Sweep Yuan

Chapter 177 The Jackal's Deadly Situation Reveals His True Nature

In the fifth month of the lunar calendar, the Jianghuai region is already feeling the heat. Lead-gray clouds hang low over Lu'an City, heavy and heavy, like cotton wool soaked in moisture, brewing an impending downpour.

The air was thick and sticky, like solidified grease, and every breath was scorching and damp. It was mixed with the earthy smell of the newly turned wheat fields outside the city, the stench of sweat and horse manure in the camp, and the faint smell of blood, creating a suffocating atmosphere unique to the eve of a major battle.

Zhu Liangzu's rule in Lu'an was like a fortress built on quicksand.

Because he started his career too late, he relied entirely on a desperate, brute-force approach to suppress all sides. His foundation was shallow, and he had lost most of his elite troops in the previous counterattack outside the city. He was about to lose control of the various forces in the city.

The Red Flag Battalion's intense harassment during this period included the cavalry's unpredictable arrow barrages, the constant sounding of war drums and horns at night, the complete blockade of firewood and vegetables, the organization of laborers to harvest ripe wheat outside the city, and the ruthless ambush of the defending troops who came out of the city to harass them.

This series of combined attacks not only exhausted the defending troops and caused their morale to plummet, but also dealt a heavy blow to Zhu Liangzu's already fragile rule over Lu'an.

Inside Lu'an City, as the siege continued, discontent and panic spread like a plague.

Some prominent gentry and wealthy families in the city began to secretly communicate with Zhu Liangzu, discussing how to deal with the crisis. Most of them eventually decided to surrender to the Red Flag Battalion outside the city in order to minimize the loss of their property after the city fell.

After all, the Red Flag Battalion had been bogged down under the walls of Lu'an for far too long, and had already suffered considerable losses. If the siege was too brutal, who could guarantee that the fierce and ruthless army outside the city wouldn't take their anger out on these wealthy gentry with modest fortunes?

When Shi Shan personally led several thousand elite reinforcements to arrive, the terrifying military might of the Red Flag Battalion, as described by the defending soldiers—banners covering the sky, swords and spears gleaming coldly, and a disciplined and awe-inspiring military formation—completely crushed the last shred of hope remaining in the city.

The defeat was inevitable! Panic quickly turned into action.

Instigated by certain individuals, unrest arose within the Zhu clan. Several senior clan elders, after being "explained the pros and cons" by the gentry and concerned about the clan's survival, finally mustered the courage to approach Zhu Liangzu.

“Liangzu, ah.”

An elderly man with white hair and beard spoke tremulously, his cloudy old eyes filled with pleading.

"You saw the scene outside. I heard the leader of the Red Flag bandits has arrived in person, and the city is shrouded in banners. Can Liu'an still hold out? The imperial court can't care about our lives. For the sake of our entire clan and the continuation of our ancestors' lineage, let's surrender, shall we?"

Zhu Liangzu sat upright in the armchair, his fingers unconsciously tapping the cold armrests, producing a dull thud.

He was well aware of his weak foundation and lack of popular support in Lu'an. If he had been given a few more months and won a few more battles, he might have been able to completely subdue these opportunists. Unfortunately, Shishan's progress was too rapid, giving him no chance to consolidate his power.

The previous battle was too devastating, which deprived him of the means to suppress internal opposition. If things drag on any longer, something unexpected might really happen.

Zhu Liangzu could not possibly relinquish his power and leave his fate to the enemy's judgment, but looking at the fearful eyes of the clan elders and listening to the weary sighs of the soldiers outside the tent, he was still enveloped by a deep sense of powerlessness.

He eventually accepted the elder's advice, waving his hand to instruct his subordinates, his voice somewhat hoarse.

"Go and invite Wang Zongdao over."

The setting sun melts into gold, the Red Flag Camp stands tall, and the Marshal's tent is within reach.

The commander's tent was set up on a slightly elevated slope. Shi Shan, dressed in a linen military robe, had just finished interrogating the Zhu family members who had been captured earlier. At this moment, he was examining the defense plan of Liuan City drawn by Chang Yuchun and planning the siege battle for tomorrow.

"Report—Marshal, a scholar has emerged from Lu'an City, claiming to be carrying out Zhu Liangzu's orders," a guard reported as he entered the tent.

With the city on the verge of falling, Zhu Liangzu summoned renowned scholars from within the city, with the aim of either requesting the Red Flag Battalion to withdraw or begging for surrender.

Shi Shan raised his head, a glint of light flashing in his eyes, and said:
"Bring him in."

Before long, a scholar of about forty years old, with a refined and scholarly appearance, entered the tent under the guidance of his personal guards.

