Chapter 42: It Came Without Effort

The two were still conferring when they suddenly heard footsteps outside the tent. A trusted confidant, acting on Bai Guangen's instruction, went out to check and was astonished to find that the visitor was none other than Li Yan.

It turned out that Li Yan had failed to persuade the Dashing King during the day despite his earnest efforts, and after being jointly schemed against by Niu Jinxing and Song Xiance, he was already seething with resentment. Just now, unable to swallow his indignation, he had gone to lobby Li Zicheng again only to be turned away at the door, which left him sighing in frustration.

Whenever Liu and Song moved about the main camp, they were invariably surrounded by a forest of guards, which made it clear how highly Li Zicheng valued them. Yet as the confidant exchanged pleasantries with Li Yan, he confirmed repeatedly that the latter had come entirely alone.

The confidant conceived a plan and courteously invited Li Yan into the main tent. Bai Guangen was initially tense with alarm, thinking Li Yan had already seen through his intentions, but after a few exchanges he realized that Li Yan seemed merely to have come for a heart-to-heart talk.

Paying no heed to whether Li Yan had come to comfort him, Bai Guangen's hand beneath the table unconsciously clenched into a fist — this was a godsent opportunity. He then cast a sidelong glance at the confidant standing at attention by the tent's edge.

With a single look, the confidant immediately understood what his general wanted him to do. He nodded directly and slipped quietly out of the camp to mobilize the troops.

Greatly relieved, Bai Guangen wiped away his cold sweat and said with a forced smile:

"Master Li, you came all of a sudden without giving word beforehand. This humble tent of mine is crude and has nothing worthy of offering — I truly feel remiss."

Li Yan gestured that it was no matter, then said with a hint of apology:

"The Dashing King places deep faith in that Song Xiance's prophetic omens and heretical arts. I could not protect you, General Bai, and upon returning to camp my chest burned with indignation that would not subside. I truly feel remiss — I beg your indulgence!"

Bai Guangen felt incredulous, then cast a look of admiration at Li Yan, rose to his feet, and clasped his fists, saying:

"Master Li, what words are these! During the day you braved the Dashing King's wrath on my behalf — you have already done all that humanity and duty require. All affairs are governed by heaven's decree; those arts of Niu and Song will meet their day of exposure soon enough. We need only do our utmost!"

"General Bai, your countenance is rough and straightforward, yet you understand great righteousness so clearly — I admire you." Li Yan nodded, then instructed: "Tomorrow you will enter the city to induce Zhou Yuji to surrender — truly an act of exhausting every effort for our Great Shun. If you can achieve success, General Bai, your future prospects are bright indeed!"

"Not at all, not at all — Master Li's praise exceeds what I deserve." Bai Guangen was at first a little embarrassed, but then he caught the implication beneath Li Yan's words and fell silent, assuming a posture of attentive listening — though in truth he was using the opportunity to glance toward the tent's entrance.

Li Yan suspected nothing, and cautioned:

"General Bai must remember: first, Zhou Yuji is loyal, brave, honest, and straightforward, and has never curried favor with the powerful. Moreover, from his adaptability in battle and his compliance with Li Fengxiang's confiscation of the Zhai family's property, it is not hard to see that this man is by no means a brute of mere courage without cunning. You must use delaying tactics and respond to him slowly."

"Second, Zhou Yuji is currently favored by that benighted sovereign. The Ningwu Army under his command reports directly to the Ministry of War and forms its own independent system — Governors-General, Governors, and other high court officials can no longer move it. Zhou Yuji holds the great power of life and death in his hands. When you go, General Bai, make preserving your life the first priority, restrain your temper, and by no means clash with him."

"Master Li speaks truly — I am all ears."

The more Bai Guangen listened, the more mystified he became. It seemed Li Yan's estimation of Zhou Yuji was far higher than his own. Was it really so formidable just to have gained the Emperor's favor?

Bai Guangen listened like a student in class — in one ear and out the other — his gaze drifting restlessly. After who knew how long, he finally caught sight of figures gathering in the shadows beyond the tent and felt his spirits surge.

