Fish Meat – Chapter 104
by Little PandaThe Tenth Year of Shenchu
Iron horses and golden spears (6)
Xie County is but a small county, with only the county yamen in the entire city that can temporarily serve as the emperor’s traveling palace.
Although the county yamen is small, it was fortunately renovated just two years ago. The main hall and side rooms are all complete and can be considered clean and spacious. Civil and military officials each have their own quarters, while the prison cells on the north side were emptied early due to the chaos of war, temporarily converted into lodgings for the emperor’s personal guards, the Huben Army.
Li Ju was eating his morning meal under the attendance of inner court officials when he received Mengliang’s urgent report.
At present, military supplies were pitifully scarce, and the kitchen was struggling to cook without rice. Li Ju had not seen any proper meat dishes for a whole month. Although he had been an unfavored prince since childhood, he had never experienced such hardship. Drinking soup with bits of fried dough, thinking about how Da Yu had been in his hands for only a short ten years, yet had fallen into a state where the common people had no clothes or food, and there was warfare everywhere, Li Ju found it difficult to swallow his food.
The military report reclaimed by Mengliang lifted the spirits of the sorrowful and desolate Li Ju. He hurriedly asked the messenger who came to report: “How was it captured? Quick, tell me about it!”
The messenger said that Xie family’s Ah Xin, leading ten thousand private soldiers and ten thousand civilians who had previously fled, along with twenty thousand Da Yu troops, took advantage of the foggy weather to launch a surprise attack, flooding Mengliang city with water from Changshui to recapture the city.
“Xie family’s Ah Xin?” Li Ju, who had been wearing a joyful expression, slowly put down the bowl in his hand upon hearing this name. His brows furrowed into a ‘ε·’ shape as he asked, “Then who is guarding Mengliang now? And who is commanding the three armies?”
The messenger replied: “In response to Your Majesty, the Prefect of Mengliang, Liu Guan, died for the country. Currently, the position of Prefect is temporarily vacant. As for the three armiesβ¦ since Generals Wang Wei and He Yannian have both died in battle, and Xie family’s Ah Xin recaptured Mengliang, the colonels and centurions are temporarily following her orders.”
After hearing this, Li Ju’s brows furrowed even tighter. He waved his hand to dismiss the messenger, hurriedly ate a few mouthfuls of soup with fried dough, and called for someone to come and change his clothes.
Now that Mengliang had been recaptured, he must return immediately to take charge. In this battle, Xie family’s Ah Xin’s contributions were indeed undeniable, but while he could bestow upon Xie family’s Ah Xin endless glory and wealth, he could not allow a woman to command the three armies, even if this woman was the daughter of Sima Xie.
Once this precedent is set, it will lead to endless future troubles.
The attending inner court official had closely followed the emperor, escaping from that disastrous defeat in Mengliang. Now, seeing that the emperor still wanted to return to that place of war and smoke, he was a thousand times unwilling in his heart. So he called a minor eunuch and instructed him to relay this news to Huben Lang Xia Jing, asking him to come and dissuade the emperor.
Li Ju had just finished dressing when he heard someone report that Huben Lang Xia Jing was requesting an audience.
Li Ju said: “He comes at the right time. I was just about to summon him.”
As soon as Xia Jing entered, he heard Li Ju speaking with more lightness than in the past few days, saying he wanted to go to Mengliang and asking him to make some preparations to depart immediately.
“Your Majesty, you cannot go.”
Li Ju, displeased with the inner court official’s slow movements, directly reached out and took the golden crown to put it on himself: “Why not?”
Xia Jing knelt and bowed, saying: “Your Majesty, although Mengliang has been recaptured, the iron cavalry of Chongjin has not truly retreated. Based on my understanding of the Chongjin people, I fear that within three days they will surely regroup and return. Ah Xin and her people indeed won this battle, but the nearly fifty thousand troops suffered heavy losses. She herself is also severely wounded and bedridden, unable to rise. It is uncertain whether they can withstand another wave of attacks from Chongjin. Your Majesty is worth ten thousand in gold, and must not personally go to such a dangerous place again.”
