Sweep Yuan

Chapter 174 Chang Yuchun rarely encounters a worthy opponent

Four days after Zhou Chang surrendered the city, the army had finished resting and had enough food and supplies. Shi Shan held a farewell party for the army. His gaze swept over the soldiers of the Qingri Guard and Xiaoqi Guard who were lined up outside the city, and finally landed on Chang Yuchun's resolute face.

"Boren! In the Battle of Lujiang, you demonstrated both courage and wisdom, and have deeply understood the importance of seizing territory and winning hearts and minds. This time, with Zhao Bozhong as an inside ally, it will not be difficult to take down Shucheng. You should think more about how to appease the people and consolidate our army's foundation after the battle."

Zhao Bozhong was from Shucheng. Two years ago, he fled to Chaohu Lake after being sued. After Xu Da defeated Zuo Junmei, he came to join Xu Da with more than ten fishing boats and dozens of fishermen. With this "pledge of allegiance", he got the position of captain.

During this western expedition, Zhao Bozhong was also on the troop transport fleet. Upon learning that the marshal was going to attack Shucheng, he volunteered to infiltrate the city as an inside agent.

Shucheng had few soldiers and generals, low city walls, and the help of Zhao Bozhong, a local strongman. With Chang Yuchun's bravery, breaking through the city was naturally a piece of cake. The difficulty was how to stabilize the area after the battle, which is why Shishan emphasized this point before the expedition.

Chang Yuchun's horizons had broadened, and he understood that the Marshal's words clearly indicated that he was being groomed as a capable commander. A surge of pride and pressure welled up within him, and he immediately straightened his back, clasped his hands in a fist salute, and replied in a deep voice:

"I will keep the Marshal's teachings in mind! I will certainly live up to the Marshal's expectations!"

Shishan personally poured a full glass of wine for Chang Yuchun and said:
"Come, drink this cup to the brim, and wish Bo Ren a resounding victory!"

Chang Yuchun took the wine bowl, drank it all in one gulp, and then mounted his horse.
"Marshal, wait for my good news!"

Banners fluttered in the wind, drums and horns resounded. Watching the army disappear into the dust rising at the end of the official road, Shi Shan turned, his gaze once more fixed on Lujiang City. His decision to linger here was not out of a desire for comfort, but because this city held immense importance.

Lujiang was not only the gateway guarding the western granary of Luzhou Road, but also a crucial passage connecting Anqing Road. Southwest of Lujiang was Tongcheng County of Anqing Road. The terrain between the two counties was open, and they were connected by the Hangbu River, making it suitable for both water and land travel.

If the Yuan army wanted to advance north from Anqing Road to counterattack Luzhou Road, Lujiang would be the only way through.

Of course, the Yuan army in Anqing Road is currently too busy to march north. After Peng Yingyu captured Guichi, the capital of Chizhou Road, he led the "Peng Zu family" back to Jiangbei and, along with a large number of newly surrendered refugees and soldiers, is besieging Huaining, the capital of Anqing Road.

The relationship between the Red Flag Battalion and the "Peng Zu Family" is quite complicated. Both were anti-Yuan rebel armies, and while they had a tacit understanding, they were also wary of each other. The "Peng Zu Family" originally started in Luzhou Road, and once they took Anqing Road, they might have the idea of ​​fighting back to Luzhou Road.

Of course, Xu Song's army's current strategic focus is on Jiangnan, and it is not advisable to provoke friendly forces and disrupt the overall situation of resisting the Yuan Dynasty. Peng Yingyu is unlikely to be so unwise.

But Shishan never placed his hopes on others, and he had no confidence in the unstable Xu Song regime.

Every time the Red Flag Battalion captured a county, Shi Shan would personally devise measures to assimilate the local situation and solidify their foundation.

The Peng family had just captured the capital of Chizhou Road, and before they could even clear out the other prefectures and counties, they rushed into Anqing Road. Their expansion was so rapid that their foundation was certainly unstable.

The Xu-Song regime, which conquered one route in a few days and captured more than ten prefectures in a month, had no foundation whatsoever.

