Chapter Eighteen: The Silent Struggle

  The Last Enemy

  But life is like a TV series, always with some ups and downs. When Jiang Bin saw that deadly memorial, his self-proclaimed clever and strategic mind was finally stunned.

  This memorial is relatively long, and the selected content is as follows:

  "Earlier, there were traitors lurking along the way, plotting for Bo Lie and Jing Ke."

  "I am afraid of treacherous people secretly plotting, taking advantage of gaps to launch a surprise attack. If there is an unexpected disaster, I will die with regret!"

  These few sentences should be relatively easy to understand, so I won't explain them. Finally, let me introduce the author of the inscription - Wang Shouren from Southern Jiangxi.

  By the way, this memorial was read by Zhu Houzhao, but he didn't take it seriously.

  Before that, Jiang Bin and Wang Shouren were also comrades to some extent, after all, they had a common enemy, Zhu Chenhao.

  But Wang Shouren's brilliant military achievements made Jiang Bin furious, he did not expect that this penniless and soldierless guy would actually quell the rebellion and steal his thunder. And every word on this memorial, in Jiang Bin's view, was a criticism of himself.

  Hongyan disease plus guilty conscience, Jiang Bin decided to take Wang Shouren down first.

  There was a magazine that once voted on the biggest strategic mistake in human history, and one result won by an overwhelming margin - launching a military invasion of Russia. This result is quite plausible, as even Napoleon and Hitler, those fierce warriors, went thousands of miles to take a bite out of Siberia's snow, only to slink back home in defeat.

  If one were to select the most unforgivable mistake of the Zhengde era, flipping through historical records would likely yield a unanimous conclusion - picking a fight with Mr. Wang Shouren.

  In fact, the memorial written by Wang Shouren was not aimed at Jiang Bin, but mainly at the remnants of Zhu Chenhao's party. Of course, whether there are any implicit meanings in it is also worth studying.

  It is worth noting that although Mr. Wang Shouren looks like a fool, he is actually proficient in military strategy and skilled in politics. He is good at socializing and has become an old hand in the officialdom, often calling people "brother" or "younger brother". His relationship with Wang Qiong, the Minister of War (who was about to be transferred to the Ministry of Personnel), has always been very good, and his mass base is also quite good.

  Of course, there was also someone in the cabinet who didn't like him - Yang Tinghe, but this seemed to be of no importance.

  With these interpersonal relationships, Mr. Wang Shouren naturally had access to information and from the emergency actions he took half a year later, he should have been aware of Jiang Bin's conspiracy early on.

  Then, following Zhu Chenhao, Jiang Bin became Wang Yangming's new enemy. In fact, he proved to be a much more formidable opponent than Zhu Chenhao.

  Jiang Bin came up with a very disgusting method. He waited for an opportunity to slowly deal with Wang Shouren, and then get rid of him like a cat catching a mouse.

  This opportunity soon arose.

  In the ninth month of 1519, Wang Yangming again memorialized, this time requesting that Zhu Chenhao be sent to Nanjing for a ceremony of presenting prisoners.

  Wang Shouren's opinion seems simple, but behind it lies a very profound consideration.

  According to Zhu Houzhao's plan, he was supposed to go to Nanchang to fight against Zhu Chenhao. Although Zhu Chenhao has been captured now, Zhu Houzhao seems not to be satisfied and is preparing to continue on his way, making a big show of armed parade.

  From the capital to Shandong, so many things have been stirred up. Tens of thousands of troops and that evil little man want to really enter Jiangxi, eating and drinking, plus looting and plundering to make some extra money, ordinary people will probably not be able to survive.

  So Nanjing is the best location, anyway, Your Majesty has played for a long time, after arriving in Nanjing, don't move around, to avoid running around, besides, Nanjing is also the imperial capital and a super large city, holding ceremonies here is also considered to have face, hurry up and finish it quickly so you can go back quickly, everyone will be convenient.

  Zhu Houzhao received a memorial on his way to the military campaign, and after reading it, he didn't think much about it and handed it over to Jiang Bin beside him, asking for his opinion.

