[{"data":1,"prerenderedAt":-1},["ShallowReactive",2],{"origin-late-ming":3,"chapter-late-ming-late-ming-chapter-445":6},{"origin":4,"title":5},"chinese","Late Ming",{"chapter":7,"nextChapterSlug":19,"prevChapterSlug":20,"totalChapters":21,"novelImage":22},{"id":8,"novel_id":9,"title":10,"slug":11,"index":12,"content":13,"wordcount":14,"created_at":15,"updated_at":15,"volume":16,"translator":17,"content_hash":18},926805,1218,"Chapter 445","late-ming-chapter-445",445,"\u003Cp>ps: Asking for guaranteed monthly tickets.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>On the twenty-first day of the first month, the mountains and rivers of Xuanfu were sealed in ice. A mounted merchant caravan, bells jingling, slowly approached Zhangjiakou Fort. The cloth curtain of one wagon parted, revealing Zhang Dong's gloomy face.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This was his second time in Zhangjiakou. This time, personnel from the Foreign Affairs Department accompanied him. They would contact a major merchant named Tang Hongchang here. According to intelligence station inquiries, this firm was familiar with the Tumote but did not trade directly with the Jianzhou Bandits, making them relatively more trustworthy. Moreover, this man had shops all over Shanxi, traded frequently with the Four Seas Trading Company, and had once helped Dengzhou recruit Night Scouts from the Shanxi-Shaanxi border garrisons. His relationship with the trading company was good; he was an ideal intermediary.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This time, they again went first to Jingshi. After reviewing the summarized recent intelligence at Zhang Da's place, they then took the Juyong Pass toward Shanxi. After passing Huailai, traces of the Jianzhou Bandits' last incursion still lined the route. Although the Later Jin troops had only passed through hastily last time, their scouts had ranged far and wide. Many villages had been burned by them, and the ruins still remained.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Shanxi was a critical border defense region in the Ming Dynasty. Three of the Nine Border Garrisons were in Shanxi: Shanxi, Xuanfu, and Datong. They bore the important responsibility of operations against the Mongols and shielded the flanks of Jingshi. Contemporaries called Jingshi the belly and heart, and Xuan-Da the neck and back, showing its importance. Many major battles occurred here during the Ming Dynasty.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Since the early Ming, Zhu Yuanzhang stationed princes to guard the borders. The frontier defenses stretched continuously, occupying military towns north of the Great Wall such as Dongsheng, Xinghe, Kaiping, Yulin, and Daning. The early guard battalions were highly combat-effective, forming a stable defense in depth and exerting strong military pressure on the remnant Yuan forces. The Xuan-Da region was in the secure second line.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After Zhu Di seized the throne via the Jingnan Campaign, he moved the capital north and dealt heavy blows to the Mongols through campaigns of total eradication. Although Zhu Di maintained an offensive posture, he abandoned the three guards of Duoyan, Taining, and Fuyu on the defensive side, giving the land to the Uriankhai Mongols. Later, Dongsheng and Xinghe were also abandoned. Almost all the territory north of the Great Wall occupied during Zhu Yuanzhang's reign was given up, causing the border passes to lose the cover of these buffer zones.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>During the Hongxi and Xuande periods, a passive defense policy was pursued, and the frontier defense contracted further. The Kaiping Guard was also abandoned. The previous mutually supporting tripartite stance of Daning, Xuan-Da, and Liaodong was completely shattered. The entirety of Xuanfu and Datong became the front line, leading to the later Tumu Fort Incident. The Tumu Fort Incident had many accidental factors, but the root cause lay in the imbalance of the northern defense line.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>However, as a vital northern border defense area, the Ming Dynasty still placed great emphasis on the management of Xuan-Da. The system formed by relying on the inner and outer Great Walls was relatively complete. The entire defense system consisted of garrison towns, guard towns, military forts, beacon towers, water and horse relay stations, and express delivery posts. Various types of troops were deployed within, forming lines from points and networks from lines, creating a rigorous military layout.