Chapter 264: The Lvshun Vice Regional Commander

A Flying Tiger banner rose above the east gate tower. Chen Xin smiled smugly — the special duty company could now handle this kind of operation with ease. Zhou Shifa had stayed by his side the whole time; his grasp of this type of special warfare far exceeded that of ordinary officers. The plan he personally drafted was executed jointly by the special duty company and the action team. Li Tao led the team in person, and they seized the east gate at very little cost.

Red figures surged up onto the gate tower in a steady stream. The rebel troops on the northern section of the east wall, finding themselves with no way out, had all surrendered. The Wendeng soldiers on the north wall hurried along the corner toward the east gate barbican. The reserve battalion at Wolong Ridge was already leaving camp and would soon move toward the city gate. Once the east gate fell, the entire situation would come alive.

The Wendeng Battalion had already committed the Second Thousand-Command and the Ninth Company of the Third Command to the east gate, with Dai Zhenggang as the commanding officer. The First Thousand-Command, having suffered some losses at Shenmi Island, was held back as a reserve. The Eighth Company of the Third Command was deployed at Cao Bridge. According to the plan drawn up by the staff officers, after entering the city, the Fifth Command of the reserve battalion at the east gate would serve as the main assault force on Chunshengmen Avenue. The Second Thousand-Command would press the rebels along the city wall, forcing them back across the Hua River. As long as they held the east side of the city, the day's combat mission would be considered complete.

Chen Xin had deliberately sent a letter under Lu Zhi's name precisely to cut off any retreat for the rebel officers seeking amnesty, then press them from east to west, forcing them to withdraw to the southwest. He intended to use the chaos to shatter the existing order in the Dengzhou–Laizhou region. Without enough farmland, Chen Xin could not possibly feed too many people through trade alone. Turmoil would kill people, but Shandong was already overrun with refugees. If the Wendeng Battalion could not take them in, even more would die of starvation and disease.

Chen Xin strolled casually atop the gate tower, Hai Gouzi following behind him like a tail. In battle now, he only needed to set a broad strategic direction. The Intelligence Bureau would provide the terrain around the target, and the commanding officers and staff of each unit would arrange troop strength and choose routes, presenting him with a plan for review and approval.

The troops guarding the gate tower had already been replaced by the Third Company of Zhong Laosi's reserve battalion. Chen Xin nodded to them amiably, every inch the leader. The soldiers grew visibly stirred whenever he passed by. These simple, honest soldiers had been indoctrinated daily with a great deal of loyalty ideology by the training officers. Chen Xin himself was deeply versed in crafting his own image. The authority built up by layer upon layer of institutions, the propaganda and instruction dinned into their ears every single day, and the mystique of glimpsing the man himself so rarely — all of this combined to forge an image of immense authority and stature in the minds of these guileless soldiers.

The battle group's military judge had reported to Chen Xin about Zhong Laosi's contempt for military law. Chen Xin offered no opinion and, once the main army arrived, referred the matter to the chief military judge, Nie Hong, for handling. Zhong Laosi remained at his original post for the time being.

The reserve battalion's rout of the rebels at the north gate this time owed a great deal to luck. Had the rebels not acted in such haste and organizational chaos, the reserve battalion would never have achieved such results. Later, on defense, they could only be used on main streets and atop the city wall, because their long spears were extremely unwieldy in small alleys and lanes. By contrast, each company's fifty-man detachment proved extremely useful, capable of both offense and defense. Urban assault and defense were unavoidable in this era. After the Battle of Luanzhou, the Wendeng Battalion had distilled considerable experience in street fighting, and there was still room for further refinement after this Battle of Dengzhou.

After finishing his performance before the reserve battalion, Chen Xin walked along the barbican wall, pondering as he went whether he had overlooked anything. Only when it was nearly dark did he slowly turn and walk into the gate tower. Inside the hall, the special duty company had already been replaced by the guard unit. Zhou Shifa, with Wang Bingzhong in tow, waited with the utmost deference. The moment Wang Bingzhong saw Chen Xin enter, he hastily dropped to his knees.

