Pingyang Fu of the Red Chamber

Chapter 1165 Going Against the Current
The next morning,

The Shuoshui River is wide and vast.

Although it was early autumn, standing at the bow of the ship, I could feel a chill in the air, even though the south wind continued to blow the flags, making them flutter.

The entire fleet sped northward, the river water churning with turbid waves that crashed against the massive hulls, producing a dull roar.

Inside the cabin, a huge map of the area beyond the Great Wall was spread out on the central table. The mountains, rivers and cities on the map were clearly depicted. The flames of a few oil lamps flickered as the ship rocked slightly. The people gathered around the table had their brows furrowed.

now
Zhang Jinyu, casually dressed in a black Qilin-patterned robe, stood with his hands behind his back in front of the map, his brows furrowed, his sharp eyes scanning the locations of Pingliao and Pingyang on the map like a hawk.

Although they had spent a day and a night on the ship, how could they sleep comfortably on such a turbulent vessel? And just now, a message sent by carrier pigeon from Pingyao City had arrived in their hands.

Looking at the secret letter in his hand, although the handwriting was messy, it already showed how fierce the siege was, especially the so-called Han Eight Banners, which were unexpected.

"Gentlemen, you have all seen the secret letter that came today. Yesterday, the Jurchen and Han Eight Banners forces attacked and fought at Pingliao City for a whole day. Both sides suffered heavy losses. Wen Yuan only has about 50,000 troops, including able-bodied men. 5,000 of them died or were injured in one day. At this rate, he can't hold out for more than five days."

finished,

Zhang Jinyu slammed her finger heavily on the map's "Pingliao City" mark, the force so strong it seemed she wanted to chisel through the city walls.

"It seems the Jurchens are determined. That old man Huang Jitai actually dared to launch such a fierce attack! Wen Yuan is fighting a tough battle."

Actually, he had anticipated that the battle would be tough, but this time Huang Jitai unexpectedly sent the Han Eight Banners, whose numbers were no less than those of the Jurchens, which was quite surprising.

Deputy General Ning Bian, dressed in a sharp, short-sleeved outfit with a resolute expression, stepped forward and pointed to the map, analyzing as follows:
"My lord, according to the secret report, the Jurchens' actions seem crazy, but in fact, they are meticulously planned. I think they want to take advantage of our time difference, and before you return to the pass, they hope to quickly conquer Liaodong and use the supplies in the city to replenish the Jurchen tribes. Then, Huang Jitai wants to use the 'fight' as a bargaining chip to prepare for possible 'peace talks' later. Also, Lady Wuya's tribe has already migrated westward, leaving only 50,000 light cavalry to support them."

Thinking of the main force of the Jurchens guarding the west side of Pingliao City, he paused, then slid his finger towards the west side of Pingliao City.

"Half of the Jurchen main force is stationed on the west side, which is a decisive move! It prevents these 50,000 light cavalry from breaking into the battlefield, or rather, they want to annihilate these 50,000 troops first. In this way, even if the Marquis takes reinforcements, he will be delayed by the Jurchen cavalry for a while."

The Jurchens' strategy is now quite clear. Duan Hong, with his protruding belly and stroking his beard, didn't analyze the situation beyond the Great Wall. Instead, he pointed to the canal waterway.

"My lord, General Ning is absolutely right. The Jurchens' intentions are clear. What's unexpected is that they've traveled by water so quickly. I just asked the guards at the bow of the ship, and they said we've already reached Shuoyang County. If we don't slow down, my lord, we should arrive in Yunyang County by the latter half of the night, or even tomorrow morning. That's two days and two nights, saving us a day."

As he spoke, his eyes lit up. If they disembarked in Yunyang County and headed straight for Pingyang City, the journey might be shortened.

"My lord, saying these things will exhaust the horses and soldiers. By the time we arrive, we will be exhausted. Meanwhile, the Jurchens will be rested and ready. At that time, I'm afraid my 10,000 elite cavalry will not be able to join the battle immediately. We will have to use the troops gathered in Pingyang City, but the new army is too unpredictable."

Zhang Jinyu narrowed his eyes slightly, and the air pressure in the cabin seemed to drop even lower. The roar of the ship cutting through the waves and the howling wind added to the grim atmosphere. Thinking about what the two men said, they made a lot of sense. But the new army was usable. Weren't those Han Eight Banners just bondservants?

He then slowly opened his mouth and said;
“Once we reach the pass, we can’t charge straight in. Huang Jitai could foresee my arrival, and he can also predict which route I will take. A large army is too conspicuous and cannot escape the eyes of those ‘falcons’ he keeps. So there is only one route.”