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Of course, by the late Ming, these troops were as corrupt as those elsewhere. During the last weak incursion by the Jianzhou Bandits, not a single Xuan-Da army launched a battle of any scale. Without good troops, even the best design and system are futile. The troops in these forts dared not sally forth for field battles, so the forts could only defend the forts themselves, thus losing the true meaning of fortifications.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As Zhang Dong looked at the roadside scenery, he recalled the Intelligence Bureau's summary analysis of Xuan-Da. It assessed that the Jianzhou Bandits would certainly invade Xuan-Da again. Judging by the Jianzhou Bandits' consistent style, waging war meant looting. Jinzhou in Liaoxi was stable, with grain reserves sufficient for two years. Given the Jianzhou Bandits' current situation, they couldn't outlast it even if they risked everything. Jizhen had been plundered by them four years prior, and its population and wealth had not yet recovered; the Jianzhou Bandits would not be unaware of this. The distance to Xuan-Da was not much farther than to Jizhen. The last incursion had not penetrated deep, so prospects for looting were still good. Moreover, the Tumote were subservient to the Later Jin and could provide logistics and intelligence support for large-scale troop movements.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This report was also given to the trading company. Zhou Laifu ultimately decided to set up points only in the garrison towns of Xuanfu and Datong, without spreading the local network. The situation in Zhangjiakou was complex. The trading company currently had only one liaison office there, accepting orders from various firms and having goods shipped from Xuanfu, without keeping stock directly in Zhangjiakou.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But this report was issued last year, before the Battle of Lvshun had begun. Zhang Dong guessed inwardly that the Later Jin had been severely beaten north of Lvshun last year. Now, with Dengzhou Town dominating Liaonan, Huang Taiji only kept a few outposts in Fuzhou. Once spring began, Dengzhou would launch a new round of offensives. The Later Jin would be unable to hold a foothold in Fuzhou, and by then, the entire area south of Gaizhou would be a war zone. As long as Dongjiang Town conducted diversionary attacks in the east, the Later Jin would be forced to continue abandoning places like Xiuyan. Therefore, he believed the Later Jin would not have the opportunity to come to Xuan-Da again.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But Shanxi's defenses were even worse than he had imagined. The military and civilian households here were even poorer than those in Shandong. Most were gaunt and emaciated. Many people wore single-layer clothes even in winter. Children played naked in the snow, their gazes at people nearly numb, like lifeless human-shaped objects.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Now, a few li from Zhangjiakou Fort, scattered shops lined the roadside. Seeing the wagon convoy approach, shop assistants shouted from the roadside, asking if they were buying northern goods or selling southern goods.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Two who looked like shop assistants even came up to the wagon curtain and loudly asked Zhang Dong, \"If the customer has Guangdong iron, our shop buys at a high price, definitely ten percent higher than others...\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhang Dong swept a cold glance at them. The two assistants shivered and hurriedly backed away, then moved to the wagon behind to pester Director Jiang from the Foreign Affairs Department.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Several Street Fighters from the security bureau came up and drove the two assistants away. Two Street Fighters rode their horses to either side of Zhang Dong's wagon to prevent anyone else from coming up to bother them. The group slowly proceeded to the south gate, where there was a small Four Seas Trading Company shop selling only retail southern goods and cigarettes. The Shopkeeper inside, upon seeing Zhang Dong, immediately put down what he was doing, came over to mutter with Zhang Dong for a moment, and then led Zhang Dong and his party into the city.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This Shopkeeper was very familiar with the gate guards. They entered the city after paying only five wen per person. The soldier, seeing it was copper coinage from Dengzhou, quickly tucked it into his bosom. These copper coins were finely made with guaranteed copper content, far more useful than those privately minted coins. In some parts of Shanxi, they were already exchanged at two to three hundred wen per tael of silver.