In Hongwu, we started as rebels

Chapter 703 Nobles Whose Inheritance Is Not Hereditary

Two days later, the battle on Lingshanpo battlefield continued.

The extent of the tragedy was beyond imagination.

Tianjin Wei still failed to breach the Jurchen camp as desired.

The most recent one was a day ago, which was the last proactive attack before supplies ran out.

We are only one step away from breaching the camp gate.
However, they were blocked by new recruits from the Jurchen rear who had never fought before.

Because most of the soldiers involved in the battle had been fighting for several days and nights.
Seeing that the enemy still had new recruits who had not yet participated in the battle, their morale collapsed instantly.

Left with no other option, they had to retreat and focus on defense.

As time went by, the fighting spirit of the Ming army at Lingshanpo waned.

News of food shortages in the army has spread widely.

Just like now, the soldiers on the entire camp wall are merely mechanically thrusting their spears.
He only wielded his long sword with all his might when the enemy charged at him.

The rest of the time
Most of them were like walking corpses, as if they had lost their souls.

A soldier killed a charging Jurchen with a single blow, his eyes filled with ruthlessness.

Looking down at the endless stream of Jurchen people surging towards them, he shouted:

"Crossbow bolts!!!"

But instead of the whooshing sound of gunfire, he was met with a torrent of curses:

"Crossbows? We've long since stopped using them!"

The soldier looked in the direction of the sound and saw a colleague holding a crossbow.
It slammed hard onto the head of a Jurchen who had just emerged.

Blood splattered, covering his face.
"Oh, it's gone now."

The soldiers, somewhat disoriented, also remembered...

He pursed his lips, feeling as if his throat was being cut by a knife.

He pulled the water bottle from his waist, biting it open with his teeth while keeping a wary eye on what was ahead.

The kettle tilted down, but it was empty.

He then remembered that their group hadn't gone down to resupply for half a day.
The water, the dried meat to replenish energy, and the dried apricots have all been eaten.

A sudden surge of rage arose within the soldiers.
Some people gritted their teeth and smashed the kettle on the ground.
He let out a loud roar: "What a fucking coward!!!"

Just then, two Jurchens emerged from the initial defensive line.

He charged forward, knife in hand, roaring as he went:

"I'll kill you Jurchens!!!"

Half an hour later, two Jurchens lay in pools of blood, half their bodies hanging from the walls of the camp.

But the soldier who had fought earlier also struggled, using his long sword to support himself.

His stomach was ripped open, and blood and intestines were flowing out.

But he remained fierce, watching the Jurchens climb up.
He then looked at the serrated notch on the long sword.

Strangely, at this moment, he did not harbor any resentment towards these Jurchen people before him.
What he resented was Liaodong behind him.

He could have lived a comfortable life in Beizhili.
They were supposed to be in charge of the canal transport, and they were getting paid and fed every month. How did they end up with this kind of job?

It's one thing to risk your life, but you don't even get paid for it, and you can't even get enough to eat.

Wrong!

Soon he felt his body getting colder and colder, and his hands and feet becoming increasingly stiff.

He tried to struggle to his feet and make one last attempt.

But with a stumble, not only did the long sword supporting his body tilt and fall to the ground, but...
His legs also gave way, and he collapsed to the ground.
He too fell into a pool of blood.

He knew he was going to die.

Although he was angry, annoyed, and frustrated, he was powerless to change anything.

Ten breaths later, the soldier opened his eyes and fell silent.
His eyes were empty, devoid of any emotion, yet everyone could sense the resentment emanating from him.
A pair of rough, blood-stained hands gently smoothed his open eyes.
It was Yao Xiujie, the commander of Haijin Guard, and the man in front of him was one of his soldiers.

Yao Xiujie didn't say anything, but let out a soft sigh.

He wasn't even emotionally affected.
Because so many people died, so many that it's impossible to remember how many eyes were wiped clean.

Of the more than 10,000 soldiers, some are dead and others are wounded.

There are fewer than three thousand men in this camp who are capable of fighting.

Moreover, he felt heavy-hearted.
The Qingyang Fort and Zhenyi Fort on the left and right sides have been successively captured.

The Jurchens did not advance deeper into Liaodong, but instead began to besiege the area around Lingshanpo.
It seems they intend to completely sever the connection between Lingshanpo and the 30,000 Guards.

