Chapter 297: Confrontation

The next day, Chen Xin and Wang Tingshi arrived at Laizhou. The administrative seat of Laizhou Prefecture was Yexian. This prefect, it must be said, was quite formidable. His name was Zhu Wannian. The city had not fallen to Kong Youde's forces because Zhu Wannian had a very effective approach and extremely strong organizational skills.

He ordered the entire city, divided by streets and lanes, to conduct a thorough search for spies. Every ten households formed one placard unit. The local gentry and village elders took the lead in entering homes to investigate and compile registers. If one person was missed, all ten households shared the punishment. Anyone with a Liaodong accent was either arrested or expelled from the city. Even fierce men like Wu Jianzhong ultimately had no choice but to flee in panic.

Compared to Dengzhou, Zhu Wannian's organizational ability was superior; he never struck blindly. Not only were the city's defenses fully stocked, but even spies and fire prevention were considered. Every household was required to place a large water vat in front of their door. Each ten-household placard unit had to prepare five hemp fire beaters and five fire hooks. If a fire broke out in a placard unit, only that unit could fight it; anyone else coming to help would be treated as a spy. After the entire city's placard registration was complete, each civilian household contributed one able-bodied man. The city battlements were then numbered, and the able-bodied men were assigned to defend corresponding sections, with registers compiled and recorded. Responsibilities were extremely clear.

Wealthy households contributed grain and money. Because of the tragic situation in places like Xincheng, the prominent gentry donated enthusiastically. The prefect raised sufficient funds and provisions. Motivated by these supplies, and fighting to defend their own homes, Laizhou united with a single will. After Li Jiucheng's mutiny, he passed outside the city twice, but both times had to retreat in the face of difficulty.

Historically, this Zhu Wannian held out for months against tens of thousands of Dengzhou rebel troops. Kong Youde even brought several red-barbarian cannons, but still could do nothing against Laizhou. The city not only defended steadily, but also repeatedly lowered men down the walls to launch sneak attacks, inflicting considerable casualties on the rebel forces.

Li Jiucheng, learning nothing good, imitated the Jianzhou bandits and besieged the city. The siege lasted until the seventh day of the seventh month without success. Finally, Li Jiucheng again played the trick of offering amnesty. The Provincial Governor Xie Lian, greedy for merit, took Zhu Wannian out of the city to accept the surrender. The moment they went out, they were captured. The rebels marched Zhu Wannian to the base of the wall and forced him to shout for the gates to open. Instead, Zhu Wannian told the common people to defend the city well and not be fooled. In the end, he was killed.

The people, moved by this man's kindness, steadfastly defended the city. The rebels were never able to capture Laizhou and withdrew after the imperial court's main army arrived. The siege lasted a full six and a half months. Later, the saying arose: "Laizhou forged of iron, Dengzhou pasted of paper."

Zhu Wannian was not a well-known figure. In his previous life, Chen Xin had never heard of his deeds, nor did he know that he had, in fact, saved Zhu Wannian's life. What Chen Xin did know was that the area around Laizhou Prefecture remained the territory of the gentry, their most stable stronghold.

Chen Xin had not been very active in Laizhou before and had an ordinary relationship with this prefect. This time, because Laizhou's city defenses were solid, Li Jiucheng and his men tested it briefly and realized it could not be taken. They turned to plundering the nearby countryside. Most of the wealthy households and gentry escaped disaster, so the local ecosystem remained unchanged from before. The Wendeng Battalion could find few cracks to exploit. Although the attack and defense of Laizhou was far less brutal than in history, Zhu Wannian performed admirably during this crisis, which counted as merit in defending the city. His prestige in Laizhou soared to the heavens. This balanced out the blame for the fall of Pingdu, and he retained his original post.

The Foreign Affairs Department visited once in the third month. Zhu Wannian did receive them, but he did not take Chen Xin's people very seriously, merely exchanging polite formalities according to official convention.

After the large-scale establishment of fortified villages began in the fourth month, many gentry in the Dengzhou countryside came under attack. Quite a few of them had marriage ties or long-standing friendships with people on the Laizhou side, and they fled one after another to Laizhou to seek refuge with relatives and friends to escape the storm.

Meanwhile, more and more Wendeng village households arrived in Pingdu Department. The first batch of completed fortified villages began absorbing local tenant farmers into the forts, showing every sign of swallowing Pingdu in one gulp. In the Laizhou countryside, there was a feeling of an impending storm.

Sensing something was wrong, the rural gentry of Laizhou Prefecture pooled contributions and collectively petitioned the prefect, asking him to stand up for the people of Laizhou. Although Zhu Wannian was a good fighter and a man of great loyalty, he still accepted what he was supposed to accept, and once he accepted it, he had to act.

