Volume II: I Shall Shake the Heavens with a Single Trigger – 30 – Military and Politics III

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Hong Jixun’s proposal held a certain degree of reason. In Liaodong, the warlords ruled in fragments, and warfare was frequent; where there were soldiers, there was power, and power brought wealth. Considering only Deng She’s troops, in every city they conquered, the first to benefit were the officers. Many grew rich amidst the chaos. The phenomena of city looting and pillaging were impossible to eradicate. No matter how strict military discipline was, there were always those fishing in troubled waters. A disciplined and uncontested royal army might appear in history books, but it did not exist in reality.

As Wu Henian said, the twin cities were not rich in resources and their territory was small. To make money, there was truly no better path. Human trafficking cost little and yielded high returns. Hong Jixun added meaningfully, “Selling Korean women not only brings profit, but there is another advantage. General, you are well read in military strategy and must know of the ancient practice of female spies. One, to bewilder and confuse the enemy’s mind; two, if used properly, to gain insight into their military secrets.”

Though his words held truth, if spread, the reputation would be utterly tarnished.

Wu Henian replied, “Female spies? Our twin cities are indeed surrounded by strong enemies, but to expect victory from merely a handful of women who might gather military secrets—that seems rather fanciful! Sending Xi Shi to Wu was a rare case, but that was only a single, precious instance.” Retailing could be justified as clever stratagem; wholesale was quite another matter.

He continued to refute, and Hong Jixun, both surprised and amused, said, “Deputy Wu, your righteousness is admirable, and I respect it. But according to your view, would you rather starve than accept charity?”

“Certainly!” Wu Henian answered emphatically.

Hong Jixun sighed, “A pity for Liu the Overseer of Yongping.” Wu Henian was speechless, his face flushed like steamed shrimp. Even the kindest temper would not endure such veiled sarcasm, especially in the presence of Wen Huaguo and Luo Lilang.

He turned and knelt trembling before Deng She, “Back in Yongping, I was indeed cowardly and selfish. Since following you, I have deeply admired your character, charisma, and wisdom, and fully understand the national cause. Even Zhou Chu could reform himself; I dare not compare, but I guarantee I have long since changed my ways and am fully loyal! I pledge my heart to the bright moon; Heaven is my witness! Heaven is my witness!” Tears streamed down as he spoke.

Hong Jixun’s cruelty in exposing wounds openly was too harsh. Deng She was somewhat dissatisfied but held his tongue. He smiled and helped Wu Henian up, saying, “Deputy Wu, you understand righteousness and have abandoned darkness for light; I am aware. Mr. Hong often praises your pragmatic ability in private; what he said just now was merely in jest. No need to take it to heart.”

Hong Jixun chuckled lightly, fanning himself as if nothing had happened. With a graceful exit offered, Wu Henian rubbed his eyes and slowly stood, his neck stiff. Choking back tears, he said, “I know my limits and am no great strategist like Mr. Hong. But sir, on the matter of selling Korean women, you should reconsider. Zhang Shicheng, who styled himself king and Taishi of the Tatars, was secretly called a salt smuggler. Do you wish to earn the notorious title of a human trafficker as well?” His words were partly public-spirited but mostly personal, hoping to paint Deng She as a patient, loyal advisor bearing heavy burdens.

Whenever Hong Jixun devised a plan, Deng She never refused. But never before had someone dared to sabotage him repeatedly. Seeing Wu Henian’s recklessness, Hong Jixun’s patience wore thin. He sneered coldly and ignored him, turning to Deng She, “General, what is your understanding of the terms ‘king’ and ‘tyrant’?”

“King and tyrant?” Deng She echoed.

“No tyrant, no king!” Hong Jixun slammed his fist on the table and said sternly, “Deputy Wu wants the general to be a vain name-seeker, like Song Xiang Gong who refused battle halfway? Since ancient times, victors become kings and the defeated are outlaws. Whatever means secure the throne, the bandit becomes king! Why chase empty fame? A person is but a thing, and the righteous armies in Jiangnan eat what they kill. Why should the general not sell, too? To achieve great things, one cannot be soft-hearted like a woman!”

Wen Huaguo applauded loudly, delighted. Hong Jixun’s forceful words left Wu Henian speechless, and Luo Lilang sweat-drenched, wanting to wipe but afraid to move.

