Chapter Thirty-Two: The Deputy Minister

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Although Liu Yi and Zhu Yuanzhang are currently at odds with each other, they are in complete agreement when it comes to crossing the river to seize wealth, grain, and territory. The Guo family army currently numbers fifty thousand soldiers, yet controls only the regions of Chuzhou and Hezhou. Even though agricultural production has recovered somewhat, not even a bountiful and peaceful year could support such a large army, let alone in these war-torn times. For the Guo family army to survive, they must seize new, prosperous lands in the south—this is the main reason why men like Guo Tianxu and Zhang Tianyou are so determined to cross the river. “Sister, whether we succeed in crossing the river this time depends on your people around Lake Chao. As long as we make it across, not to mention one Du Yijiang—even if there were ten, a hundred Du Yishan, I could still keep them safe!” To Guo Tianxu, a minor figure like Du Yishan is no matter of principle; his concern lies solely in how much territory and how many troops he can command.

Liu Yi immediately gave his assurance: “Rest easy, Grand Marshal. Since I am your brother-in-law, I will see to it that our Guo family prospers and flourishes.”

“Are the Red Turban bandits at Lake Chao on the move again?”

For Manzi Haiya, the Deputy Censor-in-Chief of the Southern Censorate, this was truly an anxious time. Though his warship was the largest in the navy, and though it had undergone several refits—including a special study for Manzi Haiya himself—he still found it stifling and unbearably hot, with barely room to stand. All he wanted was to return to the city and enjoy a restful night in the arms of a beautiful woman.

Though he was the second-highest official in the Southern Censorate, many civil and military officials in Jiqing City had lately been gossiping behind his back, suspecting him of colluding with the enemy. Since he had besieged the Red Turban pirates at Lake Chao for several months without resolving the issue of Zhao Pusheng and Li Pusheng—broken remnants as they were—some had even sent lengthy memorials to the capital, accusing him of nurturing a threat and petitioning for a more capable deputy censor-in-chief.

The thought of all this left Manzi Haiya vexed and disheartened. Whoever wanted the job could have it; he had long since lost any desire for it. Despite the fierce-sounding name “Manzi Haiya,” he was, in fact, a man of letters, well-versed in poetry and classic texts. His post as Deputy Censor-in-Chief was a standard civil appointment, and being tasked with commanding the navy to besiege Lake Chao was an utterly unwelcome burden.

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The Southern Censorate was originally established by the Yuan Dynasty to oversee and control the three southern provinces, but after the world plunged into chaos, it became the highest command authority for military affairs in Jiangdong. Its censors, once mere officials of speech, had suddenly become generals in command of armies. Yet Manzi Haiya was ill-suited to a life of war and longed only to return to the capital, to live out his days with beautiful concubines and fine wine.

But life rarely goes as one wishes. Aruhui, the Right Deputy of the Huguang Administration, told Manzi Haiya in no uncertain terms: “The lake pirates at Lake Chao have now joined forces with the Red Turbans from Chuzhou and Hezhou, and they’ve even appointed a new leader!”

Zhao Pusheng and Li Pusheng had already given Manzi Haiya a headache, and the Red Turbans of Chuzhou were a truly formidable foe, boasting both numbers and able commanders. Yet, with so many troubles already, he simply wished to find a way to break the deadlock. “A new leader for the Lake Chao pirates? Did Han Lin’er from Ruying send him, or did Xu Shouhui from Qihuang?”

Since the Lake Chao navy and the Chuzhou Red Turbans belonged to two different factions, Manzi Haiya believed he might be able to exploit a rift between them, turning them against each other. However, Aruhui’s answer left him especially troubled: “According to reports from within Lake Chao, the bandit leader Liu Yi, though he hails from the Qihuang rebels, carries a decree from Han Lin’er of Ruying.”

Manzi Haiya immediately realized that Liu Yi would be no easy adversary. “I had thought that with Han Lin’er’s killing of Du Zundao, the Red Turbans would quiet down, but now that Du Zundao is gone, here comes Liu Yi. I’ve almost lost all interest in reading!”

Aruhui, the Left Deputy of Huguang, knew well how to please his superior. “Since you, Master Deputy Censor, still have the leisure to read, it means everything remains well under control, which puts my mind at ease.”

Even when reading, Manzi Haiya insisted on the proper atmosphere—red candlelight and a fragrant sleeve. But Aruhui’s smooth words lifted his spirits. “Brother, the more chaotic the times, the more we must read. I specifically had someone find me a set of the Records of the Three Kingdoms. Both of us should emulate the poise of Zhuge Kongming, with feather fan and silk kerchief!”

Manzi Haiya was still speaking in high spirits when the sound of drums from the front was suddenly interrupted by a thunderclap: “The Lake Chao pirates have broken out! The Lake Chao pirates have broken out!”

Having spoken so boldly, Manzi Haiya now had to display the composure of Zhuge Kongming. He casually picked up a book and said, “Scout again! Gentlemen, rest easy. With me here, nothing can go awry.”

But Aruhui was already anxious: “Deputy Censor, both the Lake Chao and Chuzhou bandits are advancing in full force today.”

Manzi Haiya glanced outside the ship. The vast expanse before him was filled with warships of every size and countless red banners. He threw his book aside at once. “Set sail! Hurry, set sail!”

For the Lake Chao navy and the Chuzhou Red Turbans, this was to be a battle that would decide their fate.

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Though he had long since taken command of the Lake Chao navy, today Liu Yi truly recognized its fearsome strength for the first time. Everywhere he looked, the water was thick with warships.

Some of these vessels were captured Yuan military ships and tower ships, some were fishing boats from Lake Chao, others were commandeered merchant ships, and a few had been built locally. The largest could carry hundreds of armored soldiers; the smallest were little more than oversized bamboo rafts. But with over a thousand ships gathered on the lake, the sight was nothing short of astonishing.

The forces deployed today, however, were not limited to these thousand-odd warships. The elite of the Chuzhou Red Turbans were also out in full strength, their troops boarding the Lake Chao navy’s ships. Several swift boats had even been set aside for maneuvering and rescuing any Red Turbans thrown into the water.

Magnificent warships, countless red banners, and the brilliant “Dragon and Phoenix” standards turned the lake’s surface into a sea of crimson.

Through his telescope, Liu Yi caught sight of Zhu Yuanzhang standing on the prow of his ship, loudly berating several adopted sons and commanders. Perhaps because the day’s stakes were so high, Zhu Yuanzhang had been roaring non-stop, leaving his sons and favored generals cowed and silent.

But this was precisely the Zhu Yuanzhang Liu Yi knew so well.

Whenever Zhu Yuanzhang met someone, he always seemed to make fast friends, offering the most generous terms and making one feel as though basking in the warmth of spring, convinced they had found a lifelong companion and confidant. Yet, the longer you knew him, the clearer it became—Zhu Yuanzhang was no one’s friend.

Lady Jin Hua also saw this scene. “Let Vice Marshal Zhu handle his own affairs. Our first priority is to break out of Lake Chao!”