Chapter 1103
Cavalry Enters the City at Night
Chapter 1103 Cavalry Enters the City at Night
It was late at night.
A slightly cool breeze, carrying the damp heat of the rain, brushed against the faces of the soldiers guarding the south city.
The watchman raised his clapper for the third time and struck it all over the city.
On the south gate tower
General Han Ling, accompanied by his personal guards, personally inspected the south gate. Looking around, he could still see faint lights throughout the capital city, and even some dim flames on the official road outside the city.
Just as they were wondering, the scout on lookout suddenly came to report.
"Report, General, there is a night march."
The guards behind him held torches, trying to extend them out of the city, but the more they tried, the less they could see. Only when Han Ling ordered the torchbearers to step back did he squint and stare. Suddenly, his eyes widened—a continuous band of torchlight was winding its way out of the thirteen-mile-long maple forest, heading straight for the capital.
Do you know whose troops they are?
"Reporting to the General, I do not know, but judging from the marching speed, they should be cavalry, and they are coming from the Anhu camp."
The captain looked uneasy. Night watch on the city was supposed to be an easy job, so why did something like this happen when it was his turn?
"Soldiers from Anhu Camp,"
Han Ling muttered to himself, "Since they are cavalry, they can only be the elite cavalry of the capital garrison, Prince Teng's troops, or perhaps the border troops of Marquis Luoyun. But in any case, they would not launch an attack at night." Sensing something was amiss, he gave the order.
"Immediately send soldiers to the city walls to stand guard, and inform Lord Fu of the situation,"
"Yes, General."
The city gate captain nodded quickly and arranged for someone to relay the order. Before long, footsteps could be heard throughout the south gate tower. The city guards and the troops of the military command had been deployed. Even the gaps in the side gates of the city gate had been closed, and the garrison commander of the Imperial City Command had also gone up to the city wall.
Fu Yuancheng, the Assistant Magistrate, looked exhausted, yawned, and slowly walked over, asking;
"Han Ling, what's going on? Where did these soldiers come from?"
There's never a moment of peace these days. If it weren't for the lucrative opportunities in the south of the city, we wouldn't have chosen the south gate in the first place.
"Reporting to Your Excellency, they should be soldiers from Anhu. As for their specific troops, I guess they are under the command of Marquis Luoyun."
Upon hearing this, Fu Yuancheng abruptly raised his head, snapping out of his daze. He gripped the city wall's battlements with both hands and looked out. He saw that the fiery dragon on the official road had drawn much closer, clearly moving at a considerable speed; it was undoubtedly cavalry.
Why would Marquis Luoyun's border troops march at night? Could it be a secret decree from the palace? But the border troops entering the city is a major event, after all, the Emperor Emeritus's birthday banquet is the day after tomorrow. What is the deeper meaning behind Marquis Luoyun's troop deployment into the city at this time?
"Han Ling, what should we do with these soldiers who came here in the middle of the night?"
Commander Han quickly lowered his head and clasped his hands in greeting;
"My lord, if you have a token or imperial edict, then let us pass; if not, then we shall act in accordance with the law."
This answer effectively shut down any further questions Fu Yuancheng might have had.
"That's right, it all depends on the person."
A gentle breeze blew by.
The firelight flickered.
As time goes by
The sound of horses' hooves grew closer, shaking the city bricks and causing dust to fall. Han Ling gripped the long sword at his waist, gazing at the cavalry ahead; he could already see their figures.
Suddenly, the sound of horses' hooves came from inside the inner city gate.
The generals on the city wall,
Turning back in confusion, and with the torches held up by the city gate guards, Fu Yuancheng saw the approaching cavalry. The leader looked somewhat familiar. He craned his neck and shouted loudly.
Who is below the city walls?
On the official road below the city,
Ning Bian, accompanied by his personal guards, had arrived not far from the city gate. He raised his hand to signal his troops to halt, and the synchronized reins of over a hundred cavalrymen behind him startled the owls on the city wall.
"Lord Fu, General Han, the Marquis of Luoyun's residence has come from Ningbian."
He put away his whip, dismounted, and, with a few guards, went up to the city wall. Once on the wall, Ningbian turned to look outside the city and saw that the fires on the official road were continuous, indicating that Duan Hong had led his troops there and had not arrived late.
"Oh, it's General Ning. You've come here so late at night. Could it be for the troops outside the city? I wonder where the Marquis is?"
Fu Yuancheng now fully understood that General Ning had come here for the sake of the border troops outside the city.
“Lord Fu, since you have come, you must have important business. The Marquis is still waiting in the city. I have come here today to deliver the imperial order to mobilize troops into the city to guard against assassination attempts by the two sects’ rebels.”
