Chapter 266: Heroic Troubles and Strategist's Illness (Part 2)

The carriage returned to the Qin residence, where a Qixi banquet was also being held. It was jointly organized by Lady Qin and Yun Niang. Although the Qin family’s prominence had only recently revived, and many relatives had not yet arrived, in the capital, when the Right Chancellor’s mansion hosted a banquet, there was no shortage of people eager to attend. Disciples and old acquaintances, close and distant relatives, had received invitations days ago and were preparing to come. Even those not invited, if they had any connections, racked their brains to find a way in to meet certain important figures.

A large household operates with a complex system, the full scope of which might be difficult for those within or without to grasp. Everything—comings and goings, what to write, what gifts to send, what invitations to deliver, what to say, what paths to take, and with whom to converse—had its own rules. At this moment, the Right Chancellor’s mansion was a hive of activity, operating in layers, complex yet orderly, amidst a festive atmosphere. Guests dined and conversed in the main hall, while maids, stewards, servants, gatekeepers, chefs… were busy with their respective duties throughout the residence. Of course, once rules were established, there were always some who didn’t need to abide by them.

Qin Siyuan alighted from his carriage and entered through the main gate. After greeting everyone in the great hall and exchanging a few words, he headed towards the back courtyard. Stewards and servants followed him, reporting and receiving instructions. The rules seemed to entwine around him like countless intricate, invisible threads as he moved towards the rear of the mansion. Only upon entering his study did he wave away those accompanying him. They dispersed slightly, but the rules, of course, remained. The study was already lit. He closed the door, and silence descended. From a bookshelf, he opened a secret compartment and took out two thin paper packets.

There were many other secret compartments in the room used for archiving, but he remembered each one clearly. He placed the paper packets on the desk, opened them under the oil lamp, and examined their contents for a while. They were all document-type scrolls, though it was unclear what exactly they recorded. After a quick scan, the old man ground some ink, took out paper, sat down, and began writing letters.

Faint sounds of the banquet from the main hall drifted in from outside the window. The old man’s hand was steady, and his thoughts were clear. He wrote two letters with hardly any pauses, then sealed them in envelopes. He was about to rise but, after a moment’s thought, sat down to write one more. Placing all three letters in his sleeve, he picked up the two packets of scrolls and exited the room. The stewards and servants quickly reappeared.

“Have Qixian and Yubai arrived?”

“Both gentlemen are waiting in the side hall.”

“…Do not let unauthorized persons approach.”

“Yes, Master.”

The group headed to a side of the Chancellor’s mansion. As they turned a corridor, they could see the lights of the main hall and hear the lively laughter drifting over. The side hall was comparatively quiet. When the old man entered, two young men stood up. One was dressed in a scholar’s robe, the other in a military officer’s uniform. That uniform indicated he was a Regional Commander, typically wielding authority over an army, a high-ranking officer of local forces like the Wulie or Wude armies. He was likely back in the capital for reporting duties or other reasons.

“Teacher Qin.”

“Teacher Qin…”

“Sit, no need for formalities.” The scholar and the military officer had stood to bow. Qin Siyuan waved his hand. “Qixian, Yubai, you’ve both heard about today’s events, haven’t you?”

The younger scholar, named Fang Yubai, nodded first: “Hangzhou has fallen. I’ve also heard about today’s court debates. Those people are so shortsighted…”

Before he finished, Commander Chen Qixian, frowning, spoke: “I heard that Wang Bing and Yang Keshi are leading the northern expedition, while Grand Councillor Tong will head south. They will regret this sooner or later…”

“We can talk about regrets later. What’s important is how to deal with this. I’ve recommended both of you to join the army; the official dispatch will come tomorrow. Also, Tang Sixian, Yu Rui, Shen Qipeng, Ji Haifang – you all know each other. Now, Wang Bing will be the commander, Yang Keshi the supervisor, and Sixian the deputy general. After them, it will be you, Qixian, with Yubai assisting you. The role you people can play should not be underestimated, even though it will certainly be very troublesome.”

