Chapter 306: Under the Capital

"Giddyap!"

Fast horses galloped through the rain, the hoarse, low-pitched cries of the riders blending with the splashing thuds of hooves pounding through mud and water, unnervingly mirroring the urgency and tension of those riding.

The rain curtain was thick, black clouds stretched endlessly, occasional lightning flashed; along the way, footsteps of men and horses were chaotic, shouts never ceasing.

Qi Jiguang had not yet removed his padded coat; his legs clamped tightly around the horse's flanks, his whip nearly a blur in motion.

Leading his personal guards without pause, he charged through the long street, riding against the tide of fleeing crowds, smashing straight through the rain curtain.

Their faces were drenched, yet their expressions remained grim, unmoved by the soaking.

For the distant cries of battle were already reaching their ears.

Someone had gathered troops within the capital and attempted to assassinate the emperor! Truly a catastrophe that shook heaven and earth!

Who had the audacity, the madness, to risk everything and plunge the realm into chaos!?

Where had these rebels gathered, how many were there, what arms did they possess!?

Most urgent of all—had His Majesty been harmed?

Each time Qi Jiguang thought of this, his unease deepened by another third.

Faster! Must go faster! The Emperor is divinely wise and martial, his safety tied to the peace of all under heaven—he must not be harmed!

The closer they drew, the clearer the cries of battle became; they even glimpsed rebels fleeing from the battlefield. Seeing them, the guards needed no orders—several spears thrust out, knocking down the fleeing rebels.

"Marshal Qi! White Lotus robes! Mixed with armor from the Left Garrison!"

The guards reined in their horses and shouted their report.

Qi Jiguang glanced briefly, then looked away, snapping his whip hard: "Disable their limbs—leave them to the Eastern Depot and Embroidered Uniform Guard! We ride to protect His Majesty!"

"Ah!"

"Spare us!"

At his command, several screams rose in succession.

Qi Jiguang ignored them, his heart growing heavier.

The Left Garrison was one of the six guards under the Left Military Command in the capital; though not part of the Twenty-Six Imperial Guards, it was the core force defending the capital—if it had joined the rebellion, this was no trivial matter!

Of course, wearing Left Garrison armor did not necessarily mean this guard was truly involved.

During the Tianshun era, Marquis Zhao Wu Cao Qin rebelled, leading his private troops to attack the palace; the armor he stockpiled was secretly kept after every official troop deployment—"Each time they marched out, he selected high-ranking officers and elite soldiers to serve under him; upon return, he retained them at home, so his household always held many suits of armor."

But even so, it at least indicated the rebel leader held high rank!

Aside from the Ministry of War, the Five Military Commands were likely also implicated.

And the White Lotus Sect…

Like flies, they always crawl into every crack!

Since Yongle's reign, White Lotus rebellions had never ceased!

When the Shizong Emperor reformed, he incited imperial clans to rebel; then, when the Muzong Emperor ascended and the court was unstable, the White Lotus leader Zhao Quan incited Altan Khan to declare himself emperor, orchestrated the Shizhou Uprising, guided the Tartars, and slaughtered over a hundred thousand of their own people. Now, because of the land survey, the White Lotus had allied with Shi Maohua's faction.

Traitors and rebels—they were truly like flies drawn to dung!

"Hurry! Hurry!"

Qi Jiguang gave the order again.

He brought only ten personal guards—that was the maximum allowed him under his current favor.

Yet even with so few, they radiated a solemn, heavy aura, utterly distinct from other units.

At his command, the guards quickened by another third; eleven men moved as one, charging through the rain like a torrent.

Along the way, every household had shut its doors and windows, silent and still; only in the distance, carried by wind and rain, came the cries of battle, clashing swords, and volleys of arrows.

…

Soon, the group arrived at last.

He looked around.

Rain fell steadily from the sky; the stone pavement was stained crimson.

The plaque above the Gao family gate lay shattered on the ground; wounded and corpses lay scattered outside, charred marks along the walls silently revealed the rain's cleansing effect.

The fighting continued.

Embroidered Uniform Guard, Eastern Depot, Tengxiang Left Guard, White Lotus, foreigners, private troops—chaotic masses of men, barely distinguishable by their uniforms.

Blades, spears, swords, and halberds crashed together violently.

"Hold formation! Thrust!" Luo Sigong shouted from before the Gao family gate.

The Tengxiang Left Guard formed a line, gritting their teeth, thrusting forward with all their strength.

"Puff! Puff!"

The wet thud of spears piercing flesh, the agonized screams—rising together, blood splattered across faces, chilling to behold.

Immediately, Eastern Depot guards who vomited were dragged away, replaced by others.

