Sweep Yuan

Chapter 188 This Parting: A Divide of Stances

As expected, seeing that Bian Yuanheng agreed with his view, Zhang Shicheng's eyes flashed, and he lowered his voice, throwing out several pieces of very significant information:
"This time, the imperial court has really gone all out. In Huaidong Road alone, a full 20,000 salt-making households and salt workers have been conscripted! I heard that in the other provinces, 30,000 laborers have been trained for river works! In addition, there are local militias pieced together from various places, as well as the imperial court's elite troops."

The army besieging Xuzhou this time is likely to be a real force, exceeding 100,000!

Zhang Shicheng deliberately emphasized the words "real and solid," and while Bian Yuanheng was still processing the news, he picked up a piece of braised beef with his chopsticks, put it in his mouth, chewed and swallowed, then leaned closer to Bian Yuanheng and whispered:

"I've heard that this time, the Right Chancellor of the Central Secretariat, Tuotuo, is personally leading the troops. Unlike those armies of previous years that claimed to number in the hundreds of thousands but whose actual number is anyone's guess, this should be a genuine army of 100,000. Brother Bian, you are well-versed in military strategy and tactics; in your opinion, do you think Sesame Li can escape this calamity?"

Sesame Li and Liu Futong, who was constantly on the move, were two extremes. Sesame Li could neither come up with political slogans to unite people's hearts, nor did he have a clear strategic plan. He didn't even have the ability to restrain his subordinates, allowing them to attack and seize territory in all directions.

Nearly a year after the uprising began, all that has been circulating is the inappropriate nickname "Sesame Li," and none of them seem like people capable of accomplishing anything.

Bian Yuanheng was not particularly concerned about the fate of Xuzhou Sesame Li, but he knew that Xuzhou Road was the northern barrier of Haozhou. If the Xuzhou Red Turban Army was defeated, the Yuan army, riding high on its great victory, would inevitably target the Haozhou Red Flag Camp next. This was what he was truly worried about.

Moreover, Zhang Shicheng's topic today is very unusual, clearly implying something, and may even be a test of my inclinations.

Bian Yuanheng quickly reviewed the conversation, confirming that he had not revealed any intention to seek refuge with Shishan, and cautiously replied:
"The Red Turban Army in Xuzhou is no longer as powerful as the Red Flag Camp in Haozhou. Although I have never met Shi Jingxing, judging from his actions, he took Haozhou, pacified Chuzhou, and intimidated Zuo Junbi into surrendering the city. His military discipline is strict, his governance is effective, and he has great ambitions. He is definitely not someone to be underestimated."

How could this man sit idly by while the imperial court wiped out their neighbor, Sesame Li, and the government army besieged the city? Although Tuotuo has an army of 100,000, and his momentum is overwhelming, to simultaneously confront the two great heroes of Xu and Huai, I'm afraid… he's still somewhat lacking in strength.”

"That's true!"

Although Zhang Shicheng was unaware that Bian Yuanheng had already aligned himself with Shishan, he astutely discerned Bian Yuanheng's attitude towards Sesame Li and Shishan in his words—that they were "heroes," not "bandits"!
This is exactly the "truth" he wanted to find out by going to great lengths to drink with Bian Yuanheng today!
Zhang Shicheng was secretly delighted, but remained outwardly calm. Following Bian Yuanheng's lead, he dropped a bombshell that the other party was unaware of:
"Haha, Brother Bian, you probably don't know yet, do you? While you were at sea, Shi Jingxing swept through the entire Luzhou Road with lightning speed! Chaoxian, Shucheng, Lujiang, Wuwei, Lu'an, Wujiang and other places have all fallen into his hands."

The imperial army is utterly no match for the Red Flag Battalion! Hahaha, this is the act of a true hero!

Zhang Shicheng's tone was full of undisguised admiration and longing.

"Oh?! Is that so?!"

