Chapter 579: The Civilization Within the Heart

Old White Ox: Many thanks to Sweet Sugarcane and other friends for their support.

……

The victory report that arrived on the twenty-fourth indeed made the Chongzhen Emperor wild with joy, his dragon countenance beaming with delight, and the entire court and country were also jubilant.

Besides immediately issuing an edict to reward the three armies and ordering the imperial envoy Wang Dehua to return swiftly, the Chongzhen Emperor also promptly reported the victory at the Imperial Ancestral Temple. The hundred officials likewise presented congratulatory memorials; from Senior Grand Secretary Zhou Yanru on down, cabinet members, capital officials, everywhere in the capital region, and local government offices all submitted memorials in succession, flying toward the capital like raindrops.

When the news reached the Eastern Circuit, firecrackers likewise sounded ceaselessly through the night in all its departments, counties, cities, and forts. Numerous shogunate officers, generals, and clerks came in unison to the Grand General’s residence to congratulate the Grand Lady and the Lady. The soldiers and civilians of the Eastern Circuit rejoiced and were inspired.

The news of the great victory in Liaodong also swept away the originally gloomy and tense atmosphere in the capital. For several days, countless teahouses and wineshops did booming business; every storyteller worked urgently through the night to devise over a hundred versions of the tale, and daily listeners surged like the tide.

The victory in this national war swept away the Great Ming’s many years of decline against the Tatar slaves. Numerous scholars held their heads high and felt proud. On the twenty-fourth, no one knew how many people got drunk; even late at night, in the streets and alleys, there were still groups of scholars singing with swords in hand and parading through the streets.

With the situation so excellent, everyone’s confidence in the Liaodong war situation was directly restored. Many people were already shouting cries of pacifying Liaodong in three years and striking straight for Huanglong. The possible casualties at the front were also deliberately ignored by everyone.

This great national victory brought incomparable joy to sovereign and subjects alike. Many people were carried away by the victory. Of course, there were no lack of “rational” persons — for instance, the Minister of Revenue Li Daiwen, the Minister of Personnel Li Rixuan, and others, who said that finances could not cover expenditures, that the reinforcing troops in Liaodong could not be maintained for long, and that the army must immediately be withdrawn and return to court.

Perhaps they truly considered the financial difficulties, or perhaps they could not stand the sight of Chen Xinjia looking so smug and being repeatedly summoned by the Emperor for earnest consultations. In any case, this bucket of cold water sobered many people up. The voices saying the fighting was already decided and the army should withdraw grew loud again.

The Chongzhen Emperor also sobered up. How could he not have entertained the thought of pursuing victory, striking straight for Huanglong, and then sharing a drink with his lords?

But reality did not permit it. Over a hundred thousand reinforcing troops were gathered in Liaodong — how enormous were the daily provisions and pay? Moreover, the daily increasing rampancy of the roving bandits also made the Emperor find no sweetness in his food and no peace in his sleep. At this moment, the Chuang bandits were once again tightly besieging Luoyang, attacking day and night. Starving people everywhere were likewise rising up. How could the Chongzhen Emperor set his heart at ease?

Looking across the Great Ming, apart from the great armies of the frontier garrisons, which army could exterminate the roving bandits? Therefore, withdrawing the army and returning to court was inevitable.

Also, what they had now was only a rough victory report. When the detailed battle report was delivered, the casualties in the army would presumably be considerable. These were all matters that worried him.

……

On the twenty-fifth day of the ninth month of the fourteenth year of Chongzhen. After several days of “amicable” discussion, the distribution of the spoils from Yizhou was finally sorted out clearly. The city held over eighty thousand dan of stored grain and bean fodder. Wang Dou took sixty percent; the remaining forty percent was distributed among the various officers and generals.

At first, Wang Dou said he only needed to take thirty percent, but met with unanimous opposition. Yang Guozhu, Wang Pu, and Fu Yingchong were the first to disagree, all saying that the Loyal and Brave Count had labored hard and rendered great service, and that these provisions and fodder had also been captured by the Jingbian Army. If he did not take the lion’s share, heaven’s law could hardly tolerate it.

