Chapter 700: Great Chaos in Hanseong, Ming Troops Restore Order

The great hall instantly descended into chaos, screams of palace attendants rising from every direction.

A crowd of people, scrambling on hands and feet and trembling all over, gathered around the King of Joseon, crying out in grief, "Your Majesty! Your Majesty!"

"Someone, protect the King!"

"Summon the royal physicians quickly!"

But it was too late—the King of Joseon was already dead.

Another guard of Prince Fu's, seeing this, shouted loudly: "The assassin ran that way—go catch him!"

With that said, he turned and pulled Prince Fu away.

In an instant, the Joseon royal palace descended into chaos—or rather, the entire city of Hanseong had descended into chaos.

Men and horses were thrown into disarray, looting and destruction ran rampant, and everything plunged into turmoil.

Inside the Great Ming embassy.

Zhang Yu had already received the news.

Song Xiang said to Zhang Yu: "Word has come that the King of Joseon is dead. Our people have gone into hiding with Prince Fu, but they can't get out for now—they're trapped inside the palace."

"As long as our man is alive, it's fine." Zhang Yu set down his teacup and waved his hand casually.

This matter had actually been planned long ago—even the hiding spots inside the palace had already been scouted.

After assassinating the King of Joseon, the assassin and Prince Fu would flee in separate directions. They would each find a place to hide, waiting for the Ming side to enter the palace.

Their hiding place was in a cave inside a rockery, with stones blocking the entrance from within—people outside wouldn't find them for quite a while.

Besides, now that the King of Joseon was dead, the palace was in utter chaos; no one was likely searching very carefully anyway.

"Send people to spread the word—say that Grand Prince Bongnim has rebelled." Zhang Yu said.

"Already done. Do you want to go up top and take a look?" Song Xiang smiled, pointing at the rooftop not far away: "From up there, you should be able to see the current situation."

"Sure." Zhang Yu nodded expectantly: "After all this preparation and putting on such a splendid show, how could I not watch?"

With that, Zhang Yu led Song Xiang, and the two of them chatted and laughed as they went upstairs.

By now, Hanseong had descended into chaos—the streets were filled with men and horses, along with all sorts of scattered debris.

Just as Zhang Yu stepped onto the rooftop, he saw a squad of patrol office soldiers frantically running toward the palace.

"Who are those?" Zhang Yu pointed at them and asked.

"Our people." Song Xiang said with a smile: "The signal has been sent. Our people will charge quickly to the palace and take control of the situation there."

"See that squad over there? They're Grand Prince Bongnim's men, heading toward the government offices."

"Look, they've already broken in. They're killing people. Oh my—look at that man's official robes, he must be a high-ranking official, right?"

"Dead, dead! Oh my, his head fell right off! How brutal!"

Zhang Yu glanced at Song Xiang.

If you didn't look so excited when you said "how brutal," I might actually believe you.

"Those over there are our people." Song Xiang pointed to another spot not far away.

Zhang Yu looked over.

Several dozen horses were galloping wildly down the street, the riders shouting at the top of their lungs: "The King has perished—the second prince has rebelled!"

They rode along the streets shouting loudly, as if afraid someone might not hear.

The ambitious, the schemers, the would-be allies—all of them were at a loss. With the government offices overrun and officials slaughtered, there was even less leadership than before.

Hanseong, which had known peace for so many years, could not have been more chaotic at this moment.

The troops guarding the city gates began to muster toward the city center, declaring they were going to suppress the rebellion.

On the way, they ran into another group, who also claimed they were going to suppress the rebellion.

But neither side trusted the other. Suddenly, an arrow flew out from one of the groups, and the two sides started fighting.

Zhang Yu didn't need to ask to know—those were his own arranged people.

"Has anyone led troops to Grand Prince Bongnim's residence?" Zhang Yu looked at Song Xiang and asked.

"Yes, they're over there." Song Xiang nodded: "In a little while, Grand Prince Bongnim's residence will be slaughtered, and Grand Prince Bongnim will die as well. You can rest assured on that point. When will you step in to clean up the mess?"

"Definitely not now." Zhang Yu shook his head: "It's not chaotic enough yet. But I think it's about to get even more chaotic."

Because Zhang Yu saw a group of people charging out from not far away.

These people held blades and spears in their hands, but wore prison uniforms, looking utterly disheveled. Clearly, these were prisoners released from the dungeons.

They still looked completely bewildered—some just wanted to run home, but others had different ideas.

These ambitious types saw the chaos outside and were delighted, immediately leading their groups to loot and destroy everywhere.

When the street thugs and ruffians saw this, how could they hold themselves back?

The common folk started making trouble too—some to protect their families and neighbors, sparking large-scale brawls; others joined in the rioting, since those wealthy households had oppressed them plenty in ordinary times.

At a time like this, it was naturally a chance to settle old scores and repay old grudges.

