Huangming

Chapter 276 Feng Boxu Dies, Everyone Is of One Mind

The sea breeze outside Dagukou carries a salty, fishy smell, slapping against the pier and splashing up tiny droplets of water.

In the darkness, dozens of mule carts were transporting grain onto the boats along the gangplank.

Mao Wenlong stood at the bow of the boat, watching the figures moving about on the dock. His brows were furrowed, and his fingers unconsciously tapped the iron rings on the side of the boat, making a soft "clanging" sound.

"General, we're about to do something big, why are you looking so worried?"

Seeing his appearance, the guards behind him couldn't help but step forward and ask.

This guard had served Mao Wenlong for many years and knew that his general was the kind of person who could laugh even if the sky were to fall. It was rare to see him so depressed today.

Mao Wenlong turned around, his face showing some impatience: "Of all people His Majesty could have sent, why did he have to send the Embroidered Uniform Guard to 'protect' me?"

"I, Mao Wenlong, am a general who fights on the battlefield, not a porcelain doll that needs to be held in someone's hands. Do I need these spies and agents to protect me?"

The guard's eyes darted around, and he leaned closer, lowering his voice to say, "General, in my opinion, this 'protection' is probably just a pretense; 'surveillance' is the real purpose. If you find these people an eyesore, you can go to the battlefield..."

He made a gesture of wiping his neck.

"Isn't it just a matter of a word from you?"

"Bastard!"

Mao Wenlong turned around abruptly, glared at him fiercely, and raised his voice abruptly.

"How can we just move the people His Majesty sent?"

The sea breeze lifted his cloak, revealing the mottled knife marks on his armor.

Those were the marks he left from fighting on the Liaodong battlefield.

He was just a low-ranking military officer before, but His Majesty promoted him exceptionally, giving him military power and enabling him to establish himself in Liaoyang and Tianjin.

He kept this kindness in his heart and never dared to forget it.

"Even if they really are here to spy, it's His Majesty's order."

"On the battlefield, swords and spears have no eyes. If something really happens, it's fate. But if you dare to assassinate someone sent by the imperial court, that's the crime of deceiving the emperor. Can you and I bear that crime?"

The guard shrank back, bowed, and said, "Your subordinate knows he was wrong."

"Go do your job."

He said in a deep voice, "On the battlefield, we'll fight with real swords and spears. We'll see what it's like when we take it out for a spin. There's no need for those underhanded tricks."

The guards bowed and withdrew, leaving only Mao Wenlong at the bow of the ship.

Mao Wenlong watched as the last bag of grain was carried onto the ship at the dock, the sea breeze blowing into his collar, carrying a bit of a chill.

He sighed inwardly.

Actually, he did have some wicked thoughts a while ago.

On the Liaodong battlefield, a Jurchen head could be exchanged for dozens of taels of silver, which was too tempting for troops whose pay was often short.

He had seen people use the heads of refugees from Liaodong or border residents from Korea to make up the numbers, and they could swindle a lot more money in one trip.

But now, His Majesty has openly sent the Embroidered Uniform Guard, but who knows how many other eyes are secretly watching?

If you were to use such tricks on the battlefield, and it got reported to the emperor, you wouldn't be able to get promoted, and you might not even be able to keep your current position.

"That's all."

"The right path is to make great contributions honestly and diligently."

To outsiders, the position of Tianjin coastal defense guerrilla was an incredibly prestigious and coveted job, but to Mao Wenlong, it was merely a starting point.

The position of Commander-in-Chief of the Tianjin Navy is more in line with his ambition!

At that time, the entire navy in the Bohai Bay will be under his command, and he will no longer have to depend on others.

Amidst Mao Wenlong's complex thoughts, the third batch of provisions and soldiers finally boarded the ship smoothly. The sails billowed, and the ship slowly sailed away from Dagukou, heading towards Pidao Island.

"Three more days."

Mao Wenlong calculated with his fingers, his gaze fixed on the eastern horizon.

Three days later, he too would board a ship bound for Pi Island to join the 6,000 elite troops transferred from the capital, and then head straight for Hetu Ala.

That will be the battle that decides his fate.

His eyes flickered uncertainly in the morning light as he repeatedly calculated the situation in his mind: "I'd better get the fighting started in Shenyang soon..."

Whether this surprise attack would succeed depended entirely on whether the battle of Shenyang could hold back the main force of the Jurchens.

If the fighting around Shenyang becomes a stalemate, the defenders of Hetu Ala will inevitably be transferred to reinforce them, and only then can they take advantage of the situation to attack.

