Stealing the Ming Dynasty [Complete] - 26

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Chapter 10: Can the Mighty Peak Bear the Weight?

After confirming that Yuan Chonghuan had become the Provincial Surveillance Commissioner, Huang Shi knew his entire plan had failed. The Juehua Campaign had not yielded a decisive victory for Huang Shi against either the Later Jin or the civil official group.

When he volunteered for command in Beijing, Huang Shi's goal was to severely damage the Later Jin army. He originally estimated that given Nurhaci's arrogance, the Later Jin army would likely divide its forces to plunder the outskirts of Ningyuan, as had happened in history. Huang Shi's plan was to concentrate his troops in Ningyuan Fort, like Yuan Chonghuan in history, and wait for the Later Jin army to divide its forces, using three battalions of the Dongjiang Army as the vanguard and eleven battalions of the Guanning Army as the rearguard, striving to achieve a series of defeats.

Ningyuan was thousands of miles from Liaoyang, and the winter was bitterly cold. If the Later Jin army were truly defeated in Ningyuan, probably less than one in ten Jianzhou soldiers would survive. Such a great victory would be enough to declare the end of the Liaodong War.

However, upon returning to Changsheng Island, Huang Shi encountered his first setback: Wu Mu had already redeployed half of his forces.

Nevertheless, the combined forces of the three thousand Changsheng Island soldiers, the eleven battalions of the Guan Ning Army from Ningyuan and Juehua, and the allied forces of Liaozhen and Dongjiang still numbered nearly thirty thousand. Huang Shi believed that the Guan Ning Army lacked nothing except courage, and combat experience could be compensated for by better equipment. The opposing Later Jin army consisted of only ten thousand armored soldiers and a few thousand Mongol auxiliary troops. The Ming army had the advantage of manpower and home ground advantage. Furthermore, the arrogant and overconfident Nurhaci was likely to divide his forces.

Therefore, when setting off from Changsheng Island, Huang Shi remained confident, determined to seize the opportunity and annihilate the Later Jin army in the icy snows of western Liaoning. However, this dream was ruthlessly shattered at Juehua. At that time, martial law had been declared at Ningyuan Fort, and without the seven battalions of field troops from Ningyuan, Huang Shi's forces were too weak.

At this point, Huang Shi could only hope that Nurhaci would go mad and commit suicide, as Huang Shi no longer had the strength to launch a proactive attack. It was also unlikely that the main force of the Later Jin could be defeated. However, in the Battle of Juehua, Nurhaci refused to cooperate and instead abandoned his Mongol vassal troops and retreated. Faced with the Later Jin army, whose strength had not been greatly diminished, Huang Shi could only watch them leave.

Given this, Huang Shi had no choice but to settle for second best: preventing Yuan Chonghuan's promotion. Now a military general, Huang Shi was extremely unwilling for Yuan Chonghuan to have the opportunity to govern Liaodong, because Huang Shi believed that Yuan Chonghuan inherently looked down on military men. Moreover, Yuan Chonghuan was rather barbaric; the laws of the court were, to him, just a piece of waste paper, something to be torn up and played with.

After the Tang Dynasty, if an emperor wanted to kill a second-rank official, he would generally issue an edict to imprison and thoroughly investigate the crime. This was even more true since the Ming Dynasty; even Zhu Yuanzhang, as the founding emperor, had to adhere to formalities, fabricating charges and going through the entire procedure when executing Lan Yu. With Huang Shi's current rank, even the emperor no longer had the authority to have him executed at the Meridian Gate. However, Huang Shi knew that Yuan Chonghuan couldn't be judged by ordinary standards. This guy was simple and brutal when killing military officers, even bolder than Zhu Yuanzhang (the Hongwu Emperor).

Throughout China's thousands of years of history, including the emperors of the Han, Tang, Song, and Ming dynasties, Yuan Chonghuan was the only one who dared to execute a first-rank military officer without any due process. Huang Shi had to admit that this boldness, surpassing that of previous emperors, and this domineering aura of absolute supremacy gave him a tremendous sense of intimidation.

Personally, Huang Shi knew that as long as he remained a military man, even a higher official rank would be useless in front of Yuan Chonghuan. Although the late Ming dynasty treated military men like servants, Yuan Chonghuan's "killing military men like slaughtering a dog" was simply too exaggerated. Therefore, for the sake of his own life, Huang Shi hoped that Yuan Chonghuan would never have the opportunity to come to power.

Officially, through the defense of Juehua and the subsequent pursuit, Huang Shi had established a certain prestige within the Guan-Ning army. Now that Gao Di's prestige has been tarnished and the reputation of the Liaoxi military families is ruined, as long as there is no powerful figure in Liaoxi, Huang Shi will not face much resistance in overseeing the region. Huang Shi now has three battalions of his own troops and many collateral branches, plus the manpower and resources of Liaoxi. Huang Shi believes that pacifying the Later Jin is not a distant matter.

Unfortunately, Huang Shi's wishful thinking was easily shattered by Zhao Yingong's words, and history continued on its original trajectory. The current Right Vice Minister of War, Yan Mingtai, is a staunch advocate for defending the area outside the pass. Even before Wang Zaijin's downfall, Yan Mingtai advocated building a city at Juehua. Yan Mingtai believes that Juehua is isolated outside the pass. Normally, the Later Jin would be powerless to capture it, and in winter, concentrating forces to defend Juehua would be easier. As long as Juehua is in Ming hands, the Later Jin army will be unable to press close to Shanhaiguan.

Historically, when faced with Gao Di's proposal to retreat, Yan Mingtai strongly advocated for holding Ningyuan Fort, and the court ultimately adopted Yan Mingtai's strategy. Based on Yan Mingtai's suggestion, Yuan Chonghuan was promoted to Provincial Surveillance Commissioner, thus gaining unified command of the three detachments and fifteen battalions of Ningyuan. Now, Yuan Chonghuan was only one step away from becoming Governor.

Huang Shi knew beforehand that the faction adhering to the defense of the area outside the Great Wall would win, and that this required a unified commanding official. Therefore, he painstakingly intervened, risking the wrath of the cabinet to forcibly obtain the power to control the civil officials, hoping the court would not promote Yuan Chonghuan to Provincial Surveillance Commissioner again.

However, after Huang Shi left the capital, the cabinet could not withstand the overwhelming protests from the Ministry of War and ultimately drafted a vote according to their wishes, promoting Yuan Chonghuan to Provincial Surveillance Commissioner, just as in history, to control the three detachments of Ningyuan's troops. Under pressure from the civil officials, the Tianqi Emperor finally agreed to this compromise: Yuan Chonghuan and Huang Shi would not control each other, but both would have command over the three detachments of Ningyuan.

In the historical Battle of Ningyuan, the Ming army in Liaoxi only beheaded a little over two hundred people, but this time, in the Battle of Juehua alone, they beheaded nearly two thousand three hundred, and with the results of the pursuit, the number exceeded two thousand seven hundred. Now that Yuan Chonghuan has been promoted to Provincial Surveillance Commissioner, all the victories outside the Great Wall owe a debt to Yuan Chonghuan's strategic planning. Huang Shi sighed inwardly; as a military officer, he couldn't obtain such credit, so Yuan Chonghuan's promotion to Governor of Liaodong was a foregone conclusion.

"I understand. Tomorrow morning, I will go with Lord Zhao to pay my respects to the Provincial Surveillance Commissioner." Since the plan had failed, Huang Shi dared not be negligent; he dared to offend Sun Chengzong but not Yuan Chonghuan. At this moment, Huang Shi had made up his mind to do exactly what Zu Dashou had done in history, and he would never repeat the mistakes of Man Gui and Mao Wenlong.

"There is also the issue of reporting the merits. Tomorrow, Lord Huang should also give the Provincial Surveillance Commissioner a definite answer." How should the heads of Juehua be distributed? As for the performance of the generals, this should theoretically be the responsibility of Zhao Yingong, a civil official, but he was often absent, and Zhao Yingong now admitted he knew nothing about military affairs. Therefore, he asked Huang Shi to speak with Yuan Chonghuan himself.

"Thank you for your concern, Lord Zhao."

After Zhao Yingong left, Huang Shi summoned the six generals of Juehua to discuss the matter. Over the past two days, under Huang Shi's supervision, the six Guan Ning Army generals redistributed the spoils of war, adding all the heads from the defensive battle and the subsequent pursuit. As agreed beforehand, 70% of the spoils belonged to the Guan Ning Army, and these 70% of the heads were divided into nine parts. Yao Yuxian, Jin Guan, and Hu Yining, the three adjutant generals, each received two parts, while Zhang Guoqing and the other two guerrilla generals each received one part.

Yao Yuxian also received a considerable amount; not only was his contribution counted in the final pursuit, but Huang Shi would also add his name to the battle report. Everyone knew that this was a pursuit battle with civil officials as witnesses. The civil officials of Ningqian Circuit, eager to claim credit, would boast greatly about the pursuit.

This victory was already quite glorious; the highest number of beheadings in a single battle against the Northern Barbarians since the Hongzhi era was only a little over a thousand. This time, at Juehua, there were 2,200 beheadings, and in the pursuit, General Jin and his men had taken over 400 more heads, which would now be added to the Juehua campaign. These past few days, the six generals of Guanning Army and the local government had been thinking day and night about their rewards. Just thinking about the total of 2,700 beheadings in one battle kept them awake with excitement, thinking it would be enough to promote several generals.

After Huang Shi presided over the distribution of the spoils, General Yao and his colleagues reconciled. They looked forward to a bright future, and with no enemies or work to do, they naturally drank day and night. People are in high spirits when they're happy. Since the pursuit, Jin Guan has been sleeping soundly, eating well, and in excellent health; even his voice has become much louder.

Knowing the misdeeds of Yao Yuxian and Jin Guan, Huang Shi initially held some reservations about them. However, after spending time with them, his opinion of the Juehua generals gradually changed. Jin Guan had once said on the battlefield, "It feels so good to chase people." Although this was an unintentional remark, it greatly affected Huang Shi. As the saying goes, "The courage of the

general is the foundation of the soldiers," and Huang Shi couldn't help but recall his own early days on the battlefield in Guangning. Back then, facing the menacing Later Jin army, he could only flee in defeat. Although these Juehua generals were cowardly, had a strong peasant mentality, and always wanted to gain small advantages, Huang Shi clearly understood that without their cooperation, there would be no victory. Now, Huang Shi categorized General Yao and the others as "salvageable." On

New Year's Eve of the fifth year of the Tianqi reign, Zhao Yingong presided over the ceremony, leading everyone in offering sacrifices to Heaven and Earth and the previous emperors of the Ming Dynasty. Then, the civil officials offered sacrifices to the Wenxuan King, while the military officials, led by Huang Shi, offered sacrifices to the Yue King. After reciting the standard prayer, Huang Shi led everyone in offering incense and bowing. The military officers remained silent, their faces grim.

At the end of the ceremony, Huang Shi was to give a speech, and the Juehua generals stood quietly behind him, waiting. Huang Shi had prepared a speech beforehand, but as the solemn ceremony progressed, looking at the lifelike Yue Fei sculpture before him, and reflecting on his aspirations and struggles of the past five years, he was overwhelmed with emotion and completely forgot about his duty.

Now that General Yao had regained his original position, he waited closely behind Huang Shi for a long time before finally coughing softly and whispering, "General Huang."

"Oh," Huang Shi awoke from his reverie, but for a moment he couldn't recall his prepared speech. He stared blankly at the wooden puppet before him.

A mere warrior, orphaned at a young age, his mother and he destitute, born into the lowest ranks of society, and serving in the military—yet such a man could leave behind an enduring legacy, enjoy the reverence of countless generations, eclipse emperors, and make heroes weep. Yue Fei sat there quietly, his eyes fixed on Huang Shi, this ordinary wooden sculpture emanating a suffocating power from him.

"I am fortunate to have traveled to the late Ming Dynasty; to have survived and become a border general defending my country; to have followed in Yue Fei's footsteps, protecting the Chinese people from the ravages of war.

" A surge of intense emotion welled up within Huang Shi, and he blurted out, "A true man should be like this!"

He then downed his wine in one gulp, solemnly gesturing towards Yue Fei, as if offering a toast to a senior or mentor. The generals of Guan Ning, hearing this incongruous prayer, fell silent for a moment. Then came the gurgling sound of drinking. After finishing his drink, Yao, imitating Huang Shi, gestured with his empty bowl and loudly promised Yue Wang, "A true man should be like this! How delightful! How delightful!

"...

After the ceremony, it was time for a joyous banquet. Although Huang Shi felt there had been too much merriment lately, social obligations were still social obligations. During the banquet, Huang Shi felt that Jin and Yao had reconciled, because he noticed the two were secretly exchanging glances. A moment later, he saw Yao approach with a wine bowl, his face full of drunkenness, his eyes hazy, as if he had already had too much to drink.

Yao, taking advantage of his drunkenness, started talking to Huang Shi about women. After a few words, he steered the conversation towards Huang Shi personally, thinking he had done it discreetly.

"Brother Yao is joking," Yao said. "After joining the army in Guangning, I was very poor and unable to afford a betrothal. Now, I don't even have a concubine, let alone a wife." After Huang Shi readily explained the situation to Commander Yao, he consciously lowered his head to avoid interfering with the conversation between the thoroughly drunk Commander Yao and his companions.

As Huang Shi drank with his head down, he could imagine the intense eye contact between Commander Yao and Commander Jin, and he could almost hear the crackling sparks from their gazes. General Mao Wenlong of Dongjiang was alright; he had been an officer back in Liaodong Town and had already returned to Hangzhou to marry. However, the marriage prospects of ordinary Dongjiang officers were always a major problem.

Generally speaking, girls with some means were unwilling to marry into military households, and officers usually married into hereditary military families. But almost all Dongjiang officers came from humble backgrounds, previously just common soldiers, so naturally, they wouldn't have any military families offering marriage opportunities. Moreover, many Dongjiang officers who were originally from impoverished Liaodong military households couldn't afford to marry, but now that their status had risen, most of them were willing to marry. Higher standards were set, so there was a reluctance to settle for less, resulting in a situation where some were too good for others and others too bad.

Furthermore, the constant warfare in Liaodong led to a significantly higher female mortality rate than males. This resulted in a severe gender imbalance in Dongjiang Town, exacerbating the difficulty for Dongjiang officers to marry. For example, Chen Jisheng, the deputy general of Dongjiang, despite his high rank, remained confined to the remote and desolate Kuandian, preventing any respectable woman from marrying him. Historically, it wasn't until after Mao Zedong's death that Deputy General Chen finally took Mao's concubine as his wife, finally achieving a stable life.

Another example is Kong Youde, the sworn brother of Huang Shi, who also remained unmarried due to poverty. In the original history, Kong Youde rose to the rank of lieutenant general due to his bravery in battle, but still no respectable woman was willing to marry him, and he remained single until the age of forty. In the fourth year of the Chongzhen Emperor's reign, Kong Youde, Geng Zhongming, and other Dongjiang officers rebelled in Dengzhou. Since everyone had already committed capital offenses, Kong Youde simply led the charge in forcibly taking daughters of officials as wives, finally ending their bachelorhood along with his men.

Although Huang Shi now held a relatively high position, he was still not from Liaoxi and was a nouveau riche who had risen from a lowly soldier. Besides, Dongjiang Town was poor and offered little opportunity for advancement, so Huang Shi believed that Commander Yao was merely gathering information and far from taking any real action. However, he was now deliberately cultivating good relations with the military generals of Guan Ning, so there was no need to lie on this small matter, lest others perceive him as unapproachable.

When Huang Shi looked up, Commander Yao and his men had already completed their visual exchange. As Huang Shi expected, Yao Yuxian did not ask any further questions but instead changed the subject. On the other hand, Hu Yining, sitting below Commander Jin, was beaming with relief, as if he had just cast aside a heavy psychological burden. After a while, Commander Hu's face was full of... Smiling, Huang Shi went to offer Zhao Yingong a toast, his first such visit in several days. It was New Year's Day

, the sixth year of the Tianqi reign.

In the few days since arriving at Juehua, Huang Shi had drunk more wine than he had in the previous few years combined, though he had been very restrained last night, as he was to pay his respects to Yuan Chonghuan today, a matter he couldn't afford

to neglect. This morning, Huang Shi rose very early, while Zhao Yingong, still hungover, repeatedly apologized to Huang Shi for waiting so long. Understanding this, Huang Shi had no complaints. After Zhao Yingong washed up, the two set off together for Ningyuan Fort.

Huang Shi had already inquired carefully about Yuan Chonghuan yesterday, but on the way, he still patiently asked Zhao Yingong again. Zhao Yingong noticed Huang Shi's nervousness and kindly explained, "The Provincial Surveillance Commissioner has always held General Huang in high regard. General Huang's contribution to the great victory over the Jianzhou Jurchens is immense; the Commissioner must be eager to meet you."

Huang Shi smiled and nodded repeatedly, "It would be an immense honor." "

Upon arriving at Ningyuan Fortress, soldiers rushed to report. Upon entering the city, Huang Shi followed Zhao Yingong straight to the government office. As they approached, Zhao Yingong saw the main gate of the office was already open. He smiled and said to Huang Shi, 'It seems the Provincial Inspector will personally come out to greet General Huang.'

Huang Shi was greatly surprised: 'How can this be?'

'Why not?' Zhao Yingong asked, puzzled. Huang Shi, as the Junior Guardian of the Crown Prince and bestowed with the Imperial Sword, now held the same position as Yuan Chonghuan. Both could command military affairs outside the pass but were not subordinate to each other; it wouldn't be an exaggeration to say they were on equal footing.

They arrived at the gate of the government office. Zhao Yingong dismounted and waited for Huang Shi to greet Yuan Chonghuan with the usual formalities before he himself would perform the lower-ranking official's salute.

Huang Shi dismounted and strode forward, bowing deeply and raising his hands in a deep kowtow: 'This humble general, Huang Shi, greets Provincial Inspector Yuan.'" (

Chapter 11: Victory Report)

Huang Shi performed the three bows and three kowtows ceremony, the proper way to greet one's superior. Afterwards, he heard a hearty laugh and a kind voice: "General Huang, please rise."

