In Hongwu, we started as rebels

Chapter 1031 Seeing Through the Fog: Difficult to Distinguish Between Loyalty and Treachery

Inside the camp, the atmosphere in the central command tent was somewhat subtle.

Xu Zengshou and Zhou Dexing sat facing each other.

Several small dishes were laid out on the square table in front of him, standing out starkly from the chaotic surroundings.

A faint smell of blood wafted in the air.

This made the dishes on the table appear somewhat dull.

Li Fangying stood not far from the square table.

Looking at the atmosphere inside the tent, I suddenly remembered a banquet I attended with my father when I was a child.
That was a banquet hosted by the Prince of Zhongshan for the Duke of Han and Hu Weiyong.

He was still young, but the subtle atmosphere of that meal left a deep impression on him, one that he could not forget for a long time.

After a long silence in the tent, Xu Zengshou finally raised his wine cup, raised it towards Zhou Dexing, and said with a sigh:

"Lord Jiangxia, if it weren't for your help this time, we would have suffered heavy losses."

Zhou Dexing smiled, raised his glass, and said calmly:

"I see you've made thorough preparations."

Even without my intervention, we can weather this storm safely. On the battlefield, a few deaths are nothing.

Xu Zengshou chuckled wryly. For this marquis who had experienced so much warfare,

Death may indeed be commonplace.
But for a newly promoted general like him, the death of hundreds or thousands of people was enough to break his heart.

"Why has Marquis Jiangxia come here? Did you know all along that these rebels were going to cause trouble?"

He asked tentatively, his words carrying a barely perceptible wariness.

Zhou Dexing, however, had already noticed and nodded with a smile:

"Although I am not good at business calculations, I am somewhat sensitive to military movements."

These men had gathered a large number of soldiers, and had long been on the radar of the garrison commander.

We simply remained inactive, wanting to see what they were really up to.

At first I didn't understand, but after you entered Fengyang, I figured out the situation and have been secretly observing ever since.

At this point, Zhou Dexing smiled and frankly stated:
"You act with caution and maintain a tight formation."

I have discovered that someone was secretly watching you even before you entered Fengyang.

"If you hadn't been so well-prepared, they would have acted much earlier, instead of dragging it out until Luoma Slope."

Xu Zengshou was taken aback. He had thought that the rebels had a special plan for taking action at Luoma Slope, but he did not expect that this was just the location they had finally chosen to carry out their attack.

Seeing his expression, Zhou Dexing pointed outside the tent and said softly:
"Luo Ma Po is surrounded by mountains on three sides, with only two entrances and exits, one to the north and one to the south."

This official road was originally built to defend against foreign enemies moving from the north to the south.

As long as the garrison holds the southern pass, even if 100,000 enemy troops invade, they will have to fight a decisive battle with our army at Luoma Slope.

Unexpectedly, this official road took nearly twenty years to build.

Instead of using it to fight external enemies, they used it to deal with their own people.

Upon hearing this, Xu Zengshou suddenly understood.

When he first entered Luomapo, he wondered why the border between Henan and Zhili had such a treacherous terrain.

It turned out to be a military route specially arranged by the imperial court.

"Lord Jiangxia, so it seems we've actually tested this trap for the garrison."
It truly lives up to its reputation. Once inside, if attacked from the north or south, one can only hold out and await reinforcements.

Even if one wanted to break through, the narrow mountain pass would make it as difficult as ascending to heaven.

Zhou Dexing nodded and smiled:

"You are still young and your understanding of battlefield terrain is not thorough enough."

In the past, when the imperial court launched northern expeditions, the main army would only leave a small amount of supplies at Luomapo, while the main force would mostly cross the river by boat, never taking this route.

Xu Zengshou was taken aback, then smiled and said:
"I will definitely not walk this way again next time."

Zhou Dexing burst into hearty laughter.

As the laughter subsided, Zhou Dexing's expression turned serious again, and he looked solemnly at Xu Zengshou as he asked:
What is the situation in the capital?

