Chapter 103: Contest of Strength (Thirty-Seven)

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Within the Eagle Strike Commander's Office, a gathering of officers from the Heng'an Eagle Command stood assembled in full array. These frontier commanders were clad in armor, the clash of their metal plates ringing sharply. They formed two ranks flanking the ceremonial hall, exuding an indomitable and fierce aura.

Originally, the Eagle Commands across the borderlands were responsible solely for mustering and training the Eagle troops. When going to war, generals appointed by the central empire’s Twelve Guards would lead the expeditions. Within the capital of the Great Sui, a complete corps of officers was concentrated under the Twelve Guards.

This system was a reform aimed at curbing the influence of the powerful aristocratic clans and the numerous semi-autonomous fiefdoms that plagued the realm. It emphasized strong central control internally while allowing for weaker external governance.

Yet, the entrenched noble families remained mighty, and from the start, this system was undermined. Aristocrats planted their own men in various regions to command the Eagle troops directly—not only organizing their training and assembly but also leading them into battle. The once seasonal militias, farmers in peacetime and soldiers in war, transformed into permanent forces, becoming pivotal powers within their localities. Over time, the Eagle commanders evolved into legitimate regional authorities. These contingents, once subordinate to the Twelve Guards, morphed into quasi-independent forces, intertwined with the noble families.

When Yang Xuangang rebelled, he mobilized eleven Eagle Commands guarding the river, spreading devastation for miles. The elite officer corps of the Twelve Guards, already depleted by repeated campaigns against Goguryeo, no longer possessed the strength to control the local Eagle Commands.

At its inception, the system was a bold new start—curbing the great aristocratic houses and commanding authority throughout the empire—seemingly heralding a new golden age for the Great Sui. But it vanished as suddenly as smoke dissipating into the clouds, leaving behind only a dying shell.

Meanwhile, powerful regional strongholds flourished, ambitious and resolute—some preparing to carve out their own domains, others readying to compete for supremacy across the land.

Heng'an Eagle Command was no exception. Its officers were hardy frontier warriors, gathered over years. Some were native sons rising through merit; others had followed Liu Wuzhou back from Haidong, hardened on the hellish battlefields of Goguryeo; still others were wandering swordsmen of exceptional prowess. Most were between twenty-six and thirty-five years old—men at the peak of vigor, strength, and experience. Having faced repeated clashes with the Turks, their cohesion was near perfect.

Though stationed in a remote borderland with limited resources, Heng'an Eagle Command possessed a cadre of fierce warriors and four thousand elite troops. It was always a force not to be underestimated.

All officers stood erect beneath the hall. Even the usually lax Yu Chigong held his mouth tightly shut. They avoided looking away from one another, awaiting Liu Wuzhou’s arrival.

A sudden crisis had just ignited the final confrontation between Liu Wuzhou and Wang Rengong, with the Turks drawn into the fray. Everyone knew the coming storm would be fierce beyond measure.

Yet these fierce commanders showed little fear.

In chaotic times, fame and fortune are won through bloodshed. To shy from risk was to retreat into obscurity, living hand to mouth in some mountain village. As soldiers, they dealt in the dance of death.

Though relations with Wang Rengong had soured utterly, the outcome was still uncertain. Rather than continue to endure his relentless oppression, it was better to throw caution to the wind and fight—perhaps the lordship of Mayi Commandery would change hands.

Within and beyond Yunzhong City, the populace stirred restlessly. Many young swordsmen flocked to their cause, unwilling to accept Wang Rengong’s tyranny. With the army’s morale and popular support high, a swift strike toward Shanyang held a real chance of success.

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And if they lost? What then? In such turbulent times, who could truly hope to die peacefully in bed?

Borderland men of some ability never expected to live past thirty. That was the fate of the sons of Yunzhong.

Boots thudded heavily as Liu Wuzhou and Yuan Junzhang finally emerged from the rear of the hall, ascending to the foremost seat.

The officers, clad in full armor, hearts burning with fierce determination, awaited Liu Wuzhou’s command. They were ready to march south and crash themselves against the walls of Shanyang if need be.

But Liu Wuzhou’s appearance doused them with cold water.

