[{"data":1,"prerenderedAt":-1},["ShallowReactive",2],{"origin-a-little-soldier-of-the-late-ming-border-army":3,"chapter-a-little-soldier-of-the-late-ming-border-army-a-little-soldier-of-the-late-ming-border-army-chapter-587":6},{"origin":4,"title":5},"chinese","A Little Soldier of the Late Ming Border Army",{"chapter":7,"nextChapterSlug":19,"prevChapterSlug":20,"totalChapters":21,"novelImage":22},{"id":8,"novel_id":9,"title":10,"slug":11,"index":12,"content":13,"wordcount":14,"created_at":15,"updated_at":15,"volume":16,"translator":17,"content_hash":18},1205876,1561,"Chapter 587","a-little-soldier-of-the-late-ming-border-army-chapter-587",587,"\u003Cp>These past few days, for the common folk of the capital, have been lively and amusing — all manner of rumors and gossip have thoroughly satisfied their cravings. Perhaps the tidbits of hearsay they've heard in these few short days outnumber what each person would normally accumulate over several decades combined.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But indulging in gossip for too long brings its own fatigue; there were too many versions of the rumors, and no matter how they were rehashed, nothing new could be spun out.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>So the popular diversion in the streets largely shifted toward collecting various pamphlets and illustrated booklets — for instance, Dorgon debauching his sister-in-law; the barbarian woman Zhezhe's counterattack against the little slave-chief Dodo; the false barbarian emperor's brothers enjoying themselves together with the wives and concubines of the former false crown prince Huanzi, and so on — lowbrow yet elegant amusements the masses delight in seeing and hearing.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The main appeal was that these fine illustrations and picture booklets were exquisitely printed, rich in variety, and dazzlingly diverse, making them impossible to put down. The fashionable collecting craze they set off far surpassed the sensation stirred up by *The Plum in the Golden Vase* back in the day.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Some people of peculiar taste even zealously collected picture booklets of the prospective imperial son-in-law Zhou Shixian locked in grand battles with numerous young catamites. For a time, throughout the capital, a drizzly miasma of lewdness hung in the air, and the moral standards there plummeted straight down by a hundred years' worth, causing all the gentlemen of virtue to beat their chests, stamp their feet, and wail without end.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Some of the rumor-mongers themselves were dumbstruck, utterly baffled.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Just as the streets were growing weary and most were shifting their attention elsewhere, early that morning, like a spring thunderclap, the capital, which had been on the verge of cooling down, once again boiled over.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Whether the news came from within the palace or from the Six Ministries is no longer traceable — the news was simply too shocking!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Several busybodies excitedly declared that the previous evening, when they saw the high officials of every ministry being hurriedly summoned into the depths of the palace at Chessboard Street, they already knew that the matter was far from simple — and sure enough, events proved their foresight.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Amid their loud clamor and the spreading of word by several excited crowds, the entire city soon knew of that astonishing affair. The teahouses and wineshops along the main streets, which had been cooling off somewhat, were packed to bursting once again.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The news was this: the Loyal and Brave Count, enraged by the rumors, so heartbroken that he vomited several dou of blood, resolutely ordered his great army to turn toward Changping, unwilling to arrive at the capital, this place that brought such disheartening sorrow. He also wished to express his intense indignation toward the rumor-mongers.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Loyal and Faithful Count Yang Guozhu, anxious for the affairs of state and unable to bear seeing the court lose a great general, braved the wind and snow to pay a visit and urge him to stay. The earnestness of his words and the loyalty of his heart moved even the Lord of Heaven, who halted the snowfall for half a shichen.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The great generals Wang Pu, Fu Yingchong, Wu Sangui, and others likewise earnestly urged him to stay. The Viceroy of Ji-Liao, Hong Chengchou, who was already injured, was so stricken with worry that he coughed up half a dou of blood. The Army Supervisor, Eunuch Wang, also tearfully pleaded with him to remain. Braving the biting cold, they rushed straight to the capital, sought an audience with His Majesty, and offered loyal remonstrance.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>They also gave vivid, dramatic descriptions of how the hundred thousand frontier troops clamored in fury, and how their united roars of injustice gave form to their righteous indignation. Watching their performances sent chills down one's spine.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Moved by the earnest pleas of the generals, the Loyal and Brave Count had for the time being set aside his intention to withdraw his troops. He merely joined the generals in submitting a joint memorial, beseeching the Son of Heaven, the Sage Emperor, and the various lords of the court to thoroughly investigate the rumors, punish the rumor-mongers, clear the names of the loyal and righteous officers and men, and not allow the martyred heroes of the nation to rest uneasy in Heaven.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This news was too terrifying. After a brief silence, numerous busybodies had already rushed out of the capital, excitedly hurrying off to watch the spectacle. The withdrawing army was mainly gathered near Zhangjiawan, and these busybodies would be the first to send back firsthand reports on the developments.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And within the capital, the clamor of quarreling voices seemed so piercing that even the wind and snow in the sky wished to keep their distance from this ancient city.