Qin Siyuan spoke, frowning: “I don’t need to investigate to imagine that Tong Guan has already summoned his close confidants to his residence and is now ‘admonishing’ Wang Bing and Yang Keshi. Knowing his nature, he’s surely saying that he has great hopes for the northern expedition, that this is an unparalleled feat for the nation and its people, and that while he… cannot yet go north, everyone must still strive to fight for the country and reclaim You-Yan. When success is achieved, he will drink with them and request commendations for the soldiers…”

At the same moment, in Grand General Tong’s residence, military commanders had gathered as expected. Tong Guan, frowning, was speaking. Though a well-known eunuch, Tong Guan was entirely unlike the typical image of one. He was powerfully built and tall, with dark skin, appearing not only straight-backed but also incredibly robust, like iron and bronze. His voice, when he spoke, was full of vigor. To have risen as a eunuch to his current position of commanding the nation’s military, he exuded an air of dominance in every gesture. At this moment, he was addressing them concerning today’s court affairs.

“…The Fang La banditry, the disaster in Hangzhou, is imminent. To quell external threats, internal unrest must first be removed. His Majesty sending me south demonstrates his seriousness about this! However… in our current Wu Dynasty, suppressing banditry is not the most crucial thing. The Sixteen Prefectures of Yan-Yun have been lost for nearly two hundred years. Our Wu Dynasty has lost its northern barrier. We, as ministers and soldiers, should feel a sense of urgency every single day! Collaborating with the Jurchens to attack the Khitans – I have been managing this for several years. Now is the perfect opportunity, a time for men to achieve great deeds, establish everlasting glory, and leave their names in history. All of you heading north, you must wholeheartedly assist Generals Wang and Yang in reclaiming the northern territories. I will do my utmost to quell the rebellion and then go north myself. Though I cannot accompany you now, my desire to achieve merit and slay the enemy is with all of you…”

“Wang Bing and Yang Keshi aren’t here, but with him saying this, those two will know what to do. This northern expedition is bound to face many delays and waste provisions. Because they know that if they seize Grand Councillor Tong’s credit this time, even if they enjoy temporary glory, they will inevitably suffer Tong Guan’s terrible revenge later.”

At the Qin residence, Qin Siyuan spoke, taking out the two packets of scrolls and three letters.

“However, His Majesty also places great hopes on this northern expedition. If they merely scheme and achieve nothing, Tong Guan might compensate them later, but when Heaven’s wrath descends, they will have to face it then.” He placed the items on the table, and Qin Siyuan’s face grew cold: “Tong Guan will speak on their behalf, and if it’s only His Majesty involved, they might be safe for a while. But if it’s His Majesty, plus myself and Chancellor Li, then whether they can withstand it is something they’ll have to consider… I have some incriminating evidence against them: their arrogance, their extortion, their families causing trouble in their hometowns, bullying men and women. I don’t care about these things; by themselves, they can’t convict them, or at most, only lead to minor punishments. But if we add the matter of the northern expedition…”

“After you head north, this letter can be given to Sixian and the others to see, explaining my intentions. Although the south is currently turbulent, most regions have finished their autumn harvest. I will ensure all provisions and military supplies are available at the rear. The army can have everything it desires; we will grit our teeth and ensure this battle is fought well. I will arrange for people to provoke trouble along the borders, and you can also seize opportunities to act. The war must break out; the timing cannot be missed.”