As Ning spoke, he took out the jade token from his bosom. Its cyan color was graceful and its texture was warm and smooth, clearly indicating that it was no ordinary object.
It shone brightly in the firelight.
Fu Tongzhi stared at the gilded tiger tally and token in the other party's hand, a bitter feeling rising in his throat. This token was the emperor's secret order, a tiger tally that could mobilize troops. However, it was only a token of the Marquis of Luoyun's mansion and did not have a tiger tally from the Ministry of War of the imperial court. According to regulations, mobilizing troops with a tiger tally required a document from the Ministry of War to verify it.
Out of the corner of his eye, he caught a glimpse of the swords worn by Ning Bian's personal guards—the auspicious cloud patterns engraved on the scabbards clearly indicated that they were the new type of swords that had been distributed to Luo Yunhou's troops just three months prior.
General Han did not recognize either of the tokens, and looked at Lord Fu.
“Deputy General Ning, the token is correct, but the document from the Ministry of War… cough cough, General Ning, because the Emperor Emeritus’s birthday banquet is approaching, the Ministry of War issued a notice three days ago that a troop deployment order from the Ministry of War is required before troops can be mobilized into the city.”
Fu Yuancheng's voice was like sandpaper scraping against a city wall as he asked again in a low voice;
"But where are the documents?"
"Lord Fu only looked at the front of the token; he hasn't looked at the back yet,"
Before he finished speaking, Ning Bian had already turned the jade token in his hand over, and Fu Yuancheng felt his breath catch in his throat—on the jade token, which was entirely blue, the four characters “As if I were personally present” shone with a warm glow under the moonlight, and on the back, where the dragon’s eyes were inlaid, there was a luminous glass that only the imperial jade craftsmen could master.
It was actually the Emperor's Azure Imperial Decree, not the Azure Jade Token. He had misjudged it. He immediately straightened himself and knelt down.
"Your subject, Fu Yuancheng (Han Ling), respectfully wishes Your Majesty good health,"
"Honorable Sir."
After the formalities were completed, the two rose, and the tense atmosphere among the crowd dissipated with the gentle breeze.
"Since it's a secret order from the palace, I won't interfere further, but General, you should still be careful,"
He turned his head and gave the order.
"Han Ling, open the city gates!"
"Yes, sir,"
Han Ling's voice trembled as he turned to the soldiers guarding the city below, waved his hand, and signaled to open the city gate. As the winch on the city tower rose, the drawbridge on the city tower crashed down.
In the short time that followed, the cavalry outside the city had arrived. Seeing over ten thousand golden-armored cavalrymen, their imposing aura striking, Fu Yuancheng suddenly hesitated, a bad premonition creeping into his heart. But the city gates were wide open…
The army had already filed into the city, and there was no way to stop them now.
After the entire army entered the city, Ningbian clasped his hands in farewell.
"Lord Fu, General Han, farewell."
Without waiting for the two to speak, he hurriedly descended from the city wall and followed the army. In a short while, the streets were deserted, leaving the two men on the city wall staring at each other in bewilderment.
"My lord, I have a nagging feeling that something is amiss. It's unlikely that the two sects were plotting an assassination in the capital, but if..." Han Ling hesitated, wanting to say something more, but Fu Yuancheng stopped him.
"General Han, since the Marquis of Luoyun's residence has submitted to the Emperor, just let them pass. There's no need to speculate further. These two sects are so cunning; there's no way they haven't infiltrated the capital. You and I just need to guard the city gates. Guards, close the gates!"
"Yes, sir, this subordinate obeys."
Below the city gate, another winch sounded, and the gate slowly closed. Just then, the lights from the official road seemed to reappear in view.
Fu Tongzhi, who was still hoping to go back to sleep, was suddenly dumbfounded.
"What's going on? Are there soldiers here?"
At the stone bridge in the southern part of the capital city.
Zhang Jinyu, yawning, had been waiting there with his men for quite some time. Just as he was growing impatient, the sound of horses' hooves came from the street corner ahead.
Clearly, Ning Bian had brought his men. In the distance, flames soared into the sky, and a large contingent of golden-armored heavy cavalry came into view. Soon after, Duan Hong and Ning Bian, mounted on horseback, bowed respectfully.
"Greetings, Lord Marquis. Twelve thousand elite cavalry from the Anhu camp are all here."
Duan Hong shouted loudly, appearing extremely excited. Seeing this, Zhang Jinyu also perked up. She hadn't seen Duan Hong for several days; his face was radiant. She wondered what joyous occasion had brought him.
