Three Kingdoms: A Million Soldiers Grown from the Fields

Chapter 166 General

Within ten days, the yellow tide swept across the land.

Jizhou, Hejian Commandery, Yuecheng County.

The once imposing county government hall is now filled with a strong stench of blood and cheap liquor.

The county magistrate's seal, a symbol of power, was carelessly tossed aside in a corner, covered in mud.

Several men with yellow turbans and tattered clothes were hurriedly trying to put the county magistrate's dark green official robe, embroidered with cloud and wild goose patterns, onto a short, stocky man with whip marks on his face.

The man's name was Zhou Niu. He was originally a tenant farmer in Shajiazhuang outside the city. Because he couldn't pay his rent, he had been ordered by the county magistrate to be whipped twenty times at the yamen gate before the new year.

"Hey, Brother Zhou Niu, your physique... you can't hold up! You look like a kid who stole an adult's clothes!" A man wrapped in a yellow turban grinned, holding a delicate pastry he had found in the magistrate's concubine's room, which he wolfed down.

Zhou Niu awkwardly tugged at his overly long sleeves, his face showing both uncomfortable unease and barely suppressed excitement.

He stared at the county magistrate's lifeless body on the ground, dressed only in a thin undergarment, eyes wide open in death, and spat out a mouthful of phlegm: "Pah! You corrupt official! You've finally met your match! You dared to beat me! You dared to steal my daughter to pay the rent!"

He straightened up abruptly, and despite his official robes being askew, he roared at the group of displaced people and tenants gathered outside the county government office, all wearing yellow turbans and wielding makeshift weapons or hoes and sickles: "Open the granaries! Distribute the grain! The Great Teacher of Virtue said that this county granary belongs to us poor people!"

"Awooo—!" The deafening cheers almost lifted the roof off.

The crowd surged like a floodgate opening, rushing towards the granary in the county town.

The heavy granary door was smashed open by a thick tree trunk, and golden millet and aged wheat poured out.

Hungry people pounced on it, using broken bowls, their clothes, and even their bare hands to greedily scoop up the food and stuff it into their mouths and pockets.

Some wept with joy, while others knelt and kowtowed towards Guangzong, crying out, "May Heaven protect us! Long live the Great Teacher!"

Next door to the county government office, in the former mansion of the richest family in Lecheng County, the Sha family, a series of absurd dramas of identity reversal are now unfolding.

The carved beams and painted rafters were smashed to pieces, and the precious porcelain pieces were reduced to fragments that covered the bluestone ground.

The head of the Sha family and his sons were stripped naked from their fine silk robes, leaving them only in their underpants, and were tied to the cold courtyard pillars, shivering.

Before them stood dozens of Yellow Turban men, their eyes red and panting heavily.

The leader was a lame old man, who was none other than Ma Zhu, the former cowherd of the Sha family.

One of his legs was broken when he shielded the head of the Sha family from a runaway horse, and he was only given a few strings of copper coins in return before being dismissed.

"Sha the Skinflint!" Ma Zhu, leaning on a whip he had stolen from the Sha family's stable—a whip originally used to urge on horses—said in a hoarse but powerful voice.

"Open your dog eyes and look! Look at who's standing in front of you! It's Li San's brother, who worked himself to death doing all the work for you! It's the father of Old Zhao's daughter, who was forced to his death by you seizing his land! It's Ma Zhu, who had his leg broken while herding cattle for you and was kicked away like a dog by you!"

With each word he spoke, an even louder roar erupted from the crowd.

A gaunt woman, her eyes burning with deep-seated hatred, was the widow of the Zhao family.

She lunged forward and viciously scratched at the Sha family head's well-maintained but now deathly pale face! Her fingernails instantly drew several bloody marks!
"Ah!" The head of the Sha family let out a bloodcurdling scream like a pig being slaughtered.

"Shut up! You bloodsucking beast!" Another man rushed up and swung the handle of his hoe, smashing it into the leg of one of the Sha family head's sons. The sound of bones breaking was clearly audible.

