Chapter 274: Section Thirty-One: Response

"All right, I hear you." Huang Shi raised his head and glanced at Zhao Manxiong's solemn face, then lowered his head again and picked up his rice bowl. "But at least let me finish eating. No official business during lunch hour — that's a military regulation of my Zhangsheng Island. As Regional Commander of this army, I truly cannot knowingly break the law."

After the meal, Huang Shi did not hurry back to the island but continued inspecting Zhongdao according to the original plan. Several wide water channels had already been dug across this island. These channels connected the reservoirs on the mountain and below it, driving several waterwheels. Along both sides of the channels stood windmills that worked day and night to lift water up the mountain to supply the channels. Two more windmills had been built by the shore to produce sea salt.

"In a few years, when my lord comes to inspect again, this humble officer will, along these channels..." Bao Bowen first pointed at the channels, then simply swept his hand boldly across the whole of Zhongdao. "This humble officer will cover this entire island with dug channels, build waterwheels, and erect windmills denser than the forests of Zhangsheng Island!"

"Good, good. Brother Bao is truly my right-hand man."

After speaking, Huang Shi also looked at Fan Leyou, the technical advisor for Zhongdao's windmills and waterwheels. "Brother Fan has also worked hard. For this Haizhou campaign, I have also requested recognition for Brother Fan. This time you are certain to be promoted to Vice Guard Commander of Jinzhou Guard."

Although Zhongdao was far smaller than Zhangsheng Island, the male and female population on the island had now reached fifty thousand. This was mainly because Huang Shi, using the pretext that Liaonan was unsafe, had relocated all the commoners and military households into Zhangsheng Island as much as possible.

Zhangsheng Island and Zhongdao simply did not have that much land for the commoners to farm. In fact, Huang Shi tried every means to make it impossible for them to farm, thereby sending all these people to become workers. Those with skills manufactured weapons and smelted iron and steel; those without skills dug channels, built kilns, and constructed windmills and waterwheels.

Now Zhongdao, a small island with hardly any arable land, provided over seventy percent of Zhangsheng Island's economic resources and manufactured about ninety percent of Huang Shi's munitions, ships, and uniforms.

After completing the tour of Zhongdao according to the original plan, Huang Shi finally brought Zhao Manxiong, Hong Antong, and the others back to the old camp on Zhangsheng Island. Exhausted in body and mind, Huang Shi entered his main camp, first brewed a pot of tea, poured himself a full cup, then comfortably leaned back in his chair. While drinking, he said to Zhao Manxiong, "Speak. I'm listening."

Over ten days ago, after detaining that Later Jin envoy, Zhangsheng Island had sent him under escort to Tianjin Guard. According to the escorts, when that Later Jin envoy gave his deposition at Tianjin Guard, he changed his story. Besides insisting that Nurhaci was sincere in seeking surrender, he also said that Huang Shi had cruelly abandoned his betrothed wife and ignored her.

Back at the old camp on Zhangsheng Island, from the moment he sat down in that chair in the central army headquarters, Huang Shi knew his subordinates would certainly not tell him anything pleasant. He had made ample mental preparation for this and thought he would not be surprised by any rumor. Unfortunately, when Huang Shi heard this, he found his composure still somewhat lacking. "Abandoned his betrothed wife and ignored her — where does that even come from?"

"He was referring to the second daughter of the Zhao family. The Jianzhou slaves say that when my lord was on the Juehua battlefield, you thought victory was certain, so you brought your betrothed wife onto the battlefield. Then when the battle turned critical, you abandoned her and fled."

Huang Shi was utterly defeated by the Later Jin side's sense of humor. He accidentally choked on his tea, hastily put the teacup back on the table, and coughed for a long time before catching his breath. "The Jianzhou slaves really dare to say anything, truly dare to say anything. I have been in the army for six years, during which I have repeatedly faced bloody battles. How could I possibly bring a woman onto the battlefield? This is the most absurd joke under heaven."

"It is indeed very laughable." Though Zhao Manxiong said this, there was not the slightest trace of a smile on his face.

Huang Shi also put away his smile. Subconsciously reaching out to tap the helmet he had placed on the table, the last trace of a smile lingering at the corner of his mouth became increasingly tinged with sarcasm. "Aim high and you will hit the middle. The Jianzhou slaves only need to establish that I did not save her, and that will be enough. Hmph, if someone defends me and embellishes the matter further, portraying me as sacrificing personal ties for the greater good of the soldiers' lives, then it will be utterly perfect."