The time may be today.

By then, even if we had food supplies, it would be useless.

"Ugh"

The same sigh echoed in the camp where Mei Yi was imprisoned.

Huang Yingzhi lost at least ten pounds in just three days.

He looked like skin and bones, and his posture at the table was somewhat eerie.

Mei Yi on the other side wasn't in good shape either, having been without food for a day.
He was so hungry that his stomach was practically sticking to his back, and he looked utterly dejected.

Huang Yingzhi sighed and said softly:
"The Jurchens will surround the entire Lingshan slope by evening at the latest."
When war breaks out on all sides, that will be the day the Marquis of Runan dies.

Mei Yi's face was terribly gloomy, and his words pierced his heart.

The regret that had subsided surged up again.

"My biggest regret right now is coming to your damn camp!"

Mei Yi flew into a rage.

Huang Yingzhi pressed his hand down and said softly:
"Young Marquis, you should rest."
There is no food left in the camp, and I will not give you any to eat.

What you're doing now is a waste of time.

"And speak softly, so you'll eat more slowly."

"Huang Yingzhi, you fucking break the rules!"

"Rules? The mountains are high and the emperor is far away. I have many soldiers under my command. What I say is the rule."

At this point, Huang Yingzhi shook her head:
"Young Marquis, what is your purpose in doing this?"
The General of Liaodong was a hereditary nobleman who enjoyed great honors.

Why create further trouble? Why insist on going against the imperial court?

"Bullshit! I didn't feel any honor at all!"

Mei Yi became even more agitated, and his voice grew louder.

He stared at Huang Yingzhi with wide eyes:
"General of Liaodong, hereditary nobleman"
What you consider honor is because you have never experienced honor!

What kind of honor is this, in this godforsaken place?
We have no money, we have no people, and we can't do anything!
Do you know how Lao Tzu became the Marquis of Runan?

"Appreciate further details."

A look of surprise flashed in Huang Yingzhi's eyes, but she listened with a smile.

"It was something my father risked his life for!!!"

"With the old Marquis gone, it is only right that the young Marquis inherits the title."

"Bullshit!" Mei Yi cursed.
"The emperor does not intend for me to inherit the title."

They're going to make the title of Marquis of Runan disappear!

Only if my father dies on the Yunnan battlefield can the family title be inherited!
Otherwise, would you still be able to see the General of Liaodong? Would you still be able to see me, the Marquis of Runan?
If my father hadn't died, I'd probably be some incompetent commander in some garrison now.

Will this day come?

Laozi was the Marquis of Runan, but what about his son?

If I can't inherit the title, am I supposed to become that hereditary commander?
What about the grandson? Is he a junior commander?
That's some kind of bullshit honor!

Mei Yi seemed to have touched on the point of his resentment, and looked at Huang Yingzhi with some confusion:
"Old man, I just don't understand,"

"The emperor is so heartless and ungrateful, why do you insist on following him?"

Huang Yingzhi pursed her lips and fell silent.

He truly didn't understand Mei Yi's anger.

He had no noble title; his only honor was the hereditary title of commander of a thousand households.

He knew it too.
Whether or not he can get the position of commander of a thousand households depends on the attitudes of others.

If anyone tries to stop him, he will lose his position as commander, and his son will have to start all over again.

Huang Yingzhi said in a deep voice:

"His Majesty has indeed done a poor job; I heard about it when I was in Beiping."
The second son of the Duke of Shan used every means at his disposal to inherit the title, and only succeeded this year.

"If you, young marquis, were to die in this battle, your son might not be able to inherit the title."

"Oh shit!"

Mei Yi became even more frustrated and started cursing.

He tried to calm himself and said in a deep voice:
"Listen to me, the whole army retreats. I will send someone to negotiate with the Jurchens and have them stay at Sanwanwei."

After the matter is accomplished, I will forgive and forget all previous transgressions.

"I also need to inform the Duke of Han and request a position of Commander-in-Chief for you, what do you think?"

"Korean Duke?"

Huang Yingzhi's pupils suddenly contracted, and the fog in his mind cleared up considerably.

If a South Korean official were involved, sending someone from Hubei and Hunan like him here would be perfectly reasonable.

Then, on second thought, he suddenly laughed:
"Even Li Qi is unable to inherit the title?"

"It's good enough that you can keep your life," Mei Yi said coldly.