Xu Song appears to be enjoying great success and prosperity, but in reality, it has sown the seeds of a major hidden danger. Once its main army suffers a major defeat in Jiangnan, the territories it has not yet been able to consolidate will inevitably be completely lost under the counterattack of the local landlords' armed forces.

Even if the "Peng Zu family" wanted to operate well in Anqing Road, they would be unable to do so alone and would inevitably perish in the combined attack of the Yuan army.

At that time, the defeated remnants of Peng's army, along with the pursuing Yuan army, would likely surge into Luzhou Road like a flood bursting its banks, with Lujiang bearing the brunt.

The foundation that Shishan has worked so hard to build must not be destroyed by the chain reaction following the defeat of Xu Song's army.

His purpose in stationing himself in Lujiang was to build the city into a bridgehead that could withstand a full-scale attack from the Yuan army. In this small city, which lacked natural defenses, in addition to the "hard" work of raising the city walls, digging deep trenches, and storing plenty of grain, fodder and weapons, the most important thing was to unite the people and boost morale.

Zhou Chang was able to hold Lujiang because the people of Lujiang were "loyal to the Yuan" (or at least not to the rebel army). To change the people's hearts to the Red Flag Camp, appeasement and pacification alone were far from enough. It was also necessary to purge the corrupt officials and gentry who were attached to the Yuan court and exploited the people.

This matter could not be entrusted to Zhou Chang—he was originally a member of the old system.

Fortunately, Zhou Chang was indeed pragmatic, even bordering on ruthless.

He was well aware of his situation and value in the Red Flag Camp. When Shi Shan ruthlessly purged the old forces, Zhou Chang not only did not plead for any of his old friends and colleagues, but also acted unusually actively, providing lists of crimes and evidence, cooperating with the search and seizure, and even personally supervising the executions.

This "sacrifice of family for the greater good" attitude, while chilling to the bone of some in the city, genuinely saved Shishan countless troubles and potential backlash, and also earned Zhou Chang a reputation for "putting the overall situation first."

Shi Shan understood perfectly: this was Zhou Chang's pledge of allegiance, and also his capital to establish himself in Lujiang.

Six days later, Chang Yuchun rode swiftly into Lujiang and brought back news that the vanguard had captured Shucheng. The military and political affairs of Lujiang were also initially sorted out, and the conservative forces in the city suffered a major blow, making it difficult for the rest to make a comeback.

The time was ripe, and Shi Shan decided to lead his troops westward and personally oversee the campaign in Shucheng. Before departing, he specifically summoned Zhou Chang.

"Lord Yingfang (Zhou Chang's courtesy name), the news of the victory at Shucheng has arrived. Our army has won a great victory. Tomorrow morning, I will lead the main force of the Pengyue Guard westward to Shucheng. This important place of Lujiang is entrusted to you. I hope that you and Commander Han will work together to ensure the safety of this place."

The more respect Shi Shan showed, the more humble Zhou Chang became. He bowed deeply, his voice steady:

"Rest assured, Marshal. I will do my utmost to assist Commander Han, guard Lujiang, and await your triumphant return!"

The Han Zhenfu mentioned in Zhou Chang's words is Han Cheng.

Back in Lingbi, Shishan only contributed a load of grain, which prompted Han Cheng to lead many fellow villagers on a journey of hundreds of miles to come and serve him.

After that, although Han Cheng did not shine as brightly as Fu Youde, Hu Dahai, Chang Yuchun, Xu Da, and others, he still made steady progress, demonstrating sufficient courage and loyalty in various battles. His ability and reliability had long been recognized by his comrades.

It was the most suitable arrangement to appoint a general who had no connection with Lujiang and was only loyal to Shishan himself as the garrison commander and commander of the city's defenses. No one dared to object.

Shi Shan's approach to Zhou Chang was to utilize his talent while guarding against his power.

Although he was wary of Zhou Chang's prestige and connections in Lujiang, Zhou was capable and shrewd, and more importantly, he could quickly adjust his mindset and actively cooperate after surrendering. As long as he was placed under Han Cheng's checks and balances and transferred away from his base of operations at the right time, he would be a useful talent.

