Chapter 247: Pursuing the Bandits

Outside Jiangpu city, the garrison battalion's formation was stern and imposing; thunderous cheers erupted from the city walls. The long-sealed eastern gate of Jiangpu swung wide open, and County Magistrate Li Jiyue waited respectfully outside the gate.

Zhang Guowei rode forward on horseback, reviewing the military formations outside the city as he went.

Arrayed there were not only the garrison battalion, but also Zhang Ruolai of the Grand Coordinator's Provincial Commander's Standard Troops Battalion. When the Roving Bandits entered Nanzhili, Zhang Guowei had already begun deploying troops and generals. After the Eight Great Kings' band breached Quanjiao, Provincial Commander's Standard Troops Garrison Commander Zhang Ruolai led several hundred Provincial Commander's Standard Troops troops across the river, entering Jiangpu before the bandits could lay siege. Those several hundred Provincial Commander's Standard Troops troops served as a pillar of strength in Jiangpu's defense.

Although both Pang Yu and Zhang Ruolai held the rank of Garrison Commander, Zhang Ruolai belonged to the Provincial Commander's Standard Troops Battalion — generally called a Camp Garrison Commander or Central Army Garrison Commander — so his rank was just slightly higher. Thus, the Anqing Garrison Battalion was arrayed behind the Provincial Commander's Standard Troops Battalion. Further back were the troops of a Mobile Corps Commander Jiang, also transferred from Jiangnan. The small city of Jiangpu held over a thousand regular troops; no wonder Zhang Xianzhong had found the fighting so difficult.

When Zhang Guowei passed the Anqing Garrison Battalion, he carefully scrutinized the ranks. Because the Second and Third Divisions were deployed on the northern Official Road, engaging the Roving Bandits' rear-guard Horse Soldiers, only the First Division was present here. Pang Yu had not ordered his soldiers to wear Iron Armor; only some wore Cotton Armor and Chain Mail. Combined with the fact that not all helmets had been replaced, the equipment looked somewhat disordered — though not much different from the Provincial Commander's Standard Troops Battalion.

But the garrison battalion's daily training was harsh and rigorous. At all times, their military array was strict and orderly, the soldiers holding their heads high and chests out, bearing the pride of a great victory. Compared to those Jiangnan Troops, their spirit and morale were on an entirely different level. The two Bronze Cannons beside the formation only added to the murderous solemnity.

Pang Yu was also sizing up those Provincial Commander's Standard Troops troops. Mr. Ma had said that Household Retainers only got nine Mace, and ordinary soldiers probably five or six Mace. That Zhang Ruolai could get them to cross the river and defend the city on such meager silver was a testament to his ability. So Pang Yu could understand the ubiquitous Mobilization Silver of the time. In peacetime, civil officials skimmed at every level, while military officers practiced Chi Vacancy Salary and drank Blood Money. What little remained barely kept the soldiers alive. When there was no fighting, everyone could muddle through. But if you wanted them to risk their lives, this bit of silver was naturally not enough — anyone would run. Soldiers demanding Mobilization Silver was entirely reasonable.

Zhang Guowei dismounted at the city gate. Li Jiyue and the other officials immediately knelt to welcome him, and the inevitable round of flattery ensued. Zhang Guowei maintained the steady composure of a superior, exchanging a few words with each of the assembled officials and gentry representatives before proceeding together to the county yamen. Since Zhang Guowei declined the official sedan chair they had prepared, everyone else had to walk with him.

After Li Jiyue caught up, Mr. Ma extended a hand to stop the other Assistant Officials and gentry, allowing Mobile Corps Commander Jiang, Zhang Ruolai, and Pang Yu to follow behind. For the first time since becoming a Military Officer, Pang Yu was ranked ahead of those civil officials.

"This humble official, on behalf of all the people of Jiangpu, thanks Your Excellency. Had Your Excellency not dispatched these generals here before the siege, how could this small city of Jiangpu have remained as steady as Mount Tai?" Li Jiyue walked to the side and rear of Zhang Guowei as he spoke. "After the siege began, this official was unable to send Detailed Reports to Your Excellency. During this defense of Jiangpu, this official led troops and civilians in three sorties to strike the bandits, and further killed bandits while defending the walls, taking over two hundred heads of Roving Thieves. We also captured three bandit spies within the city. Ever since Quanjiao fell, this official has had men stationed at the city gates to distinguish accents. Those claiming to be Southerners were questioned by Southerners; those claiming to be Northerners were interrogated by Northerners..."