The son collapsed, wailing in pain.

"Grandpas, spare me! Spare me! Grain! Money! Women! I'll give them all to you! I'll give them all to you!" The head of the Sha family cried, tears streaming down his face.

The "peasant" he used to regard as an ant has now become the Yama who holds his life and death in his hands.

"Spare me?" Ma Zhu chuckled coldly, the sound particularly eerie in the empty and messy courtyard.

"When we knelt before your door begging for a bite to eat to survive, did you spare anyone?" He raised his horsewhip and lashed it hard across the Sha family head's white, fat body!
"Snapped!"

Skin torn open! The screams were heart-wrenching.

"Open the granaries! Distribute the grain! Distribute the money! Distribute the land deeds!" Ma Zhu roared at the surging "Huang Tianbing" behind him. "Not a single grain of rice can be left in Sha Bapi's granary! What he stole from us, we'll take back today with interest! He slept with our wives, today we'll deal with his wives and concubines as we please!"

The wild cheers erupted once again.

The crowd surged like a tide into the Zhang family's inner quarters, storerooms, and accounting offices.

Exquisite furniture was smashed and burned as firewood, and silks and satins were torn into strips to wrap around the body or used to pack looted valuables.

The once high and mighty Madam Sha and her several concubines were roughly dragged out of the inner quarters, their cries, screams, and sneers mingling together.

Their jewels were roughly ripped off, their beautiful clothes torn apart, and fear made them tremble like fallen leaves in the wind as they were pushed and dragged by the "servants" they had once refused to even look at.

In the accounting office, piles of land deeds and IOUs were unearthed.

At Ma Zhu's prompting, a Yellow Turban man who knew a few words picked up the papers soaked in the blood and tears of countless tenants and loudly read out the names and amounts owed.

With each name called out, someone in the crowd responded excitedly.

"Burn it!" Ma Zhu grabbed a handful of land deeds and IOUs and threw them into the brazier next to him for warmth.

The orange-red flames suddenly leaped up, greedily devouring the pieces of paper that had bound countless people for their entire lives.

The firelight illuminated the excited, ecstatic, and even distorted faces around them.

"Burn it! Burn this man-eating thing!"

"The heavens have opened their eyes!"

"We have land now! It's our own land!"

Lecheng County is just a microcosm of the Jizhou region.

In Anping, in Qinghe, in Weijun... the same scene is playing out in countless towns and villages.

High walls and deep courtyards were broken down, granaries and treasuries were opened, and the strongholds of powerful families teetered on the brink of collapse or crumbled under the onslaught of angry crowds.

The officials, powerful figures, and wealthy merchants who once wielded power and influence instantly fell from grace and became targets of purges, plunder, and even torture and murder.

Their wealth, women, and even their lives became the fuel that ignited this raging fire.

Meanwhile, countless "commoners" and "lowly people" who were trampled in the mud and struggling on the brink of death underwent a stunning reversal of their status overnight, thanks to the simple yellow turbans on their heads and the raging anger that had been building up in their hearts.

They tasted power, even if it was violent, fleeting, and bloody.

They were allocated the land they had always dreamed of, even if it was only a verbal promise or a symbolic demarcation. They were able to eat their fill, even if it was only a temporary spoil of plunder, and they even trampled the once high and mighty "masters" under their feet.

This wave of identity reversal, with its primal destructive power and the thrill of revenge, swept through Ji Province and quickly spread to the surrounding areas.

It is both an eruption of despair from the lower classes and contains the seeds of immense chaos and loss of control.

Order has completely collapsed, the old shackles have been smashed, and new rules have not yet been established. Only naked violence and the instinct for survival are left to dominate everything.

In this torrent of blood and fervor, no one can remain uninvolved. Whether they are terrified maintainers of the old order or ecstatic new "masters," they are all tossed about in this storm called "Yellow Heaven," heading towards a future filled with bloodshed and the unknown.

