Chapter Fifteen

  On the official road to Changsha, Xu Jin said with a smile: "A Xiao, on the cement road from the general headquarters to here, I felt a bit of warmth now, don't worry, when you come back, I believe that in your occupied area, everything will be warm."

  Zhou Lun knew what he meant, having seen the modern cement road surface, and smiled as he patted Xu Jin's shoulder, saying: "You little guy, don't say anything more, I've taken care of everything else for you. You need to quickly grasp the situation in Changsha, and I estimate that Old Lei will not only take Hengzhou, but also Xiangtan and Zhuzhou, so when the time comes, you won't just be managing Changsha, but all the occupied areas. In Hunan, you need to mentally prepare yourself for this. Li Dingguo in Yunnan is still unknown whether he's a friend or foe, and is watching you with a hawk's gaze. After all, you have to treat this place as the front line. Since you volunteered to come here, your burden isn't light. Also, Xiao Ying's troops are still in northwest Sichuan, it's hard to take care of southwest Sichuan."

  I continued, "On the issue of supplies, we can only take two paths now. The first is for Lü's army to quickly occupy Jiujiang near Jiangxi. This way, we can transport directly by waterway. The second path is to establish an arsenal behind Old Lei. I think that with this team getting bigger and bigger, relying solely on the headquarters' supplies will be very difficult. The headquarters may also be the last supply point, as the Qing army marching south will soon face off against the two branches of the headquarters directly. This is a critical moment, our strength is strong but if supplies can't keep up it's just empty talk. Since we've already taken the lead, I think you understand the principle of shooting the bird that sticks its head out. Our rear is entrusted to you, Brother Jin."

  Xu Jin also nodded seriously and said, "A Xiao, A Lun, you can rest assured that since I, Xu, have come to work on your side, I will definitely help take good care of this land. At the same time, I will try my best to solve the logistical problems for you as soon as possible. I'm leaving now, it's hard to part with friends after a long journey, go back, all of you, so that I won't feel uncomfortable watching you."

  I nodded with Zhou Lun and said: "Brother Jin guarantees it. My brother won't see us off. We'll meet again another day."

  I resolutely turned around and walked towards the direction of the military camp.

  Xu Jin waved his hand casually at Zhou Lun and said, "When you capture Nanchang, I'll celebrate with you." After finishing speaking, he also turned around to the guard beside him and said, "Mount up, hoping to arrive at Changsha Prefecture tonight."

  As I watched Xu Jin's distant departure, I didn't turn my head and continued to gaze at the stretching road ahead, saying to Zhou Lun: "Ah Lun, let's not worry about it. I think Xu Jin must have made preparations before he came. Although fighting isn't his strong suit, he's not weak either. Heh heh. Li Dingguo and others want to take a bite out of him? I think they'll need to reconsider."

  Zhou Lun also nodded and said, "En, let's not worry about it anymore. Let's go back and prepare well for the next battle and challenge." He said with a hint of surprise, "I was wondering why you're so nagging. Okay, don't think about anything. We won't have any big deal."

  Facing the morning sunlight, breathing in the fresh air, one's spirit has become much more cheerful. Gone is the depression and sadness of seeing Xu Jin off yesterday. The worries about Xu Jin have also been put down. Thinking about it, didn't I also come from having no experience? Now, to actually be worrying with this kind of old-timer mentality. Just as I picked up the washing utensils and finished washing, the new guard Xiao Tang had already walked in and said: "Commander, the troops have already assembled, there's not much time left, you should hurry and go."

  As soon as I arrived at the drill ground where the troops were gathering, they had already assembled.

  As I watched the military commanders at all levels report, I returned a military salute and said: "At ease. Comrades, I order the entire division to march into Jiangxi from today, and the local defense will be taken over by the independent brigade. After the meeting, prepare immediately." The brief words were finished, and the soldiers quickly went back to prepare with discipline.

