Chapter 8: Weize (8)

The Taiping Heavenly Kingdom implemented a system of public ownership and sharing. The Holy Treasury, which refers to the public treasury or national treasury, was considered to be bestowed by God, and initially, it was stipulated that only God could be called holy, hence the public treasury was referred to as the Holy Treasury. The living needs of the generals and soldiers were supplied by the Holy Treasury. The types and standards of supplies included grain, oil, and salt, which were provided in equal amounts regardless of age; for meat supplies, there were varying daily portions for those below the Heavenly King. When Wei Ze and others went into battle, the amount of grain supplied was based on military rank, with squad leaders receiving slightly more than ordinary soldiers. The types and standards of supplies included grain, oil, and salt, which were provided in equal amounts regardless of age; for meat supplies, there were varying daily portions for those below the Heavenly King. When Wei Ze and others went into battle, the amount of grain supplied was based on military rank, with squad leaders receiving slightly more than ordinary soldiers.

The exchange lasted only about ten minutes, yet Wei Ze had exhausted all his capabilities. Having never commanded a large army in battle, several of Yang Xiuqing's questions posed a considerable challenge for Wei Ze. After finally managing to address Yang Xiuqing's inquiries, Wei Ze felt it was more strenuous than engaging in a minor skirmish

Upon hearing these rather stern words, 37-year-old Feng Yunshan did not say much, while 21-year-old Yiwang Shidakai could not help but chuckle softly. Yang Xiuqing's meaning was quite straightforward; this was a subtle accusation directed at Wei Ze, questioning whether he was seeking a promotion for himself. As soon as Wei Ze saw the Eastern King Yang Xiuqing, he immediately rushed to seek an official position, which Shidakai found rather amusing.

Wei Ze felt a sudden jolt in his heart. Feng Yunshan had not commented on Wei Ze's military suggestions during their earlier conversation, but that did not mean Feng Yunshan had not taken Wei Ze's words to heart. It was clear that Feng Yunshan wanted Wei Ze to repeat what he had just said to Yang Xiuqing.

Wei Ze replied earnestly: "I report to the Eastern King. I volunteer to continue leading troops to harass the supply lines of the Qing army. This time, I ask the Eastern King to promote my brothers; firstly, it will reassure them, and secondly, it will allow them to be elevated to the rank of squad leader, enabling them to receive more provisions when we deploy."

King Nan Feng Yunshan brought Wei Ze into the residence of King Dong Yang Xiuqing. In addition to the guards, there were also female officials and maids in the Dong Wang's residence. Upon seeing King Nan Feng Yunshan enter, the female officials stepped forward to pay their respects. King Nan Feng Yunshan instructed Wei Ze to wait outside, and he proceeded directly into the parlor where Yang Xiuqing was located. Wei Ze simply stood in the courtyard, his gaze slightly lowered, completely ignoring the women around him. This was not due to Wei Ze's pretentiousness; the Taiping Heavenly Kingdom implemented the "Yongan System" in 1851, and the Heavenly Kingdom issued a series of institutional measures. For Wei Ze, most of these measures were quite understandable. For instance, the Sacred Treasury System, the Military Merit System, and the separation of men and women into different camps were all very important measures during wartime.

It seems that Shi Dakai was not persuaded by Wei Ze; rather, Wei Ze had brought the conversation to this point, and Shi Dakai fell silent for the time being

A 19-year-old youth, even if shy, would only deliberately avoid women. Wei Ze's indifferent attitude carries a peculiar sense of maturity. Feng Yunshan, who has been responsible for missionary work and has seen thousands of people, has rarely encountered such a calm and unassuming young man.

Oh? Yang Xiuqing was quite surprised by Wei Ze's request, and he couldn't help but slightly furrow his brows. The Southern King, Feng Yunshan, also found Wei Ze's strange request quite puzzling. However, the Wing King, Shi Dakai, appeared unfazed, merely fixating his gaze on Wei Ze.

Yang Xiuqing did not respond immediately, but quietly contemplated something. Just as Wei Ze thought that Yang Xiuqing would refuse, he heard Yang Xiuqing say: "Wei Sima, since I have established the military merit system, you, as Sima, naturally need to report the brothers who have made contributions. However, it is not feasible for all the brothers to be promoted to Wuchang. Since you have already traversed that path, I will promote you to Zhulang, and tomorrow I will provide you with the necessary troops. During these days, you should focus on exploring the northern route. If you can find a path for the army to pass through, that would be the best. Since you have already traversed that path, I will promote you to Zhulang, and tomorrow I will provide you with the necessary troops. During these days, you should focus on exploring the northern route. If you can find a path for the army to pass through, that would be the best. If you cannot find it, at least you should severely disrupt the Qing army's supply lines, making them uneasy in their sleep. If you can bring back spoils this time, I will promote all the brothers you mentioned this time to Wuchang."

