Sweep Yuan

Chapter 87 A Great Battle is About to Begin, Infiltrating the Fray

After talking with Hu Dahai, Shi Shan realized that what made him decide to join the army was not the persuasion of Fu Youde and Li Wu, but the military discipline of the "Red Heart Battalion" that did not harm or disturb the people.

Shi Shan underestimated the appeal of "strict military discipline" to people at the time. Han Cheng traveled hundreds of miles to join the army because of these four words, and Hu Dahai also made up his mind to come to Hong County because of these four words.

Which general wouldn't like someone who is brave, resourceful, and deeply understands the importance of military discipline?

Just then, because Shao Rong took most of the key personnel with him on a special mission, the formation of the Seventh Battalion was stalled, so Shi Shan appointed Hu Dahai as the commander of the Seventh Infantry Battalion.

The shortage of troops is also easy to solve.

The prisoners' skill and tactics were significantly better than those of the archers from the various counties, making them a rare "elite force." By simply killing some of the officers, they could be dispersed and distributed among the various battalions, and the replacements could be added to the Seventh Battalion.

Shi and Hu chatted happily until the third watch of the night before Shi Shan finally returned home, satisfied.

The next morning, just as Shishan was about to oversee the formation of the Seventh Battalion, Tong Si'er ran over.

"Godfather, Gu San sneaked into the county government office and stayed there for about half an hour before coming out."

Gu San was one of Chang Tietou's "Thirteen Bodyguards" before he joined the army. Since he sneaked into the county government office, it can be basically determined that Xue and Chang had some shady secret dealings.

At last night's banquet, Xue Xian and Chang Tietou didn't have a chance to meet privately, but they toasted each other more often than others. Shi Shan kept an eye on this and arranged for Tong Si'er to keep an eye on the Second Battalion when he got back. Unexpectedly, he actually made a discovery.

Shi Shan's control over the "Red Heart Camp" far surpasses that of the generals in Xuzhou. Even if Xue Xian wins over Chang Tietou to eliminate Shi Shan, he can forget about completely digesting the "Red Heart Camp".

Without going into too much detail, Li Wu, Wu Liujin, Zeng Xing, Han Cheng, and others certainly wouldn't sit idly by and wait for their doom.

Anyone with a modicum of common sense wouldn't self-destruct at this point.

But some people just don't act according to normal logic. Shishan knows many stories of "smashing cups as a signal" in the history of the late Yuan Dynasty. Who knows if he won't become a new character in the story?

Last night's banquet was organized by Shi Shan, and he had people all around him, so I could drink with Xue Xian without worry.

The county government office is now staffed by Xue Xian's men. If this fellow acts recklessly, Shi Shan has no chance against this ruthless general.

Without much hesitation, Shi Shan sent Chen Daye to invite Xue Xian to his camp for a meeting.

Logically speaking, Xue Xian was a superior official, so this action was somewhat rude. However, given the chaotic situation and the importance of his own life, he had to be willing to compromise.

Before long, Xue Xian arrived with four personal guards.

"Haha, Brother Shi has visited my camp several times, but this is my first time visiting your camp. You really have excellent soldiers!"

"You flatter me, Steward."

Shi Shan acted as if nothing had happened and personally welcomed Xue Xian and the others into the main tent.

"The reason I summoned the commander-in-chief today is to report on military intelligence."

Xue Xian sat in the main seat with an imposing air, took the teacup handed to him by Shi Shan, tilted his head back and drank it all, showing that he had no suspicions.

"What a coincidence, I also have good news to tell Brother Shi."

Shi Shan was a little puzzled. What good thing could happen at this time? Could it be that the reward for conquering Hong County had been given?
"Manager, you go first!"

Xue Xian took out a roll of yellow silk and a green jade seal from his bosom and handed them to Shi Shan.

"Isn't it a coincidence? My brother mentioned the reward last night, and it arrived this morning. The Marshal has ordered me to establish the Huai'an Road Ten Thousand Household Office. Brother Shi has also been promoted. From now on, I'll have to call you Commander Shi. Congratulations, Commander Shi!"

Could it get any more clever?!
Shi Shan guessed that Xue Xian had already received the reward, but hadn't figured out how to maximize his benefits. That's why he deliberately leaked the news at the banquet last night to test everyone's reaction.

