Sweep Yuan

Chapter 152 Xu Da's Version of a Battle of Wits

"Snapped!"

The crisp sound of a slap echoed on the empty official road, startling several crows flying from the roadside woods.

Xu Da rode his horse alone towards Hefei. Only when he was far away from the Pengyue Guard's garrison did he suddenly raise his hand and slap himself hard!
A burning pain shot through my cheek—I wasn't dreaming!

Thinking about his impulsive actions, Xu Da couldn't help but curse himself inwardly:

"Xu Da! You've always been so composed, how could you be so reckless today, taking on such a dangerous task?!"

Indeed, Xu Da had no idea how to persuade Zuo Junbi, who was entrenched in the fortified city, to personally go to Liang County to meet the marshal, and he impatiently took on this important mission.

The reason is simple: he desperately wanted to seize this rare opportunity!
Xu Da was from Zhongli County, Haozhou. He and Zhu Chongba, who had been transferred to the Fujun Guard and was newly appointed as a captain, could barely be considered to be from the same hometown, but they were complete strangers.

Because of the vast difference in their social standing, they would never have been able to enter each other's circles without war breaking down class barriers.

In this chaotic world where starving people lay everywhere, those who could study literature and martial arts, were skilled in riding and archery, and were well-versed in strategic classics such as "Sun Tzu's Art of War" and "Zuo Zhuan" could not be supported by ordinary wealthy families. They could only be supported by powerful and influential families with a strong foundation. Xu Da was such a powerful and influential family.

This group originally belonged to the rentier class of the Yuan Dynasty. They were broad-minded and skilled in both literature and martial arts, but because their upward mobility was cut off, they could not be employed by the court. They often lamented that their talents were not appreciated and hoped that the world would undergo some changes so as to open up a path to success for the vast number of "poor scholars".

However, when real chaos and great opportunities arrive, and one needs to give up everything to pursue wealth and status, such people are often held back by the entanglements of family, wealth, and other possessions, causing them to hesitate and miss out on the opportunity.

Xu Da was thus caught in this predicament.

When the Red Flag Battalion captured Haozhou, Xu Da was right there. His first reaction was not to sacrifice his family to relieve the crisis and gather his fellow villagers to serve the wise ruler, but to hurriedly hoard money and grain and move his family, hoping to preserve his ancestral property in the impending chaos.

When the Red Flag Battalion achieved a series of victories, defending against powerful enemies and bringing peace to the people, displaying the aura of a kingly army vying for supremacy, Xu Da finally made up his mind to join the army, only to find embarrassingly that he had come too late!
The Red Flag Battalion recruits soldiers by first sending them to the combat training camp for training.

Xu Dawen was well-versed in military strategy and history, and skilled in both martial arts, drawing a strong bow and riding a spirited horse. He stood out from the crowd in the training camp, making it difficult for him not to stand out.

After completing basic training, ordinary recruits would be assigned to various combat battalions, either distinguishing themselves in numerous bloody battles or dying silently on the battlefield. However, Xu Da, due to his outstanding talent, was directly promoted to the training battalion to receive officer training.

He originally thought that he could use this opportunity to climb the ladder to heaven, get up close to the rocky mountain, showcase his talents, and win the favor of the marshal.

However, the Battle of Chuzhou had just ended, and Shishan was fully engaged in military reorganization and had no time to pay attention to a certain "new recruit".

Furthermore, due to the large-scale expansion of the entire army, a large number of "veterans" from the Training and Guard Battalion were assigned to various units to take on important positions. Subsequently, elites from various units were added, and a new organizational name was adopted: "Holding the Moon Guard".

Before Xu Da could even get acquainted with his fellow soldiers in the Imperial Guard, he inexplicably went from being a "new recruit" to a "veteran".

After Zuo Junbi launched the coup, he "offered" Hefei City to Shishan. Others only knew that Zuo Junbi was cunning.

Xu Da astutely realized that with Hefei secured, the Red Flag Battalion, which had just undergone a large-scale expansion, would inevitably shift from expansion to defense. Only after it had largely absorbed the fruits of victory and completed the reorganization and training of its various units would it embark on a new round of expansion.

In other words, for a considerable period of time, those in Wuhe, Huaiyuan, Chuzhou and other places on the outer lines may still have the opportunity to defend, counterattack and kill the enemy to make merits, while those in Pengyue Guard in Haozhou can only slowly accumulate seniority and wait for the next large-scale expansion of the Red Flag Camp.

