Chapter 193: Struggle
“Qinghe, do you think the Emperor will send troops to meet the battle, or shrink back and not come out?”
The Northern Expedition army came with overwhelming momentum, and the news spread to the Pei Family Army like the wind. Concerning the stability of the Northern Lands, the empire, and the state, Mao Hongling’s brows were full of worry.
Pei Qinghe said faintly: “That depends on how General Zhang wants to fight this battle.”
“The Beiping Army’s troop strength is less than ten thousand, the Bohai Navy has sixty thousand troops on the surface, and the Zhang Family has operated in Jizhou for decades, with deep roots and sprawling branches. Even if the Meng brothers and Chancellor Pang join hands, they can barely get a word in front of General Zhang. At the critical moment, the Emperor will surely listen to General Zhang.”
When Emperor Jian’an was still the Prince Zhangwu, he already had an indecisive and soft-tempered personality. After going through hardships and escaping the Capital City, he became even more timid.
Moreover, General Zhang is an old general who has led troops for many years and has some real capability. Meng Liulang is young, hot-blooded, and impulsive, not as steady and reliable as General Zhang.
Between the two, Emperor Jian’an will surely choose General Zhang.
Mao Hongling sighed softly: “This great battle, who knows how long it will last. The common people of the Northern Lands will suffer.”
Pei Qinghe also sighed lightly: “When the empire changes hands and worldly affairs are in chaos, the common people suffer the most. We don’t have that much capability; we can only hold Yan Prefecture and give the common people here some stable days.”
“What we need to do now is continue to train troops.”
……
News about the Northern Expedition army kept coming in.
The Invincible Great General led an army of one hundred thousand, plundering, robbing, and killing along the way. Most of the Northern Lands garrisons were loyal to Emperor Jian’an. One garrison angrily sent out troops in anger, and several thousand men clashed with the Northern Expedition army, like an egg smashing against a rock.
After a fierce battle, the commander was beheaded, and his head was hung on the Invincible Great General’s banner. The soldiers were either killed or fled, and even their flag was completely destroyed.
This battle greatly boosted the rebel army’s morale and sent chills through the hearts of the various Northern Lands garrisons. After that, no garrison dared to intercept them. They even actively evaded from afar.
Tao Wudi’s arrogance grew even more rampant as he continued to lead the army majestically toward Jizhou.
Meng Liulang once again applied to take the initiative to fight. This time, without General Zhang even opening his mouth, Emperor Jian’an said: “The rebel army is numerous and powerful; I cannot let the officers and soldiers go to their deaths in vain. Bohai Commandery has the advantage of city walls; solidly defending the city walls and keeping the enemy outside is the best strategy.”
Even Chancellor Pang said: “Young General Meng, stay calm and don’t be impatient. When the rebel army’s troops approach the city, we’ll still need you to hold the city gate.”
General Zhang remained impassive, while Zhang Yun glanced over with contempt.
Meng Liulang was furious but could do nothing about it.
After court adjourned, Emperor Jian’an specifically kept Meng Liulang behind and comforted him with kind words.
Meng Liulang was filled with pent-up frustration. After returning to the Meng Mansion, he said to Meng Dalang: “Big brother, the Emperor has a weak personality, content to stay in one corner, hiding in the Imperial Palace. He fundamentally lacks the breadth and boldness to reclaim the empire. Our father and brothers died in battle for such a person; they really died not worth it.”
Meng Dalang was also angry and pulled a long face: “Yes, yes, yes, in the whole world, only you, Meng Liulang, are the hero with breadth and boldness.”
“You, Meng Liulang, stand tall and upright, refusing to bow to the Zhang family. Now you don’t even respect the Son of Heaven, speaking without any reverence. Why don’t you just leave altogether, take your people back to the Beiping Army Camp, and set yourself up as king like the Liaoxi Army.”
