Red Mansion: Picking up a Lin Daiyu

Chapter 315 I’m not willing to give in
As night fell, a bonfire was lit in front of the general's mansion to illuminate the area.

At this moment, the outer perimeter of the General's Mansion had been surrounded by three layers of troops from Cangzhou who had launched a sudden attack, and all contact with the outside world had been completely cut off.

The people inside had no idea what was going on outside, but based on the number of people surrounding the mansion, they could estimate that the officers and soldiers who landed on the island must not be in the majority. After discussing with their staff, the small leaders of the Japanese pirates continued to fight stubbornly and try to fight their way out.

The smell of blood mixed with the salty and humid sea breeze was foul, but every soldier was in high spirits and guarded his position.

This was a crucial battle. After this battle, the Japanese pirates would no longer have a place to stand in the coastal waters.

Yue Ling did not stand in the formation, but found a high place, looked at the situation in front of the general's mansion, and discussed the current war with several centurions beside him.

"My Lord, Commander Liu sent someone to report back that the battle in the alleys was a complete victory. We now control more than half of the market."

"There is also news outside the island that the reinforcements from the opposite island were defeated many times, and no one from either side died in the battle. There were 137 wounded, and they have all been taken away for treatment."

Such a great victory with no casualties was already an unimaginable glorious achievement for them. It was like they were a heavenly army and generals. Even if they told others about it, no one would believe it.

The Japanese pirates who once wreaked havoc on China were beaten by them without any chance to fight back.

Everyone present was a participant and witness of this victory, and their faces were filled with joy.

After hearing that no one was killed in the battle, Yue Ling secretly breathed a sigh of relief and said, "I just explored this general's mansion. It's not just a mansion, but more like a fortress. The walls of the mansion are made of stone and are very solid. Even artillery fire may not be able to break through the walls. We can't attack rashly."

Although the strategic position of the General's Mansion is very important, Yue Ling does not want to fill his own achievements with the lives of his soldiers.

Several centurions knew clearly what Yue Ling was thinking and were even more moved.

Yue Ling could give an order and ask them to storm the general's mansion, but even if they had to climb the walls from all sides of a mansion, there would always be a way to break through, but Yue Ling would not do that.

"What we need to do now is to surround the General's Mansion and defeat the reinforcements. The news here will not be spread out for a while. If we keep surrounding it, the Japanese in the mansion will definitely have insufficient supplies and can only keep coming out to test us. We just need to drive them back."

Be prepared and wait for the enemy to charge; this is the best way to reduce damage.

Many of the centurions were happy to accept the order, but some people were worried and asked, "If we just keep fighting like this, it's not a good idea, right?"

Yue Ling did not explain, but asked everyone: "What do you think is the most lacking thing on the island?"

Several centurions answered in unison: "Water?"

"That's right." Yue Ling nodded with satisfaction at everyone's quick understanding, "The island is most prone to water shortage, but the general's mansion was chosen to be located here, so there must be these considerations. During the day, I saw that the terrain here is low-lying, so there may be springs."

"If there really is, they can still resist for some time, which is a big trouble. So the most urgent thing is that we not only have to surround the general's mansion, but also do two things. First, find out if there are other water sources on the island. Second, catch a tongue and ask how the general's mansion collects water."

……

After nightfall, with the cover of darkness, it is also a better opportunity to break out.

The bonfire in front of the door flickered, illuminating the open space outside the gate.

The Cangzhou army did not slack off at all. They also hid in the dark and remained cautious and vigilant.

As expected, the General's Mansion would not give up the struggle. They were more familiar with the environment and if the battlefield had not been divided by Yue Ling's surprise attack, they might not be in such a predicament today.

The staff in the palace also clearly understood this point, so they had to use all their skills and coordinate all the troops to fight the enemy together.

If the news could be passed on to Suzhou Prefecture and Wang Shun could lead the army back as soon as possible, then the difficulties would be solved and everyone could survive.

With the belief of survival, the Japanese put up even stronger resistance than in the initial battle. Another group of archers climbed up the wall and shot indiscriminately towards the darkness outside.

