The Red Chamber begins with a bastard

Chapter 720 Ganzhou Mutiny
Although this accident happened, it was ultimately a close call. The search for the coal mine still needed to be completed. Jia Huan was never one to give up easily. Furthermore, the news that Huang Taiji had occupied southern Mongolia further strengthened Jia Huan's determination to develop the Hami region and solidify his base.

The next morning, before the dew on the grass had even dried, Jia Huan led his men into the mountains. Although they no longer had He Laowu as their guide, they were fortunate enough to know the approximate location. In addition, Jia Huan himself had a solid foundation in geological knowledge, so he only spent one day to determine the location of the coal mine vein. The next task was to plan how to mine it.

As the sun began to set, Jia Huan and the others emerged from the mountains and returned to their camp, only to be told that Ayina was ill. They rushed to her tent.

Ayina was curled up in the wool blanket, her face flushed and her forehead burning hot, clearly she had a fever. She was also mumbling incoherently, and seemed quite ill, probably from catching a cold yesterday.

Jia Huan dared not delay. In ancient times, when medical care was scarce, a fever could be fatal. So he wrung out a wet towel and placed it on Ayina's forehead to cool her down physically, and then ordered Man Gui to fetch a military doctor.

Man Gui's army did have military doctors, but their skill level was about the same as that of a peddler who roamed the streets. After taking a pulse, they would prescribe a dose of herbal medicine and that would be it. Moreover, the herbs were freshly picked nearby, and it was unknown whether they would work.

Jia Huan originally planned to return to Hami City the next day, but Ayina's fever had not subsided and she was in a daze, and she might lose her life.

To be honest, Jia Huan had absolutely no improper thoughts about the girl Ayina, but he was not a heartless person either. The girl had risked her life for him, and he naturally couldn't abandon her. So he stayed by her side and took good care of her for days.

Fortunately, Ayina had a fever on and off for two days. Whether it was the herbal medicine that worked or her immune system that fought it off, the fever subsided that night and did not recur on the third day. She was also much more awake and able to eat liquid food on her own. However, she seemed to have lost weight, and even her chin had become more pointed. She looked truly pitiful.

A campfire burned warmly inside the tent. Jia Huan carefully skimmed the oil off the surface of the meat soup before handing it to Ayina, saying, "You've just recovered from your fever, so you can't eat anything too greasy. Have some clear soup first."

Ayina was gazing at Jia Huan with affection, lost in thought, until the soup was handed to her. She then nodded, her cheeks flushed, took the bowl from Jia Huan's hand, and frowned slightly in a coquettish manner, saying, "It's hot!"

Jia Huan broke out in a cold sweat. Oh well, what could he do? The young girl was sick, so he had no choice but to feed her spoonful by spoonful, just like he had fed her medicine a couple of days ago. Ayina felt a sweet warmth in her heart, and her tender, shy gaze almost melted Jia Huan's heart.

After finally finishing feeding her the meat soup, Jia Huan stood up and said, "Your Highness, please rest well."

Ayina shook her head and said expectantly, "I've been lying here for two days, and my bones feel like they're falling apart. I want to go out for a walk. Could you accompany me, Lord Jia?"

Jia Huan hesitated for a moment, then finally nodded and said, "It's sunny outside, so it's good to get some exercise."

Ayina was overjoyed. She quickly put on her coat and ran out of the tent like a bird released from its cage. The young man was indeed resilient.

It was noon, and the spring sun was warm and inviting. The grass near the tent was covered with wildflowers of all colors, with the bright red Sarilang flowers standing out in particular, blooming passionately and unrestrainedly in the sunlight.

Ayina bent down and picked a bunch of Sarilang, holding it in her hands. She twirled happily in the sunlight, her pretty face overflowing with an innocent and carefree smile. Fourteen or fifteen-year-old girls are at the age of innocence and carefreeness, and youth is undoubtedly the most beautiful makeup. Even without makeup, she is still beautiful and charming. Her slender and graceful figure is like a corn cob with ears of corn, pleasing to the eye.

In this scene, Jia Huan couldn't help but think of a song and subconsciously hummed it: "The most beautiful flower on the grassland, the fiery red Sarilang. A dream takes you to the ends of the earth, where flowers bloom everywhere. Wandering soul, with her in your heart, you will look back even from a thousand miles away. The most beautiful flower on the grassland, the fiery red Sarilang, as passionate and unrestrained as fire..."

Ayina paused for a moment, then looked at Jia Huan with delighted surprise. Only then did the latter realize that the young girl already had "improper thoughts" about him. If he sang this song, wouldn't the young girl misunderstand? So he quickly shut up and stopped singing.

Unfortunately, it was too late. Ayina had already lowered her head shyly and asked softly, "What song is this? It's so beautiful. Could you teach me to sing it, Lord Jia?"

"Uh... Your Highness, let's go for a walk over there," Jia said, glancing around at the other side.

