novelSusiti Chapter 053 Kneel down and speak to me
Chapter 053 Kneel down and speak to me
Chapter 053
On the 25th day of the fourth month of the fourth year of the Tianqi reign, at Pi Island, in front of the General's Mansion of Dongjiang Town, at the third quarter of the hour of Chen (7:45 AM).
Two thousand elite Dongjiang soldiers lined up on both sides, with a thousand in the front row carrying long spears, their tips pointing diagonally to the sky, gleaming coldly like a forest. Another thousand carried waist swords, their blades clashing. The army stretched from the main gate of the commander's mansion all the way to the drill ground gate, more than eight hundred paces away, leaving a narrow passage in the middle just wide enough for two people to pass side by side.
Eight thousand soldiers stood silently. Mao Wenlong sat on the high platform in front of the commander's mansion, wearing a bright armor and a scarlet cloak. Standing to his left and right were more than ten generals, including Chen Jisheng and Mao Chenglu, all in gleaming armor and with stern faces.
"It is said that...Chen Ying, the garrison commander of Shahe, and Mao Yuanyi, the painter...entered the palace upon their names being called!"
Mao Wenlong's voice carried far and wide, and was passed from mouth to mouth among the Dongjiang Army soldiers, the sound echoing out of the training ground.
Chen Ying remained expressionless. According to the etiquette of the Ming Dynasty officialdom, when officials of the same rank or superiors and subordinates met, they only needed to state their names and positions.
Only officials who had committed crimes, prisoners, or those who needed to be deliberately humiliated were required to enter by name. That is, with each step taken, the name and official title would be loudly announced, just like escorting prisoners through the streets for public display.
Chen Ying and Mao Yuanyi exchanged a smile: "Zhisheng, we're sorry you had to suffer because of this!"
"Boying, what are you saying? It seems you've really angered Commander Mao. He's trying to get revenge for what he suffered yesterday."
Mao Yuanyi's tone showed no tension whatsoever. As Sun Chengzong's advisor, he had seen far more impressive scenes than the one involving seven or eight thousand people. He was simply very curious as to why Chen Boying remained so composed.
Chen Ying had not only seen grand scenes in later generations, but he had also seen military parades ten thousand times more awe-inspiring than this one. He had even served as a volunteer and observed the parade up close.
Of course, even during the Ming Dynasty, he visited the Forbidden City many times and met with the Tianqi Emperor. When it comes to intimidation, the Imperial Guards of the Forbidden City were the real experts.
Chen Ying straightened his scarlet official robe and chuckled softly, "Brother Zhisheng is right. If he really had any confidence, he would have overturned the table long ago. The fact that he's putting on this show today only proves that he's guilty and wants to use such childish tricks to save face."
The two walked side by side into the passage lined with swords and spears.
"Chen Ying, commander of the Shahe Garrison, is hereby summoned by fire-tipped warrant from the Ministry of War to request an audience with Marshal Mao!"
"Mao Yuanyi, the portrait painter of the Liaodong Military Commissioner's Office, requests an audience with Marshal Mao!"
With each note sung by the two, the soldiers on both sides roared in unison, "Wei..."
The sound waves were like a tidal wave, making people's eardrums go numb.
An ordinary civil official would probably have already gone limp. Even some military generals would inevitably turn pale when suddenly faced with such a scene.
But Chen Ying's expression remained normal, and his steps were steady.
He understood Mao Wenlong's feelings very well. He really wanted to save face. Unfortunately, the Dongjiang Army was too poor and couldn't even get enough to eat. The seven or eight thousand Dongjiang soldiers were equipped with various items, but they were of different ages. Some of them were wearing battle jackets with patches upon patches on them.
Not only was their formation far from disciplined, but the soldiers' equipment was also inconsistent, with some even having holes in their cotton armor. More importantly, what Chen Ying saw in the eyes of these soldiers was more unease and fear than genuine fighting spirit.
The reasoning is actually quite simple. These Dongjiang Army soldiers are very clear that Chen Ying and Mao Yuanyi are both officials of the Ming Dynasty. They are not enemies. Offending court officials will result in being punished.
