Huangming

Chapter 286 Celebrating Victory and Offering Sacrifices to Heaven, Appeasing Surrendered Generals

The fifteenth day of the sixth month of the first year of the Tianqi reign.

As dawn broke, the area around the ancestral hall outside Fushun city was already packed with people.

The shrine is a shamanic altar of the Jianzhou Jurchens. Colorful ribbons and sacrificial skulls hang from the pine wood pole, swaying slightly in the morning breeze, exuding a primitive and solemn atmosphere.

Dai Shan rode a magnificent yellow horse, his iron armor gleaming coldly in the rising sun.

Behind him was a line that stretched as far as the eye could see.

Thousands of prisoners of war were strung together with thick hemp ropes, like a string of broken puppets, their clothes tattered, their faces ashen, and the shackles on their ankles dragging on the ground with a harsh sound.

Further on, hundreds of supply wagons lined up in a long queue, their wheels leaving deep ruts in the ground, and the wagons were piled high with silk, furs, salt and iron looted from Daban City.

Behind these supply wagons were countless cattle and sheep, occasionally letting out a few muffled moos.

The spoils gleamed with an alluring luster, making the eyes of the Jianzhou nobles surrounding the altar light up.

Most of them were nobles from various banners, wearing brocade robes embroidered with gold, playing with jade thumb rings in their hands, their eyes sweeping over the supply wagons, and suppressing swallowing sounds coming from their throats.

According to the rules, each banner would receive a considerable share of such a large haul; those few cartloads of silk alone would be enough to make the women of their families look radiant and beautiful in the winter.

But Daishan's gaze did not fall on these spoils of war.

He stared intently at the center of the altar, where Huang Taiji, dressed in light silver armor, knelt on a high platform covered with white felt, holding a bright yellow scroll of victory report in both hands, respectfully raising it above his head and presenting it to Khan Nurhaci.

"Your subject Huang Taiji has lived up to expectations, decisively defeating the Chahar tribe at Daban City, capturing over a thousand prisoners of war and countless supplies. I request Father Khan to inspect them!"

Huang Taiji's voice was loud and clear, carrying a deliberate humility, and it traveled far in the quiet morning breeze.

Nurhaci sat on the tiger-skin throne, nodded slightly, and a satisfied smile appeared on his face.

Dai Shan's fingers tightened around the reins, and even the yellow horse beneath him sensed its master's anger, pawing nervously.

It felt like a fire had been stuffed into his heart, burning him so badly that his internal organs ached.

He fought his way to victory on the front lines, so why should he be the one to claim the credit?

Based on seniority and military achievements, this victory report should have been presented by him on behalf of Shan!
He was Nurhaci's second son and the banner lord of the Plain Red Banner. He followed his father in his campaigns and had more scars on his body than Huang Taiji had read in military books.

But the Khan specifically chose Huang Taiji, which was clearly an attempt to elevate the status of the eighth prince!
No one paid attention to Dai Shan's anger.

And from the altar came Nurhaci's voice.

"Good! Well done, Huang Taiji!"

"I knew I hadn't misjudged you! You've managed to seize so much silk, salt, and iron from that fox Ligdan Khan, along with over a thousand people. You truly deserve to be a Beile of my Great Jin!"

However, after praising him, Nurhaci changed his tone.

"However, this is not enough."

Huang Taiji suddenly looked up, a sharp glint flashing in his eyes.

"Lindan Khan's supplies will only last us a few months."

Nurhaci turned his gaze toward Shenyang.

"The real prize is Shenyang! And Liu Xingzuo, who killed Degerai—your brother's blood cannot be shed in vain!"

Upon hearing this, the nobles around the altar fell silent; even the sound of the wind blowing the ribbons on the sacred pole could be clearly heard.

Huang Taiji kowtowed with a loud thud, his forehead striking the white felt with a dull sound: "Your subject will obey Father Khan's decree! We will surely capture Shenyang and hang Liu Xingzuo's head on the city wall to avenge my brother Degelai!"

Nurhaci nodded in satisfaction and gestured for the shaman to step forward.

Two shaman priests dressed in animal skins immediately stepped forward with a copper basin containing the blood of a black ox, the mane of a white horse, and a gleaming bronze knife.

They danced ancient steps around the sacred pole, chanting obscure incantations, their voices sometimes sharp like whistles, sometimes deep like roars, as if communicating with heaven and earth.

