Chapter 387: Hall Council

"I am Vice Regional Commander of the Anqing Cavalry Camp, Pang Yu. Greetings, General Chen."

"I am Dengzhou Town Commander Chen Hongfan, courtesy name Wine Silk."

Pang Yu quickly sized him up. This Commander Chen was tall and large-framed, likely in his forties, but his face was rough-skinned and rather heavily lined, probably from the long, exhausting journey all the way from Dengzhou. Though burly and rough-hewn, he was extremely courteous, even carrying a hint of ingratiation. Addressing a mere Vice General like Pang Yu, he still referred to himself as "I, the humble one."

Today was Xiong Wencan's first session convening the hall since arriving in Xiangyang. The assembly was high-level, with both civil and military officials attending. At the moment, those who had arrived early were all military officers. The troops directly under Xiong Wencan's command consisted mainly of three Regional Commanders plus Pang Yu, a single Vice General — already the maximum force he could muster, meant as a show of strength for his assumption of office. The participating Brigade Commanders all stood in the second row. Pang Yu had brought Yang Xueshi and Wang Zenglu; Chen Rulie and Yao Dongshan had remained to guard the camp. Among the other participating Brigade Commanders, Pang Yu recognized the name Luo Dai, and Xu Mingchen, that Yunnan Army officer whose dispatch report they had intercepted on the road, was also among them. Of these military officers from other regions, the only one Pang Yu had met before was Zuo Liangyu.

Zuo Liangyu had many men, but those that could be counted as combat strength would not exceed his troop quota. All the General Officers here combined probably amounted to only a bit over ten thousand in troop quota, and actual soldiers were of course even fewer — basically just Xiong Wencan's thirty thousand directly commanded troops.

Much as Pang Yu had estimated, those present were still the old soldiers and old officers. Zhang Renxue, this Henan Regional Commander, was a newly created post, but his troops had been transferred from the previous acting garrison Regional Commander Xu Dingguo. Nominally Zhang Renxue was the Regional Commander, but the impression Pang Yu got looking over was still that of a civil official leading a Mobile Corps Commander — the Mobile Corps Commander he brought was Luo Dai, also a pre-existing Military Camp unit.

With twelve thousand added to the troop quota and troop pay, it was hard to say how much solid increase there would be in the end. Previously, Pang Yu had thought himself the cleverest, his single Cavalry Camp occupying two shares of the troop quota. Now he saw that no one was a fool; most had likely ended up like Pang Yu — drawing one share at their original post, then following Xiong Wencan to occupy another share of the directly commanded troop quota. The troop quota and pay would end up a tangled mess.

The chaos within this, which further involved layer upon layer of profit-sharing from the troop quotas, was something major local officials like Xiong Wencan and Zhang Guowei definitely knew about. The Ministry of War knew as well, but none would expose it. Even if someone stepped forward and spoke out, it ultimately could not be resolved. They could only hope it would have some effect, however small.

The sole benefit was that the General Officers had a bit more money in hand, so the household retainers they supported would certainly increase somewhat — that could be counted as some small effect. But if compared against the costs of levying, distributing, and using the bandit suppression pay, Pang Yu estimated that the investment efficiency would be lucky to reach ten percent.

The few military officers had arrived the earliest. They stood on the left side. Pang Yu's status was lower than the several Regional Commanders. Chen Hongfan was probably not very familiar with Pang Yu, nor did he know his battle record. After exchanging a few pleasantries about the hardships of the journey, he moved over to Zhang Renxue's side.

Pang Yu inwardly also wanted to go and get on friendly terms with Zhang Renxue — after all, he was a man the Emperor had specially appointed to his post, both a Presented Scholar and a former Censor, his status higher than these military officers. With even slight battle achievements, he might be promoted to Grand Coordinator or Supreme Commander. But Chen Hongfan never left, and Zhang Renxue's manner was cold and indifferent. Seeing this, Pang Yu abandoned the idea. Noticing that Zuo Liangyu had exchanged a few words with Xu Mingchen and was now standing off to the side, he went over.

