Red Mansion: Fuyao River and Mountain

On the fifth day of the sixteenth year of the Jiazhao reign, in Xuanfu Town.

The night was pitch black, the wind was biting cold, and an eerie atmosphere hung in the air.

Flames rose from the stoves in the eatery, and the stew pots churned with beef and mutton offal soup, emitting a rich aroma.

Seeing Guo Zhigui's strange expression, Hou Liang adjusted his sword hilt and asked, "Sir, is something wrong?"

Guo Zhigui said, "When I arrived at Hongfeng Rice Shop today, I felt that something was wrong, but I just couldn't figure out why."

As I entered the restaurant and drank, I suddenly thought of Master Lian and heard Fu Hui talk about the strange things about the grain store. Then I suddenly understood what was going on.

Just as Guo Zhigui was about to take something from his pocket, Xu Fuhui suddenly stood up and pointed north with a shocked expression.

He shouted, "Look! There's a fire over there! The military warehouse in the north of the city is on fire!"

Guo Zhigui's hand, which he had reached into his robes, suddenly stopped. He abruptly turned and looked around, only to see flames and smoke rising from the direction of the military warehouse, instantly turning the sky red.

All three of them were pale. They had just transported several cartloads of requisitioned grain into the military granary for storage, and only an hour had passed. How could the granary have caught fire?

At this critical moment when defending the city is extremely difficult, military supplies are of paramount importance; if they are lost, there will be no hope of recovery.

Military granaries are important locations with extremely strict controls on open flames. Now, during a major war, the guards on the granaries are even more heavily fortified.

Guo Zhigui simply couldn't believe that the granary would flood for no reason; there must be a reason!

Hou Liang said, "Sir, the granary is on fire, that's a matter of life and death. We should hurry back to put out the fire."

He had barely finished speaking when suddenly shouts of battle came from the north of the city. At first, they were still far away, but in an instant, they swept in like a tidal wave, the shouts deafening.

Xu Fuhui looked shocked and said, "Commander, the Mongol Tartars have attacked the city. Something's not right."

"A curfew is about to be imposed in the city. Since the Mongol siege began, they've never attacked at this hour before; it's really strange."

……

Guo Zhigui was visibly awe-inspiring, a chill running down his spine. He said coldly, "This is too much of a coincidence. The granary just caught fire, and the Mongols suddenly attacked the city."

At this moment, the sound of horses' hooves was rapid on the street, and four or five riders galloped past, shouting: "The Mongol army is launching a night attack on the city, and a curfew is immediately imposed in all parts of the city."

Within fifteen minutes, return to your homes and lock your doors. Anyone who wanders off or disobeys orders will be killed without mercy!

Hou Liang picked up his sword from the table and said, "Commander, let's hurry back to the city wall to meet the enemy!"

Guo Zhigui said in a deep voice, "Fighting the fire in the granary and defending the city walls, we don't need the three of us. We have important things to do, so let's go to Hongfeng Rice Shop right away!"

Hou Liang looked surprised and asked, "Sir, what are you going to that rice shop for in such an urgent situation?"

Guo Zhigui said, "In the afternoon, when we went to the store to collect grain, I saw the store's name and it looked familiar, but I just couldn't remember it."

He pulled a booklet from his pocket and said, "Just now I remembered Master Lian, and you said that Fatty Zeng is Zeng Daquan, and then I suddenly understood."

Guo Zhigui flipped through the booklet, suddenly stopping on one page and saying, "Hou Liang, you can read, see clearly what's on this!"

Hou Liang took the booklet and examined it closely. His expression was one of surprise. He said, "Why does this booklet have Hongfeng Rice Shop and Zeng Daquan's name on it?"

……

Guo Zhigui said, "On that day, we annihilated two hundred Mongolian pursuers in one battle in the northern mountain pass of Donggang Town."

We also captured the leader of the pursuing troops alive. His name was Sun Xiuyu, and he was a nephew of Sun Zhanying, the hereditary commander of Datong.