Upon hearing that Chongjin would attack again in three days, Li Ju’s motion of tying his crown noticeably slowed, but he said: “How do you know they will attack again in three days?”
Xia Jing replied: “In response to Your Majesty, the scouts I sent out have reported that the Chongjin army is encamped fifty li outside Mengliang city, already preparing for an attack. In the previous battle, more than half of their military supplies were destroyed inside Mengliang city. Now, I fear they want to quickly attack and seize Mengliang, otherwise, even if the barbarians are strong, they will find it difficult to persist for long in the ice and snow. Therefore, Mengliang is now the most dangerous place, and I fear there will be wave after wave of bitter battles to come!”
Li Ju sat back on the couch, hesitating for a long while, then suddenly exclaimed loudly: “But if I don’t go, who will command the three armies!”
The attending inner court official seized the opportunity and said: “Your Majesty, you could personally appoint someone as the Zhenyuan General, letting this person represent the Son of Heaven. Why must you personally risk danger!”
Li Ju frowned and said: “Appoint who? Who in Mengliang is capable of being a general? Not just in Mengliang, even looking across all of Da Yu, it’s hard to find someone who can command the three armies!”
The name Xie family’s Ah Xin floated into Xia Jing’s mind.
If one were to speak of the ability to lead troops, pacify armies, and kill enemies, no one at present could compare to her. It’s only a pity that she’s a woman. Not to mention the previous emperor’s decree, given the emperor’s deep hatred for the Grand Princess, he would never allow a woman to be a general and boost Li Yanyi’s power. Xia Jing could only say: “Your Majesty, this subject feels that perhaps we could appoint Guo Xiao, a subordinate of Xie family’s Ah Xin, as general. This man is brave and resolute, a promising talent.”
Li Ju remained silent, indicating for him to continue.
Xia Jing explained: “Your Majesty, Xie family’s Ah Xin’s ability to recapture Mengliang from Chongjin’s hands is enough to prove that this person is an uncut jade capable of conquering and battling. Moreover, being from the main line of the Xie family, if not for being a woman, she should rightfully be appointed as Grand General. However, extraordinary times call for extraordinary measures. If Your Majesty appoints her subordinate as the Zhenyuan General, firstly, rewarding merits for this city-recapturing battle and rewarding the three armies is a necessary strategy to boost morale, and Your Majesty’s appointment is indispensable; secondly, this Guo Xiao is honest and loyal, and is Xie’s capable right-hand man. Even if appointed as general, he will likely still take orders from Xie in future military operations. This way, even if Chongjin counterattacks, with Xie present, Mengliang can surely be protected and strong enemies can be repelled. As for Xie, Your Majesty can reward her with gold and silver. After repelling the enemy, you can further bestow upon her the title of Princess of Commandery and grant her a fief as a reward, which should be sufficient for a woman.”
Li Ju listened and pondered for a while. What Xia Jing said was not a bad solution. If Xie were not a woman, he would have long ago appointed her as Grand General to guard the northern frontier and kill enemies. Now, with Da Yu lacking in military talents, he couldn’t ignore Xie’s abilities. Appointing Guo Xiao as general could utilize Xie’s talents without bearing the name of defying the previous emperor’s decree. More importantly, it wouldn’t encourage Li Yanyi’s support for women holding official positions. It could be said to kill three birds with one stone, except for one pointβ¦
“According to what you say, this Guo Xiao is so loyal to Xie that appointing him now might be beneficial. But what about after repelling the enemy? Da Yu needs generals loyal to the Son of Heaven, not a general loyal to a woman.”
Xia Jing said: “Your Majesty’s concern can be resolved with one favor. Guo Xiao can be given an official title but no troops under his command. No matter who he is loyal to, it won’t have any significance. Moreover, being loyal to Xie family’s Ah Xin is being loyal to the Xie family. The head of the Xie family, Sima Xie, is a pillar of Da Yu. A mere Guo Xiao is not worth fearing.”
After a brief hesitation, Li Ju had the inner court official prepare brush and ink. Two imperial decrees of rewards were swiftly sent to Mengliang by Huben soldiers on fast horses. He himself stayed in Xie County.
