Pingyang Fu of the Red Chamber

Chapter 1157 Urgent Report from Beyond the Pass
Marquis Luoyun's residence,

Main hall and flower hall

Zhang Jinyu, having eaten and drunk her fill, sat there, accompanied by beautiful women, sipping fragrant tea. Qin Keqing was there to drink tea with her, and the servants in the room had already brought out pastries and refreshments for the eldest mistress. This finally suppressed the slight restlessness brought about by the casual conversation about Jia Baoyu, the "phoenix egg" of the Rongguo Mansion. The Rongguo Mansion was full of trivial matters all day long.

Zhang Jinyu didn't take what was just said to heart. Now, Jia Lian of Rongguo Mansion has entered the capital garrison and fought in several battles. Who would have thought that this phoenix egg would enter the officialdom and be as good as a spring breeze? After all, as long as you have people and money, you can make friends everywhere.

Just as they were about to exchange a few more words, Ningbian strolled in from outside, saluted, and

"Greetings, Lady Marquis. My Lord, the documents from the Ministry of War have arrived. They bear the official seal of the Ministry of War, and the letter was written by Wei Zhanying, the Vice Minister of War."

As he spoke, he handed over the troop mobilization document and Wei Zhanying's letter, but Zhang Jinyu not only did not take them, but instead asked a question;
"That's strange. When the Ministry of War wants to mobilize troops, it is usually Minister Zhao who personally takes stock, just in case something goes wrong. Although the order is written by Wei Zhanying, it never comes from the capital, only from the seal of the Grand Secretariat. Now he actually dares to send it to me. Tsk tsk, interesting. By the way, is there any news from the Imperial Guard camp?"

"Reporting to Your Excellency, the person keeping watch said that the Ministry of War also sent a message to the Imperial Guard camp. If I'm not mistaken, it should be for Commander Wang, and it should be the same transfer order."

Ningbian nodded. The person keeping watch was a clever servant from the Marquis's residence whom he had personally arranged to do so. They kept records of who came and went. However, he wondered how Governor Wang would carry out the task.

"It seems that the cabinet members already know, and perhaps the palace knows as well. I just wonder who will be the one to speak up in the end?"

Zhang Jinyu buttoned up his clothes, revealing a martial arts outfit that made him look even more heroic.

Qin Keqing sat beside him, her face even more beautiful and serene. Her slender hands were holding a soft, steamed chestnut flour cake with osmanthus sugar, taking small bites. Her beautiful eyes, like mist and dew, would occasionally dart around, carrying a subtle concern.

At this moment, seeing that the young master had fastened the buttons of his martial arts robe, a thoughtful look appeared on his brow.
"My lord, you have just finished your meal. Have some tea to soothe your throat. No matter how urgent matters of the court are, we can wait for a cup of tea. Be careful not to get upset on the way."

Her voice was like the warbling of a nightingale in spring, soft, sweet, and clear, like a clear spring flowing in. Ruizhu was very obedient and had already served the tea and snacks brought by the maid.

Zhang Jinyu turned to look at Qin Keqing. Her face, like a lotus blossom, was as smooth and warm as jade in the soft light, and her eyes held sincere concern, like a gentle breeze brushing against one's heart.
"Madam is right, there hasn't been a moment of peace this early in the morning."

He didn't dawdle, picking up a flower cake and eating it. As he was eating, he suddenly remembered the chaotic things that had happened at the Ministry of Justice these past few days. He hadn't yet met with the Emperor in the palace. He thought he might as well take this opportunity to sound out the situation and give some instructions first.
"Ningbian, prepare the horses, we're going to the palace."

"Yes, Lord Marquis!"

Ning Bian had just agreed when he waved his hand and instructed Zhao Wu, who was standing beside him, to make the arrangements.

But just as he stepped out of the courtyard, a captain hurriedly led his troops in, saluted, and...

"Reporting to the Marquis, an urgent message from beyond the Great Wall! It comes from Mr. Xiao of Pingyao City and General Wen Yuan of Pingliao City!"

Before Ningbian could report, a hurried figure rushed into the main hall! The newcomer was a captain of the personal guards of the Marquis of Guanwai. He was wearing light armor, the armor plates still covered with the dry dust unique to the north. Sweat and dust mixed together on his face, making him unrecognizable.

Upon seeing this, Zhang Jinyu's heart skipped a beat, and she thought to herself that she must have forgotten to check the almanac today; her luck was truly terrible.
"Get up and answer, Ningbian. Bring a chair over and let him sit down."

"Yes, my lord,"

Ning Bian's expression changed, and he pulled over a chair for her to sit down. Zhang Jinyu looked around, then filled her own teacup and handed it to her.

