Chapter 178: Collateral

"Our goal isn't to defeat the Roving Bandits — that would be overestimating these few hundred men in the garrison battalion. I only need to make Anqing's defensive capability surpass that of the surrounding regions."

"Second Brother means to make the bandits recognize the difficulty and withdraw."

"When wolves are chasing you, I don't need to outrun the wolves — I only need to outrun one other person." Pang Yu gestured at the surrounding terrain. "Anqing has mountains to the north and the river to the south, Huguang to the west, Luzhou Prefecture to the east — the bandits always have somewhere else to go. From interrogating captives in Tongcheng, we know the bandits' elite cavalry all have servants. Aside from the hard riding, they live like lords. These are the men who can actually fight. Avoiding harm and pursuing gain is basic human nature. When they can all obtain supplies, why risk their lives against strong troops? As long as the garrison battalion can deal their vanguard a painful blow, it may cause the bandits' rear columns to turn toward other areas. That way, at the smallest cost, we keep Anqing safe and buy time to grow stronger."

"Then Second Brother still intends to attack the bandits' light cavalry vanguard. But the bandits are all horse soldiers — our infantry will collapse in a single charge."

"The area around Tongcheng is all hills, and the official roads are lined with paddy fields and ponds and lakes. At least there aren't many places those cavalry can maneuver. As for whether our spear soldiers can hold against horses — I honestly can't be sure." Pang Yu felt an urge to scratch his head, but then remembered he was a general officer and quickly suppressed the impulse.

The bandit cavalry he had seen that day had covered the hills and plains, but after all, they couldn't crash into the city walls. Defending from atop the walls gave a certain sense of security. If they encountered cavalry in open country, how to fight them — Pang Yu still had no confidence whatsoever.

He Xianya offered an idea. "Get some blade carts or the like to block the official roads — that should stop the horses. If we can hold Anqing secure that way, it would also be a great kindness from Second Brother."

"This approach can only defend Anqing for a time. If the surrounding prefectures and counties are repeatedly ravaged, the bandits will no longer be able to obtain sufficient supplies. When that time comes, if we still have only these few hundred troops, we definitely won't hold them off." Pang Yu sighed. "We lack soldiers, but what we actually lack is silver. Going to Tongcheng isn't just for drills — we also need to see if there's a source of silver."

……

Two days later, on the open fields of the South Suburb, six hundred soldiers stood in formation. Five Hundred-Company Commanders had arranged them into a red battle array three ranks deep, standing solemn and motionless under the afternoon sun.

The South City Wall of Tongcheng was crowded with heads — every arrow crenel was packed with several faces — and outside the city, many commoners had gathered as well. Though the broken walls and ruins outside the city still remained, there was far more vitality now.

Unlike the people of Anqing, who were merely watching for entertainment, the residents of Tongcheng greeted this small army with enthusiastic cheers. Aside from the Anqing Garrison Battalion, no other army would ever receive such treatment in Tongcheng, because most of its officers and soldiers were sons of Tongcheng, men who had once fought shoulder to shoulder with the officials and people of Tongcheng. So the brief moment of disorder when the garrison battalion formed ranks was automatically overlooked by them.

Yang Erming and other county yamen officials were also watching the formation from the city tower at the South Fragrance Gate. The assembled officials were even warmer toward Pang Yu than before. Infected by the fervent atmosphere around him, Yang Erming wore a radiant smile.

"General Pang has been in Anqing only two or three months, yet his battle formation looks even more imposing. Truly a blessing for the people of Anqing."

Pang Yu hurriedly demurred. "It was still the foundation laid by the Zhuang Squad in Tongcheng. Without Your Excellency's support back then, there would be no garrison battalion before us today."

The youthful smile on Yang Erming's face grew even brighter. He waved his hand repeatedly. "Just after General Pang left, the people of Tongcheng were in a panic. Everyone said that without Squad Leader Pang, Tongcheng would surely fall. Anyone with any family wealth was preparing to flee to Anqing. This time, when General Pang brought troops for drills and the city learned of it, the whole city was jubilant yesterday. It has also relieved this official's predicament. It's just that…"

Yang Erming hesitated, as if wanting to speak but stopping himself. Seeing this, Zhou County Deputy, standing nearby, quickly had the others withdraw a few paces.

