Huangming

Chapter 441 Surrendering the City to the Righteous Court, Pacifying the People and Stabilizing the Army

The sound of Wang Guoliang's hundreds of cavalry galloping away gradually disappeared in the northwest, leaving behind more than a thousand rebel cavalrymen who stood frozen in place like abandoned souls, their breaths trembling.

"Kill! Surround them! Don't let a single one escape!"

The deafening shouts of battle echoed from all around the mountains and forests, and the light of torches surged in from all directions, like fire dragons, instantly encircling the rebel cavalry.

Chen Ce's infantry has arrived.

They carried spears and pushed shield carts, advancing steadily forward.

Zhang Zhengtao reined in his horse, the ring-pommel sword in his hand gleaming coldly in the moonlight.

He looked at the approaching government troops around him, then glanced back at the direction Wang Guoliang had fled in. A hint of panic flashed in his eyes, but he quickly calmed down.

He was Wang Guoliang's son-in-law and the temporary commander of this remnant cavalry. If even he panicked, the entire force would fall apart.

"Don't panic!"

Zhang Zhengtao raised his voice, pointing the blade towards a mountain pass to the north.

"Follow me! As long as we get out of that mountain pass, we can rejoin the main force!"

He spurred his horse forward and charged towards the mountain pass first. The rebel cavalry behind him hesitated for a moment, then followed suit.

At this moment, that mountain pass is their only hope.

But the government troops had already laid a trap.

Just as they reached the vicinity of the mountain pass, they were met head-on by a row of armored wagons. The musketeers behind the wagons raised their guns in unison, and the sound of gunfire exploded in the forest. Lead bullets whistled through the air, and several rebel cavalrymen fell from their horses. Their blood splattered on the fallen leaves, instantly turning them dark red.

"Charge to the left!"

Zhang Zhengtao turned his horse around, intending to go around from the side, but suddenly a group of archers rushed out of the woods on the left, shooting arrows like locusts, densely packed towards him.

The rebel cavalrymen raised their shields to block the arrows, but while the shields could stop the infantry that followed.

The government troops' spearmen peeked out from the gaps in the shield wagons, their spears aimed straight at the bellies of the warhorses. Startled, the warhorses reared up, throwing their riders to the ground, where they were instantly pierced by the barrage of spears.

Zhang Zhengtao charged left and right, cutting down several government soldiers with his knife, but the number of people around him was dwindling.

The original thousand or so cavalrymen were now reduced to less than three hundred, all of them wounded, their horses panting heavily, barely able to charge.

Chen Ce, mounted on his horse, stood on a high ground not far away, watching the trapped rebels fighting like cornered beasts within the encirclement, and shouted down:

"General Zhang, stop making futile resistance."

You can't break through now. Lay down your weapons and surrender, and I will guarantee your lives.

The rebel cavalrymen inside the encirclement looked at each other, their fighting spirit gradually fading, leaving only despair.

They were the most elite cavalry in Datong, but now, faced with the government army's infantry and firearms, they were like tigers without claws, powerless even to struggle.

Some people had already lowered their swords, clearly preparing to surrender.

"We cannot surrender!"

Seeing this, Zhang Zhengtao shouted in a panic.

"Surrender only leads to death!"
Wang Guoliang is a wanted criminal by the imperial court, and we are his subordinates. Even if we surrender, we will not escape death!
Only by breaking through can we survive!

He swung his sword at a soldier beside him who was trying to drop his weapon, and shouted sternly:

"Anyone who dares to mention surrender again will face this fate!"

The soldier groaned and fell to the ground, his blood splattering all over Zhang Zhengtao.

However, this deterrent had no effect; instead, it made more of the rebel cavalrymen look fearful.

They didn't want to risk their lives for Zhang Zhengtao.

Zhang Zhengtao felt desperate, but he knew he couldn't wait any longer.

If we wait any longer, the team will only collapse completely.

He took a deep breath, spurred his horse on, and charged fiercely towards the government troops' formation to the north:
"Charge with me! Fight your way out!"

"act recklessly!"

Chen Ce snorted coldly and raised his hand to give an order to the personal guards beside him.

"Musketeers and archers, aim at Zhang Zhengtao!"

"shoot!"