"Close in! Kill!"

The Eastern Depot, long at peace, faced rebels who were mere rabble; upon first contact, both sides fought blindly, swinging wildly without order.

Only after they became fully entangled did the Eastern Depot finally stabilize, forming ranks and beginning to systematically slaughter the rebels.

Dozens of red-helmeted guards flanked both sides, their armor marked with white streaks, silently closing in with swords drawn, steps synchronized, movements uniform.

"Puff! Puff! Puff!"

Cold steel flashed; the dozen rebels with white armbands, moments ago snarling fiercely, suddenly fell silent.

A dull sound rose—like reaping wheat—over a dozen collapsed dead.

Qi Jiguang saw that though the Eastern Depot had suffered losses, they held overwhelming advantage, having crushed the rebels; only then did he exhale in relief.

"Advance! Charge the right flank!"

When auxiliary troops arrived, the greatest danger was centering on themselves and disrupting the main battle line.

As a renowned general of the age, he naturally avoided such a basic error; instead, he directed his guards to use their mounted advantage and charge the right flank—the group of rebels most tightly formed and fiercely resisting.

"Aye!"

A sharp response, then the sound of neighing horses joining the meat grinder before the Gao family gate.

Even on a long street, cavalry's advantage was clear.

As they galloped past, no formation could hold.

Under the sweep of their spears, arcs of blood sprayed into the air, bodies tumbled to the ground.

"No wonder they're the Qi family army—even charging down a street, their formation remains perfect! Truly the finest under heaven!"

Amidst the chaos, someone sharp-eyed cried out.

Qi Jiguang turned his head and saw a high-ranking official in crimson robes, riding close.

The official recognized him, about to dismount and bow, but seeing the battle still raging, hesitated.

Finally, he gritted his teeth and bowed from horseback: "Your servant pays respects to Viceroy Yin. I cannot dismount now—please forgive me, Viceroy."

The approaching man was none other than Yin Zhengmao, Viceroy of Guangdong and Guangxi, come to the capital for his official report.

Seeing Qi Jiguang keep his distance, wary, Yin Zhengmao shook his head: "This is but a minor nuisance—easily crushed with a flick of the wrist. Marshal Qi need not treat it as if the heavens were falling."

Qi Jiguang fell silent.

Yin Zhengmao's reputation was far from good; the phrase "rampantly corrupt" described him perfectly.

Moreover, if even Minister of War Shi Maohua had rebelled, and now a high-ranking civil official appeared here, how could Qi Jiguang lower his guard?

Facing Yin Zhengmao's approach, Qi Jiguang spoke hastily to change the subject: "Viceroy Yin! How is His Majesty? Has the rebel force struck His Majesty? May I enter the mansion to pay homage?"

Yin Zhengmao nodded toward the blood-soaked battlefield before the Gao gate: "With things this chaotic, why rush inside?"

"Don't worry—His Majesty is unharmed. Only a few rebels managed to scale the courtyard walls; they were quickly thrown out, none reached His Majesty."

"Let us wait until these rebels are fully crushed, then we may seek audience."

Of course, he did not say this aloud—Qi Jiguang was wary of him, so how could the Eastern Depot guards possibly let anyone in?

Yin Zhengmao, as Viceroy of Guangdong and Guangxi and concurrently Minister of War and Right Vice Censor-in-Chief, could enter easily; but Qi Jiguang, a military man, might well be barred at this sensitive moment.

Better to wait a while—when order is restored, he could calmly pay his respects.

Qi Jiguang did not care about being denied entry—he only heard the Emperor was safe, and finally relaxed completely.

He exhaled deeply: "Good. Good."

Now at ease, Qi Jiguang finally asked about the scene before him: "Viceroy Yin, who in their right mind would do this!?"

In the rain, the cries of battle were fading, showing signs of subsiding.

The rebels were scattered, fleeing in all directions.

Eastern Depot, guards, cavalry, patrols, even arriving retainers, each formed their own units, slaughtering rebels who exposed their backs.

Near the Gao family gate, men were already searching through piles of bodies for finishing blows.

Yin Zhengmao fell silent for a long while, then slowly spoke: "It must be the Marquis of Chengyi's rebellion—I saw General Liu Zhi of the Five Armies' Training Corps being dragged into the mansion."

The White Lotus were merely rabble—they needed leadership.

And Liu Zhi, their leader, was immediately targeted and captured—this was why the rebels now collapsed into disarray.

Qi Jiguang frowned, murmuring: "Right Commander of the Five Military Commands, Marquis of Chengyi, Liu Shiyan… No wonder the rebels wore armor from the Six Guards."

"I wonder how they got mixed up with the White Lotus."