  Jiang Bin understood, he fully appreciated Wang Shouren's good intentions and knew that he did not want to stir up trouble again for the sake of the people's peace.

  Then he expressed his own views to Zhu Houzhao:

  "Absolutely not!"

  "Having led a great army all the way here, how can we return empty-handed?"

  But Zhu Chenhao has been caught, who can be beaten now?

  "Put him back into Lake Poyang, and Your Majesty can catch him again!"

  Such a despicable idea can be thought of, and it's already rotten to the core.

  Zhu Houzhao was overjoyed and agreed to Jiang Bin's proposal.

  This is a very vicious suggestion, which contains an unutterable purpose.

  Once the emperor and his army of one hundred thousand enter Jiangxi, due to the chaotic situation after war, their supplies will inevitably be unable to keep up. To feed soldiers is to manage food, without food they will go looting, at that time the situation will inevitably become chaotic.

  And when things are at their most confused, that is when they are at their best.

  This news quickly reached Wang Shouren's ears and he was shocked.

  He was well aware that this plan was extremely perilous, and if carried out, a new disaster would inevitably arise. Those innocent civilians who had barely escaped the war and survived would ultimately not be able to escape their fate of death.

  But what can be done?

  Jiang Bin's order is the emperor's order, can you reason with the emperor?

  Wang Shouren seemed to have reached a dead end once again. On an autumn night that was just beginning to show signs of chill, under the dim light of a solitary lamp, he began his intense contemplation.

  The great army is about to arrive, the situation has become uncontrollable, time is running out, a solution must be thought of, a solution must be thought of!

  But this time Wang Shouren's wisdom seemed to be of no use. He meditated for a whole night, but still couldn't think of a way.

  It seems that there is no other way out but to disobey orders, which is also his only choice.

  Disobedience to the divine command is great irreverence!

  Wang Shouren was well aware of this, but he still decided to do so in exchange for the lives of those innocent civilians.

  Can't wait any longer, take Zhu Chenhao to Nanjing, absolutely cannot let them enter Jiangxi one step!

  I am sure this is right.

  Zhengde 14th year (1519) September Renyin day.

  Wang Shouren led his entourage, escorting Zhu Chenhao towards an unknown fate.

  Enlightenment

  With a heart full of misgivings, Wang Shouren set out on his journey. It should be said that he made a brave decision, but soon, Wang Shouren realized that his fearless move might not change anything after all.

  He suddenly realized that even if he defected and handed over Zhu Chenhao, it was not necessarily possible to protect the people of Jiangxi. What if those sons did not give up and Zhu Chenhao still went to make trouble in Jiangxi after being captured?

  The answer is no way.

  Wang Shouren, who had no choice, could only continue to move forward. However, just as he was halfway there, he received a seemingly insignificant piece of news: the Emperor had dispatched an advance team, which had been traveling day and night towards Jiangxi and had already arrived in Hangzhou.

  To be honest, this matter has little to do with Wang Shouren. No matter what vanguard or guerrilla team it is, as long as they hand over the person after arriving at the location, and then return home to lie on their bed, whether to kill or execute will depend on how things go.

  When Wang Shouren heard the name of the leader of the vanguard, he changed his mind.

  He decided to go and see this person.

  This crucial decision ultimately saved him and countless innocent civilians.

  The head of the advance team is Zhang Yong.

  As for this person, we are not unfamiliar with him. Although he often does bad things and cannot be considered a good person, he is reasonable and sympathetic. Ten years ago, he collaborated with Yang Yiqing to get rid of Liu Jin.

  It was based on these good performances that Wang Shouren believed Zhang Yong was still a man with a conscience, and he hoped to win this person over, after all, there were no other hopes now.

  In September 1519, Wang Yangming brought Zhu Chenhao to Hangzhou and immediately went to the mansion to meet Zhang Yong.

  It is said that Wang Shouren did not bring any gifts at the time and went empty-handed, which was relatively wise. According to Zhang Yong's level and gift-giving standards, Mr. Wang would not have been able to afford it even if he had sold his pants.

