Volume Two: My Arrival Shakes Heaven and Earth Chapter 21: A Hundred Thousand Households III

In the city, Wu Heniang had already prepared a banquet. Yao Haogu and the others had crossed Mount Jia last night, riding without pause, traversing mountains and valleys, covering over a hundred miles in a night and half a day. Deng She, ever considerate, did not rush to start the feast, but first invited them to bathe and rest.

Yao Haogu, full of vigor, declined. He insisted he had the stamina of a mule, able to run and leap, tireless and durable. Standing in the main hall, he produced his documents and read aloud the decree from Guan Pingzhang, bestowing commendations. All the merits reported by Deng She for his generals were approved for official appointments and rewards.

A special Military Command of Twin Cities was established, directly governed by the Liaoyang Provincial Administration and the Secretariat. Deng She was appointed as “High Commandant, concurrently managing civil affairs; all within his jurisdiction were to obey his orders,” and he was permitted to appoint officers below the rank of Commandant at his discretion. He Guangxiu became Deputy Commandant. The generals Wen and Chen were promoted to Commandant. Only Huang Mule had his request for Deputy Commandant altered, and was made Provost of the Commandant’s office.

Deng She received three golden tiger tally tokens and the Commandant’s seal. Wen, Chen, Huang, and others received gold tokens and seals for Commandant and Provost. Several dozen silver tokens and seals for Centurion were handed to Deng She for distribution to the centurions in the army. The temporary tokens Deng She had previously issued were to be collected and destroyed.

A large stack of blank certificates, already stamped with various official seals, was produced. Yao Haogu personally filled them out for each general, listing names, origins, age, and so forth. Copies were distributed to the recipients, and originals sent by fast courier to Liaoyang, then forwarded to Bianliang. From that moment, Deng She, Wen, Chen, and their men were officially registered as military officers of the Great Song; genuine Commandants and Centurions.

Yao Haogu had brought plenty of certificates, leaving a hundred or so for Deng She, to facilitate future appointments. Deng She glanced through them and saw that all the seals read “Ministry of War, Central Secretariat, Certificate of Appointment,” meaning they were all military credentials, not civil ones. Though he was to manage civil affairs, his position was ultimately military, so it was reasonable not to grant him authority over civil appointees.

Yao Haogu said, “To have a Commandant empowered to appoint officers below Commandant is unique in the Liaoyang Provincial Administration. Guan Pingzhang’s favor and trust in you, General, is truly enviable.” He smacked his lips, “I can barely keep my jealousy in check.”

The generals of Liaoyang were all closely connected to the administration, but Deng She was far away in Haidong, roads blocked, communication difficult. Guan Duo’s move had its practical necessity; plainly, if he did not do so, he could not control Deng She’s officer appointments—his authority could not reach so far. Since that was the case, he did it graciously, giving Deng She full autonomy.

Deng She understood this well. He replied, “I am unworthy of such favor. I have nothing to offer in return except my utmost dedication and courage in battle. When you return, please convey my heartfelt gratitude to Pingzhang.”

Yao Haogu laughed heartily, feigning secrecy, “I bring you three great joys and one misfortune. The certificate is one joy. Can the general guess the other two joys and the misfortune?”

Deng She’s mind raced, sensing Hong Jixun’s gaze upon him, but he did not look back. He had a vague suspicion and inwardly thought it might not be good. He smiled, “I cannot guess.”

When Yao Haogu entered the residence, he had several carriages in tow. Deng She had found it odd but did not ask. Now, Yao Haogu gave a brief order, and soldiers lifted the curtains. Dozens of chests were neatly stacked on the carriages, brought into the hall.

Soldiers opened them; the first few contained silver and coin, some with fine silk, but the rest were filled with arquebuses and gunpowder. Deng She was overjoyed; the silver and silk were nice, but firearms and powder were scarce and precious!

Yao Haogu read out the inventory: “A thousand taels of silver, ten thousand strings of coins, twenty bolts of Suzhou-Hangzhou colored silk, three hundred arquebuses, five hundred catties of gunpowder.” Smiling, he asked, “Is General satisfied with Pingzhang’s reward?”

