White Horse, Silver Spear, Grand Commandant Gao

Chapter 26 The Rise of Turbulent Times in Eight Prefectures of Northern Shaanxi

"After eliminating the Li family of Xia Prefecture and ousting Yang Tan, you would control the three towns of Dingnan, Zhangwu, and Zhenwu, as well as the eight prefectures of Sui, Yin, Yan, Xia, You, Lin, Fu, and Sheng. This would be a powerful foundation for a regional hegemon. Brother Gao, aren't you tempted?"

Before Gao Xingzhou could answer, Yang Hongxin continued in one breath: "When the time comes, Brother Gao will rule the land and become a king, and your son will be a prince. I, Yang, will also benefit from this and get the title of Prefect of Linzhou, ta-da!"

Yang Hongxin's desire for an official position was not a spur-of-the-moment decision. The Yang family of Linzhou had been a powerful force in the region for generations, leading the people to resist the Khitan, but they had never been recognized by the court, which fueled their resentment.

"Handsome Gao, it's not that we're ambitious."

Zhe Congruan also sided with Yang Hongxin, advising: "Indeed, the new emperor has only been on the throne for a short time, and he has rashly implemented the policy of transferring military governors and weakening regional powers. Li Congke of Fengxiang has provoked an attack, Meng Zhixiang of Bashu has always been dissatisfied with the court, Shi Jingtang of Hedong is biding his time, and the Khitan in the north are also eyeing us covetously. In this situation, if our eight northwestern prefectures do not unite, we may not be able to protect ourselves in this chaotic world."

These words clearly explained the current situation, and Gao Xingzhou understood the key points.

There is a fundamental difference between governing one town and concurrently leading several. Under normal circumstances, taking this step would be extremely difficult, and the imperial court would never approve it.

In distant lands, Wang Zhongsi commanded Shuofang, Hedong, Hexi, and Longyou, holding the seals of four generals, controlling vast territories, with powerful troops and important towns all under his command. An Lushan concurrently held the positions of military governor of Pinglu, Fanyang, and Hedong, and a great upheaval caused the Tang Dynasty to decline from its peak.

More recently, there were Yang Xingmi, the King of Wu; Li Maozhen, the King of Qi; Wang Jian, the King of Shu; Li Keyong, the King of Jin; and Zhu Wen, the King of Liang. From east to west, north to south, all were enfeoffed as princes by Emperor Zhaozong of Tang, and were figures who called themselves kings and ancestors.

Families like Yang Wu, Qian Yue, Ma Chu, Min Guo, Nan Han, and even the Gao family of Nanping, which only comprised the three prefectures of Jingnan, all started their fortunes in this way.

As Yang Hongxin said, the strength of the eight northwestern prefectures was enough to dominate a region.

Even if we take a step back, the Gao brothers, Gao Wanxing and Gao Wanjin, who were subordinates of Li Maozhen, occupied the Zhangwu and Baoda armies, and were treated with courtesy by both the Liang and Tang dynasties.

Taking advantage of the new emperor's decree to suppress the Dingnan Army, we can legitimately strengthen our power and establish a foothold in the northwest. This is the best strategy.

Regardless of whether Li Congke or Li Conghou wins or loses, as long as the country is not unified, the imperial court will not be able to attend to this area and will most likely try to appease and befriend them, using them as a barrier against the Khitan in the north.

However, despite it being the best course of action, Gao Xingzhou could not easily agree.

Since the late Tang Dynasty, it was common for military leaders to establish their own independent regimes. However, firstly, this matter was of great importance; secondly, he had to consider the relationship with the late emperor; and thirdly, it went against Gao Xingzhou's own nature.

However, he also understood that the reason why Zhe and Yang readily agreed to help and join forces to deal with the Dingnan Army was not primarily due to their past friendship, but also because of this plan.

Yang Hongxin may seem rough and boorish, but he is actually quite shrewd. He and Zhe Congruan came together, so they must have already discussed it before bringing it up during the banquet.

If you refuse outright, things may change.

"In chaotic times, with soldiers and generals, even an emperor can rise to power; how much more so a regional warlord?"

While Gao Xingzhou was still pondering, Yang Hongxin couldn't help but urge him, "The Yang family has over a thousand men, and the Zhe family has even more. Add to that the troops under your command, Brother Gao, and you'll have more than enough to occupy northern Shaanxi. What are you hesitating for?"