"put!"

At a command, the musketeers pulled their triggers in unison, and lead bullets rained down on Zhang Zhengtao.

The archer released his bowstring, and arrows, whistling through the air, densely enveloped him.

Zhang Zhengtao held a shield in one hand and swung a knife in the other, desperately trying to block. But the shield was instantly dented by lead bullets, and arrows pierced through the gaps in the shield, embedding themselves in his arms and thighs.

His warhorse was also hit by several bullets, let out a shrill neigh, and fell heavily to the ground, throwing Zhang Zhengtao off.

Before he could even get up, more lead bullets and arrows came flying at him.

His chest and abdomen were instantly riddled with holes, and blood gushed out, staining the fallen leaves beneath him red.

Those eyes, which were once full of fighting spirit, gradually lost their luster, and the knife in his hand fell to the ground with a "clang," never to be heard from again.

"The adjutant is dead!"

"General Zhang is gone!"

The rebel cavalrymen inside the encirclement completely collapsed upon witnessing this scene.

These remaining soldiers threw down their shields, knelt on the ground, buried their heads in their hands, and their voices were filled with sobs.

"Don't kill me! I surrender! I'm willing to surrender!"

Soon, more and more rebel cavalrymen laid down their weapons and knelt on the ground, some even lying on the ground, not daring to lift their heads.

Looking at the scene before him, Chen Ce slowly raised his hand, signaling the government troops to cease their attack.

He rode his horse slowly around the encirclement, his voice remaining calm:

"Get up, all of you. As long as you sincerely surrender, I will keep my word and will not harm you."

But if anyone dares to play tricks…

He paused, his gaze sweeping over the crowd, and his tone suddenly became sharp.

"Don't blame me for being ruthless in military law!"

The rebel cavalrymen nodded in agreement.

Some were still trembling, while others were panting heavily, grateful to have escaped with their lives.

The stench of blood in the forest had not yet dissipated when Chen Ce dismounted.

The lieutenant stepped forward quickly and said, "General, the remaining cavalry have all surrendered, but Wang Guoliang escaped with several hundred cavalry."

Should we send a light cavalry unit to pursue them?
If we ride at full speed, we might catch up!

Chen Ce raised his hand and waved, his gaze fixed on the end of the mountain forest in the northwest.

"There's no need to pursue them. Wang Guoliang now only has a few hundred cavalrymen left, without food or reinforcements, and he has lost his base in Xuanfu. He's nothing but a stray dog ​​and can't cause any trouble."

Actually, it wasn't that Chen Ce didn't want to pursue her, but rather that he couldn't.

In addition
He didn't have many cavalrymen to begin with, and if he went out to chase them, he might be ambushed by Wang Guoliang.

After all, this rebel had been the commander-in-chief of Xuanda for so long. After escaping, he might be able to gather troops.

As he said this, a complex look flashed across his eyes, as if there was regret in them:
“This Wang Guoliang is indeed a fierce general.”

He remained calm and composed during the breakout from the narrow bridge, and was even able to turn the tide and attack the central army.

His courage and resourcefulness in breaking through the pass and leading his trusted men out of the encirclement are outstanding among the border generals.

It's a pity that one wrong step led him down the path of treason, and there's no turning back.

Upon hearing this, the lieutenant also sighed.

Border towns are full of fierce generals, but once they are associated with the word "rebellion," no matter how capable they are, they can only end up as fugitives.

"The most urgent task is not to chase after the people, but to Xuanfu."

Chen Ce abruptly changed the subject, his tone suddenly becoming sharp, and he pointed north.

"Wang Guoliang's main force has been lost, and Xuanfu is now just an empty shell."

We must send troops immediately to take the city before chaos erupts, and then stabilize the border town's defenses.

Xuanfu is the gateway to prevent the Tartars from advancing south. Even though the Chahar tribe is severely weakened, there are still many small tribes on the grasslands watching. If we are even a step too late and the Tartars take advantage of our weakness to plunder, then that would be our fault.”

"The last general takes command!"

The lieutenant clasped his hands in response and turned to quickly relay the order.

Before long, the sound of bugles rang out in the mountains and forests, and the infantrymen who had been besieging the rebels quickly formed ranks, while the cavalrymen gathered their horses and galloped toward Xuanfu City.