"Greetings, Marshal Zuo."

This was their second meeting, so there was a degree of familiarity between them. Zuo Liangyu's red face bore a mild expression as he said courteously to Pang Yu, "Some days ago I heard that General Pang had routed a host of bandits. I was truly gladdened for a time. Lord Lu's judgment of people is always accurate."

"I was merely fortunate, and furthermore I held Anqing and waited at ease for the exhausted enemy — no comparison to General Zuo chasing bandits a thousand li."

Zuo Liangyu waved a hand, glanced toward the rear of the Main Hall, and lowered his voice. "Chasing bandits a thousand li is also futile effort. You chase them nine hundred and ninety li, and with one word of 'recruit to surrender' from the bandit spawn, they become government troops just like you and me."

Hearing his tone, Pang Yu could not help probing, "General Zuo has clashed with the Eight Bandits for several years and knows this bandit best. I wonder whether this recruitment to surrender will go smoothly."

"With giant bandits like these, no recruitment to surrender at any time will ever go smoothly. If you don't believe me, you can ask Lord Xiong. If the Eight Bandits want to be recruited to surrender, then they are government troops. When the time comes and the Ministry of War sends down an order token for him to go to Liaodong and fight the Tartars, just see whether he goes or not."

Hearing Zuo Liangyu speak like this, his words carrying a hint of goading Pang Yu to voice opposition — Pang Yu had come together with Xiong Wencan earlier and was perfectly clear on that lord's motives and determination regarding the recruitment to surrender. He would absolutely never stick his neck out to oppose it. He smiled and brushed it off. "Then the Eight Bandits will certainly not go. No need to test it."

"I came out of Liaodong and have no wish to go back. General Pang, however, is a young talent — the Anqing Army has already reached the Emperor's ears, and it is quite likely you could be transferred to Liaodong. In the end, those of us who suppress bandits must go face death, while these bandit spawn live in peace and comfort."

Pang Yu kept his expression neutral. "What is the situation in Liaodong like now?"

Zuo Liangyu shot a glance at Chen Hongfan. "Ever worsening. How do you think he came to be here?"

Pang Yu shook his head. Over this past year, his main objectives had been bandit suppression and economic arrangements; he had paid very little attention to the situation in the north. Only after arriving in Xiangyang this time did he learn that the Dengzhou Regional Commander was coming. He had heard something of the Dengzhou mutiny a few years back, and it was a military garrison meant to deal with Liaodong. By rights, it should not have been transferred to the interior to fight roving bandits.

"Pi Island was broken by the Tartars. He did not fire a single soldier or a single cannon. Without the Eastern River Garrison, his staying in Dengzhou was useless, so he was transferred to suppress bandits, that's all. The Tartars now have no check on them. The next time they enter the border wall, it will be even harder to deal with. I fear that even if all the realm's troops were transferred, they still might not be able to handle it."

Pang Yu gave an "oh." He could not figure out Pi Island's exact location. The Advisory Room had compiled some intelligence on Liaodong. The Later Jin had already changed their dynastic name to Qing. Last year they had completely subjugated Joseon, which no longer paid tribute to the Great Ming. Then they had taken Pi Island, where the Eastern River Garrison was based. Part of the Dongjiang Army had died; the majority of the rest had surrendered. Pang Yu had also seen a name that rang a faint bell — Injury Kexi. He had forgotten exactly where he had seen it, but now he knew he had once been a General Officer of the Eastern River Garrison and had already surrendered to the Tartars.

The strategic situation: Joseon subjugated, the Eastern River Garrison completely disintegrated, the Qing army had not the slightest check on its eastern flank. To the west, Mongolia had long been the Qing army's ally. Now the only enemy Huang Taiji needed to face was the Great Ming to the south. Zuo Liangyu's claim that the situation was deteriorating was indeed the truth; the strategic initiative lay entirely with the Manchu Qing. But Pang Yu, after all, had never fought the Manchu Qing. Zuo Liangyu's implication — that among all the Great Ming's many troops nationwide, not a single one could stand against the Manchu Qing — Pang Yu felt was somewhat exaggerated.

