Chapter 203: Chaos Erupts

Most of Pi Island is rolling mountainous terrain. The island has a large population, home to tens of thousands of people. Looking out, the hillsides are covered with crooked, ramshackle huts. Here and there on the slopes stand a few officers' residences, towering above their surroundings like cranes among chickens.

Walking among the island's motley assortment of houses, the two intelligence agents soon found an opening and vanished into the crowd. The shop assistant spent two fish to slip into an unlicensed brothel, while Zhang Dong continued exploring the island alone. Ever since the second year of Chongzhen, the period just before and after the spring thaw had always been the hardest time for Dongjiang Town. Everywhere he looked, he saw destitute and desperate islanders. Corpses of those who had starved to death lined the roadsides. It was hard to imagine that this place had once been the Dongjiang Town that dominated Liaodong.

Such scenes held no novelty for Zhang Dong. He had seen far worse during his early years at Thirteen Mountains. Many people on the road carried weapons. Zhang Dong did his best to keep his expression mild. He strolled leisurely to the island's western side. After crossing an open, empty stretch of land, several figures suddenly approached head-on, and Zhang Dong's hand moved instinctively to the knife handle hidden in his sleeve.

The money-rat-tail queue and the thin mustache of only a dozen or so hairs above the lip — Zhang Dong had a very deep impression of this style of dress. He narrowed his eyes but noticed that the Han people of Dongjiang around him paid them no heed whatsoever. Zhang Dong immediately resumed his mild expression. He recalled that there were indeed Jurchen on Pi Island. Most were trusted followers who had surrendered along with Liu Xingzuo, and some were Jurchen from the Haixi Yehe and other tribes. Their hatred for the Jianzhou bandits was no less than that of the Han people.

During Nurhaci's rise, many other Jurchen tribes had been wiped out by them. Their methods had been no more merciful than those used against the Han, and the mutual hatred ran deep. After surrendering, it often took a long period of assimilation before they could be converted into Later Jin strength. Once absorbed into the Later Jin system, they had to bear heavy military service and taxes. The old chieftain had no real benefits to offer them. Fortunately, by continuously plundering the Great Ming, he could grant them spoils with each victory while cultivating their loyalty. Even so, Liu Xingzuo had still managed to lead away quite a few Jurchen, and sporadic defections were not uncommon. If the Ming army had not suffered defeat after defeat, internal conflicts within the Later Jin would inevitably have multiplied. In fact, if they were ever prevented from seizing loot, chaos would break out among them sooner or later.

Zhang Dong cursed under his breath. He was cursing Lord Xiong and Lord Wang of Guangning. With such favorable conditions, they had allowed the Jianzhou bandits to take Guangning without a fight, causing the complete collapse of the Liaodong situation.

The several Jurchen were conversing with each other in Chinese as they brushed past Zhang Dong, discussing trivial, everyday matters. Further along the road, Zhang Dong spotted two more groups of Jurchen. This was the western side of the island. Crossing the sea to the west lay the great land of Liaodong, and nearby was the sphere of influence of Liu Xingzhi and his faction.

Zhang Dong's clothing was far more presentable than that of the vast majority of islanders, making him somewhat conspicuous here. Upon reaching the western side, he clearly sensed the hostility of the people there toward him. He had already noticed someone tailing him. Zhang Dong pretended ignorance and walked on a bit further. He saw groups of men who looked like household retainers standing guard at intervals along the road. Zhang Dong guessed they were on alert against Huang Long's and Shen Shikui's men. Not daring to linger and risk getting caught in the crossfire, he calmly asked a few islanders if they had any furs or ginseng to sell, told them he was from a trading company, gave them the address, and told them to bring their goods there to sell. Then he turned and headed back.

After reaching the southern part of the island, Zhang Dong pretended to haggle with two unlicensed prostitutes and discovered that someone was still following him. He couldn't help feeling puzzled. He was clearly a stranger who had already revealed his identity — why would the other party still be so cautious, so determined to investigate his background?

Zhang Dong grinned cheekily as he negotiated a price with a thin, frail woman, his hands wandering over her body, but his mind was calculating whether he should seize the person tailing him for interrogation. After some thought, he dismissed the idea. The situation on the island was delicate, and he was alone and outnumbered — better not to stir up trouble. He figured the person behind him only wanted to confirm he was not a threat. He simply followed the woman inside and had his fun. When he came out, the tail had indeed left.

