Chapter 202: Blocking the Road

"Our Tongcheng here isn't a place you can just waltz into. Not to mention, with Lord Pang now holding the defense, it's only natural those roving bandits would flee at the mere rumor of his approach."

On the street inside Tongcheng's suitable for the people Gate, Ruan Jin hunched his body as he followed behind Pang Yu, speaking in an ingratiating tone.

Pi Yingju was accompanying Shi Kefa as they walked ahead, followed by a crowd of officials from Anqing and Tongcheng. Nominally, Pi Yingju had made a special trip to deliver a batch of provisions, but in truth he was here to curry favor with Shi Kefa.

This time at Beixia Pass, they had killed several hundred roving bandits, including three headmen such as the Post Commander and Team Leader of Scorpion Block's unit, and had also captured quite a few prisoners. Shi Kefa swiftly submitted a Detailed Report to Zhang Guowei, and Zhang Guowei's reply was just as swift, heaping great praise on this rising star of the Donglin Party. The victory report to the Ministry of War was already on its way.

Though it was autumn, Shi Kefa basked in a spring breeze every day. Whenever he had free time, he would stroll the streets and alleys of Tongcheng, receiving the adulation of the common people, which forced Ruan Jin to constantly clear the streets.

Today, with Pi Yingju present, Shi Kefa brought him out again to inspect the city defenses. Because the suitable for the people Gate area was not on the main thoroughfare, and the terrain outside the city was unsuitable for deploying troops, it was not considered a key defensive point, so Shi Kefa had never come before. This time, they went together to inspect outside suitable for the people Gate. Neither took a sedan chair nor rode a horse, and as expected, many commoners gathered along the street to watch.

suitable for the people Gate was Pang Yu's old stomping ground. Especially after becoming a Squad Leader, he knew even more people, and many greeted Pang Yu with a bow and a cupped fist.

Pang Yu returned the salutes with clasped hands while asking Ruan Jin, "Has the roving bandits' direction been confirmed?"

"This humble one sent two mounted constables to risk their lives and go to Shucheng. They indeed made it all the way to the County Seat and saw no trace of roving bandits along the way. Shucheng's county town is unharmed. According to the local militia guarding the city, the roving bandits have headed toward Huoshan."

Pang Yu let out a soft breath. Some commoners from Shucheng had fled through mountain paths to Beixia Pass, bringing news of Shucheng; in fact, the roving bandits had long since left. Yang Erming had Ruan Jin dispatch several Tongcheng mounted constables to confirm this. Pang Yu had demanded his own scouts go even farther, but they had yet to bring back word.

"Entered Huoshan..." Pang Yu pondered for a moment. In his previous understanding, the main force of the roving bandits was cavalry, skilled in mobile warfare, which should have been better suited to the plains. But judging from the two engagements this year, the roving bandits had chosen to enter mountainous regions both times, which seemed to differ somewhat from his imagination.

The Huoshan area was all towering peaks and steep ridges, sparsely populated. It would be very difficult for the roving bandits to obtain sufficient supplies. What exactly their purpose was in entering the mountain region, Pang Yu could not yet determine for certain.

Ruan Jin, beside him, continued, "After interrogating the roving bandit captives, those active in the Shucheng area are just the bands of Ma Shouying, Scorpion Block, and One Scallion. One of the horse soldiers confessed that he had heard men from Ma Shouying's main camp say that if they encountered a large force of Government Troops, they were to head deep into Huoshan. I reckon they won't be coming toward Tongcheng again."

Pang Yu raised his head to look at Ruan Jin and said, "This information — did Yang Erming send you to tell this official?"

Ruan Jin did not try to hide it. He ducked his head and said, "It was His Honor who sent this subordinate. This subordinate also understands his meaning. It is simply that Tongcheng is struggling to supply provisions for the large army. He finds it inconvenient to speak directly to the Circuit Intendant, so he wanted the General to sound things out first."

Pang Yu smiled noncommittally. From a rough analysis of the intelligence gathered over the past six months, the roving bandits' logistical method of foraging for provisions locally meant they would not fight a protracted campaign in one place. The Government Troops had the same problem, but when operating within their own territory, with a local commander like Shi Kefa leading the troops, local provisions could be supplied somewhat more promptly. Still, it was quite difficult, especially since Tongcheng had suffered a disaster earlier in the year. Now, with four to five thousand troops stationed here, needing not just grain but also fodder, the current situation suggested Yang Erming was struggling to hold on.

He did not give an answer to Yang Erming's request. He clasped his hands together, waited a moment, and then asked Ruan Jin, "Now then, the two squads of Tongcheng — are you managing them smoothly?"

Ruan Jin unconsciously straightened up. "In reply to Your Excellency, this subordinate cannot match the capability Your Excellency once showed. Early this year, we suffered the Bandit Calamity. Tongcheng was damaged in many places from north to south. Both His Honor and Lord Pi petitioned the court, but in the end, no reduction or exemption of taxes and provisions was approved. Collecting the Spring Tax and Autumn Grain has been a struggle. The silver the yamen receives has shrunk by a large chunk. The Militia Squad Silver is less than half of what it used to be. At present, we can only scrape together seventy men for the Zhuang Squad, with monthly pay under one tael. When word came this time that the roving bandits were coming, over twenty of them ran off."

