Chapter 190: The High Official

.. Time slowly passed, and in the blink of an eye it was mid-October. Wendeng was again hit by heavy snowfalls, and the temperature grew ever lower, yet the various base sites of Wendeng Camp still did not halt work. After the autumn grain was harvested in September, Liu Minyou's hands loosened a little. Weihai's soil had grown fertile this year, and the yield reached one shi per mu. Because the land had already been distributed, only two dou per mu were handed over to the civil affairs system. Wendeng Camp's land was distributed only after the autumn harvest. The ten thousand mu of military fields seized the previous year and the nearly ten thousand mu of abandoned civilian fields, totaling twenty thousand mu, yielded an average of one shi and two dou per mu. This year's entire harvest belonged to civil affairs. The settler households who received land were issued rations — one jin per day for adults, half a jin for children — until the spring wheat harvest in May. Aila Bookstore. 26book.

Liu Minyou spun off the civil affairs workshops into an independent entity, setting up a platform for Wendeng Industry, which together with the Four Seas Trading Company formed Wendeng's industrial and commercial structure. Liu Minyou transferred many personnel from the original workshops and counterfeit coin workshop to staff the new factories. In September they had already begun trial production at the old Wendeng Camp, refining the operating procedures. The general stores had already opened for business in all the existing fortified settlements. This time Li Ranzhu was also reassigned to manage the female workers at the most important cigarette factory. The first boatload of tobacco leaves that Zuo Changhao had promised had already been shipped in and stored in the newly built warehouse. The factory building was also completed. Workers from the Jinghai construction site began returning to Wendeng Camp, while the female workers and families selected from the Wendeng refugees began relocating to Jinghai.

Liu Minyou was constantly traveling on business among the three locations of Wendeng Camp, Weihai, and Jinghai, urging progress at each site. The current tobacco stockpile was still small. Zhou Laifu had purchased a batch in Linqing and returned by land. Along the road there were countless tax checkpoints. Although they flew the banner of Wendeng Camp, there were still those who refused to give face, and the cost was extremely high. After Liu Minyou learned of this, he halted subsequent overland shipments and only stockpiled in Linqing and Tianjin. He planned to ship via the Grand Canal to Tianjin after the start of spring, and then by sea to Jinghai.

Meanwhile, Chen Xin drilled the troops without pause. The newly recruited combat soldiers had completed recruit training and were assigned to the various Company Commander units. Chen Xin's land forces reached four thousand men, slightly exceeding his authorized troop quota. Based on the lessons summarized from the experience of the expedition to aid the capital, the staff officers prioritized improving the drill manuals for the killer squads and the peasant long-spearmen. All movements were illustrated. The infantry assembly line was slowly being perfected.

The original Blue Team used the data and experience from Chapter 189 to create a rough exercise model. They prepared to arrange an exercise between the combat troops and two training units to test the rationality of the tactics and organization.

While the two men were so busy their feet barely touched the ground, Song Wenxian was leisurely sitting in a jolting horse cart, traveling on the road from Dengzhou to Wendeng. Ahead of his cart were more carts, along with soldiers from the Dengzhou Personal Battalion. Most of them spoke with a Liaodong accent and rode horses guarding the carts. At the very front were the ceremonial insignia of the Provincial Governor of Dengzhou and Laizhou.

Just then the convoy happened to pass a small river. The carts ahead stopped, and Song Wenxian hurried to the front. He said before Sun Chengzong's sedan chair, "My lord, not far past Mount Ai is Wendeng. We will certainly arrive today."

The sedan curtain pulled open, revealing a slightly plump face. He narrowed his eyes and looked around, then said with a serene expression, "Very good. Then I shall not stop here. Let us continue on our way."

As soon as he finished speaking, the cart began moving. Song Wenxian headed back toward his own cart. On the way he saw Lu Zhi's sedan chair. That young eunuch gave Song Wenxian a polite smile. Song Wenxian immediately stayed beside the young eunuch and quietly slipped him a silver ingot, saying in a low voice, "Young Master Zhang, how does Eunuch Lu feel about that courtyard and the people?"

The young eunuch pocketed the silver and slowed his pace, falling behind the cart. Only then did he say quietly, "The courtyard is nothing special. Eunuch Lu is utterly smitten with that young singing boy. Every night he must hold him to sleep. You tell me, your Lord Chen really knows how to handle matters, and even his subordinates like you are so capable. I won't even mention the Zhang Dahuo brothers in the capital. Mr. Song, you handled this matter truly beautifully."

Song Wenxian turned his head and said, "Young Master Zhang, what are you saying? For a close attendant of His Majesty like Eunuch Lu, what pleasure it must be to stay in a place as fine as the Forbidden City. Who would have thought he could so share His Majesty's burdens, coming out to this hardship in Dengzhou and Laizhou? Such a heart of loyalty to the sovereign and devotion to the country — how many can compare?" …

Young Master Zhang sighed. "Who says it isn't so? On this trip out, the Wei River in Tianjin froze over early. Eunuch Lu, worried about the errand, insisted on coming by land. Ah, you tell me, it's worn me out."