Zhang Yu stood on the rooftop watching, a smile on his face as he said: "See that? This is freedom."

Song Xiang shot Zhang Yu a glare and said irritably: "Don't talk nonsense."

The chaos in Hanseong grew ever greater, and soon the military began to lose control.

The troops started organized looting. Those great households were in trouble—for a time, the cries of battle shook the heavens.

After this had gone on for roughly half a day, Song Xiang looked at Zhang Yu with some concern and asked: "Aren't you worried? What if there's no way to clean this up?"

"Nothing to worry about." Zhang Yu shook his head: "Let it burn. The more chaotic, the better. Now send the signal—have our people pull back and gather everyone here. Have those Ming merchants in Hanseong bring their guards over too."

"Don't worry about that—Chen Facai organized them long ago." Song Xiang said: "They're all in contact with each other."

"Look, they're over there." Song Xiang pointed in a direction.

"Good." Zhang Yu nodded.

Once the signal was sent out, a squad on the street broke away and headed straight to assemble at the Ming embassy.

More and more people gathered, until finally, several streets were completely packed with people.

Zhang Yu also came down from upstairs at this moment, glanced at Lin Dechang, and said, "Well done."

"Thank you for your guidance and support, sir!" Lin Dechang said with a smile.

Patting Lin Dechang on the shoulder, Zhang Yu said with a smile, "Take your men to change clothes."

"Yes, sir." Lin Dechang acknowledged.

Soon, the warehouse was opened, and crate after crate of goods was brought out—all standard-issue Ming equipment.

Stamped plate armor, long spears, and great blades—everything was prepared in full supply.

"How much is here?" Zhang Yu asked, looking at Song Xiang.

"Twenty thousand sets of equipment." Song Xiang said with a smile: "These were left over from the last time the Staff Office sent equipment to Joseon. These are all the best quality. What was given to the Koreans wasn't anything like this."

"Good," Zhang Yu nodded and said, "Distribute them all."

Zhang Yu hadn't known about any of this.

He couldn't easily involve himself in the Staff Office's affairs, after all, given his position. He just hadn't expected the Staff Office to pull off something this big this time, directly shipping in twenty thousand sets of equipment.

These things would soon allow him to arm an entire army—this was his foundation of confidence for suppressing the rebellion and stabilizing the situation next.

Glancing at Song Xiang, Zhang Yu narrowed his eyes and asked, "How many people has your Staff Office planted here?"

"Twenty thousand men." Song Xiang looked at Zhang Yu and said, "All of them are Imperial Guard Corps."

Zhang Yu was momentarily dumbfounded, looking at Song Xiang and saying, "You people have gone rather big with this. Who commands these troops? It's not you, is it?"

"How could it possibly be me?" Song Xiang shook her head and said, "Those are the Imperial Guard Corps. Do you think I'm up to it?"

"Then who is it?" Zhang Yu asked.

Song Xiang nodded and said, "Cao Wenzhao."

"He's here?" Zhang Yu said with a face full of delight.

"Yes, he's here." Song Xiang nodded. "These twenty thousand men are all his. Otherwise, do you think they could be this disciplined, moving as one?"

"Impressive." Zhang Yu said with a sigh of admiration.

"It is impressive." Song Xiang nodded and said, "These twenty thousand men are here to stabilize the situation for you."

"Then where is Cao Wenzhao?" Zhang Yu asked again.

Song Xiang said, "Isn't he right over there?"

Following the direction Song Xiang pointed, Zhang Yu saw Cao Wenzhao.

He was having people receive their equipment.

This equipment was genuine Ming army standard-issue gear—no, it was Imperial Guard Corps standard-issue gear.

Putting on armor, strapping pistols at the waist, and slinging rifles over their shoulders.

Zhang Yu even spotted heavy machine guns. They'd actually brought those along too—was that really necessary?

Mortars?

What are you people doing? Have you gone mad?

The corner of Zhang Yu's mouth twitched uncontrollably.

But he also understood—this was the Imperial Guard Corps' consistent way of doing things. When fighting a war, fight a well-supplied war; never suffer a disadvantage in weapons and equipment.

It was just a bit excessive.

The distribution and receipt of equipment went very quickly.

After everyone on the several streets had finished receiving their gear, these men immediately became different people—killing intent radiating from all around their bodies.

Cao Wenzhao walked over at this moment, looking at Zhang Yu and saying, "Years gone by, and you're still that gloomy, brooding sort."

As for Cao Wenzhao's teasing, Zhang Yu paid it no mind.

Their relationship was very close. Years apart, and a single sentence brought them right back to familiar ground.

Stepping forward and grabbing Cao Wenzhao by the arm, Zhang Yu said with a smile, "It's so good to see you here. I instantly feel at ease again."

Cao Wenzhao said with a smile, "Let's put the catching up aside for now—I'm here to receive my orders. What should I do next?"