Crowds of commoners lined both sides of the street. With Jiangpu just relieved from siege, their expressions were rather excited. All along the way, people greeted Li Jiyue. Pang Yu could see that the relationship between officials and commoners in Jiangpu was better than in Anqing. Although most shops were still closed, judging by their state of decoration, the economy here was also more prosperous — likely connected to the commercial routes passing through this place.

Zhang Guowei walked and observed, asking questions from time to time. Amid Li Jiyue's incessant chatter, the party arrived at the county yamen.

Li Jiyue naturally had to yield the Hall Officer's position. Civil and military officials took their places in the hall in order. The Six Offices Clerks of the county yamen, usually so full of bluster, were not even permitted to enter the Main Hall this time.

Zhang Guowei swept his gaze across the assembly and spoke calmly. "Jiangpu was besieged for days. Within, officials, commoners, and soldiers fought fiercely to defend the city. Without, the Anqing Garrison Battalion raced a thousand li to the rescue. That Jiangpu was preserved is thanks to the blood shed by all of you — a feat achieved by the unity of officials and commoners, and the convergence of everyone's resolve."

The Jiangpu officials all hung their heads, assuming expressions of modesty.

Zhang Guowei's tone suddenly rose. "Though the Roving Bandits have left Jiangpu, they still rampage across Jiangbei. Since the Roving Bandits stirred up trouble in the Central Plains, the affairs of the realm have gone terribly awry. Last year, the Imperial Mausoleum at Zhongdu was burned — a humiliation unseen in over two hundred years of our dynasty. The Emperor issued a Self-Criticism Edict, appointing Supreme Commander Hong and Supreme Commander Lu to command all the realm's troops, with a six-month deadline to exterminate the bandits. Those who eat the sovereign's grain must be loyal to the sovereign's cause. Now, with only two months remaining, the elite of the Roving Thieves are all gathered here. This is a heaven-sent opportunity to annihilate them."

The hall was utterly silent. Pang Yu kept his head lowered, but he could imagine Zhang Guowei's expression. By now, he basically understood what condition Zhang Guowei wanted to set: he wanted the garrison battalion to pursue the Roving Bandits. That was a high-risk assignment.

The key point in Zhang Guowei's words should be the six-month deadline to exterminate the bandits. Pang Yu did not know exactly when the Emperor had said this, but Shi Kefa had mentioned it to him before — because Anqing had the duty of supplying provisions, this point had come up. But originally, this had little to do with Zhang Guowei; the responsibility lay mainly with Hong Chengchou and Lu Xiangsheng. Before coming to the aid of Jiangnan, Mr. Ma had even hinted to Pang Yu that the primary task was to defend the Yingtian Grand Coordinator's jurisdiction and not to casually follow Lu Xiangsheng's orders. Pang Yu did not know why Zhang Guowei was suddenly so enthusiastic.

"Countless people in Jiangbei are displaced. Every day, the bodies of refugees from Hezhou still drift down the Great River. We who serve as officials in this region — everything we consume and use comes from the blood and fat of the common people. How can we allow the Roving Bandits to cruelly harm the populace?"

A sharp crack rang out in the hall. Pang Yu knew it was Zhang Guowei striking the wooden block. Paired with his righteous and stern speech, whatever order he gave now, no one below would dare shirk it.

"I have received military orders from Supreme Commander Lu. Jiangbei is to draw out available troops to pursue the Roving Bandits. Garrison Commander Pang, have the Roving Bandits indeed headed toward Chuzhou?"

Pang Yu quickly stepped forward. "In reply to Your Excellency, the Roving Bandits blocked the direction going north, but this subordinate sent Scout Cavalry from Puzikou toward Liuhe to reconnoiter. No trace of the bandits was found. They then detoured through Dongge Post Station and confirmed that the Roving Bandits are marching toward Chuzhou."