In fact, they had already been punished and were even going hungry. Mao Wenlong's actions were actually of no benefit to these soldiers; on the contrary, they were all harmful.
"Chen Ying, commander of the Shahe Garrison, requests an audience with Commander Mao!"
"Mao Yuanyi, the patron of the Liaodong Military Governor's Office, requests an audience with Marshal Mao!"
Another roll call sounded.
Mao Yuanyi turned to Chen Boying and whispered, "Boying, what do you think of these soldiers?"
"Not bad, right?"
Chen Ying smiled calmly and said, "If a fight really breaks out, one of my centurions can take down at least three hundred of them!"
"Ha ha!"
Mao Yuanyi could only think that Chen Boying was being modest. The 112 soldiers that Chen Boying brought were all dressed in the lamellar armor made in Shahe. Let alone fighting, even if they stood still, these Dongjiang soldiers would have a hard time causing any harm to Chen Boying's soldiers.
It's not impossible for a fierce general to lead Chen Boying's soldiers and wipe out these seven or eight thousand men. At least Mao Yuanyi believed in himself. He thought that as long as Chen Boying handed over command to him, he could pull Mao Wenlong out of the thousands of troops right now.
The two walked along chatting and laughing, as if they were not passing through a menacing military formation, but strolling in their own garden. On the high platform, Mao Wenlong's brows furrowed more and more tightly.
He set up this scheme to give Chen Ying a hard time. What kind of world has a lowly commander who got his position by relying on tricks and cunning?
Wouldn't they lose their composure on the spot after being so frightened by eight thousand elite troops?
Then, you can magnanimously wave your hand and say a few words that it's normal for young people to be inexperienced, and you'll have the initiative completely in your hands.
But to his utter surprise, Chen Ying was so composed.
No, it wasn't just composure; his expression was as if he didn't care at all. What frustrated him even more was Mao Yuanyi.
He knew this advisor of Sun Chengzong; he had seen big battles before.
But you, Mao Yuanyi, have already seen it, so why are you whispering and pointing at Chen Ying? Do you take the Dongjiang Army's military might for a show?
Mao Chenglu couldn't contain himself and whispered, "Father, these two are too arrogant, should we...?"
"Shut up!"
Mao Wenlong was increasingly disappointed with his adopted son Mao Chenglu, but the problem was that he had no choice. In March of the first year of the Tianqi reign, more than a hundred of his relatives and servants, including Mao Wenyi, were captured and killed in Anshan Fort.
Mao Wenlong had more than 300 relatives and servants who fled from Liaoyang to Guangning Youtunwei in western Liaoning. In November of the first year of the Tianqi reign, Nurhaci attacked Guangning in western Liaoning, and more than 300 of Mao Wenlong's relatives and servants who had taken refuge in Guangning Youtunwei were killed.
Mao Wenlong's entire family, except for him, was killed. Now he is an old man in his fifties, with no hope of having a son. He can't even adopt a son from his own clan.
Originally, he hoped to hand over the Dongjiang Army to his adopted son Mao Chenglu, but Mao Chenglu was all strength and no brains. What else could he do now?
If they really take action, that would mean breaking ties with the imperial court. What would the court do then? Would they still tolerate him? They would definitely quell the rebellion. Don't be fooled by the fact that the Dongjiang Army has tens of thousands of troops. As long as the imperial court gives the order, Sun Chengzong, who is in Liaodong, will immediately lead his troops south to join forces with the Denglai Army to encircle and annihilate him.
More importantly, the calmer Chen Boying appeared, the more uncertain he felt. This man was either a fool or he really had something to rely on.
Chen Boying, who was entrusted with important responsibilities by Wei Zhongxian, was clearly not related to Wei Zhongxian, nor was he one of Wei Zhongxian's close associates. He was obviously not a fool.
Mao Wenlong waved his hand, dismissing the hail of guns and the array of knives.
"Step back!"
The spearmen and axemen withdrew, and Chen Ying and Mao Yuanyi came side by side to the foot of the platform. The two bowed at the same time and said in clear voices, "This humble official is Chen Boying, commander of the Shahe Garrison Command. He greets Commander Mao."