The sound of vibrating bowstrings pierced the darkness, heralding the beginning of a new round of battle.

With the cover of archers, the gate of the general's mansion was opened. A group of armored warriors acted as the vanguard, holding large shields and lined up in front of the gate, forming a protective wall.

Behind him, Japanese soldiers came out one after another.

After the boost, the Japanese morale reached an unprecedented high. This time they were determined to win and break through the siege.

Yue Ling certainly did not let these people down. He immediately ordered the soldiers in the dark to push wheelbarrows with shields tied to them to quickly block the way of the people coming. The musketeers then gradually raised their guns under the cover of their shields.

"Fire!"

After a command was given, wisps of green smoke rose up and flames burst out from the muzzle of the gun, like flowers blooming in the dark night.

At a distance of less than fifty steps, even though the musket has its inaccuracy issues, its power and armor-piercing ability are far superior to those of a bow and arrow.

The Japanese armor was not of high quality, and even though the lead bullets did not penetrate their bodies, they still felt unbearable pain and wailed in the air.

However, the warriors leading the charge were themselves a death squad, responsible for clearing a path for the soldiers behind them, so they could only grit their teeth and hold on.

Just as they were fighting back with pain, and the soldiers behind them were firing back with bows, waiting for the gap to be filled with gunpowder, they saw the flags in the opposite formation swaying back and forth in the light of the campfire.

The Japanese who were close could notice that the formation was changing rapidly with the flag signal. The musketeers who had already fired a shot immediately retreated from the formation, and three new rows of muskets were aimed at the front and fired at the same time, covering the entire formation with firepower again.

After this shot, it was not over yet. It repeated this cycle five or six times until the barrel became hot and had to be cooled down. Only then did this intensive fire suppression weaken a little.

It turned out that the musket reloading time they expected was too long, and the opportunity to break through the gate by taking advantage of this gap had already been resolved by Yue Ling's practiced formation.

Even if they were limited by objective factors such as overheated gun barrels, the armor of the armored warriors was now riddled with holes and they were unable to stand up, while the miserable condition of the Japanese soldiers behind them was even more unbearable to watch.

Many of them had their bodies pierced by lead bullets. Even if they did not die on the spot, they were rolling on the ground in pain, having completely lost their combat effectiveness.

They persisted in using their numbers to resist the muskets, but what came next from the left and right sides was the Mandarin Duck Formation, which was even more difficult for them to deal with. In the hand-to-hand combat, they pressed forward step by step, and forced the Japanese who had rushed out to turn back.

Seeing that they were unable to resist, the gatekeeper immediately closed the gate of the general's mansion. Regardless of the soldiers who had no time to escape, the defeated army retreated back to the general's mansion.

"Wait a minute, I haven't even entered yet!"

The wounded man crawled on the ground with difficulty, leaving a trail of blood. He watched the gate close without leaving any gap, and he completely lost hope of survival.

The pursuing Cangzhou army did not execute all the wounded on the spot, but selected a few who were still conscious and dragged them back. The rest were piled in front of the general's mansion and left to fend for themselves.

Seeing his fellow tribesmen wailing in front of the door, while the people in the mansion were unable to rescue them, Yue Ling might have relatives of the injured or other closely related people among them, which was also a means for him to shake the morale of the army.

A dilapidated house was illuminated by red candles.

A man in a black robe sat upright on a wooden bench, with several strong soldiers standing beside him.

Under their gaze was a Japanese who had fainted from the pain, with his hands and feet tied up.

"Wake up!"

After the 100 households gave the order, someone poured sea water on the bodies of several people. The sea water soaked their wounds, making the pain even more unbearable, and they immediately woke up with shivering.

With a rag stuffed in his mouth, he could only twitch and whimper on the ground.

After they calmed down, Yue Ling signaled to them to let go, "Your injuries are not serious now. You should answer whatever I ask. If the answer satisfies me, you can still survive. If you don't know what's good for you, your end will be to have your head hanging outside the door. Do you understand?"

Afraid that these Japanese people could not understand Chinese, Yue Ling deliberately spoke in a slow tone, but these Japanese people all stared at each other, not knowing what Yue Ling meant.