Bian Yuanheng was secretly delighted. The stronger Shishan's power and the more stable its foundation, the brighter his prospects of joining them would be! Moreover, Shishan's swift capture of Luzhou Road was a testament to its brilliant military strategy and established foundation!
He forcefully suppressed his excitement, his face displaying just the right amount of surprise and admiration. At the same time, he keenly caught the high regard Zhang Shicheng held for Shishan in his words, and promptly raised his wine cup, exclaiming:

"I have also heard that Shi Jingxing is known for his benevolence and righteousness. His Red Flag Battalion is disciplined and does not plunder wherever it goes, and the markets are not disturbed. He has also implemented the policy of 'tax exemption' to allow the people to rest and recuperate. Now that the entire Luzhou Road has been acquired by him, the officials in the court are probably going to be in a lot of trouble again."

"Well said! Let's have a big toast! Come on, let's drink some more!"

Zhang Shicheng laughed heartily and clinked glasses with Bian Yuanheng. The strong liquor went down his throat, and his heroic spirit was amplified.

As the wine intensified, the conversation became more in-depth.

Zhang Shicheng knew that Bian Yuanheng was not only outstanding in poetry and prose, but also in martial arts, and was well-versed in military strategy and fond of discussing military matters, making him a rare all-rounder. So, in a moment of inspiration from the wine, he used the wine as ink to sketch a simple sketch of the Jianghuai region on the greasy table.

"Brother Bian, please take a look."

Zhang Shicheng dipped his finger in wine and touched the area representing Xuzhou, saying:
"If Toqto'a leads an army of 100,000 to press on the border, with well-trained soldiers and ample supplies, and with the prestige of the Prime Minister, he will surely win. Although Sesame Li holds a fortified city, he is trapped in an isolated place, cut off from external support, and will surely lose it if he holds on for too long!"

His fingers swept heavily across the table, simulating the Yuan army's offensive, before moving to the location of Luzhou Road.

"Shi Jingxing has just acquired Luzhou, and his foundation is not yet stable. He must prioritize consolidating his gains and strengthening his rear. How should he deal with the potential threat posed by Tuotuo, who is riding high on the momentum of his great victory?"

Is it a proactive move northward to join forces with Sesame Li to attack Tuotuo?

The risk is too great!

Or should we hold our ground in the Jianghuai region and wait and see what happens?
"If the lips are gone, the teeth will be cold!"

Zhang Shicheng drew circles with his finger on the area representing Hefei, simulating possible strategic options for Shishan.

"If Tuotuo takes Xuzhou, will he immediately march south with his remaining power and head straight for Hefei? Or will he first rest and reorganize his troops, reopen the canal, and then plan his southward advance? If he marches south, will Shi Jingxing rely on the natural barrier of the Huai River to hold it, or will he launch a surprise attack while the river is crossing...?"

Zhang Shicheng offered a preliminary idea, combining his rudimentary understanding of the forces and geography of all sides to conduct tactical simulations. Bian Yuanheng was indeed intrigued and continued to offer his own insights, debating and supplementing Zhang Shicheng's ideas.

The two got along better and better as they talked, and the results of their deductions gradually became clear:

Sesame Li's future is extremely perilous, and the possibility of his demise is extremely high; Shi Jingxing may face enormous pressure due to the fall of Xuzhou, and may even suffer setbacks and lose some cities, but given his demonstrated abilities and the advantageous location of the Jianghuai region, Tuotuo would never be able to destroy him in one fell swoop.

Furthermore, if Shi Jingxing operates properly and seizes the weakness of the imperial army due to prolonged fighting or being isolated deep in enemy territory, he may be able to inflict heavy damage on them.

This deduction gave Bian Yuanheng and Zhang Shicheng a clearer understanding of the evolving landscape of the chaotic world, which greatly excited them.

The two chatted and drank, and before they knew it, the ten-pound jar of lotus root had been emptied.

The wine was flowing freely, and the conversation was nearing its end. The room was filled with the strong smell of alcohol and an unspoken restlessness. Zhang Shicheng put down his wine cup, his hearty smile fading slightly, replaced by an unprecedented seriousness.

He gathered his emotions for a moment, his gaze fixed intently on Bian Yuanheng, whose face was flushed with alcohol but whose eyes remained clear. Finally, he revealed his true intention for seeking him out today, the intention he had laid out for so long:
"Brother Bian!"

Zhang Shicheng's voice was deep and powerful, carrying the resolute determination of a hero in troubled times who was determined to achieve great things.