At that moment, a drum roll sounded. Several more civil officials entered the Main Hall. The one in the lead had a solemn expression. He glanced at the military officers, made no acknowledgment whatsoever, and walked toward the right side. The second civil official, Pang Yu had met before — it was Army-Inspecting Circuit Dai Dongmin, who had once come to Tongcheng with Zuo Liangyu.

Zuo Liangyu tilted his head toward Pang Yu and said, "Huguang Grand Coordinator Lord Yu, Military Commander. Yunyang Governor Lord Dai, Military Commander."

Only then did Pang Yu learn that Dai Dongmin had already been promoted to Yunyang Governor. And Xiangyang fell under the Yunyang Governor's jurisdiction. Besides Xiangyang and Yunyang, six prefectures including Nanyang were also under the Yunyang Governor's jurisdiction — a jurisdiction situated at the border junction of Sichuan, Henan, Shaanxi, and Huguang, the pivotal hub of China's heartland, a necessary passage for the roving bandit camps' movements. Although large parts of the region were barren mountain areas, in terms of bandit suppression, the Yunyang Governor's jurisdiction was the key to whether the bandits could be pacified. If the bandits' mobility could be effectively controlled here, their greatest advantage could be neutralized. That was why, in Yang Sichang's earliest Ten-Sided Net plan, the Yunyang Governor post was to be abolished and the Five-Province Supreme Commander was to be stationed directly in Yunyang, further highlighting this place's importance.

And that Lord Yu, Military Commander, was Huguang Grand Coordinator Yu Yinggui. He looked old and decrepit, but his mental spirit was still quite good. If Pang Yu wanted to gain a foothold in Huguang, he would inevitably have to deal with this Military Commander. He followed Zuo Liangyu and went up to pay respects to the civil officials.

Seeing Pang Yu, Dai Dongmin was also rather courteous. He exchanged a few pleasantries with him, asking after Shi Kefa's recent situation. What was rare was that he actually still remembered Yang Erming, that minor County Magistrate, probably also on account of his age.

Yu Yinggui, meanwhile, took his seat without ceremony. He fixed his gaze on Zuo Liangyu and said, "Marshal Zuo has fought the Eight Bandits all these years. How do such bandit spawn differ from beasts? Feigned surrender is no different from seeking a tiger's skin. In this hall, you should speak forthrightly and without restraint."

Zuo Liangyu chuckled twice. "I shall heed Lord Yu, Military Commander. But a man's words are light when his position is low. I fear even if I speak, it will be useless."

Yu Yinggui gave a snort and turned to Zhang Renxue. "Pacification Company, you come from the Censorate. If Marshal Zuo dares not speak, you at least should dare."

Before Zhang Renxue could reply, a drum roll sounded from the hall. Two columns of biao troops entered through the gate. Everyone stopped talking and returned to their earlier positions. A moment later, Xiong Wencan walked slowly up into the Main Hall from the right side.

In two years, Pang Yu had gone from a county yamen hall to a Minister's Main Hall, but overall the procedure and pattern were much the same — just that the biao troops were a bit more imposing than yamen runners, and the atmosphere was more solemn.

After the ritual kneeling and bowing, Xiong Wencan sat high in the hall. He first exchanged courtesies with the two Grand Coordinators, nothing more than remarking that the two Grand Coordinators had traveled far and labored hard. Then he went straight to the main topic.

"Liu Guoneng and Zhang Xianzhong have submitted petitions to be pacified. This matter is of great importance, bearing on the grand strategy of pacifying the bandits. All of you here, whether civil or military, are the pillars of the state. I have convened this special council to determine our strategy."

Pang Yu stood below Chen Hongfan. He knew the rules of the hall council: it proceeded in order of status and rank, so naturally he would not speak first.