Seeing that his fellow townsmen who had joined the army as soon as Marshal Shi captured Haozhou were already holding important positions and making great achievements, while he himself could only remain an unknown personal guard because he had missed the opportunity, even the most composed Xu Da could not help but feel that time was running out.

What Xu Da didn't know was that when he first showed his talent in the training camp, his performance had already attracted the attention of Marshal Shi, who sent the Embroidered Uniform Guard to secretly investigate his background and found out that Xu Da had no connection with Zhu Chongba.

When Zhu Chongba was transferred to the Fujun Guard, Shishan transferred Xu Da to the Jiaowei Camp and placed him close to him to observe his character and talent. Before long, he would give him the opportunity to be transferred to another post to make meritorious contributions.

Therefore, Shi Shan was somewhat puzzled by Xu Da's vying for the opportunity to go on a mission to Hefei, but he did not stop him—there was not much danger involved.

However, Xu Da had no time to ponder his recent experiences. At this moment, only one thought was churning in his mind: how to persuade Zuo Junbi, this fierce tiger that had been entrenched in his lair, to leave.
Seeing the dust rising slightly ahead, and the envoys from Hefei already in sight, Xu Da quickly composed himself, his gaze sharp and fixed ahead, thinking to himself:

"Enough! Let it be a battle on the battlefield. Marshal Shi carries the momentum of a great victory and holds the righteous cause of overthrowing the Yuan Dynasty. Although I am of low rank, I represent Marshal Shi on this mission, and we are already in an invincible position. No matter what tricks Zuo Junbi may have, I will crush them with my righteous army!"

The chilling atmosphere of the mutiny still lingered in Hefei.

Zuo Junbi was anxious and uneasy because of the Shishan envoy's entry into the city. The surrender of the city and the change of flags was originally a carefully designed plan to drive away one tiger and devour another. However, it was not without benefits for the Red Flag Battalion. At least Shishan could gain the "name" of forcing Hefei to surrender, while Zuo Junbi could gain the "real" power to dominate Hefei.

But when Xu Da, the envoy from Shishan, arrived with the promise of "fame" and "righteousness," Zuo Junbi felt a prickling sensation on his back and suddenly realized that he had trapped himself in his own web of deceit!
Xu Da did not reveal the purpose of his trip to anyone, and Zuo Junbi did not want to know either. What truly tormented him was the dilemma of whether or not to meet with the person.

See?
This would solidify the relationship between ruler and subject, and they would inevitably be subject to the control of Shishan in the future.

The Red Flag Battalion already had a formidable reputation, and Shi Shan held an even more prestigious and righteous position. If this continued, it would inevitably seep into the hearts of the people of Hefei like water seeping into sand, and gradually infiltrate the internal affairs of Hefei.

He, the lord of Hefei, will eventually become a general under Shi Shan.

not see?

The strategy of using one enemy to devour another would immediately fall apart, and the banner of "righteousness" against the Yuan dynasty would be lost.

Even the most arrogant Zuo Junbi knew that Hefei, an isolated city, could never withstand the combined forces of the Red Flag Battalion, Peng Zu's family, and the Yuan court in its encirclement and suppression.

After agonizing for half a day, Zuo Junbi finally gritted his teeth and gave the order:
"Summon Marshal Shi's messenger!"

Xu Da entered the hall with a proud and resounding voice.

"Xu Da, under Marshal Shi, greets General Zuo!"

Before Zuo Junbi could answer, his subordinate Zhang Huan, sitting beside him, preemptively launched an attack, speaking with a sarcastic tone:
"What is the envoy's position? Why did he not report this?"

In a formal meeting with an envoy, if one doesn't exchange pleasantries before asking about their purpose and immediately questions their identity, this is a blatant attempt to intimidate them!

Despite being in the lion's den, Xu Da's imposing manner was no less than anyone else's. His gaze was like lightning, piercing straight at Zhang Huan, and he shouted sharply:

"Although I am a personal guard under the Marshal, without any official rank or position, I am here on behalf of the Marshal to inspect Hefei. Who are you? How dare you speak ill of the Marshal's envoy before the Left General?! Is it that you do not know your place, or that the Left General... is not in charge of Hefei?!"

The last sentence directly points to Zuo Junbi.