Luoyang, Nangong.

The hall was deathly silent, save for heavy breathing and suppressed gritted teeth.

Liu Hong slumped on the throne, the urgent military report from Jizhou in his hand feeling as heavy as a thousand pounds, making it hard for him to breathe.

The Yellow Turbans... hundreds of thousands... several prefectures captured in ten days... these words buzzed in his mind, bringing unprecedented fear. He subconsciously looked at the courtiers below the palace. Those faces, which were usually either dignified or obsequious, were now filled with panic. There was not a single one who could give him any support.

“They’ve rebelled…they’ve really rebelled…” Liu Hong’s voice was weak and trembling, with a faint sob in it.

“Zhang Jiao of Julu… spreads heretical rumors and misleads the masses… captured several prefectures in ten days… killed officials and burned government offices… what… what should we do? My country… my country!” He suddenly threw the silk scroll off the steps, as if throwing away a hot potato.

"Your Majesty, please calm down! Take care of your health!" Zhang Rang, the eunuch, was the first to fall to the ground. His voice was shrill and filled with wailing, but the cold sweat on his forehead betrayed the turmoil in his heart.

He was even more worried that the storm about to break out in the court would affect him.

"What's the use of calming down!" A furious roar, filled with urgency and rudeness, broke Zhang Rang's wailing.

A man stepped forward from the crowd; it was none other than He Jin, the Prefect of Henan! He was tall and strong, with a ruddy complexion, and his aura was even more imposing due to his excitement and anxiety.

Although his sister, Empress He, was an empress, the He family came from a butcher family in Nanyang. In Luoyang, where social hierarchy was strict, their foundation was shallow, and it was already the limit for He Jin to climb to the position of Governor of Henan.

At this moment, his eyes, as large as copper bells, glared, and his voice reverberated through the palace beams: "Your Majesty! The sorcerer Zhang Jiao has gathered a crowd to plot rebellion, ravaging the prefectures and counties. This is a calamity that could overthrow the nation! The most urgent task is to immediately appoint a general to oversee the suppression of the rebellion, mobilize the best troops from across the land, and quell the bandits at lightning speed! There is no time to lose!"

He Jin's words were like a needle piercing the stagnant bubble of panic within the palace.

Grand Commandant Yang Ci frowned deeply: "Mobilize troops? The eight colonels of the capital region are scattered and have been out of battle for a long time! The troops in various prefectures and counties have either collapsed or scattered. How can they be assembled in such a hurry? Where will the provisions come from?"

Situ Yuanwei, with his profound gaze, immediately grasped the crux of the matter: "Your Majesty! At this critical juncture for the nation, only senior ministers and veteran generals are capable of shouldering this heavy responsibility! I urge Your Majesty to quickly appoint a commander-in-chief, grant him significant power, and give him overall command! At the same time, in order to win over the hearts of scholars throughout the land and divide the rebel forces, a general amnesty should be granted to the partisans!"

"Pardon the partisans?" Emperor Ling Liu Hong instinctively resisted; imprisoning the partisans was an important pawn in his strategy to maintain balance in the court.

"Your Majesty!" Yuan Wei said firmly, "The partisan purge has lasted for many years, and the scholars are resentful! Zhang Jiao, the heretic, is using this to incite the people! If Your Majesty grants a pardon, it will show Your Majesty's benevolence, win back the hearts of the scholars, and prevent the talents of the world from being used by traitors!"

Secondly, renowned scholars and powerful figures from all over the land, with their disciples and former officials spread throughout the land, can organize local militias to protect their territories and ensure the safety of their people. Their strength far surpasses that of the disorganized county troops! This is the best strategy to eliminate the root cause of the problem! I humbly beseech Your Majesty to consider this matter!

The proposal by the amnesty party members instantly ignited a firestorm in the imperial court.

Officials from the Qingliu faction were outraged and readily agreed, some even weeping.

