Red Mansion: Fuyao River and Mountain

Jinling City, Dazaimen, Xinchunhao Jiangnan Main Store.

In a private room on the second floor, Qu Hongxiu and Qin Keqing whispered to each other. There was another person sitting in the room, but they did not avoid her at all.

The girl was about fourteen or fifteen years old. She wore a pink embroidered fur vest, lantern cotton pants, a pleated skirt tied around her waist, and a pair of light green embroidered shoes.

A pair of bright, clear eyes blinked, and the mischievous girl looked at Hongxiu and Keqing with great interest, her rosy lips constantly cracking sunflower seeds.

This girl was Baozhu. More than half a year had passed, and the little girl had begun to grow taller. She had delicate features, a fair complexion, and a slender figure, exuding the charm of a young girl in her prime.

Qu Hongxiu suddenly realized something, turned around and saw Baozhu, and said with a smile, "Why are you standing here so quietly? You overheard all the nice things I said."

Baozhu chuckled, her smile as lovely as a peach blossom, already possessing a radiant and captivating beauty. She laughed and said, "You were cracking sunflower seeds so loudly, didn't you hear me? You were all too busy talking."

I was enjoying the conversation, why did you all stop talking? Sister Xiu, is that girl who wrote the letter Cong-ge's new lover? Look at you, so angry, it's really funny.

Keqing laughed and scolded, "You're a young woman, yet you still run around everywhere every day. Where did you learn such nonsense, talking about lovers and such? Aren't you ashamed, young lady?"

Baozhu retorted, "Miss, that's not right. Cong is so capable; everyone says he's a reincarnation of the God of Literature. Wouldn't it be better to be his lover? It's such a respectable thing."

Qu Hongxiu couldn't help but laugh and scolded, "You shameless brat, if you dare to talk nonsense again, I'll tear your mouth apart. If anyone hears this, you can forget about finding a husband."

Baozhu stuck out her tongue, grabbed the paper bag of melon seeds beside her, and dashed out of the room. She had just stepped out the door when Qu Hongxiu called her back.

He said, "Tell the messenger that her husband is going to the capital. We will be sending two boxes of gifts to your residence tomorrow. Please trouble Master Xue to take them to the Earl of Weiyuan as well."

As Baozhu went out, she loudly agreed, and her unique, thumping sound echoed down the stairs.

……

Qu Hongxiu smiled and said, "Keqing, didn't you make two robes for Cong? I'll bring them along too. I've collected some medicinal herbs and made some necessary ointments and pills."

Originally, Congdi had brought his troops with him on his campaign, so that he wouldn't have to worry about anything. But now it's too late. It's been five or six days since he went on the campaign, and I don't know if he's alright.

This time, Miss Xu is also going on the expedition. It will be a while before Fei Yu arrives from Shenjing. Hopefully, Brother Cong's expedition will be as successful as it was in Liaodong last time, with a safe and triumphant return soon.

As the two were chatting, they heard footsteps on the stairs again. Baozhu walked to the door and said, "Sister Xiu, a carriage has arrived at the door. A woman in the carriage wants to visit you."

She also said she was Jia Yucun's wife and requested an audience with Xiujie because she had an important matter to ask of her; this was her visiting card.

Upon hearing this, Qu Hongxiu frowned slightly. Keqing took the visiting card, opened it, and said, "This Madam Jiaoxing has visited the shop several times, and each time she has bought quite a lot of things."

Qu Hongxiu said, "As the wife of a prefect, why would she need to come here personally to buy things? It must be that Jia Yucun knows about our relationship with Congdi and sent his wife here to get acquainted with him."

Therefore, I always avoided it. A high-ranking official of the fourth rank, yet he couldn't shake his scheming and corrupt ways; no wonder he did dirty things, leading to his imprisonment.

Keqing said, "Could it be that this Lady Jiaoxing, because her husband is imprisoned, actually wants to ask us for help and ask Brother Cong to help him get out of prison? Isn't that a bit too intrusive?"

Qu Hongxiu said, "A few days ago I received news that the Ministry of Personnel sent someone south to investigate. The young master of the Xue family had committed a murder, but Jia Yucun was corrupt and perverted the law, allowing him to escape punishment."

Now that he has been arrested and imprisoned by the Embroidered Uniform Guard, he must be desperate and has no one to help him in Nanjing. In order to protect his future, he has racked his brains and even managed to get his wife to come to us for help.