"Thank you, Your Excellency the Provincial Surveillance Commissioner." For the first time in his life, Huang Shi was as reserved and polite as a schoolboy, honestly thanking the military nemesis before him.

As he followed Yuan Chonghuan into the official residence, Huang Shi heard the man praise him from the front: "In the Battle of Juehua, General Huang decisively defeated the powerful enemy; truly remarkable!"

As someone who had undergone rigorous education, Huang Shi had some experience with preparing questions. Ever since learning of Yuan Chonghuan's promotion to Provincial Surveillance Commissioner, Huang Shi had diligently prepared questions and corresponding answers. These clichés were already deeply ingrained in his mind, and he had repeatedly reviewed them throughout the journey, afraid of forgetting them.

So, upon hearing Yuan Chonghuan's words, Huang Shi, who was on high alert, immediately blurted out his prepared remarks: "It is all thanks to Your Excellency, the Provincial Surveillance Commissioner, for your strategic planning and foresight. How dare I claim credit? Your Excellency predicted that Juehua would be the target of the Eastern Barbarians, and thus deployed four battalions of elite troops and fierce generals in advance. Your

Excellency's foresight is truly admirable..." Huang Shi first delivered a long and eloquent speech, then rambled on about the key point: "...This time, I fought a fierce battle against the Jianzhou barbarians at Juehua. Although every soldier fought with their lives, the outcome was ultimately in Your Excellency's hands. I was merely fortunate to be there. Your Excellency's praise is truly shameful."

Yuan Chonghuan casually revealed Huang Shi's long and sincere words in one sentence, which surprised Zhao Yingong, who was standing to the side. As Huang Shi rambled on about those things, Zhao Yingong couldn't help but scrutinize him several times, his gaze as if he were a complete stranger.

Huang Shi felt Zhao Yingong's gaze, which made his heart ache. Although he was the one who led the troops to save Juehua, Huang Shi also remembered that he had almost left in a fit of anger. If it hadn't been for that person awakening his conscience and sense of responsibility at the crucial moment, the tens of thousands of lives in Juehua would have been wiped out long ago.

In the battle of Juehua, many civil and military officials gained considerable honor and benefits, but the woman who saved tens of thousands of lives remained unknown. Apart from Huang Shi, even her own brother was unaware of her achievements. Later, she risked her life to rush to the battlefield for two other relatives, and their fate is still unknown.

—What a madwoman! Doesn't she know fear at all? She could save tens of thousands of people but couldn't save herself.

Although Huang Shi was lamenting in his heart, he continued to talk incessantly until he entered the central hall, at which point he stopped. During this time, Yuan Chonghuan did not interrupt him. The Provincial Surveillance Commissioner, now all smiles, took his seat in the main place and gestured for Huang Shi to sit in the guest seat of honor. Huang Shi, of course, refused to sit there, finally finding a chair next to Yuan Chonghuan and carefully sitting down on the edge.

After sitting down, Huang Shi noticed his personal guard, Hong Antong, had also entered. He frowned and told Hong Antong to leave, but Yuan Chonghuan stopped him with a smile. Huang Shi thanked him and had Hong Antong stand behind him. The Provincial Surveillance Commissioner, the future Governor of Liaodong, seemed to be in a good mood and even invited Huang Shi to have tea with him, which relieved Huang Shi. He knew his first step had been a successful gamble.

Huang Shi had always believed that those who loved to make startling statements rarely disliked praise.

Regarding the cause of Nurhaci's death, Huang Shi had his own opinion. Historically, the Battle of Ningyuan broke out in January of the sixth year of the Tianqi reign (1626). After conquering Ningyuan, Nurhaci fled back to Shenyang in February and drove out Mao Zedong. In March, Nurhaci led an expedition to northern Liaodong to fight Ligdan Khan, a long journey of over a thousand li, making it a larger and longer-lasting battle than the Battle of Ningyuan. In May, Nurhaci rushed back to Liaoyang and drove Mao Zedong, who had invaded the Liaodong Plain, back to Korea.

After driving out Mao Zedong at the end of May, there was less than half a month of peace before Chen Jisheng crossed the Changbai Mountains in June and attacked Jianzhou. The Ming army not only besieged Amin and the Bordered Blue Banner in Hetu Ala (Jianzhou Guard), but also broke through to Sarhu, cutting off Jianzhou's connection with Liaodong. So, at the end of June, Nurhaci, along with the three great beile—Dai?an, Mangultai, and Huang Taiji—returned to Jianzhou. It wasn't until early August of the sixth year of the Tianqi reign that Nurhaci finally drove Chen Jisheng back into the deep forests of Kuandian, relieving Hetu Ala and Amin of their predicament.

From January to August of the sixth year of the Tianqi reign, the seventy-year-old Nurhaci fought for nearly six months. He also led three expeditions exceeding a thousand miles! According to Huang Shi's private speculation, if he had truly been hit by the iron ball of an eighteen-pound cannon, let alone a seventy-year-old man like Nurhaci, even a seven-year-old Tyrannosaurus Rex might not have lasted eight minutes, let alone eight months. If Nurhaci could still jump so happily after being hit by an eighteen-pound cannon, he certainly wasn't a creature born on Earth.

Huang Shi had reviewed historical archives concerning the Battle of Ningyuan, and found only three records of Nurhaci's injury at Ningyuan:

The earliest was after Nurhaci's death, at the end of the sixth year of the Tianqi reign, when a Korean envoy visited Ningyuan, Yuan Chonghuan told the envoy that Nurhaci had died three months earlier because he had been hit by an 18-pound cannon a year earlier.

The second was in the Annals of the King of Korea, where, a year after Nurhaci's death, the King of Korea said—he had heard from an envoy who had visited the Ming Dynasty—that someone in the Ming

Dynasty said—Nurhaci seemed, perhaps, probably had been hit by cannon fire at Ningyuan. The last was a memorial from Mao Wenlong to the Ming court, where Mao Wenlong said—he had heard from the King of Korea—that Nurhaci might have been wounded at Ningyuan.

Besides these archives, several months after Nurhaci's death, Yuan Chonghuan claimed that he had wounded him. If this was the only instance of his claim, Huang Shi would rather call it "hindsight bias" or "shameless boasting." However, there's another issue: historically, before Yuan Chonghuan made this statement, he submitted a formal report to the Ming court stating, "The old Khan died from a boil." After verifying with Yuan Chonghuan, the governor of Liaodong, the Ming court's final conclusion was: "Heaven is weary of chaos, therefore it executed the old slave."

Huang Shi believes that Yuan Chonghuan himself knew that if he had truly been hit by an 18-pound cannon, even a person of steel would have been reduced to ashes; Yuan Chonghuan understood that Nurhaci's death had absolutely nothing to do with Ningyuan. Therefore, Yuan Chonghuan dared not fabricate stories in his memorials to the court, and he never told any Ming official that he had hit Nurhaci.

So, what Yuan Chonghuan said to the Korean envoy a few months later was clearly feigning ignorance. If this were an ordinary person, Huang Shi believes it would be called "blatantly lying." However, Yuan Chonghuan was a "national hero" promoted by the Qing emperor Hongli. The adjectives used to describe ordinary people are naturally inapplicable to "national heroes," so Yuan Chonghuan wasn't accused of lying, but rather of "fond of making startling statements."

At this moment, Yuan Chonghuan, fond of making startling statements, was reading his memorial to Huang Shi and Zhao Yingong, which was essentially his account of the Battle of Ningyuan. According to Yuan Chonghuan, the defense of Ningyuan Fortress was extremely perilous; the Later Jin army dug tunnels under cover of night, hollowing out the foundation of nearly half of the fortress's walls in a single night.

Upon hearing this, Zhao Yingong couldn't help but feel suspicious. Ningyuan Fortress had cost the state millions of taels of silver, not to mention the deep moats and strong fortifications. The walls alone were several meters wide, and given the winter temperatures in Liaodong, the ground was frozen solid like steel. How could the Jianzhou soldiers see in the dark, be impervious to the cold, and even cross deep moats to hollow out the iron-like foundation of the walls overnight, digging dozens of meters deep… Were all the Jurchens groundhogs?

Zhao Yingong hadn't even had a chance to ask a question. But then Huang Shi cried out, "Oh dear! What are we going to do?"

Seeing the battle-hardened Huang Shi suddenly turn pale, Zhao Yingong blushed slightly, inwardly feeling ashamed of his naiveté.

"I have the Red Barbarian Cannon!" Seeing Huang Shi holding his breath and listening intently, Yuan Chonghuan waved his hand triumphantly, then glanced at the draft of his memorial to the court, his face darkening as he emphasized, "A single shot from the Red Barbarian Cannon will obliterate tens of miles!"

Zhao Yingong had never seen an atomic bomb or a mushroom cloud and couldn't imagine such a magnificent scene, so he was stunned again. The well-informed Huang Shi, however, pressed one hand to his chest and let out a long sigh. Wiping the cold sweat from his forehead, he exclaimed, "That was close, that was close."

Before he finished speaking, Huang Shi clapped his hands and laughed loudly, "The Red Barbarian cannons are indeed powerful! With such a chaotic barrage, the Jurchens digging at the wall have naturally all filled the pits. Your Excellency, the Inspector, is truly a genius!"

Yuan Chonghuan stroked his long beard. He then recounted a story from the memorial: "A Jurchen chieftain was hit by the cannon fire. The Jurchens wrapped him in white cloth and left weeping."

Zhao Yingong's spirits lifted upon hearing this, and he quickly asked, "Lord Yuan, who is this chieftain?"

Huang Shi had already read this memorial in his previous life, so he reacted swiftly. Before Yuan Chonghuan could speak, he said, "This humble general believes that we should send spies to investigate thoroughly. If any Jurchen chieftain with the false title of Beile or Ezhen suddenly dies, it must be this chieftain!"

Yuan Chonghuan nodded approvingly and smiled, "General Huang is right."

Huang Shi secretly praised: Indeed, civil officials are better at writing memorials than military officials. The memorials from generals like Zu Dashou in Liaoxi always mentioned names, which is why several of Huang Taiji's sons were severely wounded by the Guan-Ning cavalry on battlefields they never appeared on. Dorgon, who was responsible for the ten days in Yangzhou, was even killed by the Guan-Ning cavalry!

Huang Shi, full of flattery, chatted with Yuan Chonghuan for another hour or so before parting ways in high spirits. Upon hearing that Ningyuan Fort was going to host a banquet for him, Huang Shi hurriedly requested to change his clothes first, donning the bright red official robe embroidered with tigers. Watching Huang Shi's retreating figure, Yuan Chonghuan smiled at Zhao Yingong and said, "Huang Shi is quite self-aware and lacks arrogance; very good."

Zhao Yingong remained silent. Noticing the change in his expression, Yuan Chonghuan asked in surprise, "What's on your mind? Tell me quickly."

Zhao Yingong hesitated for a moment before finally speaking slowly, "Um, Master, your disciple..."

...

Today went very smoothly overall. Huang Shi let out a long sigh of relief after leaving, a smug smile appearing on his lips. Earlier, while chatting in the Ningyuan government office, Hong Antong had been following Huang Shi closely. Huang Shi had spoken a few words to him as they walked, but received only a few words in response.

Huang Shi stopped and glanced back at Hong Antong. Although the captain of the inner guard had been trained for five years, he was still only twenty-two years old this year, an age prone to impulsive and hot-blooded behavior. Huang Shi was very familiar with the expression on Hong Antong's face at this moment; it was an expression mixed with disappointment and doubt. Although Hong Antong had accompanied Huang Shi to meet many important figures, such as Sun Chengzong and Mao Wenlong, Huang Shi's behavior today struck Hong Antong as highly unusual.

Seeing Huang Shi stop and look over, Hong Antong respectfully bowed, ready to receive Huang Shi's orders. Huang Shi looked at this carefree young subordinate, and the smile on his lips gradually turned bitter, transforming from smugness into self-mockery. After looking around to make sure no one was watching, he whispered to Hong Antong, "The speaker is shameless, the receiver is rude. Is that what you really think?"

Hong Antong was taken aback and quickly took a step back, bowing and saying, "My lord, you are wise, I would never dare to

say that." "Is that so?" Huang Shi chuckled self-deprecatingly, his tone carrying a hint of desolation. "If you don't think that way, it's only because you respect me too much

." Hong Antong looked up at Huang Shi's eyes, noticing the melancholy within, and said seriously, "I have followed you for many years, my lord. You love your soldiers like your own children, humbly accept advice, and your actions are always full of profound meaning. To be able to follow you in this life is truly a blessing I have accumulated over many lifetimes. I believe that what you are doing today is also reasonable, and it must be for the benefit of the officers and soldiers of Dongjiang Town, Changsheng Island, and the sons of Liaodong."

"Indeed, Brother Hong understands me." Huang Shi's mood brightened considerably, and the melancholy on his face vanished—I understand the trajectory of history, I can fathom the mindset of great figures. For the sake of the people of Changsheng Island, and for my own sake, I must endure as much as I can.

...

No news has come from the Liaoxi battlefield, making it difficult for Emperor Tianqi to enjoy the New Year. Although today is the Lunar New Year, Tianqi could see that his ministers were forcing smiles, each one clearly filled with anxiety. At the New Year's banquet, seeing the emperor's absent-minded appearance, the Grand Secretary Gu Dafu transformed into a theatrical performer, desperately telling jokes to amuse him.

Since the Grand Secretary had taken to the stage, the other Grand Secretaries and officials also took turns trying to create a festive atmosphere. Although they all laughed exaggeratedly (by civil official standards), the emperor merely smiled along, offering little response. Gradually, everyone quieted down, each lost in their own thoughts. The New Year's banquet suddenly became dull.

As if going through the motions, the banquet proceeded according to the usual procedures. From the Emperor to the Grand Secretaries and court officials, everyone perfectly rehearsed their assigned platitudes and rituals. Looking at the lifeless New Year's banquet, Tianqi felt a surge of exhaustion and impatience. The young man tried his best to maintain a mature smile, but his heart had already flown to his carpentry workshop.

Every day, the moment he opened his eyes, the eunuchs would present him with the pre-planned day's schedule, followed by the same monotonous platitudes from the court officials. The stagnant life and unchanging etiquette always brought Tianqi an unbearable sense of suffocation—a feeling that seemed boundless!

From a young age, Tianqi disliked communicating and conversing with people, and this robotic existence only exacerbated this tendency. Only after doing some carpentry work, wiping away the sweat and looking at his creations, admiring the things he had imbued with spirit and vitality, could the young Emperor feel the beauty and joy of life. The Emperor genuinely loved his carpentry creations, just as he loved his own children. Often, Emperor Tianqi would select a few of his favorite items to present to his ministers, with his teacher Sun Chengzong receiving the most.

A eunuch behind him subtly reminded him, startling Tianqi from his reverie as he pondered the framework of the banquet. Hmm, everyone seemed to have finished their prepared statements, adhering perfectly to the pre-arranged script… that suffocating feeling that was driving him mad… was almost over… just one more word and he could go back to carpentry. Tianqi straightened up, preparing to announce the end of the New Year's banquet and that everyone could go home.

"Your Majesty, great joy!" Wei Zhongxian appeared immediately, rushing to the center of the hall under everyone's watchful eyes, kneeling on both knees, and sliding all the way to the throne. Holding a memorial in his hands, Eunuch Wei appeared speechless with joy, repeatedly saying, "Great joy! Your Majesty! Great joy!"

Tianqi felt a premonition, but he forcefully suppressed his excitement, not letting any emotion show, lest he break the composure befitting an emperor.

"Zhao Yingong, the Grain Supervisor of Shandong Provincial Administration and Assistant Military Commissioner of Juehua, reports... Relying on His Majesty's great power... the soldiers fought bravely... Huang Shi, the Assistant Commander of the Left Military Governor's Office... decisively defeated the Northern barbarians, beheading..." The Juehua battle report of the 26th was sent by express courier to the Liaodong Military Governor's Office, which then sent it to the capital with even greater urgency. Wei Zhongxian's hands trembled uncontrollably, his recitation of the victory report broken and fragmented: "Beheading... two thousand two hundred and thirty-five heads..."

"Good!" Unable to wait for Wei Zhongxian to finish, Tianqi shouted and rose to his feet. An accidental slap of his wide robe sleeve brushed against the imperial desk, spilling wine onto his dragon robe. The young emperor, however, seemed oblivious, his head held high as he gazed at the ceiling at the farthest point of the Golden Palace.

His hands rhythmically clenched and unclenched, Tianqi breathing heavily without restraint, like a drowning man just emerging from the water. The boundless suffocation, the oppressive oppression, vanished in an instant. Only out of habit of the emperor's imposing presence on important occasions did he manage to suppress his excitement—this New Year's Day looked like it would be quite interesting, yes, it certainly would. A

burst of enthusiastic chatter erupted in the Hall of Merit

, but Tianqi didn't bother to discern what they were saying. He closed his eyes, and after a moment, feeling his excitement subside, the emperor finally heard the congratulations from his ministers. He slowly opened his eyes, struggling to maintain his composure, and scanned the assembled officials with a stern expression.

Seeing the emperor raise his hand in a majestic gesture, the entire hall fell silent, everyone respectfully awaiting his next words. Since becoming emperor, Tianqi had always been required to maintain his composure, and controlling his voice to a perfectly flat tone was commonplace. But now, however, doing so was proving to be quite difficult. As Tianqi spoke, he felt the muscles in his cheeks twitching, and his Adam's apple grew dry. He asked, "Two thousand two hundred and thirty-five levels, am I mistaken?"

Wei Zhongxian, clearly unconcerned, shouted, his voice echoing in the quiet hall, "Your Majesty, it is two thousand two hundred and thirty-five levels, absolutely true!"

After shouting, Wei Zhongxian couldn't help but laugh out loud, his shoulders shaking. Then, as if realizing that his loud laughter was rather inappropriate, he quickly restrained himself, trying to straighten his facial muscles. But Tianqi didn't seem to mind Wei Zhongxian's outrageous behavior at all. The officials below all bit their lips tightly, clearly trying their best to suppress their joy and avoid any disrespect before the emperor.