He was Wang Zongdao, whom Zhu Liangzu had invited. He was a scholar who was quite famous throughout Luzhou Road. Shishan had also heard of him and knew that he was good at poetry and calligraphy. It was said that he had received praise from the late calligrapher and former Vice Minister of the Jiangzhe Province, Tai Buhua.

At this moment, fine beads of sweat glistened on Wang Zongdao's forehead, but his steps remained steady. He stopped about ten paces from the foot of the commander's desk, straightened his clothes, solemnly clasped his hands in a deep bow before the stone mountain above, and proclaimed in a clear voice:
"Wang Zongdao, a commoner from Liu'an, pays his respects to Marshal Shi!"

Hua Yunlong, the personal guard captain on duty today, stood beside Shi Shan. Seeing that this man clearly knew proper etiquette but only bowed without kneeling, his sword-like eyebrows furrowed, his leopard-like eyes widened, he gripped the hilt of his sword, and sternly rebuked him:
"You audacious scoundrel! Since you've come to request an audience with our Marshal, why don't you kneel?!"

The shout was like a thunderclap in the sweltering tent, and the other guards also cast unfriendly glances at him.

Wang Zongdao trembled with fright, his face turning pale instantly. But he took a deep breath, forcing himself to steady himself, and bowed deeply to the stone mountain once more. His voice trembled slightly, but it was clearly audible:

"Marshal, I did not perform the full kneeling ceremony just now, not out of disrespect for your majesty. It was because I saw that wherever your banners pointed, they were all for the common people; wherever your soldiers went, there was no violence. Therefore, I felt that although I am insignificant, I should still stand up for you, Marshal, and I dare not tarnish your reputation for benevolence with empty formalities."

These words were both flattering and invoking the banner of "benevolence and righteousness," embellishing his refusal to kneel as a righteous act of protecting the reputation of Shishan. It was undeniably clever.

Shi Shan nodded inwardly. He had only known that this man was skilled in poetry and calligraphy, but he also seemed to possess a certain quick wit. His expression remained unchanged as he raised his hand to stop Hua Yunlong from lashing out again, and said in a calm and even tone:

"Master Wang is indeed a man of great talent and refined manners. What brings you here?"

Seeing that Shi Shan was indeed as humble as rumored, Wang Zongdao felt somewhat relieved and, following the prepared remarks, said:

"I risk my life to request an audience today, specifically to help the Marshal win back the hearts of the people in Liu'an and stabilize the situation in Luzhou Road!"

He deliberately emphasized the words "winning people's hearts" and "stabilizing the situation," implying that he could act as a mediator and reconcile the conflicts.

However, these words made Shi Shan secretly wary.

After the city falls, Shishan will handle the task of winning over the hearts of the people and stabilizing the situation; outsiders need not worry about it, nor will they be allowed to interfere. If someone representing the vested interests within the city comes to interfere, claiming to be helping me win over the hearts of the people, then are those hearts still mine?

Wang Zongdao was quick-witted and prone to boasting, which immediately displeased Shi Shan. He frowned slightly, his eyes sharpened, and his voice suddenly turned cold as he said:
What does Zhu Liangzu want?

Normally, Shi Shan should have adopted a humble and respectful attitude towards Wang Zongdao, seeking his advice. Unexpectedly, his tone shifted abruptly, directly inquiring about the "main character's" opinion, clearly indicating his dissatisfaction with Wang Zongdao's earlier remarks—a remarkably quick change of heart.

Wang Zongdao instantly thought of those rebellious kings who would massacre entire cities and exterminate entire clans at the slightest disagreement. Cold sweat soaked his back, and large beads of sweat rolled down his forehead. Only now did he truly realize how pale and laughable his verbal skills were in the face of a ruthless and decisive warlord wielding immense power.

He swallowed hard, his Adam's apple bobbing, his voice dry and trembling as he said:
"Commander Zhu is willing to defend Liu'an for the Marshal, and we can offer him..."

"All right!"

Shi Shan interrupted Wang Zongdao again, his impatience and disdain undisguised. He abruptly stood up, his tall figure casting a huge shadow in the candlelight of the tent, completely enveloping Wang Zongdao.

"You stubborn fool! Even now, you still dare to bargain with me?!"

His gaze was like lightning, fixed on Wang Zongdao's face, each word striking like a heavy hammer:

"Wang Zongdao! I ask you—is this Zhu Liangzu's personal wishful thinking, or the intention of the gentry and wealthy families of Liu'an? Think it through before you answer!"