Zhang Rang and other eunuchs were ashen-faced. They knew that once the Party Prohibitions were lifted, the aristocratic and upright officials would make a comeback, seriously threatening their power.

"Your Majesty! Absolutely not! The partisans slander the government and harbor resentment! To pardon them would be tantamount to letting a tiger return to the mountains! To quell the rebellion, Your Majesty only needs to allocate funds and provisions, and let the prefects of various prefectures and counties raise their own troops to fight the rebels!" Zhang Rang vehemently objected, attempting to keep power and resources firmly in the hands of eunuchs and local powerful figures.

"Recruit your own troops? A distant water can't quench a nearby fire! If each prefecture and county holds its own army, where is the dignity of the court?" He Jin glared at Zhang Rang, responding sharply.

Although he was not a member of the "pure stream" (a term referring to the upright and incorruptible faction), he shared common interests with the gentry in suppressing the Yellow Turbans and maintaining the foundation of their rule. More importantly, he saw a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity! An opportunity for the He family to truly ascend to the pinnacle of power! He had to seize it!
Just then, a series of urgent reports, like death knells, came from outside the hall.

"Urgent report from Jingzhou! Zhang Mancheng of Nanyang has gathered tens of thousands of men to attack and kill Prefect Chu Gong. Wancheng is under siege!"

"Urgent report from Qingzhou! The Yellow Turban leaders Guan Hai and Zhang Rao are wreaking havoc in Qing and Xu provinces, and the Chancellor of Jinan has been killed!"

"Urgent report from Yanzhou! Bu Ji and Bo Cai of Dongjun have rallied a crowd in response, causing great alarm in Yanzhou!"

The devastating news struck like a hammer blow, utterly shattering the last shred of hope in the imperial court.

Panic was palpable, permeating the air.

Liu Hong trembled all over as he watched the courtiers arguing incessantly, the eunuchs and gentry attacking each other, and the yellow tide seemingly swarming in from outside the palace. A tremendous sense of fear and helplessness gripped him.

He needs someone who can step forward immediately and shield him from all of this! Someone who can subdue all sides and mobilize the army!
His gaze swept across the hall.

Yang Ci and Yuan Wei, though highly respected, were both civil officials, and their families held deep-rooted power, making them difficult to truly control.

Zhang Rang and other eunuchs? How could eunuchs command troops? Besides, they were in dire straits themselves and only thought about self-preservation and seizing power.

Other military officers? Some were of low rank and little influence, while others were far away on the frontier... In the end, his gaze was fixed on He Jin, the burly governor of Henan, who was anxious and red-faced with anger!

He Jin!

Several thoughts flashed through Liu Hong's mind in a flash.

He is the Empress's elder brother! As a relative of the Empress, he naturally belongs to the royal family camp, opposing the eunuchs, and not entirely aligned with the aristocratic families. Using him can balance the power between the eunuchs and the aristocratic families!

Moreover, he came from a butcher's background! He had no roots in Luoyang, no illustrious family background, and no large number of protégés or former officials, which meant he could only rely on himself! He was much easier to control than those powerful and influential families!
Furthermore, while this person possesses ample courage and martial prowess, he lacks strategic acumen and cunning.

In Liu Hong's view, such a person is like a sharp knife. If used well, it can kill the enemy, and there is no need to worry that the handle will turn against the wielder!
Looking at his eagerness to prove himself and make a name for himself, he is exactly the kind of reckless young man who dares to fight and charge ahead that is needed right now!

"Enough!" Liu Hong slammed his hand on the armrest of the throne and roared with all his might, silencing all the arguments.

He took a deep breath, forcing himself to remain calm, and looked sharply at He Jin with a resolute air of entrusting him with a mission in a time of crisis, though his voice trembled slightly with excitement.

"He Jin, the Governor of Henan!"

"Your subject is here!" He Jin's heart pounded, sensing something was amiss. He immediately knelt on one knee, his voice booming.