"General Huang, very good, very good..." As Tianqi spoke, he recalled the struggles of the past few days: how he had defied public opinion and pressure from the cabinet and civil officials to grant Huang Shi power; how he had personally placed the imperial sword in Huang Shi's hands at the Imperial Archives; how he had specially climbed the Daming Gate to see Huang Shi off; and

how he had encouraged Huang Shi in front of the people of Beijing. The emperor felt his eyes welling up with tears. All his efforts to support Huang Shi had finally paid off. A single battle against the northern barbarians had yielded over two thousand heads—the greatest victory since the Hongzhi reign of the Ming Dynasty. Although Tianqi was triumphant, he still remembered his imperial status. In a mature and emotionless voice, he concluded: "General Huang's loyalty and bravery are commendable; he has lived up to my expectations."

After saying this, Tianqi could no longer contain his joy, and a smile quickly turned into a hearty laugh, like that of a young man. Seeing the emperor burst into joyful laughter, the people in the hall no longer tried to suppress their excitement. This great victory in Liaoxi instantly dispelled their anxieties, and they began to discuss excitedly. The once solemn Golden Palace was now bustling with noise, like a lively marketplace.

"When did this report of victory arrive?" After recovering from his euphoria, Tianqi's first thought was to reward the messenger handsomely.

"Your Majesty..." Wei Zhongxian, as if knowing Tianqi inside and out, told him before the emperor could even speak that he had already rewarded the messenger, and that everyone who handled the report, from the Liaodong Military Command to the lowly eunuchs of the Directorate of Ceremonial, received a share.

Unexpectedly, Tianqi was still not satisfied. Without thinking, he

waved his hand and said, "After running for several days and changing horses eight times, you only reward me with five taels of silver? That's too little! Double it!" Only then did Tianqi notice that Wei Zhongxian was still kneeling on the ground. He was so happy that he forgot to tell him to get up. "Wei, rise."

"Thank you, Your Majesty." Wei Zhongxian stood up with a grin. The emperor felt a warm glow in his heart at the sight of his joyful face. Tianqi paced back and forth happily around the throne, too excited to sit down.

As an ordinary young man, Tianqi had been completely unable to deal with his ministers since his ascension to the throne, let alone contend with the vast bureaucracy of the empire. For so many years, his every move had remained within the bounds of the Ming Dynasty's regulations. This time, the cabinet, the Ministry of War, and the Directorate of Ceremonial all disagreed with his appointment of Huang Shi. Thinking of this, Tianqi glanced at Wei Zhongxian, who was standing to the side with his hands clasped in respect. Even this confidant had disagreed with the idea of military generals being unrestrained by civil officials—promoting Huang Shi was entirely his own decision. General Huang really made me look good; now the old guys have nothing to say, right?

A young eunuch had already run up. He loudly read Zhao Yingong's memorial. Although the Jurchens hadn't retreated yet, the memorial was filled with optimism. Two thousand two hundred heads had been beheaded; the cost to the Jurchen army was only fifteen dead and thirty-one wounded. The emperor and his ministers were already infected by Zhao Yingong's optimism, and hearing that the losses were not great, they were even more reassured, feeling that the Jurchens had no chance of turning the tide.

"Zhao Yingong, the Grain Supervisor of Shandong Provincial Administration Commission..." Tianqi repeated Zhao's name and title several times. Wei Zhongxian beside him listened carefully, and although he was still smiling foolishly on the surface, he had already firmly memorized the name in his heart. Tianqi smiled and nodded: "This Prefect Zhao is quite capable, and seems rather magnanimous, prioritizing the country and not vying for power with General Huang. Very good."

"Now we await their formal report of merit. Hmm, I'm really eagerly awaiting it." After so much time, Tianqi felt it inappropriate to keep pacing back and forth in front of his ministers, so he easily sat down on his throne. Leaning back, he pointed his arm, resting on the armrest, at the young eunuch holding the report: "Read it to me again, slowly."

...

Liaoxi, Ningyuan.

Although he had changed into an official robe embroidered with tigers, Huang Shi still carefully fastened his sword to his waist. He would definitely bring Hong Antong with him to the banquet that evening. With a fully armed guard by his side, plus the sword at his waist, Huang Shi would feel safer facing Yuan Chonghuan.

"I can't stay in Liaoxi any longer." Huang Shi straightened his clothes, making up his mind again and again. For now, he would feign compliance with Yuan Chonghuan, and then return to Dongjiang as quickly as possible.

In previous years, he had been unwilling to come to Liaoxi because he wanted to cultivate his own power and didn't want to be controlled by civil officials. But after Huang Shi prepared to emulate Qi Jiguang and Yue Fei, he reconsidered Sun Chengzong's suggestion.

Now, Huang Shi had three elite battalions under his command, and even if someone disobeyed, he could subdue them by force. Coupled with his dazzling military achievements, Huang Shi felt that he still had a chance to deal with the lazy Guan Ning gang. However, all of this depended on Yuan Chonghuan not taking power. Huang Shi's tough stance with the cabinet before his departure was for his own safety.

As a modern man, Huang Shi valued national interests. But he also firmly believed in the saying, "A person with great potential should not put himself in a death trap." If even the premise of safety did not exist, then let alone three million taels of military pay a year, even thirty million taels a year would not be able to attract Huang Shi to Liaoxi.

As the captain of the Imperial Guard, Hong Antong was usually not kept in the dark about most of Huang Shi's plans. Now, seeing Huang Shi suddenly change his mind, Hong Antong seemed somewhat bewildered: "When we set off from Changsheng Island, didn't you say you wanted to strive for the position of Governor of Liaoxi?"

Huang Shi smiled enigmatically, not immediately answering Hong Antong's question. The captain of the Imperial Guard thought for a moment and then connected it to his superior's unusual behavior today. He lowered his voice and asked, "With two victories at Juehua and Ningyuan, the Provincial Surveillance Commissioner's promotion to Governor of Liaodong is a foregone conclusion. Does Your Excellency want to avoid Lord Yuan and not be under his control?"

If Hong Antong couldn't even grasp something like this, then Huang Shi should consider replacing the Minister of the Interior. He sighed deeply: "Indeed. Hong Antong, do you know about Du Yingkui's matter?"

"This subordinate does not know, please enlighten me, Your Excellency." "

Hmm, that was in the second year of the Tianqi reign..." Huang Shi shook his head. Hong Antong wasn't particularly concerned about the affairs of Liaoxi, but Huang Shi was very attentive to every move happening in Ningyuan.

Du Yingkui was originally a military officer in Liaodong Garrison, but was later dismissed from office for embezzlement. He made a living selling wine in Chang'an. After the Battle of Sar, Liaodong was greatly shaken, and Du Yingkui, known for his bravery, was recommended by Han Ji'en, a censor in the Ministry of War, to be the deputy commander of Shanhaiguan. However, Du Yingkui continued his old ways of drawing salaries without working and supporting his own retainers. In Liaodong Garrison, where the average monthly wage was one tael and four mace, Du Yingkui's retainers' allowances reached as high as one hundred taels.

"...The Liaodong Military Command arrested and questioned Deputy Commander Du. It was the duty of the censors to find out exactly how much salary Deputy Commander Du had embezzled. The Emperor ordered Grand Secretary Sun and Governor Yan to thoroughly investigate the case, and Governor Yan sent Lord Yuan, the Circuit Intendant of Ningqian, to verify the numbers."

Huang Shi paused here, his face full of sorrow: "When Circuit Intendant Ningqian arrived at Deputy Commander Du's camp, he counted the number of men in each squad, and found that some squads were missing. Lord Yuan executed those men..."

Hong Antong's expression changed drastically upon hearing this, and he interjected, "General Yan ordered Lord Yuan to count the number of men. This was merely to thoroughly investigate Deputy General Du's embezzlement; what does it have to do with the officers in the camp? Even if an officer is guilty, he is still an official appointed by the court and should be tried and punished by the Ministry of Justice. How can he be killed so easily?

" Huang Shi continued, "I think Lord Yuan probably doesn't even know what happened. General Yan ordered him to count the number of men in the camp, and when Lord Yuan saw the discrepancy, perhaps out of a bad mood or displeasure, he decided to kill someone. There was a huge uproar in the camp, almost a mutiny, but Lord Yuan claimed, 'I am acting on General Yan's orders,' and had the officer dragged out of the camp gate and beheaded." After Huang Shi finished speaking, he gave a bitter laugh. The military officer killed by Yuan Chonghuan was truly unjustly killed, but killing him was just killing him. Sun Chengzong was furious upon hearing this and reprimanded Yuan Chonghuan for indiscriminate killing, but Yuan Chonghuan apologized and didn't pursue the matter further.

Hong Antong's face flushed red, and after a long pause, he stammered, "This is against the laws of the court."

Huang Shi looked helpless. "Lord Yuan is a Jinshi (successful candidate in the highest imperial examination) from the 47th year of the Wanli reign, a protégé of the emperor. Even if he indiscriminately kills or unjustly executes a few military officers, who would seriously care? At that time, Lord Yuan was just a minor Ningqian Circuit Intendant, but for unjustly killing a fifth-rank military officer, Grand Secretary Sun only gave him a few words of reprimand, without even a perfunctory punishment like a salary deduction. Now that Lord Yuan is about to inspect Liaodong, I am just a mere military man, how dare I linger in Liaoxi?"

After venting his anger to Hong Antong, Huang Shi went to the banquet. He planned to return to Changsheng Island as soon as the official reward from the court arrived.

As he walked to the courtyard of the Ningyuan government office, Huang Shi heard angry shouts and curses coming from the flower hall inside. When he and Hong Antong entered the flower hall one after the other, they saw three military officers fighting fiercely. Huang Shi stared at them in disbelief, only recognizing two of them after a moment as General Yao and General Jin. It turned out that the Six Generals of Juehua had also been invited to the banquet today. Yuan Chonghuan hadn't received them individually, so they hadn't come with Huang Shi and Zhao Yingong last time.

Huang Shi didn't recognize the other man, but this warrior was incredibly brave, single-handedly fighting Generals Yao and Jin without being at a disadvantage. A large group of onlookers shouted at each other to stop the fight, but none of them stepped in to intervene… Oh, Huang Shi was mistaken; one person was about to intervene.

That person was General Hu Yining. Just as the officer kicked General Yao, sending him sprawling, General Hu shouted, "Stop fighting!" and lunged forward, grabbing the unfamiliar warrior's arm. Then, while shouting, "Let's each take a step back!" General Hu tightly clung to the man's waist. The military officer seemed exhausted, panting heavily as he swung backward twice, but couldn't shake off Commander Hu.

Commander Jin, like a mad tiger, swung his arm like a windmill. The unfamiliar officer, with only one arm still functional, struggled to defend himself, barely managing to parry his attacks. At this moment, Commander Yao, who had been kicked, also got up from the ground. He wiped the blood from his mouth, growled softly, and was about to pounce again…

when he felt someone grab him from behind. Commander Yao cursed and lunged to break free, but the person behind him held on tightly. Commander Yao cursed a few more times, but then saw that Commanders Jin and Hu in front of him had stopped fighting. Commander Yao was stunned. Only then did he hear the person behind him calling out, "Brother Yao, Brother Yao, it's me, Huang Shi! Stop fighting, let's talk this out!"

Hearing that the person was Huang Shi, Yao Yuxian shuddered and quickly nodded in agreement. After Huang Shi released him, General Yao hurriedly turned around to greet Huang Shi, and Hu Yining and his brothers also rushed over. The other Liaoxi generals in the flower hall, upon hearing that this was the famous Huang Shi, also crowded around to ingratiate themselves. Only the man who had fought with Yao Yuxian looked indignant and stayed far away.

Huang Shi noticed that the man's official robe was also embroidered with a tiger, and couldn't help but feel suspicious. Of course, he dared not be impolite and took the initiative to greet him: "May I ask who this general is?"

The military officer's face was full of anger. Huang Shi was very respectful, but the man only gave a hasty bow and shouted a few words irritably. His voice was fast and mumbled. Huang Shi couldn't understand him. He sized up the general opposite him: not tall but very stocky, with a large, round face, small eyes, and a deep scar that ran from the bridge of his nose all the way to his left eye socket, almost gouging out his eyeball.

Yao Yuxian seemed to realize that Huang Shi hadn't heard the military officer's words clearly, so he whispered in Huang Shi's ear, "This is Man Gui, the General of Ningyuan."

Huang Shi had heard of Man Gui's name in his previous life. This man had distinguished himself in battle in Xuanda Town in his early years, and later came to Liaozhen to make a living. Man Gui had nearly a thousand battle-hardened retainers under his command, whose skill level was quite different from other Guan Ning troops. Historically, Man Gui's retainers were deployed in the most crucial positions in the Battle of Ningyuan and were credited with the greatest merit.

Now Man Gui was also a Deputy Commander-in-Chief, an equal in rank to Huang Shi. Huang Shi politely greeted him again, and Man Gui, seemingly calmed down, gave a perfunctory bow before starting to shout loudly again, finally making Huang Shi understand what had happened.

It turned out that there was a reason why Jin Guan and the others had returned late during the pursuit a few days ago. Some Later Jin soldiers were killed by artillery fire outside Ningyuan City. Historically, these heads were only collected by Ningyuan soldiers after the Later Jin army had retreated. But this time, Juehua's generals happened to be passing by on their way home and took all the heads.

Man Gui said angrily, "I've counted the corpses on the ground. You took a total of 260 heads. General Huang killed about 40 people that day, so the remaining 220 should be returned. This is the spoils of our Ningyuan Fortress."

"What do you mean by 'your spoils'? Do you have your name written on your head?" Jin, the adjutant general, shouted loudly. That day, the city gates of Ningyuan Fort were all blocked, causing him to be chased in circles by the Later Jin army. Thinking about this, General Jin became enraged and roared, "If you dare not come down from the city walls to cut off the heads, then of course they are ours! Whoever cuts them on the battlefield keeps them! In the three hundred years of the Ming Dynasty, there has never been a concept of returning heads!"

In this battle, General Yao and his group received hundreds of heads; even a fool would know that these people were destined for promotion. They were all from Liaoxi, unlike outsiders like Man Gui, so the generals of Ningyuan Fort didn't really speak up for Man Gui. They at most hoped that General Yao and his group would loosen their grip and give them some benefits.

The lonely Man Gui stood on the opposite side, while Yao Yuxian, Jin Guan, and their gang gathered behind Huang Shi, gesturing and spitting. Huang Shi glanced at the spittle-splattering group around him and suddenly felt like a gangster boss in a movie, leading a bunch of bullies to harass the innocent.

Huang Shi stepped forward from the crowd and walked towards the opposite side. He bowed to the wary Man Gui for the third time, saying, "General Man, let's discuss this matter after the commendation banquet. I will certainly give you an explanation."

"General Huang, you are too kind," Man Gui said, finally returning the bow solemnly after hearing Huang Shi's sincere tone. "I have long admired General Huang's reputation and witnessed your heroic bearing from the city wall before."

Man Gui paused, then raised his voice slightly, "General Huang, you have also led troops for a long time. These men risk their lives for this military merit, so I must reclaim these two hundred and twenty heads for them." Thunderous

shouts rang out behind him again:

"Who said they were your heads? Did they have names carved on them?"

"Who cut them? Are you one of us?"

"No..." Huang Shi turned around and waved his hand, forcing Yao Yuxian, Jin Guan, and the others, who were spitting as they spoke, to shut their mouths.

Suspicion returned to Man Gui's face. His own men had risked their lives, and finally, with their heads, they could exchange for some rewards. Thinking of this, Man Gui couldn't help but shout again, "Two hundred and twenty heads! Commander Huang, you must return them to me!" (

Chapter 13: Endurance)

Upon hearing that there were as many as two hundred and twenty heads, Huang Shi's heart pounded. He and Juehua's generals had only a 30/70 split in terms of the five hundred heads lost in the pursuit battle; even if Huang Shi returned all of them, it would only amount to a little over a hundred. Furthermore, he couldn't easily attribute the spoils of the battle against Juehua to Man Gui, otherwise, the previous memorials would have to be drastically revised.

The most troublesome thing was that if Huang Shi personally paid for all 220 heads, it might seem like he was disrespecting the Juehua generals. But how could he, a guest general, expect the Juehua generals to hand over their heads?

Seeing the hesitation on Huang Shi's face, Man Gui pressed him, "Has General Huang agreed?"

"Well, I have a thought, please consider it, General Man..." Huang Shi thought it over and decided that the best course of action was to pull Man Gui out of the Ningyuan faction. Therefore, he planned to follow the same approach he used with Yao Yuxian, proposing to include Man Gui among the generals who participated in the pursuit. The 500 heads would still be counted as part of the pursuit's spoils, and Man Gui's merits would be shared among them.

This approach seemed more appropriate, both giving the Juehua generals face and ensuring Man Gui's contribution wasn't diminished. It would not only help Huang Shi make friends but also reduce the number of heads he had to give away. Those 220 heads belong to Ningyuan Fort collectively, and Man Gui couldn't keep them all for himself; taking half would be the maximum. However, if Man Gui was willing to be listed among the generals who jointly pursued the enemy, Huang Shi would be willing to pay out of his own pocket to give him an additional 110 heads.

Before Huang Shi could finish speaking, Man Gui shook his head vigorously, "To be honest, and I'm not afraid of being laughed at by Commander Huang, I really did want to go out and fight alongside Commander Huang and my colleagues from Juehua. But for safety reasons, all four gates of Ningyuan Fortress are sealed off with large stones, so I simply can't get out. If I have another chance next time, I will definitely be the first to fight and never fall behind Commander Huang, but this time, there's no chance..."

After patiently listening to Man Gui's rambling on and on, Huang Shi smiled and said, "Since you have this intention, then it won't be considered a false claim. At worst, Commander Man, you can just put my name on the list next time. That will be repayment for this time..."

In the end, Huang Shi was already hoarse from talking, but the stubborn Man Gui remained unmoved. He didn't want compensation; he only wanted his two hundred and twenty heads. Later, Huang Shi even offered him some silver, but no matter how earnestly Huang Shi tried to persuade him, Man Gui remained adamant and refused: "I appreciate General Huang's kindness. But I truly did not participate in the pursuit that day. I only want the merits I deserve, not some undeserved fame. General Huang wants to fabricate a memorial and offer silver; you're underestimating me, Man Gui."

