The wind rises at the end of the Ming Dynasty

Chapter 433 The bright card
On the eastern outskirts of Hanyang City, there is the Hanzhong military camp.

At the central army gate, flags and banners were fluttering, and soldiers in armor were like a forest.

Zuo Liangyu stood in front of the tall gate and looked up.

The fiery red banner inside the camp was fluttering in the north wind, and the rustling sound lingered in Zuo Liangyu's ears.

The flaming red banner was like a raging fire, burning Zuo Liangyu's eyes.

The armored soldiers standing around stood as solemnly as pine trees, holding their swords and guns, with murderous intent in their eyes.

The flags fluttered like waves, and the iron armor shone coldly.

Looking at such a magnificent army and thinking about the soldiers under his command, Zuo Liangyu couldn't help feeling helpless.

The curtain of the central military tent was lifted, and the soldiers who had entered the tent to report walked out.

Generals including Meng Ruhu and Cao Bianjiao who were standing with Zuo Liangyu all shifted their gazes away.

However, to everyone's surprise, the soldier who reported the incident did not come towards them, but just stopped to the right of the tent door.

Just when everyone was suspicious, a tall figure appeared at the door of the tent.

The first thing that caught everyone's eyes was a ferocious flying fish.

Immediately afterwards, the tall figure stepped out of the central military tent.

Chen Wang, wearing a red robe and holding a goose-feather knife in his hand, was surrounded by a group of armored soldiers and was already walking like a dragon and a tiger.
The gilded patterns on the goose-feather scabbard sparkled in the setting sun.

The fish's angry mouth reveals sharp teeth, and the dragon-like head has flying whiskers.

The armored soldiers of the Hanzhong army outside the tent straightened their already straight backs in unison the moment Chen Wang appeared.

They stared at Chen Wang as he stepped out of the military tent, their eyes burning with almost fanatical admiration.

Zuo Liangyu subconsciously held his breath.

Two years have passed since we parted in Xiangyang.

Chen Wang’s momentum now is completely different from that of Xiangyang two years ago.

When he met Chen Wang in Xiangyang, Chen Wang was already a general who suppressed bandits and was famous throughout the world for his battles to support the king.

At that time, Chen Wang acted cautiously, was restrained and modest.

But the current Chen Wang's former caution and humility have long since faded away, replaced by a stern and majestic aura that makes people dare not look directly at him.

Zuo Liangyu was shocked and subconsciously wanted to grab the goose-feather knife at his waist.

Having served in the army for many years and living in fear of death at any time, Zuo Liangyu often felt a sense of security only when he had a weapon in his hands.

However, all weapons had been left behind by the Hanzhong Army guards when they entered the camp.

After Zuo Liangyu touched nothing, his right hand hung in mid-air. Finally, he could only put his hand back on the belt around his waist.

Seeing Chen Wang striding towards him.

Zuo Liangyu's throat moved slightly, and he subconsciously wanted to step forward, but he hesitated the moment he raised his foot.

His past reserve and current situation were like invisible shackles, nailing him firmly to the spot.

After seven years of hard work, Chen Wang is now at the top of the official hierarchy, but he himself...

Zuo Liangyu's fingertips trembled slightly, but in the end he just stood there.

His jaw was clenched, his body was stiff, and his mind was in turmoil.

But Chen Wang had already stepped forward with a loud smile and grasped Zuo Liangyu's hand. His fierce majesty suddenly disappeared at this moment.

"Commander Zuo, how are you?"

Chen Wang's simple words were like a spring breeze melting snow, sweeping away the heavy atmosphere in front of the gate.

Zuo Liangyu's heart trembled slightly, and in a trance he seemed to see again the high-spirited young commander outside Chunhua City that year.

When he was in Chunhua, Chen Wang had just been appointed as the battalion commander. He originally just wanted to make friends with Chen Wang because of his relationship with Cao Wenzhao, and see if he could share some of the military merits.

