Chapter 443: Smashing Through Like Splitting Bamboo and Sweeping Across the Realm

Facing the ferocious Hebei rebel army, the imperial court was thrown into panic and at its wits' end, but still managed to issue three military orders.

The first military order commanded Wang Zhongsu, Grand Commissioner for Western Regions Affairs, to immediately lead his troops back to Guanzhong, with the authority to select and transfer troops from the four garrisons of Anxi, Beiting, Hexi, and Longyou to form a royal relief army under unified command. Every border garrison must cooperate, or be charged with rebellion.

The second military order appointed Cui Qianyou as Military Commissioner of the Two Capitals and Vice Supreme Commander of All Military Forces, stationed at Luoyang, with Tong Pass as the core of the defense line, commanding all military forces in the Guanzhong and Luoyang regions.

The title sounded intimidating, but in reality he did not have many troops—it was merely granting him the authority to recruit soldiers, as the main forces of the border army were still in the west and had not returned.

The third military order appointed Fang Chongyong as Military Commissioner of the four garrisons of Shuofang, Hedong, Youzhou, and Fanyang, leading troops from Hedong back to defend Guanzhong, with Puzhou as the core of the defense line, and ordered him to hold the line at all costs.

This was clearly out of worry that Fang Chongyong might also join the rebellion, by having him "remotely command" the two Hebei garrisons—a reward that was by no means small.

But he could not actually claim it yet; he could only look, not eat!

It was not that they refused to give him a sweet date—the sweet date was still in Hebei. Go fetch it yourself by your own ability.

In addition, the court opened up the authority to recruit soldiers, allowing local prefectures and counties to raise their own militia for self-defense, lest they be taken down by rebel units of merely a few hundred men attacking a city at will.

It must be said that these military orders from the court, in the long run, could indeed have great effect, even completely transforming the political and military landscape of the Great Tang.

But in the short term, the effect was limited. What could truly produce results in a short time was merely having Cui Qianyou and Fang Chongyong each lead a main army corps to guard the gateway to Guanzhong.

In Brother Ji's mind, he was even prepared to abandon Luoyang.

Yet the rebel army's speed of advance still far exceeded the court's imagination, especially the speed of their advance in Hebei.

Several places in Hebei were of vital importance, serving as key nodes where the court collected Hebei grain and provisions for transport to Chang'an.

Changlu in Cangzhou produced salt; after Liu Yan's reforms, the sea salt here not only supplied all of Hebei but was also shipped via the canal to Luoyang for sale, then converted into silk and transported into Guanzhong.

Anling in Dezhou, Qinghe in Beizhou, Yuancheng in Weizhou, and Xindu in Jizhou were all locations where the court stockpiled grain and provisions. All the grain and provisions gathered from Hebei had to be stockpiled at these places, then transported via the canal to Chang'an.

Qinghe in Beizhou in particular was known as the "Northern Storehouse of the Realm," where grain and other daily necessities were piled up like mountains.

In order to raise military funds without plundering the Hebei region, Huangfu Weiming dispatched his fierce general Li Guiren to set out from Youzhou, not heading directly south, but following the canal's Yongji Channel southward, successively capturing Cangzhou, Dezhou, Beizhou, and Weizhou, watering their horses at the Yellow River, and pressing upon Xiangzhou.

Resistance from the various prefectures was negligible; local officials either surrendered or fled, and some even guided the rebel army along the way.

The Hebei stronghold of Yecheng was in Xiangzhou; heading west through Fukou Pass, one could reach Taiyuan City, and to the south lay the strategic chokepoint of the Yellow River, making its strategic position extremely important.

With the wealth from the canal and no shortage of military funds, Huangfu Weiming's army did not commit the slightest offense against the populace wherever they passed. The people of Hebei, long resentful of the court, eagerly enlisted, all hoping that in the future they could march into Chang'an and plunder to their hearts' content!

Local government offices everywhere opened their city gates to welcome the rebel army in, and officials did not even change their official robes, continuing to serve in their posts on the spot!

For a time, cries of "clear the sovereign's side" resounded through the land!

The rebel army's arrogance was utterly brazen; rebel scouts had already ridden across the ice of the Yellow River, conducting reconnaissance directly in Puzhou (Puyang), Yunzhou, Huazhou (Baima), and other areas, showing every sign of crossing the Yellow River to launch a lightning strike on Luoyang.