On his way back to his lodgings, Zhang Dong saw more people hurrying along with weapons than before, and the watchful glances were more numerous. Zhang Dong did not know what had happened. After returning to his quarters, he stayed indoors, waiting for feedback from the two intelligence agents while casually chatting with the two shop assistants the trading company kept stationed on Pi Island. Both assistants had been raised plump and fair — an anomaly on Pi Island, which showed they were treated quite well here.

After the sky darkened, Zhang Dong paced ceaselessly in the courtyard, occasionally going to the gate to observe the situation outside. The sound of hurried footsteps rushing past came continuously from outside. Having spent years in a business where he licked blood from his knife, he possessed a special sensitivity to danger. His observations on Pi Island that day had left him with an uneasy feeling the entire time.

Just then, a rhythmic knocking sounded at the door. Zhang Dong strode over quickly and opened it. One of the intelligence agents hurried in. This agent had originally belonged to Liu Xingzhi's faction. With a trace of anxiety, he said, "Accountant, something seems off today. After noon, many officers' household retainers were summoned. A fellow villager of mine serves as a retainer for Assistant Regional Commander Li Dengke. Li Dengke is one of Liu Xingzhi's men and was summoned before noon. According to that fellow villager's family, the other retainers were all summoned too."

Zhang Dong said thoughtfully, "I went to the harbor again just now. Most of the retainers from each household have withdrawn, leaving only ordinary battalion soldiers on guard."

There was another round of knocking. The second intelligence agent had also returned. He had originally been one of Shen Shikui's subordinates and still had many relatives and friends on the island. He too had obtained some information. "My lord, Shen Shikui's and Shen Zhixiang's household retainers were all assembled in one place today. Around the Shen residence, it's relaxed on the surface but tight within. Some huts already have soldiers hidden inside. The surrounding area is under strict inspection of all comings and goings. I almost didn't make it out."

"Any movement from Huang Long's side?"

"Unclear. But when I passed by Huang Long's official residence on my way back, that street was already blocked off."

A cold gleam flickered in Zhang Dong's eyes. From the current situation, it looked as if another clash on Pi Island was imminent. The island was only so big, everyone's connections were intertwined, and they were constantly on guard against each other — complete secrecy was impossible. Zhang Dong hadn't expected such good luck: he'd only just arrived on his first day, and a grand show was already about to begin.

Zhang Dong took out his short gun and began loading it. "Any idea what the cause is?"

The two intelligence agents exchanged glances and finally said, "Unclear. My cousin serves as a squad commander under Shen Shikui. He only heard that Liu Xingzhi plans to seize Pi Island and defect to the Jianzhou bandits, trading it for his official post and his family. The news only spread after noon. But it's not certain that a fight will actually break out. Things like this have happened several times before."

Zhang Dong recalled the person who had tailed him. Given such extreme caution, Liu Xingzhi was very likely to make a move. He said to the two men, "Once chaos erupts, we must get to the harbor first. Getting aboard a ship is the priority."

The two intelligence agents actually relaxed upon hearing this. Leaving this place would be best. Zhang Dong went back inside and found the trading company's chief, telling him about the situation. The chief laughed heartily and told Zhang Dong that things were like this all the time here — today you hit me, tomorrow I hit you. If a day went by without a fight, that would be abnormal.

Zhang Dong didn't care either way. He had said what needed to be said, and with so little intelligence, he himself wasn't certain. He had no concern for whether these trading company people lived or died.

The trading company people chatted and laughed for a while, then each returned to their rooms, blew out the lamps, and went to sleep. The entire courtyard was soon pitch black, so dark you couldn't see your hand in front of your face.

Zhang Dong naturally did not rest. If a surprise attack was coming, nighttime was the best time. He still trusted his instincts. He had the two intelligence agents bring a ladder, and the three of them quietly climbed onto the roof. Their residence was on flat ground near the harbor. Looking out from the rooftop, beneath the blue-black canopy of the sky stretched an unbroken range of ink-dark mountain silhouettes. A few points of light had appeared on the mountainside but were gradually extinguished one after another.

In the quiet night, the distant sound of waves gently lapping the shore could be heard, and occasionally a few barks of dogs came from the hills. The March night was still very cold. All three wore thick padded coats. One intelligence agent said in a low voice, "Accountant, it's almost midnight. I doubt anything will happen."