Yu Yinggui, however, did not stand on ceremony. He stepped forward and said, "The roving bandits have always been treacherous and cunning. Their plea for pacification absolutely cannot be trusted. I have come from Wuchang, and all along the road, white bones lie exposed in the wilds, in ten thousand villages no cock crows. The Bandit Xianzhong is a giant brigand of this order, wreaking havoc for ten years, killing countless people. If one word of 'pleading for pacification' is enough to let it all be written off, and he instead gains official rank and enjoys the blood and fat of the common people, then we have failed as parents to the people. What face do we have before the white bones covering the wilds!"

Pang Yu could not help raising his eyes to look at Yu Yinggui. The old man's face was flushed red; he was clearly angered. What he said matched what Pang Yu had seen himself. From Huangmei to Macheng and on to Xiangyang, both sides of the official road were like a ghost realm. It was true that human habitation had vanished along the entire route, but intelligence sent by the Canal Gang said that the situation from Wuchang toward the Han River direction was somewhat better, with some fields still being cultivated. Yu Yinggui might have exaggerated slightly, taking advantage of Xiong Wencan never having been to Wuchang.

Xiong Wencan, however, was not angered. He looked at Yu Yinggui and said in an even tone, "The dead are gone, but there are still countless living. Previously, the two generals Bai and Gao also came from among the bandits, and now they have repeatedly performed meritorious service and killed countless bandits, saving many common people in turn. That is precisely the intent of recruitment to surrender. Lord Yu, Military Commander, you may speak frankly: do you approve of recruiting Zhang and Liu to surrender?"

Yu Yinggui said expressionlessly, "If they seek pacification, they should lay bare their hearts. It cannot be settled by empty words and a single plea for pacification. Since he claims he is willing to suppress bandits to redeem himself, then let him lead his troops to kill the likes of Li Inner City and Ma Shouying, obtain the heads of one or two giant bandits, and emulate men like Bai Guang'en and Gao Jie. Only by thus decisively breaking with the bandit horde can he be said to have submitted to pacification."

"Lord Yu, Military Commander, believes they should kill bandits to redeem themselves before they can be recruited to surrender. This does not conflict with whether today's council resolves to recruit them to surrender." Xiong Wencan then looked toward Dai Dongmin. "Then Lord Dai, Military Commander, what do you believe should be done about the roving bandits who plead for pacification?"

Yu Yinggui wanted to speak further, but Xiong Wencan had already called on Dai Dongmin. He had to swallow his anger and step back, though he looked ready to speak again.

Dai Dongwen stepped forward and said in a resolute tone, "These bandit spawn have killed countless people over ten years and have never accepted any restraint. They are truly men of vicious nature. As long as they hold blades in hand, the urge to kill arises of itself. If the recruitment to surrender is to be solid, their wings must first be clipped. I believe that whether their plea for pacification is sincere or not, if they disperse their faction, they can be pacified. If they maintain their army and hold their masses, they cannot be pacified. I beg the Supreme Commander to consider this carefully."

Two major local officials in opposition, yet Xiong Wencan was in no hurry. He merely stopped the two from continuing to speak, and then called on Zhang Renxue.

Pang Yu tilted his head to observe. Zhang Renxue looked about fifty, rather tall and large of frame. When he opened his mouth, his voice boomed. "Whether to pacify or not is for Lord Xiong to weigh. If we do not pacify, Zhang Xianzhong is not far from here. Our strong troops are gathered in clouds. We can pick a day, feigning a troop inspection and roster review, and have him assemble his men at Gucheng. With no scouts posted outside, our main army can close in from all four sides and destroy them in a single stroke, settling this before breakfast."

Pang Yu glanced at Yu Yinggui. He was frowning slightly, seeming somewhat disappointed by Zhang Renxue's statement. Pang Yu inwardly found it a bit amusing as well. Zhang Renxue was in fact also opposed — his opinion was to wipe them out cleanly. But like the two Grand Coordinators, he would not directly utter the word "oppose."

Pondering it briefly, Pang Yu could roughly guess the calculations of the various officials in the hall. Pacifying the bandits in three months was the target set by the Emperor, but it was not specified whether by extermination or pacification. Yet everyone handling the task knew that complete extermination was impossible. Still, the primary responsibility for pacifying the bandits lay with Xiong Wencan, and when the time came, the punishment would certainly fall on Xiong Wencan's head. But after recruitment to surrender, it was different. The roving bandits would be resettled locally, and by the time they rebelled again, the three-month deadline would mostly have passed. The primary responsibility would then become the local officials'. The Grand Coordinators naturally hoped for as much extermination as possible, rather than placing a ticking time bomb in their own jurisdiction.