Wang Zongdao's legs went weak and he could hardly stand up. For no reason, he thought of the top scholar Tai Buhua who died tragically under Fang Guozhen's knife. He was filled with remorse. He shouldn't have gotten involved in this mess for the sake of that little bit of fame and the requests of the wealthy families in the city. How could he dare to hide or embellish anything?
"Yes, it was Zhu Liangzu's own idea! The gentry in the city only asked me to sound out the Marshal's intentions..."

In order to protect himself, he had no choice but to completely sever ties with Zhu Liangzu and express the sentiments of the gentry.

"Humph!"

Shi Shan snorted coldly, which sounded like an ice pick piercing Wang Zongdao's ears.

“Go back and tell Zhu Liangzu: Tomorrow morning, my army will launch a full-scale attack on the city. If he can defeat my Red Flag Battalion, I will gladly surrender Liuan Prefecture! If not…” Shi Shan’s voice suddenly rose, carrying a resolute and ruthless tone, and he said:

"The blood our Red Flag Battalion soldiers shed in this battle will be repaid by the Zhu family in the same amount!"

After saying this, Shi Shan's gaze swept over Wang Zongdao's already pale face, as if he could see through his skin and into the panicked gentry and wealthy families in the city behind him. His voice became even colder and heavier, like a final judgment.

"And those 'smart people' in the city! Tell them to stop dreaming of betting on both sides! If they don't believe in my Red Flag Battalion, they can spend all their wealth and mobilize their servants to help Zhu Liangzu defend to the death! But this gamble is risking the lives and fortunes of the entire clan."

Shi Shan suddenly took a step forward, looked down at Wang Zongdao, and said, word by word:
"If you lose, you must accept defeat. After the city falls, don't blame me for being ruthless!"

With a thud, Wang Zongdao could no longer hold on. His knees buckled, and he collapsed to the ground, trembling violently. Cold sweat soaked through his robes, and his teeth chattered. He couldn't utter a single word.

Shishan, however, had already composed himself and waved his hand, saying:

“Go back and tell those who still have a brain! If they really want to surrender, show some sincerity—persuade Zhu Liangzu to bind himself and surrender. If they don’t have that intention, then don’t waste your breath. We’ll see each other on the battlefield tomorrow!”

As if his spine had been removed, Wang Zongdao practically tumbled and crawled out of the command tent amidst the disdainful gazes of his personal guards.

The humid air outside rushed into his lungs, but he felt like a drowning man finally surfacing, gasping for breath. He glanced back with lingering fear at the command tent that looked like a giant beast, and staggered dejectedly towards the twilight-shrouded city of Lu'an.

On the east gate tower.

Zhu Liangzu stood like an iron statue behind the battlements, his eyes fixed on the Red Flag Camp outside the city, its lights stretching for miles like a river of stars. Wang Zongdao's dejected figure appeared particularly small and wretched in the dim light.

Without needing to hear the report, just seeing how quickly Wang Zongdao returned to the city and how disheveled he looked, Zhu Liangzu knew that his attempts at "bargaining" were a joke in front of Shi Shan.

A mixture of anger, humiliation, and despair surged within him. He clenched his fists so tightly that his nails dug deep into his palms, causing a slight stinging pain, but he could not suppress the chill in his heart.

Wang Zongdao only briefly recounted Shishan's refusal to surrender and his conditions. As for Shishan's divisive words to the gentry in the city, warning them not to "hedging their bets," he dared not mention a single word—fearing that this trapped beast would suddenly erupt and kill in revenge.

Zhu Liangzu remained silent for a long time after hearing this, his gaze towards the city gates growing even more sinister. The twilight shrouded half his face in shadow, obscuring his expression. He waved his hand, his voice even hoarseer:
"Thank you for your trouble. You must not divulge a single word about what happened today, otherwise..."

Wang Zongdao felt as if he had been granted a pardon. He descended the city wall and quickly disappeared into the dark streets and alleys.

If it were anyone else, Zhu Liangzu would have simply detained them. However, Wang Zongdao had considerable prestige among the scholars, and the atmosphere in the city was already strange. To further anger those people now would be tantamount to digging his own grave.

Moreover, he needed Wang Zongdao to spread the message—it's not that I, Zhu, am unwilling to surrender, it's that Shishan is too greedy and unwilling to accept our surrender. If you don't want your money and supplies to be robbed by the rebels, you'd better support me!

That evening, no guests visited Wang Zongdao's home.

The gentry, anxiously awaiting news, were already waiting at his home. The doors and windows of the Wang residence were tightly shut, and suppressed whispers continued for a long time. Despair and fear were etched on everyone's faces.

