The Blood Crown - Chapter 59

The New Year holiday had not yet concluded when Yansikong was urgently summoned back to the Hanlin Academy.

In the regions near Luzhou Prefecture, which were suffering from heavy snow, thousands of people rose in rebellion on New Year’s night. Reports and memorials began pouring in, some seeking reinforcements, others reporting on the military situation, and many accusing officials of embezzling disaster relief funds or negligence in their duties. After these reports went through multiple levels of submission, they had already piled up in the Wen Yuan Ge (Pavilion of Literary Profundity) within a matter of days. They needed to assist the cabinet ministers in examining and summarizing these reports.

The scholars in the Hanlin Academy discussed the situation.

“It is said that the court’s funds for disaster relief are inadequate, and when they arrive in the affected areas, there’s hardly any left.”

“Ah, nothing new there.”

“It’s just unfortunate for the common people. I heard that many people and livestock have suffered injuries and deaths from the cold.”

“New Year’s Eve is supposed to be a night of reunion… Tsk, tsk…”

Shen Hexuan coughed lightly twice, and the room fell silent.

Yansikong reviewed the memorial in his hand, which accused officials of corruption. He needed to extract the key points and then submit them to the cabinet ministers. The ministers would then discuss and formulate their recommendations. Without the scholars in the Hanlin Academy to perform this summarization work, they would not be able to submit these reports to the emperor the following day when there were too many reports to process.

The peasant uprising was a desperate act, driven by necessity. When there was no other choice but to rebel, the choice was between dying in silence or risking death through rebellion. All it took was a courageous leader to raise the banner, and people would gather in response. Inaction meant death, but rebellion might provide a glimmer of hope. Throughout history, the fall of each dynasty often began with the common people having nowhere else to turn.

Looking at the current situation, the severity of the snow disaster in the south was evident. It was currently limited to the vicinity of Luzhou, but if not contained, it would soon spread. More people would join, making it increasingly difficult to control.

Yansikong calculated that if the rebel forces wanted to expand their influence and deplete local resources, they would eventually move outwards. They couldn’t go north due to the harsher cold and the formidable Central Plains armies. Going west or southwest was not feasible either as it was desolate. They had to head southeast. Although the southeast was also affected by the snow disaster, it was not as severe as Huguang. Moreover, the further southeast they went, the more prosperous the regions. If they followed the river downstream from Luzhou or Chongqing, the rebel forces might gain a foothold and potentially amass a fortune.

If they were not crushed, Kuizhou would be the first major city they reached. Whether they could take Kuizhou would determine their ability to advance towards Jingzhou. Jingzhou was the gateway to the southeast and had always been a strategically important military position. Regardless of when the rebel forces were suppressed, as long as they could reach Kuizhou, this situation could be exploited.

Yansikong’s hands were constantly busy, with various thoughts intertwining in his mind, gradually outlining a clear plan for the future.

On the second day, during the morning court session, the emperor was furious. They discussed whether to suppress the rebellion or offer reconciliation. Ultimately, they decided to attempt reconciliation first while also dispatching troops from Huguang to support Shu, and if reconciliation failed, they would resort to suppression.

The result of the discussion was in complete alignment with Yansikong’s thoughts. This was currently the best course of action. As for whether the rebel forces could be suppressed, only time would tell. However, preparations were already underway on his end. He sent Ali to deliver a letter to She Zhun, instructing him to spread rumors about Prince Liang and Ge Zhong in the capital.

This year’s New Year was destined to be anything but peaceful. While the court was preoccupied with disaster relief and the uprising, news arrived from the northern border about an internal traitor. The Wala (Mongols) were reorganizing and preparing for a campaign against the Jin (Gold) Dynasty.

The enemy against the enemy was typically a cause for celebration. However, in this case, there were mixed emotions. If the Wala defeated the Jin, it would be ideal. But the Wala forces were several times larger than the Jin’s. The Jin Dynasty had suffered a significant defeat ten years ago at Guangning City, and they had not fully recovered over the years. Additionally, nomadic tribes did not build fortifications, and defenders did not have a significant advantage. The Wala’s campaign against the Jin was more likely to involve more profound intentions, such as changing their strategy after failing to conquer Datong for several decades. They may attempt an invasion from the Northeast.