Deng She stood and bowed northward, “With Pingzhang’s great kindness, how could I not pledge my life in gratitude and service?” He respectfully saluted Yao Haogu, “Your Excellency brings timely assistance, like clouds and rain to a parched land. My gratitude knows no bounds.”

This was the second joy. Hong Jixun glanced over and asked, “What is the third joy?”

Yao Haogu sighed, not answering immediately, but instead reflected, “Pingzhang’s care and concern for the general is unmatched. To be honest, I have often been at Pingzhang’s side and have never seen him look after anyone else so thoroughly. Before I came, the Secretariat convened a military council to discuss what should be done for the general.

“Some argued that the general, isolated deep within Goryeo territory, might be weak against tens of thousands of Goryeo troops and should retreat early to avoid unnecessary sacrifice. But only Pingzhang praised the general’s courage and vision endlessly. He said: ‘The general has invested so much in Twin Cities, how can we abandon it?’ He fought hard against the other ministers and only then established the Military Command of Twin Cities.

“But the threat of tens of thousands of Goryeo troops is real. Pingzhang is deeply worried for the general, losing sleep over it. After much consideration: mere praise is useless. Goryeo has numbers, the general has few. Instead of empty words, he decided to send a great gift. What is a great gift? Soldiers and provisions, of course! Provisions are difficult to transport, but troops…” He paused deliberately and pointed to Qian Shide, “Haha, the general should have guessed? A thousand armored cavalry to bolster your prestige—does that count as the third joy?” He finished, smiling and waiting for Deng She to respond.

Qian Shide stepped forward and saluted, “I greet the High Commandant.” Ostensibly to strengthen Deng She, but actually to tighten control. Deng She understood well. He quickly circled the table and helped Qian Shide up, “General Qian’s fame is renowned, and he is Pingzhang’s trusted officer. I do not deserve such honor. With General’s support, Twin Cities will be secure.”

His demeanor was sincere and enthusiastic, flawless. Yao Haogu laughed, “General, don’t be too pleased—have you forgotten? There’s still the misfortune to mention.”

Yao Haogu left the misfortune unspoken, but Deng She had already guessed. What use is the military without the civil? He smiled, “Please tell, Your Excellency.”

As expected, Yao Haogu pointed to himself, “The misfortune is me. Thanks to the general, Pingzhang has pitied my years of hard work without achievement, and generously awarded me the title of Director of the Twin Cities Administration.”

Among those seated, besides the generals, Wu Heniang was present. His expression changed slightly, heart sinking. He picked up a teacup, covered his face with his sleeve, feigning to drink, ears pricked to hear Deng She’s reply.

Wu Heniang saw through Yao Haogu’s intent of civil-military rivalry. He did not care about the position; what mattered was that without it, he would have nowhere to exercise his talents. If he could not display his abilities, he would feel insecure.

Deng She said, “Twin Cities are remote and barren. Your Excellency is willing to take this humble post, I could not be happier—why speak of misfortune? You jest.”

Yao Haogu put on a troubled face and sighed, “You do not understand, General. Lazy people are full of complaints. Not only am I lazy, I love wine, food, gambling, and women, and I am thick-skinned. The army knows me as a notorious debtor and gambler, thick-skinned Yao the Third, and colleagues do not care for me. Haha.”

Deng She laughed, “Your Excellency is witty and humorous. Pingzhang is generous to let you go; I am the one who benefits.” He let the matter pass, noticing the day was growing late. Since Yao and Qian refused to rest, he gave orders to store away the silver, silk, and firearms, light the lamps, and set the feast.

Twin Cities were poor and cold, with few delicacies. But being close to mountains and sea, wild game and seafood were plentiful. Wu Heniang spared no effort to prepare the banquet, which was barely sumptuous. He had even secured a troupe of female musicians from a noble household; sandalwood boards tapped gently, silk strings plucked softly. Two groups of Goryeo maidens, dancing and singing, performed enchantingly below the hall.

Yao Haogu was as he claimed—fond of food, wine, and women. He ate continuously, his cup never empty; while conversing with Deng She, his eyes frequently wandered to the dancers below.