These words silenced Huang Shi, who was already somewhat irritated. Man Gui refused a perfectly good solution, and Huang Shi felt a surge of anger, wanting to tell him, "If you don't want it, then don't!"

Although Huang Shi couldn't bring himself to say it, the others lacked his composure. While Huang Shi and Man Gui were arguing, Yao Yuxian, already extremely impatient, was deeply stung by Man Gui's last words.

"If you don't want it, then don't!" Yao Yuxian shouted. The remaining people also started clamoring, and some even came over to pull Huang Shi away, telling him not to waste any more energy talking to Man Gui.

Huang Shi sighed. He had heard that Man Gui wasn't very literate and had a rather rough personality; he was a notorious troublemaker in history. Moreover, Man Gui's official rank and wealth were all earned through his own hard work on the battlefield, which naturally made him quite temperamental. Huang Shi believed he had also climbed to his high position through his own abilities, but he had also flattered countless people against his will, and this flattery had helped him avoid a lot of trouble. Someone as stubborn as Man Gui must have had a very difficult life in the past.

If this military general wasn't named Man Gui, and if Huang Shi didn't know his background, he wouldn't have wasted so much time talking to him in the first place, and after being rejected, he would certainly have stormed off.

"But this is the upright and brave Man Gui!" Huang Shi sighed inwardly. He had always admired Man Gui and considered himself to be the same kind of person as Man Gui—both had climbed to high positions step by step through their own efforts.

The performances of Man Gui and Yuan Chonghuan in the Battle of Ningjin had left a deep impression on Huang Shi and demonstrated their distinct personalities.

On that occasion, Huang Taiji personally led four banners—two yellow (now two white) and two red—a total of four banners across the Liao River. In addition to more than 10,000 armored soldiers and Mongol soldiers, Huang Taiji also brought more than 20,000 bondservants pushing carts (later, when they couldn't carry everything, Huang Taiji transferred nearly 20,000 more cart-pushing men from Shenyang). The defending side consisted of 35 field battalions of the Guan Ning Army and able-bodied men from Liaoxi. Yuan Chonghuan commanded 70,000 soldiers to resist 10,000 armored soldiers of the Later Jin.

Huang Shi had read Yuan Chonghuan's report on the "Great Victory of Ningjin" in the Veritable Records of Emperor Xizong.

Yuan Chonghuan reported that Huang Taiji employed a human wave tactic, using sheer numbers to capture seventeen cities outside the Great Wall, including Dalinghe, Xiaolinghe, Xingshan, Tashan, Songshan, and Lianshan. However, the Ming army inflicted heavy casualties, but ultimately lost, resulting in no heads.

Yuan Chonghuan further reported that the Guan-Ning cavalry fought three major battles and seventy-two smaller battles against the Later Jin army, winning every single one. However, because the Jurchens considered it an honor to retrieve the corpses of their comrades from the battlefield, the Ming army did not capture a single head.

Yuan Chonghuan also reported that the Guan-Ning cavalry, riding the momentum of their victory over the Jurchens, entered and held Jinzhou Fort, Ningyuan Fort, and Dafu Fort, successfully defending these three fortresses. However, because the Later Jin army preferred to drag the corpses back for burning, no heads were captured.

Liaodong Governor Yuan Chonghuan reported that he used fire tactics to counter Huang Taiji's human wave tactics. For example, Jinzhou was bombarded by the Later Jin army for twenty-four consecutive days, with thousands of Later Jin soldiers killed or wounded by the Guan-Ning cavalry every day. Yuan Chonghuan claimed that on the most intense day of the battle, the Ming army killed four thousand Later Jin soldiers with artillery! More than ten thousand were seriously wounded or dying!

Huang Taiji only brought ten thousand soldiers to confront Yuan Chonghuan's seventy thousand Guan-Ning cavalry, and of course, he could not withstand more than seventy battles, large and small, and was defeated in every battle, plus thousands of soldiers killed by artillery every day for twenty-four days. Therefore, the Later Jin army retreated. This is Huang Shi's systematic and comprehensive understanding of the "Ningjin Victory" after reading all of Yuan Chonghuan's memorials, which were known for their sensationalism... Indeed, history is more amazing than fiction.

In this attack, the Later Jin army captured seventeen of the twenty fortresses in western Liaodong (except for Jinzhou, Ningyuan, and Dafu), and seized grain from five thousand hectares of Ming military farms. They also captured over 20,000 Guan-Ning cavalry and made them bondservants (of which 4,000 Guan-Ning cavalry surrendered without a fight in Dalinghe alone). When Huang Taiji returned, he left some men outside Ningyuan to harvest the Ming army's autumn grain. Yuan Chonghuan strictly ordered tens of thousands of Guan-Ning cavalry inside Ningyuan Fortress not to step outside the city gates.

However, Man Gui defied Yuan Chonghuan's order, leading his personal guards out of the city and driving away the Later Jin grain-harvesting team, beheading nearly two hundred. These were all the Ming army's spoils of war in the Ningjin Campaign. This incident deeply impressed Huang Shi; among the scum of Liaoxi, a brave warrior like Man Gui truly stood out.

Unable to persuade Man Gui, Huang Shi had to try to persuade the generals under Juehua. Huang Shi, being a guest general, felt a little guilty. He hesitated before speaking to Yao Yuxian, who was very understanding. Yao Yuxian smiled and said, "Since General Huang has this intention, then let's return the head to General Man Gui. It's only two hundred and twenty heads, isn't it?"

Since Yao Yuxian had spoken, Jin Guan and Hu Yining laughed heartily and loudly expressed their agreement. Huang Shi hadn't expected the Liaoxi generals to be so agreeable. He let out a sigh of relief, feeling a little embarrassed. "Of the five hundred heads, one hundred and fifty are mine. Well, since it was my idea, I'll contribute one hundred and twenty. I'll leave the remaining one hundred to you all."

Yao Yuxian had just been fighting tooth and nail with Man Gui over these heads, but now he seemed like a completely different person, all smiles and seemingly unconcerned. "No way! It's a 30/70 split, and that's it."

Hu Yining chimed in, "General Huang, no need to say more. Just like you said, we can always make up the difference next time."

"Definitely, definitely." Huang Shi hurriedly agreed, then turned to Man Gui and smiled. "General Man Gui, we'll bring the heads over first thing tomorrow morning, two hundred and twenty in total, right?"

"Two hundred, let's round it up." When Man Gui was furious earlier, the scar on his face had turned a ghastly crimson, but now it had faded considerably, returning to a soft, normal skin tone. Man Gui blinked a few times, and his loud voice softened considerably, becoming gentler: "Those heads were indeed not cut off by my own hands, so please return two hundred to me. The rest can be considered a thank-you gift; please accept it, General Huang."

Twenty heads were nothing to Huang Shi, and taking the war merits from Man Gui would give him a feeling of robbing the poor to help the rich. Just as Huang Shi was about to politely decline, he saw Man Gui's eyebrows slowly rise again. This expression startled Huang Shi at first, then he suddenly realized: "I've already beheaded many in this battle, which is probably common knowledge. A brave general like Man Gui must be quite proud. If I were to take away twenty of his heads, he would definitely think I look down on him... Hmm, when I thought about taking away the heads, I did indeed have some intention of looking down on twenty heads."

Realizing the problem, Huang Shi immediately nodded in agreement: "Yes, thank you, General Man. I'll toast you at the banquet later."

Hearing Huang Shi's words, Man Gui's face brightened. He laughed twice and replied briefly, "Okay."

Comparing Man Gui to Juehua and his gang, the difference in their interpersonal skills was immediately apparent. In such a short time, Huang Shi had accommodated Man Gui countless times, while Juehua and his gang had consistently helped Huang Shi solve his problems.

"No wonder Yuan Chonghuan couldn't tolerate this man!" This thought flashed through Huang Shi's mind. He then glanced at Man Gui again, and just like when he first met Kong Youde, the idea of befriending him arose in his heart. However, he also knew that Man Gui was much more difficult to get along with than Kong Youde.

According to the Records of Emperor Xizong, after Man Gui defied Yuan Chonghuan's orders and launched an attack during the Battle of Ningjin, achieving some success, Yuan Chonghuan claimed the credit in his memorial. First, he pretended not to see the order he had issued prohibiting the attack, then he claimed that he had ordered the Ming army to launch multiple attacks, and even said that he had stood on the city wall and shouted encouragement to Man Gui.

Unexpectedly, Man Gui denied this claim in front of the emperor, and then Yuan Chonghuan was dismissed from his post. And then... and then Man Gui and Yuan Chonghuan broke off their relationship. No one knows the specific details, but Man Gui was driven out of Liaodong by Yuan Chonghuan, who had become the commander-in-chief. During the Battle of Beijing, Man Gui rushed to the Golden Palace and publicly stripped off his clothes, showing the arrow wounds on his body to Emperor Chongzhen, Sun Chengzong, and the cabinet, tearfully recounting that Yuan Chonghuan had tried to kill him.

This act by Man Gui was the final straw that led to Yuan Chonghuan's downfall. After hearing this, Emperor Chongzhen ordered Yuan Chonghuan and Man Gui to confront each other in court, but historical records state that Yuan Chonghuan could not answer. Seeing this, Emperor Chongzhen ordered the Embroidered Uniform Guard to imprison Yuan Chonghuan, declaring: "I entrusted the affairs of the East to Yuan Chonghuan, but the barbarian cavalry acted recklessly... His merits

and demerits cannot be concealed, so he is temporarily released for further investigation." Our understanding of Yuan Chonghuan and Man Gui ends here, as Huang Shi never had the chance to see the crucial interrogation records. This history was later adapted by the Jurchen chieftain Hongli into a "counter-espionage plot." Apparently, Hongli had dreamt that Emperor Chongzhen imprisoned Yuan Chonghuan because of a "counter-espionage plot," because neither Ming Dynasty historical records nor the Manchu archives of the Later Jin contain any mention of such a plot in the past 150 years.

Furthermore, Huang Shi also felt that Hongli, this slave chieftain, was indeed crude and uncultured. He somehow managed to discern a counter-espionage plot from the phrase "merits and crimes are hard to conceal, temporarily released for investigation." Was he perhaps illiterate? Hongli's daily records contain two entries on this matter: First, Hongli ordered Zhang Tingyu to rewrite the "Biography of Yuan Chonghuan" in the *History of Ming* according to the spirit of a counter-espionage plot; second, Hongli ordered the destruction of the interrogation records for the Yuan Chonghuan case.

According to the custom of the Ming Dynasty, all important case records were to be preserved. For example, Huang Shi's initial impression of Xiong Tingbi was formed while reading the Xiong case records. The records documented the Donglin Party's sophistry and misinterpretation, while also recording Xiong Tingbi's fighting spirit. Even when facing death, he debated with the Donglin officials, refuting their fabricated charges point by point, and several times forcing the Donglin Party to retreat from court.

However, Hongli didn't preserve a single volume of the eight-month-long interrogation records for the Yuan Chonghuan case. Therefore, Yuan Chonghuan was shrouded in mystery for Huang Shi, leaving him completely unaware of Yuan Chonghuan's thoughts, his principles, and his fundamental motives. This mystery instilled fear; because Huang Shi couldn't see Yuan Chonghuan's most basic principles or Yuan Chonghuan's self-awareness, he repeatedly felt the need to keep his distance. Hongli's

actions also diminished Huang Shi's respect for Yuan Chonghuan. Although the evidence was destroyed, Huang Shi suspected:

first, the original case files of Yuan Chonghuan severely undermined Hongli's "counter-espionage" hypothesis, hence the need to destroy them;

second, the case files completely contradicted the lofty image Hongli had created for Yuan Chonghuan. The eight months of interrogation would have left behind a wealth of notes, transcripts, and testimonies, but given the Jurchens' ability to distort and misrepresent, not a single piece of favorable corroborating evidence could be found, which is why the Jurchen chieftain destroyed the files so thoroughly.

…

All the civil and military officials of Ningyuan attended the banquet. Huang Shi, as always, showed great respect to Yuan Chonghuan, who readily accepted his generous gesture. Huang Shi, adhering to the principle of "a wise man doesn't suffer a loss in front of him," showered Yuan Chonghuan with flattery. Huang Shi's public display clearly pleased Yuan Chonghuan, who reciprocated by toasting him in return.

After the banquet, Yuan Chonghuan asked Huang Shi to stay behind alone. Seeing his beaming face, Huang Shi figured his attitude had won him considerable favor. In any case, receiving such a grand gesture from a renowned general was undoubtedly a pleasant experience. Especially since Huang Shi had done it in front of so many people, it clearly satisfied Yuan Chonghuan's vanity.

After dismissing Hong Antong, Huang Shi followed Yuan Chonghuan to the study. Besides the two of them, Yuan Chonghuan also invited Zhao Yingong to accompany them. Huang Shi noticed that Zhao Yingong's expression was somewhat strange, and his gaze was shifty, as if he was hesitant to make contact with Huang Shi. This made Huang Shi suspicious, wondering what these two gentlemen were up to.

After they were seated, Yuan Chonghuan picked up his teacup and casually called out, "Huang Shi."

Huang Shi, who was sitting respectfully, immediately replied, "Your subordinate is here."

Yuan Chonghuan blew on the scalding tea and said without looking up, "Today, I, the official, have decided that you will marry Lord Zhao's second sister."

These words were like a bolt from the blue; Huang Shi could hardly believe his ears. But after Yuan Chonghuan finished speaking, he lowered his head and sipped his tea. Huang Shi then looked at Zhao Yingong, who was standing to the side, looking ashamed and quickly turning his head away.

At this moment, Yuan Chonghuan had finished his tea. He raised his head and said without changing his expression, "Just say it was the betrothal two years ago. Didn't you ask Lord Zhao for your hand in marriage then? Lord Zhao has now agreed to your proposal."

Although Huang Shi always considered himself very cultured, his face was still ashen. He composed himself for a long time before slowly asking, "Lord Yuan, Lord Zhao, this humble general really doesn't quite understand." "

What don't you understand? Didn't you ask Lord Zhao for your hand in marriage two years ago?"

"Your Excellency, I did go then, but Lord Zhao didn't agree, so naturally..."

"Who said Lord Zhao didn't agree? Did he explicitly say he didn't agree at the time?"

Huang Shi recalled that Zhang Zaidi said that Old Master Zhao scolded him for a while, but he fainted before he finished scolding him. Theoretically speaking, the Zhao family did not explicitly disagree.

He barely managed to shake his head when Yuan Chonghuan laughed, "That's it, Lord Zhao has agreed. The day before yesterday at Juehua, Huang Shi, you also mentioned you hadn't yet arranged a marriage. Today, I'll act as matchmaker and bring this matter to fruition."

Zhao Yingong's head was practically bowing to his knees. Huang Shi glared at him fiercely, trying his best to suppress his anger. He took several deep breaths and said in as calm a tone as possible, "Lord Zhao's promise of marriage is an honor for this humble general, but..." —But Miss Zhao has

already been abducted by the Later Jin. I can't arrange another marriage until I get her back. Even if I do get her back... what kind of nonsense is this, giving her to me?

Fortunately, Yuan Chonghuan added, "Lord Zhao's family is very strict; Miss Zhao is most likely no longer alive."

"Huh?"

—You've already decided she's dead, so why are you giving her to me?

Hearing Huang Shi's surprised voice, Zhao Yingong, who had been silent with his head down, suddenly looked up and said to Huang Shi, "If my sister has tarnished the Huang family's reputation, then General Huang will naturally allow her to decline the engagement."

"Huh?!"

—The Huang family's reputation? Declining the engagement? What's going on here?

...

During the Ming Dynasty, if a female member of a civil official's family engaged in improper conduct, the official would be impeached for "improper conduct within the household," and if verified, the court would punish him by stripping him of his official rank.

This rule led to some very interesting cases in the Ming Dynasty. Generally speaking, in the late Ming Dynasty, if there was adultery, the victim would report it to the authorities. If both the perpetrator and the victim were unmarried, the government would often force them to marry. If the wife was unfaithful, the husband could therefore not return the dowry, or only return half of it.

However, if the victim was a civil official's family member, the victim would always deny it in every way possible, resolutely refusing to admit it. Huang Shi had also seen some typical case records: for example, a lazy bum seduced an official's wife and then blackmailed her husband, while the official could only swallow his anger.

Other female relatives, such as sisters, daughters, and daughters-in-law, were the same. This time, Miss Zhao was not afraid, as she was already someone else's family when the incident occurred. However, Miss Zhao Er died for her principles, otherwise Zhao Yingong would be waiting to be impeached. After thinking it over, only Huang Shi could help the Zhao family get through this calamity.

After understanding the whole story, Huang Shi felt the anger surging in his chest rise higher and higher. He was afraid of losing control of his emotions, so he dared not say a word.

—Isn't this treating me too disrespectfully?

Can I bear the weight of the towering peak? Chapter 14: A complete break

indeed: one must first humiliate oneself before one can humiliate others.

Huang Shi gritted his teeth, barely managing to prevent the anger in his chest from erupting. The intense emotions slowly subsided somewhat. Huang Shi first reflected on his behavior that day, realizing he had probably been too obsequious, which had led others to look down on him. As he reflected, he considered his next move.

"This won't harm you, Huang Shi. It's a simple favor to help a colleague resolve a difficult situation; why not?" Seeing Huang Shi's lack of immediate response, Yuan Chonghuan earnestly advised him.

If he agreed, this matter wouldn't cause Huang Shi any immediate harm, because he was a military officer, not a scholar-official, so the charge of "improper conduct within the household" wouldn't apply to him. Of course, there would be the issue of post-incident handling. For this type of loss of virginity, the Ming Dynasty's rule was to encourage reconciliation, not separation.

According to the Ming Code, involuntary loss of virginity could not be used as grounds for divorce. For example, in the mid-Ming Dynasty, there were cases of wives being abducted by human traffickers, but after the case was exposed, the traffickers and brothel owners were convicted of forcing women into prostitution, and the couples were still sentenced to remain together.

Since Zhao Yingong had just said he would allow Huang Shi to withdraw from the engagement, it seemed there wouldn't be any major problems. Huang Shi figured Zhao Yingong, as long as he could preserve his official rank, wouldn't want any further complications or disputes with him.