Yin Zhengmao snorted: "These men have long been colluding with foreign powers!"

He wiped rain from his face and continued: "Yesterday, when I reported to court, I heard Wang Chonggu had uncovered that horse administration was entangled with the White Lotus, Tartars, and Jurchens!"

"And whether it was Minister of War Shi Maohua or Commander Liu Shiyan of the Five Military Commands, both were deeply implicated in horse administration."

"When rebellion breaks out, all parties naturally unite."

Qi Jiguang opened his mouth to speak.

At that moment.

"Boom! Boom! Boom!"

"Whoosh! Whoosh!"

"Kill!"

"Boom! Boom! Boom!"

The fighting outside had nearly reached its end, yet was not yet fully concluded; several clusters of combat remained fiercely entangled.

Suddenly, a series of explosions erupted like thunderclaps!

Followed by a roar of battle cries, rising from within the Gao residence outward!

Yin Zhengmao's eyes widened, and he spun around sharply: "Trouble!"

Intruders have attacked the Emperor!

The officials who had just arrived to watch from outside, along with the scattered soldiers fighting the rebels, now reacted.

Everyone turned simultaneously, stunned, gazing back toward the interior of the residence.

Two officials in blue robes, who had previously cowered before the flashing blades, now joined hands, covering their heads with their sleeves, trembling like leaves as they dashed through the killing ground before the gate, rushing inside to protect His Majesty.

Qi Jiguang drew a deep breath, still composed.

That was the sound of firearms.

On a day like this, firearms can only function at sixty percent efficiency if fired from indoors or under eaves—places sheltered from the rain!

Thus, these cannot be weapons carried by the rebels; they must be firearms held by the Imperial Guard, defending and firing!

Long-range fire—no close combat yet.

Realizing this, Qi Jiguang immediately shouted orders to his bodyguards: "Retreat! Follow me into the residence to protect His Majesty!"

…

Inside the Gao residence.

"Chengyi Bo! The Emperor is now cowering in the inner courtyard! The great matter is nearly settled—just one step away!"

The Embroidered Uniform Guard who had opened the door for Liu Shiyan now clutched his face, speaking as he bowed, pleading for Liu Shiyan to step aside and let him escape.

Liu Shiyan turned his head: "The Emperor hasn't noticed yet!?"

The Embroidered Uniform Guard, desperate to flee, had no idea whether the Emperor had noticed—he merely replied evasively: "He certainly hasn't, or how could I have opened the door for Chengyi Bo?"

Liu Shiyan pondered, then nodded in agreement.

Seeing this, the man who had opened the door sighed in relief, bowed, and stepped past Liu Shiyan, preparing to leave.

The next instant.

A blade pierced through his chest.

The Embroidered Uniform Guard turned his head in shock.

Liu Shiyan's murmured voice echoed: "I'm not going to live—do you think a worm like you can still sneak away?"

Liu Shiyan pulled the blade free, left it unsheathed, letting rain strike the hilt as blood and water dripped together onto the ground.

He glanced toward the inner courtyard, as if already seeing the trembling Emperor, and felt a surge of grim satisfaction.

"Heaven's mandate is mine! Had the Emperor stayed safely in the palace, we'd have been forced to resort to fire, drowning, cinnabar, or arsenic—but he insisted on leaving the palace to seek death!"

"Now, once we seize this residence and break within five steps of the Emperor, we'll see him weeping and begging!"

Liu Shiyan's eyes burned red, his face twisted with fury.

"Heaven, continue to aid me!"

Ignoring the corpse on the ground, Liu Shiyan silently prayed, stepped over the threshold of the rear wing, and surged forward with his men.

"Kill!"

Men and horses charged in, entering the inner courtyard—only to find it eerily empty.

Not just the courtyard; the entire hall was unguarded, and they saw no more Eastern Depot or Embroidered Uniform Guard along the way.

His subordinates immediately grew alert, clustering around Liu Shiyan and whispering: "Commander! Something's wrong!"

Liu Shiyan laughed loudly: "Nothing's wrong—the Eastern Depot and Embroidered Uniform Guard have all rushed out to the front gate, chasing military merit! This proves Heaven's mandate is mine! Follow me to the front courtyard—strike straight at the dragon's lair!"

His voice, no longer low, rang clear and loud—all his private troops heard it.

The soldiers thought it over: yes, these court soldiers were always scheming for petty gains, useless in battle, yet never missed a chance to chase military merit.

They half-believed, half-doubted Chengyi Bo's words.

Liu Shiyan subtly scanned the surroundings, pushing his suspicions aside—he had realized something was amiss, but they had come this far; if he didn't charge forward with all-or-nothing resolve, would he retreat quietly, close the door politely, and say, "My apologies, I took a wrong turn"?