  He had neither power nor money, but he was determined to win the support of Zhang Yong - with his courage and perseverance.

  After all, he was a governor, and the gatekeeper didn't dare to be careless, immediately reporting it to Zhang Yong.

  Just as he was considering his words at the door, he received an unexpected response:

  It's gone!

  Zhang Yong is no fool, he knows what Wang Shouren has come for and wants to do. He won't take the blame for such a big pot of trouble.

  The gatekeeper didn't say a word and immediately closed the big gate.

  Facing the tightly closed gate, Wang Shouren seemed to understand something, but he didn't back down.

  He no longer continued knocking on the door, but retreated a few steps back and loudly shouted out his anger:

  "I am Wang Shouren, here for the sake of the common people! Open the door and see me!"

  A voice full of sorrow and strength pierced through the silent gate, echoing in the empty courtyard, shaking everyone in the yard.

  The gate opened.

  Zhang Yong finally appeared before Wang Shouren. But he seemed to have no intention of making friends with this Mr. Wang, and instead asked casually:

  "What is Governor Wang doing here?"

  Wang Shouren didn't mind the other person's cold attitude. He spoke with a very sincere tone, saying words that came from his heart:

  "The people of Jiangxi have long suffered under Zhu Chenhao's oppression, and then experienced rebellion, only to be met with natural disasters (war followed by drought). Now the great army is determined to go to Jiangxi, but supplies of food and fodder will be extremely difficult to provide. When the time comes, the people will rise up again, and the whole world will fall into chaos! What fault have the common people committed?"

  "Director Zhang, you have earned the emperor's trust. I hope you can persuade His Majesty to return to the capital, which would bring great fortune to Jiangxi and its people!"

  However, Wang Shouren's words full of deep emotions did not move Zhang Yong. To the seasoned eunuch Zhang, these so-called tragedies seemed unimportant.

  He thought for a moment and then put forward his request with an expressionless face:

  "Speaking out is naturally possible, but there is one condition."

  "What conditions?"

  Zhang Yong pointed with his finger and asked tentatively: "Must you hand that person over to me, are you willing?"

  The "that person" he mentioned was Zhu Chenhao. For him, all of this was a precious gift that could be used to invite merit.

  Wang Shouren was stunned, after a while, he suddenly burst out laughing!

  In this sudden burst of laughter, Zhang Yong became furious, feeling a kind of unprecedented humiliation.

  He then asked in a tone full of murderous intent:

  "May I ask Governor Wang, what is so funny?"

  Wang Shouren stopped laughing and replied seriously:

  "That person is naturally to be handed over to Director Zhang, what use do I have for him?"

  What's wrong with you? Don't you know how to ask for a reward after completing a task?

  From Zhang Yong's puzzled eyes, Wang Shouren understood his doubts.

  "In suppressing the rebellion and bringing peace to the land, I am doing it for the sake of the common people, nothing more."

  Wang Shouren made a very sincere explanation, then he lowered his head and waited for Zhang Yong's response.

  However, this answer plunged Zhang Yong into even deeper confusion. This man single-handedly raised an army and quelled the rebellion, but after succeeding, he did not seek to be rewarded or enriched. Why would he do such a thing?

  This was a difficult question for Zhang Yong to understand. When he cooperated with Yang Yiqing to eliminate Liu Jin, it was ultimately because Liu Jin had too much power and was incompatible with him. Only by killing Liu Jin could he monopolize the palace's supervisory power. Who would do something without any benefits?

  But the person in front of him seemed to be an exception, he built a remarkable achievement with one man's strength, yet he was willing to give up the greatest spoils of war in his hands, just for those ordinary people who were not familiar with him?

  Zhang Yong closed his eyes and began to think seriously. He wanted to unravel the mystery, understand the strange person in front of him, and know why he was doing this.

  After a long time, he opened his eyes, for he had found the answer to the question. For the first time in his life of deception and counter-deception, he began to believe:

  In this world, there is a quality called integrity, and there are people called gentlemen of honor.