"Sacrifice animals to appease the heavens!"

At Nurhaci's command, a robust black ox was pressed under the sacred pole. The shaman raised his knife and brought it down, scalding ox blood gushing out and splashing onto the base of the sacred pole, instantly sending up white smoke.

Immediately afterwards, a snow-white steed was also killed. Its blood mixed with that of the cow and flowed slowly along the cracks in the ground, turning an eerie red in the morning light.

Even more alarming, two Jin soldiers dragged up a gray-haired Mongol prisoner.

Those were veterans of the Chahar tribe captured from Daban City, who were said to have been Ligdan Khan's personal guards.

The shaman snatched the bronze knife and slashed the prisoner's head against the sacred pole. Blood trickled up the pole's grain, as if coating the pine wood with a layer of crimson.

"This is destiny!"

The shaman raised his blood-dripping bronze knife high and roared at the sky.

"The divine decree states: Ligdan Khan has been defeated, and the Ming Dynasty is doomed! Our Great Jin Dynasty must avenge this! We must raise an army!"

The Jin soldiers around the altar drew their scimitars and roared angrily at the direction of the sacred pole, their voices shaking even the morning mist.

The shaman then began to sing "Ode to the Gods," an ancient ballad filled with the neighing of warhorses, the clash of swords and spears, and the yearning for victory.

As the singing gradually subsided, the sun had already risen high in the sky.

"The ceremony is complete!"

After the sacrificial ceremony concluded, the spoils of war were distributed among the participants.

Meanwhile, Nurhaci, accompanied by Huang Taiji, had already returned to the Khan's Palace in Fushun.
He dismissed his attendants, leaving only Huang Taiji in the hall.

"Huang Taiji".

Nurhaci picked up the victory report, his voice carrying a hint of approval.

"I already know the details of the battle against Ligdan Khan. You did a great job bypassing the main force of the Chahar tribe and directly taking the supplies of Daban City."

He looked up at Huang Taiji, the sharpness in his eyes softening slightly.

"With these supplies and slaves, our chances of attacking Shenyang have increased by another 30%."

Huang Taiji immediately bowed and clasped his hands, bending very low: "Father Khan is too kind. Your son is merely following your teachings and dares not take credit. This victory is entirely due to your prestige that intimidates the grasslands, which is why the tribes dare not easily come to Ligdan Khan's aid."

"Hmph, don't learn that pedantic attitude of those Han Chinese."

"If it's your achievement, then just accept it generously."

"Yes!" Huang Taiji replied quickly.

Nurhaci took a breath, and the anger on his face gradually subsided.

Soon, a meaningful smile appeared on his face.

“Huang Taiji, among my sons, you are most like me. You are brave and resourceful, and you know how to conceal your strength.”

He paused, his tone tinged with emotion.

“Daišan is too reckless and will never amount to anything; Mangultai has all the strength he needs, but he is blind when it comes to commanding troops, and he is also bloodthirsty. Sooner or later he will cause trouble.”

These words struck Huang Taiji like a thunderclap.

He suddenly looked up, a flash of unbelievable elation in his eyes, then quickly lowered his head to hide the excitement that was about to burst forth.

Does Father Khan mean that he intends for him to be the crown prince?
Blood rushed to my head instantly, and even my fingertips trembled slightly.

Nurhaci, seemingly oblivious to his lapse in composure, continued, "In this attack on Shenyang, I will appoint you as the vanguard."

He stood up and walked over to Huang Taiji, slapping him hard on the shoulder with such force that Huang Taiji's knees wobbled.

"As long as you can take Shenyang, your prestige will naturally surpass that of the other brothers. At that time, if they want to have any objections, they will have to think twice."

Huang Taiji's heart pounded wildly, and he suddenly knelt down on the ground.

"Father, rest assured! Give your son a month! Within a month, your son will surely take Shenyang and let the blood of the Ming dogs stain the Hun River red!"

His voice was filled with barely suppressed excitement, and even his breathing became heavy.

"very good."

Nurhaci nodded in satisfaction, turned and walked back to his throne. He picked up the milk tea on the table, took a sip, and then slowly said, "When attacking the city, first use the Han Bannermen to fill the gaps and let them attack the Ming army's cannons to wear down Shenyang's morale. Once they're almost done, then let our Eight Banners soldiers go in."