"Commander, you are in charge." Shi Shan changed the subject, his tone carrying a hint of approval.

"You have pacified the military and civilians, promoted production, and quelled unrest in Lujiang. Your achievements are evident to the entire city. With your talent, it is not the way to treat a virtuous person well to have you confined to a county for so long. Once the Lujiang city defense system is initially stabilized, I will transfer you to the Marshal's Office to assume an important position."

People strive for higher positions, just as water flows downhill. Zhou Chang had given up his ambition to establish a regional power, but he was unwilling to give up his official career, so he naturally longed to climb to a higher position in the Red Flag Battalion.

Ishiyama's explicit promise undoubtedly opened a smooth path for him to the core of power.

Zhou Chang was moved to tears, bowed deeply again, and said earnestly:

“I am deeply grateful for the Marshal’s kindness! The Marshal is leading his troops into battle and needs capable men. My eldest son, Zhou Dan, although unruly and unfit for important tasks, is somewhat literate. If the Marshal does not mind, he may serve as a scribe and do his best to contribute.”

Zhou Chang's recommendation of his eldest son to join the Marshal's mansion was merely a euphemism; in reality, he was actively sending a hostage.

In chaotic times, trust and loyalty are as thin as paper.

Whether it was Qiu Cheng, Xia Junxiang, or other rebel leaders who joined the cause halfway through, or key figures in the Red Flag Battalion who held military and political power in their respective regions, they all tacitly followed this unspoken rule.

The only difference is that some people are shrewd and leave their families in Haozhou base camp early on; others are less perceptive or have ulterior motives and need someone to guide them before doing so.

The only exception was Zuo Junbi, the leader of the largest "miscellaneous" force within the Red Flag Battalion—the Hefei Army. Not counting his brother Zuo Junmei, who was defeated and captured, his family members were still in Hefei City.

Ishiyama knew that detaining the hostage was not a foolproof solution, nor could it prevent his subordinates from betraying him.

But if even this basic defensive stance is abandoned, it is tantamount to condoning some people to choose betrayal or fence-sitting without any burden when faced with a choice.

When Shi Shan raised his army, he had no fellow villagers or relatives to help him, and he was betrayed by Tian Changcai, Liu Feng and others. He knew that if he showed any mercy, it could lead to the bloodshed of thousands of soldiers and civilians who followed him at some point in the future.

Hongqiying's resources are still meager; Shishan dares not gamble on human nature, nor can he afford to.

"it is good!"

Zhou Chang, being pragmatic, offered to send a hostage, so Shi Shan saw no need for pretense of refusal and readily agreed, saying:
"Before the army sets off tomorrow, I will personally test your son's talents. Rest assured, General, I appoint people based solely on their abilities. If your son truly possesses talent and learning, I will certainly use him according to his abilities and will not let your painstaking efforts go to waste."

Shi Shan was willing to personally examine the candidates and promised to "use them according to their abilities." Zhou Chang felt relieved and even felt a sense of relief.

He had been busy in his early years and neglected his family, which led to the early death of his wife. He always felt deep guilt towards his good-for-nothing eldest son, Zhou Dan. Sending his son as a hostage was a forced act, and he couldn't help but feel reluctant to part with him.

But at this moment, Shi Shan's attitude gave him a glimmer of hope: perhaps letting his son leave his wing and receive personal guidance from someone as outstanding as Marshal Shi was a better way out? It was better than letting him continue to drift aimlessly by his side.

Thinking of this, the reluctance was replaced by a complex expectation. Zhou Chang's voice trembled slightly, filled with unprecedented sincerity, as he said:
"The Marshal has treated us with such sincerity and trust that my father and I can only repay his kindness by devoting ourselves to the cause until our dying breath!"

The following day, Shi Shan left Han Cheng to oversee military affairs in Lujiang, instructing him and Zhou Chang to "cooperate in military and political matters and discuss matters together." He then led a thousand reorganized Lujiang garrison troops, under the command of Chen Tong, and set off westward to Shucheng along with the main force of the Pengyue Guard.