The old man paused: “After the fighting begins, or if Wang Bing and Yang Keshi encounter any problems before that, show them these two packets and two letters. Then tell them that I want a victory, a victory against the Jurchens. The cost doesn’t matter; a narrow win or a Pyrrhic victory is fine. I want the kind of victory that can decisively change the situation. If they win, Chancellor Li, His Majesty, and I will do everything to ensure their safety and guarantee their names will be immortalized and their families prosperous for generations. I, Qin Siyuan, do not speak falsely. But if they don’t fight, or if they dare to lose, you also tell those two that Chancellor Li and I will spare no effort to ensure that not even a chicken or dog remains of their nine ancestral clans. This is to… warn whoever takes their place next…”

His voice was not loud, but it was decisive and resolute. The two students spoke with the old man for a while longer, then left with their orders. The old man sat in the side hall for a bit. Someone came with a lamp—it was Lady Qin, dressed in formal attire, carrying a small bowl. Having been married for decades, seeing Qin Siyuan’s expression, the elderly lady understood the gravity of the situation. However, she simply placed the small bowl on the table.

“I saw your expression in the main hall earlier and feared you hadn’t eaten again. I just took a moment away; I heard Qixian and Yubai had left, so I came to check on you. These are all your favorites. The quail eggs are very well made; have a few first.”

The old man nodded, picking up his chopsticks: “I’m afraid I’ve caused you to worry, my dear.”

Silence settled in the side hall. The old man ate a few bites of food, then, remembering something, tilted his head and said, “Hangzhou has fallen…”

The elderly lady blinked: “Ah… Qian Xiwen, and that boy Li Heng, they’re both there, aren’t they…”

“Yes, it’s true. I originally thought the Wude Camp in Hangzhou was an elite force, and even though they’d suffered an earthquake, they should have been able to hold out against a mob of rebels. Who knew… Before reinforcements from either side arrived, it fell. Alas, whenever Fang La captures a place, he almost completely slaughters officials, gentry, and wealthy households. Now Hangzhou has fallen, and the surrounding area is full of rebel armies. I only hope… they can escape safely…”

He sighed, his gaze drifting outside the side hall, beyond the courtyard wall. A thousand li away, the same starry sky visible in Bianjing appeared. A firework rose into view and burst.

On the same Qixi night, a thousand li away, Jiangning City was also filled with a lively, festive atmosphere. Pleasure boats adorned the Qinhuai River, and flower-decorated floats paraded through the streets and alleys. On a small building by a slightly secluded river bend, a cool breeze swept across the lantern-hung terrace, laden with various fruits and foods. Two women were holding a small Qiqiao banquet. The one in a white dress with flowing long hair was Nie Yunzhu; the other, dressed in a goose-yellow gown, was Yuan Jin’er, playfully dancing with her hands clasped together like a snake coiling upwards.

Not far off were the bright lights of the bustling city. Occasionally, people and carriages passed on the riverside road. As silver moonlight streamed down, Yuan Jin’er’s dance merged with the surrounding orange-yellow lamplight, forming an incredibly pleasing sight. Nie Yunzhu, however, merely watched with a smile, casually plucking the guzheng beside her, just to add to the fun. Yet, her smile always seemed a bit strained and distant; the woman’s heart was no longer truly there.

Yuan Jin’er naturally understood this. Over the past few days, news of the Hangzhou earthquake and the Fang La banditry had reached Jiangning to varying degrees; anyone who tried could find out. Sister Yunzhu had been concerned about these matters all day. Initially, she appeared calm, but inwardly she had become anxious, and by now, that anxiety could no longer be suppressed and was fully visible on her face. If she hadn’t known that worrying was useless, she would probably have packed her bags and rushed directly to Hangzhou long ago. For this reason, Yuan Jin’er tried to be as cheerful as possible every day, attempting to make her sister happier. The effect was naturally limited, but at the moment, there was nothing else she could do. On another note, she harbored some resentment towards the absent son-in-law scholar in Hangzhou; if it weren’t for him, if Sister Yunzhu hadn’t met him, wouldn’t everything be simpler, and everyone free from worries…?