Huang Taiji's smile suddenly froze.

He then realized that he had indeed not seen Li Yongfang, Tong Yangxing, or other prominent figures of the Han Banner Army during the sacrificial ceremony at the ancestral hall.

According to the rules, these "Fushun Prince Consorts" and "Third-Class Generals" were qualified to attend, but today they were nowhere to be seen.

“Father Khan.” Huang Taiji hesitated before speaking, his tone tinged with confusion.

"Why use the Han army flags first? Although they are surrendered soldiers, they are familiar with the Ming army's tactics. Wouldn't it be better to save them for a crucial moment?"

Nurhaci slammed the milk tea bowl heavily on the table, splashing milk foam out of it: "They are not to be trusted!"

His voice suddenly turned cold, and a fierce glint flashed in his eyes.

"That scoundrel Liu Xingzuo, I treated him well, and what did he do? He turned around and dared to help the Ming dogs kill our people! These Han people have no loyalty in their bones!"

Huang Taiji frowned. He knew that his father was still resentful about Liu Xingzuo's betrayal, but the Han Army Banner had more than 10,000 men. If their hearts were broken, it would be a great loss to the Great Jin.

"Father Khan, please calm your anger. Liu Xingzuo is an isolated case and cannot be generalized."

He said cautiously, "Li Yongfang, the son-in-law of Fushun, has worked tirelessly for the Great Jin over the years, and his contributions are no less than those of any banner chief. His loyalty to the Great Jin is beyond doubt. If we are suspicious of everything, it may alienate the other Han people who have submitted to us. When we attack and seize territories, who will help us manage those cities and collect grain?"

"Humph!"

Nurhaci sneered, his tone full of disdain.

"The reason we were able to defeat the Ming Dynasty all these years was because of the Eight Banners' horsemanship and archery skills, and because of their strong swords, not because of these Han Chinese pens!"

He glared at Huang Taiji, his eyes sharp as knives.

"If you find this difficult, I, the Khan, can let Daishan take the position of vanguard!"

"I don't dare!"

Huang Taiji immediately kowtowed.

"My son, I obey!"

He knew that continuing the struggle would only displease his father, the Khan, and that his immediate priority was to gain command of the attack on Shenyang.

Nurhaci's expression softened slightly: "You are the vanguard, so the Han Bannermen are under your command. As for how to use them—whether to send them to charge or to transport supplies—that's up to you. I only want one result: the fall of Shenyang and the execution of that traitor Liu Xingzuo!"

"My son, take your orders!"

He slowly rose, turned and left the warm pavilion.

The sunlight outside the hall was a bit dazzling, so he squinted, but a slight smile quietly appeared at the corner of his mouth.

Although the father Khan was suspicious of the Han people, he eventually gave him the power of command.

As long as we can capture Shenyang, let alone Li Yongfang, even if we use more Han people, the Khan will not really blame us.

After leaving the palace, Huang Taiji immediately returned to the Plain White Banner camp and went outside the main tent.

When the guards outside the tent saw him return, they immediately lifted the curtain.

Huang Taiji entered the main tent and sat down on the tiger-skin chair inside. He then said in a deep voice to his guards, "Go and summon Li Yongfang and Tong Yangxing. Tell them that I, the Prince, have important matters to discuss."

"Whoo!"

Before an incense stick could burn, the sound of light footsteps could be heard outside the tent.

Li Yongfang and Tong Yangxing walked in one after the other, both dressed in tattered clothes, their brows furrowed with fear.

Did Huang Taiji summon them?
Are they going to rob them of something again?
Or is it that the Battle of Shenyang is about to begin, and they are preparing to use their lives to fill the moats outside Shenyang?

With mixed feelings, the two knelt down with a thud and bowed in greeting:
"Your humble servant Li Yongfang (Tong Yangxing) pays his respects to Your Highness!"

Huang Taiji picked up his teacup, slowly blowing away the foam, his gaze sweeping over the two trembling figures as he spoke calmly: "Today is the day of the temple's sacrificial ceremony to Heaven, such an important occasion, why haven't I seen you here?"

As soon as he finished speaking, Li Yongfang's shoulders began to tremble violently, followed by suppressed sobs.