He also knew the relationship between Wang Tingshi and Chen Xin, and that Chen Xin had just rendered great service. He did not go to extremes right away. First, he sent a letter to Wang Tingshi, requesting that Wang Tingshi restrain the Wendeng Battalion and the Liaodong troops under Geng Zhongming, while hinting that he would directly submit an impeachment memorial.

Today, Chen Xin and Wang Tingshi were passing through. Zhu Wannian was Wang Tingshi's subordinate, so receiving them was obligatory. Moreover, Wang Tingshi needed to stop over briefly, lest people mistakenly think he was dissatisfied with this subordinate.

Wang Tingshi and his party met Zhu Wannian at Wulipu, north of Yexian. Zhu Wannian, wearing the fourth-rank civil official's robe and looking very refined, had come specially to a pavilion at Wulipu to welcome his superior. Accompanying him was a crowd of gentry, many of whom were former officials of various ranks now retired to the countryside. Some of them even knew Wang Tingshi.

When Chen Xin saw that group of officials, he dismounted early, handed his horse to Hai Gouzi, and moved aside to the roadside, leaving Wang Tingshi alone to go forward and meet the officials.

Zhu Wannian stood in place, bowed, and said, "Your subordinate, Laizhou Prefect Zhu Wannian, pays respects to Your Excellency."

Zhu Wannian did not kneel. In the Ming Dynasty, kneeling rituals were not performed casually. Subordinates reporting to superiors within a ministry or department were required to kneel. But between officials without a direct subordinate relationship, kneeling was only required if the rank difference was four grades or more. If there was no specific matter, one did not need to kneel; a simple bow sufficed, unless you happened to have business to report, in which case kneeling was required.

According to the Collected Statutes of the Ming, local administrative officials did not kneel when meeting regional inspectors or censors. In the eighth year of the Jiajing reign, a special edict was issued that prefects must not kneel when meeting regional inspectors and censors. Although Wang Tingshi was a Provincial Governor, his substantive post was Censor of the Chief Surveillance Bureau. Therefore, Zhu Wannian was entirely justified in not kneeling to him, and it also conformed to the court's established regulations.

Of course, by the late Ming, any system could be altered beyond recognition. In the early Ming, when civil and military officials of the same rank walked together, the military officer stood in the middle when receiving salutes. Now, let alone the middle, they were not even worthy of walking side by side. The same was true among civil officials. Low-ranking censors and supervising secretaries would act as if they did not see third- or fourth-rank civil officials, because these low-ranking officials wielded considerable power, and ordinary officials dared not pursue the matter. Etiquette increasingly conformed to actual power. Even a duke or marquis of the first rank had to yield the way when encountering a Grand Secretary.

So Zhu Wannian's conduct, while conforming to regulations, did not conform to the current trend. It rather displeased Wang Tingshi inwardly, though he showed nothing on his face. He returned the salute with a cupped-hand gesture, very amiably. Then came Zhu Wannian's retinue: the Vice Prefect, Assistant Prefect, Judge, Registrar, Clerk, Record Keeper, Inspector, Prison Warden, Instructor, Prefectural School Assistant Instructor, and other personnel directly under the prefectural government office. Behind them were the Magistrate of Yexian, Assistant County Magistrate, Registrar, Jail Warden, County School Instructor, Assistant Instructor, and others. At the very back were the local gentry.

Zhu Wannian introduced them one by one to Wang Tingshi. Quite a few of them had worked with Wang Tingshi in Dengzhou, back when Wang Tingshi was still the Deng-Lai Circuit Intendant. Both sides exchanged warm pleasantries. Zhu Wannian completely left the group of military officers behind, to one side.

It was a long while before the pleasantries ended. Wang Tingshi then introduced Chen Xin and the others to Zhu Wannian. First was Chen Xin. Chen Xin, holding a military post of the second rank, did not kneel to Zhu Wannian, a fourth-rank official, merely offering a cupped-hand salute. After returning the salute, Zhu Wannian swept his gaze over the solemn military bearing of the Central Army Guard behind them and said flatly to Chen Xin, "General Chen's troops are indeed strictly disciplined. As you go to assume the post of Dengzhen Regional Commander, this official first congratulates General Chen on your promotion. But in the days to come, I hope the General will use this strong army to bring blessings to the common people, and by no means act as violently and lawlessly as Li Jiucheng and Kong Youde."