"My lord is right. This subordinate also worries about that. Hmm, we even have a ready-made example on our side."

"Hmph, no need to mention that dog official Yuan. What else did the envoy say?"

"My lord sees clearly. The envoy also said that the Jianzhou slaves were determined to surrender and were willing to send back the second daughter of the Zhao family, but my lord was bent on frontier military merits and so cruelly rejected the Jianzhou peace talks request."

Huang Shi shook his head repeatedly as he listened, his face full of disapproval. "I have always firmly opposed peace negotiations. His Majesty and the imperial court have long known this. Even if the Jianzhou envoy had a lotus blossom on his tongue, he could not sway me in the slightest. Furthermore, what this envoy said before Eunuch Wu and what he said at Tianjin Guard are clearly contradictory. Even if he argues forcefully that I threatened him, with Eunuch Wu as a witness, the court will still believe me more."

"What my lord says is correct. This subordinate also finds it strange, which is why I am deeply uneasy. I suspect the Jianzhou slaves must still have a follow-up move." Zhao Manxiong paused, gathered his courage, and added, "My lord, there are also rumors in the capital."

"What rumors?"

"It is said that His Majesty intends to transfer my lord and the troops of Zhangsheng Island back to the capital garrison for service."

After hearing this, Huang Shi merely pondered for a moment, his face showing no unusual expression. After so many years of tempering, he had become increasingly able to conceal his emotions. Zhao Manxiong also fell silent after speaking, waiting for his superior to ask questions. After a while, he finally got his wish.

"When? Is His Majesty resolute?" According to Zhangsheng Island's regulations, completely baseless rumors would not be reported to Huang Shi. Since Zhao Manxiong was bringing this matter to him so solemnly, Huang Shi understood that this was definitely not just hearsay. Now he felt a chill in his heart. Although there was some grievance and anger, what he felt more was helplessness. Huang Shi's greatest backer was Tianqi. If the Emperor no longer supported him, that batch of unreliable Grand Secretaries of the eunuch party certainly could not be counted on.

"It is still under consideration, but it seems the recent rumors have indeed had a considerable impact on my lord's reputation." This information had been verified by Zhangsheng Island's internal security. Zhao Manxiong believed it was seventy percent credible, so he reported it to Huang Shi. "My lord, His Majesty is still hesitating. This subordinate believes that as long as my lord does not give others any handle to seize upon, there is nothing to fear."

"Mm." Huang Shi nodded again. Now he increasingly felt that his decision to bind that envoy and send him to the capital had been a wise move. If he had not done so, who knew how many more rumors would have sprung up? By proactively binding the Later Jin envoy and sending him to Beijing, at the very least, the first impression given was that he had a clear conscience. This was better than waiting for the Later Jin side to start spreading rumors before beginning to defend himself.

"If my lord has no further instructions, this subordinate will take his leave."

Huang Shi scratched his head. The work of the Military Intelligence Division now seemed quite good and had already left the internal security behind. Huang Shi was terribly busy all day long; stretched too thin, he had no time to carefully review the internal security regulations. And the other department heads were also very busy. Besides, it was not quite appropriate to let them reorganize a critical department like internal security. "Brother Manxiong, you no longer need to manage the Military Intelligence Division. Starting tomorrow, help me take a look at the internal security first. Little Hong's work still leaves some things to be desired."

Zhao Manxiong had been wrestling with the Military Intelligence Division for nearly half a year. As soon as he heard Huang Shi shoving the huge mess of internal security onto him again, a difficult expression appeared on Zhao Manxiong's face.

Seeing that Zhao Manxiong was somewhat daunted, Huang Shi quickly encouraged this trusted subordinate. "No need to rush. Take your time reorganizing the internal security. Several months, half a year — I'll follow your lead. Don't feel the slightest pressure or burden."

"Good, I'm counting on you." Very satisfied, Huang Shi personally saw Zhao Manxiong out the door. Zhao Manxiong had helped Huang Shi lay a good foundation for the staff department and had also managed the currency production work for a time. The recently established "Werewolves of Zhangsheng Island" organization also pleased Huang Shi greatly. Huang Shi's original plan was to have Zhao Manxiong carefully review Zhang Pan's work, but since Zhao Manxiong and Zhang Pan had just had a conflict, it was better to wait until he had sorted out the internal security department's regulations first.