But at this moment, clearly expressing opposition to recruitment to surrender would be recorded by Xiong Wencan in his memorial. If after three months the bandits were not pacified, Xiong Wencan would first shift the blame onto these people. So no one directly opposed; instead, they maneuvered over the conditions for recruitment to surrender. Regarding the conditions, they had to make them as harsh as possible, out of concern that these bandit chieftains had poor character and the likelihood of future rebellion was high. By stating it now and having it recorded, it would be convenient for them to shift blame onto Xiong Wencan when the time came. In particular, Dai Dongmin's demand that the roving bandits disperse — that would leave the bandit chieftains with no power to protect themselves. No bandit chieftain would ever agree to it. But when they rebelled again later, Dai Dongmin could say he had proposed preventive measures at the time, only for Xiong Wencan not to adopt them.

Xiong Wencan was the Supreme Commander. He could have directly reported the recruitment to surrender to the throne. Today's hall council was likewise for sharing responsibility. Whether opposing or approving, there would be documentary records. Therefore, no one present would clearly say "approve" or "oppose," lest they increase their own risk.

The hall was nominally for deliberation, but each participant had his own calculations, guarding against one another, fearful of showing a weakness. Their wording was as flexible as possible. But Pang Yu could see that Yu Yinggui and Dai Dongmin genuinely did not want recruitment to surrender.

"Commander Zhang's thinking is thorough. Should Zhang Xianzhong be feigning submission to pacification, this plan is highly feasible." Not a single person in the main hall had yet approved of recruitment to surrender. Xiong Wencan next called on Chen Hongfan.

Chen Hongfan bowed to each of the civil officials in turn. Yu Yinggui seemed to have a poor impression of him and gave not the slightest response.

Chen Hongfan was somewhat embarrassed. He cleared his throat and began, "I believe recruitment to surrender is worth a try. If everyone who has ever been a bandit is to be hunted down and exterminated without exception, then the bandit spawn, their retreat cut off, how could they simply submit to slaughter? They will surely fight like cornered beasts. Not only will the casualties among soldiers and officers be heavy, but amid the campaigns, how many more innocent common lives will be lost? Thus recruitment to surrender is not merely for pacifying bandits; it is also a policy to protect the people."

At this, Yu Yinggui's voice cut in. "A fine policy to protect the people! The two recruitment-to-surrender episodes at Mianchi and Chexiang — whether they protected the people or slaughtered the people needs no asking. If this Bandit Xianzhong is once again pacified and then rebels, is Commander Chen willing to shoulder that responsibility alone?"

Chen Hongfan raised his eyes to look at Yu Yinggui and said in a somewhat lower voice, "Lord Yu, Military Commander, calm your anger. I do not mean that we must recruit to surrender or must exterminate. What I mean is that among the bandits, not all are uniformly stubborn and unrepentant. If we can properly distinguish among them, then after recruitment to surrender, there will be one fewer bandit faction and one more troop faction. This mutual reduction and increase will better facilitate the extermination of those stubborn and unrepentant ones. Only thus is there hope of pacifying the bandits."

Yu Yinggui raised a hand to retort, but Xiong Wencan cut him off in time, preventing him from steering the direction of the hall council. He then called on Zuo Liangyu to speak.

Zuo Liangyu did not speak immediately. He waited a moment before saying, "None of these bandit spawn can be trusted. Since he is pleading for pacification, the imperial court should take the lead, designating where he is to be stationed and await pacification. We government troops all have an assigned defense zone. How can he pick Gucheng and just settle there, as if it were his own family's land?"