Pang Yu grunted in acknowledgment. This was originally a small-scale peasant economy, extremely fragile. Once the roving bandits passed through, the destruction was hard to recover from. Fortunately, they had been stopped at Beixia Pass this time; otherwise, if they had entered Tongcheng and wreaked havoc again, the county yamen would have an even harder time next year.

In the past, the equipment and wages for the two squads had all been subsidized by Pang Yu. Now, with the county yamen supporting them entirely on its own, it was naturally impossible to maintain their former combat effectiveness. They would soon revert to the state of the old Fast Squad.

"This official's Garrison Commander battalion is permanently stationed in Anqing. Relief will always take a few days. Tongcheng's own defense cannot do without the Zhuang Squad. The county yamen is in financial difficulty, and this official can offer some assistance here. However, local Provincial Governor and our battalion troops are strictly separate. This can only be done privately; otherwise, this official will be charged with meddling in local affairs."

Ruan Jin stole a glance at Pang Yu. "This humble one thanks Your Excellency, but this humble one has heard..."

"What is it?"

"I heard His Honor mention once that some Tongcheng fellow provincials are proposing the establishment of a Bronze Standard Battalion, to be stationed right here in Tongcheng. They are currently contacting Anqing officials serving in the Capital to handle the matter."

Pang Yu gave an "Oh." "Has the county yamen drafted the document yet?"

"Not yet. It's just those fellow provincials handling it, starting from Nanjing."

Pang Yu nodded. "Tongcheng has never had troops. Setting up a new Camp Head would require Rations and Pay to be transferred from elsewhere. Seeing as the court is unwilling even to reduce Tongcheng's taxes, this matter is unlikely to be handled easily. Just keep an ear out for news. This official will also pay attention. The matter of the Zhuang Squad is what needs handling now. First, sound out His Honor's opinion. This official can provide part of the silver for the Zhuang Squad. During city defense, they will be under the county yamen's command. When the Garrison Battalion is fighting in Tongcheng, the Zhuang Squad will be under this official's command."

"This humble one understands." Ruan Jin licked his lips and said, "Then, the matter of the roving bandits having already withdrawn..."

"This official is aware."

Pang Yu did not give a definite answer, but Ruan Jin dared not press further. Pang Yu's status now was not what it used to be; he was, after all, a General Officer leading nearly a thousand troops. Between Yang Erming and Pang Yu, the dignity of officials had to be observed. Matters that were uncertain would not be discussed directly; they always required subordinates to probe first. Ruan Jin was fortunate, at least, that he did not yet have to deal with Pang Yu's subordinates, which would have been even more taxing.

At that moment, the procession ahead suddenly stopped. Pang Yu heard someone calling his name and hurried forward.

The crowd of officials quickly parted to make way for him. Only when Pang Yu arrived did he discover that Shi Kefa, Pi Yingju, and Yang Erming were all waiting for him. He hastily apologized for his tardiness.

Shi Kefa, his face beaming, said, "Just now, Prefect Pi remarked that General Pang lives right at suitable for the people Gate. Could it be that nearing your hometown makes you shy, so you hid away at the very back?"

Pang Yu smiled apologetically. "This humble one encountered elders from the neighborhood and was exchanging greetings the whole way. Fearing I might disturb the two Excellencies' strategic deliberations, I deliberately fell behind."

Shi Kefa paid it no mind. He waved toward the front, gesturing for Pang Yu to walk with them. Pang Yu hastily fell in behind. Pi Yingju walked half a step behind Shi Kefa, and Pang Yu walked another half step behind Pi Yingju, placing him alongside Yang Erming, which did not hinder conversation.

Shi Kefa still wore that look of radiant satisfaction. He glanced left and right and said, "Prefect Pi praises General Pang for his exceptional courage and insight. Not only did he render extraordinary service in the two battles at Tongcheng, but in Anqing, he also assisted the Prefectural Office in capturing roving bandit spies. The troops under his command maintain strict military discipline and have never committed crimes or disturbed the people."

Pang Yu stole a glance at Pi Yingju, only to see Pi Yingju wearing an expression of respectful attentiveness.

"This humble one thanks Lord Pi for his undue praise. In truth, this humble one has but a single thought: all you Excellencies passed the imperial examinations and are filled with profound learning. As a military officer, one must heed the words of you Excellencies. In this way, one will not stray from the path. Since arriving in Anqing, this humble one has conducted himself thus, and has already learned much about conducting oneself and handling affairs from Lord Pi."

Pi Yingju wore a faint smile and said nothing more. It was Shi Kefa who sighed with emotion and said, "In the past, wherever troops were stationed, there was often conflict with the local Provincial Governor. It is rare to see two men complement each other so well."