Xu Da was born with a towering and imposing stature, and was a powerful and domineering local strongman. Moreover, he had been training his body for many years and had long possessed a spirit and energy that emanated from within. His rebuke, carried by the authority of the marshal's envoy, was as heavy as a hammer and as thunderous as a thunderclap.

Zhang Huan was so refuted that he turned red in the face and was speechless with astonishment, and the atmosphere in the hall froze instantly.

Zuo Junbi was shocked and quickly stopped Zhang Huan, who was about to retort after regaining his senses. He forced a smile and said:

"Hahaha! I've long heard that Marshal Shi's forces are full of hidden talents! Meeting you today, I see your reputation is well-deserved! I observe that you possess a powerful and vigorous bearing, exuding an imposing aura. To serve the Marshal at his side and shoulder such an important mission, you must have achieved numerous military exploits and earned the Marshal's deep trust!" Zuo Junbi's words were ostensibly flattering, but in reality, they were a test and an attempt to sow discord. Xu Da, however, was not about to fall for it. He replied loudly:

"General Zuo flatters me! I, Xu, am indeed capable of drawing a bow with a draw weight of three stones and riding a spirited horse of seven feet, but I have only been in the army for a short time and have yet to achieve any merit. This mission was an opportunity I seized by competing with my comrades! There is no other reason than—"

Xu Da's gaze swept over the generals in the hall, and he continued with an arrogant tone:
"It's because under the Marshal's command, there are countless people like me who have some basic martial arts skills, and everyone is eager to serve him!"

Xu Da's strategy of retreating to advance, coupled with his genuine feelings, made his words all the more impactful.

Despite having no official position, no military achievements, and yet possessing such magnanimity, Xu Da's words made the generals in Hefei pale in comparison.

Zuo Junbi thought to himself that he had met a tough opponent today, so he quickly skipped the "baptism of fire" prepared before the meeting and got straight to the point in a deep voice:

"What important message does Marshal Shi have for sending his esteemed envoy?"

Xu Da, however, did not rush to answer. He stepped forward, placed his hand on his sword, and stared intently into Zuo Junbi's eyes, saying:

"The Marshal has not given any further instructions, but General Zuo—have you forgotten that there is still an important matter that has not been dealt with?!"

"I?"

Zuo Junbi's heart tightened, realizing something was wrong. His previous preparations were useless, and under Xu Da's intense gaze, he could only laugh it off and say:

"I truly don't know what I've forgotten?"

Xu Da had fully assumed the role of Marshal Shi's envoy, and his voice resounded throughout the house as he proclaimed:
"Since the general has surrendered the city and changed the flag, he should know the etiquette between ruler and subject, and the distinction between superior and inferior. Now the Red Flag Army is stationed in Liang County, and the marshal's headquarters is less than a hundred miles away. Since the general has raised an army to surrender, he has been slow to go to Liang County to pay homage."

Is it that no one in Hefei understands proper etiquette, or is the general simply insincere, and the so-called surrender of the city and exchange of flags merely a farce?

See you in the picture!

As expected, this was a ploy to lure the tiger away from the mountain. Zuo Junbi's position was not yet secure; how could he dare leave his nest and walk into the trap? He hurriedly replied:

"Your Excellency, please allow me to inform you that my father passed away three days ago, and I am currently in deep mourning, making it inconvenient for me to travel far."

This man was indeed quick-witted, but his excuses did not stand up to scrutiny—Zuo Wu had just passed away three days prior, and Zuo Junbi had already launched a mutinous attack to seize the city and kill officials; at that time, there was no custom of wearing mourning clothes.

Of course, Xu Da wouldn't utter such unsophisticated words. His expression remained unchanged as he calmly gazed at Zuo Junbi and pressed on with his question:

"Hefei stands majestically in western Huaihe, its city walls high and its moats deep. General, you could have established your own power base, so why... did you choose to join my Red Flag Camp?"

The reason was clear to both sides. It wasn't Shishan's benevolence, but rather the isolated city of Hefei, sandwiched between two Red Turban armies, with no room to maneuver. If they didn't want to be wiped out, they had no choice but to side with one of them.

