Sweep Yuan

Chapter 202 A Few Words Decide the Fate of Xuzhou

Xuzhou must be taken, but not in this way. Sesame Li's words of voluntarily "stepping down and yielding the throne" immediately caused Shi Shan, who was sitting in the main seat, to frown almost imperceptibly.

He had just led his troops in a bloody battle to lift the siege of Xuzhou, and now he was "forcing" Sesame Li to relinquish his position? How will the world view Shi Shan? Ingratitude? Taking advantage of a crisis? The true nature of a ruthless warlord?

Sesame Li's actions, seemingly showing deep affection and loyalty, were actually putting him in a very difficult position!
While Xuzhou's geographical location was important, the Red Flag Battalion's strength was limited, making it unable to attend to multiple aspects. As the strategic focus shifted south, Xuzhou's strategic value gradually diminished.

More importantly, Xuzhou was no longer the formidable stronghold of the Red Turban Army that once commanded 100,000 troops and controlled more than ten cities. After a brutal siege by the Yuan army for over a month and previous internal strife, the city was littered with dead and wounded soldiers and civilians, its population had drastically decreased, farmland lay fallow, the treasury was empty, and its war potential had greatly diminished.

The annexation of such a devastated force would yield limited manpower and provisions, but would also impose a heavy burden—requiring massive resources for reconstruction, relief, and military reorganization, as well as the heavy responsibility of protecting Xuzhou and resisting any potential future counterattacks from the Yuan court.

The effort and the reward are completely disproportionate!

In a flash, Shi Shan weighed all the pros and cons, his astonishment quickly vanishing, replaced by a complex expression of reproach and sincerity. He rose from his seat, strode over to Sesame Li, and with his strong hands, steadily helped him up.

"Marshal Li, you are mistaken!"

Shi Shan's voice wasn't loud, but it resonated clearly in the silent hall, carrying an undeniable weight.

"In the past, Shishan was just a surrendered soldier. It was thanks to Marshal Li's kindness in entrusting him with the authority to recruit soldiers and fight that he has achieved his current merits. This time, I am leading my troops to come to the rescue not only out of camaraderie and the noble spirit of fighting against the tyrannical Yuan, but also to repay Marshal Li's kindness in helping me back then."

Marshal Li, however, wants to cede Xuzhou to him. This… isn't this repaying kindness with enmity, placing Shishan in an unjust and unrighteous position? Shishan absolutely dares not accept!

Sesame Li was helped up, his face showing urgency and fear.

He at least knew the rule that "one must decline and refuse three times before assuming a high position," and was about to take a deep breath and make another earnest statement, even preparing to kowtow to the ground to show his determination, when Shishan cut him off first.

Shi Shan stared intently at Sesame Li, a gentle smile playing on his lips, and said:

“I once bowed to Marshal Li, and today Marshal Li returns the bow to me. So our debts are even, how about that?” He deliberately spoke the words “even” lightly, as if he were simply settling a personal matter.

Upon hearing this, Sesame Li's heart sank.

Having survived this brush with death, and in the days and nights of desperately waiting for the Yuan army to breach the city walls, preparing to immolate himself, he had long since seen through the predicament of himself and the Red Turban Army of Xuzhou. He knew full well that he was simply not cut out for the struggle for power in this chaotic world, and could not steer this large ship riddled with holes.

He needed Shishan as a solid backing; he longed to rely on him, to be protected by a strong person, and to be relieved of the burden that was weighing him down!
Even? That won't do! If the two sides are even, what special weight will Sesame Li hold in Shi Shan's heart?
Sesame Li was sweating profusely, his voice trembling with both tears and desperation:
“Brother Shi—Marshal! Heaven and earth can bear witness to Li Er’s heart! This is not just a momentary impulse. I…I am truly sincere and earnestly request the Marshal to take me in! I, Li Er, am willing to serve you faithfully and have no other intentions!” As he spoke, his body went limp and he was about to kneel down again.

Shi Shan, quick as a flash, once again firmly supported him, half-carrying and half-dragging him to the next seat, and pressed him down to sit without any room for argument.

"Marshal Li, please calm down." Shi Shan's tone softened, revealing a worldly wisdom, as he said:
"What you are worried about is nothing more than that Xuzhou has suffered a great calamity, its vitality has been severely damaged, its soldiers and generals are few, and its treasury is empty. You fear that the Yuan dogs will make a comeback, and you will be unable to resist them, plunging the entire city's soldiers and civilians into misery again. Is that right?"

