Chapter 116: Chivalry

Chen Erbao was the most powerful warlord along Changzhou Road. His Yellow-Headed Army was not only large in number but also composed of numerous desperados. Both Zhu Yuanzhang and Zhang Shicheng were vying to win over this formidable force.

Yet Zhang Shixin hesitated slightly.

Zhang Shide sneered coldly, “Tell Chen Erbao that if Zhu Yuanzhang cannot even tolerate the Chaohu Navy, which fought alongside him to carve out his kingdom, how could he possibly accept the Yellow-Headed Army?”

“This is truly a matter of life and death!”

Though it was still the biting early spring, Chen Erbao felt a burning anxiety in his heart, utterly uncertain of what to do. “Zhang Shide is being far too hasty; surely I deserve at least a day or two more to consider!”

The Yellow-Headed Army was vast and prosperous, and Chen Erbao bore responsibility for thousands of brothers and tens of thousands of dependents. Yet both Tang He, who held Changzhou city, and Zhang Shide, who had recently returned by force, demanded his immediate response. Zhang Shide’s messenger then posed a fatal question: “Half of Zhu Yuanzhang’s kingdom was gained through the Chaohu Navy led by Liu Yi. But look at what benefits Liu Yi and his navy received. Even a single county—Dantu—was only won after immense hardship. How could Zhu Yuanzhang possibly tolerate your Yellow-Headed Army?”

Though it was still early spring, sweat suddenly broke out on Chen Erbao’s brow.

He knew the messenger’s words were true. Since Zhu Yuanzhang could not accommodate Liu Yi and the Chaohu Navy, he would naturally reject the Yellow-Headed Army as well. Yet Chen Erbao still felt compelled to defend Zhu Yuanzhang slightly: “The reason Zhu Tongqian treats the Chaohu Navy so is that the Chaohu forces have always acted independently to preserve their strength, never considering themselves just one faction of the Chuzhou Red Turbans!”

The messenger sneered again, “If Liu Yuanpan and the Chaohu Navy didn’t act independently to preserve their strength, they’d be nothing but dust by now. With that precedent, you still want to pledge allegiance to Zhu Yuanzhang?”

Zhu Yuanzhang was both a heroic ruler and a tyrant. For local powers like Chen Erbao, cooperating with such a leader usually meant a death without burial. Therefore, deep down, Chen Erbao leaned toward the seemingly fragmented yet actually more cohesive Zhang Shicheng. “But now the Chaohu Navy has also mobilized!”

The messenger laughed outright. “That’s why our marshal is willing to cede half of Changzhou. Whatever position Commander Chen desires, it can be granted!”

Zhang Shicheng’s forces were not new to occupying Changzhou. The last time they had taken the city, they had cooperated amicably with Chen Erbao. Though Tang He decided to maintain the current order for the time being, the Yellow-Headed Army was the strongest among the local militias and thus was the primary target of the Red Turban army’s suppression.

Chen Erbao, naturally inclined toward Zhang Shicheng, was deeply tempted upon hearing the offer to cede half of Changzhou. “Half of Changzhou? Your Zhang family is truly willing to hand over half the city—and any position I desire?”

Zhang Shide responded decisively, “Exactly. Our Zhang family is currently focused on Eastern and Western Zhejiang. If Changzhou isn’t entrusted to Commander Chen and the Yellow-Headed Army, then to whom?”

Chen Erbao was aware that after capturing Pingjiang Road (Suzhou), Zhang Shicheng’s forces were pouring all their efforts into Eastern and Western Zhejiang. As the frontline against Zhu Yuanzhang’s advance, holding Changzhou depended heavily on himself and the Yellow-Headed Army. “Then it’s settled: the position of overall commander of Changzhou must be mine!”

“Agreed!”

“Chen Erbao’s Yellow-Headed Army has betrayed us, forcing Marshal Tang to retreat from Changzhou city in a hurried and unprepared manner?”

Liu Yi had not anticipated such a fierce counterattack from Zhang Shicheng. Only recently, he had received a plea for reinforcements from Tang He. Yet in less than two days, Tang He had been forced back into Changzhou city. “Marshal Tang is a seasoned veteran, so how is it that once the Yellow-Headed Army turned traitor, he could no longer hold his ground in Changzhou?”

Liu Yi knew the battle for Changzhou would see many twists and turns, but Tang He's defeat was too rapid. The sudden defection of Chen Erbao’s Yellow-Headed Army was undoubtedly critical, yet Tang He was an experienced commander who would surely have taken precautions. How could the outcome be so easily decided?

Hua Yun, who had rushed to request reinforcements, could only smile wryly. “It’s because Marshal Tang was too soft-hearted. After taking Changzhou, he didn’t thoroughly subdue the various local militias and volunteer forces. No one expected these militias to turn on us so quickly!”

Hua Yun could say no more. It was impossible to admit that the mutiny of local militias and warlords was largely due to Zhang Shide and Chen Erbao loudly proclaiming, “Zhu Yuanzhang cannot even tolerate the Chaohu Navy—how could he tolerate us?” As a result, the many powerful figures along Changzhou Road rose in full rebellion, completely catching Tang He off guard.

Many Red Turban generals, including Hua Yun, believed Tang He was too lenient and had failed to consolidate power after entering Changzhou Road. Yet none foresaw that these local warlords would turn against them faster than turning a page—overnight, they all defected and unleashed slaughter. Consequently, the Red Turban army found itself on the defensive everywhere, even unable to hold Changzhou city, forced to retreat.

“Liu Yuanpan, I know you’ve had your differences with Old Zhu, but if you still consider me, Hua Yun, a friend, then please rally your brothers to help us!”

Having reached this point, Liu Yi dared not be careless. “Brother Hua, since you say so, Zhenjiang will certainly not stand idle. Marshal Jin Hua... no, I will go personally, but only to escort the brothers retreating from Changzhou.”

Hua Yun had only come to request troops and was surprised to have Liu Yi come out in person. Zhu Yuanzhang had struggled mightily but failed to draw Liu Yi out. Yet with just a few words, Liu Yi was summoned, instantly bringing honor to Hua Yun’s face. “Liu Yuanpan, your righteousness is deeply appreciated on behalf of my brothers!”

Liu Yi smiled. “My recent quarrel with Zhu Tongqian mainly stems from him being too untrustworthy—he promised me a beauty but I have yet to see her. But this has nothing to do with the brothers in the left camp. We are one family. When I arrive in Changzhou, I will certainly escort all my brothers out.”

Hua Yun already sensed the unspoken meaning behind his words. “Liu Yuanpan, you’re making a special trip to Changzhou on my behalf and for the brothers?”