"Lord Yuan is right," Huang Shi replied absentmindedly.

However, the lack of immediate harm didn't mean there was no harm at all. If word got out that his betrothed had been abducted, it would severely damage his reputation. Moreover, even if most people understood Huang Shi withdrawing the engagement, many would still think he was heartless and ungrateful.

Seeing Huang Shi's hesitation, Yuan Chonghuan grew impatient. He then emphasized, "No one will spread rumors, Huang Shi, you can rest assured..."

Hearing Yuan Chonghuan's words, Huang Shi figured their plan was probably to use this to appease the censor. If Zhao Er Guniang was already dead, that would be ideal; Huang Shi could withdraw the engagement in a few months. But what if Zhao Er Guniang was found to be still alive? Zhao Yingong, as always, had a reason to argue that he wouldn't be stripped of his honors for it.

Huang Shi recalled the historical precedent of the first year of the Chongzhen Emperor's reign: when Chen Jisheng and the Jurchens were engaged in fierce battles at Kuandian and Changbai Mountain, Yuan Chonghuan, because Mao Wenlong refused to violate national laws and privately handed over military power to him, cut off the Dongjiang Army's food and supplies from behind. He also ordered a maritime ban in Liaodong, Tianjin, and Shandong Laideng, forbidding any merchants from setting sail or selling a single grain of rice or bean to the Dongjiang Army.

Although it's said that everyone fights for their own pride, someone had to take care of the overall situation in Liaodong, otherwise it would be a national disaster. Therefore, Huang Shi decided to take another step back. After all, he had been flattering Yuan Chonghuan for a long time. Huang Shi didn't want all his previous efforts to be in vain, and he certainly didn't want to be held back one day

—hadn't he aspired to be a great man like Yue Fei and Qi Bo? Hadn't he already planned to be adept at navigating social situations and seek a peaceful life? Wei Zhongxian, Kong Youde, Geng Zhongming, the Shandong civil officials, and the Liaoxi military families—from the eunuch faction to the Donglin Party, even future traitors and scum—couldn't I get along with them all? Right now, I can only prioritize the overall situation and not act impulsively.

Besides, Huang Shi knows that discord between civil and military officials is not only a major scourge on the country, but ultimately, it is he, the military general, who will suffer the most. Now that Yuan Chonghuan was to be promoted to governor, Huang Shi knew he couldn't afford to offend him: "Lord Yuan, Lord Zhao, could you allow me a moment to consider this? I'll give you both my reply in a couple of days, what

do you say?" Yuan Chonghuan's face immediately showed displeasure. He pointed at Zhao Yingong and then said to Huang Shi, "I've spoken frankly and openly with you for so long. I thought it wouldn't be too late for you to agree. Who knew you would be so indecisive, always lying. You have no respect for me at all. Now that the witnesses are here, how can I allow you to deceive me! You have committed twelve unfortunate offenses, do you even know them…"

Huang Shi was slightly taken aback. During this time, Yuan Chonghuan had already launched into a long speech. Huang Shi felt that these words sounded somewhat familiar, as if he had seen them somewhere before. Zhao Yingong, overcome with shame, cried out, "Lord Yuan!"

Zhao Yingong stood up and bowed to Yuan Chonghuan, saying, "Lord Yuan, I do not wish to force General Huang. Please, Your Excellency, understand."

Huang Shi was also somewhat confused. Although civil officials always looked down on military generals and eunuchs, he himself was a general who had beheaded thousands. This matter was of great importance to Zhao Yingong, so why was Yuan Chonghuan so eager to speak on his behalf, even more so than the emperor?

Unable to understand Yuan Chonghuan's intentions, Huang Shi grew increasingly uneasy. Hearing Zhao Yingong's words, he also stood up and said to Yuan Chonghuan, "Lord Yuan, please understand. I do not disagree, but please grant me two days' grace. There are still military laws governing my troops..."

Huang Shi explained the military laws of Changsheng Island regarding the wedding venue, then explained that he needed to discuss countermeasures with his subordinates, as the soldiers were unclear about the situation. Furthermore, considering the Zhao family's reputation, Huang Shi couldn't openly reveal the truth to the soldiers on Changsheng Island. Therefore, he needed a proper solution to avoid the soldiers being disappointed by his violation of military law if the matter were leaked.

This reason seemed like a good way out, and despite such an impolite request, Huang Shi maintained his usual submissive attitude. Zhao Yingong, standing to the side, immediately expressed his gratitude after hearing Huang Shi's willingness to consider the matter. Seeing that both men seemed to accept it, Yuan Chonghuan didn't insist that Huang Shi agree on the spot.

Huang Shi obediently sat back down in his chair. He hadn't fully considered the pros and cons of this matter yet. Huang Shi planned to return to Juehua and discuss it with Jin Qiude and Hong Antong to see how best to handle it. If he could handle the matter flawlessly, Huang Shi felt he might be able to do Yuan Chonghuan a favor, making it easier to request provisions from the Liaodong Military Command in the future.

Although Yuan Chonghuan's influence didn't yet extend to Liaodong, having more friends always meant more options. Huang Shi reflected on his attitude again, realizing he should let go of his fear of Yuan Chonghuan. Recalling his interactions with Sun Chengzong, Wei Zhongxian, and the Shandong civil officials, Huang Shi regained some confidence. He considered himself relatively good at interpersonal relationships, even though he didn't fully understand Yuan Chonghuan's psychology. He figured he would understand after spending some time with him.

After this matter was settled, Yuan Chonghuan immediately shifted the topic to the pacification of Liaodong and the Battle of Juehua. Huang Shi, roused, laid out the deployment of both armies and his own tactics in detail. Of course, Huang Shi could not discuss his opinion on the fighting strength of the Guan Ning Army, nor did he have any reason to belittle them. His prior judgments were based on historical knowledge, and the performance of the Guan Ning Army in this battle was indeed quite good. Huang Shi's victory was due to their joint efforts...

As Huang Shi recounted his story, Yuan Chonghuan occasionally consulted Zhao Yingong. After combining the views of both Zhao Yingong and Huang Shi, Yuan Chonghuan nodded thoughtfully: "Indeed, we still need to rely on fortified cities and cannons."

"Lord Yuan is wise. Relying on fortified cities and cannons is good, but I'm afraid it will cost too much." Huang Shi had held the same idea when he was a junior officer in Guangning, but now he was less willing to waste precious resources on fortifications and hoped to train a large field army as soon as possible.

Yuan Chonghuan was very amiable. He smiled and said to Huang Shi, "Huang Shi, tell me what you think."

This encouragement invigorated Huang Shi. It seemed this Yuan barbarian wasn't so unreasonable after all. So he brought out his idea of using the sea as a route again. Huang Shi strongly advocated first taking Niangniang Palace, Yaozhou, and Haizhou, then building fortresses along the coast to stockpile supplies as an offensive base, using this as a predatory force to watch the Liaozhong Plain.

"...General Mao and General Chen will continuously launch attacks from Kuandian and Korea. If the main force of the Jurchens moves east, the imperial army can sweep them away, heading straight for Liaoyang. If the Jurchens remain inactive, General Mao and General Chen can move from east to west, first taking Jianzhouwei, then Sarhu, cutting off the Jurchens' connection with the Jurchens and the Khorchin Mongols. Finally, they can annihilate them all in Liaozhong."

At the end, Huang Shi clenched his right fist and waved it vigorously to emphasize his point. His confident demeanor also encouraged Zhao Yingong, who shouted "Bravo!" at Huang Shi's conclusion.

Yuan Chonghuan smiled throughout, never interrupting Huang Shi, and waited until he finished speaking before asking, "Everything is difficult at the beginning. Huang Shi, how do you plan to build the first city?"

"Lord Yuan's insight is truly admirable. In my humble opinion..." Huang Shi had pondered this question countless times before. He spoke fluently and confidently. Genghis Khan in Liaobei and Mao Zedong in Liaodong would likely frequently be out and about, so the main force of the Later Jin would inevitably have to leave the Liaozhong Plain. Huang Shi was confident that he could use the troops in Liaonan to withstand 50% of the Later Jin's forces. With the help of the Guan Ning Army, Huang Shi believed that capturing Yaozhou by force would not be too difficult.

Once he could establish a foothold, Huang Shi would be less afraid; even if the entire Later Jin army came, he was confident he could hold out for a period of time. If the entire Later Jin army did come, not only would Mao Zedong in Korea be unable to stay at home, but even Genghis Khan in Liaobei would not be idle. After controlling Yaozhou and Haizhou, the remaining task would be to build fortifications and advance into the Liaozhong Plain.

Huang Shi, his throat parched from talking, picked up his teacup and downed it in one gulp. After he finished, Yuan Chonghuan asked, "How long will all this take?"

"Hmm..." Huang Shi pondered for a moment. Once in the plains, supply lines needed to be built to ensure their survival. There were still many fortified cities in Liaozhong, and the Jurchen army was very tenacious. The Ming officials would inevitably play a restraining role, so the war couldn't be guaranteed to be smooth sailing. "About five years. Even if the Jurchens retreat to Jianzhou, it won't take more than ten years to completely wipe them out."

"Five years? That's too short. Huang Shi, are you trying to make me happy?" Yuan Chonghuan shook his head dismissively.

Huang Shi believed that the closer his troops were to Shenyang, the more effectively he could deter the Later Jin regime. This was why he chose Yaozhou as his breakthrough point. But Yuan Chonghuan clearly disagreed. He believed the sea route was unreliable and that ultimately, they would have to build fortifications along the Liaoxi Corridor.

Huang Shi, unwilling to directly refute him, adopted a roundabout approach: "The land route is indeed safe, but it would require building countless fortresses along the way, which would likely cost a considerable amount of time and money."

Yuan Chonghuan slapped the table in approval, saying, "Exactly! General Huang is right. This route, from Ningyuan all the way to Sanchahe, and then from Sanchahe to Liaoyang, would probably take at least ten years and cost tens of millions of taels of silver."

These words truly resonated with Huang Shi, and were precisely the reason he hoped to persuade Yuan Chonghuan. Huang Shi whispered, "Lord Yuan's insight is brilliant, so this humble general believes we should try to capture Yaozhou and then march directly into Liaozhong."

Unexpectedly, Yuan Chonghuan decisively rejected this, saying, "The sea route is ultimately unreliable. Besides, it would take several years."

Zhao Yingong, listening from the side, was increasingly confused and couldn't help but interject, "Lord Yuan, do you have a brilliant plan?"

"The Liaozhong military expenditure is three million taels a year, over four hundred thousand for Jizhou, and even Dongjiang requires two hundred and forty thousand taels. The national treasury is already depleted. The people of the land are suffering terribly." Yuan Chonghuan revealed a compassionate expression, sighed deeply, and then asked Huang Shi and Zhao Yingong with a mysterious look, "Do you know what new strategy Eunuch Wei has devised to prepare warhorses for the Liaozhong campaign?"

Due to the continuous drought during the Little Ice Age, the number of horses produced in the northern horse farms of the Ming Dynasty continued to decline. By the fifth year of the Tianqi reign, there were no more horses available to be transferred to Liaozhong from the northern border towns. After the court fell into a predicament of horse shortage, some ministers suggested implementing the Single Whip Law. The shortfall in horse tribute from Gansu and Shaanxi provinces was distributed to the farmers in those provinces, with the additional land tax collected to buy horses.

Meanwhile, the northern provinces were also suffering from years of famine. Wei Zhongxian, himself a peasant, knew the farmers' hardships and dared not adopt this ingenious idea of increasing taxes during famine years. However, the horse shortage still needed to be addressed, so Wei Zhongxian ordered the privilege of riding horses in the Forbidden City to be granted to a large number of ministers and eunuchs. According to the Ming Dynasty Code, whoever was granted the honor of riding horses in the Forbidden City by the imperial family was obligated to provide the imperial family with fine horses.

After mobilizing his subordinates in the Eastern Depot to investigate everyone's wealth, Wei Zhongxian bestowed this "honor" upon wealthy officials and eunuchs while constantly pressuring them to contribute horses. Once those who had been granted the privilege had fulfilled their contribution, Wei Zhongxian would revoke the privilege, and then… then bestow it again.

This was similar to how Liu Jin forced widows in the capital to remarry. Wei Zhongxian's policy caused widespread resentment in the court. For the first time since the founding of the Ming Dynasty, countless officials and eunuchs submitted petitions refusing the honor of riding horses in the imperial city. But even in refusal, the right to ride horses in the imperial city was granted. Wei Zhongxian even bestowed this right upon an infant and Lady Haoming. Those who received it reluctantly offered horses while cursing the anonymous person who gave Wei Zhongxian this terrible idea.

The horses collected were naturally of mixed quality. Among the "good horses" offered, besides old horses and foals, there were reportedly donkeys, mules, and even young camels. However, Wei Zhongxian collected a batch of horses for the emperor to support Liaodong without spending a penny, thus earning the praise of Emperor Tianqi: "The eunuch is loyal and diligent, and efficient in his work."

Zhao Yingong naturally echoed this sentiment. Huang Shi nodded obsequiously, but after listening, a sense of foreboding arose in his heart.

After Yuan Chonghuan finished speaking, he solemnly addressed Huang Shi and Zhao Yingong, saying, "I have a plan. If it is feasible, the Liaodong affair can be resolved in no time, and the additional taxes can be waived throughout the country sooner or later."

Zhao Yingong asked happily, "Lord Yuan, what brilliant plan do you have? Could you please enlighten me?"

Recalling Yuan Chonghuan's actions after the Battle of Ningyuan in history, Huang Shi's ominous premonition grew stronger, but he still flattered him without showing any emotion, saying, "Your Excellency, the Inspector General, is truly a reincarnation of Zhuge Liang. It seems you have a plan in mind."

Yuan Chonghuan stroked his long beard twice and slowly said, "During the siege of Ningyuan, Nurhaci, the Jian chieftain, wrote to me, and I replied with a letter rebuking him with righteous indignation. The Jian chieftain later wrote another letter, and in my opinion, he seems to have regretted my righteous rebuke."

"Ahhhhh!" Zhao Yingong exclaimed in surprise.

Huang Shi felt his heart pounding in his throat. He moved his lips but didn't speak. He knew Yuan Chonghuan always had an extremely high opinion of himself. Historically, when Huang Taiji attacked Korea, the Tianqi Emperor and the cabinet urgently asked Yuan Chonghuan, the then governor of Liaodong, what countermeasures they had and how to help Korea. Yuan Chonghuan, who loved to make startling statements, told the emperor: the court did not need to send troops to help, and the emperor did not need to worry about countermeasures. As long as he, Yuan Chonghuan, sent an envoy with a letter from him, he could order Huang Taiji to withdraw his troops—"Send Fang Jin to deliver a letter to the chieftain of the Jurchens, ordering him to quickly withdraw his troops from the Korean invasion."

Yuan Chonghuan, quite pleased with himself, continued to nod his head, seemingly immersed in pleasant memories: "I saw that the opportunity was not to be missed, so I wrote

another letter, in which I combined firmness and gentleness, kindness and severity..." Yuan Chonghuan's words made Zhao Yingong scratch his head and was overjoyed. Seeing that the atmosphere was getting better and better, Yuan Chonghuan paused, picked up his teacup and took a sip. After he put down his teacup, Yuan Chonghuan's eyes gleamed with a sharp light as he swept his imposing gaze over Zhao Yingong before settling on Huang Shi's face: "I believe we can offer them amnesty. This would settle the Liaodong affair and eliminate the additional taxes—a truly virtuous course! General Huang, would you be willing to join me in submitting a petition to the Emperor?"

Huang Shi struggled to maintain his submissive expression and asked in a low voice, "Lord Yuan, you are wise. May I ask, what terms should we offer to offer amnesty to the Jurchens?"

"Well… we must discuss this first before we can know?"

"What if the Jurchens demand annual tributes, such as 100,000 taels of gold, 1 million taels of silver, and 1 million bolts of cloth each year?" Huang Shi calmly uttered a number—this was the annual tribute demand made by Huang Taiji during peace negotiations with Yuan Chonghuan in Huang Shi's previous life, and Yuan Chonghuan had told the court that these conditions were not unacceptable and could be further discussed.

Yuan Chonghuan frowned, stroking his long beard as he stared at the ceiling for a moment. "Hmm, isn't this a bit too much? It's not much less than the Liaodong tax."

Huang Shi took a deep breath, trying his best not to let his voice tremble even slightly. "May I ask you, Lord Yuan, if the annual tribute from the Jurchens were ten thousand taels of gold, one hundred thousand taels of silver, and one hundred thousand bolts of cloth, what would you think, sir?" Yuan Chonghuan

raised an eyebrow, his voice filled with surprise. "Of course, that's acceptable."

