Volume Two: I Set Heaven and Earth in Motion Chapter 28: Military and Political Affairs I

After seeing off Lady Wang, although Deng She was very tired, he insisted on finishing reading Hong Jixun’s memorial.

Truly, each has their own expertise; much of the content was beyond his anticipation. Some points he had considered, but none were as detailed and meticulous as Hong Jixun’s writing. The more he read, the more invigorated he became. Not only did he read, but he also drew inspiration and combined it with his own views, making slight revisions to certain sections.

When one is fully immersed in a task, time always passes swiftly. The night outside gradually thinned, and faint light emerged bit by bit in the sky. It was only when Luo Guannu appeared before him that he realized the red candle on his desk had burned down to its end.

Setting down the documents, Deng She stretched lazily. The morning breeze brought a coolness that was indescribably pleasant and comfortable. This feeling was completely different from marching or fighting battles.

The latter meant slaughter and destruction. Even after winning a battle, he didn’t feel joy. At most, it meant a little less pressure, a sense of slightly more safety and security in this chaotic world. Developing the regions represented construction and hope. The hard-fought battles and risking one’s life were ultimately for the sake of securing a place of peace and stability, a home to settle and live by.

The two maids, Luo Guannu and Li Zhunu, tiptoed about, busily assisting him with washing and changing clothes, reminding him of the plan to arrange marriages with local prominent families. The ongoing battles had kept this matter off the agenda, but with some leisure now, Deng She decided to bring it up for discussion at today’s meeting.

Having served Deng She for some time, Luo Guannu and Li Zhunu had become much more adept and efficient than when they first arrived. Yet, due to their small stature and height, they struggled to reach his clothing. On tiptoes, stretching their arms carefully so as not to tear the fabric or hurt Deng She, they held their breath, their rosy cheeks flushed red with the effort.

Deng She casually took his official robes and dressed himself. Since today’s discussion concerned civil affairs, he chose not to wear armor. The official robes had been brought by Yao Haogu when he arrived. Unlike the Yuan dynasty’s style, these were in the Song dynasty’s fashion, which he was wearing for the first time. Standing before the full-length bronze mirror, he examined himself. The purple garment and jade belt looked respectable enough. But accustomed to tight-fitting armor, he found the loose and flowing official robes somewhat unfamiliar.

“Gather a list of the families our household maids come from and deliver it to General Zuo this afternoon,” Deng She instructed Luo Guannu.

Since the marriage alliances required betrothal gifts, it was essential to know to whom these maids belonged. As more cities fell, the number of maids in his household had rapidly increased. Originally, he had only demanded hostages from prominent families in each city, but Chen Hu, Zhao Guo, Zhang Dair, and others followed the old practice of Shuangcheng, selecting young and beautiful daughters from these families and sending many along.

Luo Guannu responded crisply. She was clever; noticing Deng She had donned his official robes directly, she lifted her rose-tinted face and, with clear, spring-like eyes, asked, “Father, are you going to the court now? Shall I bring you some breakfast?”

Deng She shook his head and called in Zuo Che’er, ordering him to summon Hong Jixun and the others at once. Accompanied by the rotating guards, he descended the pavilion and headed to the court to wait.

The estate’s courtyard was quite large, and he had specially set aside a training ground on one side. At dawn’s first light, many people were already there—some practicing with swords and spears; others gathered in groups watching two or three horsemen skillfully shoot arrows while riding, the lively scene filled with cheers.

Deng She paused briefly as he passed by and saw that among the guards were not only his own men but also three or four young men in Korean clothing. Recognizing them as new hostages from places like Dechuan, they lived together with the guards, likely having come along.

Deng She had already instructed that they need not be overly restricted in daily matters but that the guards must not discriminate against or treat them unfairly. Two early arrivals who had performed well had already been assigned to the guards’ units on regular shifts.

Not wanting to disturb them, Deng She didn’t linger. One archer among the guards let loose an arrow that missed the target and knocked off a Korean hostage’s hat, causing the onlookers to burst into laughter. Clearly, the archer had done it on purpose. The Korean hostage, only twelve or thirteen, turned pale and nearly collapsed.

Deng She frowned in displeasure. He knew the guards had the mindset of victors, difficult to fundamentally change, so he did not scold them but simply ordered: “One is too many. If there is another incident of teasing hostages, thirty lashes.”

Noting that the Korean hostage still wore a Mongol hairstyle, which was explicitly forbidden under military discipline, perhaps the boy had recently arrived and had not yet been shaved. Deng She reiterated and added: “Mongol hairstyles are banned in the army; guards are forbidden from wearing Korean clothing. Relay my order: violators shall receive thirty lashes.”