Noon on the second day.

Xuanfu City finally came into view.

The scorching sun baked the earth, and the air was filled with the dry heat of sand and dust. Even the flags on the city gate towers drooped in the heat.

However, the flag was no longer Wang Guoliang's "Wang" flag, but a "Ming" flag representing the Ming Dynasty, swaying slightly in the wind.

The city gate was already crowded with people.

Nanshan Lieutenant General Ma Chengxun, dressed in brand-new armor, was followed by officials from Wanquan Commandery and several central army officers. Upon seeing Chen Ce's troops arrive, he immediately stepped forward and knelt down with a thud.

"General Ma Chengxun, a criminal, leads the civil and military officials of Xuanfu to respectfully welcome General Chen into the city!"

Chen Ce reined in his horse and his gaze fell on Ma Chengxun.

This man was a direct descendant of the Ma family, a military clan in Xuanfu. He had always followed Wang Guoliang, but now he was the first to jump out and surrender the city. Although he had a smile on his face, fine beads of sweat appeared on his forehead, indicating that he was feeling guilty.

Where is Wang Guoliang?

Chen Ce's voice was devoid of warmth, and his gaze swept over Ma Chengxun like a knife, making Ma Chengxun shiver involuntarily.

"This...this traitor disappeared after his defeat."

Ma Chengxun immediately kowtowed, his tone becoming increasingly respectful.

"The traitor only learned of the general's great victory yesterday evening. He immediately led his troops to take control of the city gates, replaced the traitor's flag, and waited for the general to come and take over."

Chen Ce sneered inwardly.

The survival strategy of military families has always been to adapt to changing circumstances.

When Wang Guoliang was at the height of his power, Ma Chengxun served him faithfully.

Now that Wang Guoliang has been defeated, he immediately sided with the court, even changing his flag faster than anyone else.

"Accomplices in treason are punishable by death according to the law. Do you know your crime?"

Chen Ce suddenly spoke, his voice rising sharply, startling Ma Chengxun so much that he froze and his face turned deathly pale.

The atmosphere at the city gate froze instantly, and the officials of Wanquan Commandery all lowered their heads, not daring to utter a sound.

Ma Chengxun reacted extremely quickly, immediately kowtowing repeatedly, his forehead hitting the bluestone slab, quickly turning red.
"The guilty will be known for their crimes!"
We beg the General to consider that the general has rendered meritorious service in surrendering the city and taking control of the city ahead of time, and to give him a chance to redeem himself!

"This humble general is willing to serve the General faithfully, and would never dare to have any disloyalty!"

"A meritorious service at the cost of a crime?"

Chen Ce chuckled softly, his gaze sweeping over the officials behind Ma Chengxun.

"We'll see how sincere you really are."

"Alright then, General Ma, if you can capture all of Wang Guoliang's traitors, including his family, students, and officers, I will petition the court to pardon you."

Upon hearing this, Ma Chengxun's face instantly lit up with joy. He looked up abruptly, his eyes gleaming:
"Your subordinate obeys!"
Don't worry, General!

After learning of Wang Guoliang's defeat yesterday, I knew this day would come. I had already taken control of all the family members, attendants, and soldiers associated with the traitor in the camp west of the government office. Not a single one of them escaped!

We're just waiting for the commander-in-chief to enter the city for inspection!

It turns out this guy was prepared in advance, even having prepared a "pledge of allegiance".

Chen Ce understood, but did not immediately agree. He simply said:
"Let my troops enter the city first to take over the key gates, granaries, and armories. We'll discuss the rest once we're inside."

He wouldn't easily believe Ma Chengxun's "surrender".

Xuanfu is a place where military families are entrenched, and the Ma family has deep roots in the city. Who knows if surrendering the city is a trap?

If he were to enter the city with only a few people, and Ma Chengxun were to suddenly turn on him and trap him inside, he would become a laughingstock.

Ma Chengxun's smile froze for a moment, then he quickly resumed his obsequious expression and replied, "I'll do as the General commands! I'll do as the General commands!"
"I'll immediately order someone to open the city gates so the brothers can enter and relieve us!"

He got up, strode to the city gate, and shouted to the soldiers guarding the city:
"quick!