Last year, Sun Zhanying was implicated in the Datong Salt and Iron Case. After the matter was exposed, in order to avoid being arrested by the imperial court, he and his family left the country and defected to Anda Khan.

This Sun Xiuning is a lackey of the Mongols. I found this booklet on him. Since I don't know many characters, I showed it to Master Lian.

He said this booklet was a business ledger, recording many shops and people's names, and coincidentally, I recognized the shop and people's names on this page.

But I only glanced at it casually at the time and didn't pay any attention to it, so I didn't remember it at all when I went to Hongfeng Rice Shop to collect grain in the afternoon.

The Sun family betrayed the country and surrendered to the enemy. The notebook that Sun Xiuning carried with her happened to record Hongfeng Rice Shop and Zeng Daquan. There is no such coincidence in the world.

It was also unusual that Zeng Daquan's rice shop had a large amount of grain stored up, but did not sell it when prices were high.

……

Hou Liang said, "Commander, you suspect that Hongfeng Rice Shop is a spy for the Sun family, and that they are spies for the Mongols."

Guo Zhigui said, "If I'm not mistaken, the Mongols will attack the city tonight. If they take the opportunity to cause trouble, it will create a huge mess."

This place is very close to Hongfeng Rice Shop. Going back to the camp to report now would probably take a long time. Besides, these are all just guesses.

"Why don't we go and investigate first? If it's really as I predict, then we can split up and make other plans."

The three of them had made their decision and set off for Hongfeng Grain Store. Because of the curfew they had just patrolled the streets on horseback, the streets were deserted and there was not a single pedestrian in sight.

They simply turned a corner and walked a few dozen steps, and Hongfeng Rice Shop was not far ahead.

This section of the street is lined with shops on both sides, and after the curfew, it is completely dark except for the Hung Fung Rice Shop, which has a faint light on, giving it an eerie feel.

Guo Zhigui and the other two walked to the shadow of the eaves across the street and squatted down to check the rice shop.

At this moment, the killing was still deafening from the north of the city, and the sounds of clashing weapons, fighting, and screams could be faintly heard.

Guo Zhigui had gone up to the city wall to defend against the enemy several times. Hearing this commotion, he knew that the Mongols were launching a fierce attack on the city.

In the direction of the military grain depot, the sky still reflected the firelight, though it seemed a bit dimmer, but the fire at the grain depot had not been extinguished.

Grain is inherently flammable and burns extremely quickly. Even if the fire is extinguished, at least 30-40% of the stored grain will be burned.

This was like adding insult to injury for Xuanfu Town, which was already facing a shortage of food and supplies, and dealt a heavy blow to the morale of the troops.

Guo Zhigui felt extremely heavy-hearted. He suppressed his emotions and focused intently on Hongfeng Rice Shop. For now, he could only take things one step at a time.

……

Just a moment later, the shop door was opened, and five or six soldiers came out, each with a sword at his waist, looking around furtively.

At this moment, a crescent moon hung in the sky, casting a dim, indistinct light.

But by the dim moonlight, Guo Zhigui could see that one of them was slightly overweight and had a black mole on his left cheek, which vaguely resembled Zeng Daquan, the rice shop owner.

His face no longer bore the obsequious and mercenary air of a rice shop owner; instead, it exuded an unusual caution and composure, as if he were a completely different person.

Zeng Daquan glanced around and then led his men toward the south of the city, unaware that three people were hiding and spying in the darkness across the street.

Hou Liang said in a low voice, "The platoon leader was right. Zeng Daquan is indeed suspicious. What is a rice shop owner planning to do by changing into military uniform in the middle of the night?"

Guo Zhigui said, "The Mongols launched a night attack on the city, and the military granaries caught fire. The city is now in grave danger."

Zeng Daquan is definitely not a good person. He led his men to disguise themselves as soldiers. If they were to take the opportunity to cause trouble, the consequences would be unimaginable.

Fu Hui, you must immediately return to the military camp to report the news and warn the garrison commander on duty to gather men and rush to the south city to prevent any unforeseen events.