Let’s return to Mengliang three days earlier.
Zhen Wenjun and Ah Xin joined forces in the Bai Mansion to resist the two Chongjin generals. On the surface, Zhen Wenjun’s weapon was a long spear, but in fact, the Golden Cicada Knife was her lethal weapon. Bu’ertu wanted to cut off her arm with one slash, but unexpectedly, she raised her hand to block, actually deflecting his blade. While Bu’ertu was surprised, Zhen Wenjun slit his throat with the Golden Cicada Knife. Bu’ertu was killed, but Zhen Wenjun was also ambushed by other soldiers, receiving three cuts on her back.
In excruciating pain, she gritted her teeth and endured. No matter how the other soldiers attacked from all sides, she and Ah Xin were singlemindedly focused on taking Hu’erji’s head.
Pursued by the two of them, Hu’erji was suffering from attacks from both front and back. The two days and nights of intense battle had actually consumed all of his energy, and now he was also barely holding on. Suddenly, Ah Wen jumped out from a secret room, momentarily attracting Hu’erji’s attention.
When masters engage in combat, victory or defeat is determined in an instant.
Ah Xin noticed his eyeballs shifted slightly and knew his mind was wavering. She immediately seized this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, thrusting her sword through his heart.
With Hu’erji killed, all the soldiers present exchanged fearful glances. Ah Xin and Zhen Wenjun used their last ounce of strength to cut off Hu’erji’s head, then dragged Ah Wen and broke through the encirclement. From head to toe, not a single part of them was unscathed. They could barely walk clearly, relying entirely on willpower to keep going. Zuo Kunda and Guo Xiao, who were also barely holding on, happened to lead troops to meet them, safely protecting them.
Ah Xin climbed the bell tower and held up Hu’erji’s head high, letting all the Chongjin people see that their leader was dead.
With Hu’erji killed, the Chongjin army fell into chaos, showing signs of exhaustion.
Ah Xin and Zhen Wenjun seized the opportunity and, in one fell swoop, drove them out of Mengliang, successfully recapturing the northern stronghold.
As soon as the Chongjin people left, Zhen Wenjun, Ah Xin, and others could no longer hold on and collapsed on the main street, falling into a deep sleep. Ah Xi, who had been hiding in the cattle shed, only came out after the battle was over, bringing bedding to cover them.
After waking up, Zhen Wenjun and Zuo Kunda inspected the condition of the wounded soldiers in the city. Many of the accompanying military doctors and female soldiers responsible for bandaging and medical care had been killed or injured, leaving far from enough hands to treat wounds and cook meals. Upon learning of this situation, civilians from Mengliang and the surrounding areas volunteered to bandage, cook, and brew medicine for these soldiers who had rescued them from the barbarians’ hands. This was the only way they could show their gratitude at the moment.
Amidst the rising smoke from cooking fires and the scent of medicinal herbs, this city that had just suffered severe damage was beginning to regain its vitality.
Although parents, wives, and children had died under Chongjin’s butchering blades, as long as people were still alive, there was hope for Da Yu to exist.
After allocating the medicinal herbs for treating wounds, Zhen Wenjun handed them over to several women responsible for decocting medicine, instructing them to distribute the prepared herbal medicines. In the previous battle, although most of Chongjin’s medical supplies and provisions were within Mengliang city, these food and medicines had been soaked in water. The food was still manageable, as it could be dried and eaten, but the medicinal herbs were problematic. Medicines used for stopping bleeding and treating wounds became unusable once soaked in water. Therefore, these medicinal supplies were primarily used for soldiers with lighter injuries, allowing them to heal faster so that if the barbarians dared to come again, they could promptly return to the battlefield. All other severely wounded were withdrawn to Xie County for centralized treatment.
The winter clothing and cotton garments had also absorbed plenty of water and had frozen stiff in the cold wind. Ah Xin found several people to take turns melting the clothes by the fire and then drying them.
The weather was unbelievably cold. Zhen Wenjun wore an oversized and thick cotton coat that almost enveloped her entire body, walking like a ball through the streets of Mengliang, carrying bundles of medicinal herbs in her arms.
