Chapter 217: Countermeasures

In the Prefectural City of Anqing, pedestrians on the streets were visibly quickening their pace. Half the shops had already closed. The prefectural city had yet to issue a curfew order, but all kinds of rumors were already spreading everywhere through the marketplaces.

Pang Yu rode hurriedly through the streets and arrived outside the Huaining Branch Intendant Office. This was Shi Kefa's station in Anqing. The guard posts were doubled from usual. These were Biao Troops under Pan Keda's command. The dozen or so men put on display were indeed brightly dressed, strong and sturdy, and two of them were even wearing chain mail.

After entering the gate, Ruan Jin was already waiting there. Pang Yu did not stop walking. As he walked, he asked him, "Since you've captured Roving Bandit spies, why aren't you holding the fort in Tongcheng?"

Ruan Jin chased after Pang Yu and said, "The two captured spies came from Gao Bazi's camp. They arrived in Tongcheng on the twenty-seventh day of the eleventh month. His Honor believed the matter was of great importance and feared others could not explain it clearly. After sending word the day before yesterday, he specifically sent this humble one over. First, there is new interrogation information to submit in a detailed report. Second, I am to meet you in person, my lord."

Pang Yu frowned and said, "Can it be confirmed they are from Gao Bazi's camp? How were they captured?"

"It is precisely that band. Ever since the Roving Bandits entered Henan, this humble one has been on high alert. The Constable and Zhuang Squads have been constantly watching the streets. The two spies went to Bai Shun Tang once after arriving in Tongcheng. Because they lost money and revealed their accent, and had also pawned two pieces of jewelry, their behavior was quite suspicious. The Constable Squad tailed them and found them highly suspect. This humble one ordered the Zhuang Squad to seize and interrogate the two the day before yesterday. Three sitting spies in Tongcheng have already been captured by this humble one; all are locals. According to the confessions of these individuals, before leaving the pass, Gao Bazi had already widely dispatched scouts throughout Jiangbei, specifically seeking out local evildoers to act as sitting spies. Currently, he has joined camps with seven other Roving Bandit groups at Xinyang, their numbers reaching a host of one hundred thousand. That Lord Lu is still in pursuit of the Eight Bandits. According to the spy, when the Post Commander gave him his orders, he was told to go to Luzhou on the fifteenth day of the twelfth month to report back. Those who set out at the same time as him number several dozen more, heading to various places in Jiangbei."

Gao Yingxiang could be considered the leader of the Roving Bandits, and also the strongest single force. He was able to summon a large number of camp heads to join camps, and had his spies report back around the fifteenth day of the twelfth month in Luzhou. That meant the main force of the Roving Bandits would arrive in Nanzhili in a few days, and had made Anqing their target. So Yang Erming ought to feel fear. He sent Ruan Jin over to obtain Pang Yu's commitment.

But even Pang Yu felt some fear. Although his expression remained composed at the moment, inwardly his heart clenched repeatedly. A host of one hundred thousand Roving Bandits, and the strongest camps joining forces to come. The Roving Thieves had clearly entered a peak this year, slaying several famous bandit-suppressing generals and greatly increasing their proactive attacks on Government Troops. After entering Henan, with starving people everywhere, their momentum grew more and more massive. If they merged a few more camps, their numbers could reach several hundred thousand.

"The Jiangbei direction." Pang Yu murmured in a low voice, then asked, "Where else in Anqing are there spies?"

"Two more spies came to Huaining, disguised as Buddhist and Daoist monks."

Pang Yu stopped walking. The Roving Bandits' combat mode of having spies go first as inner responders to break the city—they had already experienced it earlier this year. Spies arriving in Huaining meant the prefectural city was also one of their targets. What made Pang Yu's heart tremble even more was that the Roving Bandits had been developing sitting spies everywhere before even leaving the pass. This time, the various units joining camps with Gao Yingxiang at the lead must have a near-term attack target. Anqing was in extreme danger; the situation did not permit optimism. And Pang Yu's two thousand troops, facing one hundred thousand Roving Bandits, could only defend the cities. With the Official Roads cut off by the bandits, they could only garrison the cities separately. But the Roving Bandits could concentrate their forces, and it was very likely both cities would be lost. The best-case scenario was only holding the two County Seats; the rest of the territory would certainly be devastated.

"Did he mention whether there are sitting spies in Huaining to receive them?"

"He said there are five or six people."

"When he reported in person, was anyone unrelated present to hear it?"

Ruan Jin said in a low voice, "Only Circuit Intendant Shi, Lord Pi, and the Huaining County Magistrate."