But if there's no movement from Shenyang, and the Eight Banners troops of Hetu Ala are neatly guarding the city, with their small force, they probably won't even be able to breach the city walls.

Even more critically, if a large number of Eight Banner cavalry cannot be drawn to the main battlefield, preventing them from returning to reinforce, even if they manage to capture Hetu Ala, they will be surrounded and annihilated by the reinforcements that arrive later.

At that point, they will be unable to conquer the city or retreat, and will be trapped in that isolated city, suffering total annihilation.

"General Xiong, General Xiong..."

Mao Wenlong looked towards Liaodong, his tone filled with earnestness and expectation.

"Whether this surprise attack on Hetu Ala goes smoothly or not depends entirely on your efforts in Shenyang!"

The hands of time quietly slipped into June.

Outside Shenyang, the land that had been submerged by floods gradually dried up under the scorching sun. The soil cracked into irregular, hard crusts that made a "crackling" sound when stepped on.

Who would have thought that just a month ago this place was a vast expanse of water?

Back then, when patrolling outside the city, the roads were completely submerged by muddy floodwaters, the deepest parts of which could reach above a horse's back. Travel was entirely by small boat, and the oars that cut through the water could startle schools of fish and shrimp.

Now, the floodwaters have receded, revealing a bare riverbed. You can walk on it with just a few steps, but the path under your feet is completely unrecognizable.

The once smooth official road was shattered by the flood. The original stone slabs were overturned and scattered on the ground. Some were stuck in the mud, while others were washed into the ditches by the roadside, leaving only the pitted and uneven earthen embankments.

What's more troublesome is that the low-lying areas are filled with mud and water, which turn into sticky mud when exposed to the scorching sun. Horse hooves can sink up to their ankles when they step on it, and wheels can get stuck and can't move an inch for a long time.

This situation posed a considerable challenge for the Ming army in transporting grain and dragging artillery.

The laborers responsible for escorting the carts rolled up their trousers, shouted work chants, and pushed the heavy carts with all their might. Sweat streamed down their dark backs, dried quickly in the sun, and left a layer of white salt stains on their skin.

The cavalrymen were even more agitated; their warhorses slipped several times in the mud, snorting and refusing to move forward.

With such road conditions, let alone a rapid advance, even a normal march would be difficult and bumpy.

However, as Xiong Tingbi stood atop the city wall, gazing at the scene outside, a slight smile appeared on his lips.

"This is actually a good thing for us."

"Our difficulties will only be greater for the Jurchens."

The Jurchens' main force was cavalry, who always relied on their fast horses and sharp arrows to roam freely.

But now, on this muddy ground, horses' hooves get stuck and can't be pulled out, so even the most elite cavalry have no use.

Their food supplies were mainly obtained through plunder, but now that the roads are destroyed, they can't plunder anything; and if they want to attack the city, their heavy siege equipment makes it impossible to move an inch.

"Pass down the order to tell the brothers to hurry up and repair the fortifications, and to prepare more rolling stones and logs."

Xiong Tingbi's voice was steady and powerful.

"If the Jurchens dare to come, let them taste what it's like to be beaten in the mud!"

Just then, a messenger came forward to report.

"Lord General, the messenger to reward the troops has arrived!"

Upon hearing this, Xiong Tingbi's eyes lit up, and he immediately said, "Return to the military governor's office and prepare to welcome the envoy!"

Today, Shenyang seems to have been injected with a powerful stimulant, with a lively atmosphere that is different from the past, from the city walls to the alleys.

The soldiers patrolling the city wall quickened their pace, holding their spears ramrod straight, but couldn't help but frequently glance southwards.

In the streets and alleys, the laborers responsible for carrying materials forgot their fatigue and gathered in twos and threes to chat, their voices even eight octaves louder than usual.

The source of this lively atmosphere is actually quite simple.

Last month's great victory in Liaodong, and the emperor's rewards and compensation, have finally traveled across mountains and rivers to reach us. Just as dawn was breaking, some people saw a long convoy of vehicles slowly approaching from the banks of the Hun River south of the city.

A few fine horses led the way, pulling an ornately decorated carriage, followed by one large cart after another, their wheels making a steady "creak" sound as they rolled over the wet road.

The canvas on the carts fluttered in the wind, and you could vaguely see the bright yellow silk, bulging grain sacks, and several carts of wine jars tied tightly with hemp ropes.

Anyone with eyes can see that this is the emperor sending people to reward the troops!
The news spread like wildfire throughout the entire city of Shenyang.