Every Mengliang citizen recognized this female hero, knowing that Bu’ertu had died at her hands. Many people wanted to see what kind of superhuman abilities this woman who had slain the Chongjin deputy general possessed, but they were surprised to find she was a beautiful young woman.
Wherever she went, she was welcomed by crowds lining the streets. People stuffed her arms with delicious food and drinks, and some even tried to arrange marriages for her.
Zhen Wenjun experienced the taste of fame for the first time. At first, she accepted some small gifts, but after Bu Jie saw this by chance, he quietly advised her not to accept them, lest it fall into the eyes of those with ulterior motives and leave room for gossip.
Zhen Wenjun, in her moment of pride, had forgotten such considerations and immediately became more low-key.
Although they had recaptured the city, everything needed was still in short supply. Ah Xi had led people early to the surrounding mountains to search for medicinal herbs and wild delicacies. Even if it was like a drop in the bucket, it could help address the urgent needs.
When Li Ju’s imperial decree of rewards arrived in Mengliang, Zhen Wenjun was about to find Ah Xin to discuss further defense arrangements. Zuo Kunda told her that Chongjin had suffered a great loss in Mengliang this time, and given the Chongjin people’s nature of “those who hurt us must be slaughtered,” they would likely face another fierce battle soon. Especially now that the heavy snow had whitened the entire northern line, Chongjin leader Ha’erci had lost most of his military supplies and soldiers in Mengliang, and even the country’s top fierce general Hu’erji had died in battle here. Even if not for revenge, just to prevent his subordinate soldiers from freezing to death in the snow, he would have to recapture Mengliang. Otherwise, this expedition would have been for nothing, and he certainly wouldn’t allow such a thing to happen.
Bu Jie’s words made everyone tense: “Ha’erci is very likely to lead the southern expedition personally!”
Their ability to recapture Mengliang from the Chongjin people this time also relied on some luck. If it were to be seized back by the Chongjin people, attempting to counterattack again would likely be even more difficult. Fortifying defenses before the Chongjin people attack is of utmost importance.
Zhen Wenjun and Zuo Kunda arrived at the entrance of the Bai Mansion where Ah Xin was temporarily staying, just in time to encounter the eunuch inside reading Li Ju’s imperial decree to Ah Xin and Guo Xiao. Zhen Wenjun held Zuo Kunda back, and the two silently listened outside the door. The more Zhen Wenjun heard, the more displeased her expression became. After the eunuch’s unique voice finished reading with its characteristic inflections and pauses, and Ah Xin and Guo Xiao inside had thanked for the imperial grace, the little eunuch, very satisfied with two gold ingots given by Ah Xin, came out of the Bai Mansion. His previous disdain had changed to a somewhat joyful expression. He glanced at Zhen Wenjun and Zuo Kunda and said:
“You people are truly fortunate! After this victory, His Majesty has ordered a feast to be held tomorrow in Mengliang to reward the three armies. You should be deeply grateful for the imperial grace and exert all your efforts on the battlefield to repay the Son of Heaven.”
Zhen Wenjun glared at the little eunuch and walked in without responding.
The eunuch was bewildered by the glare. He uttered a “Huh?” and pointed at Zhen Wenjun, saying resentfully: “You little wench, how dare you be so disrespectful to me!”
Seeing that the newcomer was Zhen Wenjun, Ah Xin smiled at her and said: “You’ve come at the right time. I was just discussing with Guo Xiao about the northern city wall being repaired when we were interrupted by His Majesty’s decree. Look, Mengliang is a crucial stronghold with four main gates in the east, south, west, and north, as well as corner gates at the four angles. Based on my experience from several encounters with the Chongjin people, they are likely to use fire attacks on the city and then assault the main gates during the chaos. I need to build four arrow towers at the four gates to resist their heavy cavalry, and add several launching points for fire bombs. Oh, and water sources. The Chongjin army has now retreated to Ping County to station, which happens to be upstream of the Long River. If the barbarians poison the water, they could make us die of thirst in Mengliang without losing a single soldier. You and Ji Yong should split into two groups to search for water sources. Take advantage of the freezing weather to store ice blocks scattered throughout the city, ensuring drinking water for soldiers and civilians. Wenjun, if you have any other ideas, speak up. We’re pressed for time now and can’t afford to waste a moment.”