The pillar of Heng'an Eagle Command looked haggard, with deep dark circles under his eyes and slack, sagging flesh. Draped in a simple coat, his back slightly bent, he seemed crushed by the weight of his burdens.

This was hardly the visage of a man prepared to sever ties with Wang Rengong and fight to the death.

The officers stirred uneasily, exchanging puzzled glances.

Yuan Junzhang followed behind Liu Wuzhou, also showing signs of fatigue, though his face remained tightly composed, betraying no hint of his thoughts.

Liu Wuzhou stood at the head of the hall, surveying the assembly before sighing deeply.

“You all know what’s happened these past few days, yes? I don’t know what I did to offend Prefect Wang to deserve this treatment. Zhang Wansui is imprisoned right here in this office. So, what do you all think we should do?”

Some officers, whether stationed in Yunzhong City or hastening from outposts, had gathered at Liu’s summons. They had debated privately for days, and eight out of ten believed that, with tensions so high, only open battle remained.

Though Liu Wuzhou’s tone was somewhat subdued, several hot-headed officers spoke up eagerly.

“Damn him!”

“We know what the Mayi troops can do. We’ve never feared them. Just give the word, Eagle Strike!”

“We’ve endured enough insults. Now that they’ve crossed the line, what are we waiting for? Eagle Strike, command us! I volunteer to lead the vanguard!”

Yu Chigong, ever eager for combat, remained silent but blinked expectantly at Liu Wuzhou. When someone volunteered for the vanguard, he shot them a glare.

Though Yu Chigong was well aware of the complexities within Yunzhong City, should war break out, who else but he could lead the charge? Who else dared challenge the mighty Yu Chigong?

The officers burned with fury, yet Liu Wuzhou smiled bitterly and said coldly, “Very well. If we fight Prefect Wang, the elite of Heng'an Command will march south to seize Shanyang. But what if the Turks invade at the same time? What of the people of Yunzhong?”

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One officer blurted out rashly, “The Turks were soundly beaten last year. Winter approaches. If we strike swiftly, they might not dare come again.”

But Yu Chigong’s face darkened. He was among the few who knew the full truth.

Zhibi Lolo was now imprisoned within the Eagle Strike Command office! Although he believed swift action might still succeed, Liu Wuzhou’s deliberate mention of the Turks made clear he wished to avoid war.

Liu Wuzhou shook his head quietly. “Besides Zhang Wansui, there is another prisoner here—the Xian Zhibi Lolo of the Zhibi tribe. Zhang Wansui’s arrival was to coordinate with him.”

An uproar erupted beneath the hall.

None had expected Wang Rengong’s collusion extended beyond the nine noble tribes to the Zhibi tribe of the Turks!

For years, the Zhibi had repeatedly raided the border, leaving countless families destitute in Mayi Commandery. As prefect, Wang Rengong was supposed to protect the region, yet he conspired with the Zhibi to undermine Liu Wuzhou’s border defense!

One officer declared boldly, “Eagle Strike, execute Zhibi Lolo and march to punish this traitor Wang! Even if we all die on the battlefield, we shall never yield to that scoundrel!”

Liu Wuzhou shook his head slowly, his expression bitter. “I know your thoughts, but I cannot do that... I guard Yunzhong to shield the people from the Turks. If I march south to fight Prefect Wang, what happens to the people here? I’ve summoned you all to tell you this: I will apologize to Prefect Wang. Zhang Wansui and Zhibi Lolo can be handed over to him, and I will step down at any time. But I ask Prefect Wang to swear one thing—no matter what, he must not allow the Turks to set foot in Mayi Commandery! For the sake of the people, my position and power are nothing.”

The officers cried out en masse, “Eagle Strike!”

Liu Wuzhou waved them down firmly. “It’s decided! I called you here because I feared you might act rashly. Since Prefect Wang despises me so much that he would hand Mayi’s people over to the Turks, I will leave—but only if he gives this solemn promise.”

As his words fell, Liu Wuzhou straightened his bent back, no longer heeding the officers’ protests, and strode toward the rear of the hall.

Yuan Junzhang cast a glance over the officers and silently followed.

Only the assembled frontier warriors remained, filled with sorrow and anger.

“Eagle Strike!”