Chapter 287: Green Eatery

The capital's winters were bitterly cold, especially after snowfall, when people on the streets hurried along with brisk steps, no one daring to linger outside for long.

The snow underfoot crunched with every step, grating on one's nerves. The north wind rolled fallen leaves in slanting gusts, cutting across the skin like the edge of a blade.

Since the onset of winter, both the court and the capital had settled into calm. No major affairs had arisen at court, and the officials had finally enjoyed some peaceful days—a genuine relief.

The common folk of the capital were quietly preparing for the New Year. In the evening, the capital lay bathed in the dying glow of sunset, carrying a faint chill of desolation.

Because of the heavy snow, the bustling markets of days past stood utterly empty today. Yet no matter the time, the capital always had its lively corners—the pleasure houses and brothels, and the gambling dens.

But of late, another lively spot had emerged in the capital, a place called Green Eatery.

As the name suggested, one could tell at once what it was—a shop devoted entirely to selling fresh green vegetables.

In fact, the matter of the court growing green vegetables had already spread throughout the capital.

After all, His Majesty had recently sent gifts to the households of ministers and meritorious nobles, and they had all tasted the produce. Though the common folk had not eaten any themselves, they had certainly heard of it.

Under such circumstances, the opening of Green Eatery naturally caused a stir. Though not everyone necessarily went to buy, they all rushed over to watch the excitement.

Green Eatery had opened on an unremarkable stretch of street, which was now clogged to a standstill with gawkers and carriages alike.

Quite a few noble and imperial-relative households hurried over to Green Eatery to place orders. Families like theirs never lacked for money and needed fresh vegetables and fruit every day, so they arranged for regular doorstep delivery.

Once registered, they never sent anyone to buy again—each day they would send over a list of what they needed in advance, and Green Eatery's shop hands would deliver it to their gates.

Green Eatery was generous in scale, opening several dozen storefronts at once. With people and carts coming and going daily, they hired a great many hands to handle home deliveries.

Whether it was picking produce outside the city, transporting it within the walls, or delivering it door to door, all of it required a large workforce. It was winter now, and the common folk had nothing to do at home—Green Eatery's arrival provided them a livelihood.

Though the vegetables and fruit sold for far more than at other times of year, anyone who had tasted fresh produce could never go back to eating pickled vegetables.

Every morning and evening, Green Eatery's carts bustled back and forth carrying load after load of vegetables covered in oilcloth, adding a measure of vitality to the cold, quiet capital and keeping it from seeming so bleak.

The Western Park.

Of late, Zhu Youxiao had completely given up sunbathing. Only on days with especially fine weather would he bask a while under the eaves—otherwise, it was simply too cold.

The north wind howled like a runaway stallion, whipping debris through the air in a frenzy, stinging the face like the lash of a whip. The banners in the distance snapped and flapped noisily. Zhu Youxiao looked up at the hazy white sky—it was about to snow again.

Judging by the look of things, the snow outside the city had already piled deep and would not melt until spring arrived. Green Eatery's goods must be selling splendidly.

Zhu Youxiao turned and went back into the warm chamber, set down the routine memorial in his hand, glanced at his father-in-law Zhang Guoji, who had been waiting for some time, and nodded in satisfaction.

He reached out, picked up a peppercorn from the plate, dropped it into his wine, and took a sip, saying with a smile: "The Imperial Household Department did well this time."

"You have been at the Imperial Household Department for over half a year now, and you have kept it in perfect order, top to bottom. Well done—you have earned your merit. I shall have the rewards sent over shortly."

Hearing these words from Zhu Youxiao, a smile spread across Zhang Guoji's face, yet his heart felt somewhat bitter.

Since taking up his post at the Imperial Household Department, task after task had come his way, but the times he had truly done well were few. Most of the time, he was being cursed behind his back.

Ever since he took charge of the Imperial Household Department, Zhang Guoji had his wife pluck out the white hairs on his head every single day. Before coming to the capital, he had possessed a head of glossy black hair—but now…

Now, receiving praise from his imperial son-in-law only made Zhang Guoji feel a pang of sorrow.

Still, it had all been worth it. He had finally found solid footing, and the Imperial Household Department had been set on the right track. That was good, very good—enough for Zhang Guoji.

"Your servant thanks Your Majesty for the praise, but this is but a trifling merit, hardly worthy of mention. I truly do not deserve Your Majesty's reward." Zhang Guoji spoke hurriedly, faint tears glistening in his eyes.

"Merit must be rewarded!" Zhu Youxiao found it amusing, and his tone toward Zhang Guoji grew even gentler: "You may withdraw for now. I shall give careful thought to this reward."

"Yes, Your Majesty. Your servant takes his leave."

After Zhang Guoji had gone, Zhu Youxiao stretched lazily and rose to his feet.

The New Year was finally approaching; this year was nearly over.

