[{"data":1,"prerenderedAt":-1},["ShallowReactive",2],{"origin-restoring-the-mountains-and-rivers":3,"chapter-restoring-the-mountains-and-rivers-restoring-the-mountains-and-rivers-chapter-339":6},{"origin":4,"title":5},"chinese","Restoring the Mountains and Rivers",{"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},2364608,4623,"Chapter 339: Beacon Fires Linked in Camps","restoring-the-mountains-and-rivers-chapter-339",339,"\u003Cp>“Not appropriate!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“If we do this, where is the court’s authority?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wang Weijiarui firmly refused.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Deep inside, he had already silently cursed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The precondition for debunking a rumor is—there must first be a rumor.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Outside, rumors were spreading wildly; though exaggerated, the use of human flesh as military rations was indeed real.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Even after being processed into dried meat, it still differed from pork, beef, or mutton.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If the warehouses were opened and soldiers allowed to inspect them, exposure was inevitable.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Among hundreds of thousands of soldiers, there are all kinds of people.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Currently, only some soldiers believe the rumors; once exposed before everyone’s eyes, his reputation would be utterly ruined.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After refusing, Wang Weijiarui regretted it.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>From the changing glances of the officials present, he read “shock and suspicion.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wang Weijiarui knew well that deceiving lower-ranking soldiers with the grain issue might work, but high-ranking officials familiar with Chu would surely sense something amiss.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Refusing inspection amounted to an outright admission.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yet all were intelligent men who understood some things could be done, but never spoken of.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Your Highness is wise; your humble minister was rash!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Fang Kecheng immediately made amends.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The windowpane had been pierced—the goal had been achieved.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The rebel army’s secrecy was on par with that of the Great Yu Dynasty.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The conversation just now would spread throughout the army in no time.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Since this Minister of Revenue could betray Chu for clan interests, others could too.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The rapid spread of rumors within the army was the best proof.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Without any instigation, mere spontaneous fermentation among soldiers could never have achieved such efficiency.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Forget it—you were merely eager to quell the rumors. This time, I’ll let it pass.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Issue orders: forbid anyone from spreading rumors; violators will be executed without mercy!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wang Weijiarui waved his hand.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He had not told the ministers about using human flesh as rations; their ignorance was understandable.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He had personally verified Fang Kecheng’s identity before giving him authority.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Before joining the rebels, he was merely a lowly scholar who had angered a prince and lost his family.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After joining the rebels, he personally wielded the blade against the prince who had destroyed his household.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Clearly a staunch anti-Yu loyalist—his loyalty required no concern.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Not just Fang Kecheng—every high official in court bore a blood feud with the Great Yu regime.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The political vetting was flawless, but unfortunately Wang Weijiarui overlooked the possibility of substitution.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Identity substitution was not done carelessly; at least some outward resemblance was required.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Even if encountered by acquaintances, they would not instantly see through it.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Besides civil officials, the rebel army’s military commanders also harbored agents from various factions.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A general who had thoroughly studied military texts could not have sprung from a crack in a rock.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Claims of teachings from reclusive sages were pure nonsense.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Under the Great Yu’s household registration system, those living deep in remote forests were almost certainly fugitives.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Reclusive sages” were still people—they still needed food, clothing, and shelter.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>They were talented, not insane.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Life deep in the mountains and forests was inconvenient—purely self-inflicted suffering.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If even eating was a problem, how could one find time for scholarship?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“The greatest concealment lies in the court, the middle in the marketplace, the least in the wilds.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The most formidable among them have always been in court, merely hiding in plain sight.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yet for fooling grassroots rebel troops, it was highly effective.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Because such figures appeared so often in operas, many naively believed the most gifted sages hid in the countryside.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“As Your Majesty commands!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Seeing the Prince of Chu had made up his mind, all immediately agreed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Catching rumor-spreaders was extremely difficult; banning rumor-spreading, however, was very simple.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>How effective a ban might be was not the point.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The order came from the Prince of Chu—they merely had to carry it out.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Skip this sensitive topic and swiftly move to the next agenda item—that was the key to diverting the Prince’s attention.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Especially the insiders who had decided to defect—they feared most that something untoward would erupt at this sensitive moment.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wuchang City.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“The insider has sent word—they’ve spread the news through the camp and are now waiting for it to ferment.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Perhaps I can set a time for an inside-outside coordinated strike.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Yuan said, in high spirits.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Knowing he was accustomed to steady, methodical operations and had never done anything like this, he remained uncertain.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The rebel forces outside the city had completed their organization—they were no ordinary bandits.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The enemy outnumbered the imperial troops several times over; if they launched an attack, whether they could swiftly crush them was uncertain.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If the rebels withstood the assault, the situation would rapidly reverse.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Then the enemy could use their familiar human-wave tactics to grind down the imperial army.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Even if they ultimately won the war, the massive compensation payments would bankrupt the local administrations.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Judging from the enemy’s offensive behavior, their combat morale has dropped sharply.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The strategy to undermine their morale is already showing results.