However, in negotiations, both sides naturally had to set their own prices, and Zuo Junbi's subordinate Yin Congdao finally seized the opportunity, coldly snorting:

"Hmph! If it weren't for my general's compassion for the people and his unwillingness to let the people of Hefei suffer the calamity of war, would we have changed our allegiance so easily? Your envoy is so aggressive; do you really think that the tens of thousands of soldiers and civilians in Hefei are not armed enough?!"

Xu Da turned around abruptly, his gaze sweeping over Yin Congdao like a blade, and sneered:
"Liang County is now in our hands, and the lifeline of Hefei is entirely in our grasp. Why should the Red Flag Battalion soldiers fight a bloody assault? Our army only needs to relocate all the people outside the city, and then, during the spring planting and autumn harvest season, send elite cavalry to trample your fields outside the city. May I ask, General—"

Xu Da's gaze returned to Zuo Junbi, his words piercing to the heart:
"Now that we have betrayed the imperial court, with no reinforcements from outside and no provisions from within, how can the soldiers in this city possibly defend this isolated city by eating only the wind and dew?!"

Liang County is Hefei's Achilles' heel. As long as the Red Flag Battalion holds Liang County and does not retreat, Hefei will be helplessly controlled.

Zuo Junbi's face turned pale instantly. Yin Congdao opened his mouth, unsure what to say, but Xu Da gave him no chance to breathe, stepping forward and speaking in a booming voice:

"Before leaving, the Marshal said: Hefei was never in the Red Flag Battalion's hands. If General Zuo is willing to offer it up, the Marshal will accept it. If there is no sincerity, there is no need to resort to such pointless tricks. The Red Flag Battalion is raising the banner of 'Expelling the Barbarians and Restoring the Han.' As long as the General is truly against the Yuan, the two units can live in peace."

Xu Da paused briefly, then abruptly changed the subject, his tone turning chilling, and said:

"However, since there is no distinction between ruler and subject, and Red Flag Battalion has no responsibility to protect Hefei. If you wish to establish yourself in Huaixi, then go and deal with the Peng family and the Yuan court yourself. That's all I have to say. I leave the decision to you, General Zuo!"

The founding emperor of the Song Dynasty, Zhao Kuangyin, famously said, "How can I allow others to snore beside my bed?"

Zuo Junbi knew that Hefei was the very place next to the Red Flag Camp. If they were in the same position, he would not allow anyone to hold troops and occupy this fortified city.

Moreover, there is a fatal problem—the greater good.

The position of General of Martial Valor was not permanent. If Zuo Junbi did not rebel against the Yuan Dynasty, he could at most inherit the family's position of commander of a thousand households.

He was originally just a junior colonel in the army, and only got the nickname "Second Young General" because of his father's prestige. In fact, he had no real power.

Although Zuo Junbi launched a coup and coerced the troops to establish himself, he lacked a strong moral foundation and his position was actually very unstable. Even though he took advantage of the chaos to kill some of the unruly officers, the rest were only temporarily forced to submit to the situation and had not truly won over the hearts of the troops.

If the Red Flag Battalion launches a full-scale attack, the leader can still use the pressure from the external enemy to consolidate his internal forces.

However, if Shishan merely holds Liang County and watches him fight to the death with Peng Zu's family and the Yuan court, his subordinates, who do not know who they are fighting for or how long they can fight, will inevitably abandon him because they see no future.

This was the real reason why he hesitated for half a day before finally deciding to meet with Xu Da.

Having grasped this point, a resolute glint flashed in Zuo Junbi's eyes. He stared intently into Xu Da's eyes and said:
"If I go to Liang County with you... can your esteemed envoy guarantee that Marshal Shi will release me upon my return?"

Seeing Zuo Junbi ask such a foolish question, Xu Da felt a great weight lifted from his shoulders, knowing that the mission was accomplished, and laughed loudly:

"The general should ask, why is the marshal detaining you? And even if he detains you, can he still control Hefei?"

Upon hearing this, Zuo Junbi was struck dumb, and instantly understood.

Yes, he was a pillar of the Zuo family, but in the Hefei army... he was just a figurehead.

If Shishan detains him, the city can simply install another puppet. The newly appointed puppet will have no soldiers or power, making it easier for the generals who support him to control him.

The icy chill that washed over him only ignited the resolute determination within Zuo Junbi. He abruptly stood up, and said in a resounding voice:

"Alright! Brother Xu, please wait a moment. I will accompany you to Liang County to pay my respects to Marshal Shi!"

(End of this chapter)