The professional warriors among the Japanese people would most likely not deal with the Han people on a daily basis, so it was understandable that they did not speak Chinese. However, Yue Ling's interrogation came to a standstill for a while.

Watanabe's fluent Chinese made Yue Ling forget that this place had been occupied by the Japanese for a long time, and it was more likely that people here could speak Japanese.

The centurions looked at each other, not knowing what these people were mumbling, and for a moment everyone was at a loss as to what to do.

Yue Ling also has a basic understanding of Japanese, and it is just simple daily conversation.

"My Lord, we can't understand their nonsense anyway, so why not just chop them all off and catch some that can understand human language."

Yue Ling was just thinking about finding a local resident who could speak both Chinese and Japanese to serve as an interpreter when someone outside came in and reported, "My Lord, the Xue family is here."

Shuangyu Island is a trade hub, and the treasures and money stored on the island are less than one thousandth of the value of the commercial goods.

In order to quickly convert these commercial goods into cash, Yue Ling also needs special people to do special tasks, and the Xue family, who has been working for Yue Ling, is the best choice.

Yue Ling thought for a moment and said, "Let's take these people away first and ask the Xue family to come in."

Several Japanese had their mouths gagged again and were taken away, where they bumped into the Xue family who were coming in.

The one who came from the Xue family was a thin young man in a plain robe, not something bright, and he was gentle and elegant. Behind him was a little girl, who walked lightly, as if she was not touching the ground, and was a little jumpy, and it was obvious that she had a cheerful personality.

The Japanese who were brought out covered in blood did not scare the little girl.

Instead, it made her look at him curiously and blink her eyes.

"Xue Ke from the second branch of the Xue family greets the Marquis. This is my sister Xue Baoqin. Since our father passed away, we have depended on each other. She wants to meet the Marquis so much. I hope the Marquis will forgive her."

Xue Ke bowed in person with a respectful attitude.

Xue Baoqin was still looking at the door, thinking about the people who were just taken away. After Xue Ke pulled her sleeve, she bowed her head and said, "Greetings, Lord Marquis."

Xue Baoqin couldn't help being curious. She raised her eyelids slightly, wanting to take a look at what the rumored marquis looked like.

But when she raised her eyes, she found that Yue Ling's attention was not on her brother, but on her. The eye contact allowed her to see Yue Ling's appearance clearly, and she couldn't help but look at him a few more times.

"It turns out that the famous Marquis Anjing is such a young man, perhaps not much older than my brother. After this battle, maybe he can be promoted to Duke based on his achievements? Even if he doesn't, it must be a foregone conclusion."

"It's really amazing. The characters in this kind of storybooks have extraordinary heroic looks and handsome appearance. They are indeed the people I have always admired."

"Sister actually lives with the Marquis? I'm really jealous."

Xue Baoqin raised her eyebrows and withdrew her thoughts.

"However, seeing that the Marquis was just interrogating the prisoners, those people probably said nothing. I wonder if I can help."

Yue Ling originally thought that the people who would come would be the shopkeepers of the Xue family, but he did not expect that it was the second branch who came to take over these matters. He looked around casually and asked, "You brothers and sisters will count the goods on this island. What is the final selling price? List the details. I will not treat you unfairly, but you must not make any mistakes, so as not to cause criticism."

"Well, Xue Ke, right?"

Hearing his name being called, Xue Ke hurriedly stepped forward and said, "I'm here."

Yue Ling raised his hand and said, "Don't be so reserved. I want to ask you how you plan to deal with these goods."

Xue Ke raised his head and said, "In reply to the Marquis, when I first entered the sect, my sister and I went to see the confiscated goods. Most of them were silk, cloth, tea, porcelain and other goods produced in Jiangnan. They are very common in Jiangnan and there are a lot of them. They cannot be dumped on the other side for a while."

"My sister suggested that we ship it by sea to Tianjin, or through Shanhaiguan to Ningyuanwei. The price can be higher and it can be sold more quickly."