Ayina pouted and said, "Lord Jia, may I call you by your name, Ayina?"

Jia Huan coughed lightly and said, "Okay!" Then he walked forward.

Upon hearing this, Ayina happily followed behind Jia Huan. Fortunately, she didn't insist that Jia Huan teach her to sing; the little girl knew when to back down.

"Does Lord Jia intend to mine coal in these mountains?" Ayina asked.

Jia Huan's heart stirred, and he nodded, saying, "That's right, but security at the mine is a problem. I plan to build a garrison here, but unfortunately, there are no suitable candidates and the troops are insufficient." After saying that, he turned to look at Ayina.

Ayina was a clever woman, and she vaguely guessed Jia Huan's intention. She stammered, "Then... what should we do?"

Jia Huan jokingly said, "Ayina, how about you take charge of this thousand-household garrison? It just so happens that your territory is only a few dozen miles away from here. I will allow you to recruit 1,200 people from your tribe to form an army. From now on, the area within a radius of fifty miles from your territory to here will be the land for your thousand-household garrison to cultivate and graze. All taxes will be waived, but your task is to defend against foreign enemies and ensure the safety of the mines."

Ayina was both surprised and delighted, and blurted out, "Really? But we are foreigners, will the imperial court approve it?"

Jia Huan smiled and said, "I am the Governor of Gansu, and I am here by imperial decree to manage the Western Regions. I have this much power, so you don't need to worry. Moreover, Hami has now been incorporated into the territory of the Great Jin Dynasty, and you have become subjects of the Great Jin Dynasty, not foreigners."

Ayina blinked her eyes and nodded, saying, "Then I need to discuss it with the elders of my clan first."

Jia Huan nodded and said, "No rush, you can come to me after you've discussed it. I also need to inform Duan Yong about this matter first."

Although Jia Huan was the governor, there was a supervising eunuch named Duan Yong watching over him. If Ayina was to be appointed as the commander of the garrison, Duan Yong had to be dealt with first. Otherwise, if Duan Yong reported to Emperor Qiansheng that Jia Huan had expanded his army without authorization and appointed foreigners, Jia Huan would be in deep trouble and might even be accused of having an army of arrogance.

As for Ayina herself, she didn't really crave officialdom or have much ambition. However, she was happy to do things that would benefit and develop her people. Moreover, the young girl's heart was now completely devoted to Jia Huan. Especially these past few days, Jia Huan had taken meticulous care of her, serving her medicine as a high-ranking official. The young girl was deeply moved. Now, she would be willing to serve him as a commander, or even charge into battle. She was overjoyed to be able to help her beloved and share his burdens.

As Jia Huan and Ayina continued their leisurely stroll and conversation in the sunshine, Dong Dao led a young eunuch closer, his expression grave. "Your Excellency," he said, "Eunuch Duan has sent someone with urgent military news." Jia Huan hurriedly asked, "What has happened?"

The young eunuch was the one who served Duan Yong. He first bowed respectfully to Jia Huan, and then said, "Please, Your Excellency, step aside for a word."

Jia Huan frowned and walked to the side with the eunuch. The eunuch then said, "A mutiny has occurred in Ganzhou Guard. General Hong Chengtao has been killed. Eunuch Duan has ordered Lord Jia to return to the city immediately to discuss countermeasures, as delays may lead to disaster."

Jia Huan's expression changed slightly. A mutiny had broken out in Ganzhou Guard, and even the general had been killed. This was a very serious matter.

The General of Ganzhou was the highest military commander of Gansu Town, guarding the throat of the Hexi Corridor leading to the interior. If the rebels blockaded Jiayuguan, Hami would become an isolated island outside the pass. Once the news spread, the morale of the army would inevitably waver, and Turpan might even take advantage of the situation to plunder.

The situation is dangerous; it wouldn't be an exaggeration to say it's a matter of life and death. No wonder Duan Yong is in such a hurry!

Jia Huan dared not delay and immediately ordered the camp to be broken up and the camp to be set up. Man Gui did not need to return to the camp and followed Jia Huan directly back to Hami City at full speed.

Although Ayina didn't know what had happened, seeing how nervous Jia Huan was, she knew that the matter was no small thing. So, despite Jia Huan's advice, she followed him back to Hami City on horseback, despite her still-ill body.

The group rode at full speed, covering nearly 300 li in half a day, and arrived in Hami City at dusk.

At this moment, Duan Yong was already as anxious as an ant on a hot pan. When he saw Jia Huan finally return, he was like someone grasping at a straw and almost cried out, "My little ancestor, you're finally back!"
"Lord Jia, what should we do now!" Duan Yong asked in a panic before Jia Huan could even sit down.

Jia Huan calmly said, "Eunuch Duan, please calm down and tell me the situation first. Who sent the news of the mutiny in Ganzhou Guard?"

Duan Yongding composed himself and said, "It was a letter sent by Zhao Yin, the commander of Suzhou Guard. By the way, the letter is here, Lord Jia, please take a look."