Come to think of it, it had been a year since he transmigrated here, and he had accomplished quite a bit—but this was only laying the foundation, and it was not yet firmly set. The true test would begin next year. He hoped everything would go smoothly.

The first matter at the start of next year would be the imperial examinations. At that time, the civil officials and scholars would surely kick up a fuss again—but he was prepared for it.

He just wondered how things stood in the southwest now. There had been no word.

At this very moment in the southwest, the fighting remained fierce.

Guizhou, within the city of Bijie.

Yuan Keli sat by the table, sipping the bland tea in a desultory fashion, his expression utterly composed.

Around him stood two of his generals—one was Zhang Yanfang, and the other was naturally Zhang Cheng.

With the army expansion of recent times, Yuan Keli's strength had swelled enormously, his forces approaching fifty thousand men. Though most were green recruits who had never seen real combat, they were enough to intimidate.

With such military strength in hand, Yuan Keli naturally could not afford to sit idle.

Glancing at Li Biao beside him, Yuan Keli said with a trace of disdain: "Their people still haven't arrived? Send someone to tell them—if they cannot make it by tomorrow, then they needn't bother coming at all."

"Yes, Your Excellency." Li Biao dared not delay and answered promptly.

Since the forces under his command had grown, Li Biao had noticed that His Excellency's temper had grown along with them.

Of course, not toward his own men—His Excellency was always kind to them, after all, since they were his own people.

But toward the native chieftains of the southwest, His Excellency had become even more overbearing and domineering; and toward the rebels, he was even more ruthless—anyone he could kill, he never spared. He was practically a butcher incarnate.

Li Biao had never imagined His Excellency possessed such a side.

What His Excellency was doing now, Li Biao rather approved of. That was summoning the chieftains to council, making them join in the fight against An Bangyan.

First, it united hearts; second, it stabilized the region; third, it weakened An Bangyan's strength—a scheme that killed many birds with one stone.

But though the word had gone out, it had yet to yield much effect. A few chieftains had come, but only from the smaller tribes; the great tribes had apparently sent no word at all.

Li Biao himself was growing anxious waiting—how much more so His Excellency?

So Li Biao found nothing strange in His Excellency's order, nor did he try to dissuade him. He felt such an ultimatum would prove effective.

Just then, a man walked in from outside.

His expression was rather awkward, and the whole of him radiated suppressed anger.

The newcomer was none other than Zhang Zhongmou, Vice Judicial Commissioner of Guizhou.

Upon entering the hall, Zhang Zhongmou bowed respectfully and said: "Your subordinate pays respects to His Excellency the Governor-General, and to His Excellency the Governor."

"Enough, rise." Yuan Keli said: "Is there news, then?"

"In reply to His Excellency, there is indeed news." Zhang Zhongmou said hurriedly: "We have just received word that after An Bangyan rebelled, many chieftains followed suit and rose in revolt. It was only that communications were poor before, so we had not received the news."

"Now that An Bangyan has been driven back by us, we've also received word. From the reports coming back, when An Bangyan first rebelled, the native Prefect of Wusa (modern Weining, Guizhou), An Xiaoliang, had already thrown in with him. The native chieftains of Dongchuan in Sichuan (modern Huize, Yunnan), Zhanyi in Yunnan (modern Xuanwei, Yunnan), and Hongbian in Guizhou (modern Kaiyang County, Guizhou) all rose up in response one after another."

The more Zhang Zhongmou spoke, the angrier he became, and the expression on his face turned extremely ugly. Clearly the news had blown up — they had originally thought it was just An Bangyan rebelling, but now more and more people were being drawn in, and the rebel forces were growing ever larger.

After hearing this, Li Biao's expression also turned grim. He glanced at Yuan Keli and said hesitantly, "This official has committed a crime!"

Li Biao's meaning was obvious — he had been in Guizhou for so many years, and not only had he indulged An Bangyan, he had also failed to overawe the other native chieftains. He was simply a thoroughly failed official.

Yuan Keli waved his hand and said directly, "This is not the time for that."

Yuan Keli could neither say Li Biao was guilty nor say he was not guilty, because this matter needed the palace — that is, His Majesty — to decide. Yuan Keli himself certainly would not express his views at this time.

Yuan Keli said casually, "This way is fine too — saves me the worry. But there is one thing to be concerned about, and that is the situation in Sichuan. I wonder how Sun Chuanting and Qi Yuangong are doing. If we cannot send reinforcements over there, they may be in grave danger."

After hearing this, Li Biao's expression also turned heavy.

Because according to the original plan, Yuan Keli needed to quickly pacify An Bangyan's rebellion and then rush to support Sichuan. But now the result was that they couldn't get over there themselves.

Just at this moment, footsteps were heard from outside again.

Then someone shouted joyfully, "My lord, my lord, a report of victory!"

Hearing this, everyone stood up. Yuan Keli quickly took the lead and walked outside.

They had barely walked a short distance when they saw someone holding up a victory report and charging in.