Song Wenxian sighed deeply and lavishly praised the two of them. Young Master Zhang added, "Mr. Song, just from you subordinates, one can tell Lord Chen is no ordinary man. Early this year I was of meager fortune and did not get to meet the General. The storytellers at Tianqiao say he is eight chi tall. Is that true?"

Song Wenxian stifled a laugh and was about to explain when the sound of hoofbeats came from ahead. A group of cavalry, arrayed four riders per row in strict formation, came head-on. At their lead was an officer in a military official's uniform. He dismounted before the governor's insignia, knelt on the ground, and said loudly, "Your subordinate, Assistant Regional Commander of Wendeng Camp, Dongjiang Garrison, Chen Xin, pays respects to Lord Sun."

Sun Yuanhua loudly ordered the groom to stop and stepped down from the cart. He was rather tall and, like the typical civil official, wore a long beard. His bearing was very gentle. He came before Chen Xin and personally helped him up. After looking him over, he said with a smile, "I missed meeting General Chen during the battle of the four cities. The Grand Coordinator later could not stop praising the General and Wendeng Camp, and so too did several of the Grand Secretaries in the Cabinet. Since arriving in Wendeng, I have been busy reorganizing the Dengzhou Garrison and the Dongjiang Garrison. As soon as I finished, I hurried over, and it happens to be convenient to deliver the autumn pay along the way."

Chen Xin expressed his gratitude profusely. Sun Yuanhua then introduced the other members of his retinue one by one. First was Lu Zhi. Although Lu Zhi's post in the Directorate of Palace Attendants was not of official rank, his authority as Army Supervisor was great. He was close to the Emperor, and his memorials were sometimes more effective than the governor's. This Lu Zhi was actually of striking appearance — tall and fair-complexioned — but when he opened his mouth, it was with a shrill voice.

He said with a smile to Sun Yuanhua, "Lord Sun, I and General Chen have met before. Wendeng Camp defended the Desheng Gate, and those Jianzhou bandits could only retreat in the face of difficulty. I have heard some officers are jealous in their hearts, saying only that General Chen is a military brute who relies on brute force. I, however, do not agree."

Chen Xin came forward again to kowtow and pay his respects. Lu Zhi had been Superintendent of the Nine Gates at the time, and they had no personal connection then. But Song Wenxian had been busy in Dengzhou — houses, silver, women, all had been gifted, even young singing boys. Every gift suited Lu Zhi's tastes perfectly, giving Lu Zhi an excellent impression of Chen Xin.

On Sun Yuanhua and Zhang Keda's side, everything had likewise been properly arranged according to official protocol early on. This Sun Yuanhua was Zhou Yanru's man. Zhou Yanru was not yet Senior Grand Secretary, but given his credentials as a young Top Graduate and his age, it was only a matter of time. Moreover, Zhou Yanru and Chen Xin's patron Wen Tiren were currently allies. In the end, both men would be recorded in the Biographies of Treacherous Ministers.

Chen Xin also kowtowed and paid respects to Zhang Keda. Then Sun Yuanhua introduced his other staff officers. The first was Zhang Dao, Advisor Mobile Corps Commander of Guanglu Island. Although Advisor Mobile Corps Commander was a military post, it did not involve commanding troops, functioning rather like a staff officer. Sun Yuanhua said to Chen Xin, "Mobile Corps Commander Zhang has twice traveled to Macao to recruit Portuguese and has shipped back two batches of red-barbarian cannons. He is particularly skilled in the sighting methods of red-barbarian cannons. He is a rare talent in our Great Ming."

Chen Xin did not put on airs. He steadied Zhang Dao and would not let him perform the full salute. Sun Yuanhua looked at Zhang Dao with full appreciation. Chen Xin had no impression of this Zhang Dao, but historically this man was indeed highly skilled with red-barbarian cannons and had deep friendships with men like Lu Ruohan and Gonçalo Teixeira in Macao.

Then Sun Yuanhua beckoned and called over two military officers wearing armor. One could not tell how many layers of cotton armor they wore; their bodies were bulging. "General Chen, this is Mobile Corps Commander of the Personal Battalion, Kong Youde."

The two exchanged salutes. Chen Xin finally saw this great traitor. Kong Youde was big and burly, with a head larger than an ordinary man's. His face was covered in a full beard, utterly unkempt. He insisted on kneeling and said to Chen Xin, "Lord Chen killed so many of those Jianzhou bandits, avenging a great wrong for old Kong here. But it's not fully avenged yet. In the future, I ask Lord Chen to give more guidance on troop training methods."

