Chapter 78: Luo Jin Rescued the City’s People
Word Number：336
Author：闲穿径竹
Translator：
Release Time：2025-06-28
Upon observing Yang Muzhi lost in thought, Li Chu surmised that the man was already weaving a clever stratagem. Turning to Ye Hu, he spoke with quiet authority, “Let us enter the city first. We shall deliberate further in due course.” Once within the city walls, Li Chu summoned Yang Muzhi in secret. With the matter heavy on his mind, he broached the subject at once. Yang Muzhi replied, “The rebel horde has already plundered Luoyang of its wealth, stripping the citizens of their gold and treasures. In truth, little remains in their homes. This, I believe, simplifies matters considerably.” Li Chu furrowed his brow, uncertain. “What do you mean by this, sir?” Yang Muzhi inclined his head slightly, his voice calm yet purposeful. “A gentleman is moved by righteousness, a rogue by profit. Your Highness may say to Ye Hu that the people of Luoyang have already been stripped bare — their homes reduced to barren shells, their possessions no more than coarse cloth and common wares. To sack the city now would yield little but ash and sorrow. Instead, offer them honour: let the Tang court present ten thousand bolts of the finest brocade to the Uyghurs, as a token of gratitude for coming to our aid. Let Ye Hu take this gesture not only as recompense, but as a plea — that not a hair upon the heads of Luoyang’s people be harmed, and that no woman suffer indignity. Thus, the people may be spared, and the city preserved.” Li Chu brightened. “A splendid plan indeed! But tell me — where, in so short a time, are we to find ten thousand bolts of fine brocade?” Yang Muzhi allowed himself a faint smile, his tone measured and assured. “We are fortunate that Zhang Xun still holds fast at Suiyang. Thanks to his defiance, the tribute grain and levies from the Yangtze and Huai regions have continued their passage to Luoyang unimpeded.” He paused, calculating on his fingers. “If my reckoning is correct, then by to
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