Yue Ling nodded and said, "It's good that you have a comprehensive plan. There are many hidden reefs on the sea route. You must be careful when going north. If a ship's cargo is damaged, the Xue family will have to pay the price. This is a public matter, and personal feelings are not allowed."

Xue Ke agreed repeatedly, "I know it well. My sister and I have been figuring out the sea route for the past two years. We can guarantee that it will be safe."

"That's good. I won't interfere with anything else. Just do your best."

Yue Ling turned his gaze to the clever little girl hiding behind Xue Ke.

Of course, it’s not that he really likes her, but Xue Baoqin is known as the most beautiful woman in the Red Mansion, which made him pay more attention to her. How is his Lin Daiyu inferior to her?

Xue Baoqin's face still looks a bit like a baby. If Xue Baochai's face is as slender as a silver plate, Baoqin's face is just the right roundness.

Her eyebrows are like a crescent moon, her eyes are like autumn water, and she exudes a bright and lovely aura. She is not shy like other girls. She has an in-built confidence since she first came here, as if because she has traveled all over the country and across oceans with her father, her vision and experience are different from those of other girls, so she gives people a different feeling.

She wore a red satin cape with gold flowers on it, a pink floral collared blouse underneath, and a pomegranate red pleated skirt on her lower body.

This bright red color does not look gaudy on her, but makes her look more lively and lovely.

Seeing Xue Baoqin looking over, Yue Ling asked, "Sister Baoqin wants to see me, what is it about?"

Xue Ke's words were intended to bring the couple closer, but he didn't expect the Marquis to actually ask about it, which made him feel a little worried. He turned around to look at his sister, but she looked at the Marquis openly, and was a little more relaxed than him.

Xue Baoqin said frankly: "The Marquis is a well-known figure in Dachang, a great hero who protects the capital, and everyone wants to meet him."

"Legends about the Marquis are circulating everywhere in the capital, so I came to see if the Marquis is as good as the rumors say."

Xue Ke said hurriedly, "My sister is spoiled and not as disciplined as other girls in the boudoir. I hope you will forgive me if I don't know the etiquette."

Yue Ling waved his hand and said, "It's okay."

Turning to Xue Baoqin, Yue Ling asked, "What legends are there in the capital? I saw them today. Are they as good as you thought?"

Xue Baoqin's eyes rolled around in her sockets for a few times. Xue Ke turned around and tried to wink at her, but Xue Baoqin paused for a long time before saying, "The first one is quite consistent, but I can't tell anything else."

Xue Ke really couldn't stand this little ancestor. Marquis Anjing was not only a well-known figure in the court and the country, but also the great benefactor of the entire Xue family.

If it weren't for Marquis An Jing, the Xue family's business would have collapsed long ago, let alone being able to bring their first and second branches back together and do business together.

Originally, the eldest branch of the Xue family was responsible for the shop, and the second branch was responsible for business. Now that the pillars of the two families were gone, the Xue family fell into chaos and went from bad to worse. Without Marquis Anjing, there would be no Xue family today.

Under such circumstances, my younger sister actually dared to displease Marquis Anjing.

Xue Ke raised his head cautiously to look at Marquis An Jing's expression, but saw that he didn't mind at all. He was speechless for a moment, not knowing whether he should interrupt.

Xue Baoqin raised her head again and said proudly, "My Lord, you just interrogated those Japanese. They probably didn't say anything. Is it because of the language barrier? I have learned a few languages. If my Lord wants someone to act as an interpreter, I will recommend myself."

Yue Ling smiled and nodded, then looked at Xue Ke and said, "Your sister is really capable. If you don't do your job well, the Xue family's second branch will be in trouble."

Xue Ke's forehead was covered with beads of sweat, and he kept bowing his hands, "I am so ashamed."

Since Xue Baoqin had already discovered that he was interrogating a prisoner and had gained nothing, it wouldn't hurt to let her give it a try. After all, this was a top priority. The sooner the news was obtained, the better it would be for his battle situation.

"Well, you might as well give it a try. Come on, bring the prisoners here."