Chen Xin took his seat at the head of the room and addressed Wang Bingzhong courteously: "Company Commander Wang, please rise. Your steadfast defense of the north gate is a deed of great merit. Last night, when I met with Lord Lu, I explained Company Commander Wang's situation to him. With such great merit, a Mobile Corps Commander's rank is the least you deserve. Greater responsibilities in the future are only fitting."

Wang Bingzhong knelt on the ground with the utmost respect. After listening, he repeatedly kowtowed. "My lord does not hold this lowly one's momentary lapse against him, but instead grants this lowly one a chance to reform. My lord is the second parent who has given this lowly one new life. In the future, this lowly one will surely serve my lord with all his heart and strength."

Chen Xin raised both hands in a gesture to rise. Only after Wang Bingzhong had stood up, overwhelmed with gratitude, did he continue: "The city remains unsettled for now. Our Wendeng Battalion troops are all tied up guarding against the rebels. Company Commander Wang's men will need to do more. That way, in the future, this official can more easily plead Company Commander Wang's case before Lord Lu."

"My lord need only command; this lowly one will certainly comply."

Seeing Chen Xin's amiable manner, Wang Bingzhong felt much reassured. Yet Chen Xin did not immediately say what needed to be done. He casually bade Wang Bingzhong sit. After taking a sip of tea, Chen Xin said softly, "As for what needs to be done, Lord Zhou will brief you shortly. This official first wishes to ask: on the day the chaos erupted, it is said that Geng Zhongming sent someone to find you, saying he wanted the old brothers from the various islands of Dongjiang to come to Dengzhou and join in the great undertaking?"

"My lord sees clearly. This lowly one merely listened to that Geng Jingcai speak. Brother Zhang heard it too at the time. This lowly one was momentarily confused."

Chen Xin smiled faintly. "No need to worry. This is not about settling scores after the fact. This official means for you to think carefully: with whom in the Dongjiang Garrison might Li Jiucheng have connections?"

Zhou Shifa shot a glance at Wang Bingzhong on the floor and said coldly, "Think carefully before you speak. Do not leave anything out."

A chill ran down Wang Bingzhong's back. Chen Xin's meaning was that he still wanted to drag more people from the Dongjiang Garrison down. He did not know whom Chen Xin wanted to implicate. "Li Jiucheng and Kong Youde are both sworn sons of Marshal Mao. There are many such in the Dongjiang Garrison. Every island officer has old ties with them..." He spoke rapidly while his mind raced. Suddenly, a flash of insight struck him. What Chen Xin wanted was Dengzhou, not Pi Island. Otherwise, he would have left troops stationed there during the Shenmi Island affair. That meant Chen Xin wanted the islands near Dengzhou.

He raised his head and said loudly, "Those with the deepest ties to Li Jiucheng and Kong Youde are none other than the Lvshun Vice Regional Commander Chen Youshi, the Guanglu Island Vice Regional Commander Mao Chenglu, and also..."

Chen Xin beamed. "Then I must trouble Mobile Corps Commander Wang to write a patrol report detailing this matter in full. This official has heard that when Chen Youshi learned of Kong Youde's rebel army approaching, he sent men to break the ice and put to sea. I wonder if Mobile Corps Commander Wang happened to capture them? And thus, forewarned, you were able to join with righteous commoners to hold Zhenhai Gate. That is a deed of great merit."

The moment Wang Bingzhong heard Chen Xin address him as Mobile Corps Commander Wang, immediately followed by a demand to frame someone, his mouth involuntarily gaped. He hastily kowtowed and said, "Precisely so. Only, I wonder about Mao Chenglu..."

Zhou Shifa asked icily, "What does Lord Wang himself think?"

Wang Bingzhong's mind raced again. He was not unaware of his own predicament. Lu Zhi had never come to the prefectural city. Chen Xin effectively held the power of life and death over everyone in the city. Moreover, every word he had spoken earlier could be a lie, merely a test. One slightly wrong answer might result in his being silenced forever.

In truth, he had not figured out Mao Chenglu's connection to this affair. But he had no time. He steeled his heart, raised his head, and said, "Mao Chenglu also sent men to Dengzhou, intending to plot rebellion together with Kong Youde. They were likewise captured by this lowly one. This lowly one is willing to write the patrol report."