  "Okay, I'll help you."

  The Power of Allies

  Wang Shouren got up and walked out of Zhang Yong's residence with a slight sense of surprise, but excitement had already filled his body. He finally found a friend, a trustworthy ally.

  It was indeed fortunate that this friend had been made, for soon afterwards Jiang Bin came looking for trouble again.

  He also learned that Wang Shouren had brought Zhu Chenhao to Hangzhou, and with such a big piece of fat meat in front of him, he immediately became energetic.

  As long as Zhu Chenhao is captured, the merit of suppressing the rebellion will be in hand!

  But considering his status, he couldn't go find Wang Shouren himself. After some deliberation, he decided to send a Brocade Guard to Hangzhou to bring him back.

  Jiang Bin was full of expectation, and the Brocade Guard who received the order was also very happy. In the yamen's errands, this kind of work that involves finding lower-ranking officials to demand people or goods is the most profitable. Not only can they throw their weight around, but they can also take advantage of the opportunity to extort some money. If their demands are not met, they will intentionally find fault and go back to report it, making you cry without tears.

  But asking Mr. Wang Shouren for money is quite difficult.

  Wang Shouren heard that there were imperial guards coming to take someone, so he made excuses and refused to see them, saying the person had already been sent to Zhang Yong's place, if you have the guts, go get him yourself.

  Mr. Jin Yiwei naturally didn't dare to go find Zhang Yong, but he wouldn't leave either, the implication was very clear, you had to make a gesture.

  Wang Shouren doesn't have money, and even if he did, he wouldn't want to give it.

  But for the sake of appearances, he still gave some money - five taels of silver.

  That's right, it's five taels. Jin Yiwei looked at this little silver and couldn't believe his eyes, he was extremely angry, slammed the silver on the ground and left with a flourish.

  Now Mr. Wang Shouren is in big trouble, having offended this gentleman, he will naturally turn black and white upside down after returning, doing his best to attack and slander, determined to get rid of him.

  But now it's too late, and even sending money or gifts may be of no use.

  His subordinates were worried, but Wang Shouren was calm and told them that he had a way to prevent the Jin Yiwei from reporting back in secret.

  But he didn't seem to intend to send money, nor did he want to make amends. He just slept soundly until dawn, leisurely washed up, and waited for the brocade guard to come to his door.

  Before long, this gentleman indeed arrived. Although he was a member of the Embroidered Uniform Guard, according to rank, he was inferior to Wang Shouren; following official etiquette, he should have come to bid farewell.

  Wang Shouren was standing in the courtyard waiting for him, looking at this iron rooster who didn't understand the rules. Master Jin Yiwei was about to say a few unpleasant words when he saw Mr. Wang Shouren take three steps and two steps, walking right up to him.

  Wang Shouren sincerely held his hand and said with deep feeling:

  "I once served time in your department's prison (that one during the Zhengde Emperor's fifth year), and many of your colleagues have seen me, but this is the first time I've met a good man like you!"

  These few inexplicable words completely stunned Jin Yiwei, he stared blankly at Wang Shouren, speechless.

  "I was afraid to come and trouble you with my humble gift (which is indeed very humble), but I didn't expect that you would be so upright and refuse to accept even a single penny! As for me, I have no other use except for writing articles. From now on, I will definitely write an article about you, letting everyone in the world know about your noble character!"

  Jin Yi Wei hastily retreated, afraid of staying here for another minute. This time he was thoroughly convinced, both in his heart and verbally.

  Actually, Master Jin Yiwei is not a fool, he is very clear that Wang Shouren is teasing him, but he found himself unable to get angry! Because in Wang Shouren's few words, there is also a hidden murderous intention.

  What is meant by "Your Excellency is so honest" is to give him a step down and consider his face, this is soft.

  What is meant by "I have no other strengths except for writing" and so on, is a warning to him: if you dare to be reckless, I will write an article scolding you, letting the whole world know about your evil deeds. This is the hard part.

  Is there anyone who would not be intimidated under such circumstances?