Pang Yu was below him. Zuo Liangyu's speech boomed like a great bell, his bearing composed and self-assured, utterly lacking the cautious timidity Xu Strengthening showed before civil officials. Rather, it was as if he were issuing orders to his subordinates in his own command tent. To behave this way before Xiong Wencan, the Minister of War himself — no wonder Zhang Guowei could not command him.

Only now did Yu Yinggui's expression ease slightly. He gave Zuo Liangyu a slight nod of approval.

Zuo Liangyu then said loudly, "What the two Military Commanders just said is reasonable. The Zhang bandit must prove his sincerity — he ought to kill bandit chieftains like Li Inner City and Ma Shouying. But it's hard to find those two on short notice, and pursuing them would take too long. This humble officer thinks we can try another method. Since the Zhang bandit seeks pacification, let him come to Xiangyang in person to submit his memorial. Whether his plea for pacification is genuine — one test will tell."

Over on that side, Yu Yinggui loudly voiced his approval. The adjutant and mobile corps officers behind him were also murmuring in low discussion — they should all be in agreement with Zuo Liangyu. Government troops were massed at Xiangyang, and among them were countless men who bore grudges against Zhang Xianzhong. If he really were made to come to Xiangyang to submit his memorial, it would be like a sheep entering a tiger's den. Given the blood debts the Western Camp had truly racked up over the years, ninety-nine percent he wouldn't dare come.

Pang Yu observed Xiong Wencan. In this hall right now, aside from Chen Hongfan, everyone was opposed — they just feared repercussions and dared not say so openly. He didn't know how Xiong Wencan would resolve this in the end.

"Deputy Regional Commander Pang, you have twice routed the Roving Bandits in a major way. I imagine you have given much thought to the matter of suppressing the bandits. How should this matter of recruiting them to surrender be handled?"

Pang Yu came back to his senses. He knew Xiong Wencan would most likely call on him. Right now Pang Yu had a request to make of him, and there were considerable mutual interests at stake. Xiong Wencan was certain to want Pang Yu's support. But Yu Yinggui and Dai Dongmin were major local officials — one in charge of Wuchang, the other in charge of Xiangyang. If he offended them badly, they could pay lip service to Xiong Wencan's orders while causing a heap of trouble for Pang Yu. A dilemma like this could only be resolved with a thorough muddling of the waters.

He first paid his respects to the civil officials and Regional Commanders, then said deferentially to Xiong Wencan, "As Regional Commander Chen said, since the Roving Thieves seek to surrender, they show a heart of repentance, and should not be rejected outright. The Roving Bandits have not been wiped out after many years of extermination campaigns, not because they are strong but because they are roving. Today the bandit camps under heaven number no less than a hundred; ten years of bandit infestation can hardly be eliminated within three months. These two who now seek to surrender were formerly Giant Bandits — Zhang Xianzhong especially is the chief of all the bandits. This humble officer has learned from many engagements with him that rallying the various bandits into a Combined Camp to rove and raid is mostly his doing. If Zhang Xianzhong submits to pacification, he can lead the rest to follow suit. Therefore, the recruitment of these two is not merely the recruitment of two men, but the recruitment of all the bandits under heaven. It is truly the key to suppressing the bandits. If the Pacification Company truly succeeds, peace under heaven can be expected."

Zuo Liangyu beside him shifted slightly. Clearly he had not expected that his earlier instigation had produced no effect whatsoever.

"However, the concerns of the two Military Commanders and the two Regional Commanders are not without reason. These Giant Bandits have a spotted record when it comes to submitting to pacification. Only with the power to exterminate them is there the opportunity to pacify them. Whether their intent to seek pacification is genuine or not, precautions must still be taken. Therefore, the main army must remain stationed nearby, using overwhelming force to overawe the petty villains. My lord should dispatch personnel to verify troop and horse numbers on the ground, and designate their encampment location. Once the Pacification Company is established, they can be used either to pacify the Tartars or to exterminate the bandits, reaping the full benefit of the Pacification Company. If they make any suspicious move, the main army can strike like a thunderbolt — that too counts as pacification."

Yu Yinggui over on that side did not rise to rebut this time. He had probably said enough earlier and saw no need to bandy words with a Vice Regional Commander.