At this small banquet, the two women were the main figures, while Yuan Jin’er’s maid, Kou’er, was responsible for bringing various items. Halfway through the banquet, Yunzhu’s maid, Hú Tao, who was already married, also arrived. Hú Tao seemed troubled; she spoke with Kou’er while busy outside, then joined the gathering as usual. Yuan Jin’er, however, noticed Hú Tao’s discomfort. During a trip to the latrine, she pulled Kou’er aside outside and questioned her.

Kou’er also frowned: “Hú Tao said, Hú Tao said… her husband Er Niu just heard news from some merchants traveling from the southeast. They said… the southeast is in complete chaos! They heard Hangzhou was breached, and there are bandits everywhere, many rebels have risen up with poles. Over there… over there, no one can escape…”

“What…?” Yuan Jin’er’s eyes widened. For a moment, she couldn’t identify her feelings. Before she could process it, Yunzhu’s voice came from behind: “What… did you say?”

Turning around, Yunzhu stood at the doorway, looking at the two mistress and maid. Her face was as white as paper, her slender body trembling slightly. Her white dress seemed to glow faintly, making her appear somewhat transparent, as if she could evaporate and drift away from the world at any moment. That was naturally an illusion. The very next moment, as Yuan Jin’er had this feeling, Yunzhu lifted her skirt and rushed out. Jin’er let out a shriek, “Ah—!”, and fiercely wrapped her arms around Yunzhu’s waist, pressing her head desperately against Yunzhu’s body, yelling, “Kou’er! Get the carriage! Get the carriage! Get the carriage now—Sister Yunzhu, I’ll go with you, I’ll go with you! —Ahhh—!”

Shortly after, a carriage drove through the city streets and stopped in front of the Princess Chengguo’s residence. The two women alighted and rushed towards the gate, only to be stopped by guards. The beautiful woman in the white dress, who was leading, trembled slightly, crying and pleading with clasped hands. The woman behind her also caught up. After waiting a while, someone emerged from the residence and welcomed the two women inside. They met Kang Xian in the side hall. Upon seeing the old man, Yunzhu rushed forward, knelt, and wept. Jin’er, who followed closely, also knelt down. Kang Xian hurried over and helped them both to their feet…

Meanwhile, near Hangzhou, there was no festive light. The Milky Way stretched across the sky. Along the winding mountain paths, only a few torches illuminated the way, appearing like fireflies from afar. Only up close could one hear human voices, footsteps, and the sounds of carriages and horses. Countless people crowded together on these usually less-traveled, winding mountain paths, stretching into the distant darkness.

As the sound of horse hooves galloped from the nearby darkness, Ning Yi held a child in his arms and supported Su Tan’er’s hand. They were walking towards the front in the middle of this fleeing crowd, surrounded almost entirely by people from the Su family. He had sustained some minor injuries during the battle in Taiping Alley, but they were already bandaged and not serious. At this moment, apart from the seemingly endless walking, only the wound on his right arm throbbed faintly with a persistent, nagging pain, pulsing with his heartbeat.

Around Hangzhou at this time, refugees were everywhere—those scattered from the city’s fall, and those originally driven out by Fang La. Order had completely vanished; slaughter and fighting were rampant everywhere. Their group was one of the largest batches of escapees, comprising military personnel, and the guards of wealthy merchants and gentry whom Ning Yi had gathered. Most property owners had joined this contingent. They were also a priority target for Fang La’s army. Several enemy troops were likely pursuing them from the rear, emboldened by the city’s fall. Along the way, they had already been discovered once and fought a small skirmish. Some elderly, weak, women, and children had been left behind during the escape, and might now be dead.

The starry night grew deeper, and dark clouds gradually obscured the Qixi night sky again. Soon, horse-mounted riders carrying torches arrived, ordered to invite Ning Yi to a place slightly ahead of the group for a discussion. Ning Yi nodded, took his wife’s hand, and walked towards them. As the night wind blew, he felt a slight chill, possibly catching a cold from days of exhaustion.