xymnovel Chapter 12: They've rebelled! They've really rebelled!
Chapter 12: They've rebelled! They've really rebelled!
Zou Jing, around thirty years old, with a dark complexion and a wiry build, was a trusted confidant of Guo Xun after he took office. He was quite brave and strong, and also knew a bit about military affairs. He was extremely loyal to Guo Xun.
After receiving the order, he immediately mustered five hundred soldiers.
The military system of the Eastern Han Dynasty was complex, including the central imperial guards, border garrison soldiers, local commandery and kingdom soldiers, and conscripted militia.
Inland prefectures and kingdoms did not have prefectural troops, nor did they have prefectural commanders. The prefects only had a small number of subordinate officials, county soldiers, and village soldiers for maintaining order, apprehending thieves, and escorting goods, and their combat effectiveness was very weak.
However, Youzhou was an important border defense area. Shanggu, Yuyang, Youbeiping and other border counties were often guarded by powerful commandery officers (duwei) to defend against the Xianbei and Wuhuan. The troops under their command were professional armies.
The governor has the right to mobilize troops from various prefectures when necessary.
Although the five hundred men that Guo Xun sent to Zou Jing were not as elite as the Yuyang and Shanggu cavalry who guarded the border and fought against the Hu cavalry all year round, they were still professional county soldiers who were stationed in the prefecture for many years.
They were clad in leather or lamellar armor, wielding halberds and ring-pommel swords, and equipped with bows and crossbows. Their banners were clearly visible, making them far more formidable than the county soldiers of Zhuo County who were mainly responsible for maintaining order and rotating service.
In Guo Xun's view, using such military might to intimidate Liu Bei's few hundred ragtag followers would be enough to force them to submit.
Zou Jing led his army away from the bustling Ji County, with banners waving and armor clanging, and headed southwest towards Zhuo County.
Upon hearing that the governor had dispatched troops, the counties and prefectures along the way all greeted and escorted them with great care, providing them with provisions and supplies, and daring not to be negligent.
A force of five hundred men, carrying baggage, could not march quickly. By the time they arrived at the capital of Zhuojun, it was the end of February of the seventh year of the Guanghe era.
By the time he had set up camp, it was already the first day of the third month.
Liu Qi, the prefect of Zhuojun, Sun Dian, the magistrate of Zhuoxian, and others held a banquet at the prefectural government office to welcome Zou Jing.
Although the banquet was not as lavish as that in the prefectural capital, the lacquered table was set with tripods, meat dishes were all available, and the sweet wine was warm and fragrant. Several courtesans were also playing the zither and the sheng on the side, which showed the "sincerity" of the local officials.
During the banquet, Sun Dian and others flattered Zou Jing to the extreme, always referring to him as "Commander Zou." After several rounds of drinks, the atmosphere became more relaxed.
Zou Jing put down his wine cup and got to the point: "Lord Guo sent me here specifically to inquire about Liu Bei in Zhuo County."
"I have already reviewed the official documents from the prefecture, county, and local government. However, I would like to request that you gentlemen elaborate on the details."
"How exactly did Liu Bei commit the killings without authorization? And what was the state of his gathering of followers afterward? I hope you all can enlighten me."
Chen Xun, the county magistrate of Zhuo County, was also present at the banquet. Upon hearing this, he immediately perked up.
His pent-up grievances and resentment towards Liu Bei, which had been building up for many days, seemed to find an outlet at this moment. Coupled with a few cups of wine, his courage grew slightly, and he immediately embellished the story, portraying Liu Bei as a heinous traitor:
"Commander Zou, please report! I have long been stationed in Zhuo County and know this scoundrel well! That Liu Bei, relying on his distant kinship, has been gathering fugitives and raising assassins in the countryside, harboring rebellious intentions from the start! His estate has high walls and deep moats, resembling a fortified stronghold; this is not the work of good people!"
"Upon further investigation, I found that the incident at the west warehouse that day was clearly a deliberate provocation, a case of someone picking a fight first! They actually fired three arrows in broad daylight, right in front of everyone, each one fatal!"
"Deng Zhong, Li Shi, and another person were all pierced through the throat and chest, dying instantly, their blood staining the main street. They utterly disregarded the law of the court!"