Sesame Li opened his mouth, his true thoughts were "I really can't handle this, I'm so tired, I just want to follow you," but how could he say such heartfelt words in front of all his old subordinates?

More importantly, if I tell him, will Shishan despise me or even completely abandon me?

After much deliberation, he could only nod hesitantly, following the steps provided by the rocky hill:

“I…I’m just worried about this.”

After Shi Shan waited for Sesame Li to finish speaking, he turned and walked back to the main seat. His gaze swept over the various Xuzhou civil and military officials below the hall, their expressions varying, before finally settling back on Sesame Li. His tone became firm and full of power:
"Marshal Li is overthinking it! Xuzhou is not a place where there are no people to use or no generals to rely on."
In this battle, if it weren't for General Peng Erlang's fearlessness in the face of danger, General Xue Xian's valiant fight, General Li Xixi's all-out effort, and the sincere cooperation of all the officers and soldiers, who fought desperately against the Yuan army, it would have bought precious time for the main force of our Red Flag Battalion to break through the Yuan army's central army.

Perhaps even now, tens of thousands of our Red Flag soldiers are still locked in a fierce battle with the Yuan invaders at Chulan, and the outcome is still uncertain!

He leaned forward slightly, looking directly into Sesame Li's somewhat bewildered eyes, and said with absolute certainty:
"Xuzhou has no shortage of elite troops, let alone fierce generals! If Marshal Li can recognize and appoint capable people, trust and use them, and make the soldiers fight to the death and the people of all ranks work together, with this strong city and the support of the people, what is there to worry about in not being able to defend it? Xuzhou will certainly not suffer such a calamity again!"

Sesame Li knew that Shi Shan wasn't giving him "advice," but rather "instructions."

Although Marshal Shi refused his public "stepping down," he made it clear that he would deeply intervene in Xuzhou affairs, adjust the power structure, and redistribute interests. The targets of this adjustment were obviously powerful figures like Peng Erlang, Xue Xian, and Li Xixi, who held military power.

His actions just now were indeed reckless. Shishan needs a more dignified and stable way to control Xuzhou, rather than a brutal replacement.

Sesame Li was overjoyed, but on his face he tried to feign an expression of sudden realization and guilt, and hurriedly replied:

"Marshal Shi's words were a wake-up call. The brothers who are valued by Marshal Shi must be pillars of society with real skills. It's just that I was too ignorant and failed to recognize their talents. I didn't know how to use their abilities properly, which wronged my brothers and caused great suffering to the people of Xuzhou! I was really foolish!"

He beat his chest and stamped his feet, looking utterly remorseful.

Shishan nodded slightly, expressing his satisfaction with Sesame Li's "understanding".

To completely reshape Xuzhou, it is necessary not only to adjust the positions of Peng, Xue, Li and others, but also to break the existing intricate network of interests, and even to wield the butcher's knife to eliminate a group of deeply entrenched corrupt officials who hinder change.

But how could such a radical and drastic treatment be discussed in public, in front of all the parties involved? It is even more inappropriate for him, the "guest," to perform it himself.

This matter requires a private "negotiation" with Sesame Lee afterward, with Sesame Lee, his "former master," playing the role of the one wielding the knife, while Shi Shan only needs to provide support and endorsement from behind the scenes.

However, in today's session, taking advantage of the shockwaves caused by Sesame Li's resignation, there are a few things that Shishan can and must announce first, to set the tone for the subsequent rectification.

The gentle smile on Shi Shan's face slowly faded, like a thin layer of ice suddenly freezing on an autumn lake.

He rose again, his gaze, almost tangible, slowly sweeping across the faces of every civil and military official from Xuzhou below the hall. His gaze was calm and unwavering, yet it carried an immense pressure, causing many to involuntarily lower their heads and their hearts to pound like drums.

"I heard."

Shi Shan's voice wasn't loud, but it carried a cold, penetrating quality.

“A serious illness requires strong medicine. The Red Turban Army in Xuzhou originally had an army of 100,000 men occupying more than ten cities. Their strength was immense. How could they have fallen to such a state of near annihilation within just a few months, with their army at the gates of the city? How can such a catastrophic disaster be attributed to Marshal Li’s ‘oversight’ alone?!”

He deliberately emphasized the word "oversight," and his gaze suddenly became sharp as a knife, piercing straight into everyone's hearts.

Shi Shan strode forward, approaching the pale-faced officials, his reproachful tone now tinged with a chilling coldness.

"You hold important positions and wield immense military and political power. As the situation deteriorates day by day, are you helpless? Are you merely occupying your posts without doing your jobs? Or... are you fanning the flames?! You watch helplessly as Xuzhou slides into the abyss. Have you fulfilled your responsibilities?!"