Deng She paid him no mind. He said, “This is a small place, with thin wine and simple fare. These Goryeo girls are all I can offer. If Your Excellency likes them, please take them back after the feast. In your leisure, they may provide some entertainment.”

Yao Haogu was delighted and accepted without hesitation, “That is exactly what I wish for, though I dared not ask!” He raised his thumb, “The general is considerate and perceptive. I have seen many people, but few compare to the general.”

The compliment came out of nowhere. Sending a few songstresses was hardly worth such praise. “I have seen many, but few compare”—it was oddly placed. Deng She was no fool and saw through it. Yao was not praising his thoughtfulness, but subtly alluding to his calm response to unexpected events earlier.

He pretended not to notice and changed the subject. He had been in Twin Cities for over a month, cut off from news from China; as Guan Duo’s key advisor, Yao Haogu must have a clear grasp of the overall situation, so Deng She was determined to inquire thoroughly.

He asked, “I am isolated here, having entered Goryeo, and have heard nothing of Liaodong. Meeting Your Excellency is like seeing an old friend. May I ask, how fares Pingzhang? Where is the main army now? I heard the Tatar Emperor issued an edict from the north to mobilize all tribes southward into the Central Plains—what has happened since?”

Most of the generals at the table had been absorbed in the music and dance, but upon hearing Deng She’s question, they all turned their attention. Matters concerning Liaoyang’s military situation concerned everyone. All knew that as long as the Red Turbans in Liaoyang stood firm, they could rely on them in Goryeo; if they fell, they would be like rootless trees and water without a source.

Turning to the main topic, Yao Haogu’s demeanor grew serious. He set down his cup and said, “In the battle of Fengzhou, our army suffered a setback due to complacency. Fortunately, everyone fought bravely, and Pingzhang broke through to the north, returning to Shangdu. Half a month ago, he joined with Pingzhang Pan and led the main force south to Liaoyang.

“As for the Tatar Emperor’s edict from the north, there has been no confirmed news. No troops or horses have come south so far. It seems untrue. However, it is said that the edict did reach the northern Tatars, but the Prince of Yangzhai defied it.”

Deng She did not know who the Prince of Yangzhai was. If the northern Yuan troops refused to move south, all the better. Liaoyang would be safe, and so would Goryeo. Deng She exchanged a glance with Hong Jixun and asked, “Pingzhang moved his headquarters to Liaoyang?” This was important, indicating a shift in provincial strategy.

“After the battle of Fengzhou, Bo Luo Temuer was moved by the Tatar Emperor to garrison Datong, thinking it would shield the capital. Datong faces Yinshan to the north, Hengshan to the south, locking the inner and outer Great Wall. It is the critical point of Jin and Ji, and the only route for our army to move south. But the terrain is perilous, making it hard to cross.

“At the same time, Chaghan Temuer in Shaanxi is gathering troops rapidly, aiming at Bianjing. The lord and Liu Taibao have repeatedly urged Pingzhang to move south immediately without delay. With the road to Datong blocked, Pingzhang decided to turn west, passing through Yongping and other places to penetrate the interior, approaching Dadu. Using the strategy of besieging Wei to save Zhao, he would force Chaghan Temuer to aid Dadu, leaving him no time to enter Henan, thus relieving the siege of Bianliang.

“So, after joining Pingzhang Pan, he moved south to Liaoyang.”

He observed Deng She and the others, then continued, “General need not worry. Our army progresses smoothly. A few days ago, a detachment captured Jin Fugai and other prefectures, opening communication with Shandong; were it not for the alertness of the interior Tatars and the support of Zhang Jujing and Shijia Bao from Liaoxi, along with Hongjila’s tribes, our forces would have entered the heartland already.

“Even so, Pingzhang has ordered all city garrisons to rush to Liaoyang. Within a month, there will be a major offensive. With Shandong and Ningxia’s provincial troops also providing diversion, the crisis at Bianjing will be easily resolved.”

Deng She nodded, “I have dealt with Zhang Jujing and Shijia Bao of Liaoxi—they are fierce opponents. Pingzhang is wise not to rush into battle, gathering the cities to apply overwhelming pressure, subduing the enemy without a fight. I deeply admire such strategy.” He did not ask about Shandong, but inquired about Ningxia, “Your Excellency mentions Ningxia—do you mean Generals Li and Cui?”