Before the guard captain could react, he reached out and snatched the teacup, drank it all in one gulp, and then, catching his breath, replied;
"My lord! Urgent report from beyond the pass! It's an urgent message! Mr. Xiao of Pingyao City and General Wen Yuan of Pingliao City sent secret letters on the same day! I changed horses at Luoyue Pass and headed south by water, traveling for less than three days and nights."

"Huh...huh..."

The captain struggled to suppress his breathing, large beads of sweat sliding down his tense cheek.

"...Not a moment can be wasted!"

"Pingliao City!"

Zhang Jinyu's eyes suddenly sharpened, and he abruptly stood up! If chaos was to break out beyond the Great Wall, it could only begin in Pingliao City, simply because this city guarded the vital north-south passage beyond the Great Wall and had the convenience of a lake. Large armies would inevitably pass through this place. An inexplicable sense of foreboding crept into his heart.

Beside him

Qin Keqing was also startled. The half-eaten pastry she was holding fell silently into the gilded bone china dish, scattering crumbs everywhere. Pingliao City, wasn't that the city on her husband's fiefdom? Could something have happened?

"Where are the things?"

Zhang Jinyu calmed herself down and asked, "What is it?" The captain of the Marquis's personal guard hurriedly tore open his armor and took out a box from the lining. Zhang Jinyu quickly took it, checked the seal, and then tore it open.

Inside were two secret letters, both containing explicit coded messages. Upon seeing this, they first took the letter paper marked with secret symbols by Mr. Xiao of Pingyao City. The paper was thin yet sturdy, the kind of secret writing paper used by spies on the grasslands.

Zhang Jinyu unfolded the letter, and lines of Mr. Xiao's familiar, powerful cursive script immediately came into view, filled with an inescapable anxiety:
"Your Excellency, in your humble opinion:"
Your humble servant, Xiao Ziyuan, respectfully writes;
A swift storm has arisen, and a great upheaval has occurred in the northern deserts. Our spy, dispatched a month ago, has now received confirmation that the situation far exceeds our initial expectations! According to reliable sources, it is confirmed without error: On the 15th of this month, the Yuezhi Kingdom's Wolf Court Golden Tent launched a surprise attack on the main Jurchen force in a valley on the southern slopes of the northern desert (details shown in the attached map), inflicting a crushing defeat on the Jurchen main force. The Jurchens suffered countless losses, including the elite Eight Banners troops personally led by Huang Jitai! The Jurchens retreated south, pursued relentlessly by the Yuezhi, until they reached the northern edge of Pingliao City, where they were already in sight before withdrawing. However, the Jurchens later surprisingly used Han Chinese as soldiers, proposing a strategy of "compensating for losses in the north with gains in the west," attempting to advance westward. We await your decision, Your Excellency.

Zhang Jinyu read the letter extremely quickly, but every word seemed utterly unfamiliar. He knew about the Yuezhi's great victory over the Jurchens, and that the Jurchens needed to replenish their troops after retreating south, leading to the establishment of the Han Eight Banners. Secret messages had also been sent about this. However, he couldn't understand the final decision. The so-called "compensating for losses in the north with gains in the west" strategy sounded somewhat familiar. Wasn't it the strategy proposed during the Northern Song Dynasty when the Liao Dynasty was defeated by the Jurchen Jin Dynasty, and someone suggested "compensating for losses in the north with gains in the south"? That is, what was lost in the north would be made up for in the south, ultimately leading to the fall of the Liao Dynasty. Of course, the Northern Song Dynasty eventually became the Southern Song Dynasty.

"Ningbian, have you received any intelligence from beyond the Great Wall before?"

"Reporting to the Marquis, no. At the time, Mr. Xiao said that he was investigating the great victory of the Yuezhi people in the north, and it seems that he has already made a result."

Ning Bian frowned, carefully recalling the intelligence sent from beyond the Great Wall. He had compiled it all himself, and there was nothing unusual about it.
Zhang Jinyu took a deep breath, handed the letter in her hand to Ning Bian, and then tore open the second letter even faster. The first thing she saw was straightforward language:
"This humble general, Zhang Wenyuan, respectfully reports to Your Excellency:"

Five days ago, the Jurchens reorganized their elite troops in the Khan's camp. Scouts have already reported that the Manchu and Han Eight Banners have regrouped and are slowly advancing westward. They are expected to arrive at Pingliao City in four days. This humble general has begun preparations for the defense of the city. I hope Your Excellency will make a decision soon.

"boom!"

Upon seeing Zhang Wenyuan's letter, Zhang Jinyu was instantly consumed by an uncontrollable rage! These shameless bastards! Using Pingliao City as a trading post, the Jurchens could buy supplies directly from him when they needed them, but after their defeat in the north, they were now trying to extract benefits from him.