  Wang Shouren was clean and honest, unwilling to offer gifts, but trouble would still find him. Faced with the dilemma of either offering gifts or getting into trouble, Wang Shouren solved the problem with a nearly perfect method. He stuck to his principles while avoiding trouble.

  If you still don't understand what "unity of knowledge and action" is, then let me tell you, this story is the "unity of knowledge and action".

  Mr. Jin Yiwei cried with a sad face and brought back the disappointing news to Jiang Bin - the person had been snatched away by Zhang Yong.

  Jiang Bin was furious, but he knew that Mr. Zhang Yong was not to be trifled with. If things were to escalate, Jiang would also suffer the consequences. After some thought, he could only vent his anger on Wang Shouren.

  Then this little person began to fabricate rumors, saying that Wang Shouren and Zhu Chenhao were originally in cahoots, because Wang Shouren was afraid of not succeeding, so he temporarily raised troops and other ghost talk, and also sent people to spread it everywhere, confusing the public.

  Although this statement is absurd, if it reaches Zhu Houzhao's ears, Mr. Wang Shouren will still be in trouble. At the critical moment, Zhang Yong stepped forward.

  He explained the whole story to Zhu Houzhao and said indignantly:

  "Wang Shouren is such a loyal minister, a pillar of the state, why should he suffer such injustice? Where is justice?"

  Zhu Houzhao liked to play and disobey rules, but he also understood reason.

  So when Jiang Bin came before Zhu Houzhao and described Wang Shouren's "crimes" in vivid detail, he only got one sentence in response:

  "Remember this, don't say such things again in the future!"

  Before Jiang Bin could react, Zhu Houzhao gave him another punch:

  "Wang Shouren immediately obeyed the order and took office as the Governor of Jiangxi Province on the same day, arriving on schedule without any delay."

  Jiang Bin retreated with a humiliated face after being scolded by the leader. He probably won't dare to report anything again in his lifetime.

  Win people over with virtue

  Jiang Bin has always been a lucky person, he doesn't know many characters, from a young age his specialty was fighting and brawling, but he happened to follow the right boss, and suddenly rose to prominence, unstoppable. Yang Tinghe treated him with courtesy, Zhang Yong didn't dare provoke him, Qian Ning was locked up by him, mixed to this point, it can be said that he has reached the top.

  Until he met Wang Shouren.

  Exhausting one's mind and ideas to steal others' credit, but it's like carrying water in a bamboo basket, reporting small matters and setting traps, only to fall into them oneself.

  Failed, utterly failed.

  It has come to this point, and it's time to retreat, but Comrade Jiang Bin is not willing to do so. He insists on fighting Wang Shouren to the end. Considering that Zhang Yong is protecting him in front of the emperor, Jiang Bin decides to shift the battlefield and go to Jiangxi to deal with Wang Shouren.

  The wicked man has reached Jiang Bin's level and it's all over. However, this time he really took the initiative.

  When Wang Shouren received the edict and was preparing to return to Nanchang to take office, Jiang Bin had already dispatched his accomplices Zhang Zhong and others to lead part of the capital army into Jiangxi.

  As soon as Zhang Zhonggang arrived in Nanchang, he did a very vicious thing. He actually arrested Wu Wendeng, tied him up and forced him to confess his so-called crimes.

  Is Wu Wenguo an easy target? He didn't bother with pleasantries either. As soon as he was tied up, he jumped up and cursed loudly:

  "My father, mother, and wife don't care about me. I have committed no crime in suppressing the rebellion for the country! You bunch of people are just flattering the emperor to get food, yet you falsely accuse loyal officials. Do you want to avenge Zhu Chenhao? It seems that you are also accomplices of the rebels and should be killed!"

  This sentence is quite fierce. Who dares to take the blame for the traitor's evil deeds? Zhang Zhong was so scared that he didn't dare do anything to Wu Wending in the end.

  Seeing that nothing could be obtained from Wu Wending, they suddenly asked Zhu Chenhao's accomplices, hoping to get a confession of Wang Shouren's collusion with the rebellion.