If we get involved with him, it will give Congdi something to talk about. Back in Shenjing, Congdi told me that this man is cold-hearted by nature, and we must be careful after we arrive in Jinling.”

He himself committed evil deeds, and it is his own fault. He still wants to treat others like fools. Baozhu, go and tell them that we are unable to receive guests, and we cannot help with Jia Yucun's matter.

When Baozhu came downstairs to report, Qu Hongxiu said, "Now I understand. Miss Xue's letter inviting Master Xue to the capital must be related to the case of the Feng family's murder back then."

This matter had been circulating in Jinling for some time. It was Miss Xue's brother who had allowed his servants to kill someone. Master Xue was invited to the capital, which must have been to smooth things over.

Moreover, rumors circulated in Jinling's official circles that Jia Yucun was able to obtain the position of Prefect of Yingtian through the connections of his uncle Jia Zheng. Furthermore, the Jia and Xue families were related by marriage, so this matter was likely to have significant implications.

The powerful families were intricately connected, and often one incident would unearth a whole host of others, implicating many more. With Yu Zhang away on campaign, he was able to enjoy some peace and quiet.

……

Four hundred li northwest of the capital, the entire army that was fighting the Mongols was under the command of the Tongzhou Commandery.

This was the headquarters of the Northern Three Passes of the army that was fighting against the Mongols. However, as soon as Emperor Chengzong of Liang arrived at the Northern Three Passes, he left Yuanzhou to command the front line and did not come to Tongzhou to take up his post.

Upon arriving in Yuanzhou, Liang Chengzong took over command from Governor Chen Yi and transferred Chen Yi to the Tongzhou Military Command to coordinate with the rear, collect grain and supplies.

Chen Yi was transferred from the front lines in Yuanzhou. He originally intended to take his two thousand elite soldiers with him to be deployed in Tongzhou, but Liang Chengzong declined, saying that the front lines were short of troops.

In the end, Chen Yi led only two hundred elite cavalrymen and two trusted retainers who had followed him for many years, returning to Tongzhou to take charge, filled with astonishment and frustration.

On his way to Tongzhou, Chen Yi was escorted by Liang Chengzong, who issued another military order and arrived in Tongzhou later, transferring 25,000 elite troops from the city to the front lines in Yuanzhou.

Moreover, the troops transferred from Tongzhou included Chen Yi's close associates and the troops of the Duke of Qi's faction. Their military orders were absolute, and everything seemed to proceed smoothly.

However, there is no shortage of shrewd and experienced people in the army. Even in the critical moments of the fierce battle against the enemy, when troop movements were common, some people still noticed something unusual.

However, the transfer and increase or decrease of military power and authority all involve the hidden power of the upper-level generals in the army. It is a secret and dangerous matter in the military, and no one dares to speak out for fear of causing trouble.

……

The official residence of Chen Yi, Duke of Qi, commander of the Tongzhou Military Command of the Expeditionary Army against the Mongols.

Chen Yi sat alone behind his desk, holding a teacup, lost in his sorrow. Drinking alcohol was an ironclad rule in the army, and as the deputy commander, Chen Yi naturally strictly adhered to it, not even allowed to drown his sorrows in alcohol.

Footsteps sounded in the corridor outside the door, and Xu Kun, a trusted lieutenant general, came in with documents, all concerning the transportation of grain and the replenishment of bows, arrows, and crossbows, which required Chen Yi's review and signature.

Chen Yi glanced at the documents and felt restless and annoyed. He had been working in the Five Military Commands for many years but had been idle, dealing only with supplies and provisions for the rear army.

This time, he finally got the chance to lead troops and reverse the decline of many years, but unexpectedly, he was brought back to square one and was still doing the work of the rear guard.

As Chen Yi reviewed the documents, he asked, "What is the current troop deployment in the city?"

Xu Kun said, "There are a total of 5,000 soldiers garrisoning the city, of which 2,000 are elite troops from the Fifth Army Camp, led by General Xiao Wu, who was promoted by Marquis Zhongjing."

The other three thousand soldiers came from the guards of the four prefectures surrounding the capital, each commanded by four generals. I have already spoken with these four men, and they are all complete strangers.

Although these three thousand soldiers were a makeshift force, they were all very strong and capable. Combined with the two thousand five thousand elite troops of the army camp, and with Tongzhou City located in the rear, they were more than capable of defending the city.