Whether the Emperor was prepared or not, he must burn his bridges!

To boost morale, though he knew it was unwise, Liu Shiyan still assumed a bold stance, brandishing his long blade and leading the charge at the front.

Gao Yi's residence had only three courtyards and was not large in scale.

Dust lay thick on the courtyards and buildings; the large red lanterns hung in advance for the New Year now hung torn and ragged in the fierce wind and rain.

After passing through the rear wing and searching two side chambers without finding anyone, the black-armored soldiers pressed forward without pause toward the inner courtyard.

"The Emperor must be trembling in one of the east or west chambers of the inner courtyard—no more than a hundred paces away."

"Even if he's prepared, I have dozens of fully armed men—we'll crush him under sheer weight!"

"Run? In this distance, fleeing will scatter our formation—only hasten death!"

Liu Shiyan mentally calculated, adjusted his breathing, and without realizing it, stepped first into the inner courtyard.

Behind him, dozens of glinting, shadowy figures emerged from the main hall, following closely.

As Liu Shiyan was about to give orders, his peripheral vision caught flickering shapes atop the side chambers.

His hair stood on end!

He looked up—rows upon rows of crossbows, as if suddenly awakened, bristled with lethal intent!

Before the windows, countless arquebuses extended, their black muzzles all aimed downward, hungry to devour.

Liu Shiyan's trembling heart shot straight to his throat!

Firearms! Crossbows! How could the Emperor bring such weapons when visiting his teacher outside the palace!?

He didn't even notify the Ministry of War or the Five Military Commissions! What a tyrant—treating the arms depots as his private storeroom!

Unthinkable!

No time to think further—Liu Shiyan gave the order immediately!

"Retreat to the hall!"

No sooner had he spoken than the twang of crossbow strings followed—the black muzzles, damp from rain, flared with fire at roughly sixty percent efficiency; a chorus of reports erupted instantly.

"Whoosh! Whoosh! Whoosh!"

"Boom! Boom!"

"Whoosh! Whoosh!"

"Boom! Boom! Boom! Boom!"

Two soldiers' necks exploded into sprays of blood; they collapsed instantly.

The remaining soldiers finally reacted, frantically clustering around Liu Shiyan as they retreated into the hall.

Each sharp "ding!" marked a crossbow bolt scraping against armor.

"Plop. Plop."

Occasionally, the wet thud of bolts piercing flesh followed.

Crossbows, firearms, commands, muffled cries, groans—interwoven in a relentless symphony.

A sky of arrows, streaked with fire, drowned Liu Shiyan's vision, nearly blinding him with rage!

In an instant, over a dozen corpses lay around Liu Shiyan, blood gushing across the courtyard's stone tiles.

"Reload! Fire!"

"Load powder! Fire!"

Officers shouted orders in rapid succession.

Only when Liu Shiyan had taken cover inside the hall did the barrage gradually subside.

Liu Shiyan glanced around—seventeen men lost in mere moments. His heart burned with fury.

Had we not concealed our shields to avoid suspicion, we wouldn't have suffered so badly from crossbows and firearms!

"The Eastern Depot and Embroidered Uniform Guard have illegally deployed firearms and crossbows without authorization from the Ministry of War or the Five Military Commissions—this is treason!"

Reeling from failure and losing his composure, Liu Shiyan shouted aloud words that left his men stunned into silence.

Unfortunately, no one answered.

"Take everything from the room! Use it as shields!"

At Liu Shiyan's order, his soldiers immediately piled tables, chairs, and wooden plaques before them.

Meanwhile, the clanking of armor echoed continuously along the corridor outside the hall.

They're surrounding us!

Liu Shiyan drew a deep breath—he knew he couldn't wait to die.

"The Emperor had full preparation, yet let you all get trapped in bloody combat—how cruel! Is such a man worth dying for!?"

As Liu Shiyan shouted outward to distract the enemy, he reorganized his formation, preparing to break out.

He forced himself to stay calm.

By regulation, the Emperor's escort should be one hundred and twenty Embroidered Uniform Guards; according to the insider's report, the Emperor, fearing death, added another hundred—no more than two hundred and twenty total.

Most are still fighting outside the residence, not yet returned; at most seventy remain outside this hall—roughly equal to our numbers.

But they're all sons of wealthy families—empty shells; whereas my men are all death-defying outlaws, who have fought beside me for years across south and north.

Moreover, whether firearms or crossbows, they are precisely vulnerable to cavalry charges; once the enemy closes in, they become utterly useless.

In that case, we might as well fight with our backs to the water!