"I was ordered to go and investigate, but he made outrageous remarks, accusing the Taiping Dao of rebellion, and his words were full of contradictions. He even demanded that I personally go to his manor to confront him. He was extremely arrogant and domineering."
He paused, stealing a glance at Zou Jing's face. Seeing that Zou Jing's expression was ashen, he feigned deep sorrow and indignation: "Afterwards, he became even more ruthless. Desperados, frivolous knights, and scoundrels from all directions, hearing of his fearsome reputation and extravagant spending, flocked to him!"
"Now the village is teeming with more than three hundred fierce bandits and thugs! They train day and night with the deafening sound of drums and gongs, and their banners stand tall, their spears and halberds are like a forest, and their bows and crossbows are readily available."
"My spies reported that their troops are well-organized and disciplined, resembling an army! This is no ordinary local strongman; it is a serious threat to the region, a major scourge! If we do not eliminate them soon, they may grow too powerful and wreak havoc in Youyan!"
"Commander Zou has led his elite celestial army this time. We should seize this opportunity before they become a major threat, quickly dispatch our divine troops, surround their fortified village, capture the ringleader, and disband the coerced followers to uphold the law!"
Chen Xun spoke with great enthusiasm, as if Liu Bei were about to raise the flag and rebel at any moment.
Prefect Liu He and the county magistrate listened from the side. Although they felt that Chen Xun's words were exaggerated, they did not want to provoke trouble, so they simply nodded in agreement, their faces showing worry.
Zou Jing secretly assessed the situation. He believed Chen Xun's words to a large extent; it seemed that Liu Bei was indeed a tough nut to crack, having gathered hundreds of well-trained men, which was no longer an ordinary security incident.
The governor ordered him to "use both appeasement and suppression," with the emphasis on "appeasement," forcing them to submit and pay tribute.
But if he is truly as unruly as Chen Xun claims, then it may be necessary to demonstrate force and exert pressure.
He was pondering how to both fulfill the governor's task of "generating revenue" and resolve this matter safely, ideally without bloodshed...
Just then, the soothing music playing outside the banquet hall was suddenly interrupted by a flurry of shouts!
"Report! A rebellion! A real rebellion!"
A messenger covered in dust stumbled into the hall, almost collapsing to the ground from exhaustion and fear, holding aloft a red and white bag (used for urgent military intelligence) stained with mud.
Chen Xun was overjoyed and slammed his hand on the table, saying to Zou Jing, "Captain, just as I said, Liu Bei is indeed a wolf in sheep's clothing and has truly rebelled! Heaven and earth are watching, and this villain has finally revealed himself..."
With his last breath, the letter cried out hoarsely, "No...it's not Liu Bei! It's...an urgent report from Julu! The Taiping Dao has rebelled!"
"The Great Teacher Zhang Jiao, a month ago in Julu, Jizhou, issued a proclamation to all directions, calling himself 'General of Heaven,' his brother Zhang Bao 'General of Earth,' and Zhang Liang 'General of Man'!"
"The followers all wore yellow turbans as their identification! The flames of war spread across eight provinces: Qing, Xu, You, Ji, Jing, Yang, Yan, and Yu! Their army numbered in the millions, attacking cities and seizing territories, causing prefectures and counties to fall, and countless officials to flee!"
He gasped for breath, his voice even more terrified: "I...I have rebelled in Youzhou too! The followers of the Way of Peace in Zhuojun, Guangyang, Shanggu, and other prefectures, having received orders from Julu, have all risen up!"
"The Yellow Turban leader of Guangyang has led tens of thousands of troops and is rushing towards Ji County! Another Yellow Turban detachment, about three or four thousand strong, led by the sorcerer Cheng Yuanzhi of Zhuojun, has already captured several villages and is... is heading straight for Zhuo County! They are less than a hundred li away! They are burning and killing along the way, and their momentum is unstoppable!"
The words fell silent, like a thunderclap.
The Way of Peace—has truly rebelled!
Moreover, its scale was so vast that it swept across eight states!
The crucial point is that the Taiping Dao in Youzhou has also rebelled! Several thousand Yellow Turban rebels are marching towards Zhuo County!
"Clang!"
The sounds of cups and plates shattering on the ground, someone collapsing in horror, and a woman screaming rang out one after another.
The banquet hall, which had been filled with singing and dancing just moments before, was instantly transformed into a complete mess.
