Volume Two: When I Pull the Lever That Shakes Heaven and Earth Chapter 25: Tokugawa I

After two busy days spent coordinating supplies and deploying troops, with provisions carried along, Yao Haogu showed remarkable patience. Despite the city being in chaos, he refrained from directly asking Deng She about his intentions. Deng She, wary of Yao’s persistence, did not notify him either. It was only on the eve of departure that he sent Wu Henian to pass a brief message.

Early the next morning, Deng She left the city first, followed by the Wenhua troops. The Wenhua forces entered Ningyuan, while Deng She bypassed Ningyuan, proceeding straight to Dechuan, camping ten miles outside the city and dispatching scouts to probe ahead. The scene atop Dechuan’s walls was in utter turmoil; outside the city, large estates were crowded with tenant farmers and militia hastily retreating into the city.

Yang Wanhǔ and Chen Paizi accompanied the army. Based on their military merits, one held the rank of Qianhu (thousand-household commander) and the other served as vice-Qianhu. Deng She assigned each of them a thousand new recruits to lead.

When they enlisted, the two men had brought along two to three hundred vagrants; over a hundred had perished in Dingzhou. The remaining two hundred were integrated into the new recruits as squad leaders, while experienced officers commanded the company units, composed of eight hundred veteran soldiers.

Counting from the day they enlisted, just over a month had passed, yet they had rapidly risen to the rank of Qianhu. Deng She was true to his promise of rewarding merit.

To prevent the Dechuan forces from launching surprise attacks during the Red Turban encampment, Deng She ordered the troops to arrange their formation carefully: the front line fortified with deer-antler carts and side boxes forming a square; pikes positioned centrally as a defensive line; iron caltrops scattered about; infantry held within, veterans ready for battle, and new recruits focused on fortifications.

Shortly after nightfall, the camp was roughly established. Deng She stepped out of the command tent for an inspection. Two main thoroughfares intersected the encampment, with each unit arrayed on all sides. Flags bearing the names of the Six Ding, Six Jia, and the Twenty-Eight Constellations fluttered against the night sky.

Defensive equipment was uniformly stationed along the camp’s forefront. Half the veterans and new recruits were combined to serve as the garrison, while the remaining veterans formed the battle units. If the Koreans attacked, the battle units would engage while the garrison held the camp; if the garrison was called out, the battle units would defend.

On his way back to the command tent after the inspection, a scout reported that they had seized a few Dechuan natives caught outside the city and, upon interrogation, obtained more detailed intelligence. The highest commander of the Dechuan forces had just been replaced two days prior. His name was unknown, but his banner bore the character "Jin." His rank was Northwest Regional Commander.

Matching the rank with the surname left little doubt: Jin Debei. He had likely recently fled back to Pyongyang after a crushing defeat, being sent to the front as punishment but with a chance to redeem himself through valor.

"Quite a coincidence," Yang Wanhǔ and Chen Paizi, who had yet to face Jin Debei in battle, felt little impression. Zuo Che’er remarked, "Last time he besieged Shuangcheng; now it’s my turn to besiege Dechuan."

Yang Wanhǔ sneered dismissively, "A defeated commander."

With one side attacking and the other defending, the situation was shifting. Deng She dared not be complacent. "The previous bloody battle at Shuangcheng showed the Liyu troops had a solid grasp of offense and defense. We must not underestimate them."

A question arose in his mind about troop numbers following the change in command: "Has the garrison changed?"

"The locals say Jin Debei entered the city with only a handful of personal guards—four or five. From outside, it seems the Dechuan Liyu army believes we intend to attack the city, so they have been busy preparing defenses and do not plan to sally forth."

Deng She felt somewhat reassured and sent out more scouts to confirm.

According to prior arrangements, the Wenhua troops would depart Ningyuan at dawn to head north and attack Xichuan. Once Dechuan learned of Xichuan’s assault, they would immediately deduce that the Red Turbans’ true intent was not to attack Dechuan itself but to intercept reinforcements.

At that point, Jin Debei, burdened by responsibility and eager to restore his honor, would surely attempt to break through Deng She’s encampment to provide aid. The desperate troops might prevail in battle; victory was uncertain, but a fierce fight was inevitable.

For three consecutive days, Deng She pressed for fortification of the camp, widely deploying scouts to control north and south routes. From the second day onward, they captured or killed four or five messengers from Xichuan.

The mountainous terrain and abundant routes made it impossible to completely sever communications. On the fourth day, Dechuan received urgent news from Xichuan, while Deng She simultaneously received reports of Wenhua’s victory at Xichuan and their continued northward advance to Jiangjie.

Jiangjie, a location with treacherous terrain, fortunately lacked a large Korean garrison, or it would have been much harder to conquer. Due to its strategic position, it was the only place where heavy troops were planned to be stationed after capture.

Whether the internal lines of operation at Jiangjie and other points would proceed smoothly depended entirely on Deng She’s ability to hold the outer lines. On the fifth day, Jin Debei dispatched small cavalry units to try to break the camp, but Deng She held firm.

