Chapter 449: The Campaign

Seeing Wang Dou silent, Ji Shiwei sighed: "You hold the realm's strongest army and have been enfeoffed as a Count. It is impossible for the court to have no misgivings. For instance... His Majesty and the various lords' intent to support Yang Guozhu and others is extremely obvious..."

Seeing Wang Dou's expressionless face, Ji Shiwei said: "Setting the troop quota is one step. Of course, it is not targeted solely at you. The meaning within this..."

Wang Dou said: "Father-in-law need not explain; your son-in-law understands."

Ji Shiwei sighed, feeling rather troubled in his heart. Although his relationship with Wang Dou had not been openly revealed by everyone, and the officials had not used kinship avoidance statutes to impeach or demand his removal, allowing him to serve steadily as Provincial Governor of Xuanzhen, who did not know Wang Dou was his son-in-law? To rise a step higher and become Viceroy of Xuanda, how could that be easy?

Back then, he should have been appointed Viceroy of Xuanda, but the position was snatched away by Zhang Fuzhen. The court's intent to check and balance was clear for any discerning eye to see.

Although the Minister of War had made promises, even if Zhang Fuzhen left his post, his own appointment as Viceroy was probably a distant prospect.

Having Wang Dou as a son-in-law had both advantages and disadvantages, but overall, the advantages outweighed the disadvantages. Look at Zhang Fuzhen: even as Viceroy of the Three Garrisons, how could he live as comfortably as himself? This was all thanks to having a good son-in-law.

Seeing that Wang Dou understood, Ji Shiwei was gratified and said: "It is good that you understand. But even with a quota of ten thousand troops, including three thousand cavalry, compared to many Regional Commanders, it is already not bad. The Ministry of Revenue's grain commissioner in Xuanzhen is on good terms with me. In the future, for annual provisions, pay, weapons, and equipment, I will certainly find ways to make up the full amount for you."

Wang Dou thanked his father-in-law. When they discussed Wang Dou's arms sales abroad, Ji Shiwei was delighted. His son-in-law had many financial avenues. From this one item alone, considerable profits could be made in the future. No wonder his son-in-law could support such a massive military force along his territory.

Afterwards, the two chatted idly. When the topic turned to the matter of Zhang Guowei, a cold gleam shot from Wang Dou's eyes. He said: "That scoundrel has outrageous gall. In truth, for your son-in-law to deal with him would be as easy as turning over my hand. But with the campaign imminent, I will set it aside for now and deal with him later."

Ji Shiwei approved: "You have just been appointed Regional Commander and returned with the high title of Loyal and Brave Count. Countless eyes are upon you. On the surface, Zhang Guowei has committed no major error, and Viceroy Zhang has already severely punished him. To deal with him now would inevitably invite gossip. Setting it aside for now is correct. Find a pretext later, then handle him."

Ji Shiwei was also extremely dissatisfied with Zhang Guowei, who had opposed him in the garrison city, often provoking him to fury. Even without the Eastern Road incident, he would still gnash his teeth at the man. However, having served as an official for many years, Ji Shiwei was a crafty old fox. He understood now was not the time, lest the people of the garrison city feel like the fox mourns the hare's death and grow resentful toward his son-in-law.

Finally, Provincial Governor Ji said with concern: "Dou'er, I know you are brave, but war is perilous and weapons are merciless. When you campaign in Liaodong, you must not fight too recklessly. If you do not care for yourself, you must still care for my daughter, and your mother and children, no?"

Wang Dou understood Ji Shiwei's good intentions and thanked him solemnly.

After leaving the study, Provincial Governor Ji happily saw his daughter Ji Junjiao and his granddaughter Wang Xiu. Father and daughter spoke some private words.

Seeing her father, Ji Junjiao was equally happy, and tears flowed: "Father."

Seeing Ji Junjiao, Ji Shiwei's heart ached, and he nearly shed tears. But as a father, he would not show emotion as openly as a mother. He studied his daughter, saw her radiant glow, and knew she was clearly living well in the Wang household. His heart settled slightly, and he asked: "Is my child well?"

As the most beloved child of the Ji family, Ji Junjiao naturally had her own ways. She took her father's hand and said coquettishly: "Well enough, but I constantly miss Father and Mother."

Watching his daughter act spoiled, Ji Shiwei seemed to return to the past, to scenes of his daughter playing at his knee. He could not help but stroke his beard and laugh heartily, pointing at Ji Junjiao: "You, already a mother, yet still acting like a child who hasn't grown up."...

He then looked at his granddaughter, saw her two large, round eyes, an exact replica of his daughter as a child, and felt immense joy in his heart. Yet he sighed: "A pity, though, that she is a daughter."