"If something unexpected happens while Hou Liang and I are with these people, we'll have a plan."

……

The three men split into two groups. Xu Fuhui quickly returned to the military camp, thinking of quickly mobilizing manpower to ensure everything went smoothly.

Zeng Daquan just came out of Hongfeng Rice Shop with five or six people. Whether he had other people with him is unknown.

Compared to Guo Zhigui, Hou Liang was outnumbered and outmatched, so Xu Fuhui dared not delay in the slightest.

He had only walked a short distance along the street when he saw dozens of people coming towards him, all lined up with swords at their sides and dressed in Zhou army uniforms.

It seemed to be a city patrol team from the army, and the leader was a familiar face, none other than the patrol captain Chen Sanhe.

Upon seeing Xu Fuhui suddenly appear, the other party swarmed around him and surrounded him.

Chen Sanhe was somewhat surprised to see Xu Fuhui and asked, "I remember you were under Commander Guo's command. The Mongols launched a night attack on the city."

The military has issued a curfew order; why are you disobeying orders and wandering the streets at night?

Xu Fuhui wanted to explain the reason, but suddenly remembered that Chen Sanhe was Zeng Daquan's cousin, so he swallowed the words that were on the tip of his tongue.

He said, "Captain Chen, I was transporting the requisitioned grain into the warehouse before sunset, and then I found a restaurant to have a drink. I didn't expect the curfew to be brought forward, so I was delayed."

I heard shouts of battle coming from the north gate; it must be the Mongols attacking the city. That's why I rushed back to camp to await orders. I didn't mean to disobey military orders. Please, Captain Chen, grant me this favor.”

Chen Sanhe said coldly, "Today, the Mongols launched a night attack on the north gate, and spies have also infiltrated the military granaries to set them on fire. The situation in the city is critical."

The commander-in-chief ordered us to patrol the streets and markets to prevent petty thieves from causing trouble, and also to transfer troops from the south city to strengthen the defenses of the north city.

I remember you, Commander Guo, and another brother; the three of you were inseparable, always together. Why are you alone today?

Xu Fuhui sensed the treacherous nature of Chen Sanhe's words and felt uneasy. He quickly said, "I came out alone today; I wasn't with Commander Guo."

Chen Sanhe's expression was cold and stern as he said, "There have been many changes in the city today. During curfew, you disobeyed military orders and wandered the streets alone, which is suspicious."

"Take him down and escort him back to camp; we'll decide what to do next!"

Xu Fuhui's expression changed, and several soldiers rushed forward, took the sword from his body, tied his hands, and shoved him forward.

Instead of returning to the military camp in the north of the city, the group headed north, their route leading towards Hongfeng Rice Shop.

Xu Fuhui was filled with doubt and unease as he watched Chen Sanhe lead the team faster and faster until they were running.

Xu Fuhui was kept under close watch by several soldiers and had no chance to escape. He could only be forced to move quickly by them.

A group of people passed by Hongfeng Rice Shop and turned two street corners. Xu Fuhui saw the backs of Guo Zhigui and Hou Liang.

Chen Sanhe suddenly waved his hand, and his soldiers quickly stepped forward to block the two men's path.

When Guo Zhigui saw Chen Sanhe and Xu Fuhui with his hands bound, he felt a chill run down his spine and instantly realized something...

……

Chen Sanhe laughed and said, "Commander Guo, I was right. If I see your men, I'll definitely see you!"

At this moment, five or six soldiers ran up ahead. The one in the lead was slightly overweight and had a black mole on his left cheek. He was Zeng Daquan, the rice shop owner in disguise.

Chen Sanhe said, "You guys are really too careless. You didn't even realize you had a tail following you, and you almost ruined the Khan's big plan!"

Guo Zhigui felt a chill run down his spine, and his mind suddenly cleared. He never expected that not only was there something fishy about Hongfeng Rice Shop, but the manager, Zeng Daquan, was also a Mongolian spy.