  The independent brigade in Yuezhou has taken over the city's defense and military camps, and several large factories such as cement plants, as well as workers who are repairing water conservancy projects, are also undergoing half-day training under orders, day after day. As a result, the militia has increased by tens of thousands of people, although their combat effectiveness is not high, they can still lift things up.

  The political affairs of Yue State have been handed over to Zhang De Fang, a jinshi from Yue City.

  Although this person studied the eight-part essay, he didn't know how to do those superficial things. He was also relatively straightforward and disliked flattering others, so even now at 40 years old, he is still just a juren (a low-level degree holder), but he does have real talent and learning.

  Zeng Yue Shu walked alongside me, saying: "Chief, this Zhang De Fang is quite talented. He has also read the works of Mr. Chang Geng and often discusses with me how to govern and administer, I can manage Yue State well, he also has great credit."

  I stopped in my tracks, turned sideways and looked at Zeng Yue Shu: "Zhongzhi, that's enough. You don't have to speak up for him anymore. I don't like this kind of thing. You know we are pragmatic, if he has talent I will let him be the county magistrate of Yuezhou without you saying a word, if he doesn't have talent then no matter how much you say it won't work."

  After finishing speaking, I patted Zeng Yue Shu's shoulder and said: "Zhongzhi, you just wait here for me. I'll go in myself."

  As I walked into the living room of Zeng's ancestral hall, I took a good look at Zhang Defang. This man in his forties already showed some signs of aging. There were some whiskers on his lips, slightly curled and looking somewhat disheveled.

  Zhang Defang saw me walking in and also stood up, saying: "Humble commoner Zhang Defang pays respects to Young Master Wang." The tone of his words was neither arrogant nor humble, which made my good impression of him increase somewhat.

  I hastily helped him up and said: "Kuiyuan, quickly dispense with the formalities. I am the one who dislikes this sort of thing the most."

  "Qūyuán, let's get straight to the point. I'd like to hear about your governing philosophy. Tell me, if you were in charge of Yue State, what would you do?"

  Zhang Defang's eyes flashed a hint of surprise, and he replied respectfully: "Alright then, I'll also learn from my younger brother Zhong Zhi to call you Shou Zhang."

  "General, I have four ideas for now." He said, holding up four fingers to illustrate: "First, business. Since ancient times, it has been believed that agriculture is the foundation of the people, but I think we should promote industry, agriculture and commerce simultaneously. On the basis of improving the status of merchants, we should relax their trade restrictions. As long as they do not harm the country, we can give them great freedom. At the same time, regarding taxation, I think we need to take a long-term view. Our current business is still underdeveloped and we should reduce taxes and increase the development of commerce."

  I listened with great interest as Zhang Defang spoke of his plan. I nodded and said, "Go on, don't mind me."

  "Secondly, regarding the treatment of refugees, I think it's better to guide them rather than block them. Based on current policies, we can allocate excess land to them and arrange for the remaining refugees to move to neighboring states and counties. We can acquire land through purchase or mortgage, which will help us in our future attacks and consolidation of occupied territories. The money spent on buying land will eventually return to our pockets after we occupy other states and counties."

  Zhang Defang took the tea handed over by the soldier and took a sip, saying: "This is the third one, which is about industry. I visited several factories built by the leaders. Very good. I think we should increase investment, accelerate industrial development, encourage businessmen to invest, and speed up our own capital circulation. As for the fourth one..."

  I looked at Zhang Defang and said in a deep voice: "No need to consider anything, just say it."

  Zhang Defang muttered to himself, "Well, it's all out in the open now. If we're going to lose our heads, then so be it." He continued, "Fourthly, I think we should establish a new legal code. The Ming dynasty's laws are no longer suitable for us. We need to create a new set of laws that everyone can follow and abide by. Even the emperor should be subject to the law and punished accordingly if he commits a crime. In fact, his punishment should be even more severe. I believe this is the only way we can win over the hearts of the people. As the saying goes, 'He who wins the hearts of the people will gain the mandate of heaven'."

  After listening to Zhang Defang finish speaking in one breath, I applauded and said: "Great, County Mayor Zhang has such insight that really makes me feel relieved. Now I can leave with peace of mind. Everything here will be entrusted to you from now on, Kuiyuan."