In the small society of Zhangsheng Island, Huang Shi had always been firmly at the center of power. He knew everything and controlled everything. Everyone else, even within the scope of their own work, was bound by various regulations. Moreover, Huang Shi would occasionally send Zhao Manxiong to burst into those senior officers' domains and stir up trouble, giving the officers no opportunity to establish their own absolute authority.

Huang Shi had always felt very good about himself regarding this.

Two days later, Li Yunrui and Zhao Manxiong shared lunch in the office of the Zhangsheng Island Military Intelligence Division. The two senior officers enjoyed fresh fish from Zhangsheng Island, cut into small pieces and eaten with garlic — very delicious. Afterward, Li Yunrui brought out tea from his own ration to entertain this colleague.

"Many thanks for Brother Li's hospitality. This tea and the fish are truly beyond praise." Zhao Manxiong loudly voiced his compliments, though he figured Li Yunrui certainly would not think he had come just to scrounge food and drink.

"Sir Zhao, if you have something to say, please speak. This brother will certainly do his utmost to assist." It seemed Li Yunrui indeed did not think so. Over the past few years, the two had come to a certain understanding of each other, and moreover, for the past half year, Zhao Manxiong had been his temporary superior.

"Yesterday I just read the Military Intelligence Division's memorandum to the internal security. You requested that the 'Werewolves of Zhangsheng Island' system be placed under the direct leadership of the Military Intelligence Division and that the internal security transfer the relevant personnel to the Military Intelligence Division. I cannot agree to this request."

Li Yunrui said nothing, just stared straight at Zhao Manxiong, as if waiting for the latter to blush.

However, Li Yunrui was clearly going to be disappointed, because when Zhao Manxiong said, "Alright, I know I drafted this memorandum," his tone was still as impassioned as ever.

"Alright, I must admit that at the time, I was mainly looking at this issue from the perspective of the Military Intelligence Division." Zhao Manxiong's tone was cadenced, hoping not to give Li Yunrui the impression: "This guy is now looking at the issue from the perspective of the internal security."

Before Li Yunrui could react, Zhao Manxiong raised his voice another octave. "Later, I re-examined this issue from a brand-new height, namely the position of the former acting Assistant Regional Commander of Zhangsheng Island."

After all, having served as acting chief when Huang Shi was away, Zhao Manxiong's image in everyone's eyes had always been close to the second-in-command of Zhangsheng Island. He struck the memorandum on the table and said, "It is undeniable that the internal security team's confidentiality work has always been done well, while the Military Intelligence Division has not undergone similar tests. If the 'Werewolves of Zhangsheng Island' were under the control of the internal security, the most important confidentiality work would already be guaranteed."

Li Yunrui did not speak but lowered his head to look at the table. Zhao Manxiong had no choice but to continue spraying his spittle. "If the internal security truly discovers any military intelligence that needs to be communicated to the Military Intelligence Division, the internal security can also react at the first moment. Moreover, with the internal security's participation, it can undoubtedly greatly reduce the pressure on the Military Intelligence Division, thereby enhancing our Zhangsheng Island's military intelligence analysis capability."

After listening to Zhao Manxiong's words, Li Yunrui lowered his head and pondered for a long time, then spoke haltingly, "Five years ago, it was Sir Zhao who recommended me to our lord. This, I will not forget."

"That was so many years ago. Why bring it up now?"

Zhao Manxiong let out a long breath of satisfaction, though he knew he had incurred a very large favor. But the fruits of his labor over the past half year were at least preserved. In the army, without any foundation at all, even sitting in the second-in-command position gave one not the slightest sense of security.

The third day of the eighth month, the sixth year of Tianqi.

Today, Hong Antong reported a very interesting piece of news to Huang Shi: Young Lady Wang had returned to Zhangsheng Island again.

On the way back from Juehua last time, Huang Shi had felt that he simply could not explain how a betrothed wife had suddenly appeared. Besides, while at Juehua, he had indeed intended to propose marriage to the Zhao family, so he had no intention of defending himself at all.

Not long after, the Wang siblings had moved to Shandong. It was said they had found their maternal uncle's family and so planned to transfer their household registration to Shandong. Huang Shi naturally would not obstruct this.

Today, upon hearing that Young Lady Wang and the others had returned, Huang Shi frowned and asked, "What did they come back for? If the Wang siblings want to cancel their military household registration, that I absolutely cannot do — unless they can reach the rank of Minister."