Xu Zengshou looked embarrassed and didn't know how to answer for a moment. The Marquis of Jiangxia in front of him had already been classified as a suspected traitor in the capital.

After a moment of silence, he spoke softly:
"Lord Jiangxia, the situation in the capital is tense."

The rebel faction attempted to prevent the relocation of the capital, employing various means, but fortunately, the imperial court thwarted them one by one.

Zhou Dexing waved his hand, his tone frank:

"If disagreeing with moving the capital makes one a rebel, then I, the Marquis, am also a rebel!"

Upon hearing this, the atmosphere inside the tent suddenly froze.

The guards on both sides silently gripped the hilts of their swords, and a chilling aura arose spontaneously.

Xu Zengshou remained expressionless, but his hand holding the wine glass tightened subtly, and a sharp glint flashed in his eyes.

"The Marquis does not agree with moving the capital?"

Zhou Dexing looked at him with suspicion, then nodded frankly:

"I am from Haozhou, Fengyang. I have known Your Majesty since childhood, and we used to play in the mud together."

His Majesty, having achieved great success abroad, returned to his hometown to recruit soldiers.
It was only by chance that I joined the army with him, which led to my current status and wealth.

Although I have followed His Majesty in battle for thirty years, pacifying Guangxi and managing Fujian,
But my hometown has always been Fengyang and Zhongdu.

If the capital were moved to the north, forcing me to leave my homeland, I would truly be unwilling.

Besides, I am getting old and can no longer withstand the harsh northern cold. I only wish to spend my remaining years peacefully in my hometown.

If this is the reason I am classified as a rebel, then that rebel group is truly beneath me.

At this point, Zhou Dexing seemed to recall the past and pointed at Xu Zengshou:

"Back then, your father and His Majesty often argued in the central command tent, having a small argument every three days and a big argument every five days, and their opinions often differed."

According to this logic, your father was also a member of the rebel party?

Xu Zengshou remained silent, for the Ming court was not so domineering as to consider anyone who held opposing views as a traitor.

During his time on duty at the Five Military Commands' Office, he was accustomed to seeing the commanders arguing heatedly, sometimes even physically, during discussions.

Judging loyalty and treachery based on this is far too biased.

Thinking of this, Xu Zengshou stopped beating around the bush and lowered his voice to say:

"My lord, news has come from the capital that some of the money from the recent land speculation came from the Red Leaf Shipyard of the Garrison Command."

Zhou Dexing's expression turned serious, and he nodded:

"I am aware of this matter. The person in charge of Hongye Shipyard is an old comrade who was crippled in the naval battle on Poyang Lake."
Some of the men were also former military personnel.

They had rendered meritorious service to the Ming Dynasty, and the court was willing to support them.

But they used the money to speculate on land in Beijing.

I believe that only a small number of people harbor ill intentions.

Most people are unaware of this, not even I, the Marquis, am aware of it.

"You, Lord Marquis, were unaware of this? I've heard that Red Leaf Shipyard is one of the top workshops in the Garrison."

"Although it is a top-notch workshop, there are at least eight or ten thousand workshops under the garrison, and it is really difficult for me to be able to cover everything."

Moreover, I am a hereditary nobleman, Right Pillar of State, and Right Governor, holding the highest position among officials.

Would I even care about money?

If I so desire, countless people would be willing to break down the threshold of my manor.
"You youngsters value a mere Red Leaf Shipyard, but in my eyes, it's less valuable than a hundred or so soldiers."

Xu Zengshou remained silent for a long time, then nodded slightly.

Many military generals did not interfere in the business operations; they simply took a share of the profits. Their actions were straightforward and direct, making Zhou Dexing's statement reasonable.

"I heard that Zhou Ji committed a crime in the palace and was arrested on the spot by the inner court."

Upon hearing this, Zhou Dexing's face darkened instantly. He slowly nodded and cursed:
"That brat has always been incredibly audacious."
Regarding his actions of disrupting the palace, I have already submitted a memorial to His Majesty explaining the situation.
"We can't conclude that I'm a traitor just because of him alone, can we?"