Zhang Dong's eyes glittered in the darkness. Though the surroundings were very quiet, the sense of danger in his heart grew more and more distinct. "Don't be impatient."

The words had barely left his lips when a firework shot up from the mountainside with a whoosh, trailing a long tail of flame that tore through the night sky, finally bursting in the air with a bang, illuminating the faintly excited faces of Zhang Dong and the others.

Countless torches flared to life simultaneously on the mountainside and at the mountain's base. Battle cries merged into a single roar. At least nearly a thousand men had been mobilized, attacking from west to east. Without a doubt, these were Liu Xingzhi's men.

Zhang Dong had no time to observe in detail. He immediately sent one intelligence agent to wake everyone and tell them to retreat toward the harbor. Zhang Dong stepped onto the roof ridge and looked toward the flatland to the west. Fires had been lit there as well. It seemed Liu Xingzhi also intended to seize the harbor, giving himself the option to advance or retreat. Otherwise, if the situation turned against him, he would only be able to evacuate a small number of people. If the situation favored him, Liu Xingzhi could also prevent Shen Shikui and Huang Long from escaping.

Gongs and drums sounded from various points on the mountain, and more torches flared to life. These men were moving from east to west — definitely Shen Shikui's or Huang Long's forces. A smile tugged at the corner of Zhang Dong's mouth. These two had also been prepared well in advance; otherwise, their reaction would not have been so swift.

The sound of slaughter shook the heavens on the mountain. Some huts were set ablaze in the fighting, sending up numerous tongues of flame that began spreading to the surrounding area. By the increasingly bright firelight, Zhang Dong could see countless figures locked in combat everywhere. As various weapons swung, they left bright trails in the air. Meanwhile, even more ordinary civilians were fleeing in all directions, their hoarse, desperate shrieks clearly audible even at the foot of the mountain.

The remaining intelligence agent saw Zhang Dong standing motionless on the roof ridge and said anxiously, "Accountant, the trading company people are already up. We should go with them."

Zhang Dong did not turn his head. "Tell them to leave immediately. I'll wait a moment. Don't worry — Liu Xingzhi is unlikely to come out ahead."

He had just finished speaking when he saw a cluster of torchlight appear on the mountaintop, roughly two or three hundred torches. They did not join the battle on the mountainside but instead charged down from the peak. They were likely coming to pincer Liu Xingzhi.

"Liu Xingzhi has lost. It seems he falls far short of his elder brother." Zhang Dong reached his conclusion immediately. The intelligence agent had also seen the torchlight on the mountaintop. They were clearly Huang Long's or Shen Shikui's men, who had been lying in ambush on the peak early on, waiting only for Liu Xingzhi's men to become entangled in the melee. Their move now was probably because they had located Liu Xingzhi's position.

"Accountant, I think Liu Xingzhi isn't bad either. It's just that he's spent too much time doing underhanded things, so everyone is on guard against him. Naturally, his schemes don't work as well anymore."

Zhang Dong smiled, no longer interested in watching. He went to the ladder, gripped the sides with both hands, and slid down nimbly. The courtyard gate was wide open. The trading company people had just left. Outside the gate, common folk were everywhere, weeping and wailing, running around like headless flies. Zhang Dong, accompanied by the two intelligence agents, walked calmly out the main gate. To the west, flames shot skyward, and the sounds of slaughter and agonized screams carried continuously.

The two intelligence agents kept guard on either side as they accompanied Zhang Dong to the harbor. The three soon reached a cluster of huts outside the harbor. Just as Zhang Dong approached, he heard the agonized cry of the trading company chief. He rushed forward a few steps and saw, behind one of the huts, two soldiers blocking the trading company chief. One held a torch, while the other was about to bring a blade down on him. Zhang Dong moved with lightning speed, bursting out of the darkness and flashing past the soldier raising the blade. The sharp short Japanese sword held reverse-gripped in his left hand had already slit that soldier's throat. The other soldier holding the torch stared wide-eyed. Before he could cry out, Zhang Dong, man and blade together, crashed into his chest, slamming him against the wooden fence behind with a thud. Zhang Dong's left hand slowly twisted the knife handle while his right hand covered the soldier's mouth, all the while coolly observing the surroundings. The soldier convulsed ceaselessly until he went still. Zhang Dong pressed the corpse down onto the fallen torch, and before long, a charred stench rose from it.

