Chapter 524: Warning Transmitted

"Ma Shouying, the Left Golden King, and the other five camps launched feints at Susong, Shijingpu, and North Gorge Pass, then entered the prefectural territory from Qianshan, splitting into two routes to attack Shipai and the prefectural city. They were repelled by the New Courage Battalion and the Mountain Battalion. These Roving Bandit units moved cautiously, with dense mounted scout patrols. The Qianshan force made a genuine assault on Tianning Fortress but fled the moment they heard cannon fire. The count of severed bandit heads has not yet been tallied, but the Advisory Room has already sent a preliminary report stating the total number is not large."

By the shores of Shimen Lake outside the prefectural city of Anqing, Jiang Fan, Chief of the Dark Sentinel Division, listened calmly to the report. The Anqing Marine Corps encampment stood beside Shimen Lake, and the workshop was also located here, to take advantage of water power.

On the road outside the workshop lay dozens of corpses, both human and horse. A group of cadets from the Martial Academy and soldiers from the Water Camp were tidying up along the road, while some workshop personnel guarded the main gate, Fire Lances in hand.

The Deputy Officer beside him said, "Sir, this bandit column came from Taihu via the Pedestrian Road. Upon arrival, seeing the prefectural city was defended, they made a direct beeline for the Sheng-Tang Ferry Silver Manor — they didn't even get the door wrong. The other column headed straight for the workshop. Fortunately, Clerk Yang had made preparations here; originally intended for a pincer attack, the bandits discovered it here. After being ambushed, the bandits fled immediately — they didn't seem intent on taking the prefectural city. The group that crossed the border from Fengxiang Courier Station headed straight for the Shipai Cavalry Camp Horse Farm, intending to seize the warhorses, and were encircled and annihilated by the New Courage Battalion. This group consisted of over a hundred mounted Horse Bandits, with more than three hundred Servants. Only thirty mounted bandits escaped. It has been verified as a unit from the Left Golden King's veteran camp."

Jiang Fan nodded and looked toward the workshop's main gate. "The Roving Bandits heading straight for the workshop — they wanted to seize the equipment, Armor and Weapons inside. They haven't been idle these past two years. The Shipai Horse Farm, the Zongyang Command Academy, the Shimen Lake Workshop, the Sheng-Tang Ferry Silver Manor — all were direct targets, without the slightest delay. Our old adversary has returned."

"According to previously received intelligence verified, Jiang Guan, the Deputy Fort Chief of Qianshan No. 2 Dun Fort, was captured during the Susong campaign. His son was still a Servant in the Western Camp, and by the time of the Feigned Surrender, had become a Team Leader. When Shangshan Hu came to Anqing this time to scout the Women's Camp, he and Wang Dashan made contact with Jiang Guan while in Qianshan, providing the Roving Bandits with information on Anqing troop movements, as well as critical intelligence such as the number of Local Militia in Taihu and Qianshan, and the number of combat soldiers in the Mountain Battalion. During this incursion, the Qianshan column of Roving Bandits launched a fierce attack on Tianning Fortress; the Mountain Battalion could not remain hidden, and that column of bandits immediately fled."

"The Deputy Fort Chief." Jiang Fan said evenly, "Has the man been arrested?"

"He has. The Dun Fort falls under the jurisdiction of the Household Office. Because of this matter, Division Headquarters sent a Detailed Report to the Central Army Dispatches Office. Clerk He did not forward it to the Household Office, but instead rejected the report, stating that the previously screened internal intelligence lacked a thorough investigation, and demanded that we supplement the Detailed Report with an explanation of how Jiang Guan's Family Dependents were missed during the screening. We have already supplemented it twice, and Clerk He has rejected it again. Your subordinate has been wondering — does he mean that from now on, when our Dark Sentinel Division arrests someone, we must first obtain approval from his Dispatches Office? If someone escapes during the delay, whose responsibility is that?"