Ji Junjiao was displeased. She picked up little Wang Xiu and said: "What's wrong with a daughter? Daughters are more considerate. Her father adores her beyond measure."

Ji Shiwei pondered and said: "You would do best to bear a son. That way..."

Ji Junjiao shook her head and smiled: "Is Father telling me to compete for favor? It seems Father does not understand my man as well as his daughter does. He is shrewd, you know."

Ji Junjiao smiled and said: "Do you know why Wang Dou dotes on me? It is precisely because I understand when to advance and when to retreat, and I know my place. Though Xie Xiuniang is uncouth, she is Wang Dou's first wife. They endured hardship together. The bond between them—how could an outsider replace it?"

"I understand my husband. He is very sentimental about old ties, yet also very ruthless. If I act coquettish normally, it is nothing. But if I were to do something to sow discord, then it would be over. Even if I remained in the household, I would just be a pretty vase on display. How many such women could my husband not have now? How could that compare to being a soulmate he holds in his heart and dotes on? Moreover, I love him and do not wish to make things difficult for him."

Ji Shiwei was stunned for a long moment. He looked at his daughter and laughed heartily: "My child is truly sensible. I have no worries now."

The next day, Zhang Ruoqi, Director of the Operations Bureau of the Ministry of War, along with Vice Director Ma Shaoyu and others, finalized the troop quota for the Eastern Road: ten thousand men, including three thousand cavalry.

In truth, the Eastern Road's problem differed from elsewhere. It was not a shortage of soldiers, but an excess of elite troops. Zhang Ruoqi merely made a cursory inspection and was secretly alarmed. He thought to himself that the Loyal and Brave Count's bravery was indeed not just talk. His confidence in completing the mission entrusted by Minister Chen grew a few degrees.

Fortunately, regarding the troop quota, the Loyal and Brave Count did not quibble much. He only requested that the court quickly resolve the mobilization funds and provisions. The soldiers could not fight on empty stomachs.

The court had already reached a decision on this issue: the Ministry of Revenue would resolve part, and the garrison itself would resolve part. In short, half a year's provisions and pay would be issued in one lump sum. The court was begging the Loyal and Brave Count to fight; how could they possibly not provide fodder and rations?

Besides troop quotas and provisions, there was also the matter of rewards and appointments for the Jingbian Army's officers. On this aspect, the court was quite generous. Wen Fangliang, Gao Shiyin, Li Guangheng, and others who had campaigned against the roving bandits were all appointed as Assistant Regional Military Commissioners or Vice Regional Military Commissioners of Wandu, among other ranks. A large number of people were promoted and rewarded. All the officer names Wang Dou submitted were approved.

Furthermore, Zhang Ruoqi, representing the court, purchased five thousand finely crafted arquebuses and one hundred fifty thousand rounds of powerful ammunition from the Loyal and Brave Count.

Regarding the price of the arquebuses and ammunition, Zhang Ruoqi reported to the court that each gun cost eight taels, including ten pre-packaged paper cartridge rounds. The cost of the remaining powerful ammunition was calculated separately in silver.

In reality, each gun cost seven taels. The remaining price difference was counted as Zhang Ruoqi and his associates' kickback.

Faced with the price of eight taels per gun, Zhang Ruoqi later, when confronted with inquiries from all sides and besieged by censors' doubts, argued with righteous conviction.

Finely crafted arquebuses, manufactured across the Great Ming, typically cost anywhere from three to five taels. The Eastern Road's firearms were renowned throughout the realm. Naturally, their manufacture was more difficult and the cost higher. Back then, Xu Guangqi had quoted a budget of sixteen taels for a suit of fine armor and five taels for one arquebus, and those were not necessarily as lethal as the Eastern Road's firearms.

Moreover, what era did Xu Guangqi live in, and what era is this? One must account for rising prices and inflation.

Also, look at these muzzles: nearly identical without a hair's breadth of difference, all uniform in caliber. In the future, Eastern Road ammunition can be taken and used directly, without needing to cast different lead balls. How much silver does this save in the process? If you lords think the price is too high, you are welcome to negotiate it yourselves. Let's see what price per gun you can get.

Zhang Ruoqi had always been eloquent. He spoke volubly, refuting all sides into speechlessness.

Minister of War Chen Xinjia defended him against the injustice, and even the Chongzhen Emperor felt the price of eight taels per gun was reasonable. He specially issued an edict: "Recently, the remonstrance officials have been too argumentative, making it difficult for great ministers to carry out their duties. Take Zhang Ruoqi, for instance: some memorials impeach him for greed, yet others accuse him of crafty evasion. Whom is one to follow?"...

