Chapter 142: The Battle of the Four Cities (Part Two)

On the twelfth day of the third month of the third year of the Chongzhen reign, outside Tongzhou, banners and pennants fluttered in the wind, covering the ground with relief troops from every region, filling the air with accents from all corners of the land.

After the Grand Canal thawed, the relief grain and pay sent by officials from various places began arriving in a steady stream. Before this, the various relief armies had been in arrears of pay for a long time, including the troops of Regional Commander and Regional Commander Ma Shilong in Jizhou and the Guanning Army. Both Ma Shilong and Sun Chengzong had repeatedly submitted memorials hoping to make up a portion of it, in order to steady the troops' morale.

The Wendeng Battalion was stationed east of the Grand Canal. The central army raised Chen Xin's red Mobile Corps Commander banner. The camp was still made by planting javelins into the ground and laying horizontal beams. Next to them were troops from Henan and a portion of Shandong troops. Because Jizhou and Yutian had not been lost, Tongzhou was already considered a safe zone, so none of the camps set up by the various armies were particularly sturdy.

After the Later Jin withdrew part of their forces, the remaining troops still posed a great threat. Not only were they unafraid of the Ming army, they even wanted to go raid Yutian. However, once Huang Taiji left, these Jianzhou Bandits became even more lawless and unrestrained.

Before leaving the capital, Chen Xin had also collected the head bounty and imperial reward totaling two thousand taels of silver. Combined with the silver seized at Gu'an, he already had over forty thousand taels. Bribing Liang Tingdong and Zhou Yanru cost three thousand taels each. Wen Tiren had been gifted this year as well, and this time he also expressed three thousand taels. Adding Qian Yuanke and some newly acquainted officials in the Ministry of War, the total spent was fifteen thousand taels. Fortunately, he didn't suffer a loss. The imperial court had no ready silver, and Chen Xin didn't count on making money from the court. By spending this silver, he hoped to at least secure a relief battalion, with a troop quota of three thousand, plus some special policies, turning Wendeng into a semi-independent kingdom, and recoup his investment from these aspects.

Sitting opposite Chen Xin were Zhu Daichun and Dong Yu, who were discussing the newly recruited cavalry from the Shanxi Garrison. Zhu Daichun said to Chen Xin, "My lord, the fifty-three cavalrymen recruited from the routed troops of the Shanxi Garrison have been here for some days now. Company Commander Zhu has come to ask several times, wanting to put them directly into his cavalry battalion."

Chen Xin shook his head and said, "No. These are all routed soldiers. Once a soldier has run away even once, his mindset changes. They must complete basic training and learn discipline first. Zhu Guobin only has just over ninety men. If these fifty-plus go in, how can he manage them? Won't they just drag his original men into disorder as well? Let the training unit keep them. Have them memorize the military code first. If there's a battle, you personally lead them and follow the central army."

These cavalrymen were all veterans of the border army, most having served as Night Scouts. Their riding skills were quite good, but they also had heavy habits of old army loafers. A few of them, as soon as they arrived at the camp, clamored for pay and demanded their settling-in silver. Zhou Shifa beheaded one of them, and only then did they settle down. Fortunately, these men hadn't been routed for long and hadn't looted much. They hadn't yet tasted the pleasure of plundering, so they fell into the category of being reformable. The Wendeng Battalion's reputation and treatment were both good. Most of these men were bachelors, and after this great rout, they were also worried about being punished if they went back. After being here for a while, they gradually settled their minds.

Dong Yu asked, "My lord, should their monthly pay be issued at the regular soldier rate or the recruit rate?"

Chen Xin thought for a moment. These men were all veterans. After Zhu Guobin's assessment, most had Night Scout experience, which was the thing he currently lacked most. Their treatment could be slightly higher. He said, "Issue it at the infantry veteran rate, but not the same as cavalry Night Scouts. After we return this time, they still have to make up the recruit basic training. Only those who pass can receive sentry cavalry treatment."

Zhu Daichun continued to ask, "My lord, regarding the recruitment matter you mentioned yesterday, I'm afraid it won't be easy to recruit in Tongzhou. The trackers at Zhangjiawan have all fled and scattered. It's said most went to Tianjin. I plan to send five men to Tianjin first. It's just that the grain and boats still need your arrangements, my lord."

Chen Xin looked at Dong Yu. Dong Yu hurriedly answered, "I wonder how many troops we are recruiting this time?"