Bang—

a heavy slam on the table sounded like thunder, startling Zhao Yingong, who shuddered. A deafening roar followed:

"Traitor!" The small tea table beside him overturned, and Huang Shi stood ramrod straight. He looked down at his right palm, then reached out with his left hand and forcefully pulled out a shard of porcelain embedded in his hand. The other two were dumbfounded, neither of them able to utter a word. Hurried footsteps sounded at the door, followed by Hong Antong's anxious voice from outside: "My lord! My lord!" "General Huang... General Huang, what brings you to this?" Zhao Yingong stood up, pale-faced, and asked helplessly. Huang Shi didn't answer, but gently flexed his right hand a few times, bright red blood seeping from between his fingers and dripping to the ground. Confirming he had only suffered a minor cut, Huang Shi sighed, turned and walked towards the door, not glancing at Yuan Chonghuan or Zhao Yingong again. Pushing open the door amidst the astonished gazes of the crowd, Huang Shi walked out without looking back. "Let's go back to Juehua," Huang Shi uttered, then strode towards the main hall, his expression calm, feeling as if a heavy burden had been lifted from his shoulders. Hong Antong coldly glanced at the two men in the room, then, his face tense, gripped his sword hilt tightly and strode after Huang Shi. A murderous aura emanated from Hong Antong's brow. The soldiers and servants inside and outside the hall who saw them retreated, pressing their backs against the walls as they watched the two pass. Upon reaching the front hall, Huang Shi's guards surrounded them. One of them offered Huang Shi his armor, but Huang Shi waved it away, saying, "No need to change. I don't want to stay in Ningyuan for a moment longer. I'm returning to Juehua immediately." As Huang Shi and his entourage left the Ningyuan government office, several servants ran out from behind, shouting things like "General Huang, please wait!" seemingly trying to persuade him to return. But Huang Shi's face remained as unmoved as marble. He spurred his horse and galloped towards the city gate. The guards behind him raised their banners and followed Huang Shi, not uttering a sound. On the way, Huang Shi briefly recounted their conversation to Hong Antong. Hong Antong was only twenty-two years old (by Chinese reckoning), naturally young and impetuous. Unlike Huang Shi, who was more patient, Hong Antong was enraged by the mere thought of appeasement before Huang Shi even mentioned the issue of tribute. His face flushed crimson and then turned ashen. "You dog of an official!" Huang Shi had barely uttered the words about tribute when Hong Antong gritted his teeth and roared, "The Jurchens have committed countless atrocities, including rape and plunder. We, the soldiers of the border army, wish we could eat their flesh by day and sleep on their skin by night. How can we negotiate peace?" Huang Shi chuckled, "Lord Yuan is talking about appeasement, not peace negotiations." Hong Antong was alone; his entire family had died at the hands of the Jurchens. He gritted his teeth and shouted, "Emperor Gaozu once said: 'The rebels are also sons of the Chinese people, and many have been harmed by corrupt officials. Therefore, our Great Ming Dynasty has established itself over the past three hundred years, and has mostly used appeasement to deal with the rebels in the interior. But the Tartars have provoked us without cause.'" They slaughtered millions of innocent civilians in Liaodong, and when things turned sour, they sought amnesty to avoid death. Where in the world is there such a cheap deal? " Hong Antong was referring to the Ming Dynasty's national policy established by Zhu Yuanzhang. Regarding the people of the inland regions who paid taxes, the Ming policy was always to appease them rather than resort to violence. For example, after the Wenxiang Sect rebellion was suppressed, the Tianqi Emperor had the leaders sign a guarantee that they would not cause further trouble. The Chongzhen Emperor also said, 'Even bandits are my children.' After Zhang Xianzhong and others burned down the Fengyang Imperial Tombs, as long as they accepted amnesty, Chongzhen would forgive them. The Ming Dynasty consistently upheld its tradition of non-compromise against foreign invasions, starting with the Ming Taizu Emperor, who was a staunch advocate of resistance. The Ming Chengzu Emperor died on the expedition against the Mongols. The Ming Wuzong Emperor personally went to the battlefield to defend the country… Even a military idiot like the Ming Yingzong Emperor, after being captured, would not sign any treaties for his own safety. During the Jiajing reign, the northern barbarians reached the gates of Beijing, and the Japanese pirates reached the gates of Nanjing. The Ming emperors and ministers had no complaints except for fighting; the Wanli Emperor's three great campaigns were fought from beginning to end." "You corrupt official! The gold, silver, and cloth in the national treasury are all the hard-earned money of the people. We toil all year round, struggling to pay our taxes, how can we just give them away to the Jurchens? Not a single copper coin!" Hong Antong cursed angrily a few more times, while Huang Shi listened silently. The Ming Dynasty only collected a little over two million taels of silver in taxes a year. The latter annual payment Huang Shi had just mentioned to Yuan Chonghuan was: ten thousand taels of gold, one hundred thousand taels of silver, and one hundred thousand bolts of cloth. Although this was much less than the "one hundred thousand taels of gold, one million taels of silver, and one million bolts of cloth" that Yuan Chonghuan had historically suggested the court accept, as Hong Antong had said, why should it be? "However..." Hong Antong stopped cursing after a while, his brow furrowing: "I think I just heard you cursing that corrupt official for selling out the country? Using that to curse that corrupt official Yuan seems a bit excessive, doesn't it? What makes you say that, sir?" "Is that so?" When Huang Shi heard Hong Antong ask the same question as Zhao Yingong, he merely asked a question in return and then said nothing more. Back on Juehua Island, Huang Shi intended to immediately return to the main camp to find Jin Qiude, but upon entering the camp gate, he bumped into Wu Mu and Ouyang Xin. The former was forcing the latter to draw detailed diagrams of the bastion for him. After the Battle of Juehua, Eunuch Wu had long planned to plagiarize this fortification into his military treatise. He had originally thought Huang Shi was unlikely to return today, so he took the opportunity to summon Ouyang Xin for detailed questioning. Now, caught red-handed by Huang Shi, Wu Mu's face immediately turned red. While forcing a smile, he asked Huang Shi why he hadn't stayed in Ningyuan for a couple more days, while simultaneously collecting the dozens of detailed diagrams on the table. In the end, Eunuch Wu still cherished the fruits of his labor today. Ouyang Xin, on the other hand, felt as if he had been granted a pardon and quickly slipped away. Since Huang Shi left this morning, he had been trapped by Eunuch Wu for a whole day, drawing until his wrists were almost broken.

Since exchanging views with Hong Antong, Huang Shi felt a small window open in his chest, which had been filled with suppressed anger, allowing a sliver of clarity to flow in. Therefore, after a slight hesitation, he told Wu Mu the truth. At first, Wu Mu pretended to listen, but was actually busy packing his things. Gradually, the more he listened, the slower his movements became, until finally he stopped, looking up at Huang Shi.

"Foolish, utterly foolish!" After Huang Shi explained the situation, Wu Mu's face was filled with anxiety, and he stamped his feet repeatedly, saying, "Our Great Ming Dynasty has a vast territory and hundreds of millions of people. But if you randomly pull a boy from anywhere and ask him, 'Are the Tartars trustworthy?' he will invariably answer immediately, 'No!' After surrendering, should we reduce our personnel and pay? Should we still build fortresses? If we reduce them, what if the Jurchens attack again? If we don't reduce them, wouldn't we be giving them an extra burden for nothing?"

Huang Shi nodded. "Eunuch Wu's insight is brilliant!" Huang Shi exclaimed.

"Of course!" Wu Mu puffed out his chest, his hand instinctively pressing to his heart. Although he didn't smile, based on Huang Shi's past experience, this meant that Eunuch Wu was either secretly pleased or had a long speech to give. Sure enough, Eunuch Wu's voice rose eight octaves: "Isn't it said that traveling ten thousand miles is better than reading ten years of books? I've traveled the world for many years, seen my share of storms..." Eunuch Wu was about to

launch into a long, rambling spiel, but thankfully, he eventually found his way back: "...It's like when we're escorting goods. If our weapons aren't strong enough, the mountain strongholds will never let us pass. A镖师 (bodyguard/escort) who hopes the bandits will have a change of heart is the biggest fool... I think this is similar to the pacification of Liaodong; it's better to rely on yourself than others. Besides, if the Jurchens can change their ways and stop robbing, I'll climb all the way back to Beijing on my head!"

Huang Shi couldn't help but smile: "Eunuch Wu's insight is brilliant."

"I reckon that fool is just talking nonsense at home, thinking he can make the barbarians bow down with a flick of his sleeve and a couple of coughs. He's just daydreaming. Hey, if that fool actually dared to write a letter saying he could move the Jurchens to tears and reform them with his silver tongue, he'd be famous in the capital the next day, the number one idiot in the storytellers' mouths… General Huang, you can just listen to his madness and not accompany him to write the letter, why scold him? Let him write the letter. Let him embarrass himself."

Wu Mu continued his spittle-flecked rant about Yuan Chonghuan for a while, then a look of confusion appeared on his face: "But why does General Huang accuse him of treason? That seems a bit too harsh. He's just a silver-tongued fool."

"Eunuch Wu is right, I was rash," Huang Shi smiled, changing the subject.

While peace negotiations were mostly unfeasible in the Ming Dynasty, proposing them didn't necessarily equate to treason. Historically, Yuan Chonghuan not only openly advocated for peace but also spoke to more than one person. Although people disagreed, they didn't label him a traitor, since Yuan Chonghuan didn't openly advocate abandoning territory. Huang Shi felt this showed Yuan Chonghuan still had some sense.

The Ming emperor was there to defend the land and govern the people of China; every inch of territory belonged to his ancestors, and every citizen belonged to his ancestors. Neither Yuan Chonghuan, nor Chen Xinjia who would later propose peace through ceding land, nor even the emperor himself had the right to abandon even an inch of land. This was what Huang Shi admired most about the Ming Dynasty: a nation rising up against foreign enemies to protect its people—wasn't this the most admirable and moving display of national spirit?

Huang Shi chatted with Wu Mu and Hong Antong, feeling much more at ease. Since arriving in the Ming Dynasty, Huang Shi had often felt that the country was seriously ill. Today, Yuan Chonghuan's words plunged Huang Shi into an icy abyss: "The Ming Dynasty has nurtured scholars for three hundred years, but what kind of people has it produced?

" "Fortunately, I met Zhang Yuanzhi and Zhang Pan, these great men who would rather die than surrender; fortunately, I live among a group of warriors; the spirit of these warriors, and my experiences in Liaoyang..." Huang Shi walked out of the tent and looked at the starry sky. Those heroes seemed to be smiling before him, and the spittle spat by the Liaoyang merchants seemed to still be flowing on his face. Huang Shi couldn't help but reach out and touch his cheek, his heart suddenly aching as if stabbed: "If I hadn't met you, I'm afraid I would have long since degenerated into a petty person, a slave who would kneel and beg for mercy if he couldn't win."

Although he had many feelings in his heart, Huang Shi quickly recovered. He summoned Jin Qiude to deploy military affairs, ordering him to immediately send troops to Juehua's warehouses to move supplies, in case Zhao Yingong cut off the Dongjiang Army's supplies and caused trouble for the Changsheng Army. This order was carried out without fail.

After all the arrangements were made, Huang Shi noticed Jin Qiude's puzzled expression, so he dismissed the others and recounted to him privately what had happened at the Ningyuan government office that day.

At first, Jin Qiude listened attentively, but gradually his face became full of mocking smiles. When Huang Shi mentioned the annual tribute, Jin Qiude sneered, "Only by being able to fight can we make peace, but if we can fight, why should we make peace? If we can't fight, will the Jurchens make peace with us? That's wishful thinking. Besides, wouldn't it be asking for trouble if we let them get too fat?"

Huang Shi nodded slightly, "Since ancient times, the Han and the traitors have been irreconcilable enemies. For those who first drew their swords against us, we can only accept surrender. We cannot accept peace negotiations."

Hearing Huang Shi say this... When told that surrender was the only acceptable option and peace negotiations were out of the question, Jin Qiude exclaimed, "Your Excellency speaks well! You've succinctly explained the reason for the Ming Dynasty's dominance for three hundred years. For example, although the Jurchens have been powerful for over a decade, apart from the Khorchin Mongols and Jurchens—tribes not bordering our Ming Dynasty—who dared to coexist with them? Isn't it all because of our strength?"

The Mongol tribes and the Ming Dynasty had been dealing with each other for three hundred years, and for a long time, the Ming Dynasty's national policy had been similar to that of the United States in Huang Shi's previous life. Therefore, although the Later Jin were brave and fierce, the Mongol tribes were not optimistic about their future. This was because the Ming Dynasty was known for its unwavering refusal to compromise. From the time of Genghis Khan down, the Mongols were currently mainly focused on how to cut off more Later Jin heads to exchange for silver in the Ming Dynasty, rather than colluding with the Later Jin.

Huang Shi also remembered the Manchu Qing Dynasty's servile policy towards foreign powers in his previous life: paying reparations whether defeated or won, and even squeezing some money out of anyone who threatened them. Not only do the big rogue states frequently visit, but other smaller rogue states also try to take advantage. Some people even call this farsightedness and the ability of a true man to bend and stretch. What has become of a proud and principled China, led astray by the logic of the Jurchen bondservants? Since the beginning of time, when has China ever been bullied like this?

—Wasn't Yuan Chonghuan's approach to peace negotiations touted by some experts and professors as the only way to save the Ming Dynasty? Indeed, the logic of bondservants remains unchanged; their knees are born to kneel. They will never understand the unyielding spirit of the Chinese people… Although I can't go back to my time, I firmly believe that the Chinese people, who have already stood up, will never again be misled by this kind of bondservant logic.

"Although our Great Ming is temporarily in a predicament, no matter how the Jurchens try to win us over, the Mongol tribes are unwilling to act rashly. Because they all know that China cannot remain subjugated for long; if they board the Jurchens' pirate ship today, they won't be able to get off tomorrow." Jin Qiude chuckled a few times. His tone was full of disdain and contempt: "If the court really intends to negotiate peace, they will probably think that our Great Ming is weak, and that they can plunder today and have a way out tomorrow. Heh heh, I'm afraid then the country will truly have no peace. The Jurchens are humble in their words to Lord Yuan. In my opinion, this is mostly to use this to strengthen the hearts of the Mongol tribes and break the Great Ming's encirclement of them from all sides."

Jin Qiude's insight made Huang Shi sigh again. Historically, a certain person, who was "courageous in taking on responsibilities," thought himself clever and sent someone to communicate and negotiate peace with the Later Jin without the court's permission. The Later Jin regime also pretended to be humble, which led this person to go and mourn Nurhaci. He then publicized this matter extensively in Mongolia. As a result, when the Ming Dynasty sent envoys to Mongolia again in October of the sixth year of the Tianqi reign, the Ming officials were whipped by the Mongols, who angrily rebuked them: "You Han people are so ignorant. You make us fight to the death every day, while you negotiate peace today and mourn tomorrow. We might as well have surrendered to the Later Jin."

Jin Qiude tilted his head and pondered for a moment, then suddenly let out a cold laugh: "This Lord Yuan is quite shrewd, isn't he? He seems to be repeatedly testing whether you, sir, are afraid of him; regarding your various plans to attack the Jurchens, he's probably worried that if your plans succeed, wealth and power will flow from Liaoxi to Changsheng Island, and he won't have the opportunity to gain merit; as for the amnesty, he clearly wants to claim credit for himself, but he wants you, sir, to bear the risk of being condemned by the court and the public, hmm..."

"You, sir, have refused," Jin Qiude raised an eyebrow, a hint of confusion on his face: "Why accuse him of treason? That would offend people, and it has nothing to do with treason."

"What do you consider treason?"

Jin Qiude answered without hesitation: "To cause the country to suffer losses for personal power, wealth, or life."

"Hmm, not bad." Huang Shi pondered for a moment, then looked up at Jin Qiude and said, "My mind is made up. I will impeach Inspector Yuan: He has unjustly accepted the obeisance of a general and has no respect for the emperor!"

Jin Qiude was stunned for a moment, then chuckled, "Sir, anyone with eyes can see that you are trying to frame me."

"Yes, I know, but once this impeachment is submitted, Inspector Yuan and I will be irreconcilable enemies. Anyone with eyes can see that too."

Jin Qiude stared into Huang Shi's eyes for a long time. He slowly said, "My lord, I humbly request that you reconsider. Such a wanton attack on a civil official who has just made great contributions is not only extremely harmful to your reputation, but also tantamount to openly making an enemy of all civil officials in the land."

"My lord," Jin Qiude emphasized again, asking in a deep voice, "may I be so bold as to ask you the reason for your decision?"

"The reason... I think His Majesty still appreciates me more. I think His Majesty, in order to quell the matter, will transfer him away from Liaodong. As for the reason..." Huang Shi tapped his fingers lightly on the table...

He had only spoken with Yuan Chonghuan for a short time today, and Huang Shi had already confirmed Yuan Chonghuan's utter contempt for military generals. This discovery stirred a strange unease in Huang Shi's heart. It seemed that there was a hidden danger in his previous understanding of Yuan Chonghuan, but he couldn't find this hidden danger no matter how hard he looked, which intensified Huang Shi's unease.

Until Yuan Chonghuan began to explain his opinions on the Liaodong region. Huang Shi suddenly realized that his previous deductions based on the secret letter from the traitor Liu Xingzuo were untenable. He had naively believed that the letter could prove the innocence of both Mao Wenlong and Yuan Chonghuan, but he was wrong. The letter only showed that in the eyes of Liu Xingzuo and Huang Taiji, Mao Wenlong would not betray them, but it did not prove that Yuan Chonghuan killed Mao Wenlong because he had fallen for a counter-espionage plot.

Since Yuan Chonghuan held Mao Wenlong, Man Gui, and himself in such contempt, what qualifications did a newly surrendered traitor like Liu Xingzuo have to gain his trust, and how could he possibly bring down the Left Commander-in-Chief? No, this was impossible.

Huang Shi suddenly understood that there must be another reason. What was that reason? What exactly was it?

When Yuan Chonghuan triumphantly mentioned peace talks, Huang Shi suddenly saw the light. The fog before his eyes was completely blown away, and the bloody truth was suddenly revealed, almost unbearable for Huang Shi to bear.

The reason was actually clearly stated in the book, but the lingering influence of the Manchu Qing dynasty prevented Huang Shi from facing the truth. Therefore, he always tried to interpret Yuan Chonghuan's intentions with good intentions, fabricating a story of a counter-espionage plot for himself.

"A counter-espionage plot, ah. A counter-espionage plot," Huang Shi laughed self-deprecatingly. He had painstakingly extracted knowledge from vast historical records, word by word, and this knowledge led him to understand that the counter-espionage plot claimed by the Manchu chieftain Hongli never existed.

Out of vigilance against the Jurchens, Huang Shi always chose to believe the Han people's own history books. He thought he had already broken free from the Jurchens' brainwashing: "But the poison planted by the Jurchens is still hidden in my body, and it's hidden so deeply!"

Records of the Liaodong Army of the Three Dynasties, the Veritable Records of Chongzhen, Guo Que, Northern Strategies of the Late Ming Dynasty, Anecdotes of Dongjiang, Spring and Autumn Annals of Zhenhai, Questions from Dongjiang Guests... all of these, as long as they are history books written by Han people, record the reasons why Yuan Chonghuan killed Mao Wenlong in a strikingly consistent way; all the Han people's history books put the reasons clearly in front of you, and as long as you are willing to open the book and take a look, the bloody reasons are right in front of you.