  "General, rest assured, I will definitely not disappoint your expectations."

  The old people of Yueyang City gathered outside the military camp, waiting to see off our soldiers. I tidied up my appearance and stepped onto a high platform: "Comrades, today we are going to the front line in Jiangxi to drive out the Qing army and give us back a clear world, so that the people can live at ease. You should still remember what I said when you first came here: 'Our goal is not just Yueyang, nor Hunan, but the whole of China.' Now our time has come, it's time for you to shed your blood for the country and for your hometown. Let's set off now."

  Looking at the reluctant look of the common people, I saw hope. The neat pace of the warriors gave me strong confidence, and this confidence was stronger than ever before. I wonder how far I am from Jiangxi?

  Looking at the army's long dragon-like advance, I said to the guard next to me, Tang Kefeng: "Little Tang, pass on the order, and have all troops set up camp 2 kilometers away from Mujiashan."

  The soldiers were all doing their own things in an orderly manner. The whole camp was proceeding according to the outdoor camping knowledge that I and Professor Zhou had given them. Outside, good defensive works had also been done to prevent enemy sneak attacks.

  As I gaze at the towering mountains, I couldn't help but feel a sense of awe and wonder. Along the way, I've become increasingly sentimental, and whenever I see enemies or comrades fall, I'm filled with confusion. Perhaps I'm truly not suited for the battlefield. I ask myself: is the course of history always an irreversible tide? Even if we're just a branch on this great tree, do we really need to change its trajectory? The past world is gone, and China won't become strong because of our actions here. Only this world, these people, have grown powerful. Was our former world ever truly strong? These questions linger in my mind like a string of unanswered queries.

  The Buddha's words aren't saying that emptiness is form, and form is emptiness. Then since everything is illusory, why must we let innocent civilians die for the dreams in our hearts?

  Zhou Lun walked up from the mountain and looked at my expression, concerned and asked: "A Xiao, do you have something on your mind? Can you tell me about it?"

  I glanced at Zhou Leng's concerned gaze, smiled wryly and asked in return: "A Leng, do you think it's necessary for us to change this world?"

  "Ah, Xiao, perhaps you are indeed perplexed. Isn't that so? Perhaps it was wrong from the start, but now we've gone too far down this path and must continue on. Only by establishing a new China can these people live in peace. If you want to back out now, it's already impossible. The hundreds of thousands of ordinary people in Yueyang and Changsha have followed us without hesitation, and if we retreat, don't even think about what the Qing court will do to them - do you want another Yangzhou massacre or Jiading massacre? What is life like for Han people now? The Shunzhi Emperor's land enclosure policies and prohibition on migration have left countless people homeless. The Qing's ethnic hierarchy has trampled millions of Han people underfoot, separating countless loving couples. Have you thought about this? I know you're afraid - afraid of being cursed by future generations, afraid of having bloodstained hands. You are a coward, a weakling. What is war? War is an altar built on white bones, war is a flower nurtured with fresh blood. I'll go back and make arrangements now, think carefully for yourself."

  The mountain weather changes suddenly, starting with good weather, and then it rains. I stood still on the grassland, raindrops falling on the grass, splashing out small water flowers, looking exceptionally beautiful. My body was already wet, and the rainwater dripping down my face fell to the ground, flowing down the hillside with the mud.

  Memories of the past are once again floating before my eyes, and I miss those days so much. There was no killing, no conflict, only quiet nights. But this is my fate, if it weren't for Grandfather, I would have starved to death on some street corner in who-knows-which city. That's just how helpless people are. Maybe because I chose to survive, the fair heavens arranged for me to join this battle without any other choice. Fate is just playing tricks on people like that.