Cao Bianjiao, Regional Commander of the Eastern Coordinated Division, and Wang Tingchen, Regional Commander of Qiantun Guard, strongly supported the Loyal and Chaste Count and the others’ opinion. By now, the great generals of the reinforcing army were already few in number. Tang Tong, Regional Commander of Miyun, was even more ignored by others. Wu Sangui likewise remained silent. Thus this distribution plan was settled just like that.

However, Wang Dou was generous and still took out ten percent to present to Hong Chengchou, Army Supervisors Zhang Ruoqi and Wang Chengen, and the imperial envoy Wang Dehua and others, sparing the remaining officers and generals the hardship of having to dig into their own pockets.

In fact, regarding the Yizhou spoils, there were indeed officers and generals who discussed it, feeling that this harvest was not in line with common sense. That the bandit soldiers had retreated without burning the provisions and fodder, leaving them completely intact for the Jingbian Army, truly made people’s imaginations run wild.

But once the various officers and generals finished dividing the spoils, they spoke with one voice, declaring that this must be a trick of the slave chieftain, that the imperial army must not fall for it, and that anyone who dared spread rumors would be dealt with as a spy of the bandit slaves. This kind of discussion then slowly dissipated.

This attitude of the generals made Wang Dou gratified. Now that the slave bandits had retreated and the officers and generals no longer had a heart united in purpose, presumably all sorts of conflicts would surface. This kind of rumor was one of them. Although he himself was not afraid, it was better to avoid trouble when possible.

Only, that Huang Taiji had still played a trick on him even as he retreated — truly hateful!

Also, in the Battle of Jinzhou, the Jingbian Army had captured quite a few cannons and firearms from the Han Eight Banners. Those heavy cannons — transporting them a thousand li back to the Eastern Circuit was unrealistic. Moreover, Wang Dou also looked down on these clumsy and indescribably awkward heavy cannons.

After discussion, the Jingbian Army generals also believed that if they brought all these red-barbarian heavy cannons back to the Eastern Circuit, it would certainly make the Emperor and the court officials worried and uneasy. Better to give them away as favors. Of course, the benefits to be exchanged were indispensable.

This was also the reason many officers and generals conceded on the Yizhou spoils. Those cannons and firearms that Wang Dou looked down upon were regarded as treasures by other officers and generals.

Although these firearms were not as fine as the Jingbian Army’s, compared to many Ming army firearms they were already rare, at least posing no risk of barrel bursting, and could be called excellent weapons.

Regarding these firearms, not to mention Hong Chengchou and others, Yang Guozhu, Wang Pu, Fu Yingchong, Cao Bianjiao, Wang Tingchen, Wu Sangui, Liu Zhaoji, Tang Tong, and even the many local Liaodong officers and generals were all covetous; every one of them wanted some.

Those heavy cannons, Wang Dou had already decided to hand over to the imperial court for disposal. Of course, even if handed over to the court for disposal, Wang Dou’s opinion was still of the utmost weight.

As for the captured light cannons, these were naturally handled by Wang Dou. He kept a few pieces that he barely found acceptable, and distributed the rest to Yang Guozhu, Wang Pu, Cao Bianjiao, Wang Tingchen, and others. Toward Liu Zhaoji, Regional Commander of Liaodong, Wang Dou rather admired him and also gave him three pieces.

Regarding these light cannons, Fu Yingchong was indifferent. Being a man keen on socializing, he took the opportunity to transfer his share to Wang Pu, which made the two even more fervently brotherly.

Considering that Tang Tong was increasingly fawning toward him and had fought bitterly during the decisive battle, Wang Dou also gave him two red-barbarian three-pounder cannons.

Wu Sangui did not ask for any. He still held to the thinking of defending cities with heavy cannons. In private exchanges with Hong Chengchou, Hong Chengchou also affirmed that Liaodong was the front line against the slaves. Although the bandit slaves had retreated, when the time came, many of the hundred-plus red-barbarian heavy cannons would certainly be emplaced in Liaodong, so he could be quite calm.