  It turns out that even traitors have more integrity than these scoundrels. No matter how they asked, no one ever wronged Wang Shouren.

  At the same time, Zhang Zhong also instigated his Beijing troops to provoke and cause trouble on the streets of Nanchang every day, hoping to stir up trouble. Although local officials did their best to maintain order, the situation was still very bad, and people's hearts were becoming increasingly unstable, on the verge of losing control and brewing a great chaos.

  At this critical moment, Wang Shouren returned.

  Zhang Zhong finally found his target. He brought more than a hundred soldiers, divided into three shifts, standing in front of Wang Shouren's house every day, doing only one thing - scolding people.

  These rascals from Beijing are all old soldiers who are extremely foul-mouthed and even mention people's names, being filthy to the extreme.

  Wang Shouren's entourage and subordinates were extremely angry whenever they heard these words, preparing to find someone to collect Zhang Zhong.

  However, Wang Shouren opposed it, understanding that Zhang Zhong's intention was to provoke a dispute, and now they must remain calm.

  He adopted a completely different approach, not only did he not hold grudges against the Beijing troops, but also treated them kindly, providing medicine when they were ill and coffins when they died. He never discriminated against them and gave them the same food as the locals ate.

  No one gave the Jing army ideological education, but everything they experienced personally kept telling them: Wang Shouren was a good man and a respectable person.

  But it is here that the transformation begins.

  Slowly, no one went to stir up trouble and gossip anymore, nor did anyone go to provoke and cause trouble. Zhang Zhong urged many times, inciting discord, but no one responded in the end.

  Wang Shouren again used his incomparable personal charm to avoid a possible disaster.

  Most of the Beijing soldiers hadn't read any books, and many were originally street rascals, but Wang Shouren proved with his actions that these quasi-rascals also had a sense of reason and humanity.

  But Mr. Zhang Zhong is unreasonable and inhumane, he's even worse than a hooligan. In order to frame Wang Shouren, he racked his brains to find flaws in Wang's work, and finally one day, he thought he had found it.

  He immediately called for Wang Shouren.

  "Zhu Chenhao has been operating in Nanchang for many years, shouldn't his family property be quite a lot?" Zhang Zhong asked with a pleased tone.

  Wang Shouren looked at him calmly:

  "Yes."

  That's exactly what I want to hear.

  "If so, why was the amount seized from the house search so little? Where did all the money go?"

  Facing Zhang Zhong with a ferocious expression, Wang Shouren began to make a thoughtful gesture, then put on an epiphanic expression:

  "Director Zhang (Zhang Zhong is a eunuch), I'm really sorry, it just so happens that this matter needs to be discussed with you. I found an account book at Zhu Chenhao's place, which records the whereabouts of these assets and lists many people who received money. Would Director Zhang like to take a look?"

  Something strange happened, Zhang Zhong shuddered all over and immediately fell silent.

  Because he knew that there must be a name called Zhang Zhong on this account book.

  As for this account, it is really one of the few proud works in Zhu Chenhao's life. In the past, he had been to Beijing many times and gave away a lot of money and goods, being very generous. Li Shi saw it and felt heartbroken, advising him that even if he had money, he couldn't spend it like this and should save some.

  Zhu Chenhao smiled complacently:

  "You know what, I just temporarily found a warehouse for storage (just a temporary storage), and when the time comes, it will naturally be taken back."

  Zhu Chenhao is indeed a master of black eating black, his idea is very simple, wait until he becomes the emperor in the future and takes over the Jiangshan, then he can get back all the bribes. Even rebellion is planned to be done as a no-cost business, it's really the ultimate product of the official scene, the rogue among rogues.

  In order to make it convenient for him to ask for money in the future, every time he sent a sum of money, he would record the detailed time, place and person. Over time, this account book was formed.

  Later this deadly account book fell into Mr. Wang Shouren's hands and became one of his daily readings.

  Zhang Zhong looked at Wang Shouren's face with an urgent and expectant expression, and couldn't help but laugh and cry at the same time. He was at a loss for words, and after a long while, he stammered:

  "It's all right, I trust Mr. Wang."

