Wang Mang's Origins

Wang Mang's Origins

The Battle of Kunyang had made Liu Xiu famous, while The Court's crushing defeat there had drained the Xin Dynasty's last reserves of strength.

Following the course of history, three months after the Battle of Kunyang, the Green Forest Army would storm Chang'an, kill Wang Mang amid the chaos, and bring about the fall of the Xin Dynasty.

Jiang Hao no longer hesitated. He immediately gathered his generals and issued orders: two days to reorganize the army, then march on Longxi. He intended to seize Chang'an before the Green Forest Army attacked it.

More than forty thousand cavalrymen headed for Longxi, their hooves thundering across the land. It was already May, the season when grass grew lush and orioles took flight.

Kui Xiao, who occupied Longxi, had long felt the pressure from Jiang Hao's army. He had previously considered taking Zhangye, Jiuquan, and other commanderies, but before he could make a move, a Western Regions army had suddenly emerged.

After making inquiries, he learned that its leader was Jiang Hao, formerly just a military officer of the Western Regions Protectorate. Further investigation revealed that Jiang Hao had, by his own efforts, organized the Hanyang Army and wiped out the Xiongnu Right Virtuous King in one stroke.

Now Jiang Hao had stationed his troops west of Longxi, and Kui Xiao naturally could neither eat nor sleep in peace.

"Report to the Grand General! Scouts ahead report that the Hanyang Army has mobilized in force and is advancing on Longxi City. They have already surrounded Dingxi City," a subordinate reported.

Kui Xiao was startled. What was coming had finally come. He frowned at the map for a long while before saying, "Order Longxi's commander, Zhang Ye, to defend the city to the death. Anyone who abandons the city and