The same went for firearms. Receiving the firearms gifted by Wang Dou, along with some severed heads, Cao Bianjiao and Wang Tingchen were overjoyed. The two had not made many kills in this battle; had Wang Dou not given them some heads, their military merits would have fallen far short of Wang Pu’s. In private, they both said that the Loyal and Brave Count was truly a man who valued loyalty and friendship.

Under Wang Chengen’s supervision, the officers and generals distributed the spoils and military merits, and while everyone was greatly pleased, they also secretly dispatched scout cavalry to reconnoiter the slaves’ traces. Hearing that the main Tatar force had already withdrawn from Youtun Guard, Hong Chengchou and the others also decided to return to Jinzhou, and at the same time go to the Nüer River and other battlefields to hold memorials and summon back the souls of the fallen soldiers.

The Ming army had suffered considerable casualties in this battle, and the Jingbian Army’s casualties were as high as five thousand, with over two thousand five hundred killed in action. Wang Dou decided to set up sacrificial altars below Yijia Ridge and on Changling Mountain. Would this ordinary hill become a legendary place in Liaodong in the future?

Wen Fangliang and the others also followed along. Their army had attacked from beyond the frontier and suffered only minimal casualties, not exceeding one hundred in total.

In Wang Dou’s decision, the large groups of merchant armed forces that had come from Jinzhou and the grasslands, Shen Shiqi’s Loyalty Battalion, and the Newly Attached Battalion — that is, the battalion established for those Mongols who had submitted — considering that more frontier tribes would submit in the future, Wang Dou decided to establish the Newly Attached Army specifically to take in the frontier barbarians.

After the memorial, they would still return to Yizhou, transport the spoils, and go back to Mantaoer via the grasslands. A portion of the first-class troops from Gao Shiyin’s vanguard battalion would return via the grasslands at that time. By now, the full Mongol army had already gone to Shengjing. Wang Dou was still at ease about them returning by their original route.

Meanwhile, Wen Fangliang and Gao Shiyin, leading the Vanguard Vermilion Bird Camp and the Left Guard Azure Dragon Camp, would accompany his main army, taking the route through Shanhai Pass and so on back to the capital. According to Wang Dou’s estimate, he would not be staying in Liaodong much longer.

On the twenty-seventh, after Hong Chengchou left Xia Chengde, Chi Fenggao, and other Liaodong officers and generals to garrison Yizhou, Dalinghe, and other places, and after everyone had sent out detailed official reports, the pursuing army returned to Songjin in a grand procession to summon back the souls of the fallen soldiers.

“…Grasping Wu halberds, clad in rhinoceros hide armor, chariot hubs clash, short blades meet…”

The armies across the Great Ming universally used Qu Yuan’s “National Martyr” as the soul-summoning melody for soldiers fallen in battle. On the north bank of the Nüer River, white banners stood like a forest, and the desolate sound of suona horns soared into the clouds, reverberating long between heaven and earth. On the twenty-eighth, the various garrisons of the Great Ming held large-scale soul-summoning ceremonies, with the battlefield on the north bank of the Nüer River being the main site for summoning souls.

“Return, oh souls…”

At the place where Li Fuming and Zuo Guangxian had died in battle, Wang Dehua wailed bitterly before the altar. He had already received the Emperor’s edict, but Eunuch Dehua still decided to pay his respects before returning.

Seeing his sorrowful appearance, everyone was moved. In contrast, Eunuch Wang Chengen was much more indifferent.

During the soul-summoning and memorial rites, over a hundred thousand soldiers gathered, and numerous civilian laborers also crowded around to watch.

For these civilian laborers, they had only reached Liaodong because of corvée service. Many stayed behind, also trading their lives for some wages and silver for food. After experiencing this great battle, perhaps, in their otherwise bland lives, they now had a topic they could boast about, becoming a bright spot in their existence.

Watching from the side, they also sadly shed tears.

Many people had already seen the soul-summoning of ordinary Ming troops plenty of times, so they mostly crowded at the Jingbian Army’s soul-summoning site. When the officers and generals assembled and the ceremony began, it was as if a tremor from the soul arose from the depths of their hearts.

In comparison, it lacked that heartbroken sorrow, yet possessed an added fervor, a soul-stirring power to move people.