"Mao Yuanyi, the painter of Liaodong Military Governor's Office, has met with Marshal Mao."
The two were courteous and neither servile nor arrogant.
Mao Wenlong stared at Chen Boying for a good ten breaths, then suddenly burst into laughter: "Good! What courage! Commander Chen is indeed exceptionally brave and valiant!"
Mao Wenlong stood up, strode down from the platform, and personally helped the two men up: "I was just testing your courage. Soldiers love to play these kinds of jokes, please don't take offense!"
Chen Ying smiled and said, "The soldiers under General Mao's command are mighty and valiant; I have truly broadened my horizons today."
Mao Wenlong laughed and said, "Not at all, not at all, they can't compare to the Liaodong Army. Come, let me introduce you to some heroes from our Dongjiang Town!"
"This is my adopted son, Lieutenant General Mao Chenglu!"
"Greetings, Young General!"
"This is Lieutenant General Shen Shikui; the Shen family is a prominent clan in Liaodong!"
"Greetings, General Shen!"
"This is Jin Guan, the adjutant of the Dongjiang Army's navy... and this is..."
Mao Wenlong introduced Chen Ying and Mao Yuanyi to the eight deputy generals and more than twenty guerrilla generals of the Dongjiang Army in one go.
Chen Ying basically understood that most of the people Mao Wenlong introduced were his adopted sons and grandsons, or sons-in-law, or fathers-in-law or brothers-in-law. In short, the Dongjiang Army was now basically Mao's army.
"Please come in, the banquet has been prepared."
As expected, a banquet was set up in the main hall of the Marshal's Mansion. Although it was an isolated island overseas, the dishes were quite plentiful, including seafood, shrimp, crab, venison, pickled vegetables, and several jars of old wine.
"Phi Island is short of supplies, so we're sorry to have to serve you two such meager fare!"
After the guests and hosts were seated, Mao Wenlong raised his glass: "This glass is to you two for coming from afar!"
After everyone finished drinking,
Mao Wenlong put down his wine cup, and Mao Chenglu got up, carrying the wine jar, and went to Chen Ying's side. He picked up Chen Ying's wine cup and threw it on the ground.
"Lord Chen has a large capacity for tolerance; using such a small cup is disrespectful to him!"
Mao Chenglu said to the maidservant serving him, "Bring a large bowl!"
Chen Ying stood with his arms crossed, quietly watching Mao Chenglu perform.
"Step back!"
Mao Wenlong also noticed Chen Ying's unfriendly expression and reprimanded Mao Chenglu.
"Father, I'm just trying to build a relationship with Lord Chen!"
Mao Chenglu snatched the large bowl directly from the maid's hand. It was no longer a bowl, but a basin, even larger than the soup basins in most restaurants in later generations. He poured out more than half a jar of wine into the basin.
Mao Chenglu glared fiercely at Chen Ying and said, "Lord Chen, please!"
"I can't drink it!"
Chen Ying said calmly, "I'm not a heavy drinker!"
"Is this a disrespect to me?"
Chen Yingben laughed angrily: "General Mao, what face do you have?"
Chen Ying didn't really have a good impression of Mao Chenglu. Mao Chenglu had long commanded Mao Wenlong's personal guard, which consisted of adopted sons, grandsons, and Jurchens. He was the head of Wenlong's sons and was called "Big Mao" by the Jurchens.
When Yuan Chonghuan seized command of the two islands and killed Mao Wenlong, he, as a personal guard officer, ignored the fact that Mao Wenlong was being pinned to the ground by Yuan Chonghuan's personal guards until Yuan Chonghuan fabricated twelve major crimes against Mao Wenlong.
Mao Chenglu did not intervene. In fact, if Mao Chenglu had not colluded with Yuan Chonghuan, how could Yuan Chonghuan have killed Mao Wenlong on Shuangdao Island? Mao Chenglu and Yuan Chonghuan must have secretly reached an agreement.
After Mao Wenlong's death, Mao Chenglu, the eldest of Mao Wenlong's adopted sons, was retained by Yuan Chonghuan and given command of a separate brigade of about 8,000 men, which speaks volumes.