“A person is but a thing?” Deng She laughed out loud. How could one compare people to objects? He frowned and pondered, “This is a serious matter. The pros and cons are difficult to weigh immediately. Let me consider carefully.” He truly could not decide. Reason told him Hong Jixun was right; emotion made it hard to accept.

Mentioning trade, he recalled the soldiers who had bought gunpowder. Hong Jixun had brought them along, waiting outside. Deng She was very interested in the coastal Jinfu and other prefectures. Setting aside the matter of selling Korean women, he ordered them brought in.

There were two: Chen Zhe, head of the caravan, and a newcomer named Tian Boren. Chen Zhe was about thirty, dark-skinned, big-handed, with a bitter melon face, clearly a straightforward laborer. He was an old comrade from the mounted bandits. Calm and steady, he knelt and kowtowed before Deng She.

Deng She never asked too much from old comrades and invited him to take the seat of honor. Joyfully, he said, “Chen Hundredhouse has returned fully loaded with gunpowder, solving a critical shortage for our army—a great achievement. Hong said this journey was perilous? How many pirates were in Jinfu and prefectures?”

“About two hundred ships, three to four thousand men. They came by night. The Jinfu garrisons focused on land defense and were unprepared for sea attacks. Inside, infiltrators stirred chaos, coordinating attacks; the two cities fell in succession.” Chen Zhe spoke clearly, pointing to Tian Boren, “If not for Brother Tian, we would have been too weak to escape.”

Tian Boren was a house slave of a wealthy southern family, traveling with their ships. He had been in Jin Prefecture many times and knew the routes. When the pirates invaded, the caravans fled separately. Shortly after leaving the city, he met Chen Zhe. Chen bought gunpowder from his family’s ship. One knew the roads; the other had numbers. They cooperated, avoiding battle by taking backroads, escaping death.

“A lifesaver indeed,” Deng She bowed solemnly. “On behalf of the brothers, I thank you deeply.” Tian Boren kowtowed nervously, fearing to speak.

After escaping, Tian Boren had nowhere to go. A lifesaving debt must be repaid, and Chen, seeing his status, thought he might be useful later, so brought him back to the twin cities.

“Who is your master?” Chen hinted repeatedly, arousing Deng She’s curiosity.

“My master’s surname is Shen, from Wu region, named Fu.”

Wen Huaguo exclaimed, jumping up, “Shen Wansan?”

“Yes, sir,” came the reply.

“Jinling’s Shen Wansan, like a bent dry tree,” a man’s name and a tree’s shadow. Shen Wansan was legendary, known even to Luo Lilang. No wonder Chen Zhe procured gunpowder—he had met the richest man in the world: the Shen family of Wujiang.

Deng She was delighted, suddenly seeing Chen Zhe in a new light. He had always known him cautious and meticulous, but not to this extent! If Tian Boren could connect with the Shen family, supplies would no longer be a worry.

Tian Boren’s status as a house slave did not bother him; often such slaves earned their masters’ trust. His frequent trips to Jin Prefecture proved he was valuable.

He liked him inwardly but showed no overt favor, treating Tian Boren politely and warmly. Tian Boren felt a rare respect, for few, whether officials or merchants, could hear his master’s name without changing attitude as Deng She did.

After some talk, they returned to the journey’s gains. Besides gunpowder, the next most valuable items were not grains or cloth but some cotton seeds.

Korea had no cotton, and northern regions faced bitter winters where cotton clothing was essential. This year they managed with old and bought winter clothes, but it could not last. Wu Henian had suggested buying cotton seeds to grow their own.

Deng She approved immediately. Many veteran farmers in the army knew how to cultivate, even Wu Henian was skilled. The coldest places like Jiashan and Sanshui Prefecture were unsuitable, so they planned to experiment near the twin cities.

This was important, so Deng She did not entrust it to the military farming office but appointed Wu Henian to supervise personally.

He asked Chen Zhe if he had heard about Gao Jiannu’s movements in Jin Prefecture. Gao Jiannu was a house slave from the Mongol Liaoyang administration, a powerful figure in southern Liaoning. Deng She had encountered his scouts in Yizhou before crossing the Yalu River.

“Jinfu is lost; Gao Jiannu lost his base and moved to Gaizhou,” Chen said, “But now Jin and Fu are again in pirate hands. Whether Gao Jiannu will return to reclaim them, I cannot say.”