Of course, these rebels did not consider themselves rebels. The court was unjust, and they had risen in arms merely to demand justice from the court!

What was wrong with that?

Then again, only the losers are called rebels; the winners are said to be punishing the wicked and delivering the people!

……

"What do we do? What do we do? What do we do!"

On the city wall of Ji County, the seat of Weizhou, which bordered Xiangzhou to the south, an official in a red robe paced back and forth like an ant on a hot pan.

He was Du Fu; because of Li Linfu's assassination, he had been implicated and demoted, originally supposed to go to Lingnan to take up the post of prefect.

Fortunately, his good friend Yuan Jie lent a hand, using his connections in the Ministry of Personnel to arrange for Du Fu to be assigned as Sima of Weizhou.

Of course, Yuan Jie himself was the prefect of Weizhou, and knowing that the position of Sima in his prefecture was vacant, and that Weizhou was a middle-ranked prefecture where no one particularly wanted to serve as Sima, he was confident the transfer would succeed.

"Brother Zimei, do not worry. The rebel army cannot possibly reach Weizhou this quickly."

Yuan Jie patted Du Fu on the shoulder and comforted him.

He said this with his mouth, but in his heart he understood that the situation in Hebei had deteriorated beyond remedy. After much inquiry, Yuan Jie realized that Huangfu Weiming's ambitions were enormous—he was not simply marauding and looting his way through; those men knew very well how to win over the people's hearts.

Exploiting the widespread dissatisfaction of the Hebei people with the court, they called upon them to support the rebel army, or even join it directly, promising lighter corvée and taxes for Hebei in the future.

What Huangfu Weiming wanted was the empire, and he held a prince in his hands. As long as he did not declare himself emperor, many who were neutral would follow him. Whether the rebel army would enter Guanzhong in the future, no one could say for certain.

In the eyes of most people in Hebei, the rebel army was the army of the true king, the embodiment of righteous legitimacy.

The current Tang court was the one without the Way, and deserved to be punished.

"Brother Cishan, this time it truly is different. The rebel army under Huangfu Weiming is no ordinary band of thieves—he aims to change the dynasty!"

Du Fu grabbed Yuan Jie's hand and spoke urgently.

In fact, many people could see it: Huangfu Weiming would become a figure like Cao Cao in the future; he would never return power to Li Wan, and a change of dynasty was inevitable.

For now, it was merely an expedient measure.

Just like the students in Fang Chongyong's previous life who, having finished the college entrance exam, had no intention of retaking it and would not bother looking at review questions again. For Huangfu Weiming, the process of seizing Chang'an was the exam.

What came after, like the aftermath of an exam, remained to be seen. Past promises not counting was perfectly normal.

"Brother Zimei, what you say is true, but it is not up to us to decide. What good does worrying do?"

Yuan Jie sighed.

He had a large clan behind him. After this Hebei rebellion ended, Yuan Jie had already written home, instructing the clan's younger members to join the local militia and assemble at Lushan in Ruzhou. This force already numbered over two thousand men, and the Yuan clan had virtually seized control of the Lushan militia's leadership.

As to what they were for, it was not hard to guess. They were probably just waiting for Yuan Jie, the prefect, to arrive in Lushan bearing the court's "letter of appointment."

Seeing that Du Fu was still deeply worried, Yuan Jie leaned close to him and said in a low voice: "If things go awry, Brother Zimei, you may come with me to Ruzhou. There are troops there capable of fighting!"

Hmm?

Du Fu looked at Yuan Jie as though meeting him for the first time, with an expression of inexplicable astonishment.

"Brother Cishan, could it be… you've already, already…"

Du Fu stammered, never in his wildest dreams expecting that Yuan Jie had long since prepared a way out.

Moreover, he did not seem to believe the imperial army could successfully suppress the rebellion.

"Just understand it in your heart. In the current situation, not joining the rebels is already doing right by the court.

Having me throw my life away for nothing is no solution either. I have such a large family behind me."

Yuan Jie looked at Du Fu and smiled bitterly.

His act of "finding a way out" was in itself already a sign that his "loyalty was not absolute" toward the court.

And for a provincial inspector as loyal as Yuan Jie, how many have no retreat prepared? And how many are even less than Yuan Jie, directly defecting to Huangfu Weiming, how many are there?

Du Fu instantly felt that this wave might truly be a serious trouble!