"At this critical moment for the nation, I have observed all the civil and military officials in the court, and you alone are commendable for your loyalty and courage, and are worthy of shouldering great responsibilities!" Liu Hong's voice echoed in the silent hall.

"Today, I appoint you as Grand General! In charge of the affairs of the Imperial Secretariat! You shall command all the troops in the realm, lead the soldiers both inside and outside the capital, to punish the disloyal, and annihilate the Yellow Turban rebels! The defense of the nation rests on this one battle!"

"The Great General?!" These three words resounded like thunder in the hall!
Zhang Rang and the other eunuchs turned deathly pale instantly, their eyes filled with disbelief and deep fear.

The Grand General holds a position above the Three Dukes and commands all military power in the land!

He Jin, the butcher… has risen to power in one fell swoop! The upright officials like Yuan Wei and Yang Ci had complex expressions. While He Jin's ascension wasn't their ideal choice, it was better than the eunuchs continuing to hold power, and they desperately needed someone to take his place.

They quickly exchanged glances, choosing to acquiesce and support.

He Jin felt a surge of heat rush to his head! General! To be appointed Minister of the Imperial Secretariat! What a blessing this was for the He family! He suppressed the overwhelming joy that was about to spill out, kowtowed heavily, and his voice was hoarse with excitement.

"Your subject, He Jin, kowtows to thank Your Majesty for your divine grace! I will surely risk my life to wipe out these villains and repay Your Majesty! If I fail to quell the traitors, I will bring my head to face you!"

"Good!" Liu Hong looked at He Jin's grateful and loyal appearance and felt relieved, thinking that he had made the right move despite the risk.

He needed a capable and easily controlled "one of his own," and He Jin was the perfect choice for him.

"General!" Liu Hong's voice carried an undeniable air of authority.

"I hereby order you to immediately take charge of the suppression of the rebellion! What are your strategies? Tell me quickly!"

He Jin suddenly stood up, feeling full of power. He looked around at the assembled officials, especially glaring at Zhang Rang and the others whose faces were ashen, and said in a loud voice, "Your Majesty! I request permission."

Immediately grant amnesty to all members of the Party throughout the land! Order them to return to their hometowns and assist the government troops in suppressing the rebels! This is a brilliant strategy from Minister Yuan!
The imperial edict ordered all prefectures and counties to repair their own weapons, strengthen defenses of key passes, and quickly recruit volunteers to cooperate with the government troops in suppressing the bandits!

Lu Zhi was appointed as the General of the Northern Army, leading the elite troops of the five schools of the Northern Army, and the elite cavalry from Hedong and Henei were mobilized to rush eastward and suppress Zhang Jiao's main force in Jizhou!
Huangfu Song was appointed Left General of the Household, and Zhu Jun was appointed Right General of the Household, each leading elite troops to suppress the Yellow Turbans in Yingchuan, Runan, and Nanyang!

"I hereby order the commanders of all passes to strictly inspect all those entering and leaving the capital to prevent the bandits from escaping! The safety of the capital rests on my shoulders, and I shall personally lead the newly recruited troops to defend it!"

He Jin's strategy was clear and logical, obviously having been planned in advance, and also incorporating suggestions from Yuan Wei and others.

Yuan Wei and the others immediately bowed: "The General's words are absolutely right! We implore Your Majesty to make a swift decision!"

Zhang Rang and the others moved their lips, but under Emperor Ling's unquestionable gaze and He Jin's fierce stare, they finally lowered their heads in defeat and dared not utter another word.

"Approved! Approved! As the General says!" Liu Hong replied repeatedly, as if a great weight had been lifted from his shoulders.

"Draft an imperial edict! Draft an edict immediately! Appoint He Jin as Grand General! Let him oversee the affairs of the Secretariat! Grant amnesty to the partisans! Send troops! Send troops to suppress the rebels! Kill all those traitors for me!"

The imperial decree, like a thunderclap, rushed out from the chaotic hall.

(End of this chapter)