But after arriving in Chunhua and meeting Chen Wang, for some reason he opened up to Chen Wang and said things that he couldn't say, even though they were just strangers.

Perhaps it was the familiar sharpness in Chen Wang's eyes that reminded him of his former self.

Or maybe, he just wanted to win over Cao Wenzhao's confidant.
Zuo Liangyu could no longer remember the specific reason.

But Chen Wang always kept this matter in mind.

Zhang Xianzhong surrendered and then rebelled again. He was defeated at Luohou Mountain and was disheartened. Chen Wang in Xiangyang tried his best to get him enough troops and military pay so that he could use it to rebuild his army.

There were no conditions, no bargaining, just as pure as when I was in Chunhua, when I was open with my heart to him.

Even in many times afterwards, whenever there was a need, they would generously help.

“Just like back then.”

After Zuo Liangyu let go of the pressure in his heart, his expression became much more relaxed. The tension between his brows gradually relaxed, and a smile crept up to the corners of his eyes. He replied with a laugh.

"Hahahahaha."

Chen Wang was in a very good mood and continued speaking.

"I gave Marshal Zuo the Liulin wine when we parted in Xiangyang last time. Marshal Zuo should have finished drinking it. I have asked someone to prepare another cart of Liulin wine. When Marshal Zuo returns to his tent, he will take it away with him."

Zuo Liangyu felt a warm feeling in his heart. He didn't expect that after so much time had passed, Chen Wang still remembered the words he had casually mentioned in Xiangyang.

Chen Wang loosened his grip on Zuo Liangyu's hand and turned to look at the people behind Zuo Liangyu.

Cao Bianjiao was still wearing the red arrow clothes as before, with his back straight, like a sword drawn from its sheath.

Seeing Chen Wang's gaze, Cao Bianjiao looked calm and bowed.

"Meet General Chen."

Chen Wang smiled and clasped his fists in return.

"I've met my brother."

There was a ripple of emotion in Cao Bianjiao's eyes.

Chen Wang served as a servant under his uncle, and was promoted all the way up to his uncle's rank, eventually becoming equal to him, and even being ranked above him as General Suppressing Bandits.

He was not very familiar with the ways of the world, so for a long time he didn't know how to get along with others.

However, after the Battle of Baitu Pass, the grudges between them were resolved.

Chen Wang started calling him brother after the Battle of Baitu Pass.

Cao Bianjiao had a complicated expression because he knew what Chen Wang was doing now.

Their Cao family had enjoyed the emperor's favor for generations, and his uncle died for his country on the battlefield of Songjin.

And Chen Wang...

Cao Bianjiao suppressed the thoughts in his heart; he didn't want to think about it.

These things often kept him up all night.

Chen Wang also noticed the change in Cao Bianjiao's expression. He knew the confusion in Cao Bianjiao's heart.

However, this time when the generals gathered to make a promotion, he had already made up his mind on how to persuade Cao Bianjiao.

"Fierce and handsome."

As soon as his thought came to his mind, Chen Wang slightly turned sideways and bowed to Meng Ruhu who was standing beside him.

Meng Ruhu's stature is slightly shorter than Cao Bianjiao and Zuo Liangyu, but he is still quite sturdy.

His legs were not as straight as those of most Han people, but slightly bent outwards, which was obviously because he had been riding a horse since he was a child.

Meng Ruhu was nominally the president appointed by the imperial court and had the power to control the troops in central Sichuan and even in the towns of Huguang.

Although he doesn't have a general seal, he can still be called a fierce and handsome man.

"As fierce as a tiger, I meet the general who pacifies the bandits."

Meng Ruhu clasped his hands together and bowed as well.

However, when he was saluting, it seemed that the carbuncle on his back was affected, and his brows wrinkled for a moment, and his face showed pain. Chen Wang hurried forward, grabbed Meng Ruhu's arms with both hands, helped him up, and then immediately gave instructions to the surrounding soldiers.