Upon hearing this, Chen Yi felt a surge of anger. This was more than enough; it was his own prison, and apart from his two hundred personal guards, he couldn't mobilize a single soldier.

Xu Kun said, "The Duke has two hundred personal guards who need to guard the military headquarters, relay military orders, and protect the Duke's safety. There are simply no other men available."

I just went to several generals and pleaded with them until I was able to borrow three hundred men to escort the grain and supplies and to move and guard the warehouses.

In Yuanzhou, the Duke confronted Anda Khan's army. The two sides fought fiercely, evenly matched, and neither side retreated an inch. The Duke held off the enemy at the three northern passes. His ability to lead the army was evident to all.

"Commander Liang's actions are clearly an attempt to strip the commander of his military power and seize military merits. The five thousand disloyal soldiers in Tongzhou are trying to bind the Duke; his behavior is utterly chilling."

…………

Chen Yi frowned, his expression gloomy, and shook his head, saying, "This matter is strange. Liang Chengzong has been an outstanding military leader in the past decade, with remarkable military achievements. He is a good general who knows how to fight and strategize."

I know a little about this man's character. He is not keen on trickery and underhanded tactics. Besides, he is the commander-in-chief of the campaign against the Mongols and a trusted minister of the emperor. He has no need to be wary of me.

The two states were locked in fierce fighting on the front lines of Yuanzhou. Although our army fought back fiercely and did not retreat an inch, it could only be considered as neither winning nor losing. It was our duty to defend our territory, and it did not count as any military achievement.

"Emperor Liang Chengzong's elaborate mobilization, relegating me to the rear guard position, is surely superfluous. He is a wise man; he wouldn't do something so foolish as to damage the army's morale. There must be another reason for this. He is most likely acting on someone's orders, but who, besides those in the palace, would dare to give such an order to the esteemed Commander-in-Chief of the Three Armies, the renowned Marquis of Pingyuan?"

Upon hearing this, Xu Kun's expression changed, and he lowered his voice to say, "My lord, the Emperor has reinstated you to lead the army because he values ​​you as a veteran general."

"Since the appointment was already decided, why is this happening now? It doesn't make sense. If you want to dismiss a general on the battlefield, you can simply issue an edict. Why go through all this trouble?"

Chen Yi said in a gloomy tone: "Although Liang Chengzong is the commander-in-chief, he has been guarding the border in Liaodong for many years and is far less experienced in the army than I am. Many generals on the front line have been recommended by the Duke of Qi's mansion."

If the palace wanted to dismiss a general on the battlefield, they wouldn't simply issue an edict so bluntly. There are always taboos and precautions in officialdom; I just can't understand why this would happen.

Chen Yi got up and walked around the official residence. Suddenly, his expression changed, and he said, "Could it be that something has happened in the capital that has caused this inexplicable incident?"

Xu Kun, I'm writing a letter home, just about ordinary things. You should choose a trusted and astute person to immediately send the letter back to Beijing, informing Ruiwen of the situation here. He will know what to do.

In addition, keep a close watch on the city's movements. Report back to me immediately if anything unusual happens. Divide the two hundred personal guards into three shifts, with two shifts on duty at a time, and maintain strict guard around the Commander's Office.

……

Xu Kun said, "This subordinate obeys the order." He was leaving the government office to arrange follow-up matters when he suddenly stopped and said, "My lord, there was something in the city this morning."

Half an hour ago, two hundred cavalrymen armed with firearms entered the city, saying they were acting on orders from Commander Liang to transport six thousand dan of military rations. One thousand soldiers transporting the rations were already stationed in the west of the city.

As Xu Kun spoke, he pulled out one of the documents, which was the document for the requisition of this batch of military rations, and said, "The two hundred firearm soldiers who entered the city are rotated from Liaodong, and the leader is Captain Guo Zhigui."

Chen Yi took the document and flipped through it, saying, "Six thousand dan of military rations is enough for 20,000 troops to eat for more than a month. The amount is not small. The document states that it is intended for distribution to the front lines in Yuanzhou."

However, I have read the official documents from a few days ago. Six days ago, troops were dispatched to the front line in Yuanzhou, and 15,000 dan of military rations were already allocated. According to normal circumstances, no more troops or rations should be dispatched within half a month.