Pang Yu, seeing that Shi Kefa was in a relatively good mood, caught sight of Yang Erming's figure from the corner of his eye and remembered what Ruan Jin had mentioned earlier. After considering his wording, he spoke: "This is merely this humble one's duty. Lord Pi governs an entire Prefecture. Anqing is a vital thoroughfare, stretching vast from east to west. For this humble one's Garrison Battalion to properly defend this place, it is only natural to cooperate wholeheartedly with Lord Pi."

Shi Kefa nodded repeatedly as he listened. Pang Yu quickly continued, "This time, Scorpion Block was broken at Beixia Pass. Its remaining forces, along with Ma Shouying, have entered Huoshan together. The Yinghuo Mountain Area stretches for a thousand li. Once the roving bandits enter it, they vanish without a trace. The roving bandits inside the pass are now gradually leaving the pass, their whereabouts unknown. This subordinate worries they may assemble within the Yinghuo Mountains. Should they suddenly emerge from Susong or Qianshan, relief from Tongcheng would not arrive in time, and those places may suffer the Bandit Calamity once more."

Yang Erming remained silent. He knew Pang Yu was helping. Tongcheng could barely sustain these four thousand-plus men any longer, especially Xu Strengthening's force. They were numerous but utterly useless, and had already caused quite a few incidents in the county town and Kongcheng Town. The pressure from the local gentry on the county yamen was also considerable.

"Susong..." Shi Kefa murmured. He had not yet been to Susong, but he had a general understanding of the situation.

Pi Yingju said in a low voice, "Your Excellency sees clearly. Susong, Taihu, and Qianshan all lack city walls. The areas around the County Seats, along the Official Road, were all ravaged early this year. They are likely unsuitable for stationing troops. But after all, they still belong to Anqing..."

Pi Yingju left his words hanging there. Yang Erming wanted to send the Guest Troops out of Tongcheng; Pi Yingju wanted to send them out of Anqing. After all, the roving bandits had already been repelled. But with the roving bandits now leaving the pass in large numbers, Pi Yingju did not want those Guest Troops to go too far away. Ideally, they would just cross the river. That way, he could wash his hands of supplying provisions for the Guest Troops, relieving the local pressure, yet they could quickly cross back over the river if anything happened.

The several men tossed out the problem, but none of them offered a single solution afterward. Because stationing troops in the three counties of Susong was certainly impossible — the localities could not supply them — yet they could not say those counties should be left undefended. They could only leave Shi Kefa to rack his brains.

Sure enough, Shi Kefa could not come up with an idea. His footsteps grew heavy, no longer as brisk as before.

After a moment, he frowned and looked at Pang Yu. "General Pang, as the defender of Anqing, do you have any strategy that satisfies both sides?"

Pang Yu knew he would still have to step up. He glanced around and then said, "The three counties of Susong are in ruins. Many of their commoners have fled into the Prefectural City. If the roving bandits enter those areas, their plunder will be limited, and their march likely slow. However, the three counties are the western shield of Anqing. This subordinate worries they might strike directly from the west at the Prefectural City. Furthermore, this subordinate's unit has suffered considerable casualties. Returning to guard Anqing would ensure the Prefectural City is safe, and also allow us to coordinate support from a central position. Additionally, we could dispatch extra Scout Cavalry to garrison the three counties, to scout the Yinghuo Mountain Area and the Huangmei region. At the first warning signal, we would rush to relieve them as we did this time. This should be a strategy that satisfies both sides, able to relieve the three counties while also supporting Tongcheng."

What Pang Yu was actually saying was to withdraw the troops back to Anqing. He had wanted to return to Anqing anyway to reorganize his army. As for the three counties, they would just be left as they were, no different from before. He simply did not mention the Guest Troops, figuring Shi Kefa would understand. As for the final disposition of the Guest Troops, that would still require Pi Yingju to continue his patient, grinding efforts.

Shi Kefa pondered for a moment. This was his first time leading troops, but he did have Advisors, so he had some understanding of these matters. He was clear on the unspoken calculations in officials' minds.

There was no better solution at present. Pang Yu had given him a way out. After thinking for a moment, Shi Kefa said to Pi Yingju, "Lord Pi, do you think this strategy is feasible?"

Pi Yingju thought it over. Sending the Guest Troops away would always require them to go to Anqing first, and only then discuss crossing the river. He said, "This subordinate will follow Your Excellency's instructions."

Shi Kefa, having no other recourse, nodded and said, "What General Pang proposes is indeed a feasible strategy. It shows that General Pang usually puts thought into his duties. Only a heart that cares for the people would rack one's brains so exhaustively. In this official's experience of observing men, though General Pang has not sat for the imperial examinations, he possesses upright Virtue. Virtue nourishes the spirit, and within his breast resides a vast, righteous Qi. That is why his troops form such imposing, disciplined formations. His three victories in three battles are not without cause. In the future, you must learn more from learned scholars like Lord Pi, and more importantly, maintain this consistently."

Pang Yu hurriedly said, "Your Excellency, rest assured, this subordinate will certainly..."

Before he could finish, a familiar woman's voice suddenly shouted from the road ahead, "I am bringing a plaint before the emperor! Someone has abandoned me after ruining me..."