With lightning-fast eyes, he quickly searched the map and finally settled on a rather inconspicuous spot—a ferry crossing about a hundred miles southeast of Pingyang City, near the north side of a river called "Jade Belt River".

"Yuhe Ferry?"

Duan Hong followed Zhang Jinyu's finger and looked down, his brows slightly relaxed.

"Yes, Yuhe Ferry!"

Zhang Jinyu's eyes flashed with a sharp light, and she pointed her finger hard at the ferry crossing.

"After we reach the shore tomorrow, let Zhang Chuanying of Pingyang City lead the army southeast. Taking into account the time, this place, Mengjin area, will be where we will regroup. Then we will attack northward from the south of Pingliao City."

The two men were immediately enlightened. Looking at the route map, they realized that if they had followed the usual route and headed straight for Pingliao City from the east of Pingyang City, they would have been discovered by the Jurchen cavalry. Now, however, they were heading south, which was a mystery to them.

Duan Hong thought for a moment, then suddenly spoke.
"My lord, this time, let Zhang Chuanying lead 50,000 troops eastward in sequence to attract the attention of the Jurchens. Then, at night, turn south and let Zhang Xiaolin lead 150,000 new soldiers to follow. This way, we can disperse the Jurchen scouts."

After listening, Zhang Jinyu stroked his chin and thought for a moment, then nodded.

"Okay, Ningbian!"

"The general is here!"

"Send the order! Before the fleet arrives at Yunyang Wharf, you lead the vanguard of one thousand men to quickly organize a reception. After everyone disembarks and has a hot meal, we will set off immediately, heading straight for Luoyue Pass. We will skip Pingyao City and go straight to Yuhe Ferry."

Zhang Jinyu's tone left no room for argument; this way, they could save a considerable amount of time.
Ningbian, without the slightest hesitation, clasped his hands in agreement:
"Your subordinate obeys! Rest assured, my lord, our people have already been arranged to provide support along the way, and General Zhaowu will not obstruct you."

Zhang Jinyu nodded, "That's excellent."
"Also, send a message to Chuanying, telling him to gather his troops and set off tomorrow. Don't move too fast eastward. Tell Wuyayu to have her men keep an eye on the Jurchens' movements from the outside, and it would be best if they could harass their supply lines, while we wait for our troops to arrive."

"I will finally understand!"

Ningbian solemnly clasped his hands in acceptance of the order.

Then, Zhang Jinyu looked at Duan Hong:

"Duan Hong, send another deputy general, carrying my banner, to lead a thousand men back to Pingyao City on the official road of Yunyang County. Then go to Pingyang County City, always on the official road. This will confuse the Jurchen spies. Remember, separate after you leave Luoyue Pass."

Duan Hong understood; the Marquis was deliberately creating a diversion.

"A bluff to mislead the enemy and lower their guard? Brilliant! Does the Marquis want Huang Jitai to think that our army is still proceeding in an orderly fashion, returning via the official road, or even that it is somewhat delayed?"

"Exactly!"

Zhang Jinyu's lips curled into a cold smile.
"Whether or not we can deceive Huang Jitai, it will take a day to figure things out. That's enough time for us to get to Pingliao City. Once we get to the city, in my opinion, we should confront the Jurchens right there at the foot of Pingliao City."

Zhang Jinyu walked to the window, pushed it open a crack, and let the biting river wind rush in. Looking at the gloomy northern horizon, which led to Pingliao City, if they won this battle, the Jurchens would have no chance to turn back. Taking advantage of this god-given opportunity, he led his army into southern Liaodong, and the Jurchens would only be able to eke out a living.

"Think again, are there any oversights this time? I intend to encircle and annihilate the main force of the Jurchens here to the greatest extent possible, and then advance directly east to take Yinzhou. In this way, the Jurchens will lose their money bag, and their lives will be half gone."

Ning Bian and Duan Hong both gasped upon hearing this.

The Marquis has truly made up his mind. In the past, he wouldn't have dared to even dream of such a thing. If the Marquis truly pacifies Liaonan, all the Jurchen tribes will be under his command. If there's any unrest within the Great Wall, could the Marquis perhaps advance even further?
"My lord, autumn is short outside the pass. If we fight a few battles and want to severely damage the Jurchen tribes, we must take Yinzhou. Why don't we send an order to Pingyao City now and have Military Advisor Xiao choose a route, with General Zhang Yunpeng leading 20,000 cavalry from the flank of the South Crossing River, heading straight for Yinzhou, and taking it to garrison? In this way, my lord's main force can keep an eye on Huang Jitai."

