In the seventh year of the Tianjian era (508 AD), in the month of October, the turmoil in Yuzhou became a crisis for Liang Kindom. The rebellion of Bai Zaosheng and others plunged the land into chaos once again.
Wei Xuanhu's army leader Bai Zaosheng and others killed the governor Sima Yue of Yuzhou and surrendered the entire province to Liang. Xiao Yan dispatched Ma Xianpin and others to rescue, and they temporarily recaptured Yiyang and the three passes.
Xiao Yan and Emperor Wu of Liang sat in the imperial study, their brows furrowed with worry. They gazed steadfastly at the map before them, planning their next move.
"Your Majesty, the movements of the Wei army are becoming increasingly concentrated. Our actions must be swift," a young general reported urgently to Xiao Yan.
Xiao Yan took a deep breath and nodded Xiao Zhan ly. His tone was resolute: "Order Ma Xianpin to immediately send troops to support Bai Zhaosheng. We must seize the opportunity to capture the cities of Northern Wei and weaken their national strength. This is truly a heaven-sent opportunity for us, and we must not let it slip away."
Next to him, Chao Qinglan interjected softly, "Your Majesty, the Wei army's strength should not be underestimated. Shouldn't we conduct reconnaissance first and then decide on our course of action?"
Xiao Yan turned to look at Chao Qinglan, his eyes revealing deep thought, " Qinglan is right. We cannot act recklessly; we must first ascertain the enemy's situation."
Subsequently, Xiao Yan ordered the secret envoy to depart immediately for intelligence gathering. At the same time, he summoned several ministers and generals to begin discussing specific response strategies.
"Our goal is to recapture Yiyang and the three passes, ensuring the security of Yuzhou." Xiao Yan stood in front of the strategy map, pointing at the crucial areas on the map with a Xiao Zhan expression.
"Your Majesty, the Wei army is strong. We should first secure our defenses and then plan for a counterattack," advised an old minister, speaking with caution.
Xiao Yan pondered for a moment, then nodded, "The old minister's words are very true. We must proceed with caution, ensuring that every step is flawless."
Chao Qinglan proposed a strategy: "Your Majesty, we can first send a small force to disrupt the Wei army and weaken their fighting power, then launch a concentrated counterattack."
Xiao Yan gazed at Chao Qinglan with a hint of admiration in his eyes: "The plan of Qinglan is clever, we will act as you suggested."
Shortly afterwards, Xiao Yan issued the order, and Ma Xianpin and other military commanders led the troops to set out. Meanwhile, Xiao Yan and Chao Qinglan continued to stay in the rear, closely monitoring the changes in the battle.
The battle was extremely intense. Ma Xianpin and others' deployment briefly recaptured Yiyang and the three passes, but due to the fierce counterattack from the Wei army, the Liang army once again fell into a bitter struggle.
"Your Majesty, the frontline situation is unfavorable. The Wei army has launched a fierce counterattack, and our forces are under significant pressure!" A weary messenger hurriedly entered the study and reported to Xiao Yan.
Upon hearing this, Xiao Yan's expression turned grave, and he asked in a deep voice, "What is the current situation of Wei Rui? Does he have the capability to stop the Wei army's advance?"
"General Wei Rui is stabilizing the defense line in Anlu, but he also needs more assistance," the messenger replied.
Xiao Yan turned to look out the window, with a determined look in his eyes: "Immediately send orders to Wei Rui, tell him to hold Anlu firmly and not allow the Wei army to further invade our territory. At the same time, gather nearby forces to strengthen the defense of Anlu."
Chao Qinglan softly comforted, "Your Majesty, although the battle is tough, as long as we unite, we will surely overcome the difficulties."
Xiao Yan turned to look at Chao Qinglan and a hint of gratitude showed in his eyes, "With you by my side, my heart can be at ease."
In the days to come, the Liang Kindom army, under the careful planning of Xiao Yan and Chao Qinglan, made great efforts to resist the attacks of the Wei army. Although the battle was still fierce, they did not give up any opportunity to counterattack.
Wei Rui arrived in Anlu and immediately began to strengthen the city's defenses. He ordered the soldiers to raise the city walls to over two zhang in height, and dug a deep and wide moat. He also built tall enemy towers on the city walls.
This move greatly enhanced Anlu's defensive capabilities, but it also brought ridicule from his subordinates.
"General Wei, are you being too timid?" a vice general half-jokingly said, with a puzzled look in his eyes.
Wei Rui responded indifferently, "War is not child's play. For a general, caution is fundamental. How can we let the people suffer for the sake of reputation? Sometimes, as a general, being conservative is the best form of attack."
His gaze turned to the distance once again as he continued, "Maintain defense in order to have room for attack. Only by protecting oneself can one ultimately defeat the enemy."
Inside the city, the people discussed and commented on General Wei Rui's defense projects, but most still held respect for this cautious general. They knew that the sturdy city walls were their guarantee of safety.
With the increasing pressure from the Wei army, the importance of Wei Rui's defense measures gradually becomes apparent.
At this time, news from the front line reported that Yuan Ying of the Wei army stopped pursuing Ma Xianpin upon learning that Wei Rui had strengthened the defense of Anlu.
Xiao Yan immediately issued an edict to cease the war upon learning this news.
"Your Majesty, Wei Rui's approach has indeed been effective, and the Wei army has ceased its attack," a minister reported to Xiao Yan in the study.
Xiao Yan nodded and smiled with satisfaction, saying, "Wei Rui is indeed a general who can judge the situation. His caution has won us valuable time and safety."
Beside him, Chao Qinglan added softly, "Your Majesty, this time we were able to avoid a direct conflict with Wei army, which can also be considered a victory. We should seize this opportunity to strengthen our defense and prepare for the next strategy."
Xiao Yan nodded in agreement and said deeply, " Qinglan is absolutely right. We must use this time to strengthen our defenses and prepare for any potential future conflicts."
With the retreat of the Wei army, Liang Kindom temporarily enjoyed a peaceful respite.
Xiao Yan and Chao Qinglan are jointly planning the future development in the palace, dedicated to the stability of the country and the happiness of the people.
Over the years, under the steady policy guidance of Xiao Yan, the people of Liang Kindom finally tasted the sweetness of political reform. Reduced taxes and reasonable governance have significantly improved the living standards of the people.
In the capital, Xiao Yan and Chao Qinglan disguised themselves as ordinary people and strolled through the streets, enjoying the scenery and culture of the city.
Chao Qinglan said softly, " Xiao Yan, seeing the smiles of the people really brings comfort. Your policies are truly wise."
Xiao Yan smiled slightly and replied, " Qinglan, this is all our joint effort, and your suggestions played a crucial role."
As they walked past a group of working flower farmers, an elderly flower farmer said to a neighbor, "Thanks to the current benevolent tax reduction policy of the Liang Dynasty emperor. Now, our Bai family can work in peace, and our children no longer have to go hungry."
They heard it on the side. Chao Qinglan looked at Xiao Yan and said, " Xiao Yan, look, the people are praising you."
Xiao Yan responded with a smile, "This is what I should do. It is also my responsibility as the emperor to let the people live a good life."
They continued on and arrived at a newly developed farmland area. The farmland here has been carefully planned, the soil is fertile, and the crops are growing well.
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