Volume Two: I Come to Shake the World Chapter 14: Heaven’s Calculations II

Around midnight, Wenhua’s troops sent a messenger, reporting that they had reached the mountain pass, deployed their formation, and were ready to attack. Lu Qian’s twelve cavalry divisions smoothly eliminated the Goryeo army’s messengers and scouts that linked their two camps, securing control over the north-south routes between the twin cities.

Zhao Guo delivered an urgent dispatch: there truly was a Goryeo ambush across the river, numbering fewer than a thousand men. According to the predetermined plan, they avoided engagement and withdrew into the fishing grounds. The soldiers were divided into three groups: one on guard, strictly limiting the Goryeo scouts’ reconnaissance range; the other two took turns secretly leaving the fishing grounds through the back, raising banners and pretending to be reinforcements stealthily joining the field.

The military report concluded: “The Goryeo scouts are frequent and eager to draw near and observe, their suspicion evident. Yet the heavy rain and darkness, coupled with our own vigilance, prevent them from discerning details at the fishing grounds. I am concerned they may notify their main camp to the south and dispatch cavalry to the city walls to investigate the true nature of our reinforcements. General, your wise judgment is needed.”

This scenario, Deng She had already anticipated and prepared a countermeasure for. His personal guards found Yellow Mule, who was ordered to lead two hundred Han soldiers, along with five hundred old and weak Han and Goryeo civilians, outfitted in military uniforms, and assemble at the west gate. Once the scouts outside confirmed the arrival of Goryeo cavalry, they would march out from the west gate.

After leaving the city, the Han soldiers formed the outer ranks, with the old and weak in the center, maintaining a long formation without banners, ensuring the Goryeo scouts could clearly count the number of troops departing. Whether or not the Goryeo scouts followed, there was no need to return to the city; after joining Zhao Guo’s unit, they would temporarily station at the fishing grounds.

“General, you must be cautious with the Han and Goryeo old and weak; not a single one must escape on the road.” Deng She, feeling uneasy, considered that Yellow Mule alone might not suffice—if any slipped away, it could ruin everything. He summoned several meticulous personal guards, instructing, “The task of guarding the old and weak is yours to coordinate. If one escapes, you’ll answer with your heads.”

“Stationed at the fishing grounds?” Yellow Mule asked in confusion. “If all the troops leave the city and the situation is urgent, why would you risk dividing your forces? I’d rather stay in the city and assist you.”

When the guards found him, he was speaking with Lady Wang at Deng She’s residence; his stated reason was to ease her anxiety in troubled times—a disingenuous excuse. Deng She guessed his real motive: feeling sidelined by the other generals, he hoped to curry favor with Lady Wang and, through her, connect with Wang Shicheng and Xu Jizu to secure his future. Deng She ignored this.

With a smile, he replied, “General Yellow, do not worry about the city. During the earlier war council, before you arrived, we devised a strategy.” He dismissed the guards, lowered his voice, and briefly explained the plan.

Yellow Mule was startled. “That’s… that’s outrageously bold.” Realizing his tone, he quickly changed it, “On further thought, it’s not unworkable.” He saluted, saying, “Your strategies are always unexpected. As the saying goes, ‘Nothing ventured, nothing gained.’ I am impressed.”

His flattery was far less polished than Wu Henians’s subtlety or He Guangxiu’s sycophancy, and Deng She found his sudden change of tone curious, though with no time to dwell on it. He said, “Destiny may favor man, but united people can overcome fate. A desperate situation may yet turn favorable.”

“Yes, yes.” Seeing that there were no further instructions, Yellow Mule departed with the guards to gather his troops.

The rain had lasted two days, gradually lessening; gone was the initial downpour, replaced by a persistent drizzle.

Deng She had yet to eat dinner. His guards, seizing the chance, brought in some steaming hot army rations, filling the tent with the scent of food. But he had no appetite. Returning to his desk, he spread out a map, placed a few small stones, and continued his wargame. His guards, accustomed to this, knew he disliked disturbance during such times and didn’t remind him. When the food cooled, they simply reheated it and brought it again. Only when Left Chariot returned did Deng She finally ignore the food entirely.