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>To avoid complications and prevent the rebels from sensing something wrong, set a direct confrontation for tomorrow night.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“They need do nothing else—just find an opportunity to set fire within the camp.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“If they can burn down the enemy’s grain depots, that would be even better.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Mu immediately made his decision.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He had little expectation of the insiders.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If they could spread the news and disrupt enemy morale, they had fulfilled their task.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>For the coming major battle, insider cooperation would be ideal—but unnecessary.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Once morale collapsed, the rebels’ combat effectiveness would drop by seventy to eighty percent.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Aren’t we waiting for the battle report from Jiangxi?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Yuan asked, puzzled.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The imperial forces had launched multiple offensives; Jiangxi was currently the most successful front.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The rebel main force had been deployed, leaving their rear vulnerable—the perfect moment to reclaim lost territory.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“The rebels have brought this upon themselves; the timing is now ripe—no need to wait.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“If we win this battle, the rebel forces in Jiangxi and Zhejiang will collapse within half a year.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“After the autumn harvest, launch the Nanzhili campaign; once Nanjing is retaken, this rebellion will be nearing its end!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Other scattered fronts won’t make a difference.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“After a few years of recuperation, the court can recover.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“As for the pacification campaign in Sichuan, leave it to Minister Xu to deal with slowly.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“We shouldn’t clean up too thoroughly—otherwise, those civil officials might get ideas they shouldn’t have.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“The Emperor is easily swayed and prone to being misled into making wrong decisions.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Mu spoke bluntly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Though Emperor Yongning relied on the noble clans to suppress the rebellion, their relationship was far from close.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Had he truly trusted them, he would have heavily promoted the noble clans at the very start of the Bai Lian rebellion.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Had he done so, the Bai Lian rebellion would have been crushed long ago—it never would have dragged on this long.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“These words, when outside, should be spoken sparingly.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“The Eastern Depot and Embroidered Uniform Guard may not be as sharp as before, but they still exist.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“If someone misinterprets your words and reports them to the Emperor, it will be troublesome.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Our enemies are not only on the battlefield—they’re also in court.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“To suppress the rebellion, civil officials have compromised with us; once the war ends, both sides will return to opposition.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Your status is different now—if they catch you out, you could become the spark that ignites civil-military conflict.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Yuan gently warned.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Status and position determine treatment.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>For the Li clan, Li Mu had shifted from a promising prospect to a pillar of the family.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Having two marquises in one family was a public honor; the real power lay in controlling the largest army in Great Ming.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The victory on the Jiangxi battlefield proved that the Guangdong garrison troops also possessed considerable combat strength.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If the situation in Guangxi was the same, Li Mu’s combat-ready forces could reach over two hundred thousand.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Before this force, the mighty Liaozhen was nothing but a junior.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“You’re right, Uncle—these words truly shouldn’t be spoken lightly.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But we can’t avoid the next round of civil-military rivalry.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Right now, all seven provinces are governed by our meritocratic faction as viceroys.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>These are titles won on the battlefield—we naturally won’t give them up easily.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>We don’t expect to hold these positions forever, but the court must offer some compensation.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“For example: lift the restriction barring military officers from serving as provincial viceroys or governors, and appoint our men as successors.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Mu said with a serious expression.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In court, one is not master of one’s own fate.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Even if one doesn’t seek power or profit, once one reaches this position, one must stand up and fight for the military’s interests.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Success isn’t crucial—the key is to make a show of force, to declare one’s stance.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Fundamentally, this is aimed at the junior officers—a covert way of winning their loyalty.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“That probably won’t work—the court won’t compromise on this.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If we raise it, the civil officials will likely go mad, and the Emperor will oppose it too.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Our strength isn’t enough to change the court’s decisions.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Yuan shook his head.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lifting the restrictions would mean removing the ceiling on military officers’ promotions.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Once this precedent is set, civil control over the military will cease to exist.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The notion of civil superiority and military inferiority will become history.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Uncle, I never expected success.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After achieving great victories in suppressing the rebellion, if we ask for nothing, the Emperor won’t rest easy.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If these demands are rejected, it will be much easier to propose other conditions later.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>We don’t need to charge into battle ourselves—just arrange for subordinates to submit memorials expressing our stance.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The court is simply too poor—it can’t even pay compensation, let alone reward meritorious officers.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Mu said, deeply troubled.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>When there’s nothing left to grant and nothing left to reward, it’s a grave taboo in officialdom.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Usually, when this happens, the emperor’s blade follows.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Normally, the court shouldn’t now be destroying its own defenses.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But at the end of a dynasty, abnormal measures are most common.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Mu couldn’t guarantee that, after being misled by civil officials, Emperor Yongning wouldn’t do something foolish.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The best way to avoid tragedy is to shift everyone’s focus from rewarding meritorious officers to power struggles.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Arrange for someone to test the waters—you may seize the initiative, but don’t rush to step forward.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Our Li family has served loyally for generations—we absolutely must not...”