Seeing everyone, the newcomer hurriedly said, "My lord, great news! A great victory at Luzhou!"

Hearing this, everyone was stunned for a moment, then looked at each other in bewilderment.

Yuan Keli hurriedly asked, "Where is the victory report?"

The man did not dare delay and quickly handed the victory report into Yuan Keli's hands.

Reaching out to take the victory report, Yuan Keli quickly scanned it through, his face filled with joy, the earlier worry vanishing completely. Then he laughed heartily and said, "Excellent, excellent, excellent — well done, Sun Chuanting!"

As he spoke, Yuan Keli handed the victory report to Li Biao, saying with a smile, "Take a look."

Reaching out to take the victory report, Li Biao also quickly flipped through it, then laughed heartily as well and said, "With this, we have no more worries from behind."

The contents of this victory report were very clear — Sun Chuanting and Qi Yuangong had won a victory at Luzhou.

In this victory report, Sun Chuanting wrote in detail about his journey into Sichuan — how he gathered soldiers, how he adjusted morale, how he attacked Luzhou — all written in great detail. He also wrote about his next step of the plan: the army had already set out, heading straight for Chongqing.

Judging from this victory report, although Sun Chuanting might not necessarily be able to pacify the rebellion in Sichuan, at least he had already managed to secure his own position.

That was enough for Yuan Keli. He could now act boldly and confidently here in Guizhou, quickly finishing off An Bangyan and his lot.

Yuan Keli turned to Zhang Cheng and said, "Have someone send this victory report to the capital, and send my routine memorial in as well — 600-li express, relay riders at full speed the whole way, no stops whatsoever!"

"Yes, my lord. I will make the arrangements immediately." Zhang Cheng quickly acknowledged.

After Zhang Cheng had gone out, Yuan Keli said, "Since things have come to this point, there is nothing more to say. Let us prepare to make our move — we must wipe out An Bangyan as quickly as possible. Since those native chieftains chose An Bangyan, we no longer need to show them any consideration."

"Yes, Your Excellency the Governor-General." Everyone bowed and acknowledged in unison.

At the same time, orders were sent out, the news spread rapidly, and the army began to stir, ready to launch an attack at any moment.

Over in Sichuan, Sun Chuanting and Qi Yuangong led their men toward Chongqing.

Along the way, the two of them did not have to exert too much effort — after all, with the army now firmly in hand, having routed Fan Long and Fan Hu at Luzhou and smashed She Yin as well, the rebels could be said to be collapsing like a flood bursting through a dike.

The two advanced continuously from Luzhou, and Hejiang offered them virtually no effective resistance — it was taken directly by the two of them.

The army continued forward, heading straight for Chongqing with tremendous momentum, looking as if they intended to defeat She Chongming beneath the walls of Chongqing.

At this moment, below the walls of Chongqing, within the rebel camp.

She Chongming glared furiously at his son, and also at Fan Long and Fan Hu.

These were the son and generals he had sent out — and this was the result they brought back to him?

"How many men does the Ming army have?" She Chongming sat back down in his chair and asked with a dark face.

He had already thrown a fit of temper just now, and much of his anger had been vented, so now it was time to discuss serious matters. She Chongming directly asked this crucial question.

"Around thirty thousand," Fan Long said from the side. "They took losses at the Battle of Luzhou, and they should have taken losses at Hejiang as well — I imagine they should still have around twenty-some thousand. If they replenish along the way, they should be around thirty thousand. However, the Ming army has one unit with exceptionally formidable firearms. When I led eight thousand men to attack their five thousand, I was beaten back, and with heavy casualties."

She Chongming glanced at Fan Long but said nothing.

This was his trusted subordinate. She Chongming knew Fan Long's abilities, and he already knew the general outline of what had happened at Luzhou — it could hardly be blamed on Fan Long. If anyone was to blame, it was his own foolish son.

Though if it had been himself in that position, he probably wouldn't have imagined the Ming army could fight so well either.

She Chongming said in a firm tone, "Then we destroy them. As long as we annihilate these thirty thousand Ming troops, no one will be coming to reinforce them for quite some time."

"Coming from Guizhou? What is Guizhou doing? Didn't An Bangyan send someone with a letter a few days ago saying he was going to rebel? Why is there still no movement? Is he really trying to pick up the spoils?"

Hearing She Chongming's words, no one dared to speak up.

Seeing this, She Chongming waved his hand and said directly, "It looks like Chongqing city cannot be taken for the time being, so let us first go deal with that Ming army of unknown origin."

"She Yin, I'm giving you twenty thousand men. You will besiege Chongqing here — surround but do not attack, and wait for my return. If the Ming troops inside Chongqing city sally out, you may seize the opportunity to take the city."

"Yes, Father King. This time your son will definitely get things done properly!" She Yin said hurriedly.

His tone was extremely agitated, and his heart was filled with gratitude.

He knew this was his father giving him a chance to turn things around.

He had not been abandoned after all.