Of the eight hundred soldiers sent out, several dozen had fallen. After a forty-mile forced march, all were exhausted. Deng She rewarded each man with a bowl of wine and a pound of meat, and recorded a merit for all. They were allowed to rest for half the night in houses requisitioned near the city gate.

Not long after these arrangements, Goryeo scouts appeared outside the city. Deng She feigned ignorance and ordered the west gate opened, allowing Yellow Mule’s force to slip quietly toward the riverbank. The Goryeo scouts sent a detachment to follow at a distance.

Once Yellow Mule had departed, Deng She patrolled the city openly, inspecting the defenses and urging all soldiers and the old and weak taking shelter from the rain to appear on the walls. Torches were forbidden, but more banners were displayed, and everyone took turns walking the ramparts, presenting an image of strength to the Goryeo scouts. To complete the ruse, he even had the remaining two or three dozen warhorses whipped so their neighs would carry beyond the walls.

The performance lasted until the cocks crowed and the eastern sky brightened.

With the darkness gone, the Goryeo scouts slowly withdrew. Night gave them freedom to observe; daytime would expose them. To prevent a sudden return, Deng She ordered Lu Qian’s divisions to sweep five miles south of the city, expanding the controlled area and restricting Goryeo scouts’ movements.

Within five miles outside the city, all trees and houses along the roads and in the fields had been cleared over the past days. With no obstructions, the view from the heights was wide open. The weather was clearer than before, and the distant Goryeo camp could be faintly seen—tall watchtowers and flagpoles standing in the rain, mirroring the twin cities.

After two days and nights of intense preparations, every unit was in position, all arrangements and details attended to. So far, the opening moves had gone smoothly.

Deng She glanced west toward the mountain pass. There was no second dispatch from Wenhua—he was likely locked in fierce battle. Wenhua was a capable commander; worry would do no good. For now, Deng She turned his focus back to the present.

On the map, the stones were divided into two colors: blue for his side, white for the enemy. Interlocked, scattered, like a chessboard. As he picked up a stone, a wave of emotion washed over him.

This stone, now in his hand, mirrored his life for the past decade. Thief, then soldier, struggling to survive—who would have thought he’d one day play the strategist? His chessboard was only a hundred miles wide, his pieces less than ten thousand men, but compared to the past, it was a world transformed.

Yet he felt no ease. He thought of Sesame Li, of Mao Gui. To play chess once is not hard—for a lifetime, that is the challenge. He sought not to control others’ destinies, only his own. Gently, he set the stone down, imprinting the moment in his memory.

It was like a game between two opponents. In this match for the twin cities and Dingzhou, the Goryeo commander had taken the first move, leaving him on the defensive. To win, he would need to act with cunning and boldness, to imagine the unthinkable and attempt the impossible—only then could the game be overturned.

On the table, four white stones: one at the mountain pass, one south of the twin cities, one by the sea, and one at Dingzhou; six blue stones: two in the twin cities, one at the fishing grounds, and three close to the southern, mountain pass, and Dingzhou white stones. Though on the defensive, he had responded at every point, all troops deployed.

Yellow Mule out of the city, Left Chariot returned. Deng She took one blue stone from the twin cities and placed it at the fishing grounds; another blue stone in front of the southern white stone was moved back to the city. The first round passed with no enemy movement.

What would the enemy do next? He studied the southern white stone, pondering the Goryeo commander’s thoughts, picking it up and setting it down repeatedly. He surmised the most likely move was for the Goryeo to hold their ground; they might also split off to encircle Zhao Guo’s unit at the riverbank, or even break camp and attack the city.

If they attacked, how should he respond? If they moved to the riverbank? If they held their position? Deng She pondered deeply.