In this era, there was only one Feng Jianping, and there was only one Feng family army. If the Wala overcame the Jin, abandoned Datong, and turned to invade the Northeast, the cowardly Han Zhaoxing would never be able to defend it.

Jingzhou and Luzhou were both crucial cities in the south. If the rebels weren’t eradicated, they might end up in a situation like the last rebellion. It was a perilous time for the nation, and Yansikong was well aware of it.

Certainly, here’s the text with tone marks removed:

Of course, the risk of this Wala (Mongol) campaign is enormous. If the Feng family army cuts off their retreat, all their decades of accumulation will be lost. Wala must have carefully prepared for this campaign, which also demonstrates the great strength of their nation, far beyond imagination. They can’t contain their desire to enter the Central Plains any longer.

This information is highly confidential, and Yansikong learned of it through Yan Zilian. Yansikong’s mind was in turmoil, so he rushed to the Feng residence first to find Fēng Yě. He knew that Fēng Yě must have already received the news.

Indeed, Fēng Yě was burdened with concern, and he wasn’t as affectionate as he usually was when he saw Yansikong.

Yansikong said, “You should have received the news, right? Wala is preparing to attack the Jin Dynasty!”

Fēng Yě was surprised. “How did you find out? Did Elder Yan tell you?”

Yansikong nodded.

“It seems that Elder Yan holds you in high regard.”

Yansikong was anxious. “We can discuss that later. Do you have precise information?”

Fēng Yě sighed. “Wala’s ambition is not limited to the Jin Dynasty; they aim for Liaodong and the Central Plains. Ten years ago, when my father went to Guangning, he expressed concerns. If Wala invades from Liaodong, no one can stop them.”

“King Jingyuan has foresight.” Yansikong said in a deep voice. “If Wala invades from Liaodong, there will be no one to stop them. The people of Liaodong will suffer…” His voice trembled uncontrollably.

Fēng Yě held his hand. “Don’t scare yourself, it’s possible that both Wala and Jin may end up weakened. That would be the best outcome.”

Yansikong knew Fēng Yě was trying to comfort him, but even a three-year-old who had never read a book knew that winning with a smaller force against a larger one was a rare occurrence. It was highly probable that Wala would defeat the Jin, and if they also recruited the Jurchen cavalry under their banner, it would be even more challenging. He shook his head. “Fēng Yě, I can’t help but be afraid. I’ve witnessed a siege, been in battles, seen blood flow like a river…”

Fēng Yě reached out and stroked his cheek. “You care about the people of Liaodong, I understand. However, there is no better solution right now. I…” He hesitated for a moment. “My father revealed some information in the letter he sent me. I can tell you, but you must not divulge it.”

Yansikong nodded. “You can trust me.”

“My father plans to attack the main camp of Wala after their campaign starts and cut off their retreat. If successful, it will threaten the Mān (Southern Barbarians) for several decades. However, doing so will leave Datong defenseless. If Wala decides to split their forces, bypass Datong, and make a quick attack on the capital, even if the garrison in the capital can hold, my father would find it hard to escape punishment. So, he is also in a dilemma right now.”

“King Jingyuan has thought it through thoroughly. This plan is indeed a dilemma. Do you know if he has made a decision?”

“Not yet. The Wala campaign is set for the spring when the water and grass recover. He may have to submit a secret memorial to the emperor to decide on this matter.”

“You are in the capital, but your heart must always be with Datong. You probably wish you could go and assist King Jingyuan, right?”

Yansikong brushed Fēng Yě’s hair gently and looked at the young man with a strong sense of patriotism. He spoke softly, “You have it tough.”

Fēng Yě smiled knowingly. “Who said my heart is always with Datong? My heart is also with you.”

Yansikong also smiled. “Why are we speaking in such an irregular manner?”

Fēng Yě embraced him and said, “Only with you, only with you… I can be myself in front of you.”

Yansikong also hugged him and lightly kissed his temple. “Yes, there’s no need to be anything else.”