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After entering the city, they reached the city center and then headed east. This street was thronged with people, still bustling even in winter. Moreover, most of the passersby were well-dressed, and the carriages and horses were richly adorned, appearing very wealthy. Among them were also many laborers and commoners in tattered clothes, creating a stark contrast.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Shopkeeper led them to the entrance of a large commercial firm. Zhang Dong looked up. The shop sign hanging outside read three large characters: \"Xin De Sheng.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The firm's Shopkeeper went in and spoke with the people inside for a moment. After a short while, he gestured for them to enter. The shop was a pawnshop. Passing through the back door led to a courtyard. There were several men in the courtyard who looked like Street Fighters. Zhang Dong knew they were there to guard the pawnshop and prevent trouble, but he still habitually observed the height of the surrounding walls, the location of the back door, and any trees that could be used for escape.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After passing through another door, the guide led them to a study. A slightly plump, long-bearded middle-aged man stood cheerfully at the door and said to them, \"Honored guests from afar, I did not come out to welcome you. Truly, this Tang has been a poor host. Please forgive me, forgive me.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The trading company's Shopkeeper introduced him to Zhang Dong: \"This is Proprietor Tang of the Xin De Sheng firm, also the head Shopkeeper.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhang Dong and Director Jiang hurriedly protested that they were unworthy of such courtesy. Tang Hongchang was adept at dealing with people and invited Zhang Dong and the other two inside. The trading company's Shopkeeper, however, took the opportunity to excuse himself. This was something Director Jiang had arranged with him beforehand. The matters they needed to discuss were not suitable for too many ears, especially this Shopkeeper who was alone so far away and dealt with a mixed crowd daily; a slip of the tongue could cause trouble.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After Tang Hongchang dismissed his servants, Director Jiang said to him, \"Regarding the matter that Brother Zhang and I have come to Zhangjiakou Fort for, I presume Shopkeeper Tang already knows from the last messenger. This time, Lord Chen sent us here precisely to properly arrange contact with the Tumote. We will be imposing on Shopkeeper Tang during this time.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Tang Hongchang gave a slight bow. \"To be able to handle a small matter for Lord Chen is this humble one's good fortune. Regional Commander Chen of Dengzhou Town is renowned throughout the land; who doesn't praise him as a true hero? Although this humble one does some business with the Tatars, I never sell those things that the Eastern Slaves want.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhang Dong casually asked, \"It is good that Shopkeeper Tang is so. I can also tell Shopkeeper Tang that the Jianzhou Bandits lost over twenty thousand men killed by our Dengzhou Town at Lvshun last year. They are a spent force. Those who are still smuggling saltpeter, sulfur, weapons, and grain to the Jianzhou Bandits will be brought to account one day. No matter how much they earn, they won't be able to keep it. I can guarantee this.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Tang Hongchang looked Zhang Dong over carefully for a moment, then smiled and nodded. \"What Brother Zhang says, this Tang naturally believes. However, with Chahar fleeing west at present, the Tumote here still ostensibly have to obey the Jianzhou Bandits. Our affair must always be kept somewhat discreet.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Director Jiang hesitated and asked, \"We naturally will not publicize this matter; only Shopkeeper Tang knows of it. When Shopkeeper Tang sends someone to contact the Tumote, please find a reliable person.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Lord Jiang need not worry. Though this Tang is untalented, I still have a few sworn men under my command. Communication here is inconvenient, so you two will need to stay in Zhangjiakou for some time. What this Tang meant just now is that while you are in Zhangjiakou, you must be careful in your speech, so as not to be overheard. Here, there are people like this Tang who do not do business with the Jianzhou Bandits, but there are even more who do.