Republic of China: Guandong Ginseng King

Chapter 418: Encountering a Nobleman and Japanese Army's Sneak Attack
"Oh, Lord Zhang is busy with military affairs, how come you have time to come to me?" Yilin saw the person coming and hurriedly stood up to greet him, bowed and said with a smile.

"Well, I've been busy recruiting soldiers these days. It's a rare opportunity for me to come back, so I came to visit the governor." The other party also bowed to Yilin.

The two exchanged a few pleasantries, and Lord Zhang seemed to lower his head inadvertently, and happened to see Qu Shaoyang, who was still hunched over and lowered his head, and the memorial on the ground.

"Hey, isn't this Lord Qu, the Yalu River Inspector? What's going on?
You young man are ignorant and have angered the Taotai again?"

As Lord Zhang spoke, he bent down, picked up the memorial, and looked through it in his hands.

When he saw that Qu Shaoyang inferred in the memorial that the Japanese army was likely to sneak across the river from the mouth of the Anping River, his eyes suddenly lit up.

At this time, Yilin snorted, "You ignorant boy, you are talking nonsense.

A mere ninth-rank inspector dared to spy on military affairs and talk nonsense about state affairs, overestimating his own abilities.

I was just about to deal with it when Lord Zhang arrived."

"It's normal for young people to do something out of the ordinary because they are too passionate.

By the way, I heard that Inspector Qu is highly skilled in martial arts and has made many contributions in leading troops to suppress bandits?
Now Japan has deployed tens of thousands of troops on the south bank of the river. I have been ordered to recruit soldiers to cooperate in the defense, but I am short of manpower.

I wonder if you can give him up? Let him serve under my command first?" Lord Zhang glanced at Qu Shaoyang beside him and asked tentatively with a smile.

When Yilin heard this, his face suddenly turned ugly, but the other party had already said so, and it was not easy to offend the other person.

“Since Lord Zhang doesn’t mind this kid being reckless and brainless, I naturally have nothing to say.

Qu Shaoyang, are you willing to follow Lord Zhang and serve in the army?" Yilin asked in a cold and solemn voice.

When Gao Taiyuan was reporting outside just now, Qu Shaoyang knew who was coming.

Zhang Xiulan was appointed as the commissioner of Tonghua administration in the fourth year of Guangxu's reign, and later served as the magistrate of Tonghua.

He governed Tonghua for six years and had a good reputation as an official. He was later transferred to the positions of magistrate of Jin County and co-magistrate of Fenghuang Hall in Jinzhou.

In recent years, Qu Shaoyang often traveled between Maoer Mountain and Phoenix City. With Yu Liang's introduction, he also met officials from Phoenix Hall.

Qu Shaoyang had met this Lord Zhang and had given him generous gifts.

But Qu Shaoyang was a little confused. Wasn't this the Tongzhi of the Phoenix Hall, a civilian official? How did he become the commander of the three battalions of the new army?
It sounds like they are recruiting soldiers to help defend the Yalu River? When did this happen?

When Qu Shaoyang was thinking about it, he heard Zhang Xiulan asking Yilin for someone.

Qu Shaoyang's heart was suddenly in his throat, fearing that Yilin would interfere and prevent him from going with Zhang Xiulan.

Fortunately, Yilin did not refuse for Zhang Xiulan's sake, and Qu Shaoyang also breathed a sigh of relief.

"I will obey your orders, sir. As long as I can serve the country and relieve your worries, I will go through fire and water without hesitation."

Qu Shaoyang did not dare to delay and quickly expressed his opinion.

Qu Shaoyang agreed so readily that Yilin's face became even uglier, but the words had already been spoken and there was no room for regret.

"Well, since you are interested in joining the army, I will not stop you.

Follow Master Zhang well. If you can achieve great things, it will be your good fortune. Take care of yourself." Yilin waved his hand and asked Qu Shaoyang to stand up.

Qu Shaoyang bowed to Yilin, and then bowed to Zhang Xiluan, "Thank you for your kindness, sir."

Qu Shaoyang knew in his heart that if Zhang Xiulan had not suddenly appeared, he really would not dare to say what the result would be tonight.

Yilin is a man with a strange temperament, unstable mood and is really hard to figure out.

Qu Shaoyang was young and hot-headed. If he made a few retorts during the argument and the other party caught him, he might be dismissed from his official position. Even worse, he might be directly imprisoned.

Qu Shaoyang was grateful, but there were many things he couldn't say in front of Yilin.

Zhang Xiluan seemed to know what Qu Shaoyang was going to say, so he shook his head.
"Sir Qu, military affairs are very busy. Since you have decided to join the army, please come back with me to discuss matters."

As he said this, he winked at Qu Shaoyang.

Qu Shaoyang understood and quickly responded, "Yes, I will follow your arrangements."

In this way, the two of them said goodbye to Daotai Yilin and came out of the side hall, just in time to see Gao Taiyuan who was guarding the yard.

When Gao Taiyuan saw Qu Shaoyang following Zhang Xiulan out, he hurried forward to greet them. None of the three spoke and they walked straight out of the yamen gate.