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>From every ward, every wineshop and teahouse, it was evident that after this news arrived, the pro-Wang faction had once again gained the upper hand.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>They shouted loudly, declaring that one must not fall for the scoundrels' treacherous rumor-mongering, catching at shadows and framing the loyal and virtuous. The Pacification Border Army, from the very start of the war, had always been loyal and righteous in service to the nation — how could the hearts of loyal and brave officers and men be chilled merely for the sake of a few censors and the like?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The indignant clamor of the hundred thousand-plus frontier troops before their very eyes proved exactly this point!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Many of them also gathered on Chessboard Street, excitedly shouting toward the officials of various ministries coming and going from work, expressing that they shared the same indignation as the Loyal and Brave Count.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>By contrast, the rampant arrogance of the anti-Wang faction was greatly diminished. In particular, many investigating censors and remonstrance officials calmed down, deeply sensing that a storm was about to arrive. The unprecedented fact that His Majesty was holding three court sessions today alone proved this.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Of course, there were also many in the anti-Wang faction who remained diehards to the end. They loudly clamored: \"The Loyal and Brave Count — no, the traitor Wang — this is the ambition of Sima Zhao, plain for all to see! He is openly blackmailing the court, blackmailing His Sacred Majesty! Look, look! The traitor Wang is so insolent, so overbearing — he truly defies his sovereign and father, showing no respect for his lord!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"He coerces the frontier troops into openly applying pressure — this is a crime for which ten thousand deaths cannot atone! Previously, when the rumors circulated, everyone was still half-believing, half-doubting, but now they truly believe.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As the two sides argued, ninety-nine times out of a hundred it came to blows. They often fought from the upper floor down to the lower floor, then out into the street, chasing each other through lanes and alleys, leaving chaos in their wake, and driving the patrol soldiers of the Five Wards Military Command, tasked with keeping order, to groan endlessly in misery.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Of course, because the anti-Wang faction's numbers had dwindled considerably, the pro-Wang faction had strength in numbers. Not only did they dominate the discourse, but when it came to physical action, they often beat the anti-Wang faction until their heads were covered in lumps.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>However, whether anti-Wang or pro-Wang, everyone knew that the street disputes were one thing, but the key lay in the court's intentions. So both factions, along with the neutrals, packed Chessboard Street so tightly that not a drop of water could trickle through. Whenever any official emerged, they would surge forward in a mass, seeking news of the proceedings.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Facing the crowd, the officials' expressions varied: some looked anxious and fearful, some were high-spirited and bold, some wore deadpan faces, some were inscrutably profound, some... but without exception, they all bore an expression that said \"no comment.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The more this was the case, the more the crowd itched with curiosity. Whenever someone mysteriously leaked a word or a phrase, it immediately pushed the affair toward a new climax...\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The capital of the Great Ming was divided into the Palace City, the Imperial City, the Inner City, and the Outer City. Outside the Great Ming Gate of the Imperial City lay Chessboard Street, which could be called the very essence of the capital.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Not only were the various princely mansions, the court pavilions and Six Ministries, the Five Chief Military Commissions, and the Embroidered Uniform Guard government office located here, but the various shops that gathered the finest commercial goods of the Great Ming were also crammed here in dense, dark masses. It could truly be said that they converged here, shoulder to shoulder, hub to hub, in clamor from dawn to dusk.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And through the two ends of Chessboard Street, toward Wangfu Street and Chongwen Street, shops were likewise densely packed. Teahouses and wineshops displaying all manner of signboards were beyond counting. Jewelers and curio dealers, and the Lantern Market Avenue, were likewise gathered here.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It was already noon. On Chessboard Street, Wangfu Street, Chongwen Street, and all the main thoroughfares and side lanes, heads bobbed and weaved. The dense streams of people were packed like sardines in a tin, accompanied by the sounds of fierce quarrels and physical brawling.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>To express their heartfelt views to the fullest and make everyone take notice of their opinions, many people, by unspoken consensus, hit upon the same method: they found paper, cloth, wooden sticks, and the like, wrote large characters on them, and stretched out horizontal banners at both ends — somewhat resembling the grand protest marches of later ages.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>From time to time they raised their banners to signal their views.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Support the Loyal and Brave Count! Pacification Border Army, ten thousand victories!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Down with the traitor Wang! Execute the wicked and evil! While Qingfu lives, Lu's troubles never cease!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>While many held up their banners, they also beat gongs and drums with all their might to attract attention. And as they shouted and yelled, countless heads looked down from the buildings on either side, every face alight with excitement.