Chen Xin stared at Wang Bingzhong without speaking. He did not actually need Mao Chenglu implicated; this was merely a test of Wang Bingzhong. Just as Wang Bingzhong's heart seemed about to leap from his throat, Chen Xin suddenly smiled. "This official has heard of this Mao Chenglu. He can probably still be redeemed. But Chen Youshi occupies a strategic post and has always been arrogant. Mobile Corps Commander Wang, write that patrol report at once. This official can then discuss it with Lord Lu sooner. This matter must not leak. Should Chen Youshi get wind of it, Mobile Corps Commander Wang, your merit will turn into a grave offense."

"This lowly one understands. Understands."

Chen Xin nodded to Zhou Shifa. Zhou Shifa smiled at Wang Bingzhong and said, "Lord Wang, our combat troops have already taken over a thousand rebel soldiers and disorderly civilians prisoner. Among them are many willing to switch sides and turn their coats, and most are Liaodong soldiers. As it happens, Company Commander Wang is also a Liaodong man. Lord Chen's intention is to have them all absorbed into your battalion. When you are later promoted to Mobile Corps Commander, your troop strength will then be sufficient."

Wang Bingzhong froze for a moment, then his face lit up with surprised delight. He knelt again and said, "This lowly officer thanks my lord for the grace of a second life. In the future, should my lord have any command, this lowly one will not so much as furrow his brow, though it be a mountain of blades or a sea of flames."

At that moment, a staff officer entered and reported to Chen Xin in a low voice, "My lord, before nightfall the west gate opened. Cavalry rode out to occupy the hills southwest of the city, and a portion headed for Mount Shimen. Li Jiucheng and the others may intend to leave tonight."

Chen Xin nodded slightly. He stepped forward and helped Wang Bingzhong to his feet. "We military men all serve the nation and share His Majesty's burdens. Just keep those principles in mind. The chaos in the city is not yet settled, and our Wendeng Battalion is short-handed. Take your old and new troops into the city to assist. Zhou Shifa and Zhang Dong will both go with you. Do this well, and your future prospects will be even more boundless..."

Two days later, at the old Wendeng camp area, the Civil Affairs Bureau compound was tense. A group of refugees from Laiyang had fled here today, reporting that many bandits in Laiyang and Qixia had come down from the mountains and were looting everywhere.

The army had all been transferred away, leaving Wendeng itself extremely vulnerable. Liu Minyou sent word to the army while simultaneously appealing to the naval battalion stationed at Weihai for help, urging Ba Zi to bring his men to Wendeng immediately and secure the road to the west.

Throughout the first month of the year, Wendeng had been on alert. As per Chen Xin's requirements, each fortified village had conscripted the strongest of the remaining men to form village defense teams. Old weapons captured in previous battles were distributed. The workshops mobilized male workers, and the literacy classes mobilized student soldiers. None of them had formation combat capability; their primary role was to defend their respective residential areas or be sent to road junctions to inspect suspicious persons — an organization akin to a red guard militia. Only the student soldiers among them could fire cannons and guns and had studied some rough battle formations, giving them greater combat strength than ordinary village households.

With trade routes severed and it being the off-season for farming, there was no major impact for the time being. What worried Liu Minyou was the turmoil dragging on too long. The busy farming season would begin at the end of the second month. What puzzled him even more was how the bandits in Laiyang dared to suddenly emerge en masse.

The west side of Laiyang was flatland; the other three sides were mountainous. The eastern side, near Wendeng, had long been free of bandits. They were mainly concentrated on the northern and southern sides. The northern side bordered Qixia, where they had also been quiet for a long time. Now they actually dared to come out and attack everywhere. Neither Laiyang nor Qixia county seats had any troops at all. The local gentry, however, mostly had some armed forces. Word was that the two sides were fighting quite fiercely.