Prefect Liu He's face turned ashen. The wine cup in his hand clattered to the ground. He instinctively tried to get up, staggering as he attempted to escape into the back hall and abandon the city.
He muttered unconsciously to himself, "The thief is here, what can we do?"
County Magistrate Sun Dian collapsed on his seat, nearly fainting.
Only Zou Jing, though also shocked, was still able to maintain a degree of composure as a martial artist.
He abruptly stood up, strode up to the messenger, and demanded sharply, "How far is the rebel army from Zhuoxian? What are their exact numbers and equipment?"
The messenger, panting, replied, "No, less than a hundred li! They are all on foot, their clothes disheveled, but they are numerous and powerful, probably no less than four or five thousand! Many carry hoes, rakes, and thorns, and there are also quite a few swords and spears; they look very menacing!"
Zou Jing's heart sank. He only had five hundred soldiers from the prefecture. Although they were elite, they were no match for thousands of desperate men. Moreover, the bandits had gathered followers along the way, and their numbers might continue to grow.
Just then, he suddenly remembered what Chen Xun had said earlier, and immediately perked up as if he had grasped a lifeline!
"County Commandant Chen!"
His shout startled Chen Xun, who looked up blankly.
"County Lieutenant Chen! You just said that the 'bandits' and 'threat from our side' we are to quell—who are they?"
Chen Xun felt completely stunned and stammered, "It's...it's Liu Bei from Zhuo County, Liu...Liu Xuande..."
Zou Jing quickly pressed on, asking, "Why is he considered a bandit?"
Chen Xun's mind went blank, and he instinctively replied, "Because...because he killed a Taiping Dao sorcerer in the street, saying...that the Taiping Dao was about to rebel, so he gathered fugitives and trained troops."
Zou Jing's eyes shone even brighter, and a smile involuntarily crept onto his lips: "You said he has gathered a large force and trains them rigorously? How many men are there? What is their combat strength?!"
Chen Xun stammered, "According to reports, more than three hundred brave warriors have been gathered, all of whom have undergone rigorous training, are well-organized, and are skilled in archery and horsemanship..."
"Over three hundred? Well-trained?" Zou Jing finally couldn't contain his excitement and burst into laughter: "Haha! Heaven is on my side!"
"Who are you calling a bandit now? I think you're the bandit! Your whole clan is a traitor! How dare you slander a righteous man like this!"
"My lord, Liu Bei's ability to grasp the situation so early and see through the rebels' schemes shows he possesses great talent and strategic acumen! Why don't you quickly invite righteous men to come and analyze the situation for us, helping us quell the rebellion!"
Upon hearing Zou Jing's words, Liu He felt as if he had been struck by lightning. He paused in his escape into the inner hall. What terrified them, and indeed the entire Han bureaucracy, most was the sudden and unexpected nature of the Yellow Turban Rebellion. As a result, countless officials abandoned their posts in the city and fled into the mountains and fields.
However, if someone can offer guidance, analyze the situation, and provide suggestions, then one will naturally know when to advance and when to retreat.
He straightened up, his legs still a little weak, but his voice had gained some strength:
"Commander Zou truly possesses the insight of a national hero! If it weren't for your guidance, Liu He would have almost ruined important matters of the court and failed His Majesty's great favor!"
He turned to his panicked and bewildered subordinates and shouted sternly, "What are you all standing there for! Quickly do as Commandant Zou says!"
"Where is the Chief Clerk?" he asked, pointing to another important subordinate.
A clerk, around forty years old, with a dignified face and wearing a scholar's cap, stepped forward and bowed, saying, "This humble clerk is here."
"Li Gongcao, you shall take this official's warrant and the prefectural government's insignia, prepare a carriage immediately, and bring cattle, wine, and silk to Liu Xuande's estate in Zhuo County on my behalf!"
"To commend his loyalty and courage, for first eliminating the traitors and acting as a warning! To further praise his righteous act of distributing wealth to raise troops and protect the people! To reward his righteous men with one hundred bolts of silk, ten catties of gold, fifty bushels of fine wine, and one hundred fat pigs!"
"Then invite him to the prefectural government as soon as possible to discuss a plan to defeat the bandits! Your attitude must be sincere, and your manners impeccable!"