The atmosphere inside the hall instantly plummeted to freezing point; you could hear a pin drop. Everyone felt a chill run from the soles of their feet straight to the top of their heads.

Shi Shan did not stop; his voice suddenly rose, carrying the ruthless aura unique to battlefield commanders, directly addressing yesterday's battle:

"Furthermore, my Red Flag Battalion's tens of thousands of soldiers marched hundreds of miles, fighting a bloody battle at Chulan yesterday, solely to rescue you from your dire straits. Our army has mobilized the main force of the Yuan dogs southward, leaving Xuzhou City vulnerable! This is a golden opportunity to launch a pincer attack on the remaining enemy forces, relieving the pressure on our army! And what about you?!"

He slammed his hand on the table beside him, making a dull thud that sent everyone's hearts pounding.

"Not a single person dared to lead a single soldier out of the city to probe! To share even the slightest bit of the pressure on our army! To sit idly by and watch tens of thousands of our Red Banner soldiers shed their blood on the battlefield, or even be buried in foreign lands! Is such behavior unintentional? Incompetent? Or... unscrupulous?!"

The final three questions struck like three heavy hammers, slamming into everyone's hearts. The word "unscrupulous" carried a blatant, veiled intent to destroy their very souls!

The civil and military officials from Xuzhou immediately knelt down in the hall, their souls already scattered.

They originally thought that Li Tiexin's defection to Shishan was a golden opportunity for them to change sides and curry favor with a new master. Many even plotted how to use flattery and eloquence to win over Marshal Shi's favor.

Who would have thought that Shishan's "baptism of fire" would come so swiftly and so fiercely! Every sentence hit the nail on the head, every word was like a knife cutting blood! They laid bare their petty thoughts, inaction, and even potential crimes in broad daylight!
Under the piercing gaze and chilling murderous aura emanating from Shi Shan, the instinct for survival instantly overwhelmed all calculations. They no longer cared about dignity, banging their heads on the ground with resounding thuds, wailing and weeping uncontrollably.
"We were truly terrified by the Yuan dogs, fearing the enemy like tigers, and missed a golden opportunity! We have failed Marshal Li's trust, and even more so Marshal Shi's great kindness in rushing us from hundreds of miles away to our aid! We earnestly beg the Marshal to give us a chance to atone for our sins and make amends. If the Marshal commands us to go east, we will never go west!"

"We are not sitting idly by, but the city is poorly defended and we fear that the Yuan dogs will take advantage of us! Although we wish to leave the city, we lack the power to turn the tide. We know our mistake and humbly beg the Marshal to give us a chance to repent!"

"The Marshal is right to scold me. It is my incompetence and cowardice that makes me want to fight! I noticed something amiss when there was movement outside the city yesterday, but... I was too hesitant and only cared about my own safety. I did not dare to ask Marshal Li for permission to go into battle."

Please punish me severely, Marshal! I have no complaints! I only beg to be able to fight on the battlefield again in the future to atone for this grave sin!

Shi Shan coldly watched the group of "fence-sitters" below the hall kowtowing like pounding garlic, displaying their ugly behavior, without feeling a ripple in his heart.

His furious outburst was certainly not intended to show off or vent personal grievances.

One purpose is to deter, with the primary objective being to use the power vacuum created by Li's abdication to swiftly and decisively intimidate these old forces who are accustomed to being two-faced and perfunctory, making them understand that when the "sky" changes, the rules must also change!
He, Shishan, is no pushover like Li Zhima! Secondly, he made a public statement, declaring his determination to rectify the military and political situation in Xuzhou with an iron fist and eliminate long-standing abuses! This sent a clear signal to all potential collaborators and onlookers: Xuzhou is about to undergo a storm-like transformation!
Thirdly, there is the selection process; he doesn't need sycophants who only know how to speak sweet words and flatter.

Do you want to serve Marshal Shi?
Sure! But you'll have to show me a "pledge of allegiance" first!

Either you have insightful ideas and feasible strategies to eradicate the deep-seated problems in Xuzhou;
Alternatively, you have the courage and means to crack down on corruption in the military and clean up officialdom;
If neither of these is available, then at the very least, you must provide detailed evidence of the crimes committed by those "parasites" and "scoundrels" who obstruct change and wreak havoc in Xuzhou!

What Shishan needs are people who dare to do things, are capable of doing things, and can get things done!
"Everyone get up!"

Shi Shan's voice returned to calm, but became even more majestic.