"Well done." Pang Yu stood in place for a moment, eyes closed, no one knew what he was thinking.

After Pang Yu opened his eyes, Ruan Jin then continued, "His Honor specifically instructed this humble one to be sure to meet Lord Pang in person. From this moment on, the two squads of Tongcheng will follow your lordship's deployment."

This was a deal Pang Yu made with Yang Erming last time in Tongcheng: the Garrison Battalion would provide silver to support Tongcheng's Zhuang and Constable Squads, but in wartime they would be under Pang Yu's command. Without this silver support, Ruan Jin's manpower would likely have been severely insufficient, and they would not have captured those two spies so easily.

This was a private agreement. With many people and ears around here, Pang Yu said no more. He left Ruan Jin and hurried toward the Second Hall.

After turning the corner, he arrived at the Second Hall. Shi Kefa was already seated in the place of honor. Pi Yingju looked worried, and nodded slightly when he saw Pang Yu.

Also in the hall were the Huaining County Magistrate, the Chief Clerk, Chen Ten Prefectures, and others. More than half of Anqing's high officials in the prefectural city had come. Everyone's expression was stern; presumably they all knew the scale of the Roving Bandits.

Besides Pan Keda, who was present every time, Pang Yu once again saw Xu Strengthening. The Wusong Troops he led had been stationed across the river from Anqing some time ago, supplied by several prefectures under Shi Kefa, thus reducing Anqing's burden. The information Pang Yu received was that about half of the Wusong Troops had scattered, but Xu Strengthening had found some beggars and Green-Skins from several prefectures to make up the numbers. When Xu Strengthening saw Pang Yu, he cupped his hands politely.

Once Pang Yu was in place, Shi Kefa waved his hand for the guards, servants, and others to withdraw. He glanced around the hall and said, "For those remaining who have not come, we will wait no longer. I have summoned you all because Tongcheng has captured spies belonging to Gao Bazi's unit. Their confessions mention that the bandit Gao is spying on Anqing's situation; his intent is self-evident. Our Anqing's situation is critical. This official has already sent an urgent 600-li dispatch to report to Lord Zhang. Everyone present must also make preparations early. In today's hall discussion, each of you shall offer strategies and set plans, all to ensure the safety of Anqing."

The people below all voiced their assent in unison, but their tones were somewhat dejected. Pang Yu also detected that Shi Kefa's confidence was a bit lacking. This time he spoke of ensuring the safety of Anqing. This could be understood as the entire territory of Anqing, or just the prefectural city. After all, Anqing only had this few troops.

Shi Kefa subconsciously touched his nose. Pang Yu noticed it from the corner of his eye. This was a subconscious self-soothing gesture, indicating that Shi Kefa was indeed very nervous.

After looking over the hall, Shi Kefa said directly, "General Pang commands the Garrison Battalion. First, explain the Garrison Battalion's combat and defense situation."

Pang Yu stepped forward and bowed. "After receiving the report the day before yesterday, the Garrison Battalion units stationed in the prefectural city immediately went on alert. Various armaments have been issued to the soldiers, and they have begun drilling city defense methods on the battlements and at the gate tunnels. Upon your lordship's order, they can set out within a single day. Additionally, an urgent dispatch has been sent to transfer the Zongyang unit to Tongcheng, to separately garrison the County Seat and North Gorge Pass."

Pang Yu's voice was steady and calm. Shi Kefa nodded repeatedly. The chests of several other officials also straightened a bit.

The Huaining County Magistrate suddenly stepped forward and said, "This humble official believes that with one hundred thousand Roving Bandits, the prefectural city is the pillar of the Great River. Defending the river is also of paramount importance. However, the Garrison Battalion's numbers barely exceed a thousand, and more than half are new recruits. Their strength is insufficient to repel the enemy. They should naturally be transferred back to the prefectural city to ensure absolute safety."

Chen Ten Prefectures followed and stepped out. "This humble official seconds the proposal. The Roving Bandits are coming with ferocious momentum. Consider that Tongcheng already experienced a city defense battle earlier this year; holding the County Seat again should be without worry. But observe that the prefectural city has not experienced war. Without the Garrison Battalion stationed here, I fear it will be difficult to rally the people's hearts."

The Vice Prefect also stepped forward. "This humble official seconds the proposal. Tongcheng has twice experienced military disaster; its common people already understand the methods of city defense. A portion of the Wusong Troops can be transferred to garrison it, which should ensure no mishaps. The Anqing Garrison Battalion should naturally defend the prefectural city, as is appropriate."