After entering the city, Chang Yuchun reported the detailed course of the Battle of Shucheng:

Upon arriving in Shucheng, he ordered his troops to split into small groups and launch repeated feint attacks day and night. Shucheng had low walls and few soldiers, and the defenders were already in a state of panic. They were further tormented by Chang Yuchun's strategy of exhausting the enemy, to the point of near mental collapse and utterly exhausted.

Zhao Bozhong and his men, who had infiltrated the city beforehand, ambushed and killed the gate guards in the middle of the night, opened the city gates and let the army into the city. By the time the city's defenders were awakened, Chang Yuchun had already stormed into the camp and shot the defending general dead with an arrow. With no leader, the city immediately surrendered.

In this battle, the Red Flag Battalion suffered only a dozen casualties, and Zhao Bozhong deserves much credit for this.

Zhao Bozhong had been a river bandit for two years before joining the Red Flag Navy. Although he managed to become a squad leader by "leading a fleet to join the army," his rank was relatively low. Commander Xu Da was also keen to rectify the bad habits in the army, so it was actually very difficult for someone like him, a former river bandit, to get ahead.

This man was decisive. Taking advantage of Chang Yuchun's advance into Shucheng, he resolutely gave up his identity as the naval commander and asked Marshal Shi to send him to infiltrate the city as an inside agent. He made the right gamble.

Shishan needed a local role model from the grassroots who had abandoned darkness for light and made great contributions to unite the people of Shucheng. So, without hesitation, he announced in public that Zhao Bozhong had been promoted to commander of the first-class battalion.

Shucheng is nestled against the foothills of the Dabie Mountains and is situated in the heart of the area surrounded by the cities of Lujiang, Lu'an, and Hefei, as well as Chaohu Lake. It is not only an important grain-producing area on the western route of Luzhou Road, but also has the potential to graze military horses on the mountain pastures. Its strategic value is self-evident and must be carefully managed.

Shi Shan appointed Huang Junsheng, a scholar who accompanied the army, as the magistrate of Shucheng County. This man was the second brother of Huang Shuyao, Shi Shan's concubine. This relationship was naturally an important factor in Huang Junsheng's ability to obtain this important position. However, Shi Shan's appointment of people was not entirely based on personal favoritism.

Although Huang Jun's abilities are not top-notch, he is diligent and down-to-earth, cautious, knows his limits, and never oversteps them.

As a newly attached major grain-producing area, Shucheng needs not reform-minded officials, but rather officials like Huang Junsheng who can maintain the status quo, avoid trouble, and allow the people to recuperate.

Of course, Shishan was well aware of his brother-in-law's capabilities. If he wanted to completely integrate Shucheng, he would have to make proper arrangements here first. Helping Huang Junsheng get on his horse was just a side thing; the key was to eliminate the remnants of the Yuan Dynasty and win over the hearts of the locals.

Two days later, Shi Shan compiled an eight-character governance policy for Huang Junsheng: "pacify the people, eliminate bandits, regulate taxes, and encourage agriculture." He then once again appointed Chang Yuchun to lead his troops to attack Liuan Prefecture.

This time, in addition to Chang Yuchun's own 2,000 Qingri Guards, there were also 1,000 Lujiang Army soldiers under Chen Tong and 500 Chaoxian militia soldiers under Jin Chaoxing, for a total force of nearly 3,500. With Chang Yuchun's abilities, he originally thought that capturing Liuan Prefecture was a sure thing.

Unexpectedly, five days later, a messenger from the direction of Liuan Prefecture reported that the army's attack on the city had been thwarted and that Chang Yuchun, the commander of the Qingri Guard, had been wounded in a direct battle with the enemy general.

……

P.S.: I just finished writing this and posted it immediately without any time to proofread. There are probably quite a few typos in this chapter. Let me finish what I'm doing and take a break before I check it.

Also, could I take a day off tomorrow?
I've been suffering from frozen shoulder these past few days, so I haven't been feeling well. The plot I've written always feels like it's missing something, and I feel a bit sorry for my readers who have subscribed.

(End of this chapter)