To put it bluntly, Mao Wenlong raised a treacherous wolf who betrayed him at the most crucial moment. The key issue is that after Yuan Chonghuan's death, Mao Chenglu spoke out for Yuan Chonghuan. In the fourth year of Chongzhen's reign, Kong Youde launched the Wuqiao Mutiny, and Mao Chenglu led more than 7,000 troops to respond to Kong Youde's rebellion and declared himself general.
They attempted to use Mao Wenlong's adopted son as the leader to command the Dongjiang Army.
Upon hearing Chen Ying's words, Mao Chenglu was slightly taken aback, then flew into a rage: "You..."
Mao Chenglu smashed the wine jar in his hand on the ground, splashing wine everywhere. He took a step forward, almost touching Chen Ying's face, and said through gritted teeth, "Chen Boying, this is Pi Island, not a place for you to run wild!"
The atmosphere in the hall suddenly froze, and all the generals put down their wine cups and placed their hands on the hilts of their swords.
Mao Yuanyi was also puzzled. Didn't we agree to have a proper talk? What's going on?
However, Mao Yuanyi did not panic. He was prepared to take Mao Wenlong hostage if things went wrong.
Mao Wenlong's face was gloomy, but he did not speak to stop him. He wanted to see how Chen Boying would deal with it.
Chen Ying sat motionless, his eyes calm. He slowly took out a revolver from his pocket.
"Running wild? General Mao, I am here on the Emperor's orders, carrying a warrant from the Ministry of War, representing the dignity of the court. With your actions, who is truly running wild?"
Mao Chenglu laughed loudly: "Chen Boying, this is Pi Island, our Dongjiang Army's territory. I can act wildly, so what can you do about it?"
Chen Ying raised his hand and fired two shots at the roof.
"Bang! Bang!"
The deafening gunshots echoed through the enclosed hall, and dust fell from the roof tiles.
Everyone was jolted by the sudden loud noise, and several generals even instinctively drew half of their swords.
Chen Ying flicked his wrist, raising the gun and slowly pointing it at Mao Chenglu: "This thing is called a revolver; one bullet can kill. There are ten rounds left in the magazine, enough to kill you ten times over. Young General Mao, kneel down and speak to me!"
Mao Chenglu's face was deathly pale, but he forced himself to shout, "How dare you! This is the Dongjiang Army Commander's Mansion, and there are eight thousand soldiers outside! If you dare to touch a single hair on my head, you won't leave here alive today..."
"Bang!"
Chen Ying shot Mao Chenglu in the knee with almost no hesitation. The distance was so close that there was no need to aim. A burst of blood erupted from Mao Chenglu's left knee, and he screamed and fell to his knees.
The excruciating pain caused the veins on his forehead to bulge and large beads of sweat to roll down, but he gritted his teeth to keep from groaning out loud.
"Chenglu!"
Mao Wenlong abruptly stood up, his face ashen: "Chen Boying! How dare you!"
Inside the hall, all the generals drew their swords and surrounded Chen Ying and Mao Yuanyi. Outside the hall, more than a hundred Dongjiang Army soldiers filed in, brandishing their swords and spears, ready to cut Chen Ying and Mao Yuanyi into mincemeat at Mao Wenlong's command.
Mao Yuanyi remained unfazed, instead slowly taking a sip of wine as if the tense scene before him had nothing to do with him.
Hearing the commotion outside, Chen Daniu and Chen Jisheng also took action, and the two sides confronted each other, creating a tense atmosphere.
Chen Ying pointed at Mao Chenglu and said, "Kneel down and speak to me!"
Chen Ying pointed the revolver at Mao Chenglu's head and slowly pulled the trigger.
Mao Chenglu was terrified. He slowly knelt on the ground, his left leg wounded by a gunshot, and he was sweating profusely from the pain.
"Excellent!"
Chen Ying looked at Mao Wenlong and said, "Commander Mao, I may not be the most daring, but I cannot tolerate any injustice. Today, in front of you and all the generals, there are some things I must say."