Huang Yingzhi laughed:
"Yes, His Majesty is not an easy person to talk to."

"Is the matter in Liaodong something you're confronting His Majesty about?"

Mei Yi sneered, then suddenly calmed down:

"Why should a mere commander like you worry about such things? It's a long way from your reach."

What about what I said before?
The matter of Liaodong will be put on hold for now. If you lend me a hand,
I will certainly find you a position as a commander!

That's a second-rank official position! Aren't you tempted?"

Perhaps it was because of the imminent threat, but Huang Yingzhi felt a calmness she had never experienced before:
"What use is an official position to a person who is about to die?"

“If you let me write a letter to the Jurchens, they will stop.”

Seeing that things were looking promising, Mei Yi quickly spoke up.

But Huang Yingzhi ignored him, only revealing a hint of sarcasm:
"Young Marquis, are you truly foolish or just pretending?"

Mei Yi was taken aback.

Huang Yingzhi continued:
"The Jurchens just gave up a victory that was practically within their grasp?"
Now write to the Jurchens and tell them you are surrounded.
Their attack will only become more intense.

I wish I could grab you right there and then.
"You'll let you leave? That's absurd!"

Mei Yi was truly stunned this time.
He frowned, a look of confusion in his eyes, unable to understand the key point.

"Without food and supplies from Liaodong, many Jurchens will die."
They still rely on me for business, how could this be?

"Young Marquis, you are too young, so young that you are a little foolish."

Even if you, Marquis of Runan, are gone, there is still the Marquis of Runan.

Does that mean if we replace them with someone else, we'll stop doing business with the Jurchens?
Since that's the case, why not give up the spoils we've already gained?

Ten thousand elite Ming soldiers, and a marquis.
Any Jurchen general with even a modicum of ambition would have been willing to take a desperate gamble.

Holding onto this merit would secure their position within the Jurchen community for twenty years.
"I'm saying this, do you understand?"

Huang Yingzhi looked at Mei Yi as if he were a fool.
Mei Yi was stunned and stood there dumbfounded. He had finally figured out the key to it.

Baturuhan was an ambitious man who dreamed of unifying the three Jurchen tribes.

That's why we cooperated with him; it was a win-win situation for both of us.

And now, a living, breathing hero of great merit is placed before Baturuhan.

Mei Yi knew without even thinking what he would choose.
For a moment, Mei Yi's eyes were vacant, and a sense of despair began to permeate his being.
So much so that he didn't even notice when the soldiers rushed in.

"General, Jurchens have been spotted in the mountains behind us and on both sides."

It will probably be ready in less than half an hour.

As the soldier spoke, Huang Yingzhi seemed to have aged countless times, becoming even more emaciated.

He leaned back in his chair and sighed deeply.

“So fast”

"General, let's break through the encirclement quickly!"
There are still a thousand elite soldiers in the stronghold; the brothers will escort you away!

Huang Yingzhi shook her head and said softly:
"Go to the north and call Xiu Jie down, have him lead you away."

"General! You must leave here, otherwise the conspiracy here will remain a secret!"

The guards also came closer and tried to persuade him.

Huang Yingzhi chuckled softly and shook her head:

"Back when I was guarding Hongdu with the Grand Commander..."

The Grand Commander once said,
A commander must never desert his post, even if it means dying on the battlefield.

In that battle, the Grand Commander defended Hongdu, and I was able to finally enter the inner circle.

Although the Grand Commander's later fate was unfortunate, I was also implicated.
But I do not blame the Grand Commander.
It is still surrounded on all sides.

"I didn't run away back then, will I run away now?"

Huang Yingzhi suddenly stood up, his gaze sharp:
"However, the Jurchen enemies are not enough to allow us Ming generals to escape."

And you, remember this!

Your departure is not desertion or a breakout, but rather to bring the truth out.

Tell the court that I have done no wrong to the court or to His Majesty!

After saying this, Huang Yingzhi waved his hand and quickly left.
"Kill him when the stronghold is breached."

Only then did Mei Yi realize what was happening, and he abruptly stood up, letting out a desperate wail:
"Don't go, don't go!"

But the crossbows, spears, and swords of more than a dozen soldiers held him back, preventing him from advancing an inch!