The atmosphere inside the tent froze once again.

The flickering candlelight cast an orange-red glow, making the shadows of the two figures appear larger and smaller. The guards on either side held their breath, as if awaiting a storm.

Finally, Xu Zengshou broke the silence and said softly:
"This matter alone is not enough to prove that Lord Marquis is a rebel."

However, the situation in the capital is tense, and many people have doubts about the Marquis. They urge the Marquis to clarify the matter as soon as possible to prevent chaos in the capital.

Zhou Dexing waved his hand, his voice heavy:

"I am over sixty years old, and I am already halfway to the grave. It is unknown how many more years I can live."

Even if His Majesty dismisses me from my post, I will have no complaints, and may even secretly rejoice that I can finally go home and rest.

Upon hearing this, Xu Zengshou suddenly remembered something.
Zhou Ji has been causing chaos in the palace for nearly two months.

However, the palace has been slow to take action against it, and there are even signs that it is being deliberately shelved.

This attitude may have already said something.

Seeing that Xu Zengshou remained silent, Zhou Dexing continued:
"My assistance in eliminating the rebels today does not imply my support for moving the capital."
Rather, it is because you bear the imperial decrees and represent the dignity of the court.

If you die unjustly at the hands of the rebels, the court will lose face, and I, a hereditary noble, will also lose face.

Xu Zengshou pondered for a moment, then nodded.

Most of the founding nobles had a strong sense of ownership and believed that they had conquered the Ming Dynasty.

Even though some people are ruthless when it comes to making money, they will never allow outsiders to get involved.
In their view, taking things for themselves is a family matter, while outsiders interfering is treason.

"Thank you, Lord Jiangxia. I understand."

Zhou Dexing nodded:
"Now that things have been made clear, I shall take my leave."

You can handle the rest yourselves.

If you lack military equipment or supplies, you may send a message to the garrison headquarters, and I will arrange it for you.

After saying that, he picked up the wine glass and drank it all.

Xu Zengshou then drank the wine in his cup.

Zhou Dexing walked to the tent entrance, then suddenly stopped and whispered:
"I will investigate the matter of the traitors upon my return."
This troop mobilization is so grand and blatant; you're practically disregarding me. What do you have to say about that?

Xu Zengshou stood behind the square table and said in a deep voice:

"I urge you, Lord Marquis, to prioritize the stability of the Ming Dynasty, thoroughly investigate the traitors, and leave no one to escape."

Zhou Dexing chuckled upon hearing this, left a single sentence, and turned to leave:
"There are too many traitors; I cannot investigate them all."

Silence fell once again in the central command tent. The food and wine on the table remained untouched, exuding a sense of desolation.

Xu Zengshou stood there for a long time, until Li Fangying entered the tent, before letting out a sigh:
"Yes, there are too many traitors, how can we possibly investigate them all?"

He knew very well that these three thousand rebel soldiers, who claimed to be retired veterans,
It was definitely not something that the Zou father and son could mobilize.
Even ten Zou families couldn't muster such a complete set of weapons, armor, and warhorses; there must have been many other forces providing support and assistance in their time of need.

"General, the casualties have been tallied."

The damage was minor, with most injuries being minor, and it shouldn't affect their continued journey.

Li Fangying reported.

Xu Zengshou nodded blankly and gave the order:
"Have a military staff write a letter, recording everything that happened today in detail and without omission, and send it back to the capital to be given to Lord Lu of the Market and Exchange Bureau."

"Yes!"

"In addition, write another letter to the Governor's Office, omitting the details related to flintlock muskets."

"Yes!"

Li Fangying quickly withdrew, her whole body radiating excitement.
Although it wasn't a formal battle, he did fight on the front lines and charge into battle.

When I get back to the capital, I'll definitely brag about it to all my cronies.

As mid-November approached, the entire city of Yingtian became busy as the autumn harvest drew to a close.