Gaizhou was close to Liaoyang. Given the situation, Gao Jiannu likely stayed there, pressuring Liaoyang. Deng She and Hong Jixun exchanged knowing glances but did not discuss in front of others.

Hong Jixun cleared his throat and ordered Chen Zhe, “Tell the general about trade in Jin Prefecture.”

“Jin Prefecture lies by the sea, half a day from Shandong by boat. With favorable winds, it’s just a few days to southern Zhejiang. Though war has affected prosperity, many merchants travel here with diverse goods. The city has Mongol military farms outside, with many people well-fed and clothed. But factions are complex: Gao Jiannu, Zhejiang merchants, and even trading caravans from the Nahas of Shenyang. Shandong’s Xiao Maoping Zhang family also wields influence.”

“That’s not all. The main problem is the road from Jin Prefecture to the twin cities is blocked. Gao Jiannu holds Gaizhou, regularly harassing merchants. His troops are brutal. Bandits lurk in small towns and forests, robbing merchants. On the way, I saw many caravans looted and people killed. We met four or five groups of fierce soldiers and bandits.”

“If not for our superior weapons and firearms, whether we returned would be uncertain. Even so, two particularly strong bandits caused losses of thirty to forty percent of goods. Among the brothers who crossed the river with me, only half returned.”

Hong Jixun had not told Deng She these details. Most soldiers with Chen Zhe were veterans; even so, half were lost. The bulk of losses was likely due to bandits.

Deng She was silent for a moment. Losing half the men and goods on a single trip was unsustainable with few veterans and limited resources. But the needed supplies, especially gunpowder and cotton cloth, could not be forgone. If they abandoned this trade route, what then? The twin cities had a port and sea access; if they could open a sea route, things would improve greatly.

But that was unrealistic. To sail from the twin cities to Zhejiang or Shandong, one must circumvent the entire Korean Peninsula, facing two great threats: the Korean navy and the pirates. Even without these, they had no sea vessels.

Hong Jixun asked Tian Boren, “Has your master’s caravan traded with Korea besides Liaoyang?”

“Years ago, my master, with the help of Taishi Zhang, opened trade with the Korean royal capital,” Tian Boren replied. Everyone knew that after Zhang Shicheng declared himself king, he married one of Shen Wansan’s daughters to secure Shen’s wealth. So Tian Boren said “with Zhang Taishi’s help,” though it meant little.

Hong Jixun pressed, “Besides the royal capital, no other coastal ports or islands?”

Tian shook his head, “Korea has many ports, but the wealthy are inland near the capital. My master cares little for other places. Some merchants from Zhejiang and Shandong regularly take the northern route, stopping at the Datong River’s outlet to trade in Pyongyang.”

Hong Jixun said no more but glanced at Deng She, implying that compared to Jin Prefecture, Pyongyang was closer, and the Datong River ran all the way through, with two or three days for a round trip. But it was enemy territory, with smuggling risks no less than Jin Prefecture.

Wen Huaguo, dazed from listening, suddenly said, “Pyongyang? That city has strong walls, not easy to capture.”

Deng She’s heart stirred, finally understanding Hong Jixun’s intent. Was it worth opening a new trade route with another battle? Setting aside troop numbers, even if captured, if Guan Duo then invaded Korea, wouldn’t they just be working for others again?

He deliberated but military secrets could not be shared with the lowly. Pretending surprise, he said, “Attacking Pyongyang? Don’t speak nonsense. Our army is exhausted and unready.”

He encouraged Chen Zhe, “Though bandits plague the Jin route, it must be taken. Rest two days. Madam Wang returns to Shandong in two days; you know the path, guide us then.” He instructed his guards, “Though Chen Zhe says bandits rob merchants only, increase escort forces by half, equip firearms and good armor.”

He asked Tian Boren, “Will you return with us?”

Chen answered for him, “Brother Tian’s leg was injured.” Rolling up Tian’s pants, Deng She saw an arrow wound mostly healed. “Walking is fine, but riding or long journeys are difficult. I suggest he stays here until fully recovered.”

Tian Boren agreed and asked Chen to return to Jin Prefecture to inquire about the Shen family’s caravans.

Having addressed all issues early morning, Deng She had other plans that afternoon and did not host a meal. He asked Chen to treat Tian well, and all departed. Deng She lingered, studying maps, pondering the coincident idea of Hong Jixun and Wen Huaguo to attack Pyongyang.