"One thousand. All must be trackers," Chen Xin said crisply. He had told the Chongzhen Emperor that Wendeng had poor soil and sparse population, and with several hundred dead this time, he wanted to recruit three hundred refugees from Beizhili to take back. The Chongzhen Emperor naturally wouldn't make things difficult for this relief hero over a small request, and even had the Ministry of War issue him a document permitting the recruitment of three hundred troops in Beizhili, with local officials assisting. Once Chen Xin got this tiger-skin warrant, he decided to recruit a thousand men. With the Jianzhou Bandits still not gone, who had the free time to check exactly how many troops he recruited? He had always thought highly of trackers as a source of soldiers, so he took advantage of this chaos to recruit some more.

Chen Xin calculated his remaining balance. Laiyang and Zhaoyuan had over twenty thousand taels. The current head merit and imperial rewards still had a surplus of over twenty thousand taels. Adding that Wen Tiren and Liang Tingdong had both promised to help him secure part of the military pay, he should at least be able to sustain things this year. Moreover, the army was now eating imperial court military grain, saving even the food expenses.

Dong Yu made a rough calculation and said, "Before the new year, Tianjin still had several hundred dan of grain stored. If there aren't many family dependents, it can last for a while. This year, Beizhili will certainly have a poor harvest, and grain prices will have to rise. Once recruitment is settled, we must quickly transport them back to Wendeng. After spring, Wang Yuanzheng's grain is mostly bought as contraband on sea-transport tribute grain ships, which is cheaper than Tianjin."

Chen Xin already knew about Wang Yuanzheng's grain. Managing the tribute grain affairs at Weihai, the contraband bought from the sea-transport tribute ships was naturally cheaper.

Chen Xin nodded and said, "I heard Wang Tingshi has arrived in the capital. He sent someone here yesterday. I reckon he should arrive the day after tomorrow. I'll talk to him, and also make use of Dengzhou's naval forces to help transport the people back when the time comes."

Zhu Daichun's two matters were thus settled. He stood up, saluted, and then withdrew.

After he left, Dong Yu said softly, "My lord, if it's convenient this time, could we also contend for the navy? If His Majesty could grant a naval battalion designation and set the authority to patrol the seas, then the grain and goods of the Jiangnan tribute ships would all have to leave some behind."

Chen Xin couldn't help but laugh. This Dong Yu was quite sharp-minded. Chen Xin had actually been thinking about this from the start. Originally, Wang Yuanzheng and Yang Yun had divided the profits of the maritime tribute grain trade. Now he also wanted a bite. At the very least, the navy would have some regular income and wouldn't have to rely solely on maritime trade for profit every year as it did now.

Chen Xin said approvingly, "Dong Yu, you think a great deal for my Wendeng Battalion and have done well. I have noted this matter."

Dong Yu acknowledged, then reported on the provisions situation. Some grain had now been shipped from the south. Tongzhou was right next to the Grand Canal, so at least there was no shortage of food. As they were speaking, Hai Gouzi suddenly reported loudly from outside, "My lord, Big Brother Liu is here, and Zhou Hongmo is also here. Both have been stopped at the camp gate."

Chen Xin stood up and said, "I'll go receive them immediately. Have Mr. Song come too. Also, from now on, you are not permitted to directly call Garrison Commander Zhou by name." After saying this, Chen Xin suddenly remembered that he himself was now a Mobile Corps Commander. This Zhou Hongmo was the Garrison Commander of Wendeng Battalion. Although he was certainly going to be promoted as well, before his official rank was issued, Chen Xin could be considered his superior. But by official rank, Zhou Hongmo was higher than him. He didn't know whether he should treat Zhou Hongmo as a subordinate or a superior.

Chen Xin didn't delay and hurried to the camp gate. Zhou Hongmo was at the gate, facing Liu Minyou with a face full of flattery, saying something. Liu Minyou seemed somewhat distracted as he responded. Speaking of which, this Zhou Hongmo was pitiable. He was the chief officer of the Wendeng Battalion, yet he was stopped at the gate. He had come out to lobby for an official post; who would carry their waist token with them?

The moment he saw Chen Xin, disregarding all decorum, he ran over and was about to kneel, saying as he did, "My lord Chen is unharmed! Your subordinate was worried to death."