During their ceremony, from Wang Dou on down, all officers and soldiers performed the blade salute. Amid the resonant chimes and melodious ceremonial music, they sang in unison: “On Shun’s earth swords are raised, spurring horses to settle the realm. The general’s star encircles, brave men’s moons curve like bows… Loyal and brave soldiers, through ten thousand kalpas undimmed. Heaven and earth in primal chaos, true spirits forever abide…”

It was as if something vast and grand surged toward them. Many people were stunned. Those Mongols who had submitted were likewise dumbstruck. Hong Chengchou sighed — no wonder the Jingbian Army always won battles. Wang Dou always had inexhaustible treasures to be unearthed.

……

The mournful music drifted faintly over, slowly fading. Wen Daxing stood dazed for a moment. He staggered to his feet. Without his right arm, walking always felt awkward, and his wounds were still severe, so much so that he could not even go to pay respects to his brothers.

Perhaps, in the future, he could no longer remain in the Sharp Scout Camp. Although the Grand General told him to rest at ease and recover, and even still let him serve as the main commander of the Sharp Scout Camp, Wen Daxing knew that for the sake of all his brothers in the camp, he must resign from the post of main commander.

He habitually walked before his “artworks,” his left hand laboriously stroking those beloved treasures. His heart darkened. Farewell, his beloved career of scalp-peeling. Farewell…

His gaze focused especially on the scalp of Maiser, the Plain White Banner Bayara Jalani Janggin. A feeling of despondent sorrow welled up in his heart. This piece could be called the pinnacle of his work, having consumed too much painstaking effort. Would it henceforth become a swan song?

Wen Daxing grieved for a long while, then suddenly gave a start. No, he could not become dejected. Without his right hand, he could rely on tools — for instance, those tools of the Embroidered Uniform Guard. His path of creating works would not stop. It would absolutely never stop!

A sharp light shot from Wen Daxing’s eyes, as if he had once again found the path of his life. The pain of his wounds also seemed to lessen faintly.

He did not know that this single thought would later lead him to produce a steady stream of exquisite tools. He also wrote many books on interrogation techniques. Because of his outstanding skill and significant contributions, after deliberation by the "Hall of Masters," it was unanimously agreed to confer upon Wen Daxing the status of Master Artisan. But that is a story for another time.

Just as Wen Daxing had regained his purpose in life and was pondering what tools to craft, all to use against Kong Youde, the tent flap lifted and Xie Yike walked in, his face brimming with smiles.

Wen Daxing said, "Brother Xie, is the memorial ceremony over?"

Xie Yike nodded, then said mysteriously, "Master Wen, look and see who this little brother has brought you."

Wen Daxing asked curiously, "Who?"

Xie Yike's face darkened, replaced by surging killing intent, and he shouted, "Bring him over."

Quickly, several burly Night Scout soldiers dragged in a stout, bound Tartar. Along the way, they dealt him punches and kicks without pause.

Wen Daxing saw that this Tartar was in his forties, with a large flat face, a collapsed nose, and several scars across his features, making him quite ugly and fierce-looking. He wore the bordered white armor of a Company Captain. Even as he was dragged in, he still roared and struggled unceasingly.

Wen Daxing pondered and said, "Brother Xie, this is..."

Xie Yike's face showed grief. He said, "Master Wen, do you still remember the ninth year of Chongzhen? When we went out on patrol, and Brother Huang Guoxiang was in our squad?"

Wen Daxing was startled, then a bone-deep hatred surfaced in his eyes: "That Company Captain?"

Xie Yike nodded, his teeth grinding audibly: "The interpreter we captured back then said that Brother Huang had his eyes gouged out by this Tartar, was disemboweled and his heart torn out, and finally his body was dismembered..."

He looked at the Tartar before him and sneered: "Yanzha, Company Captain of the Manchu Bordered White Banner. After all these years, you still haven't been promoted, huh. The Grand General has already begun executing the second-class Tartars and the Korean dogs. This Tartar charged too fast during the decisive battle and was captured by our troops. I spotted him, and the Grand General agreed to hand this Tartar over to us to deal with!"

Wen Daxing laughed heartily. Huang Guoxiang's death was an eternal pain in his heart. He raised his head and looked up: "Brother Huang, from your spirit in heaven, Brother Xie and I will soon avenge you!"