His attendant Bi Qianniu took the order and, after Zuo Che’er returned, went to spread the word.

Upon entering the court, it wasn’t long before Hong Jixun, Wen Huaguo, Wu Heniang, and Luo Lilang arrived one after another. Wen, Yao, and Luo also wore official robes, but only Hong Jixun still donned simple white clothes. Yao Haogu was not summoned; Deng She would inform him once the decisions were made.

Wen Huaguo looked well. Though the strategic and tactical plans were mostly devised by Deng She and Hong Jixun, Wen had won four cities consecutively and deserved credit.

He yawned and, not bothering to be polite, sleepily plopped into the seat of honor and asked, “General, what’s the matter? So early in the morning—rare to get some extra sleep. These past half-months have nearly worn me out.” His breath smelled of alcohol; it was clear he had drunk heavily after the banquet last night.

Deng She invited Hong Jixun and the others to sit, then had the guards serve strong tea to clear Wen’s stomach. He smiled and said, “I heard, Uncle Wen, that when you captured Mengshan, you got yourself a stunning woman?”

Wen Huaguo had returned to the city earlier than Deng She and was boastful, so the news of his acquisition had spread through the army.

Wen Huaguo waved it off: “What beauty? Played with her for a few days and already tired of it. Just a concubine of the Mengshan city’s commander, not a legitimate wife. Who would be interested in the legitimate wife? General, if you want, I’ll send her to you.”

The three—Hong, Wu, and Luo—were all scholars but of different temperaments. Hearing Wen’s words, each had a different expression. Wu Heniang praised his boldness with a dry wit; Luo Lilang was embarrassed and speechless; Hong Jixun smiled lightly and said, “The Mengshan city commander? I’ve heard of that man; he’s a nephew of the powerful Korean minister Cui Ying, a man of noble lineage. Having a beautiful concubine is normal.”

Everyone present knew Cui Ying’s name, though from different sources. Wu Heniang, formerly an official from Liao-Dong under the Yuan, had come to Shuangcheng and was well-informed about Korean politics; Luo Lilang was a native.

Wen Huaguo exclaimed, “Cui Ying’s nephew? Damn it, if I’d known, I wouldn’t have cut him down in one stroke.”

In the fourteenth year of the Zhizheng era, Yuan Prime Minister Tuotuo campaigned against Zhang Shicheng, besieging Gaoyou, commanding Korean troops led by Cui Ying. The next year, Cui Ying helped defend Huai’an. Zhao Junyong brought over eight thousand men from Sizhou, engaging in repeated battles but failing to capture the city, suffering heavy casualties.

While Zhang Shicheng’s Gaoyou had little to do with the Ming dynasty, Zhao Junyong, despite his arrogance, was nominally a subject of the young Ming prince. Wen Huaguo shared the common hatred and regretted bitterly: “Better that he died a painful death.”

Mentioning Zhao Junyong, Deng She said, “Last night, Lady Wang told me that in Shandong’s turmoil, Prince Yongyi was killed by Marshal Wang. Now the one in charge, young Minister Mao, is quite young…” He sighed, “Bianliang is in danger, and Shandong is torn by internal strife. The young ruler and ministers are strong. Henan and Shandong may see great upheaval. It’s uncertain if Bianliang can hold.”

He knew the young Ming prince would eventually die at Zhu Yuanzhang’s hands, but that would not happen now, so he was not worried about his safety.

Wen Huaguo said, “Henan and Shandong are none of our concern. General, you worry too much; the mountains are high and the emperor far away. Whether Bianliang lives or dies is not our business.”

He had joined Deng She’s army for survival and sustenance, often bullied by loyalists like Huang Lüge; in this divided world with countless warlords claiming kingship and emperorship, he saw them all as petty local rulers and never considered himself part of the Song dynasty.

Hong Jixun asked, “And Lady Wang?”

“In three days, she’ll return to Shandong.”

Hong Jixun hesitated, then said, “General, there is great potential here.”

Deng She smiled knowingly but decided not to delve further, changing the topic and ordering Wu Heniang, “Prepare for Lady Wang’s farewell. Bring plenty of jewelry and precious, easy-to-hide items as gifts. Not only for Lady Wang and Marshal Wang but also prepare some for General Xu.”

Wu Heniang took note. Deng She then told Zuo Che’er, “There are heavy troops stationed in Liaoyang, making it impossible to cross the sea from Liaoxi. We must go via Liaonan. Jin and Fuzhou have Wokou pirates; choose some elite soldiers to escort.” After pondering, he said, “Let Ren Zhonghou lead them.”