Open the city gates and let General Chen's troops into the city!
Anyone who dares to obstruct will be dealt with according to military law!

The city gate creaked open, and Chen Ce waved his hand. The foot soldiers behind him immediately split into several teams and poured into the city in an orderly manner.

One team was sent to take over the four gates (east, west, south, and north), another team was sent to control the granaries and armories, another team was sent to the prefectural government and the military command, and yet another team was sent to the camp mentioned by Ma Chengxun to verify the identities of the families of the rebels who were under control.

Three hours later.

Chen Ce's troops then completely controlled Xuanfu City.

Only after confirming that there was no danger in the city did Chen Ce enter.

It's night time soon.

It was dark.

On the official road outside the North Gate, a long line of torches stretched for miles. Government soldiers, clad in armor and carrying spears, were escorting more than 10,000 rebel prisoners toward the temporary camp inside the city.

Most of the prisoners were dressed in rags, their faces showing exhaustion and fear. Occasionally, there were low sobs, but they were almost inaudible due to the orderly footsteps of the government troops.

The daytime battles have ended, and Xuanfu is now enveloped in a tense yet orderly atmosphere.

Inside the main hall of the General's Mansion in the city, candlelight flickered.

The tiger-skin chair that once belonged to Wang Guoliang has been removed and replaced by two identical pearwood chairs. Chen Ce and Qi Jin sit on either side of each other, their expressions solemn.

Below the hall, Ma Shilong, Cao Wenzhao, and several local military officers from Xuanfu stood with their hands at their sides.

"Although the bandit leader Wang Guoliang escaped, he remains a major threat."

Qi Jin spoke first, his voice strong and clear.

"The most urgent tasks are to issue a town-wide warrant for arrest and to send troops to pursue him."

I suggest selecting two thousand skilled veterans from the border army, each equipped with two warhorses, carrying three days' worth of rations and a water bag, and pursuing them along the route Wang Guoliang fled north.

The key is not necessarily to catch him, but to hunt down the core members of his remaining forces.

For example, Lu Chengzong, the former guerrilla commander of Datong, and Hei Yunlong, the deputy commander, these men followed Wang Guoliang in the rebellion and have the blood of government troops on their hands. They absolutely cannot be allowed to escape.

"In addition, the pursuing soldiers were instructed to post reward notices along the way, covering key routes such as Dushikou and Zhangjiakou, and also to spread the notices to the surrounding garrisons and villages."

The notice clearly states:

Whoever captures Wang Guoliang will be rewarded with a thousand taels of silver and promoted three ranks.

Anyone who captures a core member like Lu Chengzong will be rewarded with 500 taels of silver.

Even just providing a clue will be rewarded with fifty taels of silver.

"A generous reward will surely bring forth brave men. Let the border residents and soldiers of the garrison help us search; I don't believe he can hide forever!"

Cao Wenzhao, who was below the hall, immediately clasped his hands in greeting:

"This humble general is willing to personally lead this cavalry unit in pursuit!"

Chen Ce nodded slightly, indicating that Qi Jin's suggestion was feasible, and then changed the subject.

"Pursuing the bandit leader is important, but maintaining stability in Xuanfu is more urgent at the moment."

Wang Guoliang has been managing Xuanfu for many years, with private soldiers and cronies everywhere. If his foundation is disrupted, the gateway to this important border town will fall.

"This town has taken over the military power of the former Wang Guoliang's town standard battalion. The armory and granary are guarded by soldiers from the Beijing garrison, and the seals have been affixed. No one can move them without my written order."

In addition, I appointed Ma Chengxun as the chief commander of the town's defenses, and put him in charge of two things:

First, city defense patrols, with a focus on checking the north gate, to prevent the remnants of Wang Guoliang's forces from sneaking back into the city.

Secondly, all weapons scattered throughout the city must be confiscated. The sabers and muskets left behind by the rebels in the streets, as well as ironware privately stored in civilian homes, must be registered and confiscated. The rotation of soldiers, the clearing of the camp, and the handover of defenses must be completed within twelve hours, without the slightest error.

Mentioning Ma Chengxun, some people in the hall whispered among themselves.