He vividly recalled how they had won at Shuangcheng: if Qing Qianxing and Jin Debei had not been swayed by their own schemes and had firmly held their camp without engaging, the victors would have been the Koreans, not themselves. Having learned from that lesson, he would not foolishly repeat it.

While maintaining a solid defense, Deng She paired veterans with new recruits to train them through combat. Most of these new recruits had recently acquired land during the previous land redistribution, making them stakeholders in the system.

Deng She also emphasized joint Chinese-Korean propaganda, reminding everyone they were all struggling common folk, and clearly directing hostility toward the oppressive landlords who exploited and oppressed the poor.

Having endured successive rule by the Liao, Jin, and Yuan peoples, Koreans in the north were accustomed to the survival-of-the-fittest world, seeking only enough to eat. Deng She’s measures proved effective, and with the personal example of He Guangxiu and others, loyalty was barely maintained.

After each battle, Deng She personally buried the dead and visited the wounded in the hospital camp, treating Han and Liyu soldiers equally and forbidding officers from excessively insulting or beating new recruits. The veterans’ respect for Deng She naturally influenced the newcomers.

Gradually, Deng She transformed from a distant symbol into a living figure in the minds of the new recruits. Compared to their half-voluntary, half-coerced enlistment, they began to feel more at ease integrating into the army.

The camp Deng She built was solid and resilient. The Koreans launched several assaults but failed to break through. Days passed; Jiangjie was taken, Wenhua forces turned south to raid Mengshan, and Jin Debei grew anxious.

Early one morning, camp sentries reported: "A messenger arrived at Dechuan, claiming to bring gifts to the general on Jin Debei’s orders."

Deng She was in the command tent with Huang Lüge, Zuo Che’er, Yang Wanhǔ, and others, discussing Jin Debei’s possible next moves. Hearing the report, they exchanged glances; they had faced many battlefields but had never encountered gifts sent during active combat.

Huang Lüge guessed Jin Debei’s intent: "General, be cautious—it might be a suicide envoy. Better to execute him outright."

Yang Wanhǔ scoffed, "Killing him outright would be simple, but won’t the governor be concerned about losing our army’s prestige? We’d be laughed at for cowardice."

Chen Paizi remarked, "In war, envoys are not to be slain. Assign more guards. Even if he is a suicide envoy, it won’t matter."

Deng She pondered briefly, believing Jin Debei was not foolish enough to send an assassin; such a prominent general would not be so easily targeted. Confident in his own martial ability, he said, "Bring him in."

Soon, a Korean soldier, escorted by guards, was led into the tent. He stood tall, refusing to kneel. Spotting a wooden box, he glanced disdainfully at the officers and boldly spoke in Chinese: "I am the Northwest Regional Commander Jin of the great general’s army. I have heard much about the Red Turban leader Deng She’s delicate, beardless, and charming appearance, and I greatly admire him. I bring a humble gift—please accept it."

Due to his youth, Deng She took care to grow a beard, looking older and seasoned. The accusations of being beardless and effeminate were pure slander. While “Red Turban leader” and “Deng She” were no issue, the phrase “greatly admire” seemed mocking.

To be so insulted in front of his army made Yang Wanhǔ furious. He drew his blade, ready to strike the Korean soldier. Deng She calmly waved him down, saying, "Bring the gift forward."

The wooden box was opened to reveal a red silk woman’s garment.

Not only Yang Wanhǔ but even Huang Lüge were seething with anger. Deng She laughed heartily, "Does General Jin think I am Sima Yi?"

Although the Romance of the Three Kingdoms had not recorded this episode, history books did, and the tale was well known among generals. Deng She teased his Liyu troops, saying, "General Jin, desperate and confused, resorts to such a scheme. Is this an ancient Chinese stratagem?"

The Korean soldier ignored the enraged Yang Wanhǔ and others, glaring provocatively at Deng She. "My great general Jin has a message for you, Red Turban child. If you fear to fight, the red dress is yours. Wear it at midnight, powder your face, paint your eyebrows, dance and enjoy yourself—worthy of your nickname."

Zuo Che’er stepped forward, "General, the Koreans have insulted us excessively. I volunteer to lead the troops out and teach them a lesson." Yang Wanhǔ and Huang Lüge eagerly volunteered as well.

Deng She said, "This is a provocation. There’s no need to take it seriously."

Nonetheless, a misstep could severely damage morale.

Throughout history, many armies had been defeated after falling for such provocations. Experienced generals knew the opponent was trying to provoke them. Take Zuo Che’er and Yang Wanhǔ for example—they understood Jin Debei’s ploy but still volunteered, not out of ignorance but to bolster morale. Once morale breaks, even the undefeated fall.

Deng She frowned, unable to find a better solution. He ordered the guards to escort the Korean soldier away and strictly forbade him from wandering. The soldier, sent with a death wish, was stunned when spared. He spat on the ground and left with head held high.