Jiang Fan waved his hand dismissively. "No need to quarrel with the Dispatches Office. He County Yamen is rejecting the Detailed Report not because he controls the Dispatches Office, but because he feels that with Lord Pang absent, he is the one managing the Assistant Regional Regional Commander Office. We will continue to arrest people as we see fit, but in terms of paperwork, you must be mindful of the face of each office — which is to say, mindful of Clerk He's face. The Dun Forts are under the jurisdiction of the Household Office within the yamen. Since the person arrested is from a Dun Fort, go to the Household Office first and explain clearly to them. Speak politely, and ask the Household Clerk to countersign the Detailed Report. Then submit it to the Dispatches Office, and it will not be rejected."

"Your subordinate will remember this."

"Is there any new intelligence from Zongyang?"

"It arrived while you were in conference with the Military Office just now. Yuan Zheng, the Academy Director of the Zongyang Command Academy, reports back: the Roving Bandits brought four boats and attacked the academy that night. All units combined killed thirty-seven, including four gang leaders, twenty-six Team Leaders, and seven Servants. Twenty were captured, including five Team Leaders, the rest being Servants. Liu Wenxiu jumped into the river channel and escaped. That night, there were many civilian boats in the channel fleeing the bandits; during the fighting on shore, the boats were in chaos, and Liu Wenxiu's trail was lost. After days of searching, he has not been found, and it is feared he has escaped. The Western Camp informant who provided this intelligence, Second Locust, was originally planned to continue his deep-cover role in the Western Camp, but he injured his leg while killing his fellow Roving Bandit accomplice. He claims he was attacked by multiple bandits and his accomplice escaped. He fears he can no longer return to the Western Camp. The Field Operations Company requests instructions from Division Headquarters."

Jiang Fan merely gave an "Mm," without offering an immediate reply. The Deputy Officer continued, "Yuan Zheng also mentioned several other matters. First, the Field Operations Company's external assignment plan. This time, there are seven cadets from the academy and five women. The assignment targets are largely the same as what you approved last time, sir. Only Fang Yizhi's situation has changed. According to intelligence received from the Wuchang Station, Fang Yizhi is gravely ill in Wuchang. During his convalescence, he has scarcely left his door. After some improvement, he prepared to return to Nanjing to sit for this year's Provincial Examination, but his condition worsened en route, preventing him from traveling by boat. He has been staying in Qishui County. Because he is on good terms with the local Magistrate Gong, he is residing in the county yamen's Guesthouse. For the past month, he has been observing the local militia drills. He will soon return to Anqing for a short stay to recuperate, and will only go to Nanjing just before the Provincial Examination. Given his current physical condition, it is feared he will not participate in Restoration Society gatherings. The Field Operations Company believes it will be very difficult to have the female agent become acquainted with him. If his illness delays his civil examinations, he may be of little use thereafter, and assigning this female agent is not worthwhile. This female agent ranked first in this year's assessment. The Field Operations Company requests that she be reassigned as Carrier Pigeon No. 1."

"Restoration Society has many members sitting for the examinations this year; Fang Yizhi is merely one of them. His importance lies in Fang Kongzhao being the Grand Coordinator of Huguang. If he returns to Nanjing but cannot take the examinations, the dispatched agent will be unable to obtain timely intelligence on Fang Kongzhao… This officer's view is this: whether Fang Yizhi is important depends on whether his civil examinations proceed smoothly. The female agent can wait a while until the Nanjing Provincial Examination begins. If it truly proves impossible to approach Fang Yizhi, then it will not be too late to determine her target. Next year is the Metropolitan Exam in the Capital. The time is neither short nor long." Jiang Fan's eyes shifted slightly. "The place Carrier Pigeon is going is different from Fang Yizhi's. The capital we have invested in them is not small. They are personnel of the Dark Sentinel Division, yet they have not received Dark Sentinel Division training. Once they become officials, their loyalties can easily change. This officer's requirement is this: these few individuals must remain personnel of the Dark Sentinel Division. The Field Operations Company must make proper arrangements."

