MLMD -Chapter 298 The Difference

Faced with Hai Lanzhu’s question, Yue Yang was momentarily at a loss for words. In the end, he could only shake his head. “Alright, I admit I do view the Chahar tribe differently. And yes, something did happen between Namu Zhong and me. But that’s not why I’ve been supporting them tirelessly these past two years.”

“So… you’ve long intended to make a move against the Mongol tribes beyond the Pass?” Hai Lanzhu asked, a note of surprise in her voice.

“Yes,” Yue Yang nodded. “In truth, although the Manchus have some strength, their sparse population makes them incapable of waging a war of attrition. Huang Taiji knows this, and so does the Manchu high command. Over the years, you’ve probably noticed why the Manchus risk their lives to campaign east and west, seeking allies, why they insist on marrying the daughters of Mongol chieftains as consorts, why they send their own women into the Mongol tribes. All of it is to deepen ties with the Mongols. If I sever the link between the Mongol tribes and the Manchus, it’s like cutting off one of their arms, making it far easier to deal with them in the future.”

“So that’s why you’ve gone all out to help the Chahar tribe?” she pressed.

“Yes,” Yue Yang nodded again. “The Chahar tribe lacks only food and daily necessities. What I lack is a foothold beyond the Pass. If we combine forces, we can threaten the Manchus from the flanks. If Huang Taiji tries any trickery, I’ll be ready to kick his butt!”

“Husband, are we really going to wage full-scale war against the Manchus in the future?” Hai Lanzhu sighed softly. She had long since set aside thoughts of Yue Yang and Namu Zhong.

Yue Yang stood, walked behind her, and gently wrapped his arms around her to comfort her. “Don’t worry. Huang Taiji isn’t that scary. Haven’t I faced them several times over the past few years? He’s never managed to do much to me.”

Hai Lanzhu rested her head lightly on Yue Yang’s chest, then gave him a sideways glare. “That was before. He didn’t go all out against you because he couldn’t spare the time. Now that the Mongol tribes are mostly under his control, and you’ve become a significant threat, I doubt it will be long before Huang Taiji personally takes action. This time, it won’t be like before, sending a few princes or beiles halfheartedly to deal with you. He will surely come in person. The scouts in Shengjing have already reported that Huang Taiji is currently reorganizing and preparing his army. It won’t be long before he leads his troops against you.”

“We’ll cross that bridge when we get there. Sooner or later, I’ll face Huang Taiji either way,” Yue Yang replied with his usual nonchalant expression.

“Why are you always like this? I’m talking seriously!” Seeing him still so casual, Hai Lanzhu pinched him in annoyance. “Do you think Huang Taiji will keep sending people to harass you like before, snatching a little, and running when beaten? This time he’s serious. And I’ve heard that Huang Taiji’s health isn’t good. He probably won’t last many years, and knowing his temperament, he’ll want to settle this with you before he dies!”

“Alright, I got it.” Seeing Hai Lanzhu genuinely annoyed, Yue Yang finally put away his smile and spoke seriously. “Don’t worry. Huang Taiji is formidable, but I’m not someone to be trifled with. But… how did you hear about his health? Our scouts are already so efficient they can uncover such secret information? Though I know your sister is Huang Taiji’s side consort, she wouldn’t casually tell you this, right?”

“Of course not,” Hai Lanzhu rolled her eyes. “I think this news is probably true. It’s likely spread deliberately by a Manchu beile or prince to prepare for a succession struggle after Huang Taiji dies.”

“Really? He won’t die that soon, will he?” Yue Yang was somewhat stunned. In another timeline, Huang Taiji didn’t die until 1643, the 16th year of Chongzhen, seven years from now. Could it be that my little intervention is causing him to die prematurely?

The more Yue Yang thought, the more tangled his mind became. He shook his head and decided to ignore it. After a pause, he said, “Here’s what we’ll do: since Huang Taiji seems determined to make a move, we can’t just sit idle. Our forces have grown to thirty thousand, and it’s time to show our presence. In a few days, General Yang and his men will hand over the three garrisons of Xuanfu to me. Our territory will then connect directly with the Chahar tribe. I’ll send an additional seven thousand troops to garrison the Chahar tribe. We’ll first clean up the disobedient neighboring tribes—consider it as training!”