In the end, Zhang Ruoqi was victorious. All sides ceased their attacks. And Director Zhang, who had single-handedly debated ten censors and emerged triumphant, earned newfound respect and widespread renown.

This is a story for later. Yang Guozhu, Cao Bianjiao, and the others, having purchased arquebuses and ammunition, hurried back to their garrisons to prepare for the campaign. Viceroy of Xuanda Zhang Fuzhen and Provincial Governor of Xuanzhen Ji Shiwei likewise returned, satisfied.

Before departing, Zhang Fuzhen earnestly exhorted and repeatedly entreated that the Loyal and Brave Count must always remember the principle of serving the nation wholeheartedly, and at Jinzhou and Songshan, display the Great Ming's might and the might of the Xuanda Army.

Looking at the old man's careworn face, his hopeful expression, even tinged with pleading, Wang Dou could only sigh and agree.

After Yang Guozhu and the others left, Zhang Ruoqi and his party remained in Yongning City for several more days.

One day, Zhang Ruoqi paid a visit to Wang Dou. After the usual pleasantries between host and guest, Zhang Ruoqi finally could not contain his concerns and probed: "The Loyal and Brave Count's army is peerless under Heaven. However, the slave rebels are powerful. This time, as the imperial army goes to the aid of Liaodong, what do you estimate are our chances of victory?"

Wang Dou pondered for a long moment. Meeting Zhang Ruoqi's expectant gaze, he extended a finger: "Seventy percent!"

Zhang Ruoqi's face showed delight, but he was a man of deep cunning and merely smiled: "I beg the Loyal and Brave Count to elaborate for this humble official."

Wang Dou rose and paced slowly, saying: "Regarding the situation in Liaodong, my humble opinion is that the slaves have four vulnerabilities we can exploit, and we have five advantages we can leverage."

"Oh?"

Wang Dou said: "Our five leverageable advantages: First, the slaves came from their lair, and much time has passed. The countryside is utterly barren with nothing to plunder. Even if supplies are transported, how can they have enough to eat? This is their hunger we can exploit. Second, these foolish slave barbarians, having dispersed to farm, the remaining battle-worthy barbarian bandits are mostly hoping for rotation and longing to return home. How can they fight to the death? This is their weakness we can exploit..."

Wang Dou continued: "Third, within Yizhou City, weeds grow rampant. Moreover, under the scorching sun and summer rains, their horn bows gradually lose tension, and epidemics easily arise. This is their exhaustion we can exploit. Fourth, the people and soldiers of Liao have all been plundered and captured by the slaves. Their remaining families harbor enmity and resentment. This is their anger we can leverage..."

Zhang Ruoqi stroked his impeccably neat beard, sometimes closing his eyes in deep thought, sometimes nodding in approval.

He listened to Wang Dou speak eloquently, laying out point after point. A smile was on his face, but inwardly he was wary: "This Wang Dou has great depth of strategy. He truly cannot be regarded as a mere brute."

After Wang Dou had finished listing each point, Zhang Ruoqi's eyes flickered. He suddenly rose and bowed deeply to Wang Dou: "The Loyal and Brave Count's every point is true insight and profound vision. With the Loyal and Brave Count in the nation, the eastern affairs are without worry. This is a blessing for the nation, a blessing for Liaodong, a blessing for the people. Please accept this humble official's bow."

He prostrated himself on the ground. Watching this, Wang Dou's mind ticked over. A man in his mid-forties putting on such a performance.

Yet on the surface, he hurriedly helped Zhang Ruoqi up, repeatedly saying: "Director Zhang, how can you perform such a grand ceremony? Please, quickly rise."

Zhang Ruoqi insisted on bowing; Wang Dou insisted on helping him up. The two went through a lengthy display of courtesy. Finally, Zhang Ruoqi half-reluctantly rose, his face still bearing an expression of choked emotion.

The two sat properly again, but seeing Wang Dou’s sharp gaze sweep over, Zhang Ruolin could not help but feel a cough rise in his heart.

He re-gathered his emotions and said solemnly, “The Viceroy of Ji-Liao, Hong Chengchou, has submitted a Liaodong strategy, advocating readiness to fight while holding firm, and that the troops must not be divided, lest they be destroyed piecemeal by the slaves. Minister Chen of the Ministry of War, however, holds a different opinion. I wonder how the Loyal and Brave Count views this?”

Wang Dou thought, here comes the real show — this is the main reason Zhang Ruolin came to the Eastern Route!

……

Wang Dou knew that not long ago, Yang Sichang had died of illness.

At this outcome, Minister of War Chen Xinjia was secretly delighted in his heart; with Yang Sichang gone, he had a chance to replace his standing in the Emperor’s heart.