"I will obey Your Excellency's command!" Clerk Li Fu solemnly accepted the order.
Among the officials under the prefecture, the Gongcao Yuan (功曹掻) held extremely important positions and was known as the "ultimate official of the prefecture." He was in charge of selecting and appointing officials based on merit and discussing rewards and punishments. He was often a confidant of the prefect and his status was above that of the Duyou (督邮) and Wuguan Yuan (五官掻).
Liu He sent his chief clerk in person, which was already a very high honor.
The other officials in the hall then seemed to wake from a dream and busied themselves with their tasks.
While chaos reigned within the prefectural government, a completely different scene unfolded at Liu Bei's manor southeast of Zhuoxian County.
The atmosphere inside the manor was lively and enthusiastic.
Since the day before yesterday, the lord of the manor, Liu Bei, suddenly ordered the granaries to be opened, the stored millet and dried meat to be taken out, the livestock to be slaughtered, and the wine to be brewed for a grand feast for his people.
Hundreds of soldiers, who had undergone ten days of rigorous training, were able to temporarily relax and indulge in drinking and eating meat.
The bonfire blazed on the training ground, the aroma of meat and wine filled the air, and shouts and laughter echoed to the heavens.
Although most people don't know why the lord is suddenly so generous—after all, there have been rumors lately that the lord's finances are running out.
But the actual taste of wine and meat is enough to dispel any doubts.
The soldiers sat around the campfire, devouring roasted meat and drinking heavily, which greatly boosted their morale.
The firelight illuminated excited, flushed faces as people struggled and wrestled, their shouts deafening.
Or they would draw their bows and shoot at a haystack; the one who hit the target would win a round of applause.
Some even drew their swords and struck the ground, recounting the perilous events they had experienced and the ruthless bandits they had slain, their voices echoing throughout the surrounding area.
Above the camp, the sounds of shouting, gambling, and clashing weapons mingled together, creating a lively and exhilarating atmosphere that soared straight to the heavens.
Even Guan Yu, who was known for his strict military discipline, has relaxed his control slightly these past few days, only reminding them not to overdo it and to remain vigilant.
Inside the main hall of the manor, Liu Bei knelt in the main seat, dressed in a narrow-sleeved Hu-style robe for ease of movement, his emotions hidden from view.
Guan Yu and Zhang Fei stood on either side of him, their hands on their swords, their faces filled with barely suppressed excitement. Zhang Fei, in particular, had wide, bulging eyes as he paced back and forth in the hall, occasionally looking up at the outside.
Although Guan Yu appeared relatively calm, his phoenix eyes were slightly closed, and his fingers were constantly gripping the hilt of his sword, revealing his anxious heart.
Jian Yong, Liu Deran, Tian Yu, and others were also below the hall, all with solemn expressions, their eyes frequently glancing towards the door.
Just then, a series of hurried footsteps sounded, and then a travel-worn figure rushed into the hall. It was Qian Zhao, who had been away for many days.
His face was weary, yet his expression was excited. As soon as he entered the hall, he bowed deeply to Liu Bei, saying, "My lord! I have summoned you back!"
"Zijing!" Liu Bei's eyes lit up, and he raised his hand to help her up. "You've had a long and tiring day! Tell us quickly what's happening outside!"
Qian Zhao straightened up and spoke rapidly: "Chaos reigns everywhere! I returned north from Anping, only to find rumors spreading everywhere! There is no consensus."
"Some say the Way of Peace has already started an uprising at Julu. Others say it's just rumors to scare people, just a few petty thieves using the name of the Way of Peace to make a show of force."
"But along the way I did see groups of people with yellow turbans gathered, villages and towns closed their doors, and people fled!"
"From yesterday to today, rumors about the 'Yellow Turban Rebellion' have suddenly intensified in the Hebei region! I believe that the Taiping Dao's reaction is indeed true."
Upon hearing this, the hall fell silent for a moment, then erupted in a loud "boom," as if a pot had exploded!
"They really did rebel!"
"What my lord says is true!"
"In the third month of the Jiazi year, the world was in chaos!"
"The Way of Peace has truly rebelled!"
Guan Yu's phoenix eyes suddenly lit up, and Zhang Fei's leopard eyes widened as well. They excitedly slapped their thighs: "Damn it! Big Brother was right! These fiends really dare to rebel!"