Before the three-pronged Red Turban northern campaign, a force had already attacked Shaanxi, led by Generals Li Wu and Cui De. Later, the westward army of Bai Buxin, Li Xixi, and Da Dao Ao was sent to support Li Wu and Cui De, but both forces suffered repeated defeats at the hands of Chaghan Temuer and could not gain a foothold in Shaanxi. Last year, Bai Buxin and Li Xixi retreated to Shu; Li Wu and Cui De turned to raid Ningxia.

Yao Haogu replied, “Exactly. Earlier this month, Marshal Li conquered Ningxia, greatly expanding his influence. Though not strong enough to challenge Chaghan Temuer directly, he keeps him indecisive, unable to fully commit to attacking Bianliang, which is enough. Thus, with Marshal Li in the west and…” He paused, “with the Prince of Eternal Righteousness in the east, our Liaoyang army strikes from the center…”

At the mention of “Prince of Eternal Righteousness,” Deng She’s heart skipped a beat. Since Zhao Junyong was present, the fate of Wang Shicheng and Xu Jizu could be imagined. He wanted to ask but feared arousing Yao Haogu’s suspicion, so he raised his glass and refrained.

Yao Haogu, unaware of Deng She’s thoughts, drank a cup and explained proactively. He thought Deng She did not know about Zhao Junyong killing Mao Gui, so he said, “Marshal Mao of Shandong died suddenly of illness a few days ago for reasons unknown. The Lord decreed that the Prince of Eternal Righteousness temporarily take charge of Shandong affairs.” Internal strife was shameful, and with Bianliang in crisis, Yao Haogu did not know Deng She well enough to risk telling the truth and disturbing his composure.

Deng She feigned ignorance, “The Prince of Eternal Righteousness was formerly Pingzhang of the Huainan Provincial Administration, known for his governance. The Lord employs people wisely.”

Music and fragrance filled the air. Red candles burned high, casting flickering shadows on everyone’s faces. Toasts and dishes were exchanged, everyone smiling, but inwardly each harbored their own thoughts.

Given the current situation, Bianliang was dangerous but not doomed; with proper measures, disaster could be averted. Deng She pondered how to deal with Yao Haogu, the envoy, and felt he had devised a strategy. With news of Song and northern Yuan armies covered, Hong Jixun began to inquire about the broader situation.

He regarded himself as a master strategist and indeed possessed such talent, understanding clearly that the north was immediate, while the world was distant; one must consider both. “He who does not plan for the ages cannot plan for the moment; he who does not consider the whole cannot manage one domain.” He asked, “What news of Zhang Shicheng in Jiangsu and Zhejiang, Your Excellency?”

When distributing certificates, Deng She had introduced Hong Jixun to Yao Haogu, who knew him to be Deng She’s chief strategist and spoke with more scholarly tone, smiling, “Zhang Nine-Four is but a salt smuggler. Though he occupies western Zhejiang, his base nature remains. Like a pauper suddenly wealthy, a wild monkey in a crown. Arrogant and licentious, lacking self-awareness, he repeatedly disturbs our borders but has suffered defeat by Zhu Pingzhang of the Jiangnan Provincial Administration in recent years.

“After many defeats, he even surrendered to the Tatars, becoming some ridiculous Grand Commandant. His former valor at Gaoyou is long gone.”

Zhang Shicheng’s territory bordered the sea to the east and Zhu Yuanzhang to the west. Friction between them was normal. Deng She was intrigued, “I have heard Zhu Pingzhang has two mighty generals—one surnamed Xu, named Da; the other surnamed Chang, named Yuchun. They say each is worth ten thousand men—are the rumors true?”

Yao Haogu replied, “Xu Da and Chang Yuchun? I know little, only that they are trusted by Zhu Pingzhang and possess great talent as generals.” He slapped his thigh, “There’s a crippled Sun, named Sun Yan, whom I knew before he joined the army. That rascal is a persuasive talker.” He found it odd, “Why? Is the general so interested in Zhu Pingzhang?”