Chen Paizi sensed Deng She’s thoughts and whispered a plan. Deng She was impressed and immediately followed the advice, dispatching several soldiers at full speed to Ningyuan.

About thirty miles away, a half-day’s ride. That afternoon, the soldiers returned with a woman—tall, burly, and unattractive. Deng She ordered Jin Debei’s red silk garment to be dressed on her, painting a gruesome mouth and heavy makeup.

The Korean soldier was summoned, gagged, and led the procession ahead. Two death-row soldiers escorted the woman, beating drums and sounding gongs as they paraded through the camp. Along the way, they shouted, "The defeated Korean general Jin Debei heard our army had a peerlessly beautiful woman and sent this red dress as a marriage proposal. Our great general, the ten-thousand-household commander of the Song, deeply appreciates General Jin’s generosity."

Both Han and Liyu soldiers jeered and laughed. The Korean soldier’s face flushed with anger but, gagged, he could not speak. A note bearing Deng She’s reply was tied to his head, depicting a black donkey and four characters meaning "A laughable folly."

By Deng She’s order, the group left the camp but did not enter Dechuan, instead circling the city at a distance to ensure many Koreans witnessed the spectacle.

This move dealt a severe blow to Korean morale. Jin Debei’s failed plot only fueled his rage. Pressured, he had to muster the entire garrison for a full-scale attack. Deng She was prepared: he assigned Zuo Che’er to lead the first line, with Yang Wanhǔ’s reserves behind. They gathered hundreds of loud voices, who learned Korean phrases to shout across the field: "Welcome home, Song’s son-in-law!"

Thus, Jin Debei’s assault was mockingly treated as a bride’s traditional homecoming after three days of marriage.

Korean morale plummeted, and Jin Debei personally led the vanguard. The officers formed lines; any stepping back was executed. The fighting intensified. Deng She moved his command flag to the front and took personal command.

While adopting Chen Paizi’s plan to enrage Jin Debei, Deng She anticipated this outcome. Wenhua’s string of victories and smooth advance exceeded expectations. Dechuan had no reinforcements for days, with only three to four thousand defenders.

Deng She had considered expanding the offensive to seize Dechuan outright rather than merely blocking reinforcements. However, his veteran soldiers were few, and Jin Debei was cautious, sending only a third of his troops out each time, leaving ample garrison to defend, making stratagem difficult.

Chen Paizi’s plan made Deng She consider not just humiliating Jin Debei but whether the Korean general might retaliate by weakening the garrison and increasing forces outside. If so, that would create an opportunity to capture Dechuan.

The soldiers dispatched to Ningyuan ostensibly to bring back the woman carried a secret letter from Deng She to Zhang Daier, instructing him to approach stealthily without banner or drum and come quickly to aid.

From the watchtower, Deng She noticed many more Korean troops in the assault, including militia. He estimated at most a thousand remained in Dechuan.

Huang Lüge stood beside him, gripping his treasured sword — since becoming governor, he had replaced his saber with a sword. After observing, he said, "General, the Korean assault grows fiercer. Our troops are mostly new recruits. Let’s hope…"

Deng She interrupted, "No matter. They have already been humiliated by me and repeatedly defeated. The Koreans lack fighting spirit; at most, this is their final push. Once repelled, they will be unable to continue."

Zuo Che’er’s first line fell back, replaced by Yang Wanhǔ’s troops. Deng She’s forces had catapults, crossbows, and muskets, putting the Koreans at a disadvantage. Jin Debei, facing the consequences of another defeat, gritted his teeth and fought desperately.

He gathered city youth, collecting firewood and brush, and with fierce soldiers, piled them before Deng She’s deer-antler carts and side boxes. Yang Wanhǔ launched several sorties but could not seize the wood quickly enough. Korean archers launched volleys of fire arrows, igniting the brush.

Thick black smoke and towering flames erupted. Many arrows pierced the side box formations and landed among the pike lines, spreading fire. The Red Turban soldiers trapped between the two formations were choked by smoke and flames, thrown into chaos.

Deng She waved his command flag, ordering Yang Wanhǔ’s forces to retreat in sequence, abandoning the side box formations. Chen Paizi led the new recruits in the rear, fetching water in an orderly manner to douse the pike lines and front ramparts, gradually halting the blaze.

In the first round of combat, Jin Debei’s full-force assault gained a slight edge. Deng She glanced toward Ningyuan, noting Zhang Daier’s reinforcements had yet to arrive. The Korean troops ceased their attack for the moment. Jin Debei spurred his horse, galloping along the lines, though no encouraging words were audible.

Twilight deepened.

—

1. Jiangjie, formerly known as Tulujiang, was established as a thousand-household district in the tenth year of King Gongmin of Goryeo’s reign, that is, 1361.

2. Romance of the Three Kingdoms.

3. "Speaking in thirds" was a popular genre of historical storytelling in the Tang and Song dynasties, with many such plays appearing during the Yuan period, including works by Guan Hanqing such as "General Guan’s Solo Duel" and "Guan and Zhang’s Dual Expedition to Western Shu."