The moment they saw the soldiers were dead, the trading company assistants who had been hiding nearby all ran out. The trading company chief had been scared out of half his wits. He gasped for a long while before finally realizing it was Zhang Dong who had come. As if grasping at a life-saving straw, he said urgently, "Mr. Zhang, there are so many people fighting and killing over at the harbor. We can't get through."

Zhang Dong craned his neck to look. The harbor had also become a tangled battlefield. Over a hundred figures were locked in combat around the harbor area, and dozens of dead and wounded already lay on the ground. The continuous twang of bowstrings came from that direction — several Jurchen were firing arrows without pause. Zhang Dong pressed a hand down on the trading company chief's shoulder and said quietly, "We'll wait until they've nearly finished each other off before heading over." He turned his head to look west. The sounds of fierce fighting there were still intense, but they had not drawn any closer than before. Clearly, Liu Xingzhi was being held off, so Zhang Dong was in no hurry.

The slaughter at the harbor was extremely fierce. Liu Xingzhi's side was at a disadvantage. Nearly all of his close-combat fighters were dead, leaving only a few archers. Among the figures, Zhang Dong spotted Shang Keyi. He was loudly directing his soldiers, using several enemy corpses as shields in front as they charged straight at the archers. They quickly forced the few bowmen into a thatched hut. Soldiers soon threw torches onto it, turning the hut into a blazing pyre.

Shang Keyi's face was twisted into a ferocious mask. He swung his large blade, hacking ceaselessly at Liu Xingzhi's wounded soldiers on the ground, emitting guttural shouts. The trading company people were frozen in terrified silence. Seeing that they had entered a killing frenzy, Zhang Dong didn't dare try to greet an acquaintance at this moment. After finishing his hacking, Shang Keyi shouted orders and led his men off toward the west, leaving behind some soldiers to guard the docks.

Zhang Dong looked closely. Two of the men were the very household retainers he had chatted with that morning. He immediately strode over and greeted them loudly. The two men sized him up, then waved him through. Zhang Dong quickly pressed two silver ingots into their hands and had the trading company people board the ship. The sailors on the Wendeng vessel were all up. They had set up a plank at the bow and stood guard there, weapons in hand.

As soon as they saw the trading company people, they hurriedly extended the gangplank to let them board. They were the first to pull away from shore. Once they were ten paces from the bank, everyone on board let out a collective sigh of relief. They were finally safe.

After Shang Keyi left, many people who had been hiding nearby saw that there were not many soldiers left and rushed out toward the harbor to seize boats. The soldiers kept driving them back with blades and spears, but they couldn't hold back the overwhelming numbers. Many still charged through. Later, many of those rushing forward were also armed with blades and spears. Unable to stop them, the soldiers simply withdrew to one side and guarded only a few warehouses.

The crowd at the harbor swelled. Some who had boarded ships were frantically trying to cast off, while those who hadn't boarded were hauling on the mooring lines to prevent them from leaving. A cacophony of voices rose as chaos erupted everywhere. People were constantly being shoved into the water, sending up splash after splash.

Shang Keyi's men soon returned to the harbor. They hacked and slashed at the people scrambling for boats. In the end, only five vessels managed to cast off. The people on those boats wept loudly. The trading company chief had by now regained some of his composure. He ordered the boat rowed over and told those people they could go to Weihai and sell their boats to the trading company at a discount. Many who had fallen into the water were swimming toward the boats. The sailors drove them off with bamboo poles, telling them to head for the other vessels.

Zhang Dong stood at the bow, gazing at Pi Island. Smoke billowed over the island, and flames flickered. The sounds of battle at the mountain's base had ceased. Countless fires blazed on the mountainside, and numerous figures could be seen chasing and fighting among them. The battlefield was shifting westward, a clear sign that Liu Xingzhi was on the losing side.

Gusts of sea wind blew past. The fires on the mountain merged into vast sheets of flame, burning straight up toward the peak. The sounds of thousands upon thousands of cries for help and wails of despair were carried on the wind to their ears, unbearable to hear. The trading company chief asked Zhang Dong, his voice trembling, "Mr. Zhang, what... what should we do now?"

"The first priority: send a boat back to Weihai immediately and inform the lord of what has happened here. Liu Xingzhi dared to make such a big move without leaving himself any retreat. I believe he must be in collusion with the Jianzhou bandits. It's very possible the Jianzhou are already waiting on some stretch of coastline."