Pang Yu looked at Yang Erming and said, "Your Excellency, if you have something to say, please speak freely."

"It's just that General Pang will only stay briefly before returning to Anqing, and the hearts of the people in the city will still be uneasy." Yang Erming sighed. "The bandits came for only a few days, but recovery will take who knows how many years. No one knows if they will truly come again next time, or whether Tongcheng could hold."

"I am unworthy of Your Excellency's title of general. In my humble view, Your Excellency has won the people's hearts. The people of Tongcheng have endured battle, and they will surely unite with a single will — no one can break Tongcheng. Moreover, I am now in Anqing. This battalion of troops is Tongcheng's reserve strength. I will post notices at every gate of Tongcheng, informing the entire city that if the bandits besiege the city, the Anqing Garrison Battalion will certainly come to Tongcheng's relief. This march and drill, in truth, is a rehearsal for the relief of Tongcheng."

Yang Erming and Zhou County Deputy both felt their spirits lift. Pang Yu had a brilliant record in suppressing the rebellion and in the city defense battle, and there were also those inexplicable, miraculous rumors about him. The city's people had developed a strong trust in and dependence on him.

At the time when Pang Yu was promoted to Anqing Garrison Commander, not only the commoners of Tongcheng, but even Yang Erming and Zhou County Deputy had been quite alarmed. They feared that if the bandits returned, Tongcheng would be breached and massacred. This panic had persisted until the garrison battalion's arrival finally released it. Now that Pang Yu said he would definitely relieve Tongcheng, it was undoubtedly a powerful tonic for them — after all, Anqing was only a little over a hundred li from Tongcheng.

Zhou County Deputy interjected, "Is what General Pang says true?"

Pang Yu nodded. "How would I dare deceive Your Excellency Zhou? In the army, there are no jests. From the intelligence I have gathered, the distance between the bandits' horse soldiers and their infantry is about three days' march. So what I am drilling this time is a scenario where the bandits launch a surprise raid on Tongcheng with light cavalry. Assume we receive warning in Lujiang or Shucheng — it takes two days for a fast messenger to reach Anqing. At that point, the bandits have just arrived at Tongcheng. We immediately march from Anqing, just as in this drill, marching two days to reach Guache River, and on the third day we attack the bandits while they are still in light cavalry mode. After two days of assaulting the city without success, both men and horses are exhausted, and the walking rabble of their rear columns have not yet arrived. That is precisely when they are at their weakest — the optimal moment to defeat them."

Zhou County Deputy was stunned for a moment before saying, "So General's march drill contains this much reasoning."

Yang Erming thought carefully over Pang Yu's words before speaking. "So this is how General Pang plans a battle. No wonder you have achieved great merit twice. This official's heart is much more at ease. Whatever else Tongcheng needs to do, General, please speak freely."

"The first priority is to hold the city securely. The more securely you hold, the more exhausted the bandits become. The second is to obtain accurate intelligence as early as possible. The earlier and more accurate the intelligence, the more complete my preparations will be."

After speaking, Pang Yu observed Yang Erming for a moment, then continued. "As for other matters — provisions, fodder, weapons, and equipment — Your Excellency prepared those most adequately last time. You should have confidence in yourself and in the people of Tongcheng. If the two points I just mentioned can be accomplished, we can not only hold the Tongcheng County Seat, but also repel the bandits and preserve the entire Tongcheng county territory. Therefore, the people directly responsible for city defense and intelligence are especially critical."

Yang Erming nodded. "This official has already brought the Zhuang Squad and Fast Squad to full strength. The squad leader positions have never been filled. It happens that General Pang is most familiar with the veterans of the Zhuang Squad and Fast Squad. I wonder if you could recommend one or two."

Pang Yu seized the opening. "Ruan Jin is a man who dares to take responsibility, is meticulous yet bold, and has traveled throughout Luzhou Prefecture to investigate the bandits' situation. He can shoulder this heavy responsibility. I boldly recommend Ruan Jin."