Once the opening was set, there could be no regrets. As the game deepened, it would depend on both sides’ skills—whether to break the stalemate or lay new plans, he would wait for the enemy’s next move and then adapt.

His thoughts were interrupted by footsteps outside the rain shelter: Wu Henian and Luo Lilang had come for their routine report. To ward off the rain, both wore blue conical hats left by former Goryeo officials, with rain covers over their hats, and wooden clogs on their feet, which clicked along the wall’s walkway.

They removed their hats and entered the tent, bowing low. Deng She scattered the stones and waved them up, “The ground’s wet—no need for formalities.”

Wu Henian replied solemnly, “Your Excellency’s grace, we dare not refuse.” Luo Lilang bowed hastily, missing the signal to stop, making him look as though he were rejecting the gesture. He stood, embarrassed, flushing red and unable to speak for a while.

Wu Henian, noticing the food box, spoke respectfully and with concern, “General, you haven’t slept all night? Not eaten either? You bear the safety of thousands. As the leader of the army, you must take care of yourself. In urgent times, you cannot neglect your health. …These army rations are tasteless; if you’ve no time to return home, shall I assign someone to bring you meals?”

“Thank you for your thoughtfulness, Chief Wu. I appreciate it.” Deng She motioned for them to sit, covered his map, and asked, “How was the city last night?”

Wu Henian, not yet seated, quickly stood again and replied, “All divisions and districts are secure.” Upon learning of the Goryeo attack, Deng She had ordered the government office to divide the city into ten districts, each patrolled by ten soldiers. Each district was subdivided into five wards, each with one stationed soldier, and each ward assigned a Han or Bohai resident to assist inspections.

These selected Han and Bohai families had all their relatives sent to the hostages’ camp, guarded by Deng She’s own men.

Ten watchtowers had been hastily built throughout the city, each manned by two soldiers. The towers had wooden barriers—those above could see below, but not vice versa. Armed with bows and alarm drums, lanterns, and torches, they watched from above. If any trouble arose, they were authorized to kill on the spot, beat the drum, and light lanterns or torches as a signal.

Wu Henian was assigned two hundred soldiers in total, with thirty as a mobile force to respond to alarms at night, guided by the lanterns and torches.

Deng She nodded, emphasizing, “Patrolling soldiers must ensure these orders reach every household and every person. No one is to leave their home; at night, all households must keep their lights on. Disobedience: execution. Anyone caught secretly communicating, spreading rumors, or conspiring is to be executed along with their family.”

Wu Henian loudly accepted the order. Luo Lilang, a local, shifted uneasily.

Sensing his fear, Deng She smiled, “Assistant Magistrate Luo, don’t worry. I received a report from Dingzhou this morning—the Goryeo generals are foolish and their soldiers weak, unskilled in siege warfare. In yesterday’s battle, we slew over a dozen of their centurions and captains—their forces withdrew three miles overnight. In two or three days, our reinforcements will arrive; with inside and outside cooperation, our wolfish troops will crush their feeble ranks. Victory is within reach.”

“You know this, I know this—but the common people do not. If panic spreads, rumors and unrest will ensue, and the consequences will be grave. At such times, only severe orders and harsh penalties can maintain stability. That’s why I’ve reiterated them.”

Luo Lilang, who had risen with Wu Henian, now bowed repeatedly, “Your Excellency is wise and benevolent. I am ashamed of my own ignorance.”

Wu Henian, always quick-witted, realized Deng She’s speech was not just to reassure Luo Lilang, but intended to be relayed to the city’s populace. He said, “Your Excellency enforces strict laws out of love for the people. Such virtue should be emulated. I will be sure to pass on your concerns to the officials and educate the stubborn townsfolk.”

Deng She gave him an approving glance and returned to business, “The matters I instructed you to handle—are they done?”

“All completed, sir.” Wu Henian pulled out a small notebook, similar to Deng She’s, but smaller. He held it upright, opened it, and read, “Collected from the people: such-and-such grain, livestock, money, cloth…” He added, “As per your orders, all were exchanged at market rates for army supplies.”