Many of the old comrades who had joined the bandits were now officers in various armies; few remained by Deng She’s side. Ren Zhonghou was one—honest in appearance and demeanor, quiet, and sharp-witted.

The mission to Shandong was grave. Ensuring Lady Wang’s safe arrival was just one aspect; Deng She also wanted to establish connections with Wang Shicheng and, if possible, maintain a long-term presence in Shandong. Trustworthy and capable men were indispensable. After the meeting, he would speak privately with Ren Zhonghou.

After these brief instructions, Deng She returned to the original topic: “Uncle Wen, what do you intend to do with that Mengshan city commander’s concubine?”

“If you don’t want her, gift her to one of the brothers to enjoy,” Wen Huaguo said, downing several cups of strong tea as the hangover slowly faded. Wu Heniang had just praised Wen’s boldness, winning him some favor, and earnestly asked, “Old Wu, do you want her? We can be co-uncle-in-laws.”

In northern slang, “co-uncle-in-law” means two men sharing one woman. Wu Heniang laughed awkwardly, “General’s kindness is appreciated. I dare not steal love, I dare not.”

Deng She chuckled. Seeing Wen Huaguo displeased by Wu’s refusal, he quickly interrupted, “There must be many officers in the army who want to seize women, right?”

Wen Huaguo rolled his eyes; he was no fool and denied vehemently, “Who told you such things? Impossible! Last time you disciplined the army and cut off two or three heads, scaring the bastards into behaving.”

Deng She saw through the half-truth but smiled, not exposing him. Strict military discipline must be upheld long-term; occasional punishments had little effect.

Still, even among his guards, some dared to break rules by teasing Korean hostages; army officers fighting outside were even less restrained. Minor mischiefs could be overlooked, but small evils often grow into great misfortunes. The alarm bells must be rung constantly. He had planned that after civil affairs, he would address military matters.

Taking a sip of tea, Deng She said, “Better if none at all. I don’t wish for it, either. Forcibly taking women may seem minor but affects public sentiment and is of great consequence. Our army is isolated overseas and must be cautious. If we incite public anger, we will have no foothold. Uncle Wen, when you return, convey my words to the officers and soldiers: offenders who voluntarily confess and turn themselves in will be forgiven. Those I catch later will be punished according to military law.”

Wen Huaguo’s face reddened, nodding in agreement. Deng She smiled, “Those Korean officials and wives or maids of prominent families who were executed are exceptions.”

After this, he addressed the main topic: “Of course, I see and appreciate the bravery of the brothers. In two months, from nothing to occupying ten cities, all thanks to everyone’s efforts.

“I won’t neglect human feelings. The maids in my household come from surrendered Korean officials and noble families, far better than ordinary women. Every deputy commander and above will be gifted one.”

The army had nearly twenty thousand households currently. Besides commanders and deputy commanders, some commands had additional positions for discipline enforcement, totaling over forty people. After distribution, several maids would remain, sufficient for use.

Wen Huaguo said nothing; Wu Heniang clapped and praised, “Ordinary women don’t understand charm. Noble daughters are not only beautiful but trained in music and dance. After battle, the sound of strings can cultivate the generals’ temperament. General’s gift of maids is truly elegant.”

The boast was too obvious. Hong Jixun snorted, waving his fan disdainfully and said no more.

Luo Lilang’s face changed drastically. He lifted his head, hesitating to speak but lacked the courage. Sending a daughter to Deng She was one thing; to an officer was quite another. Better to remain a maid by Deng She’s side than become a wife to one of those rough men.

Not to mention whether Deng She could firmly establish himself or whether those brutes understood gentleness, battle is merciless. One misstep on the battlefield could cost everything. Staying by Deng She’s side was at least reassuring, not only for his daughter’s safety but for his own head. After all, she would be near someone who could intercede.

Deng She said, “What is it? Luo Zhizhong has something to say?”

Luo Lilang stammered; across from him, Wen Huaguo snorted, startling him. Without thinking, he blurted, “My daughter is young.” Halfway through, he regretted it and quickly retracted, changing to, “Afraid she can’t serve the general well.”

Deng She smiled, “Luo Zhizhong, no need to worry. As an official of our Great Song, you can naturally not be equated with surrendered officials or noble families. I won’t release your daughter. Nor will I release daughters of Korean officials serving in each city.”

No difference means no hierarchy; different statuses and treatments serve to win hearts and send a clear message: loyalty, ordinary, and rebellious are all distinct.

