Huangming

Chapter 249 A Gift to a Craftsman Creates a Gap, Sowing the Seeds of Disaster

"Where is Abatai now?!"

Dai Shan slammed his hand on the table. His eyes were bloodshot, and the veins on his forehead bulged, making him look like an enraged beast, as if he were about to devour people alive at any moment.

Liu Xingzuo stood with his head bowed, his expression respectful yet cautious, and replied in a low voice, "Reporting to Your Majesty, this servant has only learned that Abatai Taiji has gone south, but his exact whereabouts... have not yet been ascertained."

"South?"

Dai Shan sneered, his eyes flashing with cold light.

"Hmph, he's probably in a hurry to go and seek refuge with his good master, Huang Taiji!"

Before he finished speaking, he was already pacing anxiously back and forth in the tent, his heavy boots making a dull thud on the carpet.

He would sometimes furrow his brow, his fists clenched so tightly they cracked; at other times he would beat his chest and stamp his feet, his anger almost bursting forth.

Surprisingly, after a moment, he took a deep breath, forcefully suppressing his surging anger, and only managed to squeeze out a harsh word through gritted teeth:
"Luckily he escaped quickly! If he had dared to stay even a moment longer, I would have made him beg for mercy on his knees, and he wouldn't even have his teeth left!"

Upon hearing this, Liu Xingzuo's pupils suddenly contracted. Although his face remained expressionless, his heart was in turmoil.

Are we just going to let Abatai go like that?
He had expected Daishan to be furious and would surely come to punish him, but to his surprise, the prince was just bluffing and his anger quickly subsided.

So, you, Dai Shan, got angry... and just got angry for a moment?
Liu Xingzu sneered inwardly, a hint of mockery flashing in his eyes.

Is this the situation he wanted to see?
If Daishan were to settle things peacefully, wouldn't his plans fall through?

His eyes darted around, and he immediately stepped forward, bowed slightly, and spoke with a respectful tone that concealed a sharp edge: "Your Majesty is wise! They are just three craftsmen after all, and it is indeed not worth making an enemy of the Fourth Prince over them. For the sake of the greater good, this servant thinks... it would be better to let this matter rest."

Before he finished speaking, Dai Shan's face indeed darkened.

He clenched his fist tightly, his knuckles cracking, and anger surged in his eyes once more.

"Does this prince really want to go to such lengths to provoke Abatai over a mere three craftsmen? If Father Khan finds out, won't he accuse me of making a mountain out of a molehill!"

He paced back and forth irritably for a couple of steps, then suddenly his gaze sharpened and he stared intently at Liu Xingzuo.

"The Ming people have always been cunning and scheming... Aita, you are also of Ming origin, do you have any way to avenge this prince without giving others grounds for criticism?"

coming!

Liu Xingzuo's heart pounded, but he feigned fear and lowered his head, stammering, "The Fourth Prince is currently enjoying great influence, this servant is afraid..."

"What are you afraid of!"

Daishan interrupted him sharply, grabbed his collar, and said viciously, "A tree lives by its bark, and a man lives by his pride! After my elder brother's death, I am the eldest son of the Great Jin Kingdom! If I can tolerate such humiliation, won't everyone be able to bully me in the future?"

His eyes flashed with a fierce light, and his words carried a hint of threat.

"Tell me quickly! Do you have any ideas?"

Liu Xingzuo lowered his eyes with feigned hesitation, his fingers unconsciously rubbing the hem of his clothes, as if he were going through a fierce internal struggle.

After a moment, he took a deep breath, a glint of light flashing in his eyes, and solemnly cupped his hands, saying, "This servant dares to ask, I am willing to share the burden with my master. Not only will I bring back those three craftsmen, but I will also make Abatai lose face and spread the reputation of my master for considering the overall situation and for his wisdom throughout the Great Jin."

Upon hearing this, Dai Shan's eyes lit up, and he leaned forward unconsciously, urging eagerly, "Tell me quickly! What brilliant plan is it?"

Liu Xingzuo smiled meaningfully and said slowly, "This servant plans to take ten more craftsmen to visit Abatai and see if he dares to accept this 'generous gift'."

"what?"