After waiting for a while without a response from Zhen Wenjun, Ah Xin noticed her face was as black as an iron pot and asked curiously: “What’s wrong?”
Zhen Wenjun said: “You should be credited with the primary merit for recapturing Mengliang.”
Ah Xin understood what she wanted to say and, after asking Guo Xiao and Zuo Kunda to leave, said: “You think the emperor’s decree is unfair.”
Zhen Wenjun spoke frankly: “If rewards were given based on merit, you would undoubtedly deserve the position of general.”
Ah Xin smiled and shook her head, saying: “You may not know, but the late emperor left an edict that our dynasty cannot and should not appoint women as officials. So the emperor’s decree is not inappropriate.”
Zhen Wenjun didn’t expect her to say this: “Not inappropriate? Just because you’re a woman, you can’t receive the deserved rewards, and you think this is not inappropriate? On the battlefield, which soldier doesn’t fight with flesh and blood, doesn’t risk their life? The emperor’s rewards don’t consider achievements, but instead judge heroes based on gender? With a fierce battle against Chongjin imminent, the emperor’s unfair rewards will surely dishearten the soldiers. Now Guo Xiao has been appointed as the General of Pacifying the Distant, while you have nothing, still just a private army! Many in the army are female troops, how should they feel seeing this situation? How can they go to battle and kill enemies again? How can such an unvirtuous person be fit to be emperor? How can he govern Da Yu well?” After Zhen Wenjun’s barrage of questions, Ah Xin remained unmoved, which angered her more. “If the Eldest Princess were in power today, there would never be such gender bias!”
Ah Xin remained as calm as ever: “What’s important now is how to defend against Chongjin seizing the city again, not quibbling over personal gains and losses. Moreover, defying the late emperor’s edict is a crime of disloyalty and unfilial piety. The emperor hasn’t failed to reward us either. You and I, among others, have been rewarded with gold and good fields based on our battle merits. How can you say the emperor is unvirtuous? Although female troops can’t receive imperial appointments, I absolutely won’t let them be shortchanged. I’ve distributed all my reward money to them. Today, Li Yanyi’s desire to usurp power is itself a great act of treason. Wenjun, for the sake of our friendship in repelling the enemy together, let me advise you: don’t speak of ‘Li Yanyi in power’ again. I see you have some intelligence, don’t let a few bewitching words cloud your judgment. Turn back while you can.”
Zhen Wenjun sneered: “I think it’s you, Ah Xin, who should turn back. The lord you’re loyal to is nothing but a weak and incompetent fool. If he hadn’t overestimated himself and insisted on opening the gates to fight, how could the barbarians have killed their way into Mengliang? How could Mengliang’s people have suffered such a massacre? Tens of thousands of troops scattered like stray dogs all because of the ruler’s incompetence. Don’t you know this? Or do you choose to avoid talking about it? The Eldest Princess is the late emperor’s eldest legitimate daughter. In terms of insight, she has traveled every corner of Da Yu and understands the people’s sufferings. In terms of strategy, she is more decisive and clever than your loyal emperor. In terms of employing people, she selects based solely on talent without bias. In both civil and military affairs, she far surpasses your so-called emperor! If it weren’t for your emperor’s misrule, how could Da Yu have fallen into such a battered state? The imperial throne should belong to the capable. Since the emperor is incompetent, why can’t the more capable Eldest Princess replace him? If one day the Eldest Princess becomes emperor, it would not only be a first for this dynasty, but from then on, women would no longer be constrained by gender. Today, with your merits, it wouldn’t be excessive to be enfeoffed as a marquis or appointed as a general, how can you be dismissed with just some land and gold? Why, as a woman yourself, are you unwilling to serve the Eldest Princess, especially when you have an emotional connection with her? Is it just because your surname is Xie? Or do you also think that the Eldest Princess, being a woman, is unfit for the imperial throne?”