"This humble one will remember."

Jiang Fan turned his head to look back at the workshop's main gate. "The Dark Sentinel Division's previous focus was on seizing the docks along the river, in coordination with the issuance of Banknotes. That is now largely complete. This time, the Eight Brigands sent Liu Wenxiu to Zongyang; the Western Camp's renewed rebellion is an arrow on the drawn bowstring. If Xie Zhaofa fails to capture the Eight Brigands, bandits everywhere will rise in response, and the Central Plains will surely once again be overrun with brigandage. Every place along the river is an area of concern for Lord Pang. In this incursion of Roving Bandits into Anqing, they knew every vital point without exception. The Dark Sentinel Division's focus must shift to counter-espionage. Whether within the Anqing Battalion's defense zone or not, so long as it is along the line from the Han River to the Great River, pay attention to enemy agent activity. That Second Locust — the intelligence he reported this time was all confirmed. Transfer him to the Counter-Espionage Company first. Send word to all stations along the river and to the Canal Gang: for the near future, devote full effort to vigilance against Roving Bandit Spies."

"Yes, sir. It has been sent to all stations along the river."

……

At the Qishui County Southern Border Relay Station in Huguang, three horse-drawn carriages, escorted by a group of attendants bearing Swords and spears, slowly proceeded south along the Official Road, coming to a halt only upon reaching the head of a bridge.

The people on the front and rear Carriages jumped down first. A young man wearing a Daoist Robe waved away the servants and personally went to wait before the middle carriage. After the carriage curtain was pulled open, Fang Yizhi slowly alighted with the young man's assistance.

After sitting down at a waterside stall, the servants stood around him, isolating everyone else. The common folk, seeing this, hurriedly left.

The young man in the Daoist Robe personally brought a bowl of water. Fang Yizhi took it, drank two mouthfuls, and let out a long, deep breath. Only after a long moment did he raise his head and say to the young man, "Xiaosheng, you have the duty of Defending the Territory; there is no need to escort me further. We are about to leave the County Boundary."

The young man waved his hand dismissively. "I felt an instant kinship with Mizhi, as if we had known each other for years. I will only be at ease after personally escorting you into Anqing territory. Once we pass Susong, I will turn back. Mizhi, rest easy and do not worry about such trifles."

Fang Yizhi did not argue further. A reminiscent expression appeared on his face. "It was only last year that I followed my father to Huguang. Shortly after arriving in Wuchang, I first met Xiaosheng. Discussing military strategy and reciting poetry — there was no lack of inspiration. In the blink of an eye, nearly a year has passed." (Note 1: Fang Yizhi and Gong Dingnie became acquainted in Huguang. Afterwards, their relationship was deep, and they associated closely in the Capital as well, until the Jiashen Cataclysm.)

The young man smiled and said, "At that time, Military Commander Fang was selecting several counties in Huguang to organize and train Local Militia. I, Gong, was guarding this Qishui County, a thoroughfare from Huguang to Anqing and a vital choke point that Roving Bandits must pass through. I was anxious then to secure a militia quota for my county, and without waiting for orders from above, I went to Wuchang to make a personal appeal. Fortunately, Military Commander Fang was magnanimous and did not reprimand me. It was also then that I became acquainted with Mizhi."

Both men laughed. The young man added, "I, Gong, am thrice-blessed by fate — to have met a superior officer like Military Commander Fang, and to have been fortunate enough to gain a close friend like Mizhi."

Fang Yizhi looked at the young man and said sincerely, "Xiaosheng passed the highest imperial examination and became a Presented Scholar at the mere age of nineteen. Guarding a county, you arrange matters methodically, and even personally devote yourself to drilling the Local Militia. You can truly be called accomplished in both civil and martial affairs. I, Fang, am ten thousand times your inferior. It is I who should count myself fortunate."