Dai Shan slammed his hand on the table and stood up abruptly, his face filled with disbelief.

"He robbed me of three craftsmen, and I'm supposed to give him ten more? Wouldn't that make Ben Beile a laughingstock?"

Liu Xingzuo shook his head and chuckled calmly: "Master, please listen to what I have to say. The Great Khan dislikes the Eight Banners fighting among themselves for craftsmen, goods, and military units."

If Abatai dares to accept these ten craftsmen, he will be guilty of insatiable greed; if he dares not accept them, he will have no choice but to obediently return the three craftsmen.

Whatever choice he makes, his master can casually mention the matter to the Great Khan.

At that time, the Khan will not need to intervene personally; he will issue a severe reprimand.

In my humble opinion, this punishment is far more severe than a direct reprimand from one's master!

He paused, then lowered his voice and continued, "More importantly, after this incident, Abatai will be despised by everyone, while your reputation for magnanimity and prioritizing the greater good will spread throughout the Eight Banners. As for the Fourth Prince…"

Liu Xingzuo drew out his words meaningfully.

"This incident will likely leave the Khan with the impression that he was not strict in disciplining his children."

Upon hearing Liu Xingzuo's plan, Dai Shan's eyes gleamed, and he couldn't help but slam his hand on the table in admiration: "Brilliant! Brilliant indeed!"

He paced back and forth excitedly, a long-lost look of joy appearing on his face.

"No wonder everyone says that the Han people are the best at strategy. Listening to Aita's words today is truly better than reading books for ten years!"

The more he thought about it, the more ingenious he felt the plan was!

No matter what choice Abatai makes, he will remain invincible.

If that fellow greedily accepts the craftsmen, he will be guilty of 'greed and depravity that harms the country'; if he wisely returns them, his reputation for 'magnanimity' will surely spread throughout the Eight Banners.

What's even more interesting is that this matter will inevitably implicate Huang Taiji, causing his standing in his father's eyes to plummet.

Daishan's lips unconsciously curled up, as if he could already see Nurhaci's approving gaze upon him.

He felt as if he were back in the glorious moment when he was made crown prince, thinking to himself, "If this matter is accomplished, the princes will definitely look at me with new respect. Perhaps..."

His eyes became deep.

"That position will soon be back in my hands."

Thinking of this, Dai Shan could not hide his excitement and patted Liu Xingzuo's shoulder heavily: "Aita, Aita, you are much better than Fan Wencheng, that strategist who only knows how to talk big! What real skills does that guy have besides training his wives and concubines to serve people?"

Liu Xingzuo quickly bowed and replied humbly, "Your Majesty is too kind. This is all within my duty."

Daishan waved his hand and said magnanimously, "I, Daishan, have always been fair in rewarding and punishing! Tell me, what reward do you want?"

A glint flashed in Liu Xingzuo's eyes. He immediately knelt on one knee, clasped his hands in a respectful gesture, and solemnly said, "Your Majesty is wise! The Battle of Shenyang is a golden opportunity to establish merit and achieve great things. This servant dares to humbly request Your Majesty to grant me the authority to act expediently, to make decisions on the spot at crucial moments, and not to consult you on every matter!"

"Take the easy way out?"

Dai Shan frowned slightly, his fingers unconsciously rubbing his chin.

His eyes flickered as if he were weighing the pros and cons, but he quickly relaxed his brows and said loudly, "Good! If this matter is handled well, I, the Prince, will certainly not treat you unfairly. From now on, you will have the right to make your own decisions on the battlefield, and I will never let you fail to achieve merit again!"

Dai Shan sneered inwardly.

Liu Xingzuo's request was within his expectations.

After all, during the previous attack on Shenyang, he repeatedly put Liu Xingzuo's troops in danger, sending them to tackle tough challenges, and then sending his trusted confidants to reap the rewards when they suffered heavy casualties.

Now this lackey has become clever and wants to escape his fate of being cannon fodder.

'Hmph, what harm is there in agreeing for now?'

Daishan narrowed his eyes, sizing up the submissive Han Chinese general before him, thinking to himself:

'Once this matter is settled, whether or not this promise of expediency is fulfilled is entirely up to me, Prince. Would a mere servant dare disobey?'