"Lord! Lord! The rebel army is less than ten li away! Yellow uniforms, I, your humble servant, cannot be mistaken!"

Nan Jiyun, the county magistrate of Ji County, Weizhou, clasped his fists in salute to Yuan Jie and said.

He originally came from a modest background ferrying boats on both banks of the Yellow River, skilled in martial arts yet with nowhere to apply them.

Since Huangfu Weiming raised troops, many provincial inspectors, sima, and county magistrates across Hebei fled in haste, and the government has been recruiting officials everywhere to fill the vacancies.

But few responded, and suitable ones were even fewer.

The county magistrate of Ji County fled on the third day after the rebels rose, and with him fled many officials from various counties of Weizhou, even including a county magistrate!

Yuan Jie issued a proclamation to suppress the rebels, recruiting capable men to fill the vacancies; Nan Jiyun entered at this time to fill the county magistrate position. After the rebellion is quelled, even if Nan Jiyun does nothing in the meantime, he can still be a respectable county magistrate, and may even be promoted, fully embarking on an official career.

The great rebellion is also a great reshuffle.

"Is it here? Muster the troops, prepare to defend the city!"

Yuan Jie, with a calm expression, ordered.

But Nan Jiyun kept frowning and shaking his head; he clasped his fists in salute to Yuan Jie and explained:

"Lord, this city cannot be defended.

Ji County has too few soldiers for battle; we cannot even hold one side of the wall, and the breach is inevitable.

I, your humble servant, think there are two hundred retired soldiers of the United Forces in the city who can serve as combat power, and weapons are not lacking.

Organizing them to fight the rebels in the field is the way to repel the enemy.

The rebels come from afar, their strength unknown. Lord, you may fling open the city gates and appear to welcome the rebels. When I lead troops out to strike, we can drive the rebels back."

Nan Jiyun pleaded.

Yuan Jie and Du Fu exchanged a glance, both feeling this method was brilliant.

But the possibility of failure cannot be ruled out.

For example, what if Nan Jiyun were to defect directly to the enemy?

Yuan Jie fell silent, hesitating for a moment, unable to decide.

At that moment, rebel scouts appeared within everyone's sight, and the main force should not be far away.

Nan Jiyun, anxious, quickly knelt and pleaded to Yuan Jie: "Lord, you have promoted this humble servant from obscurity; I will serve you like a dog and horse. The situation is now urgent; please, Lord, do not hesitate!"

"Fine, go handle it!"

Yuan Jie gritted his teeth and finally decided to risk it all.

If he could choose, he would not gamble. But on second thought, if he wins the gamble, he can achieve the final step of his plan.

The reward would be immense!

If he wins, he will gain a "loyal, brave, and militarily knowledgeable" aura.

Advancement would allow entry into the court to partake in major military affairs.

Retreat would let him flee to Ruzhou in Henan, raise a force on Lushan composed mainly of his own clan's youths and villagers, proclaim himself provincial inspector, and oust the incumbent.

After all, the rebels have crossed the Yellow River; it is a consensus among court and officials that they cannot be stopped. Then a provincial inspector without troops is nothing, not even a dog, constantly fearing being killed by subordinates, and his head would be offered to Huangfu Weiming for merit.

Yuan Jie has no roots or connections in Weizhou, so why cling to defense? Achieve battle records, earn a reputation, then flee; raising a force in his hometown is the real path!

With the aura of being loyal to the court and capable in war, his future prospects are boundless!

Compared with Du Fu's idle days, Yuan Jie has been plotting his "career", truly advancing step by step.

"Brother Cishan, this..."

Du Fu spoke while anxiously watching inside the city the veteran soldiers of the United Forces setting up ambushes, and then noticed that some of them had graying beards.

Veteran, veteran, these are probably men whose grandchildren are already born; can they defeat the wolf‑like rebels?

Du Fu's heart pounded.

Soon, a rebel force dressed in earth‑colored uniforms arrived at the gate.

"I am General of Loyal Martial, Yin Ziqi; will you surrender or not?"

"Provincial inspector of Weizhou, come out to meet me, or I will flatten Ji County!"

The leader stepped forward, brandishing a Changsuo, and shouted at Yuan Jie, who was observing the battlefield from the city wall. Seeing the city gate open, he felt uncertain about what was happening.

"Do not fire arrows, do not fire arrows!"

Yuan Jie removed his official hat and shouted toward the foot of the city.