The young man hurriedly demurred. Fang Yizhi sighed and said, "When I accompanied my father to his post in Huguang, my original intent was to personally experience military life and apply a lifetime of learning in service to the nation. I never imagined that upon arrival, I would fall gravely ill and be bedridden. Not only could I not share my father's burdens, but I instead caused him to divert his attention to caring for me. It is only during illness that one has the leisure for self-reflection. Looking back on my youthful past, I see that the so-called 'wild scholar' was in truth merely frittering away his years, making no progress on the path of civil examinations. I deeply feel I have let my father down."

The young man said in a low voice, "Brother Fang, your breadth of knowledge and erudition are far beyond my reach. You must not, under any circumstances, belittle yourself."

Fang Yizhi coughed twice. A servant beside him hastily brought water to his lips. Fang Yizhi took a sip and waved his hand. After the servant withdrew the bowl, he continued, "Reckless youth, perhaps — but in the end, one's youthful days are past. Now I must return to the proper path and devote myself single-mindedly to the civil examinations. I can no longer disappoint my father."

The young man smiled. "So long as Mizhi is determined in the examinations, you will certainly not fall short of others. I shall quietly await good news."

Fang Yizhi let out a hearty laugh, but his internal energy was insufficient, and the sound lacked resonance.

Just as they were speaking, the sound of hoofbeats came from ahead. Two riders approached from the direction of Huangmei. Two attendants immediately blocked the road. After speaking with the two riders for a moment, they hurriedly returned to the young man.

"Reporting to the Honorable Magistrate: ahead on the road, we encountered Anqing Relay Cavalry, delivering warning messages to the various prefectures and counties. They report that Western Camp enemy agents have traveled downriver into Anqing, coordinating with several Roving Bandit camps — Geli Yan, Old Huihui, and others — in a combined assault on several counties of Anqing. They urge all prefectures and counties along the river to take defensive precautions."

Both men's expressions changed. Fang Yizhi urgently asked, "What is the situation in Anqing?"

"The entire route from Susong onward is under the defense of the Anqing Battalion. The Roving Bandits have been defeated and have retreated back into the Yinghuo Mountain."

Before the young County Magistrate could speak, two more Runners came galloping from the direction of the county seat. They rushed before the County Magistrate and said, "Reporting to Your Honor: a dispatch bulletin has been received from the Grand Coordinator Yamen. On the twenty-ninth day of the third month, several Roving Bandit camps, including Geli Yan, emerged from the mountains to launch a surprise attack on Macheng. In Henan, at Gushi and Huoqiu, there are reports of bands like the Purple Micro Star emerging from the mountains. All localities are ordered to focus their efforts on defense. All places along the river are to strictly control boats. Should the Roving Bandits approach, the River Barrier must be strictly enforced; they must not be allowed to seize boats and cross south. The various officials at the county yamen request that Your Honor return to the county to take command."

Fang Yizhi immediately said to the young County Magistrate, "The Western Camp actually plotted to seize Anqing — this shows the Eight Brigands' renewed rebellion is imminent. Great events are afoot in Huguang. Xiaosheng, return to your county at once. The Roving Bandits ahead have scattered. Once I pass Erlang Town, I will go to Susong and take a boat. There will be no trouble."

The young County Magistrate delayed no further. He clasped his hands toward Fang Yizhi. "This company of Local Militia will guard Mizhi on my behalf until you board the boat. Once the Eight Brigands rebel again this time, the Central Plains will inevitably suffer another ravaging. The realm is in turmoil, and it is precisely great talents like Mizhi that are needed to bring relief. I, Gong, shall quietly await good news from Mizhi. I look forward to the day we meet again, when all under heaven is at peace, and we may sit aloft, singing in harmony, and be carefree wild scholars with a clear conscience."

Fang Yizhi clasped his hands in return. "Let us encourage one another."

The young County Magistrate bowed deeply, turned, mounted his horse, and galloped urgently toward the county seat.