Yang Erming did not hesitate at all. "This official was thinking the same. I have long felt that Ruan Jin is a man fit for great responsibility. Then let him manage both the Zhuang Squad and the Fast Squad alone."

The two completed the transaction in just a few sentences. It was a mutually beneficial arrangement. Pang Yu secured the Two-Shift Squad Leader appointment for his trusted man, maintaining his influence over Tongcheng. For Yang Erming, obtaining Pang Yu's guarantee of relief, appointing Ruan Jin was no loss at all. It maintained close ties with Anqing's military forces, which was itself beneficial for combat relief operations.

Zhou County Deputy smiled and said nothing. Inwardly, he actually breathed a sigh of relief. In truth, he had originally planned to place one of his own men in one of the two squad leader positions, and had even chosen the candidate. But as time passed, the situation became increasingly clear. Reports of the horrors after cities were breached spread everywhere, and countless officials were being pursued and arrested.

For officials like them, defending the city was both preserving their posts and preserving their lives. Pang Yu's support was absolutely vital to Tongcheng. Let alone having Ruan Jin hold both posts — if Pang Yu had said at that moment to let a dog be squad leader, Zhou County Deputy would have agreed in a single breath.

At that moment, a cannon boomed outside the city. The battle formation began to advance. Then a horn sounded, and the soldiers roared in unison, their shouts shaking the fields in all directions. At the front of the formation, the long spears leveled out in perfect unison, drilling thrusting attacks to the beat of the drums. The tens of thousands of onlooking commoners roared their approval in unison.

Everyone on the city tower was also watching. This position was the best observation point. Pang Yu looked briefly — the formation was more disordered than usual, and the thrusting movements were not as crisp as in practice. Probably the large crowd of onlookers made the soldiers somewhat nervous. Just having people watching could affect the soldiers; when truly facing thousands of enemy troops, it would be far worse.

But that was precisely the purpose of the drill — to familiarize the soldiers as much as possible with situations they might encounter in war, so as to reduce mistakes at least somewhat.

Pang Yu tilted his head to look at Yang Erming. After studying him carefully, he leaned in and said quietly, "Your Excellency has grown quite a bit taller."

Hearing this, Yang Erming also leaned in and said quietly, "I followed what you said — ate more and got more sun. It really does work."

"Has Your Excellency added a bit of running?"

Yang Erming glanced left and right. "There's no suitable place. I just walk a few laps in the Rear Office. If I went running on the city wall, the servants would see and laugh."

Pang Yu chuckled quietly. "With Your Excellency's status, it is indeed inconvenient. You could switch to jumping rope — it's just as effective."

"Jumping rope works too?" Yang Erming nodded. "Then tomorrow I'll have someone buy one."

"In that case, Your Excellency can only jump shut in your room — even more must the servants not see."

The two exchanged a glance and laughed at the same time.

As Pang Yu laughed, out of the corner of his eye he saw Tang Weimin further back, looking toward him. When Yang Erming turned back to watch the formation, Pang Yu shot Tang Weimin a meaningful glance.

……

By the time Pang Yu and Tang Weimin met, it was already dusk the following day. Tang Weimin brought a visiting card and gifts, arriving outside the gate of the small courtyard he had given to Pang Yu to request an audience. The sentry at the gate immediately announced him.

Today Pang Yu was staying at home. The garrison battalion was quartered at the Ye Family Old Residence. In accordance with his agreement with Yang Erming, Pang Yu had posted notices at all six gates, announcing that the garrison battalion would relieve Tongcheng if the bandits besieged it. Because of this, Pang Yu had temporarily altered the plan, having the garrison battalion encamp in Tongcheng for two days to drill city marching schedules and wall defense, familiarizing the troops with Tongcheng's conditions.

The city's people were extremely devoted to this enlarged version of the Zhuang Squad. Pang Yu's popularity in Tongcheng once again soared to its peak. Not only did the county yamen treat him as an honored guest, but some of the city's gentry also hosted banquets for him. It was not until the evening meal of the second day that he found time to meet with Tang Weimin alone.