Now all the civil and military officials of standing had stated their positions. No one approved of the recruitment matter; all they raised were difficulties. Pang Yu wanted to see how Xiong Wencan would wrap this up.

"Deputy Regional Commander Pang's words show considerable insight." Xiong Wencan unhurriedly swept his gaze across the hall. "In this hall discussion, opinions on the terms of recruitment vary, but there is no one who opposes recruitment itself. Any views on the terms may be submitted in separate memorials, so that the Ministry of War is informed."

Pang Yu nearly gaped in astonishment. The sentiment of so many people in the hall was clearly disapproval, yet Xiong Wencan had seized on the critical point that no one dared to state their stance explicitly, and classified them all as not opposed. This wasn't just supreme diplomacy — it was a complete inversion of reality. Now the main issue became recruitment, and the rest were merely minor details of the terms. He had also made it clear that he would not report their objections upward; each person would have to submit their own memorial. Most of the people here probably would not risk offending the Five-Province Supreme Commander by submitting a memorial on their own.

To Pang Yu's surprise, Yu Yinggui and Dai Dongmin were instead very calm at this moment, as if they had long known this would happen.

Xiong Wencan straightened his body, his earlier mild tone gone. "Zhang Xianzhong and Liu Guoneng have formally submitted memorials seeking to surrender. In accordance with this hall discussion, this official has decided to accept their plea for pacification. Bandits are originally common folk, driven by livelihood to stray down the wrong path for a time. Since they show a repentant heart, they should be permitted to atone for their misdeeds. Suppressing the bandits concerns the common people of the realm; it is not for us to decide with a single word. Whether to recruit them or not, this official will memorialize the Ministry of War and the Emperor for a final decision. As this concerns the grand strategy of suppressing the bandits by the deadline, from this day forward, without this official's Order Token, no troops whatsoever shall attack the camps awaiting pacification, nor shall they provoke incidents. Violators will be dealt with for undermining the Pacification Company."

Now Xiong Wencan had the unanimous decision of the hall discussion, and would report to the Ministry of War — the final decision rested with the Emperor. He had become a mere intermediary. Whether the Emperor agreed to the recruitment or not, if the bandits were not suppressed within three months, he had a reason to shift the blame. If the bandit rebellion was suppressed within three months, he would be a great meritorious minister of the dynasty, and the responsibility for future rebellions would fall on the local grand coordinators. It seemed perfectly foolproof.

The Main Hall was silent. Everyone's expressions varied, but not a single person rose to speak again.

After sweeping an authoritative glance around, Xiong Wencan declared the hall discussion concluded and withdrew directly through the side door. After Xiong Wencan left, Yu Yinggui and Dai Dongmin did not speak further with the military officers and also departed the Main Hall immediately.

The group of military officers walked out last. Pang Yu let the three Regional Commanders go ahead. When they reached outside the main gate, Household Retainers led horses forward one after another. The General Officers mounted in turn at the Mounting Horse stone. Pang Ding waited there with the Personal Soldiers.

When it was Zuo Liangyu's turn, he stopped before the Mounting Horse stone, turned his head to look at Pang Yu, and said, "Brother Pang, once the Emperor nods, the Eighth Brigand will be drawing pay and eating rations just like us. While we, on the contrary, might have to go fight the Tartars to the death. Where does one go to make sense of such logic."

With that, he gave a dry laugh, mounted his horse, and left. Pang Ding, who had overheard nearby, leaned in and asked quietly, "Young Master, what did Zuo Liangyu mean?"

Pang Yu smiled. "Just his speculation. But what he said today about Liaodong being in ruin is probably true. Who knows when the Tartars might breach the passes. Time won't wait for us — we need to speed things up. Note this down: have the Anqing Silver Bank set up branches in Wuchang and Xiangyang before the fourth month. Send urgent letters to Jiang Fan and Liu Ruogu — the covert sentry camp and the Silver Bank are to establish a presence in the Capital as quickly as possible. No matter the method, we must secure all the Wharf docks in Yangzhou before the third month."