Why would they suddenly add another 6,000 dan (a unit of weight)? I've been carefully monitoring the Ministry of War's official correspondence lately, and I haven't heard of any additional troops being transferred to the Northern Three Passes. This is really strange.”

Xu Kun said, "Commander Guo Zhigui brought the official document into the city. It was personally signed by Governor Liang, and it had all the necessary seals, gold-plated tokens, and everything was correct."

Chen Yi carefully read the official documents several times. Having worked in the Five Military Commands for many years, he was naturally familiar with the procedures for mobilizing military rations. All the documents were perfectly aligned and without any errors or omissions.

He said, “This matter is strange and we need to find out the truth. Take me to see that captain. I have long heard of the reputation of the Liaodong firearms soldiers. This man was personally sent by Liang Chengzong and is probably his confidant.”

……

South of Tongzhou City, there was a granary where the army fighting against the Mongols stored grain.

Two hundred musketeer cavalrymen, carrying their weapons, stood in formation at the entrance of the granary. Even during the lull in the fighting, their military bearing remained impeccable, showing no signs of slackening and maintaining a disciplined military posture.

Battalion Commander Guo Zhigui stood at the entrance of the granary, but his gaze was fixed on the direction of the military headquarters. Squad Leader Hou Liang said, "Battalion Commander, the official document has been submitted for a long time, but there has been no response."

Guo Zhigui said, "No need to rush. I'm not worried about not being able to get this batch of military rations. I actually hope this can be done slowly, so that we don't have to leave the city after getting the rations, which would only make things more complicated."

As the two were chatting, suddenly the sound of horses' hooves thundered ahead. Dozens of cavalrymen, escorting an old general, were galloping toward the military granary, their imposing and arrogant manner quite impressive.

When the cavalry stopped at the entrance of the granary, the military officer guarding the granary hurriedly came out to greet them. Chen Yi asked a few casual questions and looked at the two hundred musketeer cavalrymen with their neat military bearing.

His eyes widened slightly in surprise. Having served in the army for many years, he could easily tell the difference in morale among the soldiers. These musketeers were bloodthirsty and fierce, clearly veterans of many battles.

He looked at Guo Zhigui, who was wearing the uniform of a battalion commander, and asked, "I am Commander Chen Yi. Are you soldiers of the grain transport army? What are your unit numbers and ranks? I have never seen you in Yuanzhou before."

Guo Zhigui said, "Reporting to the deputy commander, the commander is Guo Zhigui, the battalion commander of the Liaodong Firearms Battalion. He was just transferred to a distant prefecture with Commander Liang four days ago, so the deputy commander did not see him when he was here."

Chen Yi observed that although Guo Zhigui held a low military rank, he possessed a composed and dignified demeanor, neither arrogant nor humble, and his answers were fluent and quite remarkable. For a mere captain to have such bearing was a sign of potential.

He asked, "I heard that the Liaodong Firearms Battalion was personally established and trained by the Earl of Weiyuan. You have served in the army for several years and have now become the battalion commander. Did you go out of the pass with the Earl of Weiyuan to fight the enemy?"

Guo Zhigui said, "I have been in the Liaodong Firearms Battalion for nearly three years. I was fortunate enough to follow the Earl of Weiyuan in the campaign to annihilate the Jurchen Three Guards."

Chen Yi said, "You've been in the army for less than three years and you've already been promoted to the rank of battalion commander. You're quite a promising young man. Pass on my order to open the granaries and release the grain so they can escort it back as soon as possible."

……

After saying this, he mounted his horse, spurred it on, and rode away. His personal guards followed closely behind. The adjutant, Xu Kun, looked puzzled, wondering why Chen Yi had come and gone in such a hurry.

He spurred his horse to catch up with Chen Yi and asked, "My lord, this captain looks ordinary and is not a big shot. Why did you say a few words and then turn around and leave? Is there something wrong?"

Chen Yi said in a deep voice, "How could this person be ordinary? He is only sixteen or seventeen years old and has been promoted to captain in less than three years since he joined the army. Such a speed of promotion is already quite remarkable."

This person must be a confidant of Jia Cong and Liang Chengzong, otherwise he would not have risen so quickly in the army. Moreover, the Liaodong army is skilled in using firearms, and every firearms soldier is a precious asset to Liang Chengzong.