Fifteen minutes later, at the south gate of the camp,
Yao Xiujie and a thousand other soldiers, fully armed and carrying the last of their provisions, stood alone beside their warhorses.

His palm unconsciously stroked his mane, meeting a pair of calm eyes.

Yao Xiujie had a backpack slung over his shoulder.
It contained the complete list of the 13,000 people who came on this trip.
There was also a handwritten letter from Huang Yingzhi and a report on the battle over the past few days.

His palm was pressed tightly against it, his face was solemn, and his eyes were red.
"My lord, let's go together."
"I am merely a commander of a garrison; I fear the court will not believe me if I speak like this."

Huang Ying stepped forward and patted him on the shoulder, then looked at the many soldiers behind him:

“You are all only children in your families, and you are young. You should leave, fight your way out, and not stay in Liaodong.”

After leaving Sanwanwei, head west to Daning.

Lord Lu is a confidant of the Duke of Liang and a guest of the Crown Prince.

He was able to deliver the letter to His Highness the Crown Prince, so he is trustworthy.

Also, if anyone bullies you after you return, do not go to the commander or the Prince of Yan.

Send a letter to the capital, to find the Prince of Jingjiang.
He is His Majesty's grand-nephew. Although he is imprisoned in Nanjing, His Majesty still cherishes their past relationship.

As Yao Xiujie listened to these words, tears welled up in his eyes, but he held back from falling.

"Yes, my lord!"

"Alright. Let's hurry up and leave. Once the encirclement is complete, we won't be able to leave."

Huang Yingzhi helped Yao Xiujie lead the warhorse, and patted its big head with a smile:
"You must be tired from the journey. I'll trouble you to do your part again and take the person away from Liaodong."

The horse seemed to sense something, snorted, and pawed at the ground.

Let's go. Let's go.

Yao Xiujie cupped his hands in greeting, turned around, mounted his horse, and did the same with the more than a thousand soldiers.

They looked at the many brothers who remained in the camp.

A mix of emotions welled up within me, and complex thoughts began to flood my mind.

"let's go."

Huang Yingzhi waved his hand with the back of his hand, his face full of emotion.
There was no fear of being surrounded; instead, there was a sense of calm.

The thunderous sound of hooves rang out as over a thousand cavalrymen charged out of the camp.
They dared not turn around, only hearing the cries of their brothers behind them.
"Go home for me"

Less than two hours after the thousand-plus soldiers left,
As evening approached, groups of Jurchen people surrounded them from all directions.
In an instant, Lingchuanpo was turned into an isolated island.

On the northern stockade wall, the offensive that had lasted for several days ceased, and the Jurchens lined up in their camp.

A group of more than ten people on warhorses emerged from the ranks.

The leader was Baturuhan, the leader of the Jianzhou Jurchens.

He looked up at the camp before him and immediately spotted the aged figure. He chuckled dryly.

"You old bastard, are you Huang Yingzhi?"

"Who are you?" Huang Yingzhi responded with a megaphone.

"I, the King, will never change my name or surname, I am Fuge of the Jianzhou Jurchen, Baturuhan!"

"Jianzhou Jurchen."

Huang Yingzhi's face darkened; he had expected this all along.

Only the Jianzhou Jurchens, who lived in the cracks of society, possessed such strict military discipline.

"Open the gates and surrender, and I will spare your life!"

Baturuhan was very pleased, and his voice was particularly loud.

"Don't even think about it! You've invaded my borders and slaughtered my people of the Great Ming Dynasty!"
Even if I die here today, I will not let you succeed.
You just wait for the Ming army to come and slaughter you all!

The sound, amplified by a loudspeaker, traveled far.

This caused the faces of Baturuhan and the other Jurchen leaders to darken.

"Ungrateful wretch." Batu Luhan waved his hand.
"Attack the stronghold!"

In an instant, the sound of horns began to spread from behind.
In an instant, it enveloped the entire Lingchuan Slope, and a chilling atmosphere suddenly arose.

Just then, a young man in his early twenties rushed up from behind with a serious expression.

His face still had a youthful innocence, yet it possessed a sharp edge.
He was Menggetemur, the leader of the Odoli tribe of the Jianzhou Jurchens.

"Guoluo Mafa, news has come from the rear army that grassland people are approaching the rear army!"

Batu Luhan suddenly turned around, his eyes flashing with a fierce light:
"what?"

(End of this chapter)