"Yes, it's good that you brought them. Tonight, Duan Hong will lead 5,000 troops to camp at Hanyuan Hall. No one is allowed to leave Hanyuan Hall without my order. The rest of you should not go to Qiushui Lake. There is a martial arts training ground in the manor. Rest here in the manor. It's late at night and quiet, so make as little noise as possible."
Zhang Jinyu considered the situation. Yunshan and Qiushui Lake were mostly brothels and taverns. If the army were to go there now, it would inevitably disturb the patrons, many of whom were likely high-ranking officials and nobles. If this caused gossip and led to a denunciation, it would be unwise. It would be better to camp at the former Crown Prince's residence, which had a training ground and a rear camp. They could begin patrolling the streets tomorrow.
"Yes, my lord, I obey your command."
The two men clasped their hands in greeting and accepted the order. And so, the group remounted their horses and headed towards the Chongwen Gate of the Imperial Palace.
However, this route requires a detour. Heading north from the South City Stone Bridge, passing through the Central Market, and turning northeast from the east side of the Jiaofangsi Street, you will reach Chongwenmen. This route is the fastest, but this street has the most merchants and restaurants, and is also the most prosperous.
"Duan Hong, how is the situation at the Anhu camp?"
Riding along the road, Zhang Jinyu stroked his chin and asked another question. After all, Prince Teng had already led his troops back to Anhu Camp, and he was the one who brought back the imperial rewards. He wondered what the imperial court had given him.
"Reporting to Your Excellency, after I led the troops back to the camp, I told the brothers to rest well and eat and drink well. As for the imperial court's rewards, which mentioned that military officers could exchange for noble titles, I didn't think it was a good idea, so I didn't exchange them. The same went for my men; they all exchanged them for silver, each receiving a small packet. When they were receiving the silver, Your Excellency, you wouldn't believe how dark the official's face turned when he handed it out, haha."
A silly laugh made Zhang Jinyu and Ning Bian grin from ear to ear. This simpleton...
"You're quite open-minded; you didn't even want a title offered for free. Many people would love that, but wouldn't."
Although Zhang Jinyu said this, he didn't really care about such things. The soldiers under the command of each military governor were practically private armies, so why would they want titles?
"My lord, I am but a rough man. I'll be content following you. What use is that title to me? It won't bring me any money or women."
"General Duan, that's enough."
Seeing Duan Hong getting more and more excited, Ning Bian had no choice but to interject, saying, "How can you say such things so openly?" Even Zhang Jinyu glared at Duan Hong with displeasure. "We're already in the capital, and you still can't keep your mouth shut!"
"Ahem, my lord, I was just in a hurry and misspoke. I will definitely correct myself, I will definitely correct myself."
A look of disgruntled crossed his face. He had just been thinking of asking if he could go to a brothel in the capital for a banquet.
"Enough with the nonsense. After we enter the capital, Duan Hong, you will lead your soldiers into the Hanyuan Hall and wait there. If I give you an order, do as I say. If not, you are not to leave the Hanyuan Hall."
Zhang Jinyu also put away her smile and gave serious instructions, just in case.
Duan Hong knew the matter was serious, and nodded.
"Rest assured, my lord, I know what to do,"
Recalling the standoff with the Imperial Guards at the Meridian Gate, Duan Hong guessed the hidden plan of the Marquis's subordinates.
"As for the soldiers in your household, they can accompany me on a patrol of the city tomorrow."
He then looked towards Ningbian and added,
"Yes, my lord, I obey your command."
Ningbian tightened the reins, turned his horse eastward, and headed north. In the quiet night, only the sound of horses' hooves echoed in the streets.
But ahead,
We circled around to the nearby Jiaofangsi (a government-run entertainment district).
The lights were still on, and merchants from all over, as well as high-ranking officials and dignitaries staying overnight, were still drinking and making merry. In a private room on the second floor, the leader of the White Lotus Sect, dressed as a merchant, sat sipping tea.
Downstairs and upstairs, members of the White Lotus Sect and the Taiping Sect had already infiltrated the area. Right Protector Ying Xiancai, disguised as a steward, quietly pushed open the door and entered from the outside.
"Master, the merchants have already replied, saying they won't be coming here. They went to catch up with you, saying they had some fun on the third floor."
The so-called "merchants" here naturally refer to the people prepared by the Taiping Sect, who are responsible for the interception on the third floor, while they are responsible for the interception on the second floor. The third floor, in particular, has many high-ranking officials and nobles; if this operation is successful, the gains will be substantial.
"Hmph, now they want to pick and choose. They've got all the benefits. The merchants have quite the appetite. I wonder if we have enough goods."