Jian Yong suppressed his usual arrogance and became solemn. Liu Deran, Tian Yu, and the others, on the other hand, were filled with excitement and immense admiration for their lord's foresight.
Since Liu Bei was convinced that the Yellow Turban Rebellion was inevitable, and he spent all his wealth and sold his property to recruit soldiers, although many people believed in and followed him, they may not have been without doubts in their hearts.
Especially recently, with their finances dwindling, Zhang Fei had no choice but to sell his possessions to help others. This caused widespread suspicion.
Now, the prophecy has come true, and chaos has suddenly descended. All the efforts and training have instantly gained their most practical meaning!
A sense of exhilaration, that "I am not alone" and "Heaven's mandate rests on my shoulders," permeated everyone's hearts.
Only Liu Bei remained calm, displaying the ultimate heroic spirit of being taciturn and unable to show his emotions.
He had no worries whatsoever about the Yellow Turban Rebellion.
Therefore, after the murmurs of the crowd subsided, he calmly said, "Gentlemen, now that the rebels have indeed rebelled and the world is in chaos, it is the time for us to raise an army of righteous men, punish the traitors, restore the Han Dynasty, and establish our merits! A true man should wield a three-foot sword and achieve unparalleled feats, not live a life of mediocrity in the wilderness!"
"Our great undertaking begins today!"
Then he looked at Qian Zhao and said, "Our followers number only a few hundred, which is no match for the Yellow Turbans who span multiple provinces and counties and have a million soldiers. Therefore, if we want to quell the Yellow Turbans, cavalry is of paramount importance."
"Zijing, I previously entrusted you with the task of finding a talent for judging horses and understanding horse administration. This matter concerns the future of our cavalry and is of paramount importance. Have you made any progress?"
Qian Zhao's spirits lifted, and he immediately stepped aside, calling out towards the outside of the hall, "Mr. Zhang, please come in and see me."
A man in his forties, with a dark complexion and large hands and feet, entered in response to the call and bowed to Liu Bei, saying, "Zhang Ye of Anping greets Lord Liu."
Qian Zhao introduced, "My lord, this is Mr. Zhang Ye. His ancestors were horse stewards in the Wuhuan camp. They were skilled horse connoisseurs and equine doctors for generations. They had unique insights into the quality, habits, training, and disease prevention of horses in You, Bing, and Ji provinces. They were truly great talents."
"Having heard that our lord is determined to restore the Han dynasty and is spending lavishly to support scholars, he is willing to come and join us."
Liu Bei rose from his seat and personally helped Zhang Ye up, saying gently, "Now that the world is on the verge of chaos, I wish to restore the Han Dynasty and am in dire need of capable men. I intend to build an elite cavalry force to sweep across the land and defeat the enemy. I entrust all matters concerning the purchase, selection, training, and treatment of horses to you, sir. Provide manpower and funds as needed; whatever you request, I will grant!"
Zhang Ye was deeply moved by Liu Bei's courteous and respectful treatment, and bowed again, saying, "I am deeply grateful for your kindness, my lord. I will do my utmost to serve you!"
Just as Liu Bei was about to invite Zhang Ye to sit down for a detailed discussion, another commotion erupted at the manor gate.
Surrounded by guards, Zhang Shiping and Su Shuang hurriedly entered the main hall. Their faces showed the exhaustion of their journey, but their expressions were extremely excited, mixed with a hint of excitement and fear.
Zhang Shiping didn't even have time for pleasantries. Upon seeing Liu Bei, he exclaimed urgently, "Lord Xuande! Lord Xuande! Have you heard? It's being said outside—the Way of Peace has raised its flag in rebellion!"
"Julu and Guangzong are already ablaze, and flames are everywhere in Jizhou! Merchants who have fled from the south say they have personally witnessed rioters wearing yellow turbans attacking villages and towns, and the government officials fleeing! In Zhuojun, I've heard that followers of the Way of Peace are also gathering!"
He was panting, but his eyes shone with a light—the light of a businessman seeing a great opportunity.
"What Xuande said back then has now come true!"
"The Taiping Dao has indeed rebelled! You previously executed their followers in the street, and now you are not only innocent but also meritorious! The court is currently in need of capable people, and you, a loyal and righteous man with troops, will surely be won over and rewarded by the court!"