He slammed the letter down hard on the rosewood table beside him! The immense force caused the heavy table to shake violently! The exquisite tea set and bone china plates filled with snacks on the table rattled and clattered like startled birds!
"Bastard!"

A low, angry shout burst from Zhang Jinyu's clenched teeth! After his anger subsided, Zhang Jinyu calmed down again. Calculating the time, he received the news five days ago and arrived four days later, or at most one day later, perhaps today. Pingliao City had begun its defense. Fortunately, the city walls had been repaired, and the defenses were mainly carried out by infantry.

"My lord, please calm down. Judging from the letter, General Wen Yuan has already made preparations. Given the strength of the Jurchens, they will not risk their elite troops. Therefore, I think the Jurchens may have other plans. Furthermore, have the Yuezhi people really retreated north? Now the entire northern desert and the vast sea have been brought under their control. I wonder what the Donghu people in the southern desert are up to."

Ningbian quickly read through the two letters, feeling a bit uneasy about both, as there were some parts he couldn't quite understand.

Zhang Jinyu frowned, looking at Qin Keqing's worried face, before snapping out of her reverie. "Madam, please go back and rest for now. The north is occupied with military affairs; there's nothing serious."

As she spoke, she winked at Ruizhu and Xiangling. The two girls, being sensible, quickly went over to help their mistress. Qin Keqing also understood, but her tone was filled with worry.
"I'm going to Dongyun Tower to look at the flowers and plants. Please don't be angry, my lord. Your health is the most important thing."

"Don't worry, Madam, it's nothing."

Zhang Jinyu nodded in agreement and watched Qin Keqing leave. Only after she was gone did he casually sit down in the chair.

"Someone, help him down to rest, and reward him handsomely."

"Yes, my lord,"

The guards inside the room helped the messenger captain downstairs, and once he left, the heavy atmosphere instantly dissipated.

After the Marquis calmed down, Ningbian was somewhat puzzled.
"My lord, I really can't understand why Huang Jitai of the Jurchens is not recuperating in Liaonan, but is so in a hurry to reorganize his army and march west. You must know that Pingliao City is a fortress with a large garrison, and it cannot be taken in a short time."

Zhang Jinyu sat there, stroked her chin, and thought for a moment;
"That's true. Those savages would do anything that doesn't bring them any benefit. In the north, there are only the Yuezhi and Donghu people. They are too far away. Even if they migrate here, there is very little water source. The Donghu people occupy the fertile lands of the southern desert. Although the northern desert is bitterly cold, the vast sea is rich in water and grass, and both can be considered places where dragons rose. This time, the Jurchens are advancing westward. Are they trying to put pressure on us, or are they trying to force peace through fighting?"

The so-called "using force to promote peace" was just an attempt to gain more benefits. Although there was a trade, it still required money to buy. Zhang Jinyu had increased the price several times over, and only he himself knew the truth.

"My lord, you are wise. Perhaps the Jurchens are after these very ideas, but I fear that the Jurchen Huang Jidao will use a mix of truth and falsehood and take advantage of us."

If Pingliao City cannot hold out and the Jurchens seize it, then they will be making exorbitant demands.

"Hmph, they're blind as bastards,"

Zhang Jinyu suddenly raised her head, her eyes no longer showing any hesitation or weariness. Her sharp gaze, like a drawn sword, shot towards the door.
"Ningbian! Zhao Wu!"

"The general is here!"

The two stood respectfully with their hands clasped in front of them.

"Do these three things immediately!"

Zhang Jinyu's voice was resolute and left no room for doubt:
"First, send additional messengers, carrying the Marquis's seal, to convey my urgent message to Zhang Wenyuan in Pingliao City, ordering him to defend the Pingliao line to the death! Not an inch of land can be lost! I grant him the authority to make decisions on the spot! All passes and fortresses in the north must be defended at all costs, relying on natural fortifications, and must not be allowed to venture out to meet the enemy lightly. The priority is to break the enemy's morale! Tell him that I trust him!"

"Yes, my lord,"

Ningbian looked solemn. Was the Marquis going to return to the border region? Before he could finish his thought, Zhang Jinyu tapped the table again.
"Second, tell Liu Changwen of Pingyang City to prepare 200,000 troops, including the new Pingyang City army, cavalry, and reinforcements from Pingyao City, and wait for them. Do not advance eastward to support Pingliao City for the time being. Third, Ning Bian will come to the palace with me. Zhao Wu will stay behind for the time being. There are still 2,000 cavalrymen in the Northern Garrison Command. You will take command of them. I will not take these 2,000 cavalrymen with me. They will stay in the Marquis's residence. If the Northern Garrison Command sends a letter requesting assistance in searching for members of the cult, you will go. Otherwise, unless there is an imperial order from the palace, the troops are not allowed to leave the residence under any circumstances."