"But I just don't believe it, I just don't believe it. A national hero, a national hero—that title is just too lofty. The light it radiates is blinding, inspiring awe and making one afraid to look directly at the person. Even though I know it was forged by the Jurchens, I still instinctively want to defend him, to find reasons for him, even at the cost of deceiving myself… I don't believe the isolated evidence in the History of Ming regarding Yuan Chonghuan's counter-espionage plot, yet based on a fragmented letter, I fabricated a counter-espionage plot by Mao Wenlong. As long as I see a little historical material that might be favorable to him, it's like a drowning person seeing a straw; I have to deceive myself into believing that it's also understandable."

These scholars dared to criticize even the emperor; would they not dare to write down the facts in their books? This is the Ming Dynasty, not the Qing Dynasty!

Huang Shi muttered to himself in the empty room. Now that the fog before him had lifted, the vast amount of material he had read was like a train rolling past him.

—After Yuan Chonghuan came to power, he negotiated peace with Huang Taiji. While the Dongjiang Army was still fiercely fighting the Later Jin army, he cut off the Dongjiang Army's food and supplies;

—Yuan Chonghuan sold rice to Huang Taiji during a famine year for the Later Jin;

—The Ming court received a report that one of Huang Taiji's peace terms for Yuan Chonghuan was the execution of Mao Wenlong;

—Afterwards, Wang Qia was identified as one of the members of the peace negotiations. To clear his name, he produced a handwritten letter from Yuan Chonghuan, in which Yuan Chonghuan wrote: "The court has already decided on the peace negotiations with Huang Taiji. If Wenlong is willing to cooperate wholeheartedly, there will be no suspicion or distrust; otherwise, behead him, and Chonghuan will gladly draw his sword..."

...

Huang Shi ultimately failed to explain the reasoning to Jin Qiude, because it was impossible to explain: "Treating matters of national importance as a game, negotiating peace to justify one's own grand pronouncements, a person who cuts off the border troops' supplies for peace negotiations, a person who kills the pro-war generals for peace negotiations, a person who kowtows and flatters the enemy for peace negotiations... If such a person is a national hero, then what kind of person deserves to be called a traitor?"

"Our land of China is blessed with outstanding people and heroes. Who is trying to insult our nation, making such a noble title as 'hero' so degrading? This slave chieftain Hongli, who so distorts the truth and humiliates our nation, I truly wish I could skin you alive and devour your flesh!"

Huang Shi slammed his hand on the table again, his wound, which had just closed, burst open once more. "Before he has a chance to betray the country, even if it costs me my future, I will kick this self-righteous Yuan Dahuai out of Liaodong; I will wipe out the Jurchens completely to eliminate future troubles."

Chapter 16 Interactive:

On the fourth day of the first month of the sixth year of the Tianqi reign,

the day Huang Shi returned, Zhao Yingong came to see him, but Huang Shi refused to say anything more and said he wanted to leave immediately. Seeing his resolute attitude, Zhao Yingong didn't waste any more words.

The troops from Changsheng Island were continuously boarding the ships, and Juehua's military households were also helping to deliver fresh water and other supplies to the dock. Three days ago, after Huang Shi announced his departure, Zhao Yingong had directed the men of Juehua Island to excavate the dock. He cooperated extremely well with Huang Shi's boarding today, which gradually eased Huang Shi's initial wariness.

After lunch, the troops from Changsheng Island had largely completed boarding. Seeing that the artillerymen had also boarded the small boats, Huang Shi knew his departure was imminent. He clasped his hands in a fist salute to Zhao Yingong: "Lord Zhao, until we meet again."

Zhao Yingong smiled and returned the salute: "Until we meet again."

Before leaving, Huang Shi, reflecting on their cooperation, added another compliment: "Lord Zhao, your merits this time are immense; the court will surely reward you handsomely. I congratulate you in advance."

Unexpectedly, Zhao Yingong gave a wry smile: "General Huang is too kind. I would rather resign."

Huang Shi's heart skipped a beat, and his eyebrows twitched slightly. Looking around to make sure no one was watching, he asked softly, "Has Lord Zhao's family matter not been resolved yet?"

Zhao Yingong muttered to himself, "How can this be resolved? There's no time to find witnesses now. If it's all fabricated, nothing stays hidden forever. If the censor finds out, it won't just be a matter of improper conduct within the family. You made such a big fuss last time; many people know about it. If you agree, the censor really won't have anywhere to investigate."

Seeing that Zhao Yingong didn't speak, Huang Shi sighed again. From what he'd just said, it seemed he'd rather his two younger sisters survive, which surprised Huang Shi somewhat, but also made him more respectful.

His future was indeed very important to Zhao Yingong; he needed this job to support his mother and allow his younger brother to attend school. Stealing a glance at Huang Shi's expression, Zhao Yingong gritted his teeth. Zhao Yingong said in a humble voice, "General Huang, this honor is extremely important to me, which is why I asked for your help last time."

After a pause, Zhao Yingong continued, "Some people advised me to report my sister as a martyr to end it all. However, in my humble opinion, it won't be long before General Huang has pacified Liaodong. If my sister is still alive by then, I cannot acknowledge her. She will be homeless, so... so..."

Zhao Yingong stammered, unable to continue, but Huang Shi understood his plea. After a moment's thought, he suddenly said, "Lord Zhao, may I ask you something?"

Zhao Yingong was overjoyed to hear Huang Shi's agreement. He thought Huang Shi was worried about his reputation, so he hurriedly assured him, "General Huang, you are wise. I will keep my mouth shut and not reveal a single word."

"That's not the problem." Huang Shi was relieved that he wouldn't spread rumors, because if this matter got out, it probably wouldn't be a good thing for Zhao Yingong. Huang Shi hesitated for a moment. His softening was due to Zhao Yingong's words that he would rather give up fame and fortune than let his sister be homeless, which truly moved Huang Shi.

"Lord Zhao," Huang Shi said, "after the Jurchens are wiped out, if your elder and younger sisters are still alive… hehe, that would be fortunate indeed. But have you considered what would happen if they didn't return alone? Would you still acknowledge them?" Huang

Shi's words initially stunned Zhao Yingong, but after understanding, his face flushed red. He glared angrily at Huang Shi, seemingly ready to fight. Huang Shi met his gaze without fear. Although he knew his words were provocative, as a long-time border general in Liaodong, he had witnessed such situations many times.

If the rescued daughter had already given birth, the victim's family would naturally be furious, and the priests of Changsheng Island would try to persuade them. However, many families resolutely refused to acknowledge the child. Many people planned to drown their children. While this was morally acceptable at the time, many mothers refused to kill their children, resulting in numerous tragedies.

Zhao Yingong and Huang Shi exchanged glances for a while, their imposing manner gradually fading, and they lowered their heads. Huang Shi, however, persisted, launching into a preemptive strike: "Lord Zhao, since the Jurchen rebellion, such tragedies among the Liao people have been countless. I know you are worried about them and hope they can return safely. But have you considered that they will eventually marry into other families? If they have children, they will certainly stay with you. Are you willing to raise them?"

If Zhao Yingong's two younger sisters could return, although they certainly wouldn't marry well, finding a family to entrust their lives to wouldn't be too difficult. In this situation, the children would have to stay with their uncle, and their future marriages and careers would naturally be their uncle's responsibility.

Zhao Yingong hadn't thought much of it before, but now he knew Huang Shi was telling the truth. After tilting his head and pondering for a moment, Zhao Yingong sighed, "If they really are my sister's children, then I have no choice but to raise them."

"Since that's the case..." Huang Shi believed Zhao Yingong was telling the truth, because if he only wanted to protect his reputation, he could have simply ignored his sister's life and reported her as a martyr, then denied everything. "Alright, if the censor wants to impeach Lord Zhao, you can have the Ministry of Rites question me in your defense statement, and I will testify for you."

Zhao Yingong bowed deeply to the ground, "Thank you for your righteous help, General Huang."

...

January 11th, the sixth year of the Tianqi reign, Changsheng Island.

Upon returning to the island, Huang Shi saw He Dingyuan waiting for him at the dock. The latter

bowed deeply upon seeing Huang Shi, saying, "This humble general has lost over a hundred men; please punish me, sir." "Commander He, please rise," Huang Shi hurriedly helped He Dingyuan up. He thought for a moment, recalling Zhao Manxiong's words that Gaizhou only had fifty garrison soldiers. With fifty men, it seemed impossible for Changsheng Island to lose a hundred. "Brother He, did you go to attack Haizhou?"

He Dingyuan asked, his face full of shame. "Sir, you are wise; this humble general was greedy for credit."

Huang Shi laughed heartily, patting He Dingyuan's shoulder forcefully. "Brother He, what crime have you committed? Since you were able to attack Haizhou, Gaizhou is naturally in our hands. Isn't this a great achievement, Brother He?"

"Sir, you flatter me. Gaizhou only had fifty Jianzhou Jurchens; they all fled before this humble general even reached the city walls. How can I claim any merit?"

"Although there were no beheadings, I say it's a merit, and that's a merit." Huang Shi only wrote his own name in this victory report, intending to coordinate the overall situation before distributing the spoils to his subordinates. He had a total of 760 heads, which doubled to over 1500. Enough for his men to distribute slowly. "Let's return to the main camp first, and then we'll discuss the Haizhou matter."

Because Huang Shi ordered most of the military rations from Gaizhou to be transferred back, He Dingyuan's rations weren't enough for the entire division. In the end, he only led the Panshi Battalion and a similar number of auxiliary troops to attack Gaizhou. Seeing the Ming army arrive with 5,000 men, the Later Jin army in Gaizhou naturally fled as quickly as possible. After capturing Gaizhou without bloodshed, the still-satisfied He Dingyuan sent scouts north.

At that time, Mao Wenlong had already reached the walls of Shenyang, and Li Yunrui was temporarily acting as chief of staff. He concluded that the Later Jin army would definitely attack Shenyang first and then Haizhou, so the Panshi Battalion didn't need to worry too much about encountering a large enemy force. He Dingyuan agreed with Li Yunrui's assessment, but Yang Zhiyuan told them that their remaining military rations were running low. If they wanted to continue north, they should try attacking Haizhou to see if they could seize the Later Jin army's reserves.

Although Nurhaci was continuously transporting supplies back to Haizhou, Li Yunrui's analysis indicated that the garrison in Haizhou was actually quite limited, with no more than a thousand soldiers, perhaps only five hundred. Upon hearing this, He Dingyuan immediately decided to attack Haizhou, mobilizing the entire Panshi Camp.

At this point, He Dingyuan slammed his hand on the table. "I had initially discovered that Haizhou had many Jurchen cannons, but I assumed they were all Jurchen spoils, just cannons without gunners," Huang Shi said, his voice filled with anger and resentment. "But I didn't expect there to be so many gunners inside the city. They were firing down on our troops from the city walls, causing heavy casualties."

"How many casualties? How long did the battle last?"

Upon hearing Huang Shi's questions, a staff officer from Changsheng Island who was accompanying him produced a complete set of documents: "Sir, here is a detailed report."

After the Panshi Battalion returned to Changsheng Island, the staff officers left behind repeatedly verified the Haizhou battle, questioning almost everyone involved in the battle to gather data. This was the first time the Changsheng Army had encountered enemy artillery in combat. Therefore, Changsheng Island, from top to bottom, took it very seriously, and the officers and soldiers of the Panshi Battalion cooperated fully.

Huang Shi carefully flipped through the documents in his hands, occasionally asking questions of the staff officer beside him. Jin Qiude sat on his other side, reading the report, both with very serious expressions.

“A lot of cannons. The two city towers that were tested each had no fewer than twenty cannons, and no cannons were observed to explode. This means that these cannons are operated by trained gunners.” The two test attacks were short, but each time they cost more than fifty men and women. Huang Shi shook his head with a cold smile: “It seems we have encountered the newly surrendered Han army.”

"Your Excellency's insight is profound." Jin Qiude and He Dingyuan expressed their agreement in unison. One hundred and sixteen men had died in the attack on Haizhou Panshi Camp, many of whom had already undergone amputations by the military doctors, but still succumbed to the hardships of marching in the freezing winter. Furthermore, this was the first time Changsheng Island had abandoned some of the fallen soldiers' bodies on the battlefield, and the attempt to retrieve them resulted in further losses.

"...The existing three-pound cannons have too short a range; they would be attacked far beyond our effective range, so we did not attempt to fire them. The six-pound cannons could barely be used for counter-firing, but the gunners had to brave enemy fire to advance dozens of meters to get into range. Fortunately, the enemy was inaccurate due to the distance, but we were also inaccurate at the extreme distance, so we were completely unable to suppress the vitality on the city walls..."

Huang Shi shook his head as he read. The entire report was very pessimistic about the siege capabilities of the existing artillery, while giving high praise to the power of the enemy's artillery. "...The Jurchens deployed an extremely powerful cannon at each of the south and west gates of Haizhou. Starting from 700 meters away, the cannon bombarded our infantry formations outside the city without stopping. Within three days, none of those hit survived, resulting in the deaths of seventeen of our soldiers... Our army found several shells from this cannon on the battlefield. After testing by the training team, they seemed to be shells from an eighteen-pound cannon..." "

An eighteen-pound bronze cannon," Huang Shi murmured the name. He then placed the report flat on the table: "This should be equipment from the Guan Ning Army's artillery battalion, copied by the Ministry of Works based on the Hongyi cannon."

Huang Shi immediately picked up a pen and wrote a letter, sealing the envelope with wax before handing it to a staff officer: "Send a few men from the training corps with fifty muskets to Juehua. Give this letter and the muskets to Lieutenant General Yao Yuxian, and ask him to cooperate in allowing us to test his eighteen-pound bronze cannons and then record the data back."

"Yes, sir."

The military industry on Changsheng Island was very weak. There were simply too many projects to develop, and for a long time, there had been no pressure on the artillery, so there had been little investment. Huang Shi silently pondered for a moment. It seemed he needed to discuss with Bao Jiusun whether they could start producing nine-pound and twelve-pound iron cannons.

...

January 21st, the sixth year of the Tianqi reign, Beijing.

The Emperor frowned, repeatedly reading Huang Shi's memorial. He couldn't help but ask Wei Zhongxian beside him, "General Huang's impeachment is utterly absurd!"

In the memorial, Huang Shi impeached Yuan Chonghuan for being arrogant, accepting his kowtow without returning the courtesy, and so on. Hearing the Emperor's question, Wei Zhongxian quickly nodded and bowed, softly agreeing, "Your Majesty's insight is profound; it is indeed absurd."

"It wasn't Lord Yuan who forced him to kowtow. I suspect even Lord Yuan doesn't know he carries the Imperial Sword with him," Tianqi muttered a few more times, finally setting the memorial aside and looking at Wei Zhongxian with suspicion. "General Huang isn't such an absurd person; there must be a reason."

"Your Majesty's wisdom is boundless. Here is a secret report from Wu Mu, the military supervisor of Changsheng Island," Wei Zhongxian said, and a eunuch presented another memorial. Tianqi grabbed Wu Mu's report from the tray, ripped it open, and began to read.

After reading only a few lines, Tianqi's tightly furrowed brows relaxed, and he let out a long sigh of relief: "So that's what happened. Thank goodness."

"Your Majesty, please forgive me. In my humble opinion, Yuan Chonghuan was merely lamenting the wasteful expenditure of the Liaodong military funds, so he mentioned it casually during a chat. However, Dongjiang Town is different from Liaodong Town. The entire clan of Mao Wenlong, the General Commander of Dongjiang, suffered the loss of three hundred members at the hands of the Jurchens, with only his eldest son escaping to the capital; the Deputy General Commander Chen Jisheng also perished with his entire family; as for Huang Shi... I remember he was from Kaiyuan, and he too lost his family, fleeing alone from Liaodong to Guangning to join the army."

"Hmm, Lord Yuan is not wrong, he merely touched upon Huang Shi's sore spot; Huang Shi acted out of anger and submitted such an absurd impeachment, he is not wrong either." Tianqi casually tossed Wu Mu's secret memorial back into the tray. His expression had relaxed: "Keep this memorial in the central government; there's no need to send it to the cabinet for discussion."

"Yes, Your Majesty," Wei Zhongxian bowed in agreement. With a flick of his sleeve, someone came up and collected both memorials, taking them to the palace archives.

The next day, Wei Zhongxian came running to Emperor Tianqi again, nagging, "Your Majesty, news of victory from Liaodong has arrived."

"...Huang Shi beheaded 760 enemies, Yao Yuxian beheaded 411 enemies, Jin Guan beheaded 385 enemies, Hu Yining beheaded 366 enemies, Zhang Guoqing beheaded 200 enemies... Man Gui beheaded 120 enemies, Zu Dashou beheaded 80 enemies, Zhao Shuaijiao beheaded 50 enemies..."

After the victory report was read aloud, Tianqi laughed heartily, "Juehua is truly a place where dragons and tigers hide! It turns out there are so many of my fierce generals here. Haha, they all sound about as good as General Huang."

Wei Zhongxian, standing to the side, said with a smile, "Your Majesty is wise beyond measure. Isn't this all because of General Huang's might? If Your Majesty hadn't sent General Huang to Juehua, they would have been lucky to avoid defeat. How could they have had the opportunity to achieve such great merit? In the end, isn't this merit all bestowed upon them by Your Majesty?"

Tianqi nodded in great agreement and laughed happily twice, saying, "Hmm, you're right. Has this victory report been sent to the Cabinet for discussion?"

"Your Majesty, it has been sent."

“Good, Yuan Chonghuan made good plans, winning both battles against Juehua and Ningyuan. He is a talented commander. As for Juehua, that Zhao…” Tianqi stopped halfway through his sentence. He felt the name was on the tip of his tongue, but he couldn’t remember it at all.

Wei Zhongxian quickly whispered a reminder: "Zhao Yingong."

"Hmm, not bad. I'm certain he's a promising talent. Let the cabinet discuss it first. After they've decided on the reward, don't rush to approve it. Show it to me first, I'm afraid they'll be stingy and not reward him enough."

Wei Zhongxian drawled out, "Yes, Your Majesty."

Then his voice changed again: "Your Majesty, Yuan Chonghuan has submitted a memorial impeaching himself, which was sent through the Office of Transmission. A copy has already been sent to the cabinet, and the cabinet is currently discussing it."

Tianqi asked in surprise, "Impeaching himself? What is Lord Yuan impeaching himself for?"