……

Baishazhou, Gucheng. Here the Han River bent in a curve, its flow changing from east to south, cutting through the north of Huguang before merging into the Great River.

Baishazhou was an alluvial plain of the Han River, once fertile land. The villages nestled there had long since been ruined, but with the arrival of the Western Camp, Baishazhou bustled once more. Everywhere in the fields were people making camp.

"Husband, the pain is terrible."

The woman was drenched in sweat, crying out in pain without pause. Wang Dashan hovered beside her helplessly, one hand feeling her belly.

"The Wang Family woman is about to give birth. Go fetch water." The speaker was the wife of the Xu Zhu household. She hurried over, seeming quite experienced.

As if grasping a life-saving straw, Wang Dashan acknowledged and rushed outside to find water.

He had only run a couple of steps when he heard Xu Zhu shouting, "Everyone come and listen to Second Master's orders!"

Wang Dashan stopped in panic. Seeing Xiao Wazi was also there, he immediately said to him, "Reporting to the Master, my, my woman is about to have a child."

Xiao Wazi said coldly, "The Second Chief said to come and listen to orders. Tell that woman to stop yelling. If she yells again, off with her head."

Xu Zhu's wife murmured a few words, and the woman's cries indeed grew quieter. Second Locust walked up from behind. He was the Post Commander. The Team leaders under him and the Servants of the Various Families all gathered around — several dozen people in all. The moment Wang Dashan saw Second Locust, he didn't dare say a word and could only remain where he was, consumed with anxiety.

"Eight Master's orders: from today onward, we are stationed here. Once recruited, we'll be Government Troops, and from now on there must be rules." Second Locust tilted his head. "Team leaders form Mutual Responsibility groups of five households. Without the Post Commander accompanying, no chiefs are permitted to leave the Ying. Plunder, arson, and killing are strictly forbidden. All required Rice and Beans are to be bought and sold fairly by the Shao Bao Du Qi. Each family pays their own silver for purchases. Servants may only leave the Ying under the escort of a chief. Servants of each family form Mutual Responsibility groups of ten households. Whether gathering firewood or fetching water, they must go in groups of three. If someone from a household runs away, all the other households will be beheaded. If a chief conceals it and fails to report, and the runaway is caught elsewhere, the chief will be punished under the Mutual Responsibility System. Servants of different families are not permitted to speak privately. If a chief sees this, they are to send them to the Post Commander for interrogation. If the Masters discover it, the chief will be punished under the Mutual Responsibility System…"

The woman's low, agonized moans continued. Wang Dashan's hands trembled. They had become Government Troops — from now on, they need not fear Government Troops coming to kill them. The terms that followed were harsh; it wasn't good news, but compared to being recruited, it was nothing. Wang Dashan's heart was fraught with anxiety; he didn't hear anything the Second Chief said after that.

After a long while, the Second Chief's voice finally stopped. The Servants nearby began to disperse, and the woman's cries grew shrill again. Wang Dashan came back to his senses, realizing Second Master had finished speaking. Just as he was about to go fetch water, someone suddenly grabbed him. Wang Dashan turned his head and saw it was none other than Old Li.

"You, surnamed Wang." Old Li said in a low voice, "That Xu family boy you killed — I saw it all."

Wang Dashan's face went pale, his whole body trembling uncontrollably. Amid the woman's harrowing screams, Old Li's low, cold voice continued:

"You still want to run back home, to that place called something like Pine. Don't think of running. This old man will be watching you. From now on, give me half your grain ration, or I'll tell Xu Zhu and Xiaowazi Laoye, and you'll see how you and your wife die. This old man isn't afraid of you killing me — death would be a clean end. As long as I'm alive, this old man means to eat his fill."

Old Li finished speaking in his hoarse voice, stared at Wang Dashan for a moment, then turned and left. Wang Dashan stood frozen in place, his entire body nearly unable to move, even his eyeballs hard to turn.

Just then, the cry of a newborn rang out. Wang Dashan's rigid body shuddered. He slowly raised his head, his pale face gradually twisting.

……

(End of Volume Two)