After all, this person was once Wang Guoliang's subordinate, and it's understandable that people are worried about him being suddenly entrusted with such an important task.

Chen Ce seemed to read everyone's thoughts and added:
“Ma Chengxun has the merit of surrendering the city and is also familiar with the city defense of Xuanfu. Using him can stabilize the situation the fastest.”

Besides, his family is all in the city, and we have leverage over him; he wouldn't dare to harbor any disloyal thoughts.

Chen Ce actually wanted to use his own people at first.

However, their own people were not familiar with Xuanfu.

It would be virtually impossible to maintain stability in Xuanfu without the assistance of local military families.

As for
Does Ma Chengxun dare to make any underhanded moves?
It's best not to.

If it really was some underhanded trick.

The Imperial Guards will teach him a lesson.

Regaining his composure, Chen Ce continued:
"But this is only within Xuanfu City."

"Xuanfu is a key town on the nine borders. Outside the town, Dushikou is a vital passage to the grasslands, Zhangjiakou is an important trading center, and Ximalinbao is the gateway to the west. These are all the barriers in the northwest of the capital region and must be controlled by elite troops."

We need to send a team to these passes to take over military command.

Qi Jin picked up the conversation and added:

"This town suggests that an imperial edict be immediately sent to the twelve guard posts under the jurisdiction of Xuanfu, including Wanquan Right Guard and Huai'an Guard. The edict should be stamped with the seal of the Ministry of War, and a trusted confidant should be temporarily appointed to take over the military power. They should be required to count their troops and register their weapons within three days, and the movement of private troops should be strictly prohibited."

If any remnants of what appears to be Wang Guoliang's forces are discovered, they must be immediately detained and reported; no unauthorized disposal is permitted.

In addition, three thousand elite troops were dispatched to Wanquan Right Guard.

That's the western gate of Xuanfu, and also the garrison of Wu Qian, the Right Guard Commander of Wanquan. Although he didn't participate in Wang Guoliang's rebellion, he doesn't obey orders and must be brought under control!

"Yes."

Chen Ce nodded, his gaze sharpening.

"Wang Guoliang has been defeated. Those who dared to rebel in Xuanfu either died at the narrow bridge or became prisoners. The rest are just opportunists watching from the sidelines."

"As long as we keep military power, defense, and supplies in our hands, and use rewards and imperial edicts to stabilize morale, Xuanfu will not descend into chaos."

With the grand strategy decided, military power in Xuanfu was now in the hands of the imperial court.

The next step is to appease the soldiers and civilians.

Chen Ce, Qi Jin, Ma Yinglong, and others acted quickly.

The next day.

They gathered the former soldiers of Xuanfu Town (including captured rebels) at the town's drill ground and read out the imperial edict in public.

On the high platform, Chen Ce, dressed in a dark red general's robe, stood with Qi Jin and Ma Shilong on either side, while his personal guards held a bright yellow imperial edict behind them.

Once the soldiers had taken their positions, Chen Ce raised his hand to signal them, and his personal guards immediately unfurled the imperial edict and read it aloud in a loud voice:
"Fengtian Chengyun Emperor, the imperial edict said:

The rebel Wang Guoliang of Xuanfu plotted a rebellion, and most of those who followed him were soldiers and civilians, not his true accomplices.

Now that the rebellion has been quelled, all those who have surrendered their weapons and returned to their posts, and who have truthfully registered their place of origin and position, will be pardoned and will remain in their original positions.

Anyone who can proactively expose Wang Guoliang's cronies or provide clues about the whereabouts of the remaining troops will be promoted one rank and receive three months' worth of back pay..."

The imperial edict echoed across the empty training ground. The soldiers below gradually raised their heads, their fear fading and replaced by disbelief.

A captured rebel flag officer couldn't help but whisper to the person next to him:

"Really...really can I be exonerated? And retain my original position?"

No one answered him, but the whispers on the training ground gradually increased, and the tense atmosphere quietly relaxed a little.

After reading the announcement, Chen Ce stepped forward, his voice piercing through the crowd:
"His Majesty's decree must be carried out!"
Today, we will release one hundred coerced ordinary soldiers so that you can return to your posts and reunite with your families.

Those whose names are called, step forward!