His gaze fell emotionlessly upon Yanzha, and he said in Manchu: "Fine scalp!"

After the soul-summoning rites, Wang Dou began executing the prisoners. In this battle, there were over two thousand Korean captives. A portion was kept for victory presentation, and a small number whose crimes were minor were sent to labor in the mines. The rest were all put to death.

Of course, several dozen were also driven out, their ears and noses cut off, men scared out of their wits, to return home and report the news. Spreading word by mouth, they would strike even greater terror into their country.

Right State Councilor Kim Ja-jeom was executed as well.

Advisor Qin Yi had once suggested that Kim Ja-jeom and the Korean soldiers be handed over to the imperial court for disposal, to avoid arousing suspicion from all sides.

However, Wang Dou felt that given the current court policy, in order to win over the Korean kingdom, they would very likely release Kim Ja-jeom and his men. This he was unwilling to accept. These Koreans had inflicted casualties on the Jingbian Army—how could they be let off?

Hong Chengchou and others had also told Wang Dou that handing Kim Ja-jeom and the others to the court and then releasing them would more easily earn the gratitude of the Korean king and his ministers, making them turn their hearts to the Great Ming and break away from the barbarian Qing.

Wang Dou said that Kim Ja-jeom and his ilk were notorious pro-Qing factions in the Korean kingdom. If they were all dead, it would be easier for the pro-Ming faction there to rise. Hong Chengchou then let the matter drop.

In truth, did Hong Chengchou himself have any goodwill toward these Koreans? If Wang Dou was willing to play the villain, then let him.

Zhang Ruoqi, Wang Dehua, and the others were also unwilling to offend Wang Dou for the sake of a few Koreans. As for the future, they would see what His Majesty intended.

Following the Jingbian Army's execution method, amid the crack of gunfire, they were shot down row by row. The many literati and surrendered Mongols watched with pale faces. Only the Ming officers and soldiers, the local military households, and the outside laborers all watched with immense satisfaction.

As for the captured Han troops, there were over nine thousand of them. Aside from a portion kept for victory presentation, the officers and veterans among them were all singled out and killed, along with some troublemakers. The remaining men were all sent to labor in the mines. Later, based on their conduct, they would be selected for the New Auxiliary Battalion.

Shi Tingzhu was not executed on the spot. He was a heavyweight figure among the captured Han Eight Banners, carrying considerable weight for the victory presentation. To intimidate surrendered generals, the court would not let him off lightly. Escorted to the capital, he would face either death by a thousand cuts or being cut in two at the waist—his end would not be pleasant. Wang Dou did not deal with him further.

The Manchu and Mongol captives taken in this battle were few, so they were all killed outright, with none kept for presentation.

For Korean Right State Councilor Kim Ja-jeom, Eduardo of the Ujen Choo artillery camp, and three red-barbarian gunners, Wang Dou chose a rather special method of execution.

He said to Eduardo, "I hear that in Europe, which we Chinese call the Pillar Continent, your religious tribunals there execute criminals by burning at the stake? They burned Bruno that way back then. I am quite interested. I shall use this very fire punishment to send you to meet your Lord!"

He glanced at Kim Ja-jeom, who had long been scared out of his wits, filth streaming from him: "Councilor Kim, far off in Korea, has probably never enjoyed the punishments of the red barbarians. Today you may sample a taste."

Eduardo's expression was utterly haggard. Knowing he would not be spared, his eyes filled with venomous hatred. Hardening his heart, he burst out cursing: "You heretics, you infidels, you damned yellow-skinned monkeys! The Lord in the Kingdom of Heaven will judge you!"

Hong Chengchou frowned: "These followers of the Jesuit order are truly incomprehensible."

Wang Dehua also curled his lip: "Indeed, incomprehensible."

Wang Dou said flatly, "This is the Divine Continent of the East, not the Pillar Continent of the red barbarians. There is no Lord here. What we believe in is a life for a life. You sold your life to the Tartars and slaughtered our Great Ming soldiers—you deserve this retribution!"