The night watch drum had just sounded, and the streets were sparse with pedestrians. Tang Weimin coming at this hour also avoided prying eyes. Others might fear the curfew, but he, the Finance Director, naturally did not. No Gengfu or yamen runner on street patrol would dare question him.

"Your Excellency Pang!"

Tang Weimin was about to kneel as soon as he entered. Pang Yu hurriedly supported him. "Brother Tang, you mustn't. For brothers like us to stand on such ceremony would be treating each other as strangers."

"It is rare that Your Excellency Pang does not forget friends from humbler days. This time last year, Brother Pang underwent the fated Spirit Awakening — it feels like yesterday. It must be that Heaven wishes to protect the people of my Tongcheng. That you and I formed a bond and came to know each other must also be the Heavenly Will."

"Being able to know Brother Tang is my good fortune. Still call me Brother Pang — we must not grow distant."

After the two finished their courtesies, Pang Yu had that clumsy maid put away the gifts, then invited Tang Weimin into the outer hall. This outer hall was right beside the pond and was used for receiving guests. The previous owner had been somewhat of a petty bourgeois; though the hall was small, it was quite tasteful. Inside, a square table just fit, already laid with wine and dishes.

Pang Yu raised his cup to toast Tang Weimin first. Only as he was about to drink did he notice a chip on the rim of his cup. He cursed the maid inwardly. Fortunately, he was the one who got the broken cup — otherwise Tang Weimin might think he was deliberately putting on a show of authority. Without a word, he rotated the cup half a turn and drained it in one gulp.

After three rounds, Tang Weimin set down his cup and looked at Pang Yu. "A few days ago when Ruan Jin returned, he said Brother Pang swept the Green-Skin Ruffians from the Sheng-Tang Ferry Crossing and seized control of the crossing in one clean stroke. Tang was full of admiration, and in my delight that day I also drank a few cups. I did not expect to be able to share wine and conversation with Your Excellency again so soon."

Pang Yu laughed heartily. "I won't speak falsely with Brother Tang. Talk of 'sweeping away the River Bandits' and such is just official rhetoric. Wherever I go, I must find ways to generate wealth. The docks are meant for making money."

"Brother Pang is still blunt and straightforward. When men of our sort should seek wealth, we seek wealth — this is the constant way of human affairs. Why avoid the subject?" Tang Weimin smiled. "That day Ruan Jin also brought a letter from Brother Pang, saying there was a matter to discuss with me. I have come specially today to hear Brother Pang's instructions."

"Ah, I wouldn't dare claim you said 'instruct.'" Pang Yu refilled Tang Weimin's cup to the brim. "I won't beat around the bush with Brother Tang — I'm here to discuss a matter of money."

Tang Weimin's body leaned back slightly, then at once returned to its original position. "Sir Pang, please speak. So long as it's within my power, I certainly won't dare shirk it."

Pang Yu set down the wine flagon and looked at Tang Weimin. "Every county yamen collects one year's taxes in advance, as a precaution against famine or other unforeseen circumstances the following year. This silver sits on the books. In past years, it's always been lent out to pawnshops and Mace zhuang to earn interest. What I've come to discuss with Brother Tang is precisely this advance-collected tax revenue. The Garrison Commander's ying is in a state of utter disrepair. To have the strength to rescue Tongcheng, we need to recruit more soldiers. The funds allocated by the Grand Coordinator Yamen are nowhere near enough for urgent needs. So I was thinking — I'll pay Brother Tang interest at the current rate, and ask Brother Tang to lend it to the Garrison Commander's ying for operating funds. Naturally, there will also be a separate token of regard for Brother Tang personally."

Tang Weimin listened, his gaze fixed on the tabletop. He frowned in thought for a moment, then said, "Brother Pang, you've spoken with perfect clarity. Between brothers like us, there's no need for false words. In past years, it was lent out to the pawnshops and Mace zhuang of several great clans — at times, as many as ten or more. Since it's Brother Pang who needs it, even if the interest is somewhat lower, lending it to the Garrison Commander's ying is not out of the question. However, this is, after all, public silver belonging to the county yamen. If it's lent solely to the Garrison Commander's ying, the sum involved will be no small amount. I must also ask plainly… what collateral does Brother Pang offer?"