. He was thus unanimously elected as the Alliance Hierarch by the rebel army, gathering two hundred thousand military and civilians of the Gen Kingdom, contending with the Northern Army in successive victories, restraining a large number of troops. He even forced Stone Dragon to retreat from the Gen River, a testament to his strategic prowess.
Alas, just looking at the name Pingyuan reveals it’s unsuitable for holding out, and infantry fighting cavalry, no matter how many times they win, merely scattering and not exterminating doesn’t help. If they lose once, they’re doomed, getting slaughtered all the way through, unable to escape.
Thus, Yan Pingyuan’s main rebel army ultimately met its fate of being defeated by assault cavalry in field battles; just escaping was slightly easier. It seems that now the remnants have retreated to the mountains to engage in guerrilla warfare, and there’s no news of him being harmed yet. Otherwise, this rebel leader’s head would have already been displayed for public view.
"The officials and Gate Valve lords of the Gen Kingdom either fled south with the King or surrendered and defected. Those who stood out to resist were few, and most of them have died in battle."
"These Gate Valve noble families couldn’t possibly abandon the ancestral properties they’ve managed for centuries in the secular world, migrating to the mountains for cultivation. Naturally, either they worship the Immortal Venerable or kneel to the Heavenly King. Given this, our Sword Sect must support one or two separatist forces to wave the flag and shout the slogans."
"The Yan brothers are a local renowned noble lineage. Previously able to rally people’s hearts and resist Stone Dragon, which proves their reputation and skills. As long as they are alive, the Hebei rebel army will surely look up to them. Besides them, choosing anyone else may not command the crowd. If they cannot be controlled by our Sword Sect, other sects will reach out, and the bulk of Genzhou’s resources will be pocketed by others."
"Now, only Yan Pingyuan is left. If we can win over this outstanding leader in the rebel army, take him under our wing, and make him an outer disciple of our Sword Sect, he would be an asset for the Mystic Sect. When the day comes to sweep away the bandits, having such a righteous man to wave the flag, Hebei’s land could entirely be brought under control. Someone of his talent could handle anything, sparing our disciples the trouble of dealing with resources and logistics."
Hui Ming Zhan Tie, gleefully killed a bunch of heads, bundled the hair of the mixed captives together and held it in his hand, chirping excitedly.
Tie Dan suspiciously looked at the head of Yan Changshan in his hand,
"The Yan family clearly served the court loyally and were quite principled that way. Even in death, they weren’t afraid. How could they turn to become the Sword Sect’s dogs?"
Hui Ming took the head with both hands, wiped it clean, and wrapped it with a brocade handkerchief, giving it special treatment,
"Who in this world is truly loyal to the court? It’s nothing more than fame and fortune, just seeking titles and reputation. Since these brothers do not seek wealth or official positions, it’s merely for reputation, building the Yan family into a first-class Gate Valve."
"But as long as they dare to risk their lives, as long as they dare to go against Stone Dragon, we’ll assist them with the strength of our sword. Whether the Yan family can truly become renowned and contend in the Central Plains depends on their own abilities."
"Moreover, even if Yan Pingyuan is unwilling, it doesn’t matter. How few are the instances of ancestors being heroes but descendants being embroidered pillows? Just bring people into the mountain, arrange a marriage with an outer disciple, pass on the sect, inherit the lineage, and the Yan family will become part of our Sword Sect. They will surely be of use to us, and they won’t have a choice but to agree."
Alright, Tie Dan roughly understood Hui Ming Zhan Tie’s hints, and grasped the Sword Sect’s plans.
Now, the Mystic Sect wants to establish a foothold in Hebei, recruit followers, and exploit resources. Directly going door to door won’t work, and people, no matter how much they waver between the Immortal Venerable and the Heavenly King, can’t just jump into the embrace of the Demon Sect.
Therefore, it’s necessary to first establish a banner, carry a significant sovereignty justification, to win people’s hearts. Those clan Royal Vassal Kings, Dukes, and ministers surely can’t be chosen, otherwise, it would just be making a wedding dress for the Immortal Palace. Thus, the Yan family, this local family with reputation, ability, and achievements, is the most ready banner.
Look at how both loyal and heroic they are, family-wide loyalty and righteousness, highlighting the brutality of the rebel army and the incapability of the Royal Army. With such an excellent banner to rally behind, local Gate Valves are bound to pledge allegiance.
Then, when spoken of, it’s not about offering resources as tribute for protection from the Demon Sect, but supporting the rebel leader, exchanging for the Mystic Sect allied army’s support. Wouldn’t that mean a majestic reaction, bowing down already?
Whether or not there is this significant sovereignty in hand, doing things becomes very different.
"But, the young master must hurry. Yan Changshan is dead, leaving only Yan Pingyuan. If he also dies, we’ll have to find someone else."
"I’m afraid the peers of Mystic Sect are all searching for him, and if someone else takes the lead, we’ll fall into a passive position."
Indeed, Genzhou is vast and resource-rich. It’s not just the Sword Sect eyeing to plunder the resources; all nine major sects are watching this piece of fat meat. Naturally, everyone will want to seize this rebel leader.