"As you can see, the current court is corrupt to the bone! Officials are like jackals, exploiting without restraint! The people of the world are suffering like they are in water and fire! Signs of great chaos have already appeared! This is the perfect time for dragons and snakes to rise from the land, for heroes to emerge, and for great men to wield their three-foot swords and achieve unparalleled feats!"

He leaned slightly forward, his voice sincere and infectious.

“Brother Bian possesses extraordinary talent and unparalleled courage. He is a genius born for chaotic times. His life should be lived to the fullest, not to live a life of quiet desolation in the Eastern Sea and die here.”

Zhang Shicheng spared no expense in giving Bian Yuanheng extremely high praise, precisely to provide emotional value for his recruitment efforts. He then seized the opportunity to showcase his own strength and resources, his tone becoming incredibly sincere and fervent as he said:
"Although Jiu Si came from humble beginnings, he is not one to be subservient to others or live a muddled life! I have over a thousand loyal and brave brothers under my command, control several salt fields, have accumulated wealth and provisions, and have deep roots in the coastal area of ​​Huaidong!"

Zhang Shicheng took a deep breath, his gaze sharp as he stared intently into Bian Yuanheng's eyes.

The world is about to descend into chaos, and heroes must step forward! I intend to seize this opportune moment, raise the banner of righteousness, gather heroes, fight for a way to survive for all the people, and secure a future for my brothers! Brother Bian, are you willing to join me in this great undertaking, to create a new future together?!

Zhang Shicheng had only spoken halfway when Bian Yuanheng sensed something was wrong—he was exhausted from the past few days and drunk, and had lost his composure!
He only wanted to find out more information about the Red Flag Battalion, so he chatted with them for a while. He didn't expect Zhang Shicheng to be so direct and eager in recruiting him, which immediately put him in a corner.

To be fair, Zhang Shicheng was not only a fellow townsman of Bian Yuanheng, but also generous and righteous, helping the needy and making friends with heroes. He was courageous, decisive, and a leader with great personal charisma. He also had a considerable armed force under his command and deep roots in Huaidong.

If it had been a few months earlier, faced with such a sincere offer from a powerful figure, Bian Yuanheng might have impulsively agreed.

pity!

In an instant, Bian Yuanheng's mind flashed his cousin Shi Nai'an, a close friend despite their age difference, and his earnest words in the letter, praising Shi Shan's character, ability, and ambition; he also recalled the vibrant energy he had seen in Zhou Wendao and Hua Yun along the way, a unique characteristic of the Red Flag Camp.

Shi Jingxing of Shishan is the wise ruler that Bian Yuanheng has chosen! Although they have not yet met, his "pledge of allegiance" is already on its way.

Moreover, no matter how eloquently Zhang Shicheng spoke, he was essentially just a speculator eager to get a piece of the pie and further expand his empire after seeing the world in chaos and the Yuan Dynasty in full decline. He had no grand political ambitions.

Moreover, judging from their words and actions, they are unlikely to raise an army immediately. It is more likely that they will take advantage of the situation when the court and the various rebel armies are both weakened, and then step in to reap the benefits.

This is probably the main reason why Zhang Shicheng first analyzed the battle situation, further tested his own abilities, and determined that the court was powerless to reverse the situation before he decided to reveal his ambitions and was determined to recruit him.
But Zhang Shicheng's loyalty and assistance were genuine.

A direct refusal would not only hurt feelings but could also create unnecessary suspicion and trouble, especially at this critical juncture. Zhou Wendao and his group of dozens were still in Beisha Town, and they needed to be safely escorted to the Red Flag Camp's jurisdiction as soon as possible. In a flash, countless thoughts collided in Bian Yuanheng's mind. The heat brought on by the alcohol instantly subsided, and a fine layer of cold sweat seeped out on his back. He slowly put down his wine cup, and the shock on his face gradually transformed into an expression filled with deep gratitude and apology.

"Brother Zhang!"

Bian Yuanheng stood up and bowed deeply to Zhang Shicheng, adopting an extremely humble posture.

"Brother Zhang values ​​Yuanheng so highly, speaks so frankly to him, and even entrusts him with the important task of raising an army. Yuanheng, what virtue or ability do I have to deserve such kindness from Brother Zhang! I will be forever grateful for this favor and affection!"