He looked down at Liu Xingzuo, a mocking smile playing on his lips: 'He's nothing but a lackey. Even if he's resentful, what can he possibly do besides swallow his anger and bear it?'

"Thank you for your grace, Master!"

Liu Xingzuo immediately knelt on one knee and thanked him in a loud voice.

A barely perceptible glint flashed in his lowered eyes.

How could he not know about Dai Shan's scheme?

But at this moment, this token of expediency was precisely the weapon he had been dreaming of.

Liu Xingzuo sneered inwardly: As long as I have this power to make decisions on the spot, when the decisive battle comes, I will definitely let you taste what it means to be trapped in your own cocoon!

Daishan waved his hand, his tone condescending and condescending: "Go, and make sure you get this job done properly." "Your servant obeys!"

Liu Xingzuo respectfully backed out of the tent, and only breathed a long sigh of relief after the tent flap was closed.

The cool summer breeze brushed his face, but it couldn't dispel the surging passion in his chest.

Under the scorching sun, the military camp flags fluttered in the wind, and the rough shouts of Jurchen soldiers could be heard in the distance.

Liu Xingzuo tightened his fur coat, his gaze sweeping over the patrolling sentries, a meaningful smile curving his lips.

This conversation with Dai Shan yielded far more results than expected.

Not only did they uncover the detailed plan of the Jurchen water attack, but they also obtained a pass to investigate Huang Taiji's residence under the pretext of pursuing the craftsmen.

Every step was proceeding according to his plan.

Infiltrate enemy territory, gather key military intelligence, and seize the opportunity to launch a counterattack.
He walked briskly toward his tent, his steps becoming lighter and lighter.

In the eyes of this seemingly submissive Han Chinese general, a flame of revenge ignited.

Upon returning to his own tent, Liu Xingzuo immediately took swift and decisive action.

He carefully selected over a hundred elite personal guards and also specially chose ten skilled craftsmen. The group left the Zhenghongqi camp without stopping.

The troops sped along the marching tracks of the main army heading south, chasing after Huang Taiji's Plain White Banner army.

In the height of summer, the banks of the Hun River are lush with vegetation, and the chirping of cicadas rises and falls.

When they had traveled about ten miles outside Fushun, Liu Xingzuo suddenly pulled on the reins and raised his hand to signal the group to stop.

He squinted at the riverbank and saw hundreds of laborers working under the scorching sun. Their bare upper bodies were tanned dark and shiny, and their sweat glistened in the sunlight.

On both sides of the river, the newly built earthen dikes are taking shape, and laborers are busy tamping the foundation with rams.

'Just as I thought!' Liu Xingzuo was secretly delighted.

'Huang Taiji is trying to emulate Guan Yu's strategy of flooding the seven armies.'

He calmly observed the direction and height of the dam, estimating the potential damage caused by the water storage.

Several overseer flag bearers patrolled back and forth on the dike, the cracking sound of whips echoing from time to time.

Liu Xingzuo withdrew his gaze and continued to the front line.

After continuing on for a while, the terrain gradually became lower.

After turning a corner on a mountain ridge, the view suddenly opened up before us.

Eagle Beak Bay resembles a soaring eagle, and its natural terrain, surrounded by mountains on three sides, makes it an ideal location for building dams and storing water.

The camp of the Plain White Banner was built along the bay, and the banners fluttered in the hot wind.

Thousands of laborers and craftsmen are busy at work, some carrying stones and others binding wooden stakes.

At the mouth of the bay, a main dam over three zhang high is taking shape, and dozens of waterwheels are drawing water from the Hun River into the bay.

The sweltering heat of midsummer made construction exceptionally difficult.

The brief periods of sunshine, one or two hours apart from the heavy rain, are especially agonizing.

The laborers were drenched in sweat, and many collapsed from heatstroke. The overseers immediately dragged them to the shade of a tree and poured water on them to treat them.
Huang Taiji clearly wants to complete this project in the shortest possible time.

With such a large amount of manpower and resources, the water level in the bay is rising at a visible rate, and the turbid river water is pounding against the newly built embankment, making a dull sound.