One clever, the other brash, both thought the same—this was promising. After much calculation, he remained undecided, setting it aside for later discussion with Hong.

He had not slept the previous night. Warm sunlight streamed in, making him drowsy. Yawning, he looked up, startled to find Wu Henian quietly returned, bowing respectfully in the hall.

Knowing Wu must have urgent matters, Deng She smiled wryly, “Deputy Wu? What brings you back? You just left.”

“I have important news, sir. It’s too sensitive for others to hear,” Wu said, glancing at the guards.

Deng She paused; knowing Wu’s good relations with local magnates, perhaps he had heard rumors or sensed unrest. He dismissed the guards and grew serious, “Speak freely now.”

Still cautious, Wu stepped closer, lowering his voice, “While you were away for over half a month, much happened.”

Deng She, hardened by battles, was calm and steady, “Go on.”

“First, you ordered me to accompany Mr. Hong to watch over Qing Qianxing. Whenever good news arrived, I promptly informed him. At first, he dismissed it, then disbelieved, and finally fell silent. I think his mind has become restless. If you stoke the fire at the right moment, persuading him to surrender won’t be difficult.”

Hong Jixun had reported this to Deng She, though with less credit to Wu. Wu took over Deng She’s role of conversing with Qing Qianxing, having lived long in Korea and with family in the Mongol government, understanding Qing’s mindset better. Quietly pressing him while debating Deng She’s strategies, Qing was convinced each time.

Deng She’s ability was recognized; now with the clever Hong and surprisingly capable Wu, the small twin cities were surprisingly rich in talent.

After the fall of the twin cities, Qing thought fate was against him but now admitted respect. With such civil and military talent and elite troops, conquering half the northern Datong River region in two months, compared to Korea’s declining dynasty, the outcome was uncertain—each side had fifty-fifty chances. Life is lived once; perhaps fifty percent is worth risking.

Respect and cleverness did not mean surrender. Like hiding a lute half-covered, stubbornness lingered, needing external push. Hong had devised a plan, told Deng She, ready to use at the right moment, certain to win Qing’s allegiance. Deng She felt hopeful.

After Wu finished, Deng She nodded, “Deputy Wu, you have done much. I know that. What’s the second matter?”

“The second concerns Overseer Yao. The local magnates often mention he visits frequently, trying to befriend officials and leaders. His words hint that Guan Pingzhang will soon move into Korea, commanding tens of thousands. He openly praises you, while subtly belittling you as just one of Guan’s subordinates.”

“How do the magnates react?”

“I follow your teaching, often mingling with them. Rest assured, I have quietly reminded them of Guan’s infamous record of killing and robbing in Liaoyang. They know who is truly heavy-handed.”

“In this, we rely on you, Deputy Wu.” Deng She trusted Wu’s skill in managing people. Without it and his covert support, he could not have resisted internal traitors or gained any power from Yao, who claimed moral authority.

Wu stepped closer, “Third matter—I was reluctant to say. It’s a personal failing, but your foundation is hard-won. As the saying goes, ‘An ant’s nest can collapse a dike’; prevention is key. My loyalty compels me to tell you.”

He hesitated, and Deng She, weary, urged, “Speak plainly.”

“It concerns Mr. Hong.”

Deng She’s drowsiness vanished, “What of Hong?”

Hong was indispensable—no one else could replace him.

“He has abused the opportunity managing the twin cities, accepting bribes from local magnates and Jurchen chieftains, coercing me to allocate them prime lands. His house burned down years ago; now, with bribes, he is building a grand mansion. He indulges in women, acquiring dozens in a month.”

“That’s not all. He found three or four disgraced men claiming to be relatives or friends, trying to infiltrate the city’s administration. Land and women are minor; official appointments are serious. Without your order, I firmly rejected them.”

“He could not enter your office, but soon after, he placed them in the military farming office and sent one to General Zhao in Jiashan.” Wu’s voice was fierce, “Sir, meddling in military and civil affairs, his intent is sinister!”

Deng She was shocked. He knew nothing of the bribes or womanizing; he had even proposed building the mansion. As for appointments, except one relative, the others were families of friends who died in the city’s fall due to Hong’s actions. Following merit-based reward, one literate person familiar with the Jurchens was sent to Jiashan; the rest became squad leaders in the military farming office.