Chen Xin hurriedly exchanged courtesies. Sun Yuanhua sighed and said, "They originally all came from the Dongjiang Garrison, earliest of all as miners in Dongshan. When they rose up, the circumstances were most heroic and tragic. When I heard the news back then, I could not help but wring my hands. They only came to seek refuge with me this year. These Liaodong people have been hacking through thorns and brambles for ten years. Truly they have suffered." …

Chen Xin studied Sun Yuanhua's expression. It was indeed full of pity, very empathetic. It seemed he was perhaps slightly lacking in decisiveness and a stern, lethal edge.

Next Sun Yuanhua introduced another military officer to him. Chen Xin had originally thought it would be Geng Zhongming, but it turned out to be a man named Li Jiucheng, also from the Dongjiang Garrison. He was now a Company Commander in the Personal Battalion, serving as an escort. His face was full of murderous intent. Chen Xin had never heard of this man either and merely exchanged polite salutes. Even when Li Jiucheng smiled, it looked awkward — his face was truly covered in brutish flesh.

After Sun Yuanhua finished the introductions, he grabbed Chen Xin's hand and said loudly to Kong Youde, "Since General Chen has come so far to welcome us, let's not dawdle. Find a horse. I shall ride alongside General Chen."

Kong Youde responded with an "Aye," turned around, and dragged a cavalryman off his horse. He personally helped Sun Yuanhua mount, then walked ahead leading the horse. Song Wenxian kept Lu Zhi company, still riding in the horse cart.

As they traveled, Sun Yuanhua chatted idly with Chen Xin, mostly asking about troop training matters. He was very interested in the organization of Chen Xin's matchlock soldiers, especially the use of all-firearm detachments, but he seemed rather unimpressed with the killer squads that Qi Jiguang had developed.

Most of Chen Xin's combat troops were trained according to the Practical Record of Military Training, with only the organization and drill manuals improved. Seeing that Sun Yuanhua paid little mind to cold weapons, he had originally wanted to offer a reminder, but his gaze flickered to Kong Youde leading the horse ahead, and he swallowed his words back.

Next Sun Yuanhua spoke to him about the matter of military pay. Wendeng Camp's autumn pay was all to be issued according to the Guanning Army standard. Sun Yuanhua naturally hinted that it was all thanks to his efforts. Chen Xin put on a grateful expression. What subordinate doesn't like a leader who can secure funds? If it was according to the Guanning Army standard, an ordinary soldier got one tael and five mace, a retainer two taels and four mace. Chen Xin had reported five hundred retainers, which would total seventy-two thousand taels a year. Each soldier also got five dou of grain in kind. This would improve his financial situation somewhat. Of course, this silver could not be entirely kept; the "gifts" to various superiors would have to increase a bit.

After expressing his thanks, Chen Xin said to Sun Yuanhua, "My lord has shown this subordinate so much favor. This humble man should be content, but I truly itch with desire for one thing and cannot help but speak of it. I pray my lord will not take offense."

"General Chen, please speak freely."

"This subordinate has always most enjoyed pondering firearms, especially red-barbarian cannons. During the battle of the four cities, the Guanning Army's red-barbarian cannon unit was awe-inspiring in all directions. When this subordinate inquired, I learned it was a cannon unit that you, my lord, had honed. At that moment I felt you, my lord, were a divine being."

Sun Yuanhua originally loved studying these things most of all. Chen Xin had hit upon his favorite topic. Sun Yuanhua's spirits were roused. His eyes shining, he stared at Chen Xin, completely unlike that image of a steady civil official. He said, "For General Chen to have such foresight is truly rare. The red-barbarian cannon is a tool of the army and the state. Once this tool appears, all else is not worth discussing. However, the casting of red-barbarian cannons is truly difficult. When casting, the proportions of copper and tin, the heat of the iron smelting, the thickness of the inner and outer diameters, the tapering of the front and rear bores, the weight of the shot and powder — all are matters of learning. In the second year of the Tianqi reign, I was ordered by Grand Secretary Sun to cast cannons. I cast three in a row, and all three burst. Harmony — a hair's breadth off, a thousand li astray…"

Chen Xin had read The Western Treatise on the Divine Fire Assault Weapon and kept asking questions at just the right moments. Sun Yuanhua talked on and on and soon came to regard Chen Xin as a kindred spirit. Chen Xin then seized the opportunity to ask for Portuguese instructors. Sun Yuanhua, in his delight, immediately agreed to send three men to assist.

The two of them chatted happily. Behind them, Song Wenxian kept company beside Lu Zhi's cart, also comporting himself most appropriately. But within Chen Xin's personal guard unit, two pairs of cold, gloomy eyes were fixed on Sun Yuanhua's direction.

Zhou Shifa had been staring at Kong Youde from under the brim of his hat. He said to Zhang Dong, who had been called over on short notice, "Have you got a clear look? This man is one of the targets the lord has instructed us about. After we reach Dengzhou, find out everything about his situation."

Zhang Dong slightly lowered his head and replied, "My lord, a mark I've seen, I've never forgotten."