Zhe Congruan offered another reason: "Since the Dingnan Army has incurred the wrath of the court, it's hard to guarantee they won't collude with the Khitan. Yang Tan cannot command the people; how can he lead us to defend against the enemy? We must first resolve our worries about the rear before we can confront the powerful enemy on the grasslands."

The two men took turns trying to persuade him: "Oh dear, Brother Gao, you also said in your letter that only by eliminating the threat from the Li family in Xia Prefecture can we jointly defend against the Khitan. The logic is very clear, and we're already here, so why are you getting so conflicted?"

In his letter to the two men, Gao Xingzhou did indeed explain the advantages and disadvantages in this way, but he did not expect them to go further and even drive away the newly appointed military governor Yang Tan, thus establishing their own independent regime in eight prefectures.

Without the cooperation of the Zhe and Yang families, the strategy of encircling Dingnan Army could not be achieved. Moreover, the new emperor is keen on weakening the power of the princes and his methods are crude and ruthless. He might issue an imperial edict one day to strip him of his official position and transfer him to the capital to be a powerless general of the guards.

"When Li Maozhen, the Prince of Qi, was at his peak, his power extended to fifteen towns and more than forty prefectures both inside and outside the pass. Yet he was still defeated by Zhu Wen and had no choice but to sue for peace and admit defeat. In the end, he could only hold onto seven prefectures."

After a moment's thought, Gao Xingzhou shook his head and refused: "The population of northern Shaanxi is small, the land is barren and the people are poor. It is acceptable for them to unite for self-preservation, but it is not advisable for them to seize the land and declare themselves kings."

He reassured the two, saying, "I know you two have valid points. How about we observe the situation for a while, and then discuss this topic again when things become clearer?"

The conflict between Fengxiang and the imperial court remains unresolved, the Dingnan Army cannot be quelled overnight, and driving away Yang Tan requires further careful consideration. Gao Xingzhou is experienced and prudent, and although the two men are disappointed, they know that what he said makes sense.

When Zhe Congyuan and Yang Hongxin arrived, they discussed various possible scenarios. Since Gao Xingzhou was unwilling to take the lead, it was not enough to rely on empty words to get the two families to work together to deal with the Li family of Xiazhou; there needed to be some kind of written agreement between them.

Yang Hongxin raised his glass and drank heartily, while Zhe Congruan made no mention of the conversation, as if it had never happened.

Gao Xingzhou remained calm and chatted idly, recounting his experiences since arriving in town. When he mentioned his duel with Bai Wenshen, the two men exclaimed in admiration, repeatedly calling for wine.

"Bai Wenshen's mediocre skills are no match for Brother Gao."

Yang Hongxin drank heartily, emptying a jar of wine in no time. He pushed the table aside and stood up, saying, "It's been a long time since we've sparred; my golden sword is practically rusted. Would I have the honor of exchanging a few blows with Brother Gao?"

Gao Xingzhou knew that Yang Hongxin was fond of martial arts and that the Yang family's swordsmanship was unparalleled, with few rivals in Linzhou and even northern Shaanxi. He thought it would be a great honor for a martial artist to spar with such a master, so he readily agreed with a smile.

Unfortunately, the outcome should not be revealed to outsiders, otherwise I would definitely let my two sons see what a true duel between masters looks like.

After drinking for a while, it got dark outside, so everyone moved to the back room.

Torches were lit around the training ground. In the dim light, Yang Hongxin held his golden sword upside down and assumed a ready-to-draw stance.

The golden knife, which the two servants had struggled to carry, weighed about several dozen kilograms. He grabbed it in his hand and lifted it as if it were nothing.

Gao Xingzhou responded with a central four-level spear stance, and the two carefully moved their feet to control the distance between them.

"Brother Gao, be careful."

Yang Hongxin made the first move, his blade suddenly slashing upwards, not with a chopping motion, but with a sweeping motion!

The Yang Family Knife Technique originated from the Guan Yu Knife Technique, also known as the Spring and Autumn Knife Technique. It was learned from Guan Dalie, a descendant of the Guan family, and consists of eighteen styles and thirty-six moves.

The first three strikes of Guan Yu's sword are the most powerful: a swift chop that splits Mount Hua, a sweeping sweep that cuts through thousands of troops, and a backhand strike that resembles a rhinoceros gazing at the moon. When the Martial Saint takes to the field, nine out of ten times he will slay an enemy general on his horse. Those who could withstand three of his moves were all famous generals of the Three Kingdoms period.

Yang Hongxin's first move, "Guan Gong Picks the Robe," attacked while simultaneously protecting his center, avoiding exposing his chest and abdomen—a clear display of caution and prudence.