No need to say more! This is a case of rare commodities commanding high prices!
Su Shuang nodded repeatedly, her face full of relief, glad that she hadn't completely refused back then.
Zhang Shiping clapped his hands and said generously, "Lord Xuande! I said back then that if the Way of Peace were to rebel, and you were also unharmed, I would gladly give away all my wealth to help you! Now, the time has come!"
"I, Shi Ping, though unworthy, am willing to contribute all the gold, silk, grain, and cloth stored in my home, and to contact merchants I know in Zhongshan and Zhuojun, to purchase weapons, warhorses, and provisions for you! I will assist you in raising a righteous army to punish the traitors and restore the Han Dynasty!"
Liu Bei was in dire need of funds, so this was undoubtedly a timely act of kindness.
He immediately cupped his hands in greeting, looked at Zhang Shiping with moved eyes, and said, "I am deeply grateful for your noble character, Lord Zhang! With your help, we are like tigers with wings!"
Just as he was about to discuss the details of the funding with Zhang Shiping and Su Shuang, an announcement came again from the manor gate: "My lord! Chen An, the county patrolman, has arrived at the manor again, saying that Li Gong, the prefectural clerk, has come on the orders of the prefect to deliver important news!"
The noisy atmosphere inside the hall instantly fell silent.
The meritorious service of the county government?
Was he sent by the prefect?
All eyes turned to Liu Bei.
Liu Bei remained calm, composedly straightened his clothes, and said indifferently to the crowd below, "It seems that the news from the prefecture is not too slow. Gentlemen, please follow me to greet them."
The manor gates opened wide once again.
But this time, the scene outside the door was completely different from when Chen An came half a month ago.
There were no tense county soldiers, only a simple carriage with several minor officials from the prefecture standing in front of it.
In the lead carriage sat a middle-aged official wearing a scholar's cap, a black robe, and with a solemn expression; he was none other than Li Fu, the clerk of Zhuojun.
Chen An stood beside the carriage, leading the horse, his posture respectful, even somewhat ingratiating.
Upon seeing Liu Bei lead his entourage out, Li Fu immediately dismounted, stepped forward a few paces, and bowed solemnly: "Li Fu, the clerk of Zhuojun, has come to pay my respects to Prefect Liu on his orders!"
He straightened up, his voice clear and loud, making sure everyone around could hear: "My Lordship, I have heard that Liu Bei, the Prince of Zhongshan, is a descendant of the Prince of Zhongshan, a loyal and virtuous official of the Han Dynasty, with a resolute character and unparalleled loyalty and courage."
"Having seen through the evil forces of the Taiping Dao before they even sprouted, he resolutely executed their ringleaders, Deng Zhong and Li Shi, in the marketplace, eliminating traitors for the country and rendering meritorious service to the local community!"
"His ability to distribute his family wealth, gather righteous men, repair armor and weapons, and strengthen defenses to prevent future disasters demonstrates his profound understanding of righteousness and his combination of wisdom and courage!"
"Now that the rebels have indeed rebelled and the world is in turmoil, this is the time for loyal and virtuous men to risk their lives. The Prefect deeply appreciates Lord Liu's righteous deeds and has specially sent Fu to bestow upon him cattle, wine, and silk to honor his merits and to comfort the righteous man!"
With a wave of his hand, the clerk behind him immediately led several oxcarts forward, loaded with rewards from the prefectural government.
Then Li Fu's smile widened, and his tone became even more polite: "Your Excellency says that at this time of national crisis, we urgently need loyal and brave men to help alleviate the national crisis. Lord Liu is a man of great talent, and his troops are well-trained; he is truly a pillar of the court."
"The Prefect has prepared a banquet at the Prefectural Government, eagerly awaiting your arrival to discuss with you the grand strategy of protecting the territory and ensuring the safety of the people, as well as defeating the bandits and the enemy. We earnestly request that you come to the Prefectural Government for a discussion. The carriage and horses are ready, and we hope that you will not refuse."
Upon hearing this, Guan Yu proudly raised his head, stroking his long beard, while Zhang Fei excitedly rubbed his hands together, his face full of pride.
"Brother, you truly possess an extraordinary and unparalleled bearing! You are worthy of our utmost respect!"
"Second brother is right!"