The hall fell silent for a moment. Xu Strengthening's face was gloomy as he glared repeatedly at that Vice Prefect. This was both looking down on Xu Strengthening and wanting to send him to his death. Because Pan Keda was part of Shi Kefa's Standard Battalion, the Anqing officials could not easily target him, but that contempt was still obvious.

Pang Yu observed that Pi Yingju showed no surprise whatsoever, and thus knew that Pi Yingju had given his tacit approval. Three cities had been lost earlier in the year, yet Pi Yingju's official position was not implicated. So even if Tongcheng were lost again, after all, Yang Erming would still take the blame, and the impact on him would be relatively small. But if the prefectural city were lost, even if Pi Yingju could flee across the river, he would hardly escape the imperial court's investigation, not to mention the Huaining County Magistrate.

At this moment, there was no representative from Tongcheng in the hall. The lives and family fortunes of the officials from the Prefectural Office and County Office were all in the prefectural city, so naturally they all leaned toward securing the prefectural city. They pushed the Huaining County Magistrate forward to say these words, with others seconding the proposal; this was a relatively appropriate approach. If Shi Kefa proved more assertive, Pi Yingju could then mediate.

But for Shi Kefa, the situation was different. He was the Anchi Military Defense Circuit. From Zhang Guowei's perspective, his primary duty was to defend Anqing. At the same time, he had just recently taken office. If he allowed Tongcheng to be breached, there would be a stark contrast: Wang Gongbi had been able to hold Tongcheng, but it was lost in his hands. Then Shi Kefa's ability would clearly be inferior to Wang Gongbi's. Both Zhang Guowei and the imperial court would easily reach this conclusion, greatly affecting his future prospects.

But the troops were only these troops. Regardless of the training seen on ordinary days, or the results of the few actual battles, everyone understood that the strength of the units under Pan Keda and Xu Strengthening was limited. The one they could rely on was still the Garrison Battalion.

Shi Kefa had never dealt with an enemy of one hundred thousand in scale, and he also understood the intentions of the Anqing officials. At this moment, his habitual indecisiveness flared up again. He neither answered the Huaining County Magistrate, nor did he propose any other plan.

The hall was in a somewhat awkward state. Pang Yu naturally did not wish to abandon Tongcheng's defense. It was Anqing's main gate. Even if Yang Erming was lucky enough to hold it, given the scale of the Roving Bandits this time, in order to obtain sufficient survival resources, they could devastate all areas except the prefectural city. A ruined Anqing would have no commercial value whatsoever, nor could it continue to provide the conditions for developing military strength.

But clearly, the other officials in the prefectural city all supported letting Tongcheng fend for itself. Pang Yu was in the prefectural city and could not oppose all the civil officials.

After thinking over his wording, Pang Yu coughed once and stepped forward. "Whether it is the prefectural city or Tongcheng, the Garrison Battalion will certainly follow orders from above. But whether to transfer all forces back to the prefectural city seems open to further discussion. All you lords are aware of the message sent from Tongcheng today. The Roving Bandits may arrive at Luzhou around the fifteenth. But the Roving Bandit spies are not only in Anqing; they are widely spread throughout the cities of Jiangbei. They may not necessarily come to Anqing."

Before Pang Yu could finish, the Vice Prefect interrupted him sternly, "Since the Roving Bandit spies have come, it means they are thinking of attacking Anqing. The art of war says, 'Invincibility lies in oneself; vulnerability lies in the enemy.' We should naturally make plans early. You must understand that Anqing is the lock and key of the Great River. The safety of Jiangnan rests on this place. We must not harbor any wishful thinking."

Pang Yu said politely, "What the Vice Prefect says is correct. This humble officer likewise regards the prefectural city as the top priority. However, Tongcheng is the lock and key of Anqing's land routes. If it is breached this time, we will lose our screen in the future. The Roving Bandits could come whenever they wish, and the entire Anqing prefecture would be reduced to a single city's territory. Therefore, this humble officer believes that finding a way to achieve both objectives would be more appropriate."

The Vice Prefect's expression eased slightly, but he still said bluntly, "Then does Garrison Commander Pang have a way to achieve both objectives?"

"At this moment, there is no established method yet. But there are still several days until the fifteenth. If no other method exists by the tenth, it will not be too late to decide the Garrison Battalion's disposition then."

The Vice Prefect pressed relentlessly, "Military intelligence is as urgent as fire. That they will be at Luzhou by the fifteenth is merely the word of one spy. How can we know if it is true or false? What if they arrive in two or three days? If the Garrison Battalion is not in its position, all initiative will be lost."