Zhen Wenjun’s words, one by one, struck at the core, each question pointed.
Ah Xin stood up, finally provoked: “The current emperor is the heir personally appointed by the late emperor. He ascended to the throne without using any underhanded means. Regardless of his ability to rule, he is the only legitimate heir of the Yu family! Zhen Wenjun, you keep saying she’s not supported by the gentry and is criticized by thousands because she’s a woman. Today, let me tell you, even if Li Yanyi were a man today, what she’s attempting would still be treason! High treason is punishable by the execution of nine generations of the family, and should be recorded in history books for generations to condemn! Do you have any concept of loyalty, filial piety, benevolence, and righteousness in your heart? Do you remember the principles of propriety, righteousness, integrity, and shame that you’ve read since childhood? One who eats the ruler’s salary should share the ruler’s worries. According to you, the imperial throne should belong to the capable, and anyone with ability can ascend to the throne and usurp the country. Let me ask you, there are so many capable people in the world, can Li Yanyi’s ability surpass everyone? Even if she could, today there’s a Li Yanyi, tomorrow there will be Zhou, Wu, Zheng, Wang, all fighting for the throne and power, everyone competing fiercely. Will there ever be peace in the world? Where will the common people be placed? The flames of chaos will never die out, and it’s always the common people who suffer! If Li Yanyi hadn’t harbored improper ambitions, how would the Chongjin and other barbarian tribes have found an opportunity? Since the emperor and Li Yanyi began their struggle, how many civil and military officials have died in factional strife or perished in prison? With internal troubles frequent, how can external threats not come? In all of Li Yanyi’s schemes and ambitions, which one has considered the standpoint of the common people?”
Ah Xin’s rebuttal made Zhen Wenjun slightly embarrassed, but she did not want to concede defeat here: “But Li Ju’s inaction is a fact! With him on the imperial throne, the buildings of the Yu Palace will one day collapse!”
Ah Xin said: “There is affection between father and son, and righteousness between ruler and subject, this is where the Way lies. Moreover, if the monarch can govern the country with his cultural abilities and pacify the world with his martial skills, what else are the ministers needed for? The reason for having ministers is precisely to assist the monarch and share his worries. The burden that the position of the Son of Heaven must bear is not something you and I can imagine. No one is perfect, and even if the Son of Heaven has some oversights, he is not a tyrant. After his ascension to the throne, he reduced corvΓ©e labor to ease the people’s burden, expelled sycophants, and strived for good governance. Da Yu might usher in a period of resurgence under his ruleβif it weren’t for Li Yanyi.”
Those who do not share the same principles cannot work together.
Zhen Wenjun did not want to say more; she was also out-argued.
Ah Xin, supporting her not-yet-healed waist, sat down with difficulty.
After parting on bad terms that day, Zhen Wenjun didn’t set foot in Ah Xin’s residence for two consecutive days. She had been wandering around the city, arranging the city’s defenses, and taking the opportunity to check for and fill in any gaps. Whatever ideas or matters that needed to be reported, she had Zuo Kunda relay them all to Ah Xin.
Reflecting on it afterwards, the argument with Ah Xin was truly absurd. Her hatred for the Xie family had occupied her mind, causing her thoughts to become muddled and leaving her speechless in the face of her arguments. Ah Xin had probably debated those points countless times with Li Yanyi, making her delivery quite fluent and difficult to find fault with.
The little eunuch who came to reward the three armies on behalf of the Son of Heaven said they would hold a banquet, but even the necessary military rations were currently insufficient. Distributing one bowl of soup with noodles containing two bits of oil residue to each person was considered the Emperor’s bestowed feast.
Zhen Wenjun gave her bowl to Ah Xi. Ah Xi was carefree and said while accepting it, “Although this Emperor is poor, he still remembers us. In a couple of days, once the fighting starts, who knows when we’ll see meat again. Are you sure you don’t want to eat it?”
Zhen Wenjun rolled her eyes twice in succession, took two steamed buns, and ran to the city wall to munch on them while facing the north wind.
LP: This whole chapter is just frustrating!
Can’t imagine living on this era