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhang Dong slightly raised his head to look at Tang Hongchang. \"So many firms in Zhangjiakou do business with them? How much can they earn?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Since Brother Zhang asks, this Tang will tell you both. The most profitable goods are salt, iron, cotton cloth, and tobacco. Regarding ironware, what I sell to the Mongols is all Lu iron, which cannot be made into weapons. But those eight families mostly sell Guangdong iron, which can be reforged into blades. The more despicable among the eight families even directly traffic Suzhou steel. In previous years, salt was sold to the Mongols. This year, I hear the Jianzhou Bandits are also buying. Cotton cloth includes both Jiangnan Songjiang cloth and cloth from Luzhou and other places. Neither the Jianzhou Bandits nor the Mongols know how to use looms. If Xuanfu did not sell cloth to them, the Jianzhou Bandits would soon lack clothing. As for tobacco, that is your esteemed town's Wendeng incense. This item is precious among the Mongols. If they go without it for a few days, there are times when a pack of cigarettes trades for a sheep. The ones doing the largest business with the Jianzhou Bandits in Zhangjiakou are these eight families: Fan, Wang, Jin, Wang, Liang, Tian, Zhai, and Huang. The small shops helping them collect goods are countless. Millions of taels of silver change hands in Zhangjiakou every year. With so much profit involved, not everyone wants the Jianzhou Bandits to be crushed by Dengzhou Town. The year before last, the Jianzhou Bandits crushed Chahar. Finding no grain or pay in Guihua, they entered Xuan-Da to plunder. Right after they left the pass, people were outside Zhangjiakou Fort with silver buying commercial goods. Where that silver came from, you two can surely guess. That is why this Tang just told you that discretion is best.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhang Dong gave a cold laugh. \"That explains it. But I still have one thing I don't understand. Since it's so profitable, why is it that only these few families can establish connections with the Jianzhou Bandits, while others cannot?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Tang Hongchang leaned forward slightly, looking at the two of them. \"Then we must speak of how shameless these eight families are, and more importantly, they... have great audacity. Not only do they smuggle saltpeter, sulfur, Suzhou steel, and weapons, but they also rely on their trading firms spread across various regions to gather military intelligence. The troop deployments throughout Xuan-Da and Shanxi are probably all in the palm of the Jianzhou Chieftain's hand, all thanks to the efforts of these eight families. Finally...\" Tang Hongchang extended a hand, \"they even sell goods to the Jianzhou Bandits on credit, just like lending at usury.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhang Dong nodded and said nothing more.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Director Jiang beside him, seeing Zhang Dong had finished his questions, cleared his throat, preparing to discuss the matter of the Mongol captives. At that moment, a burst of horns and drums suddenly sounded from outside, and the crowd beyond the wall let out some panicked shouts.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Director Jiang stood up in alarm. Tang Hongchang cupped his hands toward Director Jiang, walked to the door, and sent a servant to inquire. Then he turned back to Director Jiang and said, \"My lord need not worry. Whether Mongols, Jianzhou Bandits, or government troops, no one should come to attack a place like Zhangjiakou. Attacking here ruins everyone's own source of wealth.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhang Dong sat calmly in his seat, his hand placed where he could easily lift his long robe. He had a short gun strapped to each thigh and a dagger at his waist, remaining in a state of alert at all times.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After about half a quarter-hour, the servant finally returned. Panting slightly, he said to Tang Hongchang, \"Reporting to Proprietor, it's... it's the Jianzhou Bandits. They broke through the passes this morning from both Longmen Guard and Shanfang Fort. It's unknown whether they're heading for Xuanfu or coming to Zhangjiakou Fort.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhang Dong's brows furrowed tightly. (To be continued...)\u003C\u002Fp>",2682,"2026-06-03T06:47:21.287Z",1,"Novelzhen Translator","a2c7523b0221cb85acac2e89f039ee6e8742baec6c6eaaedb9c19e9ab7ae4d6c","late-ming-chapter-446","late-ming-chapter-444",580,"https:\u002F\u002Fnovelzhen.com\u002Fimages\u002Fcovers\u002Flate-ming-cover.jpg"]