The guards then began reading the list. The soldiers whose names were called were taken aback at first, and only after confirming that it was their turn did they hesitantly step out of the line.

One of the young soldiers, with a lingering knife wound on his face, suddenly knelt down with a thud and kowtowed loudly as he walked to the platform.
"Thank you... Thank you, General! Thank you, Your Majesty! I will never dare to follow the traitors again!"

This kneeling acted as a fuse, and the other released soldiers also knelt down, expressing their gratitude.

Chen Ce gestured to his personal guards to escort them out of the training ground, then his gaze swept over the remaining soldiers again:

"Look, this is the sincerity of the imperial court. As long as you behave yourselves and behave yourselves, the imperial court will never treat you unfairly!"

The commotion on the drill ground completely subsided, and the soldiers' eyes changed from hesitation to calm.

Their biggest fear of being punished collectively is gone, and they even have the opportunity for promotion and back pay. What reason do they have to disobey?

at the same time.

The ransacking of homes in Xuanfu City is also proceeding in an orderly manner.

Outside Wang Guoliang's general's residence, government soldiers were carrying out boxes of gold, silver, and silk, registering them.

The residences of Lu Chengzong, Hei Yunlong, Wang Guoxiong, and other members of the rebel party were also seized, and all their privately hoarded military funds and provisions were confiscated.

That afternoon.

A temporary pay shed was set up on the open ground next to the drill ground, and the soldiers of the former Xuanfu Town lined up to receive their three months of back pay by presenting their military registers.

"Zhang Erlang, you're from the infantry battalion, right? Three months' pay, one tael and eight mace, count it!"

The clerk handing over the silver was met with Zhang Erlang's hands, and his eyes instantly welled up with tears.

When Wang Guoliang was alive, the army's pay was never fully paid, and his elderly mother was still waiting for money to buy medicine. Now, he can finally let his family know that everything is alright.

"Thank you, Your Majesty! Thank you, government troops!"

After the pay was issued, the previously restless soldiers calmed down.

While reassuring the military, measures to reassure the people are also being implemented intensively.

Along the four main streets and twelve city gates of Xuanfu City, notices in large characters, written on red paper with black characters, were posted, making them particularly eye-catching.

A crowd of people gathered in front of the notice, and literate people read it aloud:

"...The rebellion has been quelled, and the government troops only punish the ringleaders and do not disturb the people."

"It is strictly forbidden for officers and soldiers to forcibly occupy civilian houses or extort money; violators will be executed without pardon..."

It was at this time.

The two soldiers from Xuanfu were then escorted to the notice on South Street.

When they entered the city yesterday, they forcibly broke into people's homes, looted, and raped women, which constitutes a grave crime.

Chen Ce arrived in person, his gaze cold and sharp as he looked at the two of them:

"Military orders are absolute! How dare you disobey them! This should serve as a warning to others!"

Before he could finish speaking, the axemen swiftly brought down their blades, and two heads rolled to the ground.

The people were initially taken aback, but then they cheered.

"Good kill!"

"This is the true government army!"

"Wang Guoliang is truly a traitor, he deserves to die, he deserves to be torn to pieces!"

With such strict military discipline, the government troops are not afraid of looting like the rebels.

at the same time.

The prefect of Xuanfu then led his yamen runners to open the city's granaries.

They provided relief to displaced people and impoverished military households in the city.

What reassures the people even more is that trade routes and daily life are rapidly returning to normal.

The government troops organized local militia to clean up the rubble and bloodstains on the streets and repair the section of the post road from Jimingyi to Zhencheng that had been damaged by the war.

Grain and cloth merchants returned to the markets of Xuanfu with their goods, and the doors of their shops opened one by one.

Although the checks at the city gates were strict, they were conducted in an orderly manner.

If no one tells you, who would know that there was a rebellion here just days ago?
of course
The Xuanfu Rebellion certainly cannot be left unresolved.

The ringleader has not been eliminated, and the accomplices have not been punished.
And
The problems in Xuanfu were not resolved at their root.

The temporary calm is merely the calm before the storm.

after all
Xiong Tingbi hasn't arrived yet, so the time for him to turn against her hasn't come yet!
If rebellions are dealt with leniently, wouldn't other border towns follow suit?

(End of this chapter)