Hearing the mention of fighting other Mongol tribes, Hai Lanzhu smiled and asked, “Husband, do you need me, Abu, to send troops to help?”

“Forget it, better not,” Yue Yang chuckled, flicking her upturned nose. “If Abu really sent troops to help me, the Manchus would surely jump up in anger. Are you sure Abu is ready to clash with Huang Taiji?”

“Then forget it,” Hai Lanzhu pouted. The Khorchin tribe wasn’t ready to confront the Manchus.

“Alright, let’s not overthink it. Husband, I’m not the same as before. Even facing Huang Taiji alone, we’re not without a chance. The only thing we lack compared to him is numbers, but that’s nothing. Ming has no shortage of people. Just wait; in a year, no one will be able to threaten us!” Yue Yang’s voice rang with determination as he looked at the Ming map on the wall.

The sunset slowly moved over the Ming capital, casting a beautiful light on the Imperial City. But for some, the scene was far from pleasant—Luo Yangxing among them.

Luo Yangxing still wore the dragon robe granted by Chongzhen, the red-and-black robe embroidered with a four-clawed golden dragon that fluttered in the evening wind like a frightened snake.

He hurried along the corridor of Wenhua Hall, too focused on his pace to care about etiquette. Even in the dead of winter, a thin layer of sweat formed on his forehead.

When he reached the hall entrance, he saw a eunuch in royal blue attire walking nearby. Luo’s face lit up with joy, and he ran over, waving. “Eunuch Cao, please wait!”

It was Cao Huachun, chief eunuch of the Directorate of Ceremonial. He stopped and smiled. “Ah, Lord Luo. Where are you rushing to in such haste?”

Catching his breath, Luo replied, “Eunuch Cao, you ask as if you don’t know. Besides paying homage to the Emperor, where else would I go? I just went to the Nuanxiang Pavilion but couldn’t find His Majesty. May I ask where the Emperor is resting?”

Cao Huachun answered, “Today, Grand Secretary Hong Chengchou has returned to the capital and the Emperor is meeting him in Wenhua Hall. You can come along and pay your respects.”

Luo smiled wryly. “Eunuch Cao, don’t joke. Protocol must not be broken. Without a summons, how dare I meet His Majesty?”

Cao nodded. “Very well. Wait here until we inform the Emperor. Then you may enter.”

“Thank you, Eunuch Cao!” Luo said, bowing, and stood by the stone lion patiently.

After a while, a young eunuch appeared to escort him in. They passed through the front hall to the rear hall of Wenhua, where Luo saw Emperor Chongzhen seated on a dragon-carved chair with a yellow cushion. Cao Huachun stood beside him, and to the Emperor’s left was an official in vermillion robes embroidered with cranes. Around fifty, of medium build, with black hair and beard, and sharp eyes, it was Hong Chengchou, governor-general of the Three Frontiers.

Luo knelt swiftly and shouted, “Your humble subject Luo Yangxing of the Jinyiwei Command pays respects to Your Majesty. Long live the Emperor, ten thousand, ten thousand times!”

“No need for excessive formality,” Chongzhen waved, signaling him to rise.

The Emperor seemed in a good mood today, a faint smile on his face. “Luo, have you brought me good news today?”

Luo’s expression turned serious. “Your Majesty, I do not know if it is good news. Last night, I received a secret report from Shengjing: the rebel leader Huang Taiji is actively gathering provisions and assembling troops. It is unclear where he plans to campaign.”

“What? Huang Taiji is preparing for war again?” Chongzhen startled, exchanging a glance with Hong Chengchou. “Is this information reliable?”

Luo replied gravely, “Your Majesty, I have confirmed it multiple times. It is absolutely certain.”

Chongzhen rose abruptly, fury in his voice. “Damn him! Just a few months ago we drove him out. Now he dares to violate our borders again! Does he think the Ming cavalry eats grass?”

Seeing the Emperor enraged, Luo nearly panicked and knelt again, bowing his head.

Hong Chengchou furrowed his brow and spoke after a pause, “Your Majesty, this is strange. After suffering such a great defeat, losing nearly twenty thousand men, the Jian Nu should be recuperating before striking again. It doesn’t make sense to attack so soon.”

Chongzhen, still angry, replied, “What’s difficult to guess? Huang Taiji lost face and seeks revenge!”