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Many others, finding footholds, squeezed into the various shops. Even many merchants, commoners, and officials visiting the capital from outside watched with keen interest, their faces full of excitement. The scene before them left them marveling — the capital was indeed the capital, vastly different from the provinces.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The court session dispersed and shifts changed. Countless \"beasts in official caps and robes\" surged out. The shouting, yelling crowd erupted into chaos, each person rushing forward on their own, engulfing those beasts in official caps and robes, then splitting off and leading them away to various private places for detailed discussions, preparing for the next round of battle.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In a small wineshop on Chongwen Street...\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The prices here were relatively reasonable, not as exorbitant as those over on Chessboard Street, and well-suited to the purses of minor officials. According to the national conditions of the Great Ming, not to mention the petty officers of the Six Ministries, even those who attended court sessions — if their rank was insufficient, how could they expect the Emperor to provide meals? They all had to find their own places to eat.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Because the portions were generous and the prices economical, even in these chaotic times, this small wineshop's business was always good. So both upstairs and downstairs were quickly packed, buzzing with noise. Everyone's topic of conversation revolved around Wang Dou's actions, especially the court deliberations that everyone was watching closely — what were the attitudes of His Majesty and the various lords?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Several remonstrance officials were speaking with impassioned fervor. The leader was a young man of twenty-five or twenty-six, with a square, \"country\"-shaped face and dark skin, named Zhuo Buwei — a Supervising Secretary in the Office of Scrutiny for Personnel.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Because this court session and palace deliberation was on a grand scale, with over a hundred participants, Zhuo Buwei, though his post was minor, had likewise taken part. Moreover, his character was fierce and unyielding; he dared to speak his mind. In this impeachment of Wang Dou, he was a valiant warrior charging at the forefront, so it was understandable that he became the center of attention at this table.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Under the admiring gazes of several young remonstrance officials, he downed a cup of wine with fervor and exclaimed, \"Exhilarating!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He spoke with impassioned eloquence: \"Confucius said, 'Achieve benevolence'; Mencius said, 'Choose righteousness.' Though I face a thousand, ten thousand foes, I shall press on!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"In years past, the Exalted Emperor established the censors as the eyes, ears, and disciplinary organ of the Son of Heaven, decreeing: 'Any great minister who is wicked and corrupt, any petty man who forms a faction, who abuses power and disrupts governance — impeach him. Any official, high or low, who is base, corrupt, and violates official discipline — impeach him. Any who hold to improper scholarship, submit memorials distorting established laws in hopes of advancement — impeach him!'\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"This Wang Dou is precisely a wicked and corrupt great minister, a petty man who forms factions, one who abuses power and disrupts governance! What cause does a true man serve? It is to sweep away the wicked and corrupt, to restore peace and prosperity to the realm! Though Wang Dou's power is great, how could I shrink from him in fear? I vow with every drop of my loyal blood to struggle against him to the bitter end!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He cast his gaze downstairs, saw the Wang Dou supporters filling the main street, and said bitterly, \"Look at this traitor, currying favor and buying hearts, blackmailing His Majesty — truly a great villain!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The people around him loudly cheered. Then another remonstrance official said worriedly, \"I hear that at this court deliberation, His Majesty and the various lords are all hesitating...\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He lowered his voice: \"The traitor Wang's power is great; he coerces the frontier troops. His Majesty is already showing signs of wavering, ordering the Embroidered Uniform Guard to investigate thoroughly. Could it be that the glorious Great Ming must truly submit to such a rebel traitor, and do that which pains our own and delights our foes?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The several remonstrance officials were all overcome with grief and indignation. Zhuo Buwei, in particular, glared with such fury that his eyes seemed about to bleed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His eyes opened to their widest, he suddenly stood up, and shouted sternly, \"Never yield to the traitor Wang! We who have thoroughly studied the books of the sages...\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His voice was shrill and piercing, like a cuckoo crying blood, crying until the blood flowed and then ceased.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But just at that moment, several plates of food and soup came flying at them head-on, splattering across the large table in a messy, crackling chaos. Some of the soup and shards of porcelain plates sprayed outward, splashing onto Zhuo Buwei and the others, catching them all off guard and leaving them in a sorry, disheveled state.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>They saw the men at several neighboring tables rise aggressively. The one at their head bellowed, \"You carrion crows! You do nothing useful, only catch at shadows and slander the loyal and virtuous! I simply cannot bear to listen any longer — this infuriates me!\"\u003C\u002Fp>",2559,"2026-06-03T14:05:53.320Z",1,"Novelzhen Translator","794b3becc5869992bc95693fed4c9218f8ad9c5b5e40336bfbd299abf2e407bb","a-little-soldier-of-the-late-ming-border-army-chapter-588","a-little-soldier-of-the-late-ming-border-army-chapter-586",896,"https:\u002F\u002Fnovelzhen.com\u002Fimages\u002Fcovers\u002Fa-little-soldier-of-the-late-ming-border-army-cover.jpg"]