Deng She’s face darkened. He slammed the table and stood abruptly. Whatever Yao said, he could ignore, but sowing discord between lord and minister was taboo. Why did Wu suddenly report this now? Only because Hong had earlier reproached him—a malicious, unforgivable act.

Moreover, Deng She had never respected Wu Henian. Furious, he shouted, “With enemies at the gate, why sow discord instead of uniting? What is your intent?” He raised his foot to kick him but stopped himself. Long years in command had made him decisive and quick to anger; his temper was growing harsher.

Outside, the guards burst in, weapons flashing, restraining Wu, cold blades at his throat. The captain looked only to Deng She. “General, shall we behead him?”

Wu turned pale. Deng She had always been kind to him, but two months here had reminded him of the corpse of Liu Overseer hung in Yongping and the Darughachi skinned alive that night.

Wu scrambled on the stone floor, head banging, “My lord, have mercy. I pledge my heart to the bright moon…”

Deng She ordered the guards out, calming himself, “Mr. Hong manages military affairs; you handle civil. You two are my left and right arms. With enemies inside and out, you should unite. Instead, you come here babbling nonsense—what is this?”

Wu stammered, “I know my error, I won’t do it again. Please forgive me this once.” He slapped himself hard, “I was blinded by greed, deserving death! Please don’t be petty. For my loyal service, give me one more chance.”

Deng She studied him a moment, “Rise. Remember today’s matter is known only to us two. If a third person learns of it, you’ll deal with the consequences.”

“Yes, yes.”

Wu rose shakily, kowtowing too hard, splitting his head and bleeding down his face and clothes. His lips were swollen, a pitiful sight.

Deng She sighed, fetched a towel, and gently wiped him. “When I scold and reprimand you, it is for your good. I see and appreciate your hard work. Don’t take it to heart; keep striving.” Governing civil affairs required Wu; a slap and a treat was a way to manage subordinates.

Wu was overwhelmed, standing stiffly, unable to move. Grateful tears choked his throat. “I know, my lord—spare the rod, spoil the child. Your teachings I will remember.”

Deng She nodded, paused, then lightly added, “Our position is unstable. You must watch for local anomalies. If there are similar matters again, do not speak recklessly; come to me directly.”

His words held hidden meaning. “Similar matters” could mean local or military officials. Wu was startled, and Deng She, unaware, had touched a sore spot. Wu shivered.

In the sunlight, Deng She’s dark figure cast a long shadow on the floor.

——

1. A royal army that does not allow merchants to operate freely exists only in history books, not reality.

Zhu Yuanzhang, upon crossing the river and taking cities, ordered, “When entering enemy territory, allow soldiers to requisition supplies. If the city resists, allow soldiers to loot; if it surrenders, protect the people and take nothing.” The effect was “everyone fought fiercely, conquering all.”

The term “requisition” meant official foraging, allowing loot upon resistance.

When attacking Caoshi to take Jinling, generals wanted to take women and treasures as spoils. Zhu had to burn his boats to show no retreat and promised spoils, to strengthen resolve.

After taking Taiping, the local elder welcomed Zhu, who spoke with them. The elder said, “The land is in turmoil, heroes contend, but their aim is women and treasures…”

2. The ancient use of female spies.

“To keep rebellious ministers confused, present them with beauties to bewilder them.”

3. Shen Wansan.

“Nanjing’s Shen Wansan, Beijing’s bent dry tree—man’s name and tree’s shadow.” This is from the novel Jin Ping Mei.

Real name Shen Fu, styled Zhongrong, third son, also called Sansiu or Wansanxiu.

Known as the richest family in Jiangnan at the end of Yuan dynasty, owning two-thirds of land in Suzhou prefecture.

One story says in the early Ming, counties divided households into classes; the richest were called “ten thousand households.” Shen Wansan was among the top.

Legend has he learned alchemy from Zhang Sanfeng, gaining wealth rivaling a nation.

4. Korea had no cotton.

During Yuan times, many Korean nobles studied in Yuan. Cotton was introduced to Korea around 1364 by a Korean in Dadu who smuggled cotton seeds home. Initially, cultivation failed until helped by a Yuan monk named Jiang, or possibly an Indian monk.

5. Zhang Shicheng took Shen Wansan’s daughter as consort.

“Zhang Shicheng, king of Wu, required Shen Wansan’s wealth to support his army and took one of his daughters as consort.”

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