Deng She was startled. Yao Haogu’s casual question showed his keen insight; Deng She dared not say much, “Hearing you mention it, Your Excellency, it suddenly came to mind.” Following Hong Jixun’s inquiry, he asked, “If Zhang Shicheng surrendered to the Tatars, what of Xu Shouhui?”

Yao Haogu scoffed, “Compared to Zhang Nine-Four, Xu Zhenyi is even less worthy.” He recited, “There’s a folk song—have you heard it, General? It goes: ‘East there’s a salt, white but not sugar; west a piece of cloth, wrapping nicely…’ The east salt is Zhang Nine-Four; the west cloth is Xu Shouhui.”

Xu Shouhui was a cloth vendor, said to possess kingly appearance, and was elevated as leader. He was unlike the irreligious Zhang Shicheng, but akin to the Little Ming King and Liu Futong, both linked to the White Lotus sect—one from the southern branch, one from the northern. Each established their own faction, connecting to Sichuan in the west, Zhu Yuanzhang in the east, and often engaged in conflict.

Yao Haogu, though a scholar and a member of the Red Turbans, did not necessarily believe in Maitreya; even if he did, from the perspective of the Little Ming King, insulting the enemy was acceptable. Moreover, he had sound reasons for his claims, and continued, “Xu Zhenyi has nothing but appearance, no talent—an empty shell. However handsome, he is but a silver-tipped wax spear. Poor in governance, nearly killed by Ni Wenjun two years ago; now he’s under the control of Chen Youliang. Weak leader, strong minister, strong branches and weak trunk—he cannot achieve greatness.”

Of the renowned heroes, there were three: the Little Ming King, Zhang Shicheng, and Xu Shouhui. Besides his own house, Yao Haogu disparaged the other two, leaving them with nothing.

“As for others like Fang Guozhen of Taizhou, Mo Tianyou of Wuxi, Zuo Junbi of Luzhou, Wang Xin of Xuanzhou, and so forth, each is trapped in a city, barely surviving—hardly worth mentioning.” After circling, he returned to the main point, “Counting all under heaven, only our Great Song has a wise lord and loyal ministers, scholarly and valiant. Heaven’s mandate is ours. Present setbacks are but the dying struggle of the Tatars. How can great achievements be smooth sailing? Never have barbarians enjoyed fortune for a hundred years!

“To live in luxury and die ennobled—such is a man’s ambition fulfilled. With Pingzhang’s devoted care above, and ten thousand elite troops at your command below, the general ought seize this opportunity, sharpen your blade. When the day comes and your shadow is inscribed among the heroes, will it not be glorious?” His eyes burned as he looked at Deng She.

Deng She found the words familiar. The last few lines, with similar meaning, had been repeated countless times by Yao Haogu over the past month to many people. He thought, “The same tune, different notes.” Rising solemnly, he clasped his hands and declared, “Heaven changes its mandate, and the Holy Emperor is aided by the spirits. Your Excellency need not worry, though my rank is low, I will risk life and death for the nation!”

Yao Haogu laughed, “Haha. With official business done, Your Excellency becomes my subordinate.” He moved before Deng She, bowed, “Your subordinate greets the general.”

—

1. Twin Cities Military Commandant Office.

Before the establishment of Song’s regime, only military institutions existed, with the Marshal as the highest rank. When Guo Zixing, Sun Deai, and others rose in Haozhou, Du Zundao immediately appointed them as Marshals. After Song’s establishment, before the Provincial Administration and Secretariat were instituted, a Grand Marshal’s Office was set up—such as Han Lin’er appointing Guo Tianshu as Grand Marshal, Zhang Tianyou as Right Deputy Marshal, and Zhu Yuanzhang as Left Deputy Marshal. Soon after, this was changed to the Jiangnan Provincial Administration and Secretariat.

After the Provincial Administration and Secretariat were established, various Commandant offices were commonly set up, with seals reading “Marshal’s Seal.”

Below Marshal, there was the Military General Command Office, with the seal “Military General Command Office Seal”; subordinate to this was the Military Commandant Office, with the seal “Military Commandant Office Seal,” which are often unearthed and are smaller than the General Command Office seal. Further below were Military Centurion Offices and Military Decurion Offices.