He hurriedly ran down the tower, saw Nan Jiyun ambushed at the corner of the wall, noticed the other also watching him, and made a throat‑slashing gesture.

Yuan Jie ran to the city gate and shouted at Yin Ziqi: "General, do not panic; I will fetch a horse for you."

"Hmph, you're clever. This general will inform Grand Marshal Huangfu, allowing you to continue as this provincial inspector."

Yin Ziqi, mounted on his horse, said proudly, then burst into hearty laughter.

There are too many dog officials like Yuan Jie, in every county along the way. Yet those people are all timid, finding surrender disgraceful.

Nothing like Yuan Jie, whose slick kneeling is so smooth.

"Kill!"

Inside the city, Nan Jiyun shouted fiercely and loosed an arrow at Yin Ziqi.

The arrow, shot from a strong bow and crossbow, flew as fast as lightning, its point unstoppable!

Unfortunately, the aim was slightly high; it struck Yin Ziqi's helmet, the arrow grazing his scalp.

Fresh blood ran down his forehead, blurring the view in one of Yin Ziqi's eyes.

"You rogue, how dare you!"

Yin Ziqi, angry and frantic, tossed aside the cumbersome Changsuo, drew the horizontal sword at his waist, spurred his horse forward, intent on cutting Yuan Jie down.

At this critical moment, Nan Jiyun, riding a swift horse, burst through the city gate, brandishing his sword toward Yin Ziqi's face.

This ferocious, unreasonable fighting style also scared Yin Ziqi into not daring to engage. Now the rebel forces are in great shape, truly like a bamboo shoot breaking through. These rebel commanders may one day transform into Song meritorious officials.

With such a "grand" future, is it necessary to duel a fool who bursts out of a county town without even giving his name?

"Retreat!"

Yin Ziqi immediately tightened his saddle, turned his horse's head, and fled.

The rebels behind him hadn't figured out what was happening when they saw Nan Jiyun and his two hundred retired veterans, brandishing Duannao, charging out of Ji Xian City!

Seeing these people surge forward and their own commander flee again, they hurriedly turned and ran. The front detachment ran back, while the rear detachment, unaware of what had happened, collided with the routed troops; men and horses trampled each other, and instantly the rebel ranks fell into chaos.

Nan Jiyun seized the opportunity to strike from cover, pursued for four or five li, then returned to Ji Xian City. After the battle they tallied the losses and found their own casualties negligible; this battle could be called a complete victory!

"Brother Cishan, we won! The act you just performed was truly well acted!"

Seeing Yuan Jie return to the city wall unharmed, Du Fu was so excited he nearly danced with his hands and feet!

Watching others defeat the enemy from the city wall is naturally exhilarating, since the rebels can't ride horses onto the walls anyway. But for those fighting on the ground, the feeling is another matter.

Although Du Fu harbors a "loyal to the sovereign and love the country" heart, sending him into the front lines to fight is absolutely unacceptable!

However, Yuan Jie showed not a hint of joy on his face.

He sighed deeply and said to Du Fu: "Originally, the rebels had no intention of sacking the city. Along the way they killed, they rarely harmed the civilians, and Huang Fu Weiming also knows the principle that a rabbit doesn't eat the grass beside its own burrow. But now, Yin Ziqi's attack on Ji Xian almost cost his life; I'm afraid the rebels will vent their anger on the civilians inside Ji Xian City."

The closer one gets to Huang He, the less hatred toward the court. After crossing Huang He, public opinion will undergo a major shift.

The rebels' swords are not for show. When the civilians refuse to obey their orders, those people will naturally tear off the veil of hypocrisy.

So many armies do not engage in production, nor let the civilians support them; are we to let these Qiu Ba drink the northwest wind?

Yuan Jie knew clearly that with the rebels crossing Huang He, the bloody slaughter would begin.

As expected, five days later, Yin Ziqi left and returned, bringing along ten thousand rebel troops as the vanguard, surrounding Ji Xian on all sides. To tear Yuan Jie and the others to pieces, the rebels had already split forces and captured all other counties of Wei Zhou.

The surrounding rebels numbered no less than twenty to thirty thousand! Moreover, they also took the opportunity to encircle the strategic stronghold of Ye Cheng in Xiang Zhou!

North of Huang He, aside from the already vulnerable Xiang Zhou, only the solitary Ji Xian remains.

(End of chapter)