"Simple. First, take men to secure the royal palace, then stabilize the various government offices, and drag all those who haven't died out to do their work. Anyone looting, smashing, or robbing in the streets is to be executed on the spot. Sweep through again and again until it's clean."

"The common people must not be harmed in the slightest—not a single needle or thread taken. Make them understand that their safety was brought by the Great Ming. In short, one thing above all: stability must be maintained, and this whole affair must be settled as quickly as possible."

Cao Wenzhao smiled and thumped his chest, saying, "You don't need to brief me on that. Maintaining order—back in our days at the Academy, that was a required course. Don't worry, leave it to us. We'll get right on it. You'll see results soon enough."

Cao Wenzhao was full of confidence.

Zhang Yu smiled too.

Having been in Joseon for so long, he'd gotten used to arranging everything himself. After all, when it came to his subordinates, if he didn't lay things out clearly enough, they were very likely to mess up.

But who were these people before him?

These were the Imperial Guard Corps.

After years of cultivation, even the lowest-ranking officers of the Imperial Guard Corps were graduates of the Great Ming's Imperial Academy.

Every soldier of the Imperial Guard Corps was hand-picked—not only had they to fight bravely, but they also had to be literate and receive education.

These were the elite of the elite of the Great Ming. If they couldn't even handle a matter like this, then they wouldn't deserve to be called the elite of the elite of the Great Ming.

Cao Wenzhao walked outward while loudly announcing, "Zhang Feng, take your men, seize the high ground according to the original plan, and set up all the observation posts."

After these twenty thousand men entered Hanseong, although they hadn't had their equipment, they hadn't been idle on the things that needed doing. Reconnoitering the terrain and formulating battle plans—these were things they had long since mastered.

Following Cao Wenzhao's orders, groups of men dispersed in all directions.

They had already scouted their positions long ago; each of them knew exactly where to go.

"Zhang Maosheng, come with me to the royal palace. Wang Chao, Wang Yan, Zhang Hu, Qi Gao—the men here begin a city-wide sweep and purge. You all know the rules, so I won't belabor the point."

"One sentence: within two hours, I want order restored in Hanseong."

"Yes, sir!" The men around him promptly acknowledged.

As the army marched in, gunfire rang out across all of Joseon.

Pop-pop-pop-pop-pop-pop!

Zhang Yu once again came to the rooftop, listening to the crisp gunfire, a smile spreading across his face.

This must be the most beautiful sound in the world — no matter how much he listened, he could never get enough.

Rat-tat-tat-tat-tat!

That was the sound of a heavy machine gun!

Zhang Yu's heart grew even more excited — this sound was even more pleasing.

With the intervention of the Imperial Guard Corps of the Great Ming, the situation quickly calmed down.

After all, such an army had no match anywhere in Joseon, and with their thorough preparations on top of that, the chaos on the Joseon side was so complete that there was no command at all — even street fighting was impossible.

Cao Wenzhao had asked for two hours, but it didn't even take that long.

When everything had settled down, Zhang Yu also arrived at the Joseon royal palace and met Prince Fu, who had been hiding all along.

He was in fairly good shape.

"Lord Zhang." Upon seeing Zhang Yu, Prince Fu nearly burst into tears.

Zhang Yu, however, smiled and said: "That Grand Prince Bongnim of Joseon rebelling — truly unexpected. He actually assassinated the King of Joseon. A crime most heinous indeed!"

Prince Fu looked at Zhang Yu with some grievance.

By now, there was no way he couldn't figure out what had really happened.

It must have been Zhang Yu's doing — the one who struck was Prince Fu's own guard — and now Zhang Yu was reminding him of it again. Prince Fu wasn't stupid; a moment's thought was all it took to understand what was going on.

Prince Fu said: "Yes, yes — who would have thought he was so heinous, so audacious! Killing his own father — a crime most heinous indeed!"

"He didn't just kill his father," Zhang Yu said with a mournful expression. "He carried out a mass slaughter of the Joseon royal family. Who knows whether any member of the Joseon royal house still survives."

Prince Fu's heart clenched tight.

Ruthless — truly ruthless!

Prince Fu stamped his foot and declared loudly: "How could this be? How could this be? Just moments ago I was drinking merrily with the King of Joseon, and now we are parted by life and death! Heaven's will — Heaven's will!"

Watching Prince Fu's reaction, Zhang Yu hurriedly consoled him: "Your Highness need not grieve too deeply — taking care of your health matters most."

Having said that, he instructed those around him: "Quickly escort His Highness below and have our physician take a look at him."

Prince Fu hastily refused in fright: "I'm fine, I'm fine — no need to bother with me."

Looking at the terrified Prince Fu, Zhang Yu felt helpless.

Was he afraid Zhang Yu would silence him?

Zhang Yu could scheme against him, but he truly wouldn't dare kill him.

Zhang Yu didn't know whether to laugh or cry.