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Mu naturally agreed at once to his uncle’s advice.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Building up strength is for self-preservation in chaotic times.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Who would foolishly raise a rebellion unless driven to desperation?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>No matter how many trusted subordinates one has, they still operate within the Great Ming system.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The core binding the team remains the traditional values of loyalty and righteousness.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Rebel camp.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Since the rumor of human flesh as rations spread, no meat had been boiled in the camp.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The official explanation was that meat supplies were exhausted; the next improvement in rations would have to wait for the next consignment.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This explanation somewhat calmed the troops.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Unlimited meat supply was definitely suspicious; intermittent supply was normal.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But there was still a loophole: soldiers guarding the grain depots knew the storehouses still held large stocks of dried meat.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Even with a gag order, it couldn’t stop everyone’s gossip.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>No matter how strictly the camp was managed, someone always turned a blind eye, letting rumors spread freely.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As the rumors multiplied, various versions spread through the ranks.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After confirming human flesh as rations, many began speculating about its source.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Some guessed enemy corpses, others fallen comrades, still others believed someone in the rear had sacked a city to make rations...\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>No one wanted to be eaten after death, let alone have their own family become food—panic gripped the camp.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A mutiny even broke out, swiftly crushed by the officers’ personal guards.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The direct consequence: soldiers became passive in siege assaults and lacked morale during patrols.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Especially among reconnaissance scouts, once out of their officers’ sight, they immediately hid.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Only after sufficient time passed would they return to report.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Their answer? “No situation—everything normal.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Bang, bang, bang...”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The sound of arquebuses shattered the silent midnight.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Enemy attack!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Only after the battle began did the night watchmen raise the alarm.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But what they received wasn’t reinforcements—it was the raging fires erupting throughout the camp.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Those who had switched back to the court exploited the chaos to ignite artillery, filling the sky with flames.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The chaos ignited internal contradictions within the rebel army.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Once someone incited conflict, soldiers with old grudges quickly turned on each other.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>No matter how fiercely officers shouted orders, they couldn’t stop the spread of disorder.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The carefully constructed camp was swiftly torn apart by imperial troops, and the battle quickly spread to the inner encampment.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“What’s happening outside?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wei Jiarui, just awakened from sleep, asked blankly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Your Highness, the enemy has raided the camp! There are traitors from the false dynasty inside—they set fires during the chaos!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“It’s a complete mess out there—please, Your Highness, think of something!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The commander of the personal guard said, terrified.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The chaos came too suddenly—they had no time to react.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In panic, many soldiers with no morale ran wildly through the camp.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Many officers couldn’t find their men.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hearing “false dynasty raid,” Wei Jiarui’s face darkened.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Mu’s forces were famed for night raids—it was no secret in the rebel army.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>To guard against such attacks, he had reinforced camp defenses and deployed scouts in all directions.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Even at night, someone was always assigned to watch for enemy movements.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Normally, as soon as the enemy moved, word would return immediately.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But what unfolded before him was clearly not as expected.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The enemy had reached the camp gates before the guards raised the alarm.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Before the soldiers could even rise from sleep, the fire had already spread into the camp.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Before everyone could rise from their sleep, the flames of war had already engulfed the camp.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Before he finished speaking, Wei Jiarui suddenly realized something was wrong—his own tent was also on fire.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Without hesitation, he quickly dressed and ran out of the tent.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Looking around, the entire camp was a vast sea of fire.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Screams mingled with gunfire and cannon fire, echoing into the heavens.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Your Highness, the situation is chaotic—enemy troops are everywhere.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Let us escort you through the night!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The commander of the personal guards said frantically.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“No!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I cannot go anywhere now!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Order all officers: organize troops to resist the enemy and assign men to extinguish the fires!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wei Jiarui replied firmly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He had fled too many times—he wouldn’t run again.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If he left now, all the foundation he had built would be destroyed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Once they leave, all the foundations they’ve built up will be destroyed at once.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Suddenly, a strong southwest wind arose.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The camp, already a sea of fire, burned even more fiercely as the wind fed the flames.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Many tents that had not yet caught fire were now ignited by drifting embers, and the fire continued to spread.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Heaven’s wrath!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“King Chu is wicked and has summoned Heaven’s punishment.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“To continue rebelling under King Chu will surely bring divine retribution…”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The shouts rising from the camp became the final straw that broke the camel’s back.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The rebel commanders who had still been organizing resistance lost all their courage upon seeing this.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>(End of Chapter)\u003C\u002Fp>",2581,"2026-06-21T08:09:04.021Z",1,"Qwen3.5 397B","2b77f10fca22196ae8b4a5e2766b92e8264941b10276a4454c0dc08756de81fc","restoring-the-mountains-and-rivers-chapter-340","restoring-the-mountains-and-rivers-chapter-338",391,"https:\u002F\u002Fnovelzhen.com\u002Fimages\u002Fcovers\u002Frestoring-the-mountains-and-rivers-cover.jpg"]