Upon hearing Duan Hong's added statement, Zhang Jinyu touched the city on the map and resolutely replied;

"Well said! This battle is about who's faster! It's about who can appear where the enemy least expects us! Send word to Zhang Yunpeng to lead 20,000 cavalry, with just enough rations for ten days! Abandon all heavy baggage, only take warhorses, weapons, personal armor, arrows, and a small amount of medicine! Head straight for Yinzhou, and after capturing it, adapt to the changing circumstances." Inside the cabin, the three had finished their discussion. Going against the current, across mountains and rivers, the situation beyond the Great Wall had been quietly laid out on the table. If this battle succeeded, the Jurchen tribes would have no chance of recovery.

"Report, Banner Master, the Great Khan has ordered us to hurry up. He says the siege has already begun, with the main forces of each unit taking turns to attack. We don't have much time left."

In the cold autumn beyond the Great Wall, the north wind whipped up withered grass, creating a bleak and desolate scene. Not far ahead lay a large camp. It was unexpected that such a small tribe as the Uya would possess such power. Fucha Zhen, the chieftain of the Plain Blue Banner, mounted on his horse, listened to the messenger's words and waved his hand.
"Understood. Go back and report to the Khan that we can reach a conclusion today. Also, tell the Khan that there is still no movement in Pingyang City."

"Yes, Chief."

The messenger saluted and immediately rode back.

As soon as the man left, his trusted confidant Azig approached and asked;
"Banner Lord, last night, the Guarjia Banner Lord sent a letter saying that during the meeting in the main tent, Huyan Han suddenly changed his mind, saying that it might not be possible to take Pingliao City in three days. Therefore, we must increase the intensity of the attack today and try to break through the city. He also said that if the Banner Lord and Wuya Yu cannot reach an agreement, he will take action first."

Fucha Zhen was well aware of the implications of taking action; with 50,000 Jurchen cavalry behind him, who could stop him? However, Fucha Zhen didn't dwell on these concerns. Instead, he worried that Marquis Luoyun would not let the matter rest after this battle. The vital trade routes had been destroyed by Huyan Han, and the strategy of "losing in the north and replenishing in the west" was Huyan Han's own idea.

"Hmph, three days? I doubt we can take it even in five. Pingliao City is a fortified city. We've fought it before. Marquis Luoyun never suffers a loss. Huyan Han only thought of moving west because he saw that we had taken over the trade routes. He just happened to run into the Yuezhi people who seized the northern lands, and that's how he managed to instigate them."

Thinking of the large quantities of tea, silk, and porcelain he had purchased from the Han people in the city, along with a large amount of grain, he and the Guarjia tribe had long since recovered their strength.

"Then, what if Uya Yu doesn't agree to switch sides, sir?"

Azig hesitated, after all, if they really went to fight, the Khan would probably send the warriors of the Plain Blue Banner to lead the charge.

"What else can we do but adapt to the situation and change course with the wind? There's a saying among the Han people: 'A wise man knows when to yield.' As the banner chief, I also desire these riches and honors."

With that, he spurred his horse and, with his personal guards, headed towards the main camp ahead.

Upon arriving at the camp gate, we explained our purpose to the soldiers guarding the camp, and a captain went to the main tent to deliver a message.

In the big tent,
Wu Yayu lay lazily on the main seat, surrounded by many maids. Her long, black hair was coiled at her temples and tied with a headband decorated with gold wolf patterns. She looked heroic and imposing. She wore a black brocade robe and light armor. Her eyes were indifferent as she looked at the kneeling captain and asked.

"Who do you think has arrived? Fucha Zhen, the banner lord of the Plain Blue Banner?"

"Reporting to Madam, the visitor claims to be Fucha Zhen, saying he is an old friend of yours."

The gatekeeper dared not speak nonsense and answered truthfully.

See here,

Wu Yayu immediately sat up. Thinking of the secret letter from her husband, she knew that Fucha Zhen had come here as an envoy. But when she thought of the siege of Pingliao City, a trace of worry flashed between her brows.

"Bring them in,"

"Yes, ma'am."

As the captain left, the maids began to tidy up inside the tent. Outside the tent, the generals who were leading the troops were already waiting. Many people were anxious because they had not been summoned by the madam. Several captains were even more impatient. However, almost everyone in the tribe was the madam's confidant. Even those who had thoughts of their own kept them deep in their hearts.

Just then, the gatekeeper led Fucha Zhen and his entourage to the front of the main tent. After dismounting, Fucha Zhen glanced at the many generals waiting in front of the tent and was shocked to see so many people. It seemed that the Khan's prediction had been wrong.

Suppressing the pounding in his heart, he took a sandalwood box from the chest being pulled by his warhorse and led Azig into the tent.