In the fields outside the city, farmers dressed in short-sleeved shirts can be seen everywhere.

They carried bamboo baskets and busied themselves digging sweet potatoes out of the ground.

Looking at the round sweet potatoes covered in mud, many people had smiles on their faces.

With the research and development of sweet potato planting techniques, the yield per mu has been increasing year by year.

Some villagers who were good at math compared the results with last year's harvest.

We discovered that production capacity has increased by a full 20% this year.
This shocked everyone.
Two-tenths of the grain is enough to feed more people.

But what followed was a strange and increasingly intense sense of confusion.

Especially the estates near the capital region,

In the past, farming was just for making a living, but this year things have suddenly changed.

The days of hunger may never come again.
This single batch of sweet potatoes is enough to feed the family for three years.

This is something I never dared to even think about before, so much so that I'm no longer so anxious about what to plant or how to plant it next year.

The farmers started thinking about other things. Since they didn't have to go hungry, what should they do?
This confusion spread from the fields of Jurong County all the way to the foot of the capital.

The farmers' thoughts were interrupted by the sound of rapid hoofbeats.

Everyone looked up and saw more than ten riders galloping towards the capital.

In the past, when they galloped at such a speed, the dust kicked up by the horses' hooves would make the riders appear and disappear, looking disheveled.

But nowadays, all the official roads around the capital are paved with cement.
The riders looked much more presentable, and their armor was clearly visible.

"Blood! There's blood on their armor! Another battle?"

A boy of about thirteen or fourteen years old straightened up from the ground, his face covered in mud, his bright eyes staring at the dark red bloodstains on the armor, and he gasped in shock.

The farmers all looked up, and one middle-aged man in his forties noticed the red command flag at the rider's waist, and his expression changed:
"An urgent message! Has war really broken out?"

"Father, can I join the army?" the boy suddenly asked excitedly.

The middle-aged man immediately burst into a tirade of curses:

"You little rascal! We have enough food at home to feed you for life, why are you joining the army?"

Stay home and study hard!
If you could pass the imperial examination and become a scholar, our He family would be truly honored!

The boy pursed his lips, feeling dizzy. All the books in the school were so confusing that he felt sleepy just thinking about them.

At this moment, a woman in her thirties standing nearby spoke up with a smile:
“In the past, going to school cost money, but now the workshop pays for teachers, so you kids can just focus on learning to read.”

In the past, people were content with just having enough to eat; they wouldn't even dare to dream of going to school.

"Yes, we must remember the great kindness and virtue of Emperor Hongwu for the rest of our lives."

The middle-aged man swung his hoe, sighing with emotion, a smile playing on his lips.

The boy muttered:

“Father, we cultivated the land ourselves; Lord Hongwu didn’t help us at all.”

"Bad words!"

The middle-aged man glared at him:
“When your father was your age, the world was in chaos, and there were wars everywhere.”

If it weren't for the luck of being born in the territory of Emperor Hongwu,
They would have been captured and sent to their deaths long ago, where would you be?
The imperial court has now opened workshops in the village, and your mother can go and work there.
In the past, the whole family relied on a small plot of land to make a living, all to support you.

Your mother and I are starving. We've only had enough to eat for a few days, and you dare to say such nonsense?

Go back and study! If you don't make something of yourself, I'll break your legs!

The surrounding farmers all laughed.

They were located in the capital region, right under the emperor's nose.
Even if the harvest is poor, there is government assistance.

They wouldn't starve to death, but irregular meals were the norm.

Only in the last two years, after the cultivation technique spread to the village, did I finally have some spare money.
Only then did they truly achieve the goal of eating their fill at every meal, and even having meat at every meal.

At the north gate of the capital, a dozen or so riders entered the city after their identities were verified.

One group headed towards the Governor's Mansion, while the other went straight to the Market Exchange Office.

As soon as they entered the city, they were spotted by numerous spies near the city gate, who quickly turned to report to their masters.

The once peaceful capital city is now showing signs of undercurrents.

(End of this chapter)