Bai Shuiyue raised an eyebrow, a half-smile playing on her lips. The Jiaofangsi (Imperial Music Bureau) was no ordinary place; since the third floor housed more distinguished guests, wrapping things up meant trouble.
"Reporting to the manager, they have many more employees, so the work shouldn't be too tiring. We also have a good stock on hand. As for Shen Sanniang, we've found a good family for her, and we're waiting for them to redeem her from her servitude."
The Right Protector explained softly, and then picked up the teapot on the table and poured the leader a cup of tea. Many of the people who came from the second floor looked familiar.
"Oh, if that's the case, then proceed according to plan,"
Bai Shuiyue didn't care about any of that. As long as she could drag the Taiping Sect down with her, this business could continue in the long run.
"Yes, Master. Shen San Niang has already entered that noble lady's room. Our men are all waiting. I'd like to go and see what's going on."
"Alright, be quick about it,"
"Yes, sir,"
As the two reached their agreement, the air in the entire Jiaofangsi (Imperial Music Bureau) seemed to fill with a deathly stillness.
The private room on the east side of the second floor.
Inside, Shen Sanniang, dressed in a vibrant red gown, sat beside a stout middle-aged man, carrying a wine pot and cup. The man, dressed in gilded brocade robes and with a token at his waist, was none other than Lu Tangfeng, the Prefect of Anyang. He had paid a high price to return to the capital to report for duty in preparation for the Emperor Emeritus's birthday banquet.
"Young lady, just keep me company tonight, and you'll be well rewarded."
Perhaps slightly intoxicated, he reached out and pulled the beauty beside him into his arms, caressing her wantonly.
Shen Sanniang's eyes flickered with allure. She casually picked up the wine pot and began refilling his cup, serving him food. Meanwhile, the man's hand had already slipped inside her red dress, roaming freely, while he chuckled softly, seemingly lost in thought.
Before long, both of them were breathing rapidly and their faces were flushed. Suddenly, Shen San Niang stood up.
"Oh dear, my lord, you look so travel-worn. You must have suffered a lot on your journey. I've heard that being the governor of the Northwest Prefecture is no easy task. Not long ago, the Imperial Music Bureau sent some new recruits from there. They say, they say..."
She gave a charming smile and leaned closer again.
Who could resist this feeling? Lü Tangfeng downed his wine cup in one gulp, then pulled Shen Sanniang into his arms. Her body was as soft and supple as jade, and his heart fluttered. He chuckled.
"What do you know? That old codger Ding Jiayu, the prefect of Qingyang County, wanted to repair the ancient Han River waterway. This is a vital passage in the northwest corridor. How could he dare to touch it? Look, his family has been raided and their property sold off. If we weren't colleagues, I might have taken care of an old acquaintance next time, haha."
Thinking of the wonderful things that were swirling in his mind, he couldn't resist any longer. His cloudy eyes lingered around Shen San Niang's neckline, catching a glimpse of her ample bosom.
"I've been drinking mare's milk wine in the Northwest for a long time, but it's still not as smooth as the fine wine in the capital. Even you young ladies are much more mellow than the girls from the Northwest."
Shen San Niang lowered her eyes and chuckled.
"Oh dear, my lord, is the mare's milk wine you're drinking really made from mare's milk? We, on the other hand, use real sake. Come, my lord, let's have another drink!"
Perhaps they were impatient.
From the stairwell outside, the soft strains of a zither drifted out, melancholic and poignant, as if lingering on the fingertips. Shen San Niang's expression shifted slightly upon hearing it; this was the melody of the sect leader's favorite, "Guangling San." It seemed the time had come.
Looking up at the person before her, she felt utterly disgusted. She reached up and lifted the hem of his floral skirt, creating a fragrant breeze, and handed him a cup of wine. Lü Tangfeng, with a sly smile, took the cup and drank it all in one gulp.
Outside the house,
Right Protector Ying Xiancai, accompanied by a group of waiters who had changed clothes and were serving him, strode straight to the outside tables, drew his long sword, and charged at the patrons who were still enjoying themselves. Almost instantly, screams filled the air.
The attack began simultaneously on the first and second floors. Several carriages, belonging to unknown individuals, blocked both the inner and outer gates of the brothel. A group of men in black guarded the entrances, indiscriminately slaughtering the intruders, leaving a near-river of blood. The merchants, staff, and women inside were terrified and at a loss for what to do.
The deafening noise had already reached upstairs, and Lü Tangfeng was somewhat displeased by the commotion.
"What's going on outside?!"
(End of this chapter)