The seemingly ordinary patrol captain Chen Sanhe, who led the way to Xuanfu Town, was actually a Mongol spy!
He said in a deep voice, "I found it strange from the start that the Mongols suddenly launched an attack on the city at night, contrary to their usual behavior, and the military granaries just happened to catch fire at that time."

The military granaries were heavily guarded; it was extremely difficult for outsiders to approach unless they were members of the military, and even if they did, they could not bring in any open flames.

……

Chen Sanhe laughed and said, "Commander Guo is commendable for his loyalty and bravery. He went through all the trouble to enter the city and deliver the message, but unfortunately, once he entered Xuanfu Town, he could never get out again."

You guessed right, it was extremely difficult for outsiders to get close to the military granaries and warehouses, let alone bring in open flames.

If it weren't for the hundreds of bags of grain from Hongfeng Rice Shop, some of which were laced with flammable materials and then personally transported into the granary by you, I really wouldn't have been able to start this fire.

The military granaries were ablaze with flames. The Mongol army camp, a mile away, could be observed from the towers. The burning granaries were the signal for the Mongol army to attack the city!
What I find very strange is that Hongfeng Rice Shop cooperated very well with the grain requisition and even handed over several hundred bags of grain.

Why would you still suspect this rice shop and even secretly follow them? What flaw did you discover?

Guo Zhigui's heart skipped a beat. He didn't answer Chen Sanhe's question, but suddenly said, "Captain Chen, are you also a member of the Sun family of Datong?"

Chen Sanhe's expression changed, and he said, "It seems you know quite a lot, but that's not important anymore."

……

As soon as he finished speaking, he drew his waist knife with lightning speed. In the darkness of the night, the blade flashed fiercely and swiftly. Xu Fuhui, whose hands were bound, was instantly cut down to the ground!
Guo Zhigui's eyes were bloodshot as he shouted, "Fu Hui!" He drew his sword and pounced forward, while Hou Liang roared and followed with his sword.

Six soldiers immediately drew their swords and charged forward, and the two sides engaged in a fierce battle.

Guo Zhigui and Hou Liang were outnumbered and outgunned, and soon found themselves at a disadvantage, struggling to hold on and frequently facing perilous situations.

Chen Sanhe said coldly, "We must kill them. Guo Zhigui has knife wounds on his shoulder and back, he can't hold on for long."

The rest of you, follow me to the south gate immediately! Don't let anything jeopardize our mission!

The fighting had not yet stopped when Chen Sanhe led the remaining soldiers and rushed towards the south gate.

The six soldiers surrounding them swung their swords even more fiercely and sharply, determined to kill the two men as quickly as possible.

One of them sneered, "I advise you to drop your knives, and we'll give you a quick death. Otherwise, you'll suffer the pain of having your hands and feet cut off and being tortured to pieces."

No sooner had the man finished speaking than Hou Liang, who had seemed to be struggling just moments before, suddenly changed his swordplay, becoming as vigorous and powerful as a dragon and tiger, with each move fierce, swift, and unstoppable.

He wielded his goose-feather saber like a windmill, the blade flashing dazzlingly, chilling to the bone, as if he had become a completely different person.

Suddenly, the blade flashed in his hand, and the soldier who had just spoken threateningly had his right arm, which was holding the blade, severed.

The severed arm was thrown into the air by the fierce and sharp force of the blade, and it took a while for it to fall to the ground.

The man only had time to let out a half-scream before Hou Liang slashed his neck with a single blow, silencing him abruptly.

The other soldiers who were besieging the enemy were terrified by Hou Liang's sudden and fierce swordsmanship.

In his panic, one of them was swiftly cut down by Hou Liang. In the blink of an eye, the six attackers were reduced to four.

A soldier shouted, "We've all been fooled! They were just feigning weakness. This soldier's swordsmanship is too strange; he's a tough nut to crack!"

……

Guo Zhigui and Hou Liang were both veterans with rich combat experience. Even though both were skilled soldiers, Hou Liang was even more outstanding in martial arts.