He raised his head, looking directly into Zhang Shicheng's expectant eyes, his tone incredibly sincere, yet carrying an undeniable firmness:

"Brother Zhang possesses great talent and ambition, and has the world in his heart; he will surely amount to something extraordinary in the future! However..."

Bian Yuanheng changed the subject, revealing a deep sense of helplessness, and said:
“Yuanheng is no longer a free man. His parents are old and need his care. Moreover… there are some old promises he made years ago that bind him deeply. It is truly difficult for him to follow Brother Zhang and raise the banner of righteousness together for the time being!”

He bowed deeply again, his tone filled with regret and sincere blessings:
"Although I cannot follow you in person, I deeply admire your lofty ambitions and heroic spirit! When you raise your banner of righteousness and roam the Huai and Hai regions in the future, I, Yuanheng, though far away in the world, will surely send my best wishes to you from afar! I hope you will achieve great success and accomplish great things soon!"
If...if fate allows in the future, and Brother Zhang still needs Yuanheng's help, as long as it doesn't violate our principles, Yuanheng will certainly do his utmost!

These words were perfectly worded, expressing both regret at not being able to follow him and giving Zhang Shicheng face, while also conveying respect and a possible limited support in the future, thus minimizing the harm of rejection.

The eager smile on Zhang Shicheng's face gradually froze as Bian Yuanheng spoke, eventually turning into an undisguised deep disappointment.

He did not have any immediate plans to start an uprising, and he had not only contacted Bian Yuanheng to join him in this great undertaking. However, Bian Yuanheng was a man of both literary and martial talents, and his reputation for fighting tigers with his bare hands was widespread. Having his help would greatly enhance his own prestige.

Being politely declined cast a shadow over Zhang Shicheng's grand undertaking, which had not yet begun.

An awkward silence fell over the private room, broken only by the sound of waves crashing outside the window.

Zhang Shicheng suddenly grabbed the wine jar, only to find it empty, and put it down in frustration.

Finally, he let out a long sigh, heavy with the smell of alcohol, and the disappointment on his face gradually faded. He forced out a hearty smile again, though it was somewhat forced.

"Hahaha! So be it! So be it!"

Zhang Shicheng patted Bian Yuanheng's shoulder forcefully, the force still solid.

"Everyone has their own ambitions, and we cannot force them! Brother Bian's filial piety is commendable, and his keeping of his promises is the conduct of a gentleman! I admire him! It is already a pleasure to be able to speak freely with Brother Bian today and discuss the world! There will be many days to come, and our brotherhood will not be confined to this moment!"

That being said, the atmosphere in the private room was ultimately tinged with a subtle sense of estrangement due to the unsuccessful attempt to attract customers.

Bian Yuanheng secretly breathed a sigh of relief, knowing that he had temporarily passed this hurdle.

But he also understood that the brotherhood between him and Zhang Shicheng could probably never be the same again.

In chaotic times, the choice of path often means a divergence of stances.

All he wanted to do at that moment was to find out the exact information as soon as possible, and then take Zhou Wendao and Shi Shan's relatives away from this place of trouble, safely arrive at the Red Flag Camp, complete his mission, and quickly put his talents to use for Marshal Shi.

Zhang Shicheng's heartfelt "We'll meet again" still echoed in Bian Yuanheng's ears, but an invisible barrier had already been erected in his heart.

After saying goodbye and leaving the restaurant, Bian Yuanheng went straight back to the inn—there was no need to worry about whether anyone was following them. With Zhang Shicheng's influence in the area, finding Zhou Wendao and his group's whereabouts would be too easy.

If Zhang Jiu Si truly harbored malicious intentions, given his ruthless methods of controlling the private salt smuggling forces, there was no way he could hide in this area.

Upon meeting Zhou Wendao, Bian Yuanheng told him everything he had learned.

As for Zhang Shicheng's intention to launch an uprising in Huaidong and his recruitment of him today, he did not mention a word about it.

Although the two have parted ways and may even face each other on the battlefield in the future, Bian Yuanheng has his own principles: to be a person of integrity and trustworthiness.