"Congratulations, Commander Xue! Congratulations!"

"Hahaha!"

After the two exchanged compliments and laughed heartily, Xue Xian continued:
"There are three commanders under the garrison commander. I should nominate them, and then report to the marshal for approval. We're brothers, so you can nominate two, and I'll nominate one yourself. How about that?"

In the early days of the Red Turban Army, each faction was a closed circle, with no communication or interference between them. Xue Xian's actions were clearly "breaking the rules".

Recalling Chang Tietou's secret contact with him, Shishan roughly guessed what Xue Xian was up to. He cursed Chang Tietou inwardly, saying that if he wanted to climb the social ladder, he should just say so, and he wouldn't stop him. Why bother with such underhanded tactics? "Please give your orders, Commander, and I will obey without question."

Xue Xian secretly breathed a sigh of relief when he saw that Shi Shan did not turn hostile on the spot.

"General Zhao sent Wen Sijiu here to assist you, so he's on the nomination list. What do you say?"

The thousand-household and hundred-household positions given by Xuzhou are not effective in the "Red Heart Camp". Shishan has already persuaded Wen Sijiu to take charge of the Rongjun Society yesterday, which is just right for him to occupy a spot.

"General Zhao can rest assured that Si Jiu is doing things right, and so can I."

"Alright. I heard that Chang Tietou is the most senior of your men, and he has made great contributions in several battles. Brother Shi, you don't have any objections to making him a commander of a thousand?"

"No comment!"

Ishiyama agreed readily, but his tone was already cold.

Xue Xian's scheme succeeded, and he pretended to know nothing.

"So, for the last person, Brother Shi, who would you like to nominate?"

"Fu Youde".

Shi Shan blurted out, leaving Xue Xian somewhat bewildered.

The list of commanders of the "Red Heart Battalion" provided by Gu San does include Fu Youde, but he is ranked last. He had made some contributions before, so how could he be convincing to be promoted to commander of a thousand if he were to be promoted so hastily?
However, this is exactly the result Xue Xian wanted to see.

Only when Shishan acts unfairly and his subordinates become disloyal will he have the opportunity to manipulate things.

"Alright, it's settled then! Brother Shi just mentioned there's military intelligence?"

Shishan didn't want to waste time and got straight to the point.

"Three days ago, our eight battalions and cavalry decisively defeated the vanguard of the government troops in Sizhou, killing and capturing nearly a thousand. According to the prisoners, the government troops in Sizhou city number less than four thousand, and they should be temporarily unable to attack us."

"Haha, I was just looking for trouble with the Tartars, and they've delivered themselves right to their doorstep to be slaughtered. Well done, well done!"

Xue Xian slammed his hand on the armrest of his chair. This victory was timely. If he could take advantage of the opportunity to capture Sizhou, his position as commander of ten thousand households would be secure.

"Commander Shi!"

"The general is here!"

"I want to send troops to take Sizhou as soon as possible, what do you think?"

"This humble general is willing to obey the command of the commander!"

Ishiyama first stated his position, then added:

"But my troops and Wanhu's troops combined only amount to six thousand, less than twice the number of the enemy's. Furthermore, Sizhou is receiving rapid reinforcements via the Huai River waterway. If our army cannot break through the city in one fell swoop, we fear the government forces may turn the tide!"

Xue Xian was brave and fierce, but he was not a brainless brute. After Shi Shan reminded him, he understood the danger involved.

"How are you going to fight?"

"This humble general is willing to lead a detachment to take Wuhe first, and then join forces with Wanhu to besiege Sizhou. Even if it is difficult to take it in time, with Wuhe in hand, we can have one less side to defend."

The plan was good, but Xue Xian's main force only had three thousand men. If Shi Shan captured Wuhe and then broke through Sizhou, then this battle would not have the effect of establishing his authority.

"A flanking force? How many men do you plan to take?"

Shi Shan knew exactly what Xue Xian was planning, but he also had the idea of ​​taking the opportunity to clean up his ranks.

"This humble general only brings two thousand soldiers; the second battalion and the local militia are at the beck and call of the ten thousand households."

"it is good!"

(End of this chapter)