"Kneeling and kowtowing at the drop of a hat, what kind of decorum is that! The Red Flag Battalion doesn't do that!"

Everyone felt as if they had been granted a pardon. They stood up tremblingly, hands at their sides, not daring to even breathe loudly.

Shi Shan's sharp gaze swept over the still-shaken faces, and he slowly added:

"The root of the disaster in Xuzhou lies within, not without. As Marshal Li's trusted advisors, you are all responsible for your past actions! From now on, you must repent and reform your ways! You must dedicate your utmost sincerity and effort to assist Marshal Li!"

We must show the determination and action of scraping the bone to remove poison and a brave man cutting off his own arm to eliminate long-standing malpractices, rectify the military and government, and revitalize Xuzhou! If anyone dares to stick to the old ways, be perfunctory and irresponsible, or outwardly comply but inwardly defy... don't blame the military law for being merciless!" The last sentence was filled with murderous intent.

The crowd below the hall shuddered. They were all seasoned veterans of the martial world, and they could easily understand the deeper meaning behind Marshal Shi's "reprimand".

This drew a red line for them and pointed out their "way out"—if they wanted to live and have a future, they had to follow Marshal Shi's will, "eliminate the deep-rooted evils," and become the sword that purifies Xuzhou!

As for what these "long-standing problems" refer to, or who they refer to, that depends on each person's "awareness" and "performance"!

Immediately, another wave of eager statements followed:
"This humble general will certainly remember the Marshal's teachings, correct my past mistakes, and return to reorganize the troops, enforce strict military discipline, and train a crack force that the Marshal can trust!" This was the rudimentary figure who still fantasized about continuing to command the army.

"Upon returning, I will thoroughly investigate the treasury accounts, clarify the outstanding debts, and severely punish those who embezzle! I will increase revenue and reduce expenditure, raising funds and grain to supply the military! I will, I will, restore a clean and honest treasury to Xuzhou!" This was an implication that he would provide "incriminating evidence."

"This humble general will do his utmost to assist Marshal Li in reorganizing the army. Anyone who neglects military duties, fears the enemy, or disobeys orders will be severely punished according to military law, regardless of kinship!" This was a declaration that he was willing to offend his comrades and serve as the executioner of military law.

Looking at the group of officials who were eager to perform after being reprimanded, Shi Shan sneered inwardly, but remained outwardly calm.

Having achieved his initial goals of deterrence and screening, he returned to his seat and turned his gaze to Sesame Li beside him.

Sesame Li looked at Stone Mountain with a mixture of awe and relief, as if he had found his true pillar of support.

"Marshal Li."

Shishan spoke calmly, as if he were talking about something ordinary.

"In this great victory, our army captured tens of thousands of Yuan soldiers who surrendered, and seized weapons and armor piled up like mountains, as well as countless supplies and provisions. The journey was long and the transportation was difficult. Xuzhou was in dire need of reconstruction and urgently required manpower and resources."

He paused, meeting Sesame Li's suddenly brightening gaze, and said:

"When we return home, I will not take all of these spoils with me; I will leave you thirty percent. I hope Marshal Li will make good use of them to reorganize the military and government and restore our strength."

Upon hearing this, Sesame Li was overjoyed!
Why did he lose power before? Why couldn't he command Peng Erlang, Zhao Junyong, and others? Wasn't it because he lost control of the army and finances? All the military and financial power he had given away was like spilled water, impossible to take back.

This led to the generals in the outer towns becoming stronger with each battle, while the foundation of Xuzhou was constantly being hollowed out, ultimately resulting in a situation where the branches were strong but the trunk was weak, and he, as marshal, became an empty shell!

The 30% of spoils left behind at Shishan were precisely the supplies that Xuzhou urgently needed.

Although he had already decided to rely on Shishan and no longer wanted to worry about these military and political affairs that gave him a headache, how could he not be happy to use Shishan's power to control those subordinates who had betrayed and mistreated him, and watch them tremble under Shishan's will to "eliminate the accumulated evils"!

Sesame Li excitedly stood up again, clasped his hands in a fist and bowed deeply:
"Marshal Shi's generosity is truly admirable! His timely assistance is invaluable; Li Er will certainly do his utmost to support him!"

He had intended to say "I will fully cooperate with Marshal Shi," but then he suddenly remembered that Shi Shan had clearly refused his abdication and did not want to appear as a mere puppet in public. He quickly changed his words and loudly promised:

"We must do everything in our power to prepare for war, comfort the soldiers and civilians, repair the city's defenses, and never again give the Yuan dogs a chance to lightly invade our Xuzhou!"