Zhang Shicheng had treated him without any wrongdoing, and had even provided him with considerable assistance. The other party had openly revealed a deadly plot; how could he possibly turn around and spread such trust as gossip? This was neither the conduct of a gentleman nor the way of Bian Yuanheng.

Immersed in the joy of acquiring intelligence, Zhou Wendao failed to notice the fleeting complexity in Bian Yuanheng's eyes. The complete capture of Luzhou Road by Marshal Shi not only meant a surge in the Red Flag Battalion's strength, but also that they now had more and safer options for their return journey!

The route, which connects the Yellow River, the Grand Canal, the Yangtze River, and lands at Hezhou, is longer, but he is extremely familiar with this waterway. He knows the checkpoints, supply points, and risky areas along the way by heart, which greatly increases his safety.

However, this meant they would have to travel by boat again and stay in Baisha for several days until those who were suffering from severe seasickness recovered their strength before they could set off again.

Bian Yuanheng had no objection to this. He stayed in Beisha to help Zhou Wendao pack his belongings and purchase supplies, while also keeping a close eye on the surroundings.

Five days passed peacefully, with no suspicious surveillance or deliberate harassment. It seemed that Zhang Shicheng had simply been drinking and catching up with him, and that was the end of it.

This, on the contrary, raised Bian Yuanheng's opinion of Zhang Shicheng even higher: this man was indeed upright and honest, or rather, Zhang Jiusi valued his reputation in the underworld and disdained to do such sneaky and despicable things.

After a few days of good food and drink, everyone had basically recovered their strength, so they rented another boat and set off westward.

Bian Yuanheng bid farewell to Zhou Wendao, as he needed to ride back to Dongming to handle some family matters before reuniting with the others in Gaoyou.

Watching the ship carrying Zhou Wendao and the others gradually leave the port, Bian Yuanheng did not delay any longer. He turned around, mounted the strong horse he had bought at great expense, shook the reins, and the horse neighed loudly. It then sped off along the land road towards its hometown, Dongming Village in Yancheng County, in the southeast.

The sound of horses' hooves shattered the tranquility of the Huaihe Plain. Bian Yuanheng was eager to return home, traveling day and night, almost without sleep. When he appeared at the gate of the Bian family's old house in Dongming Village, covered in dust and looking weary, the setting sun cast a long shadow of him.

Bian Shizhen was pruning flowers and trees in the yard when he was surprised and delighted to see his eldest son suddenly return. He quickly put down his pruning shears and went to greet him.

"Big Brother? Why are you back so quickly?"

He carefully examined his son's dusty, bloodshot face and felt a pang of unease. He thought that Bian Yuanheng's journey to Shishan had not gone smoothly, or that he had encountered some mishap on the way and had no choice but to turn back.

Bian Yuanheng forced himself to stay awake, ignoring the need to wash up, and pulled his father into the main room. He dismissed everyone else, lowered his voice, and spoke solemnly:

“Father, there may be great turmoil in Huaidong soon. I am really worried about your safety and that of the family. Why don't you pack your things and come with me to Luzhou Road?”

He paused, then added news of the Red Flag Battalion's recent great victory.

"Marshal Shi Jingxing has already captured the entire Luzhou Road! It's relatively safe there."

Bian Shizhen saw the anxiety and concern in his son's eyes and understood. Although he was not interested in worldly affairs, how could he not know what his son meant by the "great upheaval"? The eldest son was unwilling to say who was causing trouble, and he did not press him for details.

In this Dongming Village, the Bian family had been local gentry for generations, known for their kindness and deep-rooted influence. He was confident that no one would come looking for trouble with the Bian family.

Bian Shizhen patted Bian Yuanheng's dusty arm affectionately, his tone calm yet firm, carrying a composure born of experience:

“You child, you always overthink things. I’ve lived in Dongming my whole life, and my roots are here. A few storms won’t capsize the Bian family’s little boat. Don’t worry.”

His eyes revealed his concern for his eldest grandson, but in the end, he hardened his heart, unwilling to let his eldest son worry about his future and thus be unable to focus on achieving merit, and said:
“Cunli (Bian Yuanheng’s eldest son) is already four years old. If you are worried, then take your wife and children with you.”

(End of this chapter)