He turned a page and continued, “The entire city was searched—collected basins, jars, bottles, cooking oil, firewood, lumber, tiles, and stones. Assistant Magistrate Luo and others contributed greatly. Your Excellency’s insight.”

Without Luo Lilang and the locals, Wu Henian could not have completed his task so efficiently. Deng She had warned him: if the locals feigned compliance or delayed, he was to report it immediately—he was prepared to make an example if necessary. For now, it seemed they understood the situation.

He spoke kindly to Luo Lilang, “Since the Goryeo seized the twin cities, they have governed with cruelty; petty men have bullied and tormented our Han descendants. Not only commoners, but even you, Assistant Magistrate Luo, a scholar of the classics, have been forced to submit to their rule, treated like cattle and swine. Intolerable!”

As he spoke, indignation flared, and he struck the table—stones bounced and fell to the ground. All that he said was true; even in the Central Plains, scholars were subject to such indignities, sometimes more so. Luo Lilang, moved and self-pitying, murmured assent.

Deng She softened, “Your family is learned; the sage said, ‘Cherish kin, honor virtue.’ You and I are both descendants of the Yellow Emperor, now in a foreign land—fitting that we ‘cherish kin.’ With the Goryeo invading today, we must stand together. You need not worry about military matters; focus on comforting and reassuring the people.”

Deng She was more versed in military texts than Confucian classics; his use of “cherish kin” was a bit forced, but Luo Lilang dared not object, replying, “Indeed, it should be so.”

Deng She nodded, smiling but saying nothing. Wu Henian, seated to the side, coughed; Luo Lilang, catching on, quickly added, “You are my kin and my superior. Without being told, I will do my utmost to assist Chief Wu in pacifying the people.”

Clumsy of speech, Luo Lilang had rehearsed his words before coming; Wu Henian had also briefed him. Though nervous, he managed to speak smoothly.

Wu Henian had personal reasons for his guidance—an old hand in officialdom, he knew that, having been forced to join the rebels, he needed allies to survive. The rough soldiers were not his kind; Hong Jixun, who might have been, was aloof. Only Luo Lilang and others were in similar straits: educated, compelled into service. With common interests, they became close. Especially Luo Lilang—timid, inarticulate, pure of heart. Call it honest and sincere, or just easily manipulated. Thus, Wu Henian brought him along to meet Deng She.

Hearing Luo Lilang pledge his loyalty and seeing Deng She’s approval, Wu Henian relaxed. Still, with the enemy at the gates, he worried. He glanced at Deng She and asked, “Sir, may I speak frankly?”

“Go ahead.”

“The Goryeo army is fierce, and the people in the city…”

Deng She smiled, “Are you concerned that a prolonged siege will make the people hard to govern?” Without waiting for a reply, he cut in resolutely, “Within ten days, the siege will be lifted. Not only that, but I will utterly destroy the invading Goryeo forces and display the majesty of our Great Song.”

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1. Goryeo officials wore conical hats.
In the sixth year of King Gongmin’s reign, in the leap ninth month, the Deputy Director of the Astronomical Bureau, Yu Bixing, memorialized: “The Jade Dragon Chronicle states, ‘Our kingdom began at Baektou, ends at Jiri. It is a land where water is the root and wood is the trunk; black is its parentage, blue its body. If customs suit the land, the country will flourish. Customs are the attire and trappings of ruler and people. Henceforth, all civil and military officials shall wear black robes and blue conical hats. Monks shall wear black scarves and large crowns; women shall don black gauze in accordance with local custom.’” This was followed. Wearing the conical hat was a privilege of the civil and military elite; their families also had the right, but commoners did not.

2. Rain hat.
Worn over the conical hat in the rain, similar to the top covering of a Qing official’s hat. When not in use, it was folded and stored.

3. Wooden clogs.
Carved from wood, also called wooden shoes. Worn when walking muddy roads in rainy weather.