Chapter 134: The Enemy at the Gates

Although many believed that Zhang Shicheng, as the Emperor of Great Zhou, must lead the campaign personally at this critical moment, even more thought that as long as Zhang Shicheng remained unharmed, they could continue living comfortably in Pingjiang City. If anything happened to him, their wealth and status would vanish like smoke and ashes.

Moreover, their prosperity was built on constantly attending to Zhang Shicheng’s needs. He would never bring them on a military campaign, and when he did, fresh faces would inevitably replace them. Thus, their views aligned closely with Pan Yuanming’s: “Your Majesty, rest assured, Great Zhou has so many great generals that any one of them can defend Changzhou Prefecture!”

“Though the rebels in Zhenjiang are fierce, their reputation is only on the water. Once on land, they are weaklings. Changzhou is one of the strongest cities in the world, fully stocked with money, grain, and supplies. Whoever is sent to defend it can hold out for months, even without reinforcements!”

“Yes, Your Majesty needn’t worry too much. Always consider the grand scheme of the realm!”

Zhang Shicheng loved to hear such words. Although he knew the situation was not as optimistic as his trusted aides suggested, since he had defeated four hundred thousand troops at Gaoyou City, naturally Zhang Shide and Zhang Shixin could also perform miracles in Changzhou.

Zhang Shide commanded several times the troops Zhang Shicheng had at Gaoyou, with ample money, grain, and supplies. The rebel forces under Chuzhou Red Turbans numbered only a few tens of thousands, making the situation far more promising than the Gaoyou battle.

Furthermore, at Gaoyou he had only one isolated city, but now he had organized elite forces rushing to aid Changzhou. The conditions were entirely different, so Zhang Shicheng suddenly grew especially optimistic: “Yuanming, three to five thousand men for Songjiang Prefecture won’t suffice. I’ll give you eight thousand troops. You must help me take Songjiang Prefecture!”

After assigning Pan Yuanming eight thousand soldiers, Zhang Shicheng made a second decision: “Bring Li Bosheng to me. I will entrust him with Changzhou.”

“That means Jiangyin City!”

From Zhenjiang to Jiangyin, the two hundred or so miles of river surface could now be described as completely swept clean. Within days, the Chaohu Navy had broken through and captured more than ten water fortresses in quick succession. Zhang Shicheng’s navy, less than half a year old, suffered a devastating blow under the Chaohu Navy’s offensive. Some naval commanders even defected with dozens of ships, acting as guides for the Chaohu fleet.

Though remnants of the Gaoyou fleet still held a few water fortresses and warships, their courage to challenge the Chaohu Navy had vanished. Many captains disregarded Zhu Ding’s orders, crossing Jiangyin and retreating downstream. Those remaining in Jiangyin, ready to abandon their ships and fight on land, were the most loyal core of the Gaoyou navy.

Despite Zhu Ding repeatedly encouraging his comrades, “Jiangyin is a strong city to defend. The Chaohu Navy is only formidable on water; on land, they are feeble. As long as we hold Jiangyin, we will remain undefeated,” his men were deeply pessimistic. They still feared the Chaohu Navy’s fire arrows and cannons, and some even openly challenged Zhu Ding: “Boss, the Chaohu Navy’s flying arrows and stone cannons are too powerful. If it comes to land battle, we can’t hold. The only way to turn this around is for His Majesty to lead the army personally!”

In Zhu Ding’s heart, Zhang Shicheng was still the man who dared to fight over a cartload of illicit salt, so he confidently replied, “Don’t worry. If such a situation arises, His Majesty will definitely lead the campaign himself. If he takes the field, nothing serious will happen!”

But Zhang Shicheng’s personal leadership was a mere mirage. Outside, the first thunderbolt arrived: “The Zhenjiang rebels are coming, flying the banner of Liu Yi!”

At the mention of “Liu Yi,” from Zhu Ding down to the captains, everyone drew a cold breath. Although the Changzhou battle had ended with a swift retreat, Zhu Ding’s forces had been nearly halved. This fight had left a psychological scar on the Jiangyin troops. When they heard Liu Yi was approaching, their first instinct was not to call for Zhang Shicheng’s help but to seek negotiation: “Commander Zhu, I heard that Judge Liu likes beautiful women?”

“Yes, I’ve also heard that Zhu Yuanzhang used a beauty trap to prompt Zhenjiang’s troops to move. If Zhu Yuanzhang can use a beauty trap, so can we!”

“Not just a beauty trap—if Judge Liu agrees to withdraw, any conditions can be discussed. Gold, silver, anything. We’re sincere!”

“Commander Zhu, we must act quickly. If Zhenjiang’s troops begin a full assault, it will be too late!”

Though everyone knew that strength was essential for forging iron, they were psychologically shaken by Liu Yi and had lost heart before the fight. They knew Liu Yi would never stoop to equal negotiations, but they had no choice but to pin their hopes on a beauty trap.

Zhu Ding, equally powerless, said, “Quick, find out if anyone has connections in Zhenjiang. If we can settle this, I’m willing to give up half of Jiangyin City!”

Though everyone knew Zhu Ding’s promise to “give up half of Jiangyin City” was nonsense—if he truly did, it would be to the encroaching Liu Yi and Zhenjiang navy, not to any mediators—the lure of great rewards soon drew volunteers.

“Commander Zhu, I have relatives in Zhenjiang; let me go!”

“I’ll be honest—I’m old friends with Lady Jinhua. Leave this to me, and it will be done!”

“Though I have no direct ties to Judge Liu, the barbarian Haifa Deputy Commander has long looked out for me!”

Liu Yi never expected so many relatives and friends inside Jiangyin City. These suddenly appearing well-wishers were full of sincerity: “Judge Liu, just say the word, and gold, silver, and jade are yours to choose!”

“What kind of women do you want? I’ll send them immediately. No problem at all!”

“I know Judge Liu appreciates charm. I’ll have the city’s beauties delivered to you right away—take your time choosing!”

“Judge Liu, our Commander Zhu is even willing to change the flag to the dragon and phoenix banner, just so you’ll continue holding Jiangyin City!”