Chen Xin knew he was implying something. In his heart, he had long been impatient with these surrounding hindrances. There was clearly a vast territory and sufficient manpower, yet the government could not effectively allocate resources to form an advantage over the Jianzhou bandits. This Zhu Wannian was certainly a capable man, but he was not on the same path as Chen Xin. Chen Xin replied flatly, "Thank you for your undue praise, my lord Zhu. When my lord Wang was the Deng-Lai Circuit Intendant, he earnestly instructed this lowly general. Since then, this lowly general, like my lord Wang, has always kept the common people in mind. Every household of the Wendeng military now lives and works in peace and contentment; through the entire winter, not one person froze or starved to death. When I arrive in Dengzhou in the future, I will likewise follow my lord Wang's guidance to bring blessings to more common people."

A few soft snickers came from the gentry behind Zhu Wannian. Chen Xin pretended not to hear. Wang Tingshi, however, was quite pleased and said to Zhu Wannian, "When this official first met General Chen, he was still a subordinate of Garrison Commander Zhou of the Wendeng Battalion. He has risen step by step to this position entirely through solid military merit. In the future, Prefect Zhu must work in harmony with General Chen to bring blessings to the people of Deng and Lai."

Zhu Wannian bowed to Wang Tingshi and said, "My lord Wang, since General Chen is about to assume the post of Dengzhen Regional Commander, your subordinate does have one matter requiring harmonious cooperation with General Chen."

Chen Xin, hearing this, guessed the man was about to bring up the land dispute and quickly prepared a response in his mind. Unexpectedly, Zhu Wannian said, "Pingdu Department was originally quite peaceful, but after the military turmoil, bandits have suddenly swarmed within the Great Ze Mountains to the north. Many scattered troops from Kong Youde's forces have joined them. Recently, they have been frequently raiding out of the mountains to wreak havoc in the countryside. Pingdu Department still has a Wendeng unit, yet I have not heard of them entering the mountains to suppress them. On behalf of the people of Pingdu, your subordinate here petitions General Chen, hoping the Dengzhou Garrison will exterminate this great menace."

Chen Xin knew those gentry had probably caught some clues and guessed that some of the bandits in the Great Ze Mountains took orders from the Wendeng Battalion. He smiled faintly and said, "Exterminating bandits is the duty of us military men. This general will do his utmost. However, Prefect Zhu has long been in Laizhou Prefecture and must know that the bandit problem in Pingdu did not arise just today. To completely eradicate it cannot be accomplished overnight. My lord Zhu's defense of Laizhou was well-organized, showing a thorough understanding of military strategy. Even though my lord Zhu has governed Laizhou for a long time and has been unable to wipe out the many bandits of Pingdu, this general, a mere military brute, will naturally need even more time."

Zhu Wannian, hearing Chen Xin's veiled sarcasm, replied without changing expression, "This is precisely why my lord Wang said we must work in harmony. When General Chen returns, this official is willing to join the Dengzhou Garrison in entering the mountains to suppress the bandits."

"To have my lord Zhu accompany us would be this general's honor."

Zhu Wannian finished listening and shot Chen Xin a glance. He then met Lu Chuanzong and the others one by one. Finally, he came before Geng Zhongming. After Wang Tingshi finished the introduction, Zhu Wannian narrowed his eyes and looked at Geng Zhongming. Geng Zhongming had originally intended to offer a proper salute, but seeing Zhu Wannian's expression, he dropped the gesture and just stared back blankly at Zhu Wannian.

Geng Zhongming had seen too many civil officials in distress in Dengzhou. His original deep-rooted fear of civil officials had long since vanished. Now, he did not necessarily obey even Wang Tingshi and Lu Zhi in everything. The only person he feared was Chen Xin. Seeing a mere fourth-rank prefect putting on airs made him extremely displeased.

"So this is Assistant Regional Commander Geng, who broke through Pingdu Department…"

Chen Xin flatly interrupted him, "Assistant Regional Commander Geng did not break through Pingdu Department. He infiltrated the rebel camp and opened the gates to welcome the imperial army to retake Pingdu."

Hearing Chen Xin speak up for him, Geng Zhongming felt even more emboldened. He said brashly, "This general was coerced by the mutinous troops in Dengzhou. After reaching Pingdu, moved by the magnanimity of my lord Wang and General Chen, and unable to bear Li Jiucheng and Kong Youde's indiscriminate slaughter of the common people, I repented and welcomed the imperial army into the city. Both the Ministry of War and His Majesty have approved this general to atone for his crimes by leading his original unit. Prefect Zhu, if we are to work in harmony, do not make such mistakes in the future."