Zhang Guowei nodded and looked down across the hall. "The time to serve the nation is right before our eyes. Among the generals in this hall, is there anyone who will volunteer to pursue and exterminate the Roving Thieves?"

The civil officials stole glances at the military officers, their expressions carrying a certain schadenfreude. Zhang Guowei's speech had nothing to do with the civil officials; in the end, it would fall upon the military officers.

Pang Yu cursed inwardly, then, before Zhang Ruolai could act, cupped his hands and declared loudly, "This general is willing to go, to rid the common people of the realm of this great scourge!"

At Xuanhua Ferry, Pang Yu once again stood on the lowest step, cupping his hands toward the departing Grain Transport Ship.

Zhang Guowei had just left. He had crossed the river to make this trip, and the Dispatch Report sent to the imperial court would state that he personally came to relieve Jiangpu. In the future, his public persona would gain the added trait of being skilled in military command.

However, he had dug a pit for Pang Yu. The assignment to pursue the Roving Bandits had, without any surprise, fallen squarely on the Anqing Garrison Battalion. Mobile Corps Commander Jiang and Zhang Ruolai were ordered to remain and guard Jiangpu, in case the Roving Bandits suddenly returned.

But Zhang Guowei dispatched the Provincial Commander's Standard Troops troops he had brought across the river to Liuhe, preparing to transfer a unit from Liuhe to assemble with Pang Yu at Dongge Post Station and serve as Pang Yu's guides on the way to Chuzhou. Pang Yu did not know why Zhang Ruolai from Jiangpu was not assigned. Zhang Guowei certainly had his own considerations — perhaps that commander in Liuhe was more familiar with the Chuzhou area.

Mr. Hou's voice sounded beside him. "Is Your Excellency truly going to pursue the Roving Bandits?"

Pang Yu maintained his smile, continuing to cup his hands toward the river, and replied in a low voice, "If I don't go, I offend His Excellency Zhang. I won't even be able to keep this Garrison Commander post. Go, I must."

Mr. Hou hesitated. "We killed so many of those Old Bandits at Puzikou. The Eight Bandits' gang surely hates our garrison battalion to the bone. That Gao Bazi has dozens of ying massed together. Once our lone force pursues them and they turn around to encircle us, I wonder which government troops could come to our rescue. Our garrison battalion's thousand-odd troops, I fear..."

"We'll just march a little slower, that's all. The Roving Bandits are all Horse Soldiers — being unable to catch up is only to be expected."

Mr. Hou sighed. "The Roving Thieves have gone toward Chuzhou. If we follow, we'll get farther and farther from the Great River. Once the river ponds grow sparse, those bandit Horse Soldiers become truly ferocious. What the Grand Coordinator Yamen offered is merely a Company Commander post at Leigang. But Leigang was originally the Anqing Garrison Commander's station. It was only because of the rampant Roving Thieves that the Anqing Garrison Commander was moved to the Prefectural City. Logically, it should still fall under the Garrison Commander's jurisdiction. Returning property to its original owner, yet His Excellency must pluck chestnuts from the fire for it."

Pang Yu did not explain the matter of the Bronze Standard Battalion. Although there was a deal to be made, he understood that in Zhang Guowei's eyes, he was merely a chess piece. This was determined by the disparity in their status. Pang Yu did not feel his pride was wounded. Judging by the terms, it was the strength the garrison battalion had displayed that made Zhang Guowei propose the conditions for a trade.

He had just told Mr. Hou they could fail to catch up, but Zhang Guowei's intent in setting those conditions was to make Pang Yu pursue with full effort — ideally to win another engagement and elevate Zhang Guowei's standing in the Emperor's eyes — not to just go through the motions. Otherwise, he would not truly exert himself on the Bronze Standard Battalion matter.

He spoke flatly. "There was never anything fair or reasonable about it. The Grand Coordinator Yamen issued a military order — can we refuse to go? Even if he didn't give us Leigang, we would still have to go. The Emperor issued a Self-Criticism Edict and allocated so much silver, decreeing that the Roving Bandits be swept clean within six months. Now only two or three months remain. This official didn't receive any of the Emperor's silver and originally only needed to garrison Anqing. But for His Excellency Zhang, the Roving Thieves are now the top priority. Whoever hinders Supreme Commander Lu from exterminating the bandits commits a monumental crime; whoever helps Supreme Commander Lu exterminate the bandits earns monumental merit."