  "Really doesn't need?" Wang Shouren's expression was very sincere.

  "No need, no need, I was just casually asking."

  Zhang Zhong fell into a long-term depression from then on. As the senior eunuch in the palace and Jiang Bin's accomplice, he had never suffered such a great loss before.

  I must have revenge!

  The traditional Chinese art of "xiao ren" (to tease or play a trick on someone) has been passed down for thousands of years, and it teaches us that if you can't find any weaknesses in someone's work, then look for their personal weaknesses, starting from their private life. Zhang Zhong thinks that as long as someone is human, they must have some weakness. However, Mr. Wang Shouren is really an exception - he rarely drinks, doesn't visit brothels, doesn't play mahjong, and doesn't engage in feudal superstitions; he's completely a law-abiding good citizen.

  Zhang Zhong was extremely worried, he racked his brains, thinking hard, and finally found a weakness on Wang Shouren's body that he thought could be exploited - thinness.

  It is believed that, contrary to many people's expectations, the excellent military strategist Wang Shouren was not a physically strong person. His body had been poor all along, and according to historical records, he had also suffered from lung disease for a long time, with a relatively weak physique.

  Zhang Zhong looked at Wang Shouren who was as thin as a bamboo pole and came up with an idea to discipline him, of course, the consequences of this matter were something he could never have imagined.

  In November of the 14th year of Zhengde (1519), one day, Zhang Zhong suddenly came to invite Wang Shouren to watch the capital army's training exercises. With no alternative, Wang Shouren could only agree.

  Arriving at the scene, the capital army was practicing archery. Just as Wang Da-ren was about to sit down and watch, Zhang Zhong suddenly walked over and blocked his line of sight. In his hand, he held a bow.

  Zhang Zhong asked Wang Shouren to shoot an arrow, and Wang Shouren said that he didn't shoot well, so he wouldn't shoot.

  Zhang Zhong said it's no good if I don't shoot, Wang Shouren said okay then, I'll shoot.

  Using archery to make things difficult for scholars is a good idea that Zhang Zhong came up with, I really don't know how his brain grew.

  The capital's military men stopped their training, ready to watch the weak and feeble Wang Daren make a fool of himself.

  In the midst of boisterous laughter and scornful gazes, Wang Shouren stepped onto the archery field.

  He held his breath, nocked the arrow, drew the bow, and shot.

  Ten rings (with red center).

  The crows and sparrows make no sound all around.

  He took a deep breath and drew out the second arrow from his quiver.

  Draw the bow, the bow is full, the arrow shoots out.

  Still ten rings (secondary red heart).

  Zhang Zhong's jaw almost dropped as he stared blankly at this frail-looking scholar, his eyes wide with astonishment.

  Wang Shouren ignored Zhang Zhong, continuing to repeat the simple actions. In his world, it seemed that only these few actions were left: drawing the bow, the bow full, and the arrow flying out.

  Still ten rings (three red hearts in the middle).

  Then he turned around, returned the bow to Zhang Zhong, and without saying a word, went back to his seat, as if everything in front of him and the three arrows on the target had nothing to do with him.

  After a brief silence, the surrounding Beijing army suddenly erupted in thunderous cheers, admiring this extraordinary person. No one would have thought that the refined and courteous Mr. Wang had such a move up his sleeve.

  These capital troops were thoroughly defeated by Wang Shouren, they had been instructed by others, exhausted all kinds of methods to insult him, provoke disputes and make things difficult for him, but the result of this struggle was: Wang Shouren won, a very thorough victory. Without using force or relying on power, he subdued them with virtue alone.

  In the midst of this earth-shaking applause, Zhang Zhong felt fear, thorough and utter fear. He realized that these former helpers would no longer help him do evil, they might turn against him at any moment.

  Two days after this archery performance, he led his troops to withdraw from Jiangxi, and the several-month-long Jingkou Rebellion came to an end.

  The people of Jiangxi were relieved, but Wang Shouren would undergo even greater trials because of this.