Just as he was about to smash his cup as the signal, he turned his head and saw that Li Yan was still chattering on. Bai Guangen reflected that Li Yan was sincerely and genuinely thinking of his welfare, while he himself had been scheming all along over how to deliver Li Yan to the court to claim merit and reward — and felt a twinge of reluctance.

Seeing that their general was slow to act, the soldiers gathered outside grew anxious. They were about to charge in and seize the man when they heard Bai Guangen clear his throat a couple of times — "ahem, ahem" — and say:

"Master Li, since that bandit Li is so harsh and ungrateful, why not follow me in defecting to the court? His Majesty cherishes your talent and will surely grant you the position of Grand Secretary or Minister — your name will be known throughout the realm and bring glory to your ancestors. Is that not far better than running about with the roving bandits?"

Li Yan was in mid-speech when he heard these words, and his face changed dramatically.

In his heart, the Chongzhen Emperor was a thoroughly benighted sovereign. Although the edicts that had come out recently showed some changes, this did not affect Li Yan's view.

Judging from the handling of details, Li Zicheng's seeming dullness concealed a certain wisdom, though not exceptional — but at least he knew to listen to his subordinates' opinions, which made him far better than the Chongzhen Emperor or Zhang Xianzhong in Sichuan.

"Bai Guangen, I, Li Yan, truly misjudged you — you are nothing but a base, faithless villain!"

Suddenly, Li Yan burst into wild laughter and cried out:

"Bai Guangen, your life is short indeed! What sort of man that Chongzhen is — even now you still cannot see clearly!"

Bai Guangen flew into a rage, leaped up and overturned the table, sneering coldly as he said:

"Since we've come to this point, I'll speak plainly. If I simply went over to that Zhou Yuji, he naturally wouldn't spare my life. But if I bind you, Li Yan, and deliver you instead — well, then the situation is quite different."

Upon hearing this, Li Yan beat his chest and stamped his feet, thinking to himself that his womanish soft-heartedness had ruined a great matter. Seizing the gap while Bai Guangen was speaking, without a second word he made to flee the tent.

"Master Li, where do you think you're running?"

He had just turned and taken a few steps when he heard a light laugh from beyond the tent. The confidant led at least a dozen household retainers filing in and seized Li Yan on the spot.

Li Yan shouted and yelled, but Bai Guangen knew this was a matter of life and death. He grabbed a random rag and stuffed it into Li Yan's mouth, then snatched up his saber and rushed out of the tent, waving his hand:

"The bandit Li has treated me unjustly! Brothers, the time has come to return to the court!"

Late at night, Assistant Regional Commander Du Hu was on patrol duty atop the walls of Daizhou city. Though he walked with a limp, he was still full of vigor and spirit, continually slapping the crenellations with his hand as he said sternly:

"Keep a sharp watch! His Majesty is counting on us, the Ningwu Army. If a single bandit gets near this place, I'll hold you all to account!"

"Rest assured, General — our eyes are sharp!"

"General, look — it seems a company of men is approaching!"

Du Hu looked over at the words and indeed saw a company bearing torches drawing ever nearer. Without a moment's hesitation he turned and shouted back:

"To arms! The roving bandits are attacking the city again!"

"Pass the order — without this general's command, any who act rashly will be beheaded!" Having received the report from his personal guards, Zhou Yuji hurried up to the gate tower. Gazing intently, he noticed something out of the ordinary.

"General, these men don't seem to be here to attack the city." Du Hu had also spotted the discrepancy and appeared to be asking what should be done next.

Zhou Yuji nodded and raised his hand:

"The city is short on arrows and ammunition. Pass the order for the soldiers to prepare for battle — let's see what they're about first."

This company appeared few in number — roughly four or five thousand at most — and they were all crowded together as they moved, with only a few leaders at the front bearing torches. They moved in haste, as if deliberately trying to conceal something.

"Regional Commander Zhou, long time no see!"

Zhou Yuji was just wondering what trick Li Zicheng was trying this time when he suddenly heard a familiar voice from below the walls. He immediately peered down for a closer look and said in disbelief:

"Bai Guangen!?"