Huang Shi's joke made Hong Antong laugh as well. "My lord, do you still intend to see Young Lady Wang?"

"No." Huang Shi answered without hesitation, then hesitated for a moment. "Why did they come back?"

"It is said that the military pay earned by military households in Shandong is still less than that of our Zhangsheng Island military households, so they came back. It seems their maternal uncle's family could not help much either."

"So it seems. Every family has its own difficult scripture to recite." Now, as Zhangsheng Island's income increased, the pay of the Dongjiang Left Auxiliary troops had also become more and more substantial. Of course, according to Huang Shi's consistent principle, the welfare of Zhangsheng Island and the Vanguard Battalion officers and soldiers would still be higher than that of the other Dongjiang Left Auxiliary soldiers.

If his own people got no benefits at all, then who would still come to join Huang Shi?

"I heard that the Wang brothers also said that if you don't go outside and look, you won't understand. Only after looking did they realize that Zhangsheng Island is still better. As long as you can find an opportunity to learn a trade well, life is much better than farming."

"Mm, I hope so too."

Zhangsheng Island had partially achieved social division of labor. Over a thousand military households had already begun evolving toward industrial workers. They gradually forgot how to farm and became increasingly proficient in their own specialties, relying on these professions to live a decent life. This group of people was the batch Huang Shi relied on most, but conversely, their dependence on Huang Shi was also the greatest. They had already become inseparable from the small society of Zhangsheng Island.

The fourth day of the month.

“Reporting to my lord: the Jianzhou slaves have sent… sent an envoy.” Hong Antong’s tone was not very smooth as he made his report, and the expression on his face seemed somewhat odd as well.

“Oh?” Huang Shi set down the work in his hands. It seemed the envoy had brought important news again; otherwise, Hong Antong would not have disturbed him while he was busy.

“My lord, the envoy is Lady Chen.”

“Oh.” Huang Shi’s expression did not change as he lowered his head again. He made a mark with his brush where he had been reading, then let out a long sigh. “Invite her to wait briefly in the study. I will put on proper attire and come at once.”

Huang Shi changed into his full military uniform. Zhao Manxiong and Li Yunrui had both reached the study before him. By the time Huang Shi entered, they and Hong Antong had already been probing for a while and had recorded quite a bit of intelligence on Liaoyang.

“Young Lady Chen.” Huang Shi gave a very courteous salute. He glanced at the tea table in front of the eldest daughter of the Zhao family, then immediately called for his personal guards to change the hot water, smiling as he made polite inquiries after her well-being.

The eldest daughter of the Zhao family had been carried by Later Jin soldiers in a sedan chair to the Gaizhou outpost. Once the Dongjiang scouts at Gaizhou had verified her identity, they dared not delay and swiftly sent her on to Fuzhou. Jia Minghe at Fuzhou, greatly startled, issued strict orders forbidding any leak of information and had the eldest daughter of the Zhao family sent to Changsheng Island.

“Grand Commander Huang, you need not stand on such ceremony with this humble woman.” The eldest daughter of the Zhao family sat weakly in her chair. The days of fear and terror, along with the jolting exhaustion of the journey, had long since brought this twenty-four-year-old girl to the brink of collapse. But the eldest daughter of the Zhao family had gritted her teeth and refused to break down. Just moments before, she had forced herself to rally and respond to the questions of the Changsheng Island Internal Guard and the Military Intelligence Division, cooperating with their work to the utmost of her ability.

Now, having at last held on until this moment when she could see Huang Shi, the eldest daughter of the Zhao family drew out a letter she had kept close to her body. Holding it in both hands, she extended her arms straight out toward Huang Shi: “Grand Commander Huang, with just one word from you, my younger sister’s life can be saved.”

Huang Shi silently accepted the letter and paced about the room as he read it.

Huang Taiji still insisted that they, the Later Jin, were sincere in seeking peace. He therefore intended to return the second daughter of the Zhao family, along with that pair of concubines in Liaoyang, all together to Huang Shi. Only, to avoid any misunderstanding, Huang Taiji had no choice but to have her elder sister come and confirm the matter with Huang Shi. If Huang Shi acknowledged that Zhao Er was his betrothed wife, then with just a brief note, Huang Taiji would deliver Zhao Er to Huang Shi’s men at a time and place of Huang Shi’s choosing.