"Your Majesty, isn't it about the Huangshi incident? Lord Yuan impeached himself for his inappropriate words, causing discord between the civil and military officials."

"Oh dear, this is troublesome." Tianqi scratched his head, pondered for a while but couldn't come up with a good solution, and then asked, "What did the cabinet say?"

"Your Majesty, the cabinet is baffled. They drafted a document requiring Yuan Chonghuan to defend himself and issued a document questioning the origins of the Huangshi incident."

"Keep them all, keep them all! What's with all the self-justification and questioning?" Tianqi grew impatient. He said hastily, "Keep them all."

"Yes, Your Majesty. However, this old servant believes that discord between the civil and military officials is indeed detrimental to the country. Yuan Chonghuan is quite sensible and naturally unharmed, but this old servant thinks it would be best to offer him some gentle praise. As for Huang Shi, shouldn't we also appease him?"

"Hmm, you're right." Tianqi frowned again. He pondered for a while, feeling that he wasn't quite sure how to handle the situation, so he directly ordered Wei Zhongxian, "You handle it as you see fit. Make sure you do things well."

"Yes, Your Majesty."

Can Wanren Zhifeng bear the burden? Chapter 17 Speculation

On the 22nd day of the first month of the sixth year of Tianqi's reign, on the official road from Liaoyang to Shenyang,

the Later Jin army was attacked by the Mongol Bayan tribe on their return journey, losing some of their carts and wasting considerable time. These Mongols originally intended to evacuate before the large-scale fighting force of the Later Jin arrived. However, due to the severe drought that had plagued the Mongolian grasslands year after year, most tribes were starving. As a result, a small number of them were reluctant to leave. In the end, although they managed to plunder a large and fat man, their slowed pace allowed the Later Jin army to catch up with them.

Nurhaci did not kill all the prisoners. On the contrary, the Later Jin not only treated them well with a meal, but also gave them a batch of grain before releasing them. Nurhaci wrote a polite letter to the chieftain of Bayan Mongol, pointing out that both the Mongols and the Later Jin were poor, and that it would be better to plunder the Ming Dynasty together than for these poor people to fight amongst

themselves. After returning home, Nurhaci wrote another letter to Genghis Khan, this one also very polite, with generous gifts. Furthermore, Nurhaci listed his spoils from his time in Liaoxi. The implication was clear: Nurhaci hoped to unite with Genghis Khan; plundering the Ming Dynasty would benefit both.

This morning, Nurhaci's envoy returned… or rather, only one person from Nurhaci's envoy group returned—a groom released by Genghis Khan with a letter. In the letter, Genghis Khan berated Nurhaci severely.

Genghis Khan accepted Nurhaci's gifts, then had the entire envoy group slaughtered. It's said Genghis Khan planned to claim the heads were battlefield spoils and send them to the Ming Dynasty to exchange for silver.

The Bayan Mongols also delayed in replying to Nurhaci. News also came from the Liaohe River bend that a small group of Mongols had secretly crossed the Liaohe River the day before yesterday. They killed over a dozen bondservant soldiers and fled back; reportedly, they were also Bayan Mongols.

Nurhaci was furious, but helpless. He had rested in Liaozhong for several days, and the Dongjiang army in Gaizhou seemed to have shifted to defense. Now that the situation in Haizhou had stabilized, Nurhaci decided to inspect Shenyang and, incidentally, meet with the envoys from the Khorchin Mongols.

Dai?an, Mangultai, and Huang Taiji were in the entourage; knowing Nurhaci was in a bad mood, the three brothers kept their distance at the back to avoid upsetting him. However, the other two younger brothers who came with them today didn't seem to have this concern. Mangultai squinted at Dorgon and Dodo ahead; the two seemed to have pleased the old man quite a bit, and the three of them were laughing and joking the whole time.

Daishan lagged behind Mangultai by a horse length and was chatting with Huang Taiji: "Those Mongols are even poorer than us, so why don't they dare to raid the Ming Dynasty? Are they willing to starve to death?" "

Those cowardly rats, sigh. Over the past few hundred years, they've been terrified by the Ming Dynasty." Huang Taiji shook his head helplessly, then sighed with a bitter smile: "This is due to the Ming Dynasty's accumulated power. We're now in a difficult situation, but others don't want to join us... Great Beile, look, the Khorchin Mongols have formed an alliance with us through marriage, their alliance is so strong. If we were to fight Ligdan Khan, it would be no problem at all, but to get them to openly join forces with us to fight the Ming Dynasty, they'll make all sorts of excuses and absolutely refuse."

"I've heard about this too." Although Daishan was mainly in charge of Liaonan, he was also very concerned about this kind of grand strategy. Although the Later Jin army had won many battles over the years, apart from a few impoverished Mongol men who couldn't survive, no one wanted to rely on the Later Jin for sustenance: "I've also heard that some chieftains in the Khorchin Mongol region are privately discussing that no matter if the war lasts ten, twenty, or even fifty years, the Ming Dynasty will definitely defeat us."

"Yes, right now the Khorchin Mongols only need to exchange salt and grain with us because they don't border the Ming Dynasty. If we're in trouble, they'll definitely stab us in the back. It's a pity that Yang Hao almost agreed to negotiate peace with us back then." Huang Taiji's words evoked a sigh from Daishan.

Back then, after Nurhaci attacked the Ming Dynasty's government troops, he took the initiative to request peace from the Liaodong Military Command.

Because Nurhaci proposed paying tribute and becoming a vassal, Yang Hao almost agreed to Nurhaci's demands. Yang Hao believed that Nurhaci hadn't occupied much border territory, and mobilizing a large army to suppress him would be too costly. However, this peace request, once reported to Beijing, was immediately rejected by the Wanli Emperor, who ordered the mobilization of troops from Liaodong to sweep through the region. This was the Battle of Sarhu.

After the Battle of Sarhu, Nurhaci again sought peace. He said he wanted nothing but a formal title from the Ming Dynasty. His successor, Xiong Tingbi, the Liaodong military commissioner, scoffed at this, saying that setting such a precedent would ensure endless border troubles. Xiong Tingbi not only refused to consider peace negotiations but also informed all Mongol tribes that anyone who dared to trade with the Later Jin would be an enemy of the Ming Dynasty.

Subsequently, Nurhaci twice led the main force of the Eight Banners to attack Liaodong, but both times Xiong Tingbi, taking advantage of his home ground, defeated him in open field battles, and the Later Jin gained nothing. Three years later, Xiong Tingbi recovered more than a dozen fortresses; except for Fushun, the Later Jin had been driven out of the Liaodong border. Mao Wenlong also distinguished himself at this time. After a year of fierce fighting, he recovered Gushan Fort and other places, accumulating merits and being promoted to guerrilla general.

Fortunately for the Later Jin… the Wanli Emperor died in time.

After Wang Huazhen came to power, Nurhaci again wanted to negotiate peace with him. Huang Taiji, recalling this, sighed, "At that time, we occupied the entire Liaodong region. The Khan endured his repeated curses, each time trying to entice him to negotiate with kind words and the promise of withdrawing from the border wall. But although Wang Huazhen was arrogant and incompetent, he simply wouldn't take the bait, offering only rude insults and vicious curses."

Daishan, recalling these years, forced a smile and said, "Recently, hasn't Father Khan started peace talks with Yuan Chonghuan of Ningyuan again? I heard the progress is quite good."

"The effect was indeed quite good. That Yuan Chonghuan was extremely arrogant. Father Khan originally wrote 'Lord Yuan' in the letter, but the messenger said that Yuan Chonghuan looked displeased. So in the second letter, Father Khan changed it to 'Old Lord Yuan.' Yuan Chonghuan was very pleased with himself and showed off the letter everywhere, believing that he had the ability to debate with scholars and that his demeanor could intimidate foreign vassals."

Huang Taiji couldn't help but laugh as he spoke, his tone sarcastic and mocking. "What happened next was even more interesting. Father Khan noticed his arrogance and played to his whims, saying that we had to go to war with the Ming Dynasty because we were starving, and that if we were given some silver to eat every year, we would be willing to leave the border and become peaceful border residents. Yuan Chonghuan seemed to agree wholeheartedly and even seriously started discussing with Father Khan how much silver would be enough to feed our entire tribe."

"Isn't that great?" Daishan laughed as well, a smug look on his face. With renewed vigor, he straightened his back: "If this precedent is set, won't all the Mongol tribes rush to attack the Ming Dynasty, vying for the annual tribute... ha, annual gifts?"

Unlike Dai?an, Huang Taiji wasn't optimistic. He said with a heavy heart, "How could that be? I understood after Wang Huazhen refused to negotiate. Father Khan keeps thinking about the example of Altan Khan. Altan Khan stirred up trouble on the Ming border for so many years, and even if he lowered his stance a little, the Ming Dynasty still granted him a title and opened trade. So Father Khan always hopes to trick the Ming Dynasty into starting peace talks, so that he can win over the Mongols to our alliance. But we and Altan Khan..." "It's the same," said Daishan. "We occupy the Ming Dynasty's borderlands. If the Ming Dynasty were to negotiate peace and return the land before we withdrew, wouldn't that be showing weakness to the world and encouraging neighboring countries to attack the Ming Dynasty? So even if Yuan Chonghuan were willing, is there really no one in the entire Ming court who understands this? Look, in all these years, we've only encountered one Yuan Chonghuan."

Daishan pondered for a moment and agreed with Huang Taiji's reasoning. He looked disappointedly at Nurhaci in front of him, who was still happily chatting and laughing with his two youngest sons: "Then why don't you go and talk to your father? Why embarrass yourself in front of Yuan Chonghuan for nothing?"

"Father Khan is getting old and has become stubborn. He's not very receptive to advice. Sigh, since Father Khan wants to play games with Yuan Chonghuan, let him play. But I still maintain that the Ming court can't be entirely devoid of wise men. This deterrent power was earned at the cost of several emperors going to war, one emperor dying on the battlefield, and another being captured. So, Father Khan's correspondence with Yuan Chonghuan is useless; it will still be rejected by the Ming court, unless Yuan Chonghuan dares to abandon his court and negotiate peace with us privately, but... where in the world could there be such an arrogant and conceited person?"

...

After Nurhaci arrived in Shenyang, Amin and Jirgalang accompanied him to inspect the outskirts of Shenyang. The grass roots and field mice on the ground, the bird nests and tree bark in the trees... there was nothing left.

"Mao Wenlong came from this road." Jirgalang pointed towards Xianning Fort, then towards Fushun: "Mao Wenlong took this road again."

“There’s nothing left on these two roads, absolutely nothing.” Amin’s facial muscles twitched incessantly; he had nearly vomited blood several times in recent days from heartache. There were also rumors that the Second Prince, after inspecting the route to the Dongjiang army, had secretly shed tears in private: “Everything with four legs, except for the tables, has been eaten by Mao Wenlong. Everything that could be moved, except for stones, has been taken by Mao Wenlong.”

Unlike the agitated Amin, Nurhaci didn’t react much. He explained that the spoils brought back from Liaoxi were plentiful, enough to allocate some to Amin’s Bordered Blue Banner. After all, the gains from this expedition far outweighed the losses. The desolate land before him was comparable to Liaoxi, which Nurhaci had visited; their foraging skills were undoubtedly masterful. Nurhaci sighed self-deprecatingly, “Wenlong and I are indeed brothers taught by the same master.”

Nurhaci couldn’t help but recall his interactions with Mao Wenlong many years ago. Back then, Nurhaci and Mao Wenlong were both servants under Li Chengliang. They even drank together then, but so much time had passed that Nurhaci couldn't remember what Mao Wenlong looked like at all. He said calmly, "With Wenlong here, I cannot trouble my troops to launch a distant attack, lest the women and children at home be disturbed."

... At the same time, Jin Qiude

on Changsheng Island was taking a walk on a deserted spot on the beach with Zhao Manxiong, who was left behind to guard the island.

Jin Qiude seized an opportunity to summon Zhao Manxiong and recounted the entire conflict between Huang Shi and Yuan Chonghuan. Then, somewhat anxiously, he said, "My lord won't listen to advice and insists on impeaching Yuan Chonghuan. I can't stop him. What should I do?"

"Don't worry, don't worry, let me think about it… think about it slowly."

After walking several miles with his hands behind his back, Zhao Manxiong stopped, coughed lightly, and covered his mouth with his right fist. Jin Qiude's spirits lifted, and he listened intently to Zhao Manxiong's reasoning…

"It's getting late. Let's stop here for now. Let me go back tonight and think about it carefully… think about it slowly."

…

The next day, Jin Qiude brought up the matter again. Zhao Manxiong slowly asked, "What kind of person do you think Yuan Chonghuan is?"

"He's prone to boasting, extremely arrogant, and acts recklessly."

"Is he foolish?"

"It's hard to say. From the perspective of advocating for peace negotiations, it seems foolish. But he repeatedly tested the lord before saying this, only speaking up after he thought the lord could be manipulated at will. In the end, he even tried to make the lord take risks and take the blame. He doesn't seem foolish at all."

Zhao Manxiong sighed after hearing this: "Brother Jin, you come from a good family, right? You shouldn't have suffered too much."

He didn't wait for Jin Qiude to reply. Zhao Manxiong continued, "Yuan Chonghuan was a Jinshi (successful candidate in the highest imperial examination) in the 47th year of the Wanli reign. He was already quite old then, and his mentor was unknown; he would soon be appointed as a local official. Without special circumstances, someone like him would likely remain a minor official his entire life, right?"

"That's right, hmm, I understand what you mean," Jin Qiude sneered. "Brother Zhao is saying that Yuan Chonghuan was actually always gambling, always taking unconventional approaches, hence his boastful pronouncements to attract attention."

"Yes, I've seen many people like that. I heard he went to the Ministry of War and said something… something like: 'Give me hundreds of thousands of troops, enough weapons and provisions, and I can wipe out the Jurchens all by myself.' Right?" "

Something like: 'Give me hundreds of thousands of troops, enough weapons and provisions, and I can defend Shanhaiguan all by myself.' But it's pretty much what you said. Go on."

“This morning I checked the records about Yuan Chonghuan kept in the Imperial Guard. The lord has collected quite a lot. Hmm, some of the records that impressed me were: when Governor Yan ordered him to check the numbers, he killed people without hesitation; and this time, General Gao advocated retreating to the border, while Vice Minister Yan advocated holding the border. The General Gao has always had the final say in Liaodong affairs, but Yuan Chonghuan supported the Ministry of War's opinion. Isn't that considered taking a risky approach?”

Jin Qiude thought for a moment and nodded silently: “He deliberately makes grand pronouncements and takes risky approaches. He tries every means to attract attention, gambling his future on matters of national importance. If he wins, he gets promoted very quickly; if he loses…”

“If he loses, the state will cover the gamble. As long as he’s bold and alive, he can gamble even more next time. He can try to win it all back.” Zhao Manxiong smiled and asked Jin Qiude, “Look, no one in the court dares to negotiate peace, but if peace is achieved and the Jurchens really withdraw from Liaodong, what a great achievement Yuan Chonghuan would make! The state would spend countless amounts of money and lives to accomplish what he couldn’t, but he did it with a wave of his hand. I think that would be enough to be recorded in history books, wouldn’t it?”

Jin Qiude argued, “But the Jurchens will never negotiate peace. Peace would be detrimental to the state.”

“Well said. If we were tricked by the Jurchens, not only would the country be disgraced, but the prestige of the Ming Dynasty would also be ruined, so no one dares to do it. If it weren’t for such a great danger, the Emperor, Yang, Xiong, Wang, and Sun would have done it long ago. Why would they have waited until today, or even have it been Yuan Chonghuan’s turn? But there is also a possibility. How do you know that the Jurchens are not afraid of the Ming Dynasty’s accumulated power and are so worried about their future that they can’t eat or drink? How do you know that the Jurchens don’t want to live a peaceful life with the treasures they have plundered over the years? How do you know that the Jurchens don’t want to get out of this predicament of being caught between a rock and a hard place?”

Jin Qiude was stunned for a while before muttering, “There is such a possibility, but the possibility is too small and the risk is too great.”

"Losing means national loss, and Yuan Chonghuan might just lose his post; winning means going down in history and becoming a high-ranking official. Would you take the gamble?"

Jin Qiude stopped, and Zhao Manxiong also stopped, watching him with interest. After a long while, Jin Qiude said, "You mean: disobeying orders and holding Ningyuan and Juehua means that if we lose, 100,000 soldiers and civilians will perish, and Yuan Chonghuan will also die; if we win, we'll be promoted six ranks. If we don't gamble, who will even know about a small Ningqian Circuit? If you're willing to gamble with your life, wouldn't you be willing to risk losing your post?"

"I didn't say that. That's your reasoning. You're judging others by your own petty standards. Ningyuan and Xiongcheng are fine, but I suspect that if you hadn't gone to Juehua, there probably wouldn't be any survivors there by now." Zhao Manxiong shrugged, avoiding the question.

"This isn't stupidity, it's treachery!"

"Gambling one's future with the fate of the nation is certainly treachery. If Yuan Chonghuan really thought that way, then you're absolutely right to call him a traitor. It's like Qin Hui of the Song Dynasty. Those who sing operas all say he was a spy sent by the Jin Dynasty. Those who tell the story of the Yang family generals also say that Wang Qinruo—what was his name again?"

"Wang Qinruo?" Jin Qiude had read more books than Zhao Manxiong, and there happened to be some history of the Song Dynasty among them.

"That's probably the name. They say he was also sent by Empress Dowager Xiao. I don't think there were that many sent. In my opinion, they were all just using the blood of soldiers and the future of the nation to secure their own advancement. To say they're traitors, heh heh, does that mean only those sent out are traitors? I really don't believe Qin Hui would give up being the prime minister of the Great Song Dynasty to truly be loyal to the Tartars."

"Then isn't Your Excellency in danger? Now Your Excellency is blocking his path to peace negotiations."

"If it's just stupidity, Your Excellency will be fine. But if Yuan Chonghuan is a treacherous minister, then he will treat the pro-war generals the same way Qin Hui treated Yue Wang." Looking at Jin Qiude's tense expression, Zhao Manxiong's eyes flashed with a hint of mockery: "However… isn't this an opportunity for you?"

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