  Looking at the distant, dark silhouette of Mount Curtain, it's as if there's an insurmountable barrier in my heart. I have no choice but to either fall here or climb over it. I recall the trust my comrades and all the soldiers have placed in me - in their eyes, I'm their savior, the one who can rescue them from the depths of suffering, a lifeline. Confronted with their trusting gazes, I hesitate: Can I live up to their trust? Can I repay Xu Jin's and Zhou Lun's help? Can I fulfill Grandfather's hopes and those of my brothers still struggling in the distance? I stand there, frozen, without even thinking about moving a muscle.

  The guard, Little Tang, had already walked over and draped a raincoat over me, saying softly: "Director, you should head back to rest now. You've been standing here for almost an hour, getting rained on like this isn't good for your body. They say autumn rain is bad for one's health. If you keep standing there, you'll get sick."

  As I listened to the guard's words of concern, my heart moved again. I turned around and looked at Tang Ke Feng behind me and asked: "Little Tang, I'll ask you a question. If you had to kill five people, two of whom were innocent, in order to save ten good people, would you do it?"

  Xiao Tang was taken aback by my sudden question, but having followed me for so long, he quickly regained his composure and thought for a moment before saying: "Boss, I'm an uneducated person. Since childhood, I've been learning martial arts from my master, and I don't know much about the principles of life. However, if it's to save ten people by killing five, I'll do it. I won't care what others say about me being a murderer, because at least I've saved ten lives. I won't feel guilty for killing those few people."

  After listening to Xiao Tang's simple words, I nodded in understanding and said to him: "Xiao Tang, you go back first, I'll leave later, I want to stand here for a while longer."

  As I watched Xiao Tang walk away in the distance, it seemed that my heart had already reached its peak. A voice inside me said: "I don't want to be a coward, and neither is Zhu Xiao." Yes, the winner becomes king, while the loser becomes a bandit - this phrase has been passed down for thousands of years. I'm still struggling with such trivial matters, which is really an insult to my comrades and brothers. Opening my eyes to gaze at the lush grass below, seeing their vibrant appearance, I knew that I had already overcome my greatest obstacle.

  The dim yellow light inside the tent set off the distant mountains, a gust of mountain wind blew by, carrying the dampness of the afternoon rain, icy and cool. The lights in the tent also swayed with the wind, and the bonfire in the middle of the campsite had only left some embers. A gentle breeze passed by, bringing up a string of sparks, looking a bit eerie.

  Xiao Tang has already fallen asleep beside me. Looking at Xiao Tang's sleeping appearance, I gently covered him with a blanket and picked up "Ye Yi" from the table, occasionally sighing in admiration. For Song Yingxing being able to write such precise military strategies and suggestions on military logistics, my respect for this 70-year-old man has grown even more. If circumstances permit, I think I must invite him over to feel at ease, otherwise letting the Qing army recruit him would be our greatest enemy.

  A shout came from outside the camp, I pushed Little Tang beside me and said: "Little Tang, get up quickly, something seems to have happened outside, follow me to take a look."

  As he spoke, he picked up the handgun beside him. When he walked out of the camp, he saw that the commander of the third battalion, Yi Tianxing, had already surrounded more than a hundred bandits with a company of soldiers. However, from their eyes, I could tell that these people were not just ordinary bandits. Who would dare to be so bold as to rob an army?

  Yitian Xing looked at me and walked over, his feet together in a military salute: "Commander, the 2nd company of the 3rd battalion just discovered these bandits while on patrol. They've been doing our sentry duty for us several times already. If you had come any later, I would have executed them on the spot."

  I took a glance at Yi Tianxing and gave him a military salute, saying: "Go take a look. Fortunately, I came out quickly, otherwise the big fish behind the enemy would not have been caught."

  The soldiers saw me coming and voluntarily made way for me. I looked at these fearless bandits and said, "You people are really bold enough, who is the leader to come out and talk to me."

  A tall, robust man with a goatee walked out and said: "You Qing dogs, I'm the boss here. Tell you to let us go quickly. Our mountain stronghold isn't just us few individuals, we have 7,000 or 8,000 people on the mountain who haven't come down yet. Once we've taken this place, tomorrow we'll finish you off in one pot."

  I gazed at him with a glance and smiled casually: "Qing dog?"