Liu Minyou could not fathom what exactly was wrong with the Great Ming. Turmoil and mutinies came wave after wave. Pi Island had not yet settled down when Dengzhou erupted in chaos. Compared to the distant Dalinghe, two thousand li away, it was these various forces close at hand that caused greater worry. Although Liu Minyou felt that supporting ten thousand troops with a population of nearly one hundred thousand was an immense strain, at this moment it seemed absolutely necessary.

Mo Huaiwen hurried in from outside, holding a document from the Military Orders Bureau. He reported to Liu Minyou, "Mr. Liu, a document from the Military Orders Bureau, signed and issued by Lord Chen. He requests Civil Affairs to dispatch capable personnel and organize over three thousand laborers from the various fortified villages to go to Dengzhou and transport spoils of war."

Liu Minyou took it and looked. Sure enough, it bore Chen Xin's signature. The general gist was that there was a large amount of captured materiel in Dengzhou. The city was currently in ruins, and some supplies were unsuitable for storage there. It instructed him to send people quickly to receive and transport them back to Wendeng.

"Exactly how much materiel is there?" Liu Minyou asked, looking at Mo Huaiwen. "Lately, we've only been spending on the military. It's been a long time since we've seen any of their spoils."

Mo Huaiwen glanced around and lowered his voice. "The relay rider wasn't clear either. He only said that in the main camp at Mishen Shan alone, there are two to three thousand head of cattle and horses. Cloth, grain, sugar, tobacco, and the like are piled up like mountains. More is being brought into the camp from Dengzhou every day. There's been no time to inventory it yet, but just the silk he saw filled over a dozen tents."

"What!" Liu Minyou sprang to his feet. He paced as he calculated. "Two tents can at least fill one ship. That means we have enough goods for this year's Japan run. How much silver is that? And the cattle and horses..."

He stopped and asked Mo Huaiwen, "More cattle or more horses?"

Mo Huaiwen did not hesitate. "I don't know. The relay rider didn't say."

"Have the fortified villages organize three thousand men at once. You and Xu Yuanhua lead them to Dengzhou. I'll go to Dengzhou first to inspect and verify the spoils. Hmm, what else did the relay rider say? Has Li Jiucheng been captured?"

"He said Dengzhou suffered heavy casualties. Thirty percent of the city's buildings were burned. Li Jiucheng led his troops toward Huangxian. Lord Chen has dispatched Liu Po's army in pursuit."

"He actually let him escape. This Chen Xin... how is Lord Chen fighting? The casualties in the city are still so heavy. And after spending several hundred thousand taels a year on military expenses."

Mo Huaiwen quickly urged, "Li Jiucheng and his men are all fierce troops from the Dongjiang Garrison. It's already remarkable that Lord Chen could drive them back. The relay rider also said that Lord Chen will explain the detailed situation to you personally, sir." He glanced at the doorway and lowered his voice. "Mr. Liu, this lowly one has something to say. I'm not sure if I may speak frankly."

Liu Minyou smiled. "Between you and me, what cannot be said frankly?"

"In the future, sir, it would be best not to complain directly about Lord Chen. Even if... even if you grumble about the Central Military Department or the Military Orders Bureau, that would be better. Now that Lord Chen has won battle after battle, he has become one of the pillars of the Great Ming. In Wendeng, he is at the height of his power. Be it the army, the schools, the workshops, or the fortified villages, many households have erected spirit tablets for Lord Chen and Mr. Liu, enshrining them in their homes. In particular, there are also the Intelligence Bureau and the Propaganda and Instruction Bureau. Any stirrings in the streets are within their grasp. This junior knows that you, sir, and Lord Chen are as close as brothers, and that even arguing face-to-face is a common occurrence. But if certain words were to reach him through others, I fear it might cause misunderstandings among outsiders."

Liu Minyou listened and fell silent for a long moment. Then he nodded to Mo Huaiwen and said, "Huaiwen, your reminder is correct. Now that we have more and more people, our burdens have grown heavier. There are some things I can no longer do just as I'm accustomed to. I'll remember this. Go organize the manpower yourself. You must reach Dengzhou within five days. From what the relay rider described, Dengzhou has suffered a major calamity again. There is an urgent need for resettlement. Chen Xin must be overwhelmed. Draft more capable people. I will leave for Dengzhou first this afternoon."