"But if we alone pursue them, we absolutely cannot exterminate the bandits. I fear instead the mass of bandits will turn and devour us."

"Supreme Commander Lu should not be far. The document he previously sent to Circuit Intendant Shi ordered each area in Jiangbei to guard its own Garrison Post. What order he gave His Excellency Zhang this time, we don't know. Going by what His Excellency Zhang said — that available troops in Jiangbei are to tail the Roving Thieves to prevent the enemy from returning south — we can deduce that Lu Xiangsheng must be waiting somewhere."

"Is Supreme Commander Lu not afraid the Roving Bandits will truly cross the river?"

"Jiangnan is not his defense zone. He only needs to issue an Official Document ordering all areas along the river to effectively clear the river, and that's that."

At that moment, the fleet of boats finished turning around and set sail toward Jiangnan.

Pang Yu put away his smile, lowered his hands, and continued, "A man who leads troops into battle must always gamble a little. First, he is waiting for intelligence to confirm the Roving Bandits' position. Second, he is waiting for the most suitable terrain. Ideally, the Roving Bandits can move further east."

"If they go east, wouldn't that bring them to Liuhe and Yangzhou?"

Pang Yu gazed eastward, where a vast expanse of misty waves stretched out. Two hundred li beyond those misty waves lay Yangzhou. "Protecting Jiangpu and Liuhe is the responsibility of local authorities. Supreme Commander Lu's responsibility is to exterminate the bandits. The terrain where the Roving Bandits are moving right now is not ideal for them. To the south is the Great River; to the east is the Grand Canal. Yangzhou sits at the confluence of these two rivers. With river barriers to the southeast and east, and dense river ponds everywhere, there is almost no room to maneuver. That place is a death trap for the Roving Bandits. Yangzhou, a prosperous and fertile land, is like meat dangling above a trap. Lu Xiangsheng is waiting for the Roving Bandits to continue east. If that is indeed the case, his position should be around Chuzhou and Dingyuan, to the northwest of the Roving Bandits. That way, whether the bandits flee west or north, he can intercept them."

"Then Supreme Commander Lu probably doesn't yet know the Roving Bandits have gone toward Chuzhou. Why order the Jiangbei troops to tail them?"

"Having the Jiangbei troops tail them can slow the Roving Bandits' speed to some degree. That way, no matter where the bandits go, he can block them, aiming to encircle and annihilate Gao Bazi. His Excellency Zhang's first priority is to protect Jiangpu and Liuhe in Jiangbei. Now that his jurisdiction is safe and he's seen us win a battle, his expectations have grown. He probably also wants a share of the great merit of exterminating the bandits."

By now, the others were heading back toward the dock one after another. Pang Yu also stepped up onto the stairs, with Mr. Hou hurrying to follow behind.

"He County Yamen said that someone at court is preparing to move against the Restoration Society. Is His Excellency Zhang's current eagerness for merit related to that?"

Pang Yu stopped and looked at Mr. Hou. After thinking for a moment, he said in a low voice, "I hadn't thought of that. His Excellency Zhang is Donglin, which is still somewhat different from the Restoration Society. But many in the Restoration Society have fathers from the Donglin — it's indeed very easy to link them together."

He closed his eyes and thought for a moment, then waved his hand. "We only know fragments of this matter; we can't guess the truth. Focus on the task at hand first. Prepare to march toward Chuzhou. Go back and summon the Company Commander of each unit to the Central Army for a Military Council."

Mr. Hou could not suppress the worry in his heart. "If only we knew for certain where Supreme Commander Lu is."

Pang Yu shook his head. "What I just said is only my speculation. The Roving Bandits feinted toward Kaifeng — a place His Excellency Lu must defend. Even with a ten-day delay, he would have turned back by now. The Roving Bandits, dragging their families and possessions along, can't move much faster either. They were delayed a few days each at Luzhou, Hanshan, and Hezhou. Logically, His Excellency Lu should not be far. Let us hope so..."