The soldiers dropped what they were doing, patted each other on the shoulder to congratulate each other, and some even couldn't help but hum a folk song from their hometown.

"I heard the silver awarded this time could pile up into a mountain!"

"Not only is there silver, but also silk, wine, and meat. Now we can really satisfy our cravings!"

The sound of people spreading the news rose and fell, and an indescribable joy filled the air.

Outside the Liaodong Military Governor's Office, there was a solemn atmosphere tinged with urgency.

Xiong Tingbi, dressed in a scarlet official robe and with a jade belt around his waist, was already waiting at the foot of the stone steps in front of the mansion, accompanied by a group of Liaodong officials and military officers.

Behind them, the guards, holding spears and halberds, stood in neat rows, their eyes all fixed on the south side of the city.

Before long, the sound of horses' hooves and the ringing of bells could be heard in the distance.

Xiong Tingbi perked up and took half a step forward.

coming.

A procession of people escorted a blue sedan chair, which was slowly making its way down the street.

The officers in front of and behind the sedan chair were all dressed in fine clothes, with embroidered spring knives at their waists, and their steps were steady.

As they approached, the sedan chair alighted, and a eunuch wearing a python-patterned robe stepped out. He had a fair complexion but shrewd eyes.

"It's Eunuch Wang!" a military officer whispered.

The visitor was none other than Wang Chengen, the same person who had come to reward the troops in Liaodong last time.

Seeing the crowd waiting outside the mansion, he put on a perfectly timed smile, strode forward, and called out, "I have come by imperial decree to reward the soldiers of Liaodong. Commander Xiong, how have you been?"

Xiong Tingbi bowed and said in a loud voice, "Thank you for coming from afar, Eunuch Wang. The people of Liaodong are grateful for His Majesty's great kindness!"

"Angel, please!"

Xiong Tingbi straightened up and turned to the side, making an inviting gesture.

Wang Chengen nodded with a smile and entered the main hall of the military governor's mansion surrounded by people.

The place for proclaiming the imperial edict had already been prepared. A bright yellow imperial edict was placed on the table, and fine sandalwood incense burned in the incense burner, with wisps of smoke rising upwards.

He walked to the table, turned around and looked at everyone, his smile becoming even more genuine: "His Majesty is overjoyed that the soldiers of Liaodong have won such a victory. When I was counting the rewards on the way here, I couldn't help but feel envious!"

These words were like a pebble thrown into the crowd, immediately stirring up a murmur of discussion.

General He Shixian of Shenyang raised his thick eyebrows and a smile spread across his dark face.

He knew that His Majesty would not mistreat the soldiers who fought so hard.

Liu Xingzuo, standing in the crowd, felt a sudden tightness in his chest, and his palms began to sweat slightly.

He instinctively clenched the hem of his clothes, his fingertips almost digging into his flesh.

Although he defected on the battlefield and personally killed the Jurchen Niru Ejen, he was still a man who had surrendered to the Jurchens. Could His Majesty truly recognize his merits as he would any other general?
He glanced at Wang Chengen and saw that the other was about to unfold the imperial edict. His heart jumped into his throat.

Just as everyone was lost in their own thoughts, Wang Chengen cleared his throat and picked up the imperial edict from the table.

"Fengtian Chengyun Emperor, the imperial edict said:

In the Battle of Liaodong, our soldiers fought bravely and decisively defeated the rebellious enemy, which greatly pleases me. Therefore, I hereby announce the rewards and punishments for our merits, and proclaim this to the world:
I. Xiong Tingbi, the Commander-in-Chief!

His strategic planning and skillful command are commendable. He shall be granted the title of Junior Guardian of the Heir Apparent, the privilege of having one of his sons admitted to the Imperial Academy, and a reward of five hundred taels of silver and ten bolts of silk.

II. Commanders-in-Chief He Shixian and You Shigong!

Braving arrows and stones, charging into battle, they are hereby granted the following honors: He Shixian is to be promoted to Vice Commander-in-Chief, and You Shigong is to be promoted to Right Commander-in-Chief. Each of them shall have one son granted the hereditary title of Commander of the Embroidered Uniform Guard, and each shall be awarded three hundred taels of silver and a python robe!
Third, the deputy general Liu Xingzuo!

He defected in battle and personally killed the ringleader. He shall be rewarded with: the title of Earl of Weilu, an annual stipend of 800 shi of grain; promoted to Deputy Commander-in-Chief of Liaodong, his troops shall be established as the Loyal and Righteous Battalion; a reward of 1,000 taels of silver and 200 hectares of farmland!