With sharp eyes, he stared at Zhao Wu and gave the order. The matter was of great importance. Zhao Wu's face flushed red, and he knelt down and kowtowed.

"Rest assured, my lord, without an imperial decree, I will not send troops."

"Alright, remember that. If it's something you can't do, then you'll have to handle it yourself. Protecting your family is the most important thing."

"I wonder if I'll ever come back if I really leave this time," Zhang Jinyu thought to herself. Looking at the familiar faces around her, she sighed.

"Prepare to enter the palace to meet the emperor. Send someone to inform Duan Hong to prepare to lead troops to the West City Wharf. Ten thousand soldiers need to be transported by the Canal Transport Guard."

"Yes, Lord Marquis."

The two immediately went out and split up. In just a short while, a commotion filled the entire Marquis's residence.

Outside the pass,

Summer arrives early, but it ends even earlier. As autumn begins, the wind blowing from the open fields carries a chill, especially at night. The wind cuts like a knife, carrying withered grass, debris, and sand, howling as it sweeps across the towering and mottled walls of Pingliao City.

After the battlements,

The soldiers guarding Marquis Luoyun wrapped themselves tightly in their thin leather armor, gripped their spears and bows, and stared intently at the moving army outside the city with eyes like hawks. The battle flags on the city towers fluttered in the wind, and the character "Zhang" on the flags swayed in the wind.

At the highest point of the city gate tower,

Zhang Wenyuan, a general under Marquis Luoyun, wore a bright armor and frowned as he looked at the Jurchen army that was setting up camp not far away. About five miles away, on the side closer to Pingliao City, there was an overwhelming number of Jurchen cavalry! Although he could not see the specifics, he had a feeling that they were not the elite Jurchen troops.

"Brother Yuan, should I gather the cavalry and go and dampen the Jurchens' spirit? They're at their most relaxed right now, when they're eating."

A disdainful snort came from behind. Zhang Wenyuan knew without guessing that it was his younger brother, Wenqing. He sighed and muttered annoyedly.
"Nonsense! Do you think the Jurchens are dead? Judging from their military strength, although the Jurchens were defeated in the battle in the north, there should be a large army left behind, otherwise they could not have assembled so quickly. Look at those armored soldiers in the south, they have not eaten, they must be there to keep watch. If you lead your troops there, it will be like throwing meat buns to a dog, you will never come back."

Remembering the instructions given by the Marquis before he left: if troops came to attack, he must defend to the death and not vent his troops out.
"Hmph, brother, you're just like the Marquis said, boosting the enemy's morale while diminishing our own. Fine, we won't go out then. But the scouts have reported that Lady Wuya has actually gathered 50,000 cavalry and has already set up camp south of the city. What are we going to do?"

"This lady isn't going to find the Marquis inside the pass; staying here is a huge problem." Hearing this, Zhang Wenyuan felt a headache coming on. He couldn't leave the soldiers under her command in the city, nor could he simply ignore them.
"Send someone immediately to inform the lady that she should lead her troops to retreat twenty miles and guard the trade route until the Marquis sends a letter. There are 30,000 infantry and 10,000 able-bodied men in the city, as well as 10,000 cavalry stationed there. That should be enough."

"Yes, I'll listen to you, elder brother."

After a moment's hesitation, Zhang Wenqing clasped his hands in a fist and left, just as preparations for defending Pingliao City were underway.

Five miles away, in the Jurchen camp, a huge and majestic wolf-skin royal tent stood deep within the camp, becoming the only focal point of light in the evening.

The nine-pronged white banner fluttering above the tent appeared somewhat dim and lackluster, exuding an air of dejection. The surrounding area was densely packed with elite guards, their shadowy figures scanning the area with wary eyes.
Inside the tent,
Although the lights were bright, the atmosphere was unusually cold. Huang Jitai had long lost his former imposing manner. His thin face looked somewhat withered, and the two layers of cotton clothes he wore made him look a little cold. He sat in the main seat without saying a word.

Inside the tent, on both sides, were the banner leaders of the Jurchen people, while the banner leaders of the Han Eight Banners waited outside the tent.

"Ahem, let's all speak up and discuss this. Our army has suffered considerable losses here, and Pingliao City is right in front of us. Should we fight or not?"

These words immediately created an awkward atmosphere in the tent. Many banner leaders lowered their heads and sized each other up. In the battle in the northern desert, the elite Eight Banners suffered heavy casualties. The reinforcements were all reserve troops selected from their clans, as well as the Han Eight Banners, who were the largest in number. They were all replaced by bondservants. They looked impressive, but no one knew how much combat power they actually had. However, they did know one thing: Pingliao City had been repaired. Attacking such a fortified city would surely result in many deaths.

"What's wrong? Everyone's quiet now! Cough cough"

(End of this chapter)