If we can seize anything from the Qing demons, we must prioritize transporting back gunpowder and lead. Brother Wei, you must remember this matter!

It is evident that this attitude was endorsed by Eastern King Yang Xiuching and Wing King Shi Dakai, and even Southern King Feng Yunshan did not find Wei Ze's attitude inappropriate. Yang Xiuching stated: "If there are any strategies, just speak plainly."

After listening to Wei Zuo's words, both Yang Xiuqing and Shi Dakai showed no change in their expressions. Yang Xiuqing nodded and said, "Wei Zuo, you may go down to rest. After receiving your subordinates tomorrow, launch an attack as soon as possible. If we can seize the grain convoy of the Qing demons again, it will greatly aid in the defense of the city. You must handle this matter well!"

After Wei Ze stepped forward to pay his respects, Yang Xiuqing immediately inquired about the conditions of the road to the north

After listening to Wei Ze's self-defense, Shi Dakai did not laugh out loud this time. He merely glanced at Wei Ze and then at Yang Xiuqing.

Wei Ze remained completely unmoved and replied solemnly: "Your Majesty, whether the squad leader should be promoted to the position of Sima is under your jurisdiction. As a Sima, I naturally cannot comment on this matter. My subordinates are all brothers from Guangxi; without them, I would not be able to fight this battle well, so I do not wish for them to leave. With only a few days left until New Year's Eve, I believe that the leaders of the Qing bandits will transport a considerable amount of provisions to reward their subordinates. If we rush to ambush them now, we might still have a chance to succeed. During this campaign, I have exhausted the supplies I received from the treasury along the way. If my subordinate could be promoted to squad leader, he would be able to receive more supplies. Moreover, my subordinate has fought valiantly against the enemy, and I believe that given their contributions and the hardships endured during the march and transport, they are indeed deserving of a promotion to squad leader.

I understand, Wei Sima has worked hard

"In accordance with the will of King Zundong!" Wei Ze replied

Seeing that it did not provoke the dissatisfaction of the various kings, Wei Ze then repeated what he had just said to Feng Yunshan.

This clearly indicates an intention to have Wei Ze leave. Wei Ze quickly said: "I am ordered by the Eastern King to launch an attack, and I am now reporting back to the Eastern King."

The current number of combatants in the Taiping Heavenly Kingdom is approximately 10,000. According to the military system of the Taiping Heavenly Kingdom, five men form a unit, led by a unit leader; five units form a brigade, overseen by a brigade commander; four brigades constitute a battalion, commanded by a battalion leader, and at the battalion level, there are subordinate officers, with each battalion comprising 104 men. Wei Ze, who has just been appointed as a battalion leader for less than ten minutes, is not an officer commanding even one percent of the armed forces at present. An officer of such a rank participating in the determination of the grand strategy of the Taiping Heavenly Kingdom is fully aware that attempting to influence the direction of the kingdom is merely inviting trouble.

In the system of smallholder farming, privileges do represent the hierarchy of status. If those in power lack privileges, it will only lead to ridicule from those below them. Weize understands this point, but that does not mean he can accept it. Moreover, Weize grew up in a city that is home to large shipbuilding enterprises in the north, where the local beauties are tall, with elegant eyebrows and almond-shaped eyes, straight noses, and fair skin. This is the type that Weize prefers; he truly cannot bear to look at the women from the households of various princes.

Yang Xiuqing did not respond immediately; he stared at Wei Ze for a while before asking, "Wei Sima only promoted his brother to the position of Wuchang, but did not mention who could serve as Sima. I wonder if Wei Sima believes that the merits of your subordinate Wuchang are noteworthy."

Upon noticing the unusual behavior of Feng Yunshan, Yang Xiuqing also looked outside. After observing for a moment, Yang Xiuqing let out a light laugh and said to the guard, "Call Wei Ze from outside to come in"

Weize replied earnestly: "As for the routes that are easily traversable, my subordinates have mostly already tested them. Indeed, the northern route is impassable for a large army. This time, we have intercepted the Qing army's supply convoy, and I believe the Qing army will strengthen their defenses. If we attempt to pass again, we are likely to encounter the Qing army on those roads."

Yang Xiuqing spoke up, saying: "Wei Sima, when it comes to military achievements, these brothers may not all be able to be promoted to the rank of squad leader."

However, at this moment, it would not be appropriate to feign ignorance. Therefore, Wei Ze steeled himself and said: "I, as a subordinate, feel anxious seeing the Qing army approaching Yong'an so closely. Just now, I could not help but speak some words to the Southern King. However, my remarks were made out of feeling and were not deeply considered. If there is anything inappropriate, I hope that the Eastern King, Southern King, and Wing King will provide guidance."