He waved his hand: "Monotheist, you who do not revere your ancestors, go meet your God!"

Immediately, several Jingbian Army soldiers stepped forward, dragged Eduardo before a burning stake, and without further ado, drove several thick iron nails through his hands and feet, firmly nailing him to the frame.

Eduardo screamed in agony, struggling desperately: "Ah! Almighty Lord! Please save me!"

Soon, fierce flames roared up from several stakes. Amid the shrill, wretched howls of Eduardo, Kim Ja-jeom, and the others, they were reduced to ashes.

The soldiers of the Jingbian Army watched with grim satisfaction, sneering coldly. Whoever dared oppose the Jingbian Army had only a dead end.

The hundreds of thousands of soldiers and civilians watching were greatly astonished, all buzzing with discussion. Wang Pu said to Fu Yingchong, "This method of execution is quite interesting."

Fu Yingchong nodded repeatedly: "Yes, yes, the Loyal and Brave Count's inspiration is truly endless."

In this battle, Eduardo and four red-barbarian gunners were captured. One of them, whose crimes were minor and who usually only hauled gunpowder in the artillery camp, had been constantly bullied by Eduardo and the other Portuguese because he was Spanish. After investigation, the Pacification Office sentenced him to three years of hard labor, after which he could regain his freedom.

This rather tall and thin fellow, who spoke fluent Chinese and was named Raul, came to thank the Great Ming Loyal and Brave Count for sparing his life. However, he was a devout believer and hoped that after serving his sentence, he could preach in the Eastern Route. He had developed a strong interest in the Eastern Route region that had given birth to the formidable Jingbian Army.

Wang Dou looked at him for a moment and said, "The world has nine continents: the Divine Continent, the Pillar Continent, the Martial Continent, the Sun Continent, the Wing Continent... Our China lies in the Divine Continent. Our people embrace all rivers and tolerate all things. You may wish to preach in the future, but I fear you will be disappointed..."

His gaze grew distant: "On this land of ours, when our civilization is strong and confident, monotheistic faiths have never had much opportunity. The more confident and prosperous we are, the less chance they have... If our civilization ever doubts itself and feels inferior, then you will find soil. The more self-doubt and inferiority, the more soil your religion will have. However, with me, Wang Dou, here... perhaps you can try and see how many converts you ultimately make..."

"Of course, you are not a citizen of our nation, so you cannot enjoy the treatment of a national. Foreign religions cannot enjoy the same status as native faiths like Buddhism and Daoism, unless they castrate themselves and integrate into the Chinese whole."

Wang Dou waved his hand: "Go."

His subordinates led Raul away. He would go peacefully to the mines to atone for his crimes.

Seeing Wang Dou's every word and action, his every gesture imbued with such grandeur, those beside him could not help but admire.

Wang Dou gazed at the clouds in the sky, his spirit wandering, his conversation with Raul bringing many thoughts to mind.

"As ethereal as light clouds veiling the moon, as drifting as flowing wind swirling snow."

"On the distant Mount Miaogushe, there dwells a divine being, whose skin is like ice and snow, graceful as a maiden, who eats no grain but inhales the wind and drinks the dew, rides the clouds and drives flying dragons, roaming beyond the four seas..."

Such fantasies, such elegance and grace, such prose that seems to gaze upon an immortal—only China possesses this. This is a civilization as ethereal and graceful as an immortal. I truly love it from the bottom of my heart.

The Han civilization, passed down through the ages, so long as it is not interrupted by barbarians, has always been the world's most powerful empire, or one of them. Whatever civilizational system it implements, it has always been the object of veneration or emulation for all nations.

I will protect her, and see how this classical form ultimately evolves and develops.

Perhaps, in my hands, the later familiar terms like Europe, Asia, and Asia Minor will no longer appear, replaced by the relatively unfamiliar names of the world's Nine Continents.

In that instant, a peculiar feeling stirred in Wang Dou's heart—that subtle sentiment of bidding farewell to the familiar and stepping toward the unknown, along with a faint yearning for the future.

Wang Dou took a deep breath and slowly stood up. Before him, armored soldiers surged like a tide. Above, the evening glow dyed the horizon red.

End of Volume Eight

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