Chen Xin hurriedly supported him with both hands, saying repeatedly, "My lord Zhou, what is this? It's not proper. Your subordinate is still only an acting Guard Commander, far lower in rank than my lord Zhou. Moreover, your subordinate has always received much care from my lord Zhou. Having luckily gained some minor merit, even if truly promoted, I would absolutely never put on airs before you, my lord."

Liu Minyou stood to the side, coldly watching Zhou Hongmo. Seeing Chen Xin, he was actually somewhat emotional. This good friend had fought against the notoriously ferocious Jianzhou Bandits. Seeing him alive with his own eyes, he finally felt relieved. However, looking at Zhou Hongmo's fawning appearance, he truly felt disgusted.

Chen Xin exchanged a few pleasantries with Zhou Hongmo, then came over and said to Liu Minyou in a low voice, "I'll talk with Zhou Hongmo for a while. You go with Hai Gouzi first to get something to eat."

Liu Minyou cursed, "Aren't you going to ask how Zhao Xiang and Lady Zhao are doing? All you're busy with is kissing up to your superiors."

Chen Xin put on a fawning face. "They're just like Brother Liu, destined to live a hundred years. Nothing will happen to them. Handle it according to the priority matrix: urgent first, then important." After saying this, he hurriedly accompanied Zhou Hongmo toward the central army. Behind him, Song Wenxian smiled and bowed to Liu Minyou, then also chased after them.

Along the way, Zhou Hongmo insisted that Chen Xin walk in front. After hearing in Dengzhou that the Wendeng Battalion had achieved merit, he had been as anxious as an ant on a hot pan. He had long wanted to come to the capital to lobby for an official post and secure his rewards, but he also heard that the Jianzhou Bandits were still there. Wanting promotion yet fearing death, he finally heard that the Jianzhou Bandits had gone to Yongping and hurriedly rushed to the capital. Although he had stayed in Laiyang and Zhaoyuan and extracted quite a bit of gold through interrogation, it still couldn't compare to Chen Xin's large influx of income. The silver he could produce wasn't much. Because of the Wendeng Battalion, the officials in the Ministry of War were still polite to him. He found some old connections and prepared to submit a memorial requesting merit for himself, essentially hitching a ride on Chen Xin's coattails. But since he himself hadn't actually achieved merit, how much he was promoted depended on how much silver he spent. He clearly couldn't compare to Yang Guodong, who had plenty of silver and knew how to work people. Yang Guodong not only continuously raised his own asking price, but also instigated a group of gentry from Tongzhou to submit a joint petition, helping to beat the drum for him, wanting not just troop quotas but also grain and pay.

From Zhou Hongmo's inquiries in the capital, Chen Xin was absolutely going to be highly promoted this time. So he eagerly came to see the situation and incidentally see if Chen Xin had any paths to follow.

Chen Xin left Song Wenxian outside and brought Zhou Hongmo into the tent. After the two sat down, Zhou Hongmo offered another round of flattery. He was also a coarse man and couldn't beat around the bush too much. Licking his lips, he asked, "My lord Chen, I wonder exactly how many troops these Jianzhou Bandits still have? Our Great Ming has so many camps just here in Tongzhou. When will we finish off the Jianzhou Bandits?"

How could Chen Xin possibly hand military merit to Zhou Hongmo? He deliberately put on a worried face and said, "My lord Zhou, to be honest with you, there are many relief troops at present, but when it comes to taking the field, everyone passes the buck. The main forces are at Jizhou and Shanhai Pass. Regional Commander Ma wants Zu Dashou to go to Santunying, and Zu Dashou wants Regional Commander Ma to go to Yongping. Both are afraid to leave their walled cities and march. It's obvious that whoever arrives first will take the first slash from the Jianzhou Bandits. Both Regional Commanders are shrewd as can be, and they've been bickering like this with no resolution to this day. His Excellency Sun can't do anything with the two of them either. The Ministry of War just watches helplessly. Now even the Thirty-Six Families of the Kalaqin dare to come to Jizhou on their own to extort money and grain."

Zhou Hongmo's mouth hung open as he stared blankly for a moment before saying, "Haven't some of the Jianzhou Bandits already left? With our great army gathered in clouds, we're still afraid of a single detached force of theirs?"