Shi Shan saw that Sesame Li had understood his intentions—he had given him face (retaining his marshal's position), given him substance (resources), and also given him a "knife" hanging over his old subordinates (an order to reorganize). He nodded in satisfaction.

"Excellent! With Marshal Li's determination, the revival of Xuzhou is within reach!"

He left these supplies and personnel not only because Xuzhou urgently needed them and because long-distance transport would indeed result in huge losses, but also because of a deeper consideration:

Firstly, it is limited by digestive capacity.

If the Red Flag Battalion were to swallow tens of thousands of prisoners of war all at once, the management pressure would be enormous, and it would be extremely easy for them to suffer from indigestion or even chaos. Dividing a portion of them to Xuzhou would not only reduce their own burden but also allow Xuzhou to share some of the risk of "digesting" them.

Second, follow the laws of reality.

In chaotic times, food and soldiers are essential for everything. Why were Sesame Li and the civil and military officials of Xuzhou so submissive to him? Besides his formidable reputation for defeating the Yuan army of 100,000 men head-on, it was also because he controlled the food that the people of Xuzhou desperately needed and the military force that could protect them.

Leaving these resources behind is like putting a leash on Xuzhou, ensuring that they have no choice but to rely on us and obey our will.

Third, it must be subject to restrictions.

Shishan knew very well that with Sesame Li's skills and prestige, he simply couldn't control these supplies and manpower.

If these resources are handed over directly to the existing interest groups in Xuzhou, they will only be quickly divided up and squandered, and may even be used to resist subsequent rectification efforts.

Therefore, it is also necessary to appoint a reliable person who can represent his will to actually control the allocation and use of these resources.

Thinking of this, Shi Shan's gaze sharpened, sweeping over the Red Flag Battalion's civil and military officials standing solemnly below the hall, and he said loudly:

"Military Advisor Yin!"

Yin Congdao stood with his head bowed, still processing the dramatic power struggle that had just taken place in the hall.

He was originally a subordinate of Zuo Junbi. After surrendering Hefei to Shishan, he worked diligently. However, as a surrendered general, he always harbored a sense of caution and an unspeakable sense of alienation, and never hoped to enter the inner circle.

Upon suddenly hearing Shi Shan call out his name, he was startled, almost thinking he had misheard. After confirming that it was correct, he hurriedly stepped forward, clasped his hands in a fist and bowed, his voice carrying a hint of barely perceptible tension.

"The general is here!"

Shi Shan looked at this veteran general, who was nearly fifty years old and had a complicated past. Although his surrender of Hefei was somewhat opportunistic, he had been diligent and meticulous in his work since joining the army, especially in logistics and personnel coordination.

More importantly, he passed several tests secretly set up by Shishan, proving that he was usable and controllable.

Now is the time to use this man!
Shi Shan looked at Yin Congdao with expectation in his eyes, his tone calm but carrying an immense trust.

"After the war, there are countless things to do in Xuzhou. Reorganizing the army and strengthening its military is the most urgent task. Marshal Li needs a capable assistant. You are meticulous, mature, and knowledgeable in military affairs. Therefore, you should stay in Xuzhou to assist Marshal Li in reorganizing the army and rebuilding the new army!"
The necessary regulations and rules can refer to the regulations of my Red Flag Battalion, but should also be adapted to local conditions. I will select another elite combat battalion to be stationed in Xuzhou, at your disposal, as the backbone and reliance for the army's reorganization!

As soon as this statement came out, the whole hall was shocked!

Yin Congdao was trembling violently. He suddenly raised his head, his eyes filled with unbelievable joy and emotion!
Staying behind to "assist" Marshal Li? Commanding an elite Red Flag Battalion? Actually in charge of reorganizing the Xuzhou army?
This is hardly "assistance"; it's clearly handing over actual control of the military power in Xuzhou to Yin Congdao. It's making him the "hidden commander" who reigns supreme over Ma Zhili and represents Shishan in controlling Xuzhou!
What kind of trust is this?!

For a surrendered general, this is an exceptional promotion!

A surge of warmth instantly welled up in his heart, shattering the last vestige of resistance in Yin Congdao's mind. He knew that from this moment on, his fate was firmly bound to Shishan, and there was no other way but to die for it.

Yin Congdao's voice trembled slightly, but he clasped his hands in a remarkably firm gesture and bowed deeply to the very end:
"This humble general thanks Marshal for his trust! I will do my utmost to assist Marshal Li in training an elite force! I will certainly live up to your expectations!"

(End of this chapter)