It was rare for Meng Dalang to lose his temper, and Meng Liulang was stunned, his arrogance immediately deflated by half: “We Meng Clan are loyal ministers; I won’t become a rebel.”
Meng Dalang said coldly: “If you want to be a loyal official and good general, you must keep to the duties of an official. If you dare to privately criticize and disrespect the Son of Heaven again, even I, your brother, won’t spare you.”
Meng Liulang didn’t dare make another sound and lowered his head to admit his wrong: “Big brother, don’t be angry; I was wrong.”
Meng Dalang let out a long sigh and rubbed his forehead: “Disaster comes from the mouth; you must watch your words and be cautious. Before, we were far from the Capital City, and what we said or did in the barracks, no one cared. Now you and I are both in the Imperial Court; every word and action is watched. The Zhang father and son are watching us like tigers; if you’re careless with your words, you hand them a ready handle.”
Meng Dalang was utterly heartbroken for his troublesome sixth brother. In just over two short years, a few white hairs had appeared on his head.
Inside the Zhang Mansion, the Zhang father and son were also holding a secret meeting in the study room.
“This Meng Liulang is unruly and utterly disregards our father and son.” Anger flashed in Zhang Yun’s eyes.
General Zhang said indifferently: “To deal with him, there’s no need for our father and son to act. He keeps clamoring to go to war. When the rebel army arrives, send the Beiping Army to defend the city. Let him learn from the rebel army’s power.”
“When the Beiping Army’s men are mostly dead, then send the Bohai Navy to defend the city.”
A cold gleam flashed in Zhang Yun’s eyes: “Father is right. Meng Liulang has a foul mouth and is annoying, but he does have some capability in battle. We can borrow the rebel army’s hand to get rid of him.”
He sneered again: “Chancellor Pang, that old fox, still wants to form a marriage alliance with the Meng Family and compete with our Zhang Family. Once the Meng Brothers all die on the battlefield, I want to see what Chancellor Pang can use to fight us.”
“The Emperor is young and inexperienced, relying on our father and son for everything. Next February, when Jingwan becomes Empress and soon gives birth to an heir. At that time…”
“Don’t talk nonsense!” General Zhang glanced over and interrupted Zhang Yun.
Zhang Yun knew his father was not angry and boldly continued: “There are only our father and son here. Whatever we say won’t spread out.”
“I’m just unhappy and unconvinced. Our Zhang Family has been risking life and limb for the Eastern Palace, rescued the Prince, and supported him to become the Son of Heaven. Yet he is wary of us everywhere, promotes Chancellor Pang, and heavily employs the Meng Brothers. This is too disheartening.”
General Zhang frowned and said gravely: “As an emperor, how can he lack the schemes and means to control his officials? Our Zhang Family is loyal, and the Emperor knows it well in his heart.”
“Keep these words rotting in your stomach. If you dare wag your tongue again, I will personally enforce the family law.”
Zhang Yun then shut his mouth.
General Zhang solemnly instructed: “From today on, give the Beiping Army whatever grain, weapons, and warhorses they need. Don’t be stingy, give them all.”
“Yes.”
……
“I hear the rebel army has 100,000 elite soldiers. They have already fought their way here.”
In the Pei Clan mansion, Madam Fang let out a worried sigh: “I don’t know if the Beiping Army and Bohai Navy can hold off the rebel army.”
The elderly Madam Li was recently hard of hearing and sight. Madam Fang raised her voice, but Madam Li still couldn’t hear clearly and asked with her dim old eyes: “What did you say?”
Madam Fang had to patiently shout it again.
Only then did Madam Li hear clearly and said slowly: “Best if they can win. If not, if Bohai Commandery City falls, we old bones can’t run, no need to run. We can all die together for our country.”
Madam Lu fervently chimed in: “Aunt is right. Our Pei Clan women are just as loyal and fierce.”
Madam Fang couldn’t help muttering: “I don’t want to be loyal and die. I just want to live well.”