If the enemy discovers their exceptional skills and swarms them with dozens of men, even the most skilled fighters will likely die.

So at the beginning of the standoff, they feigned weakness to make Chen Sanhe underestimate their resistance...

Hou Liang's fierce swordsmanship terrified the besieging soldiers, making them hesitant and fearful in their fighting.

Guo Zhigui and Hou Liang were veterans of battle and immediately sensed that their opponent's fighting spirit was waning, so they attacked with even more fierce and ruthless force.

The two sides fought for the time it takes to drink a cup of tea. Two others were killed by Hou Liang, and one was killed by Guo Zhigui.

The last survivor was slashed in the waist by Hou Liang, bleeding profusely, and collapsed to the ground.

……

Guo Zhigui held his steel knife to the man's neck and asked, "Besides you people, how many Mongol spies are there in the city? If you dare to hide a single word, I'll chop you down!"

The man had lost too much blood and was pale. He was even more afraid of death and hurriedly said, "I will confess everything. Please don't kill me, except for these people today."

Three days before New Year's Eve, our people disguised themselves as caravans and merchants and entered the city. There were more than 160 people in total, and they were scattered throughout the city.

Only a small portion of them changed into their military uniforms just now. Chen Sanhe said that something big was going to happen at the South Gate today, but he didn't say what it was.

That's all I know, and I dare not hide a single word from you, sir. I beg you, sir, to spare my life.

Guo Zhigui asked, "Is Chen Sanhe a member of the Sun family in Datong? But he has the surname Chen?"

The man said, "Chen Sanhe's mother was a concubine's daughter of the Sun family. She married into this area thirty years ago and passed away more than ten years ago."

Chen Sanhe joined the army in Xuanfu Town and was said to have received secret support from the Sun family. However, his mother died early and few people knew about his relationship with the Sun family.

Many of us are distant relatives of the Sun family, protected and supported by them, while others are江湖人 (jianghu people) recruited by the Sun family.

We all come from humble backgrounds, working for the Sun family just to make a living…

……

Guo Zhigui continued to question him, but this man's position in the Sun family must be at the bottom, and his knowledge was very limited.

Chen Sanhe's intention to go to the South Gate was not informed in advance, and further questioning could not yield any further information.

The man pleaded repeatedly, "Sir, spare my life! I promise I will repent and mend my ways..."

Guo Zhigui asked, "Are you a Han Chinese?"

The man said, "I am naturally a Han Chinese."

Guo Zhigui swiftly swung his knife and killed the man.

The two men walked up to Xu Fuhui's body and saw that he had been stabbed in the neck, blood was flowing all over the ground, and he died with his eyes open.

Guo Zhigui was filled with grief and reached out to close his eyes. Hou Liang said, "Commander, Chen Sanhe is rushing to the South Gate with his men. He must have ulterior motives."

This place is closer to the North City Camp. We need to report the situation to the military as soon as possible and ask them to send men to stop it.

Going to the south gate now would not only be a longer journey, but the two of us alone would be of no use; we would only be throwing our lives away.

Guo Zhigui nodded slightly, then led Hou Liang to the main camp at breakneck speed, saying, "The Mongols launched a night attack on the north city, and the troops at the other city gates will definitely have to be redeployed."

This is unavoidable; the defenses at the south gate will certainly be slightly weaker than usual.

Chen Sanhe had secretly ambushed 160 men in the city, which wouldn't have been very effective under normal circumstances.

But tonight, the enemy launched a strong attack, the granary caught fire, and morale among the troops has collapsed.

His 160 men, taking advantage of the chaos, could achieve a great feat; hopefully, it's not too late…

The two had only run halfway when the previously silent southern city was suddenly filled with deafening battle cries and the thunderous sound of horses' hooves.

A tremendous roar, like a tidal wave bursting from a dam, rushed toward them at great speed.

The two men stared at each other, their faces deathly pale. Guo Zhigui's expression was grim, his lips twitching slightly as he said, "It's too late..." (End of Chapter)