Jia Huan took the letter from Duan Yong, opened it, and read it. It was indeed written by Zhao Yin of Suzhou Guard, and it was stamped with an official seal. However, the language in the letter was indeterminate, and it was unclear who was leading the rebellion. It only said that the rebel soldiers under Ganzhou Guard had kidnapped their superiors to demand military pay, and in anger, they killed General Hong Chengtao. The letter requested that the governor quickly enter the pass to take charge of the overall situation and quell the rebellion.

"Lord Jia, what should we do now? Although Suzhou Guard did not participate in the rebellion, according to Zhao Yin, his soldiers are also dissatisfied because they have not received their pay for several months. The morale of the army is very unstable. If Suzhou Guard also follows suit and rebels, and blocks Jiayuguan, then we will be in dire straits." Duan Yong anxiously pounded his thigh.

Jia Huan calmly said, "I will rush back to the pass to take charge of the overall situation. I will leave Hami to Eunuch Duan to oversee the city. Please be sure to defend it well."

Duan Yong hurriedly said, "Alright, there's no time to lose. Lord Jia, set off immediately. We must hold Jiayuguan no matter what, or we'll be trapped outside the pass. Wait... how many troops does Lord Jia plan to bring into the pass to quell the rebellion?"

"Let Man Gui, Tie Niu, and Lu Xiangjin lead a thousand cavalrymen to accompany me into the pass, that will suffice!" Jia Huan said calmly.

Duan Yong breathed a sigh of relief. He was afraid that Jia Huan would take all the troops with him, and that the locals would take the opportunity to cause trouble, or that Turpan would take advantage of the chaos to loot the city. He would be powerless to deal with it. Now that Jia Huan only brought a thousand men, he still had more than four thousand soldiers under his command, which was more than enough to defend the city.

Jia Huan then said, "By the way, there is one more thing I need to discuss with Eunuch Duan!"

"You tell me!"

Jia Huan then revealed his plan to establish a garrison of 1,000 households, with Ayina as the garrison commander, and to allow her to recruit 1,200 men from her own clan to serve as garrison troops.

After listening, Duan Yong frowned and said, "Those who are not of our race will surely have different hearts. This is probably not a good idea. Our Great Jin has a deep-seated hatred for the Hami people, which has led to the destruction of our country. If Ayina takes this opportunity to rebel, wouldn't that be terrible?"

Jia Huan said confidently, "Eunuch Duan need not worry. If anything goes wrong, I will take full responsibility and will not implicate you. The sudden attack by the Tatar Tumed tribe shows that the military strength in the Hami region is still too weak and lacks sufficient defensive capabilities. We must increase our troops. Now that a rebellion has broken out in the interior, Hami urgently needs to expand its army. The situation is urgent, so we must act expediently!"

Upon hearing this, Duan Yong hesitated for a moment, then gritted his teeth and said, "Alright, but let's get this straight: Lord Jia, you must keep that brat Ayina in check, lest you raise a tiger that will turn on you."

"Rest assured, sir, I am confident. Otherwise, there would be no need to mention this matter." Jia Huan nodded confidently. Ayina is a kind-hearted woman, and more importantly, she has no ambition. In addition, she is now very fond of him. Otherwise, Jia Huan would not dare to make such a big promise.

After leaving the governor's office, Jia Huan immediately went to the former Hami royal palace, now the residence of the Yiwu county princess, to see the two women, Daiyu and Baochai. Ayina was also present at the time, and both of them looked worried when they saw Jia Huan.

Jia Huan didn't hide anything and told Chai Dai about the mutiny in Ganzhou, saying that he would immediately lead his troops into the pass to take charge of the situation. Chai Dai naturally understood the seriousness of the matter. Although she was very worried, she didn't act like a child. She simply straightened Jia Huan's clothes, gently told him to be careful, and then saw him out the door.

After bidding farewell to Daiyu and Baochai, Jia Huan immediately mustered his men and, with his three valiant generals Man Gui, Tie Niu, and Lu Xiangjin, rushed to Jiayuguan under the cover of night.

By this time, Xue Pan had been overseeing the construction of post stations along the route for more than half a year. Although only one of the four post stations had been completed, the post roads had been cleared and paved, so the speed of the cavalry was greatly improved. The journey that originally took five or six days was completed in just four days.

Fortunately, Jiayuguan Pass did not fall into the hands of the rebels. Jia Huan revealed his identity and entered the pass smoothly, heading straight for Suzhou Guard.

Zhao Yin, the commander of Suzhou Guard, had been living in constant fear these past few days, worried that his soldiers would follow suit and cause trouble. Now that Jia Huan had finally arrived, he hurriedly led his generals out of the city to greet him.

"Your subordinate Zhao Yin greets Your Excellency, Governor!" Zhao Yin took the lead and knelt on one knee before Jia Huan's horse.

(End of this chapter)