“No,” Hong shook his head. “Though crude, Huang Taiji knows military strategy. He should understand that moving troops after a crushing defeat benefits neither his state nor himself. Why would he act recklessly? Luo, any other news from Shengjing?”

Chongzhen looked at Luo and said, “You may rise and answer.”

“Your Majesty,” Luo said, standing, “a rumor has been circulating in Shengjing, though I could not verify it.”

“Speak it, don’t beat around the bush!” the Emperor snapped.

“Yes, Your Majesty. The rumor says that Huang Taiji is gravely ill and unlikely to live long.”

“What? Really?” The court was stunned. Chongzhen shook his head. “Impossible. If he were sick, how would he muster an army to invade our borders?”

Blushing, Luo explained, “Your Majesty, I thought so too. But spies report that the rumor is widespread, with vivid details. Many people are panicking. I confess, I am confused as well.”

Chongzhen, equally puzzled, turned to Hong Chengchou, the most knowledgeable on military matters.

Hong reflected a moment. “The mobilization of troops is probably true. Tens of thousands cannot be hidden. As for Huang Taiji’s health, it requires scrutiny. If true, why campaign while ill, and where? If false, who spreads the rumor and why? Without clarifying these, the court cannot act strategically.”

A long sigh echoed in the hall. After a pause, Chongzhen asked, “Luo, any other news?”

After hesitation, Luo said slowly, “Yes, news from Shanxi. Scouts report that the loyal Marquis Yue Yang has stationed troops in the three garrisons of Xuanfu.”

“What?”

With a heavy thud, Chongzhen slammed his palm on the dragon desk. “What is Yue Yang up to? He oversees the North Shanxi Route, not Xuanfu! And Yang Guozhu—what is he thinking, giving his garrisons to someone else?” Chongzhen’s face contorted in anger.

“Your Majesty, please calm yourself,” the eunuchs and palace ladies knelt.

“Calm? They treat me like a fool, and you ask me to calm down?!” The Emperor roared, his voice echoing.

Finally, he called out, “Luo Yangxing!”

“I am at your service!”

“Immediately send the cavalry to Datong. Bring Yang Guozhu to me! I will have him tried by the three offices!”

“Your Majesty, absolutely not!” Luo knelt again, pleading. “Yang Guozhu is a major general of Xuanfu. Arresting him abruptly could incite unrest at the border.”

Luo’s hair nearly stood on end. Yang Guozhu commanded tens of thousands of troops. Trying to arrest him with only a few Jinyiwei would be reckless—he could even defect to the Manchus.

“Yes! Yang has defended the frontier for decades and was recently commended. Arresting him now would make the court a laughingstock,” Hong added.

Chongzhen panted, pointing at Luo. “Then tell me—why did Yang hand the Xuanfu garrisons to Yue Yang? What is he trying to do?”

Luo hesitated, then said with a wry smile, “Your Majesty, the scouts report that Yang and the other generals had no rations left. They went to Yue Yang to request supplies, and Yue Yang proposed taking control of the Xuanfu garrisons in exchange. Yang had no choice but to agree.”

“What? That’s true?”

Chongzhen’s mouth fell open. He had never imagined that Yang Guozhu would hand over the garrisons simply to borrow supplies.

Seeing the Emperor dazed, Luo kowtowed, tears in his voice. “Your Majesty, it is not easy for Yang and the others. The court has withheld rations for three months. Tens of thousands of troops in Xuanfu were on the brink of starvation. They had no other choice.”

Chongzhen felt drained. After a long moment, he slumped onto the dragon throne, murmuring, “All the bickering in court for months, yet they failed to decide on generals. Meanwhile, the border soldiers went hungry… Incompetent officials ruin the country, incompetent officials ruin the country!”

He asked listlessly, “And Yue Yang? Has he stationed troops in the Xuanfu garrisons?”

“Yes, Your Majesty,” Luo replied respectfully. “The loyal Marquis has deployed his troops and also relocated tens of thousands of refugees. It seems he is consolidating the populace again.”

“This Yue Yang!”

Chongzhen was at a loss for words. Resettling refugees benefits the court’s stability. Look at Shanxi now—refugees are almost gone. Anyone who cannot survive there can go north and work for food. Compared with the desolate Shaanxi next door, rife with bandits, the difference is staggering.