At this moment, Liu Xingzuo led his troops slowly towards the Zhengbai Banner camp, and the sound of horses' hooves came to an abrupt halt in front of the camp gate.

The guards immediately drew their weapons, and the leader, a squad leader, shouted sternly, "This is a military camp, and no one is allowed to enter without orders!"

Liu Xingzuo calmly dismounted, took out a gilded token from his pocket, and flashed it in front of the guard: "I have come to pay my respects to Abatai Taiji on the orders of the Great Prince."

When Zhuan Da saw the seal of Dai Shan on the letter, his expression immediately became respectful.

After carefully verifying the authenticity of the letter, he immediately waved to his men to put away their weapons: "Since you are the messenger of the Great Prince, please follow me."

He then led the way.

Liu Xingzuo followed casually behind, but in reality, he secretly took in the entire layout of the camp.

His gaze swept over the location of the grain and fodder piles, noted the intervals between the patrol teams, and silently counted the number of tents.

Several regiments that were training caught his special attention.

These elite cavalrymen were clearly better equipped than other units.

This must be Huang Taiji's trump card; his soldiers are probably no match for these elite troops.

at this time.

the other side.

Inside the tent, Aisin-Gioro Abatai was intently polishing his beloved sword.

As Nurhaci's seventh son, he was never promoted to the rank of Beile because his birth mother, Consort Irgen Gioro Lai, was of low status. His military achievements accumulated over many years of battles only earned him the title of Taiji.

of course
However, the Taiji (nobleman) was far from satisfying him.

This time, their defection to the Plain White Banner was precisely because they recognized the merit of Huang Taiji's water attack strategy.

He wanted to win the title of Beile in the Battle of Shenyang.

They are all sons of the Great Khan, so why are Huang Taiji and others called Beile, while he is just a Taiji?

This is not fair!

Just as he was pondering, a messenger from his personal guard interrupted his thoughts: "My lord, the Grand Prince's envoy has arrived outside the tent."

The Great Prince?
What does he want me to do?
Although Abatai was puzzled, he sheathed his sword and said in a deep voice, "Let him in."

The tent flap was lifted, and his sharp gaze had already locked onto the person who had entered.

The envoy, dressed in Han Chinese attire, instinctively made him feel somewhat wary.

Liu Xingzuo slowly stepped into the tent. He placed his right hand on his chest and gave a standard Jianzhou Jurchen military salute, his voice neither humble nor arrogant: "This servant Liu Aita greets Abatai Taiji."

"What brings the Great Prince here?" Abatai asked, his eyes sharp, seemingly casually.

Liu Xingzuo maintained a respectful posture and spoke in a very respectful tone: "Today, Aha, a bondservant under the Taiji, forcibly abducted three craftsmen from the Great Prince. Upon hearing this, the Great Prince, mindful of the shortage of craftsmen in the Taiji's camp, specially ordered me to send ten more craftsmen skilled in water conservancy."

The sword in Abatai's hand clattered onto the table.

His eyes widened, his face filled with disbelief.

This is even more unusual than the sun rising in the west.

When did his usually stingy second brother become so generous?

'Could there be a trap involved?'

Abatai was secretly wary, but then he thought: 'Whatever their schemes, I might as well take a free craftsman!'
He stood up abruptly, a fake smile plastered on his face: "Is that really true?"

Seeing Liu Xingzuo nod solemnly, he immediately clapped his hands and laughed, "Good, good, good! Please thank the Great Prince for his kindness!"

He then called for his personal guards to take over the craftsmen.

A barely perceptible sneer curled at the corner of Liu Xingzuo's lips. He thought to himself, 'Greedy fool! Once you accept these craftsmen, you'll have solidified your charge of forcibly seizing labor from the Eight Banners chieftains. You'll be in for a world of hurt then.'
Liu Xingzuo had already foreseen Nurhaci's fury, Huang Taiji's implicated situation, and the opportunity for him to lead his troops to "seek justice."

The sound of craftsmen unloading their gear could be heard outside the tent, and Liu Xingzuo respectfully withdrew from the main tent.

The moment he turned around, the humility on his face instantly transformed into a sneer of absolute certainty.

This meticulously planned scheme will soon come to a close!

(End of this chapter)