Pang Yu still did not get angry. This Vice Prefect was usually quite polite. Now, probably because his own life and family fortune were at stake, his agitation was unavoidable. Pang Yu said unhurriedly, "What the Vice Prefect says is very true. It is precisely for this reason that this humble officer believes the word of one spy is insufficient to be trusted. That so-called host of one hundred thousand Roving Bandits is also the word of that spy. Since there are still spies lurking in the prefectural city, at present we must both plan and prepare for war, and also intensify the arrest of spies, in order to determine the true scale and movements of the Roving Bandits."

The Vice Prefect was momentarily at a loss for words. His basis was indeed the intelligence from Tongcheng, which was likewise the word of that spy.

Seeing that he could temporarily postpone deciding Tongcheng's fate, Shi Kefa immediately bypassed this difficult problem. He arranged for Huaining County to contact the gentry, transport bricks and stones, protect the grain depot, mobilize Community Soldiers, and expel river boats. Among these, the matter of burning and demolishing houses near the city wall was quite significant and caused debate even between the prefectural and county levels, so no conclusion was reached. The final agenda item confirmed that the Garrison Battalion and the Huaining Constable Squad would jointly arrest spies. The meeting was then hastily concluded.

Outside the Second Hall, Pang Yu slowed his pace, waiting for the group from the prefectural city to go ahead. Pi Yingju was walking in front. Pang Yu winked at him repeatedly. Pi Yingju hesitated for a moment, then walked over toward Pang Yu.

"What matter does General Pang have?" Pi Yingju's tone was slightly cool when he spoke.

Pang Yu knew that Pi Yingju was somewhat displeased with him for not supporting the prefectural city officials. But he stayed behind to speak with Pi Yingju alone precisely to resolve this matter.

"Lord Pi, your keen insight is requested. There are some words this humble officer could not conveniently say in the hall. Please, my lord, look at the map."

Pang Yu took out a sketch map from his sleeve, unfolded it, and presented it before Pi Yingju. It mainly covered the Jiangbei region. Pi Yingju looked at it quite carefully.

"My lord, please observe the route the Roving Bandits took earlier this year. If the Roving Bandits truly assemble at Luzhou, among the directions from Luzhou toward Anqing, only the four counties of Shucheng, Tongcheng, Huaining, and Wangjiang remain intact. Moreover, only the County Seats of Tongcheng and Shucheng were preserved; the areas along the Official Road were severely damaged. It would be difficult for them to obtain sufficient supplies during their march. But from Luzhou heading east and south..."

After looking for a moment, Pi Yingju's eyes flickered. "Luzhou, Wuwei Prefecture, Hanshan, Hezhou, Pukou, Lu'an, Yangzhou, Chuzhou—all are rich and fertile lands."

Pang Yu nodded. "Therefore, Anqing was never a place the Roving Bandits were bound to come. The spies came to see if it was particularly easy to break. If it seems easily taken, they might not rule out making a trip. But as long as they feel Anqing is well-prepared, they will surely abandon the west for the east, or even head north toward Xuzhou, where it is easier to obtain supplies than in Anqing. This is the Roving Bandits' cost calculation, and also the difference between an easy survival and a hard one. As long as we do things right, not only will Tongcheng be safe, but the entire territory of Anqing will also be preserved."

For Pang Yu, if the main force of the Roving Bandits attacked Anqing, the Garrison Battalion would need to face the enemy alone, utterly incapable of defending beyond the borders. And for Anqing, merely holding two cities would not remedy the situation. In that case, Pang Yu would rather go to the rescue of Jiangpu and Liuhe, since he would only need to hold the city walls. What needed to be done now was to make Anqing run just that one step faster than the others.

Now, the first step was to talk it through with Pi Yingju, and then privately discuss countermeasures with Shi Kefa. The fewer people involved, the better, but they had to be people who held power, otherwise the matter could not be carried out smoothly.

Pi Yingju somewhat understood Pang Yu's meaning: as long as Anqing gave the Roving Bandits a strong impression of war readiness, this crisis could be resolved without fighting. This was the optimal choice for Pi Yingju. Of course, the Roving Bandits would inevitably flee toward other regions. Such words were naturally not suitable to be spoken in the hall.

Immediately setting aside his displeasure from the hall, Pi Yingju looked at Pang Yu seriously. "How to proceed—can General Pang elaborate?"

"The spies who infiltrated the Prefectural City are the perfect opportunity delivered to us."