If the opponent thrusts straight at you with a spear, and the spear is lighter than a sword, once it hits you squarely, it will definitely knock the weapon away, making it difficult to block the subsequent downward slash.

If the opponent dodges to the left or right, Yang Hongxin can seize the center position and gain a slight advantage.

To counter Yang Hongxin's move, only a fierce general like Wang Yanzhang, wielding a heavy iron spear weighing a hundred pounds, could withstand the upward momentum of the golden saber. For an ordinary warrior, this single move would be enough to put them at a disadvantage.

But if Guan Yu were to face Zhao Yun, who would be stronger?

Gao Xingzhou loosened his grip with his front hand and exerted force with his back hand, causing the spearhead to rotate in a circle and quietly slide below the blade. Without the sound of weapons clashing, he remained facing the center, refusing to yield an inch.

With a roar, Yang Hongxin took a large step forward, advancing three feet, changing his upward slash to a forward thrust, using his knife as a spear, and unleashing a stabbing attack.

The Spring and Autumn Period swordsmanship has a story behind every move.

When Zhuan Zhu assassinated King Liao, a comet struck the moon. When Nie Zheng assassinated Han Kui, a white rainbow pierced the sun. This move is called the Sun-Piercing Blade.

The blade is three feet long, and its length and width far exceed those of a six-inch spearhead. Yang Hongxin's broadsword is further reinforced with gold and bronze on the back, making its slashing power even more ferocious, hence the name "Golden-Backed Mountain-Chopping Sword".

A mountain can be cut down, but if the blade hits you in the chest, you'll likely break several ribs immediately.

The powerful stabbing was about to pierce his chest and abdomen when Gao Xingzhou finally parried it with his spear.

The key to using a gun is to defend by cutting into the flesh and then using the gun; to attack by sticking close to the shaft and penetrating deeply.

When the opponent's weapon is about to strike, parrying is the easiest and least strenuous way to deal with it.

It sounds simple, but to actually move only when the enemy's blade is almost upon you, you need willpower, experience, eyesight, judgment, and reaction time—all of these are indispensable.

Gao Xingzhou deflected the blade, then, close to the blade shaft, thrust forward with a move called "Withered Vine Entangling Tree."

Yang Hongxin brandished his golden saber, intending to strike the spear shaft with its heavy weight, causing Gao Xingzhou to lose his grip. Unexpectedly, the moment he struck the spear shaft, he immediately felt the spear's momentum carrying a spinning force, and the saber's edge slid away.

Why don't spears break when they clash with heavy weapons like swords and axes? The secret lies here.

The spear appeared to strike directly, but in reality, it moved in a spiral, with the force distributed across multiple points, which is why Yang Hongxin's golden sword could not suppress it.

The spear tip pierced the web of Yang Hongxin's forearm, forcing him to release his grip. However, his arm strength was astonishing; he gripped the hilt with his rear hand and, with the strength of a single arm, swung the massive sword, weighing dozens of kilograms, in a horizontal slash!

The Spring and Autumn Saber Technique must be avoided in the move of stabbing Qing Ji with one arm, which would result in mutual destruction.

The spear can break through swords and halberds because it can be drawn and drawn freely, unlike the heavy heads of swords and halberds which are slow to return to their original position. Gao Xingzhou quickly raised his spear to block the attack.

Yang Hongxin unleashed a series of sword techniques: Yang Youji's opening sword strike, Bian Zhuang's leaping sword strike to stab a tiger, the sword strike to return the jade intact to Zhao, the sword strike to return the sword, the sword strike to return the sword, and the sword strike to lift the tripod by Zixu. Each move was fierce and powerful.

Gao Xingzhou defended himself tightly, keeping the tip of his spear perfectly in place. Occasionally, he would launch a counterattack that was only enough to make a point, often forcing Yang Hongxin to change his tactics accordingly.

After exchanging blows for dozens of rounds, Yang Hongxin threw his sword to the ground with a clang: "I'm not fighting anymore, Brother Gao's marksmanship is superb, I admire him."

Gao Xingzhou sheathed his gun and returned the salute with clasped hands.

Just as they were about to exchange a few pleasantries, Yang Hongxin said, "I wonder if that young man Chonggui would have the honor of becoming my disciple and learning a few sword techniques? If Brother Gao takes a liking to the Yang family's swordsmanship, send your son to Linzhou, and I, Yang, will certainly treat him as my own son and teach him all my swordsmanship skills!"