Official seals were made of copper, with the front inscribed “Military Commandant Office Seal,” and the back “Made by Central Secretariat Ministry of Rites.”

2. Provost.

Below the Commandant Office, a Provost Office was set up to assist the Commandant in military affairs. The rank was roughly equivalent to that of a Commandant. “Provost Office, two Provosts… High Commandant Office, fifth rank; Middle Commandant Office, subordinate fifth rank, all marked by gold tokens; Low Commandant Office, sixth rank, silver token.” Gold token refers to the gold tally.

—Zhu Yuanzhang, when serving under Guo Zixing, held this position. In the thirteenth year of Zhizheng (1353), June, Zhu Yuanzhang “returned to his hometown, recruited over seven hundred men. Zixing was pleased and appointed him Provost.”

Below Commandant, there were Peacekeepers; below Centurion, there were Military Officers, with similar duties to Provost.

3. Certificate.

Means “certificate of identity.” There are military and civil types. Officials’ ID, proof of their rank and office. According to rank, different colors of paper are used.

In peacetime, naturally issued centrally by the Ministry of Personnel and Ministry of War. In wartime, the court often issues large quantities of blank certificates to local warlords and lords. “For meritorious officers, may be issued as needed, no need for repeated approval.”

4. Edict.

All who receive certificates must have an edict. The edict is not as important as the certificate; it is equivalent to a letter of appointment, while the certificate serves as permanent proof of office. When an official resigns or retires for illness, if later seeking office again, the certificate is the basis for the Ministry of Personnel to petition the emperor for appointment. “First record the former post, then write the new appointment, so that old and new are continuous, hence ‘office title.’” Without the certificate, there is no “former office.”

5. Hongjila Tribe.

The Hongjila tribe’s fief was in Quanning Road. Quanning Road was adjacent to Daning Road to the northwest.

Daning Road was the fief of the Mukhali family. Mongol tribes in this area included Monglar, Mongwu, and Wulu.

Mukhali family: During the Mongol era, their fief was from Hengzhou to Xinghe, later moved east to Daning Road.

6. Pingzhang of Huainan Provincial Administration.

In the second year of Longfeng (1356), October, Zhao Junyong took Huai’an. Song established the Huainan Provincial Administration, appointing Zhao Junyong as Pingzhang. Five years later, defeated by Yuan troops, he fled to Shandong. The Huainan Provincial Administration disintegrated.

7. Zhang Shicheng.

Nickname Nine-Four. Born a salt merchant, possessed great strength, “steady and taciturn, valued loyalty, generous and philanthropic.”

“Shicheng, nicknamed Nine-Four, a resident of Baiju Salt Yard in Taizhou, with brothers Shiyi, Shide, and Shixin, all piloting salt transport boats and smuggling on the side, initially without unusual ambition. Possessed strength, unruly, suffered much abuse from rich salt merchants, often not paid fairly. Archer Qiu Yi repeatedly humiliated him, Shicheng could not bear it.

“In the eleventh year of Zhizheng, marauders rampaged between Huai and Bian, the court unable to suppress them. Zhu Dingyi, Chen Xianwu, and Wang Zongsan rebelled in Jiangyin. Taizhou’s Wang Kerou, wealthy and generous, gathered knights, planning rebellion. Gaoyou’s magistrate Li Qi imprisoned him. Li Huafu, who was grateful to Kerou, plotted to rescue him. Qi sent Kerou to Yangzhou, later appeased Huafu as Taizhou judge, and Shicheng as Centurion.

“Zhang Nine-Four, as a salt supervisor, smuggled salt for profit, generous and philanthropic, gaining much popularity. Salt laborers suffered under official duties, Shicheng and Huafu plotted and soon rebelled together. They killed Qiu Yi and his enemies, burned their homes, and destroyed many dwellings.”