Just walked in,
The scent of agarwood emanating from the gilded incense burner instantly invigorated him. Upon seeing Wuya Yu, who had undergone a dramatic transformation, Fucha Zhen froze, feeling an overwhelming sense of opulence emanating from the tent.

"The Jurchen envoy, Fucha Zhen, greets Lady Uya,"

Fucha Zhen stepped forward, placed his hand on his chest, and bowed deeply, adopting a very humble posture.
"It is truly gratifying to see you again after so many days, and you look even more radiant than before."

After a few polite words, the awkwardness that had just been there vanished. In particular, when Azig looked at the furnishings inside the tent, which were all for the extravagant use of the Han people, he knew that this time, not only had the Khan misjudged the situation, but even the banner chief had made a mistake in his prediction.

Wu Yayu raised her hand to stop Fucha Zhen's emotional outburst, her fingertips lightly tapping the table in front of her, producing a crisp sound, her gaze calm as still water:

“Prince Fucha Zhen, there’s no need for such formalities. It’s a pleasure to see an old friend like you here. If it weren’t for Uncle Fucha Zhen’s help back then, Wuya Yu probably wouldn’t have been able to come here. It’s a pity that in the end, we still had to fight each other. I heard that Huyan Han has also become a banner lord and is still under the walls of Pingliao City.”

Her voice wasn't loud, but it carried a chilling edge; she remembered the coercion she had suffered back then.

Fucha Zhen's face stiffened for a moment, then he nodded.

"Madam, please calm down! There were indeed some oversights in the past. After the Yuezhi people took away the water source in the north, the Great Khan changed the Eight Banners and reorganized the army, and made those bondservants into the Han Eight Banners commanders."

Fucha Zhen quickly defended herself, adopting an even more humble posture.
"Madam, as the saying goes, times change! Now, the Great Khan is a man of great talent and ambition, and his determination to reunify the Jurchen tribes is very strong. Although we have suffered a defeat, the number of our Eight Banners soldiers is increasing with each battle. The other day, during a meeting in the Khan's tent, the Great Khan himself admitted that the 50,000 iron cavalry under your command are an invaluable force for our Jurchens! If you can return to the Golden Horde, you will be the 'Grand Regent' of the Jurchen tribes, second only to the Khan. The Eternal Heaven above cannot deny this."

Wu Yayu listened quietly, her face expressionless, and even a barely perceptible sneer appeared at the corner of her mouth;

“Fucha Zhen, we’ve brought up old matters again. After Huang Jitai fell seriously ill, he was still able to be appointed as the Grand Consort Regent? I think those princes are all preparing to seize power. Putting that aside for now, I just want to ask you, when the Marquis returns and leads his army here, I wonder how Huang Jitai will respond? Don’t tell me you don’t know the strength of the troops outside the pass. In Pingyang City alone, there are more than 150,000 new troops.”

Quietly recounting seemingly unrelated matters, Fucha Zhen subconsciously took a half step back, her face pale, and she was momentarily speechless.

No one knew more about the situation outside the pass than him. Marquis Luoyun didn't know how many refugees he had brought from inside the pass, or how many fortified villages he had built. The people and soldiers were hard to separate, and who could know how many troops he actually had? Perhaps even Marquis Luoyun didn't know how many troops he had under his command.

"Madam, you misunderstand. This time, the Khan was also misled by Huyan Han. This man is extremely arrogant and disdainful of everyone. Moreover, the Plain Red Banner is one of the four upper banners, so we have no way to persuade him. The Khan's intention is to use Pingliao City as collateral to make peace after taking it. Madam, I just didn't expect that your tribe would change so much in a day. The pearl of the grasslands has not lost its former glory."

Fucha Zhen bowed slightly, adopting an extremely humble posture. These words were not flattery from him; the young generals outside the tent could not fake it. This time, Azig seemed to have realized what was happening and placed the wrapped sandalwood box on the table.

"Madam, this is a gift that the banner lord brought for you privately."

I opened it respectfully, and inside were rows of top-quality pearls, sparkling and precious, of considerable value.

Wu Yayu glanced at the gifts, her face remaining expressionless. These material possessions were nothing compared to the value of the salt mine at the foot of Yunshan Mountain.

“If you have something to say, Prince Fucha, please speak frankly. If we were to return to Liaonan, regardless of whether I want to go back or not, the people in the tribe would never go back. You know that if Huang Jitai fails to capture Pingliao City, I'm afraid the Marquis might not be able to leave when he returns.”

"Madam, wait a moment. Aren't you afraid of the Jurchen Eight Banners warriors?"

(End of this chapter)