Luo Lilang kowtowed to the ground, “General’s exceptional kindness, I am deeply grateful.”

“Rise.” Deng She asked Wen Huaguo, “Uncle Wen, what do you think?”

Wen Huaguo was pleased. He fully agreed that daughters of surrendered officials and noble families were better than ordinary women, but not for the reasons Wu Heniang mentioned about cultivating temperament. He joyfully said, “Soft skin and tender flesh make for a lovely sight. The brothers will surely like them.”

“Two rules: First, they cannot be servants but may be concubines; second, concubines cannot become wives.” The official reason was “The war is not yet over; how can there be a home?” Everyone knew Deng She’s words were disingenuous. Yet, among the Han Chinese, Korean women often became concubines or maids rather than wives, which had become customary.

He continued, “Betrothal gifts and such need not come from each commander; the army will procure them collectively. I’ve ordered a list of maids’ family names compiled and sent together.” Glancing at Wu Heniang, he added, “Wu, as the local administrator, you have worked hard. You must have a warm bed; you may choose first.” After a pause, “Yao the superintendent and Qian the commander will each receive one.” He made no mention of Hong Jixun or Tong Doulan; their statuses differed, so no gifts for them.

Luo Lilang had just risen when Wu Heniang knelt down again, buttocks raised, repeatedly bowing and exclaiming, “Your kindness and concern for your subordinates is virtuous governance, virtuous governance.”

Arrangements for Lady Wang’s farewell and maid gifts were settled. Deng She took out Hong Jixun’s memorial and said, “Since our army took Shuangcheng, the fighting has been relentless. The soldiers are exhausted, and local governance is rough. Now, after successive victories capturing five cities, the people come before the army; without good local administration, we cannot deploy troops effectively. We must strengthen local governance. Gentlemen, speak freely on your views.”

——

1. Cui Ying.

“Accompanied Yuan Prime Minister Tuotuo in campaigns against Gaoyou, fighting twenty-seven battles in total. The city’s commander was overcome by Tuotuo’s forces. The following year, defended Huai’an Road against rebels, repeatedly battling at Bali Village. Faced over eight thousand rebels from Sizhou surrounding Huai’an city, fighting day and night but repelled them. When the rebels returned, Ying was shot multiple times but fought fiercely, killing nearly all attackers.”

—From Korean historical records, discussions of this campaign often exaggerate. Some claim the Koreans were invincible at Gaoyou, and if not for Tuotuo’s disgrace, they could have claimed first merit in capturing the city. Most troops came from conscripted Koreans, possibly over ten thousand, making such claims doubtful.

In this battle, a particularly brave army, the Nanyang Green Army—the “Hairy Gourd Army”—attacked the city walls first, even before Tuotuo arrived.

Zhao Junyong’s capture of Huai’an is recorded in Chinese sources: “The forces of Ru and Ying bandits grew strong. Commander Buhua defended Huai’an fiercely. The rebels and the Green Army besieged the city urgently day and night. The commander did not relieve the city. Inside, grass, snails, fish, frogs, birds, saddles, leather boxes, boots, and broken bowstrings were all exhausted. The old and young resorted to cannibalism. When the city fell, defenders still fought fiercely at the west gate. Upon capture, they were butchered by the rebels. Buhua defended Huai’an for five years, fighting dozens or hundreds of battles, comparable to Zhang Xun.”

—“The rebels and Green Army besieged urgently” refers to the Green Army being not a local militia but a fragment of Yangzhou’s Zhang Mingjian’s forces.

—“Buhua defended Huai’an for five years, fighting dozens or hundreds of battles…” Huai’an fell in the sixteenth year of Zhizheng, in October. Buhua’s defense began in the eleventh year. Koreans only assisted in defending Huai’an after the Gaoyou battle, that is, in the fifteenth year, leaving before the city’s fall, totaling only a few months.

“Day and night fierce fighting,” and “Ying was shot several times” may be true; “repelled them” and “fought fiercely killing nearly all attackers” remain to be considered.

2. Co-uncle-in-law.

“In northern slang, when two men share a prostitute, it’s called ‘co-uncle-in-law.’ By extension, it means two men share one woman, also called ‘co-uncle-in-law.’” Ma Zhiyuan’s “Tears on the Blue Shirt of Jiangzhou’s Officer” reads: “The fiery co-uncle-in-law fate is shallow on me, but the old mother’s heart is firm here.” Similarly, Guan Hanqing’s “Judge Bao’s Wise Execution of Lu Zailang” says: “I am your brother-in-law, but have become a co-uncle-in-law.”