Suddenly, a shoe flew out from the side. Geng Zhongming, a seasoned veteran with quick reflexes, tilted his head just in time to dodge it. The shoe smacked against Wang Tingshi's face with a splat, startling a loud cry from him. Before anyone could react, a Licentiate rushed out from behind and began grappling with Geng Zhongming. The scene instantly descended into chaos. As he struck, he cursed, "You butcher! You killed countless people in Pingdu, and slaughtered over ten Licentiates in Anxiangbao! Today, I will…"

Before he could finish, Geng Zhongming had already knocked him down with one punch. Enraged, Geng Zhongming moved to kick him again, but the gentry behind surged forward, grabbing Geng Zhongming's official robe, intent on mobbing him.

"Stop at once!" Zhu Wannian, noticing that Wang Tingshi had been hit by a shoe sole, hurriedly tried to dissuade the crowd. But those Licentiates, their tempers flaring, paid him no heed. The scene was in complete chaos. Chen Xin had taken Geng Zhongming as his subordinate, so naturally he could not stand aside at this moment. Chen Xin let out a great roar and called the Wendeng officers to help. Dai Zhenggang, Lu Chuanzong, Wang Zhangfu, and others charged into the middle. It turned into a mass brawl between military officers and gentry. A few officials from the Laizhou Prefecture government also joined in, while the others stood anxiously at the side, trying to mediate.

The guard unit behind had received no orders and was momentarily at a loss whether to advance or retreat. Fortunately, the group of military officers had strong combat power. In a short time, they had knocked down seven or eight Licentiates, forcing the remaining ones to retreat one after another.

"All of you, stop!" Wang Tingshi, exasperated, walked into the middle, one hand still wiping the shoe print from his face. He pointed at the group of Licentiates and said, "You are all men with scholarly honors, yet you act… this is simply… a disgrace to refinement."

Chen Xin's face had also been scratched with several bloody gashes. He had always known that Ming Licentiates were fond of brawling. Back then, the scholars of Jiangnan not only beat local officials but even dared to fight the Eastern Depot and the Embroidered Uniform Guard. He just hadn't expected them to be so brazen with Wang Tingshi present. He quickly went up to Wang Tingshi and said, "My escort was inadequate. Is my lord injured?"

Wang Tingshi waved his hand. Zhu Wannian hurried over to apologize as well. "My lord Wang, please forgive them. These scholars all have relatives or friends who suffered in the military turmoil. They originally came today to petition you as well. Your subordinate truly did not expect them to be so rash. Please, my lord, do not take it to heart."

Geng Zhongming said angrily, "What does their petition have to do with me? And they call themselves scholars."

Zhu Wannian retorted without any courtesy, "Li Jiucheng and those Liaodong soldiers and civilians have committed countless atrocities in Deng and Lai. Do you dare say you had no part in it!"

"Then you arrested over a thousand Liaodong civilians in the Laizhou Prefecture seat. How many of them died? And some are still locked up in your jail right now…"

Wang Tingshi cut them off. "Enough, all of you. I just told you to work in harmony. Did none of you listen to a word I said?"

Zhu Wannian wanted to speak again, but Wang Tingshi waved his hand and said, "Prefect Zhu, say no more. Let today's matter end here. This official will rest for the night and continue the journey tomorrow. No welcoming banquet is needed. First, lead this official to my quarters."

With that, he walked away first. Zhu Wannian and the other officials hurriedly chased after him. The remaining military officers and gentry were left behind. Not daring to continue the fight, they merely glared at each other with vicious hatred.

Chen Xin could not be bothered to entangle with them further. He said flatly, "The one who massacred indiscriminately in Pingdu was Wang Bingzhong, and he has already been executed by Assistant Regional Commander Geng. The Anxiangbao operation was a suppression of the Wenxiang Sect. If any of you find this inappropriate, you are welcome to inquire at the Penglai County government office. In the future, it would be best not to make such reckless accusations."

Another wave of low curses came from the gentry side. Chen Xin ignored them and led the military officers and guards to catch up with Wang Tingshi. Geng Zhongming caught up and said to Chen Xin, "Thank you for your help, my lord Chen. Those bastards, still trying to bully us Liaodong people."

Chen Xin touched the bloody gashes on his face, but felt no anger in his heart. He and Geng Zhongming were both seizing their interests; the conflict was irreconcilable from the start and would have come into the open sooner or later. In this region of Deng and Lai, the traditional power of Laizhou Prefecture city was the strongest. He would deal with them slowly in the future.

Geng Zhongming had performed well recently, and today's incident would help him see the situation more clearly. Chen Xin turned his head and said to Geng Zhongming, "Assistant Regional Commander Geng, no need for excessive courtesy. They are not targeting you alone. What military man would they ever respect? This official is also a Liaodong man, so naturally I will help you. Do your work well, and this official will not treat you poorly."