Tong Yangxing's eyes also reddened, and his Adam's apple bobbed, as if he had a bellyful of grievances, but dared not cry out loud.

"Fourth Prince, you are wise..."

Li Yongfang spoke with a choked voice.

"It's not that we servants dare to be absent, it's just... we're simply not qualified to go!"

He suddenly raised his head, his forehead hitting the ground with a thud.

“These days, the nobles in the banners treat us like fat sheep. The few bolts of silk that I painstakingly saved were snatched away by a Niru Ejen of the Bordered Yellow Banner; Yangxing’s son wanted to go to the training ground to learn riding and archery, but before he could even touch the reins, his leg was broken by the men of the Bordered White Banner…”

"There's also the matter of attacking Shenyang."

Tong Yangxing took over the conversation, his voice filled with despair.

"The Great Khan had previously given a military order to have the Han Banner brothers lead the vanguard to fill the Ming army's trenches... That's not fighting a war, it's clearly sending us to be cannon fodder!"

The two of them poured out their grievances from the Jurchen nobles over the past few days, one after the other.

Their food supplies were embezzled, their families were humiliated, their war merits were stolen, and now even their lives have become worthless in the eyes of others.

The flickering embers inside the tent reflected the tears streaming down the two faces, creating an atmosphere of indescribable sorrow.

Huang Taiji's face gradually darkened.

Although he knew that the Han people were in a difficult situation in the Jin Dynasty, he did not expect it to come to this.

The Han army has more than 10,000 men who are familiar with Ming army tactics and understand the local customs of Han areas. If they are really forced to rebel, attacking Shenyang would be tantamount to cutting off their own arm.

His eyes flickered, and he had already made up his mind.

These people cannot be left unused, and we must not allow them to go to the battlefield with resentment.

"enough."

Huang Taiji raised his hand to interrupt the two people's sobbing.

"I, your Beile, will have your stolen goods returned to you. Whoever stole them must return them within three days. If even a single thread is missing, I, your Beile, will disarm them!"

Li Yongfang and Tong Yangxing suddenly looked up, their eyes filled with unbelievable surprise, as if they had grabbed a piece of driftwood while drowning.

"Your Highness, is this truly the case?"

"Would Benbayar lie to you?"

Getting those people to return their belongings will indeed require a lot of effort, and may offend quite a few people in the process.

But when he returns victorious, he has the right to distribute the spoils of war. If anyone doesn't give him face, he won't give them any spoils!
"As for the grievances I've suffered these past few days."

Huang Taiji changed the subject, his tone becoming more reassuring.

"It is neither the Khan's intention nor the rule of the Great Jin. It is simply that after Liu Xingzuo's betrayal, many people have become suspicious of the Han people. Rest assured, as long as you sincerely serve the Great Jin, I, the Prince, guarantee that no one will dare to bully you again in the future."

He subtly shifted the blame onto Liu Xingzuo, giving both of them a way out while also implying the importance of "loyalty."

"Thank you, Fourth Prince! Thank you, Fourth Prince!"

The two kowtowed again, their foreheads hitting the ground, and blood quickly seeped out, but their voices were filled with the excitement of surviving a disaster.

"Your servants will follow the Fourth Prince's lead from now on, and will go through fire and water without hesitation!"

Huang Taiji was very satisfied with the reaction of the two lackeys. He waved his hand, signaling them to get up.

"Get up. We will need your help to attack Shenyang. The two of you will be in charge of the deployment of the Han army flags for the time being. We will discuss the specific arrangements in the military tent tomorrow."

"Yes, Your Majesty! Your servant obeys!"

As the two bowed and retreated, their steps became much lighter.

After Nurhaci refused to protect them, Huang Taiji extended an olive branch to them.

现在
Finally, I can be a dog for Dajin again without worry!
After Li Yongfang and Tong Yangxing left.

Silence returned to the tent.

Huang Taiji gazed at the flickering charcoal fire, his fingers tracing the rim of the teacup.

Having appeased Li Yongfang and Tong Yangxing, a major issue has been resolved.

However, the question of how to conquer Shenyang City remained a heavy burden on his mind.

"Liu Xingzuo..."

Huang Taiji murmured the name, a cold glint flashing in his eyes.

"You succeeded in your sneak attack last time, but this time, I, the Prince, will make you taste the bitterness of being beheaded!"

(End of this chapter)