Moreover, these musketeers are highly motivated and must be the elite of the Liaodong Firearms Battalion. They should be deployed to the front lines to meet the enemy, not wasted on transporting supplies!
There must be some reason for this. Moreover, Jia Cong was appointed as the Assistant Commander of the Divine Machine Battalion, and I know his departure date. He should have arrived in Tongzhou to await orders many days ago, but there has been no news of him since.

After Liang Chengzong arrived in Yuanzhou, he immediately began to deploy troops, but he made no mention of the 6,000 elite troops of the Shenjing Camp under Jia Cong, as if he had forgotten about them, which was really strange.

Moreover, the grain and fodder reserves and military deployments at the front lines in Yuanzhou are already saturated. Emperor Liang Chengzong transferred 20,000 elite troops from Tongzhou, but only 6,000 dan of grain were transferred in addition.

The numbers are mismatched, leaving a gap. Perhaps his transfer of troops from Tongzhou wasn't solely for defense against me, but rather for some other purpose, though I don't know the details.

……

When the two returned to the Tongzhou Military Commandery, Chen Yi strode towards the office and ordered his personal guards to cancel their shifts and rest, and instead patrol in three shifts to strictly guard the office.

Xu Kun, who was standing beside him, asked, "Could it be that the troops from Yuanzhou were moved, which created a gap in the front lines, and that Commander Liang transferred 20,000 elite troops from Tongzhou to fill the gap in the vanguard?"

Chen Yi stopped and said, "This is the only reason I can think of. Liang Chengzong is skilled in military tactics, shrewd and calculating, and adept at using unconventional tactics. Any gaps in his troops must be due to this."

He sighed again, "However, I have been stripped of my military power. No matter how he deploys his troops, it has nothing to do with me. I should just mind my own business and make a clean getaway."

I will write this letter immediately, and you must send it to my residence as quickly as possible, without delay..."

……

Tongzhou City, South Gate.

Suddenly, the soldiers on the city wall noticed billowing dust to the south and the rapid, dense sound of horses' hooves. In just a moment, hundreds of elite cavalrymen galloped in with astonishing momentum.

Because it was wartime, as soon as the movement of troops was detected, the bugle was sounded on the city wall, and the garrisoned soldiers quickly formed ranks on the city wall, while the archers drew their bows and prepared for battle.

The guards on duty on the city wall were looking around when they were surprised to find that the cavalrymen were dressed in bright armor, but not in the uniforms of ordinary soldiers. Instead, they were dressed in the uniforms of the Imperial Guards.

He shouted loudly to the city below: "Report your unit number. During the great battle, military discipline is strict. The main force will stop one mile away. Only those on horseback will be allowed to speak to you to confirm your identity. There must be no mistakes."

A man at the head of the cavalry raised his hand, and hundreds of imperial guards reined in their horses and formed a battle array. He rode alone to the city walls and shouted, "I am Xu Kun, the commander of the Imperial Guards, summoned by imperial decree!"

The squad leader was greatly surprised and hurriedly went to inform Xiao Wu, the military commander of the South City. Upon hearing that the Embroidered Uniform Guard had summoned him, Xiao Wu naturally dared not delay and immediately ran up the city wall to negotiate and verify the information.

Xu Kun recognized Xiao Wu at a glance and exclaimed, "Is this General Xiao Wu, the commander of the Fifth Army Camp? I have been summoned by imperial decree. To ensure safety, the Marquis of Zhongjing has a military order to convey to the general!"

Although Xiao Wu recognized Xu Kun, he dared not slack off in the slightest during the war. He ordered his men to lower a basket from the city wall and put Xu Kun's general's order, official documents from the Embroidered Uniform Guard, and imperial edict into it.

Xiao Wu checked that the seal on the military order was intact. After opening the order and reading it, his expression changed drastically. He also checked the official documents of the Embroidered Uniform Guard. As for the secret box containing the imperial edict, he dared not open it under any circumstances.

When the south gate opened wide, five hundred Imperial Guards swarmed into the city. Xu Kun asked, "General Xiao, where is the Duke of Qi? How many soldiers and attendants does he have? Are the Liaodong firearms troops allowed to enter the city?"

Xiao Wu said, "The Duke of Qi is presiding over the court in the Military Commandery, guarded by two hundred elite guards. Two hundred firearms soldiers entered the city half an hour ago and are now stationed at the granary." (End of Chapter)