Not long after, the Japanese pirates who had been taken away were brought back again. When the cotton cloth was taken out of their mouths, they all grimaced in pain because the sea water had penetrated into their wounds. As the wounds gradually dried, they became even more painful.

Smelling the stench from the men, Xue Baoqin involuntarily arched her nose and covered her mouth as she asked, "Who are you and what are you doing in the mansion?"

The Japanese language that Xue Baoqin blurted out made several Japanese people open their eyes wide in shock.

One of them endured the severe pain and asked through gritted teeth, "You speak with a Guanzhong accent. If you don't work for the Lord of God, why do you join this person?"

Xue Baoqin was very proud and pinched her waist and said, "What is the God? How can he compare to Marquis Anjing? If he dares to attack, Marquis Anjing will beat him to a pulp!"

"He is the Marquis of Anjing?"

For the first time, the Japanese people showed a look of surprise on their faces, which was seen by everyone.

One of the centurions couldn't help but ask, "Miss Xue, did they say it?"

Xue Baoqin shook her head and said, "Not yet. I'll find out by asking."

The Japanese continued, "Even An Jinghou cannot fight against the God. The God will lead the Kingdom of Heaven to become the most powerful country. This time, An Jinghou's undeclared war will surely anger the God. He will get the punishment he deserves. Even if we die, it will be a glorious sacrifice. The God will remember us."

Xue Baoqin took two steps closer and said, "Lord God? He is a villain who usurps the throne of the Emperor! Is he worthy of your loyalty? If you continue to conceal it, Amaterasu will spurn you and bring shame to your family!"

The Japanese were stunned when they heard this, and when they started to argue again, their confidence was no longer half of what it was at the beginning. "The shrine never opposed the shogunate, and the shogunate even built many shrines."

Xue Baoqin continued, "If someone steals your wife, they will also pretend to take good care of your children."

The Japanese were speechless, their hearts were shaken, and they heard Xue Baoqin say: "If you tell the truth, you can keep your life and return to Japan to continue to be loyal to the God, and meet your wife and children. As far as I know, the ruler of this island has always been Wang Shun, so does he have to be loyal to the God?"

The Japanese looked at each other, hesitated for a long time, and finally said: "What you said makes sense, but you have to guarantee our safety to the Marquis."

Xue Baoqin patted her chest confidently and said, "No problem. First, tell me how many soldiers there are in the mansion and what you do."

"The total number of soldiers in the palace is 400. Since the war started, many more have arrived. At the beginning, there should have been 1,000 to 1,500 soldiers. Now, more than half of them should have been lost."

"We are Fujiwara no Saki's personal guards. He is one of Wang Shun's staff."

Seeing that everyone was relieved, Xue Baoqin also breathed a sigh of relief and relayed the news to Yue Ling.

Watching Xue Baoqin's performance, Yue Ling admired her ability even more and added, "Well done. Ask how the mansion gets water."

Xue Baoqin nodded and asked the others, "Marquis An Jing said that if he asks you one last question, he will heal your wounds and set you free."

"Okay, just ask."

"How does the palace get water?"

"There is a natural spring in the palace, which is why Wang Shun built his palace here."

Just as Xue Baoqin was about to relay the story, she heard a Japanese who had remained silent say, "Can you invite Marquis Anjing over? I have a request. If you agree to it, I can help the Marquis find the treasure hidden by Wang Shun."

"This news must not be known to others."

Xue Baoqin's eyes lit up and she immediately told Yue Ling.

Upon hearing this, Yue Ling also stood up and walked in front of the Japanese man, shook off his robe, and said to Xue Baoqin: "Okay, you can let him speak now."

Xue Baoqin asked again with great interest, but suddenly, the man suddenly opened his mouth and shot out a hidden arrow from under his tongue, hitting Yue Ling in the face.

Xue Baoqin widened her eyes, and in a flash, without thinking, she immediately stood in front of Yue Ling and closed her eyes tightly.

At this moment, her mind was like a kaleidoscope, recalling every detail of the past few days, and finally the picture froze on the face of An Jinghou, whom she had long admired.

"How could this happen? I'm not willing to accept it."

(End of this chapter)