  With a "slap", a slap went by. I shouted angrily: "I think you guys are just like the Qing dynasty dogs, not even worthy of being compared to them. Don't you see what kind of troops this is? You dare to come here and cause trouble, where did you go when the Qing dynasty dogs came before? Now that the Qing dynasty dogs have been defeated by us, you've become brave and jumped out to shout."

  He turned around and said, "Guards, lock these people up. We'll deal with them after we've taken the stronghold tomorrow." I turned around to look at Zhou Lun standing outside the tent, then walked forward.

  Zhou Lun first spoke to me, saying: "Master, it seems you've already crossed that river."

  I smiled awkwardly and said, "What mountain can't be crossed, what river can't be waded? I just made you all worry." As I patted Zhou Lun's shoulder, I said, "Let's go back to the camp and discuss whether we'll continue on our journey tomorrow or deal with these bandits here."

  Zhou Lun sat in the tent and said to Xiao Tang, "Xiao Tang, go and call Zeng Qing, ** and Yi Tianxing over. Also, bring that captive leader here."

  Xiao Tang had just left for a short while when the loud voice of Zeng Qing came from outside: "What kind of mountain bandits are these, they're really bold enough to rob an army. Just wait and see me take the second battalion out tomorrow and wipe them out. I'll be back to report my merit."

  I continued from inside, saying: "Deputy Commander Zeng, well done. Take your Second Regiment out, and if you dare to take them out tomorrow, I'll let you return to the local troops in Yueyang as commander, and then you can do whatever you want."

  Zeng Qing smiled and replied, "Master, you see I'm still in a huff. If it weren't for your orders, how would I dare?" I said to him, "Alright, alright, I know your temper, sit down first and let's talk, **and Tian Xing also sat down."

  I watched them sit down and said: "Let's discuss it later. Now Xiao Tang should be back soon, let's ask him about the situation first."

  After about a minute, Xiao Tang reported from outside. I said towards the outside: "Xiao Tang, just bring it in."

  I watched as the bearded man was pushed to the center of the tent, his deep voice saying: "Qing dog, what exactly do you think you're doing sneaking up on our great army?"

  That man glared at me sideways and said, "Hmph, I'm telling you, you're all just a bunch of country bumpkins. I'm the great general under Lu Zhishen's command, and my name is unchangeable."

  "What's going on? Don't dare say it now?"

  That man was startled by my sudden outburst: "The great general's follower Hu Daniu is just that. If you must say it, it's not as if it's something shameful."

  Zeng Qing and they all laughed up.

  Zhou Lun asked from beside: "Where is your hideout? Hurry up and confess honestly, otherwise I'll kill you."

  That man coldly said: "Want me to betray a friend? I, Hu Daniu, wouldn't do such a shameful thing."

  I smiled and said, "Hudan Niu, Hudan Niu, didn't you just say that? You are the Dashun Army, telling you is enough, other things we can handle ourselves. There's no need for you to say anything."

  As I gave a wink to Xiao Tang, he dragged Hu Da Niu's body out. I turned around and said to Zeng Qing and the others: "Comrades, let's see how we'll fight this battle tomorrow."

  Zeng Qing said: "I think tomorrow our second battalion will go and destroy that stronghold, you all set off first. I'll catch up with you after I've finished."

  I looked at Yi Tian and asked: "What's your view on this, Tian?"

  Yi Tian Xing Dao: "Shifu, I think we should consider recruiting this force. After all, we even dared to recruit Wu Sangui's troops, so why be afraid of these Dashun Army? Moreover, they also have an irreconcilable feud with the Qing dogs."

  "I agree with Tian Xing's point of view."

  I nodded with Zhou Lun and said, "Zeng Qing, you should still go to the Command Academy to learn more. Old Zhou and I think so too. Tomorrow, the 2nd Battalion and the Division's artillery will take the lead, while the 1st and 3rd Battalions will provide cover for them. But be careful not to hit them too hard, or it won't be easy to surrender them later. Everyone go back and rest now, tomorrow we'll see how you do."