"Brother, you have always been cautious and careful, why are you so reckless this time?

When you come to the government office, please tell me first. No matter what happens, I will help you with your advice.

If I hadn't seen the opportunity early and asked the Tongzhi to come, you would have been punished tonight."

After walking some distance out of the government office gate, Gao Taiyuan finally spoke.

"Brother, how would I know that the Tongzhi is now the commander of the new army? If I had known earlier, I would have gone to meet the Tongzhi directly."

Qu Shaoyang really didn't know what was happening in Phoenix City, and he didn't know the general in charge of the defense of the Yalu River. Who else could he look for except Yilin?

Yilin is the chief officer of the Eastern Military Preparations Patrol and has the power to train officers and soldiers. Under the current situation, Qu Shaoyang must find Yilin first.

“I just received an imperial decree a few days ago, ordering me to recruit five battalions of soldiers from the local area to assist in the defense of the Yalu River.

Mr. Qu hasn't been to Phoenix City recently, so it's normal that he doesn't know about it." Zhang Xiluan spoke up to defend Qu Shaoyang.

In any case, thanks to Gao Taiyuan's rescue, Qu Shaoyang was able to escape tonight.

"Thank you, brother. I'm lucky to have you here today. Otherwise, I think I'd lose my job tonight, but I'd end up in jail."

Of course, it is impossible to put him in jail. If Yilin really ordered to do so, Qu Shaoyang would rebel and would not let them control him.

Not to mention anything else, Qu Shaoyang really didn't take the runners from the East Road Office seriously.

"Well, we have been brothers for many years, it's too polite to say this.

As long as you are safe, if you have any problems in the future, say hello to me in advance.

I dare not say anything else, after all, I have been in Phoenix City for many years and I know a lot of people. " Gao Taiyuan laughed when he heard it.

They have all benefited a lot from Qu Shaoyang over the years. His nephew is still working as an assistant in the Mushui Yamen. If something happens to Qu Shaoyang, he certainly can't just stand by and watch.

It was getting late, and Gao Taiyuan had something to do, so he had to go home.

Zhang Xiulan was thinking about the contents of the memorial and was eager to discuss it with Qu Shaoyang.

So Qu Shaoyang followed Zhang Xiulan to the Fenghuang Hall Yamen and discussed the current situation in the study.

“Your Excellency should know that I am a native of Muba, and I have some knowledge of the terrain and water conditions along the Yalu River.

My master has been rafting on the Yalu River for more than 20 years. It can be said that he knows every tributary and every estuary of the Yalu River like the back of his hand.

These days, I have been following the progress of the war closely.

When I learned that Japan had deployed tens of thousands of troops on the south bank of the Yalu River, my master and I discussed and speculated where the Japanese would attack from. In the end, we both agreed that it was most likely the Anping River estuary.

Qu Shaoyang pointed to the topographic map on the table and told Zhang Xiulan their inferences.

"If I were the general of the Japanese army, I would send a troop secretly.

He thought of a way to secretly cross the river from Shuikou Town in Goryeo in the dead of night, land at the mouth of Anping River, and then ambush.

When the frontal troops crossed the river to attack, they attacked from the front and back, coordinated with each other, and captured Hushan in one fell swoop.

If Hushan is lost, Jiuliancheng will be lost, followed by Andong, Fenghuangcheng, and Kuandian."

After listening to Qu Shaoyang's statement, Zhang Xiulan looked solemn and pondered for a long time.

"Inspector Qu, what you said today is all speculation, and there is no real evidence.

Although I can report this to the court and Lord Song, the commander of the army, I am afraid it will be difficult to gain their trust. "

Zhang Xiulan showed up tonight because he had met Qu Shaoyang several times before and they had some friendship, and he also admired the energy of this young man.

Another reason was that he also took a fancy to the patrol team under Qu Shaoyang.

In recent years, the patrol team has been responsible for the defense of the Yalu River, suppressing banditry and maintaining public order, and it can be said that it has achieved remarkable results.

Zhang Xiulan was ordered to recruit soldiers, and he certainly hoped to recruit more brave and combat-savvy soldiers.

This is also the reason why Zhang Xiulan rushed to the East Road Office as soon as Gao Taiyuan went to find him, because he intended to recruit Qu Shaoyang.

Zhang Xiulan believed what Qu Shaoyang said just now, but he was not sure that others believed it too.

Today, there are more than 70 new and old camps gathered along the Yalu River, including the Yi Army, Sheng Army, Feng Army, Luyu Defense Army, Heilongjiang Border Army, etc. There are many factions and they are not subordinate to each other.

How could Zhang Xiulan have the ability to persuade everyone to listen to him?
When Qu Shaoyang heard this, he immediately understood.

"Sir, if you trust me, I am willing to lead the patrol team and guard the Anping River estuary.

If any Japanese soldier sneaks across the Anping River and lands there, I will leave it to you to deal with.”

This is why Qu Shaoyang came to Phoenix City.

He didn't ask others to believe his inference. As long as they gave him a chance to defend the Anping River estuary, this trip would not be in vain.