"The Jianzhou Bandits partially withdrew beyond the pass in the second month, but more have been arriving continuously. They're all Jianzhou Bandits who heard the pass was breached and goods were looted, coming spontaneously to plunder. We simply don't know exactly how many troops there are. I estimate seven or eight thousand at least. The Thirty-Six Families of the Kalaqin are also looting a burning house, running to Jizhou claiming they're helping fight the Jianzhou Bandits, and telling Ma Shilong to hand over silver."

Zhou Hongmo slapped the table and said angrily, "These barbarians, what do they take our Great Ming for? More convenient than visiting their own backyard."

Chen Xin stood up to placate him. "My lord, don't be angry. These Jianzhou Bandits still aren't that easy to fight now. If we suffer another total annihilation, many more officials will be arrested and thrown into prison. I reckon with just this few troops now, none of the lords dare to rashly attack. The Jianzhou Bandits, caught in the middle, are instead raiding in all directions. They've already attacked the Jizhou area several times. Thanks to Mobile Corps Commander Cao's ferocity, he repelled the Jianzhou Bandits. But your subordinate, staying here in Tongzhou, is also terrified at heart. Since the Ministry of War isn't forcing you, my lord Zhou, to fight, avoid it if you can. I, your brother, am hoping for the same."

Zhou Hongmo looked at Chen Xin's expression. Although he spoke politely, he actually had no intention of letting him tag along to earn military merit. Moreover, although Zhou Hongmo appeared rough and bold outwardly, he was originally quite timid. Otherwise, he wouldn't have eagerly transferred from Xuanfu to the Wendeng Battalion back then. Hearing this situation, he also felt some retreat. He regretted not coming along during the relief expedition. Now that Chen Xin had already been promoted, he couldn't suppress him with official rank even if he wanted to.

Chen Xin pretended to be concerned and asked, "My lord Zhou is the chief officer of our Wendeng Battalion. Has the Ministry of War given any rewards?"

Zhou Hongmo sighed and said, "I originally wanted the post of Assistant Regional Commander of Linqing. Now it seems I'm probably still a bit short."

Chen Xin's eyes narrowed. Linqing was a crucial node on the Grand Canal, even more prosperous than Tianjin. It was the next stop south from Tianjin, located in the middle section of the Shandong segment. Its commerce radiated into the Shandong hinterland and Henan. Now that Yang Guodong was at Tongzhou on the northern section of the canal and had already established connections, if Zhou Hongmo went to Linqing as Assistant Regional Commander, it would greatly benefit him.

After thinking for a moment, he said to Zhou Hongmo, "My lord Zhou, rest assured. The Wendeng Battalion is also under my lord Zhou's command. Military merit won't lack your share. However, as for the life-risking matters, your subordinate can handle those."

Zhou Hongmo's eyes lit up. This was exactly the sentence he came to Chen Xin for. As long as Chen Xin slightly shared some military merit with him, there was hope for a two-rank promotion.

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Liu Minyou followed Hai Gouzi and rested in a tent at the central army for quite a while. Two bowls of tea had been changed and Chen Xin still hadn't come. Zhang Erhui listened with rapt attention as Hai Gouzi recounted killing the Tatars. When he heard about killing the Bayara, he was so excited he waved his hands and feet.

Finally, Chen Xin came over and shooed the two attendants out. Before Liu Minyou could even open his mouth, Chen Xin first bowed and saluted, saying, "Minyou, you've come at last. This time you must go see the capital. There are many scenic spots. Has everything at home been well? Are my wife and mother-in-law alright?"

Liu Minyou said irritably, "Your mother-in-law has nearly cried her eyes blind. She insisted I come to persuade you, to tell you not to charge to the front in battle."

Chen Xin chuckled and said, "Of course I won't charge to the front. I'm not a master like Grand Commander Qi or Yu Dayou."

"Are you still fighting? Haven't the Tatars retreated?"

"They're still in Zunhua and Yongping. There's still fighting to be done."

Liu Minyou said worriedly, "I heard from Gouzi that over a hundred died last time. How many more will die if we fight again this time?"

Chen Xin said, "Brother Liu, if you have nothing to do these next few days, you can go see the scenes around Tongzhou. Beizhili has suffered a great calamity this time."

Liu Minyou nodded and said, "I saw it all along the road. South of Zhangjiawan, there were many skeletal remains by the roadside. It should be even worse around the capital."

Chen Xin smiled and said, "Makes you want to go to Taiwan even more? War isn't that scary. Want to come take a look together?"