Zhou Dunji was promoted from guerrilla commander to brigade commander, and Qin Bangping was promoted from deputy commander to guerrilla general, with the special title of "Loyal and Brave General"...

Even the names of the captains and lieutenants who charged into battle were read out one by one, and they were either promoted or rewarded with silver. The process was clear and orderly, with no one left out.

Finally, he raised his voice: "Each soldier who is wounded or killed in the unit will be given fifty taels of silver, and their family will be exempt from taxes for three years!"

After the words were spoken, the hall fell silent, then erupted in barely suppressed excitement.

Those junior officers and guards standing in the back row had tears in their eyes when they heard about the compensation for the wounded and killed brothers.

Fighting alongside such a court is worthwhile!

Wang Chengen put away the imperial edict, looked at the excited expressions of the crowd, and said with a smile, "Gentlemen, this is all thanks to His Majesty's grace. From now on, we must do our utmost to protect Liaodong!"

"We thank Your Majesty for your great favor! Long live Your Majesty!"

The crowd responded in unison, their voices so loud they seemed to shake the roof beams. The high morale spread from the governor's mansion and enveloped the entire city of Shenyang.

After Wang Chengen finished reading the imperial edict, the words still echoed in the hall, and the generals of Liaodong were already overwhelmed with excitement.

Liu Xingzuo, in particular, was already in tears.

He lay on the ground, his broad shoulders convulsing violently.

He truly hadn't expected that His Majesty would not only disregard his past as a surrendered person, but would also bestow such an extraordinary reward upon him.

The title of Earl, the annual stipend of 800 shi of grain, and the 200 hectares of farmland—this was practically pulling him out of the mire and elevating him to the highest heavens.

"Your Majesty...Your Majesty is wise!"

He kowtowed frantically, sobbing uncontrollably as he cried out, "Your subject Liu Xingzuo is willing to die for Your Majesty! I would gladly be shattered to pieces! Long live Your Majesty! Long live Your Majesty! Long live Your Majesty!"

His forehead slammed heavily against the ground time and time again, making a dull thud, as if trying to knock all the guilt and unease that had accumulated over the years into the blue bricks.

Standing aside, Xiong Tingbi watched this scene unfold. Even the Liaodong military commissioner, known for his stern demeanor, couldn't help but have tears well up in his eyes, a single tear sliding down his cheek.

He spent half his life on the military, guarding Liaodong for many years. He saw too many soldiers shed blood and sacrifice their lives without receiving the compensation they deserved, and he also saw too many talented people buried because of their background.

Today, His Majesty not only bestowed generous rewards but also provided meticulous compensation for the wounded and injured soldiers. How could such compassion not move people?
"The Great Ming Dynasty is fortunate to have His Majesty!"

Xiong Tingbi's voice choked with emotion as he bowed deeply in the direction of the capital.

"How fortunate we are to have Your Majesty in Liaodong!"

"With such a wise ruler in power, how could we not be willing to die for him?"

He Shixian clenched his fists, his dark face filled with excitement. He turned around abruptly and shouted to the soldiers behind him, "Brothers, His Majesty treats us so well, what reason do we have not to fight to the death?"

"Long live the Emperor! Long live the Ming Dynasty!"

"We swear to defend Liaodong to the death!"

"Death for His Majesty!"

In an instant, deafening shouts erupted from the governor's mansion, voices filled with passion and loyalty that pierced through the rooftops and echoed over Shenyang.

The soldiers in Liaodong have never been so in high spirits as they are today.

Many of them came from impoverished backgrounds, had been seriously wounded on the battlefield, or had their families displaced by war. Before this, they may have only seen joining the army as a means of making a living, or even as a miserable job where they could lose their heads at any time.

But now, holding this weighty reward, feeling the emperor's attention and consideration, they felt a strong sense of belonging for the first time.

It turns out that serving as a soldier in the Ming Dynasty was not a disgrace, but an honor!

They were fighting for the wise emperor, and they were fighting to defend the territory of the Ming Dynasty. Their sacrifices were seen by some, remembered by others, and rewarded handsomely by others.

This passion, ignited by the reward, spread like wildfire throughout Shenyang, seeping into the very blood of every soldier.

From this moment on, they were no longer fighting for a living.

Rather, it was for this glory, for this wise ruler, and for the vast land of the Ming Dynasty that they were willing to sacrifice their lives!

……

PS:
Looks like the extra chapter will have to wait until tomorrow.
()
(End of this chapter)