Therefore, the Battle of Jinzhou was Chen Xinjia’s key moment to perform, and he attached extreme importance to it. Mindful that the relief troops had not yet arrived, especially that Wang Dou had not yet come, he even sent special dispatches to Hong Chengchou at the front, repeatedly instructing: “The Loyal and Brave Count’s troops have not yet arrived; do not engage in reckless battle!”…

On this point, Hong Chengchou of course understood and had no disagreement with Chen Xinjia. However, on the strategy after the relief troops arrived, the two came into conflict.

Hong Chengchou believed that the eastern slaves were repeating their old trick from the Dalinghe, and to avoid repeating past mistakes, he decided they should be ready to fight while holding firm, and absolutely must not divide their forces, lest they be destroyed piecemeal.

Minister of War Chen Xinjia, on the other hand, believed that the Liaodong troops had repeatedly intercepted and blocked the enemy in the past, and their sharp advance could be exploited; moreover, the relief troops included many newly trained units whose battle strength was quite impressive. With the incomparably fierce Jingbian Army present, the situation was vastly different from previous years, so he assembled his staff and formulated a new set of tactics.

Chen Xinjia’s tactic was that after the relief troops arrived, the grand army would advance in four routes.

The first route would set out from Tashan City, head toward Dashengbao, and attack the Qing army’s northwest.

The second route would set out from Xingshan City, sweep through Jinchangbao, and attack the Qing army’s north.

The third route would set out from Songshan City, cross the Lesser Ling River, and attack the Qing army’s east.

The fourth route, the main force, would set out from Songshan City and attack the Qing army’s south.

This tactical plan met with Hong Chengchou’s flat refusal. The two exchanged official documents and dispatches, and the dispute reached the Emperor. Among the court officials, many took sides in the debate.

Chen Xinjia, eager to achieve merit, besides lobbying the Emperor and various key officials, naturally also regarded the fierce general Wang Dou as a key person to win over — hence Zhang Ruolin’s mission.

As the Minister of War’s top confidant, Zhang Ruolin naturally took it as his bounden duty to act as this lobbyist.

After hearing Zhang Ruolin lay out the whole story, Wang Dou fell into thought. Facing the Qing troops who had come with their entire nation’s strength, Hong Chengchou was right to be cautious — but being cautious to the point of clustering over a hundred thousand men together was wrong.

Chen Xinjia’s strategy was somewhat rash, but it also had its merits.

Hong Chengchou was a self-assured man, deeply confident in his own plans, but his disposition was mistaken. Wang Dou could not possibly follow his disposition, and when the time came, he feared there would be conflict with him.

Nor could he act alone. However confident Wang Dou was, he was not so confident as to face over a hundred thousand Qing troops with just over ten thousand men, so he had to unite every force that could be united.

This Zhang Ruolin, coming as Army Supervisor in the days ahead, was someone he could win over.

Thinking this, Wang Dou met Zhang Ruolin’s expectant gaze and said slowly, “Viceroy Hong is seasoned and experienced, handles affairs with a sincere heart, and his ability to lead troops in battle goes without saying. However, one man’s plans are limited, while many men’s plans are long; it is hard to avoid oversights. His strategy has forward initiative but lacks rear defense — this is a great taboo in military affairs.”

Zhang Ruolin was overjoyed. Although Wang Dou had not stated it explicitly, the meaning in his words supporting Minister Chen was clearly discernible.

His face full of smiles, he said, “Good, good. With these words from the Loyal and Brave Count, I am at ease. Rest assured, Loyal and Brave Count, when we set out for Liaodong in the days ahead, I will certainly give my full support to your esteemed army and your division.”

Thereafter the two chatted idly. Setting aside Zhang Ruolin’s selfish ambition, he was well-versed in the classics and history and possessed broad learning; listening to his conversation, Wang Dou still gained much.

In truth, any Ming official who could fight his way out from among thousands of troops and horses was outstanding in both practical experience and essay writing.

The difference between them lay merely in whether their private interest outweighed the public good, or the public good outweighed their private interest.

……

Zhang Ruolin departed contentedly with the various capital officials. Generous parting gifts were also sent along, making each of them even more satisfied.

Thereafter, Wang Dou threw himself fully into drilling the troops and preparing for the campaign.

In late May, the Eastern Route began harvesting the wheat fields. Despite the drought, a bumper harvest was still achieved, and everywhere was suffused with an atmosphere of joy.

Time flew swiftly to the sixth month of the fourteenth year of Chongzhen.

On the fifteenth day, Wang Dou announced a grand army-wide leave. All soldiers returned home to reunite with their families. Before the twentieth, they were all to return to camp. On the twenty-first, the great army would set out on campaign!