"Mengshuai is injured, please don't be polite."

Fierce as a tiger sighed and said
"Thank you for your understanding, General."

Chen Wang said comfortingly with a serious expression.

"Back carbuncle is very dangerous. It is difficult to cure without a famous doctor. After I learned that Marshal Meng was ill, I issued a notice to recruit more than a dozen famous doctors. I sent people to invite them some time ago. They should arrive in Hanyang in the next few days."

Back carbuncle is no longer an incurable disease in this era.

The Ming Dynasty's "Surgery Qixuan" records: "Carbuncle on the back is extremely dangerous. If it is not treated in time, seven or eight out of ten will die."

In history, Meng Ruhu did not die of a carbuncle on his back, but died in battle in Nanyang.

Chen Wang admired Meng Ruhu.

According to historical records, he was as fierce as a tiger and bravest among all the generals. He always led the troops in battle and was victorious wherever he went.

However, most of the things he did were not for the right people, and he eventually died of exhaustion. What a pity.

Chen Wang's attitude made Meng Ruhu slightly stunned.

He was used to being looked down upon. During his convalescence, the court showed no comfort, but kept urging him to march forward, completely ignoring the fact that he was seriously ill and that military pay had not been paid for nearly ten months.

In order to support his troops, he used most of his accumulated money to support his soldiers, and even his own illness had to be put aside.

Chen Wang had been far away in Nanzhili before, but he was able to remember that he was ill and even found a famous doctor to treat him.

Even though he knew that Chen Wang's move was to win people's hearts, Meng Ruhu still felt touched.

Meng Ruhu lowered his head, and Chen Wang's ambition was obvious to everyone.

He wanted to refuse Chen Wang's attempt to win him over, but for some reason, the words came to his throat and he could no longer speak.

He thought of what Cao Wenzhao had said to him when he was forced to leave Jizhen in the 13th year of Chongzhen, when he was dismissed from his post due to an incident...

The accompanying soldiers stepped forward to support Meng Ruhu and entered the military tent first.

As Meng Ruhu left, Chen Wang also shifted his attention to the two generals behind Meng Ruhu - Luo Rucai and Liu Guangzuo.

Liu Guangzuo had a flattering look on his face and bowed hurriedly.

"Liu Guangzuo, meet Marshal Chen."

Chen Wang didn't know Liu Guangzuo before, so Liu Guangzuo smartly gave his name.

Liu Guangzuo was a man of mediocre ability and had mediocre military achievements. During the Wuyin Rebellion, he was afraid to advance when encountering the Qing army. If he had not had connections in the court, he would have been imprisoned and punished.

However, the Wuyin Rebellion was understandable, as under the circumstances at the time, their troops were fewer than those of the Qing army.

Wang Pu and Cao Bianjiao, who arrived earlier, looked at each other and did not dare to attack.

At the last moment, Liu Guangzuo did show some integrity.

In history, Liu Guangzuo and Meng Ruhu jointly defended Nanyang. After the city was broken, Liu Guangzuo died in battle.

Guo Que commented that although he was not a famous general, he was loyal and brave because he was not reckless in the face of difficulties.

During this period of history influenced by Chen Wang, Liu Guangzuo also participated in a series of battles such as the Battle of Qingshan Pass to intercept the retreat of the Jiannu, and also accumulated some gains.

Chen Wang bowed as a greeting.

"General Liu, please don't be polite. We have fought side by side before. Comrades on the battlefield do not need to be polite."

Although they had never met, the two of them could be considered comrades in arms in the war to defend the king.

Liu Guangzuo looked slightly happy. Before he came, he was afraid that this was a Hongmen Banquet and worried that Chen Wang would capture him and take over the troops under his command.

That's why he was extremely flattering when he saw Chen Wang.

At the moment, Chen Wang's expression was gentle, and he even talked about the friendship they had during the time of serving the king, which undoubtedly relaxed Liu Guangzuo's originally depressed mood a lot.