“Zhang Shicheng’s four brothers were from Baiju Salt Yard, Taizhou, near the sea, with thirty-six salt yards under the Two Huai Salt Transport Office. The brothers piloted salt transport boats and smuggled on the side. Initially, they were no different from others… In the thirteenth year, May, Shicheng and Huafu plotted rebellion. Shortly after, Shicheng and eighteen associates killed Huafu, took his men, ravaged villages, forced people into banditry, captured Tongtai and Gaoyou, styled himself King Cheng, changed the era to Tianyou, appointed officials, controlled key routes, blocking north and south.”

8. Jiangnan Provincial Administration.

In the second year of Longfeng (1356), February, Zhu Yuanzhang captured Jiqing. In July, Song established the Jiangnan Provincial Administration and Secretariat. Zhu Yuanzhang was appointed Pingzhang, Guo Tianshu’s brother Tianyou as Right Minister, Li Shiyuan (renamed Shanchang) as Supervisor, and all other generals promoted to Marshal.

Guo Tianshu: Eldest son of Guo Zixing.

9. Xu Shouhui.

Also known as Xu Zhenyi.

“Xu Zhenyi was originally from Hunan, tall and imposing, but had no other talents, made a living selling cloth between Qi and Huang.

At the time, monk Peng Wang was stirring up the people of Jing and Xiang with religious sermons, urging people to recite Maitreya’s name, lighting torches and incense at night, chanting rituals, and winning followers, who soon grew numerous. His disciple Zhou Ziwang planned rebellion, but was discovered; the Yuan Jiangxi administration sent troops to suppress Zhou and his followers. Yingyu fled to Huai, hiding in homes, evading capture. When planning rebellion, they sought a leader.

Later, Maocheng’s Zou Pusheng used similar methods, spreading rumors that ‘Maitreya will descend to rule the world,’ and started an uprising. One day, Zhenyi was bathing in a salt pond; seeing his extraordinary appearance, followers were amazed and made him emperor at Qichun, sparking turmoil in the southeast. Many cities in Huguang, Jiangxi, and Zhejiang fell; he opened a lotus platform at Qichun. However, he was lenient and power lay with his ministers, remaining a nominal figure only.

Another version: ‘When chaos broke out in the Central Plains, Shouhui was in the mountains and obtained ten pounds of wrought iron. Zou Pusheng, a blacksmith from Maocheng, dreamed of a yellow dragon on his anvil the night before. The next day, Shouhui brought iron to have a hoe made, sitting on the anvil. Pusheng was intrigued, saying, ‘Why make a hoe in these times? I should forge a sword for you.’ The two became close, plotting rebellion. When Peng Wang’s followers rebelled, Pusheng and his associates made Shouhui their leader, raised the standard, used red turbans, and borrowed the Holy Hall at Duoyun Mountain. The river tides rose twice daily; beside the stream was a giant stone shaped like a boat. Shouhui ordered a hole to be drilled and a mast erected, praying, ‘If Heaven aids Shouhui, let the sail leave the mouth of the stream.’ The stone moved ten yards, and Shouhui decided to rebel.”

Peng Wang: Also known as Peng Yingyu, Peng Yida, called Peng Zu, also known as Demon Peng. Leader of the southern White Lotus sect.

10. Ni Wenjun.

“From Mianyang, Hubei, known as Barbarian, from a fishing family in Huangpi, Huangzhou. On the night of his birth, his mother dreamed of a white tiger entering the house. When Xu usurped the throne, Ni became his false prime minister.”

In Xu Shouhui’s army, Ni Wenjun was a key figure in the early stage, conquering cities and winning battles. “Using many river boats, moving swiftly, day and night on lakes and rivers, attacking unexpectedly, often victorious, killing and capturing, marrying the sons and wives of the King of Weishun. The emperor sent an edict to appease him, but chaos had already started, and the royal sons were all killed, with many provinces occupied.”

“On the eve of his execution, his mother dreamed again of the white tiger dying, and two days before, a large star fell before Ni’s boat. Ni said, ‘Another great official will die at my hand!’ Not knowing it would be himself.”

In the seventeenth year of Zhizheng, September, “Ni Wenjun plotted to kill his master Xu Shouhui but failed, fled to Huangzhou, and Chen Youliang, Xu’s false general, killed him. Chen then declared himself Pingzhang.”