"Okay, Lord Qu is smart and courageous, and will definitely live up to my expectations." Zhang Xiulan was overjoyed when he heard this, and the more he looked at Qu Shaoyang, the more he liked him.

"I will appoint Lord Qu as the commander of the front camp and lead the patrol team to garrison the Anping River estuary. We must strictly guard it and not let the Japanese army cross the river and land."

Qu Shaoyang was stunned for a moment when he heard this, then he came to his senses and hurriedly saluted Zhang Xiulan with his fists.

"Thank you for your cultivation and support, I will live up to your expectations, defend the country, and never let the Japanese army cross the line."

Unexpectedly, on this trip to Phoenix City, I not only ran into Yilin, the bug, but also met a noble person.

At this moment, Qu Shaoyang was really a little excited, and gradually realized the feeling of "a gentleman will die for his friend" as people say.

"Well, it's getting late today, Lord Qu should just rest in the government office.

Tomorrow morning, you will take your men to the Anping River estuary. You must not disappoint me."

Zhang Xiulan patted Qu Shaoyang on the shoulder, gave him a few words of encouragement, and then sent someone to settle Qu Shaoyang down.

Early the next morning, Qu Shaoyang went to see Zhang Xiulan, and left the yamen with the appointment letter and credentials given to him by Zhang Xiulan.

First go to the posthouse, then lead people out of the city. After meeting up with the people outside the city, send someone to deliver a message to the other captains, informing them to meet up at the mouth of Anping River.

In this way, Qu Shaoyang led about two hundred people to the mouth of Anping River first.

This place is remote, and although there are Qing troops stationed here, their number is small, only a few hundred people.

Qu Shaoyang met with the generals of the garrison and took out the appointment letter and credentials given by Zhang Xiulan.

The other party did not deny Qu Shaoyang's identity, but just looked disdainful, thinking that Zhang Xiulan was making a fuss out of nothing.

It is really unnecessary to send troops to guard such a remote place.

Qu Shaoyang knew all too well what kind of people these Qing soldiers were like, so he was not surprised and did not bother to pay attention to their sarcasm. He just ordered them to set up camp on the spot.

At the beginning, the garrisoned Qing troops saw that Qu Shaoyang and his men had only about 200 people and did not take them seriously.

He just looked at the patrol team under Qu Shaoyang, all of whom were equipped with fast guns and excellent equipment, and he was very envious. So he repeatedly mocked and provoked them with words.

However, unexpectedly, the patrol teams under Qu Shaoyang arrived one after another, and their numbers soon exceeded those of the Qing troops stationed there.

Moreover, Qu Shaoyang not only had rapid-fire guns, but also artillery, heavy machine guns and other weapons, as well as a lot of unknown things, all packed in wooden boxes.

When the Qing troops stationed there realized that their number was not enough, they immediately huddled back in the camp, not daring to come out and show off.

Qu Shaoyang didn't have the energy to argue with them. At this moment, he only wanted to guard the mouth of Anping River.

He didn't care what the other party thought. Relying on his large number of people, he directly took over the defense of the Anping River estuary, arranged personnel, and patrolled day and night.

Especially at night, more people are deployed to keep an eye on the river surface, and there cannot be the slightest mistake.

Qu Shaoyang's prediction was correct. At this time, the Japanese troops on the south bank of the Yalu River were thinking about how to break through the defensive blockade of the Qing army on the north bank of the river.

With Jiuliancheng as the center, the Qing army distributed its forces along the nearly 100-mile-long river bank, and worked overnight to build a chain of fortresses that were ten feet high and three feet thick along the Yalu River.

There is a gun platform at regular intervals on the fortress, which can overlook the river.

Mines were buried outside the fortress, and further out was the natural barrier of the Yalu River, making it extremely difficult for the Japanese army to cross the river.

Therefore, after learning about the Qing army's defense situation, the Japanese generals on the south bank of the river did not rush into battle, but ordered all main forces to retreat.

Then they sent out small troops to run back and forth along the river every day, waving flags and shouting, making offensive gestures to confuse the Qing army in the north of the river.

The main purpose of the Japanese army's move was to cover the scouts, allowing them to measure back and forth along the river with telescopes, long bamboo poles, and drawing tools to find a breakthrough.

In the end, the place carefully selected by the scouts was the mouth of the Anping River.

On the evening of September 26th, which was the fourth night after Qu Shaoyang arrived at the mouth of the Anping River.

A death squad of 500 Japanese soldiers arrived at the mouth of the Anping River under the cover of night.

The water here is not deep and the current is relatively slow. The suicide squad plans to swim to the other side from here.

In late September, the water of the Yalu River was icy cold. It was also the middle of the night, and these death squads gritted their teeth, endured the cold, went into the water, and swam forward bit by bit.

In the second half of the night, the defense was relaxed, the Qing troops on the other side of the river were tired, and the patrolmen each found a place to rest.

The Japanese suicide squad swam across the river very smoothly. When they were still more than ten feet away from the shore, suddenly, something made a noise.

(End of this chapter)