Liu Guangzuo knew in his heart that Chen Wang wanted to persuade them with gentle means.

Liu Guangzuo had no hesitation at all about joining Chen Wang's army.

Now that we are under someone’s roof, how can we not bow our heads?

Liu Guangzuo also heard a lot about the situation in the north.

The imperial court is probably on the verge of collapse, and change in the country is imminent. The achievement of following the emperor is within reach.

And if you follow Chen Wang's command, you should stop fighting those cowardly battles.

In the past, when fighting a war, one had to be wary not only of the enemy, but also of friendly forces to prevent them from fleeing early.

Following Chen Wang, the Hanzhong army never retreated. The sound of the horn was enough to drive everyone forward and they were invincible.

In the Battle of Qingshan Pass, Liu Guangzuo felt that he had fought to his heart's content.

Those soldiers under his command who were afraid of fighting in the past were now following the Hanzhong army with high morale.

In that case, why not risk your life and fight for a title to your wife and children, and a title of nobility and a general?
Chen Wang and Liu Guangzuo exchanged greetings for a while, and finally turned their attention to Luo Rucai.

Luo Rucai was wearing purple clothes and an iron crown on his head, and his stature was much shorter than the others.

He has a dark complexion and a short, neatly groomed beard.

There is a deep scar on his left cheek.

But this is not the most eye-catching thing.

Because Luo Rucai actually has double pupils.

Among the 72 battalions, if we talk about who is the best in field battles and deployment of troops, Luo Rucai is undoubtedly the real top dog.

However, Luo Rucai's talent in military strategy is unquestionable.

But in terms of strategy, it is only so-so and mediocre.

However, this defect of Luo Rucai is not important to Chen Wang.

Now the strategy of Hanzhong Town is designated by him personally, and a group of staff from the Central Military Department help to improve it.

If Luo Rucai could serve as a general under him, it would undoubtedly be a great boost to Hanzhong Town.

Among all the generals of the Southern Kingdom, the one Chen Wang actually wanted to recruit the most was Luo Rucai.

Luo Rucai had a blank expression on his face, and he bowed to Chen Wang like everyone else.

The reason why he joined the Ming army was entirely because of the situation, and he was angry at Zhang Xianzhong's betrayal and wanted to take revenge.

Now that Zhang Xianzhong is dead, he is tired of the life of wandering.

Chen Wang has now formed an alliance with the chieftains in the southwest and controls the Jianghuai, Central Plains and other areas. The troops under his command are powerful and cannot be compared with the former Ming court.

Now the 72nd Battalion has already fallen apart, with some dead and some scattered.

Luo Rucai realized his own abilities. He did not have the ability to take up the banner and overthrow the world.

Therefore, he didn't care whether he was under the rule of the Ming court or under the command of Chen Wang.

Through Luo Rucai's experience, Chen Wang also knew more or less what was in Luo Rucai's heart.

After Chen Wang and Luo Rucai had a brief conversation for a few words, they greeted the camp commanders who followed them.

After a moment, Chen Wang also got to the point.

However, his first sentence made the atmosphere heavy again, and everyone fell into silence.

"The north is drifting, the south is in turmoil."

"The world is about to change. Do you have any thoughts on this..."

"Where to go?"

In November, Li Zicheng defeated Fu Zonglong's troops and took advantage of the situation to attack. Ruhu and Liu Guangzuo defended the city and killed thousands of elite soldiers of the bandits with a trick. After the city was broken, Ruhu fought in the streets with a short weapon, shouting "charge", with blood on his sleeves. He passed the gate of Tang Mansion, kowtowed to the north to thank the emperor for his kindness, and said that he was exhausted and was beaten to death by the bandits. Guangzuo, the deputy guard councilor Ai Yuchu, and the magistrate of Nanyang Yao Yunxi died together, and the King of Tang was also killed.

(End of this chapter)