When Wang Zongdao finally revealed Shi Shan's cold and ruthless warning, the room fell into a deathly silence, broken only by heavy breathing and suppressed sobs. After a long discussion, the group, like ghosts, quietly dispersed with heavy hearts.

They thought they were being discreet, but little did they know that in the darkness, a pair of eyes had already seen everything clearly.

The Zhu family mansion.

The oil lamp was small and dim.

Thirteen-year-old Zhu Xian strode in, his face bearing a sinister and violent air that was completely out of character for his age.

“Father! That King Zongdao of Suancuo is definitely up to no good! The Li family of the East Gate, the Chao family of the West Market, the Yuan family of the grain shop... many wealthy families have been gathered at his house whispering and plotting for almost an hour! They must be discussing behind our backs how to sell the city for personal gain!”

Zhu Xian was Zhu Liangzu's eldest son. He was influenced by his surroundings from a young age and his ruthlessness far surpassed that of his peers.

Zhu Liangzu had long anticipated that Wang Zongdao wouldn't keep quiet for him, and upon hearing this news, he was somewhat disheartened and asked in return:
"What do you want?"

Zhu Xian's eyes flashed with the same fierce light as his father's, and he gritted his teeth as he said:

"In my opinion, we should send troops tonight to slaughter all these traitorous dogs and confiscate their property to fund our army!"

Zhu Liangzu looked at his son's innocent yet ferocious face, a complex emotion flashing in his eyes.

There's a sense of relief—this fierce determination is my own doing!
There is also sadness—I, Old Zhu, am a hero of my generation. When have I ever needed my underage son to share the burden?
Zhu Liangzu extended his calloused hand and placed it on Zhu Xian's slightly thin shoulder, speaking earnestly:

"Brother, you must remember, in chaotic times, without a sword or a soldier, you're nothing! These scoundrels spout benevolence and morality all day long, but deep down they're all opportunists and will never amount to anything!"

He paused, his eyes showing some weariness, but his mind was exceptionally clear, and said:

"If we can repel the Red Flag bandits tomorrow and then kill all these two-faced bastards, it will be a piece of cake! But now..."

He gazed out the window at the deep night, as if he could see through the city walls to the endless campfires beyond.

“We can’t win. If we keep fighting, we’ll only die. Your father has to leave you and our Zhu family a way out… Let’s spare these people’s lives for now.”

Zhu Liangzu was a military strategist. The troops brought by Shishan were clearly more elite than the troops that had attacked the city before. After a brief comparison, he knew that he was doomed to lose this battle. However, he could never bring himself to leave the city bound and accept Shishan's judgment.

That's the end for cowards!
Zhu Liangzu would rather die standing than live on his knees—at least, he wanted to stand before he completely collapsed.

I heard that Shi Shan has no subordinate leaders, and all his men need to be dispersed and reorganized. Zhu Liangzu is not unable to accept this fate, but it is only a final resignation after exhausting all means and still being defeated by the enemy.

Before that, no matter how unfavorable the situation, one must first struggle. Even if one is ultimately defeated and surrenders, one must inflict heavy losses on the enemy, let Shi Shan witness one's own methods, and strive for a relatively dignified outcome for oneself and one's family, and perhaps even a future with a chance.

Red Flag Battalion Army Camp.

Shishan did not place his hopes of capturing Liuan on Zhu Liangzu's surrender.

Before the war, he had already gathered a lot of intelligence. After arriving in Lu'an, he personally interrogated several captured members of the Zhu clan and roughly learned about Zhu Liangzu's character: he was fierce, unruly and difficult to tame, and was by no means someone who would easily admit defeat.

The army ate a hearty meal that night and rested early to conserve their energy, waiting for dawn.

Early the next morning, the dull drumbeats, like the heartbeat of the earth, resounded outside Lu'an City, dispelling the last silence before dawn.

Seven thousand Red Flag soldiers, along with three thousand militiamen responsible for transportation, filling trenches, and operating machinery, were divided into thirty-two square formations of varying sizes. Like moving killing machines, they marched slowly to the city of Lu'an with heavy but orderly steps and shouted deep and powerful slogans.

The massive Lu Gong chariots, towering siege ladders, and sturdy shield wagons, propelled by militia and auxiliary soldiers, creaked and groaned as they rolled over the dirt roads, which had long been tamed by the army, slowly approaching the walls of Lu'an.

Dark clouds are threatening to destroy the city!
Even before the battle began, the extremely tense atmosphere made every soldier on the city wall feel suffocated by the pressure.

……

P.S.: There's one more chapter today. I just finished writing this one and I'm posting it now, so there might be grammatical errors and typos. I'll check it after I finish writing the next chapter.

(End of this chapter)