The essence of the peasant uprising is also evident in these systems. For example, Hong Xiuquan ordered the troops to be divided into male and female camps, yet he proclaimed in the establishment of Yong'an that "the empress is referred to as 'Niangniang', and the noble consort is referred to as 'Wangniang'." Thus, the empresses of the Heavenly King are collectively called 'Niangniang', while the consorts of the five kings—East, West, South, North, and Wing—are collectively referred to as 'Wangniang'. At this time, both Hong Xiuquan and the five kings had wives and concubines, and they indeed lived together with their wives and concubines.

All the instructions were directed at Wei Ze's attack on the grain route, while Yang Xiuqing remained completely silent regarding Wei Ze's strategic concept of leading the Qing army into battle.

Due to Hong Xiuquan's belief that the character "帝" in "上帝" (God) should not be usurped, the Taiping Heavenly Kingdom only had the title of "王" (king) and no emperor. The four kings of the southeast, southwest, northeast, and northwest, as well as the Wing King, all held the title of king, and even Hong Xiuquan was merely referred to as "天王" (Heavenly King). Heavenly King Hong Xiuquan was revered as eternal, while East King Yang Xiuqing was honored as nine thousand years. This alone illustrates Yang Xiuqing's status within the Taiping army

Wei Ze was just about to step down when he heard Feng Yunshan ask, "Brother Wei, since you have achieved such great merits, I recall that you previously had the accomplishment of capturing eight forts in a row before being promoted to the position of Sima. Since you are a hero of our Taiping Army, what are your thoughts on defeating the Qing demons?"

Even though Wei Ze spoke clearly, Shi Dakai could not help but ask: "Is there no way to dispatch a large force to ambush from behind the Qing demon?"

Yang Xiuqing did not rush to interject; he instinctively pressed his lips together and pondered for a moment before inquiring about the topography of Dayao Mountain. Fortunately, having traversed the mountains several times, Wei Ze was able to respond to Yang Xiuqing's questions in a relatively organized manner. From Yang Xiuqing's inquiries, Wei Ze could discern that Yang Xiuqing possessed an unusual sensitivity to the terrain. Although it was unclear who was superior in directional discernment between the Eastern King Yang Xiuqing and Wei Ze's subordinate Zhang Yingchen, Wei Ze was certain that when it came to utilizing the terrain for troop deployment and commanding operations, Yang Xiuqing could undoubtedly surpass Zhang Yingchen by a significant margin.

Wei Ze continued, "I have learned of the hard work of our brothers, so I request that the Eastern King promote those brothers among the attacking group who are not squad leaders to the position of squad leader."

Before meeting Yang Xiuching, Wei Ze hoped that the next task would be to strike at the Qing army's supply lines. Regardless of the circumstances, Wei Ze wished to obtain as much operational freedom as possible. At this moment, receiving Yang Xiuching's orders, even though the efforts to promote his brothers had not been immediately realized, Wei Ze was promoted. As a squad leader, Wei Ze had the authority to arrange positions for his subordinates. Of course, this was also Yang Xiuching's final command, and Wei Ze said nothing further. He bowed and said, "I obey the will of the Eastern King!" At this moment, receiving Yang Xiuching's orders, even though the efforts to promote his brothers had not been immediately realized, Wei Ze was promoted. As a squad leader, Wei Ze had the authority to arrange positions for his subordinates. Of course, this was also Yang Xiuching's final command, and Wei Ze said nothing further. He bowed and said, "I obey the will of the Eastern King!"

"Report to the Eastern King, the Manchu Qing has blocked all the roads. I took a detour, traversing mountains and ridges to get here," Wei Ze stated candidly. He then recounted the details of this operation.

After Yang Xiuqing finished asking, he did not make any comments. He said to Wei Ze: "Is there anything else you would like to say, Sima Wei?"

Weize was actually a bit nervous inside, but what he said were his true feelings. This was indeed a good opportunity for an ambush; if this time period was missed, it would be quite regrettable.

Weize followed the guards into the living room and saw three princes dressed in yellow robes. One of them was naturally Feng Yunshan, while the bright-eyed young man in the center was Dong Wang Yang Xiuqing. Sitting on the other side of Yang Xiuqing was Yi Wang Shi Dakai. Yang Xiuqing is 28 years old this year, while Shi Dakai is even younger, at only 21. Compared to the mature and assertive Yang Xiuqing, Shi Dakai undoubtedly appears somewhat more youthful. He looks like a sharp sword drawn from its sheath, radiating brilliance. Compared to the mature and assertive Yang Xiuqing, Shi Dakai undoubtedly appears somewhat more youthful. He looks like a sharp sword drawn from its sheath, radiating brilliance.

What Wei Ze did not know was that his calm demeanor while standing in the courtyard had drawn the attention of Dong Wang Yang Xiuqing and Nan Wang Feng Yunshan inside the house. After Feng Yunshan and Yang Xiuqing had finished discussing the matter of Wei Ze's grain robbery, they were preparing to go out and call him in. However, when they looked out the window, they saw Wei Ze simply standing there, completely relaxed, seemingly indifferent to the women who occasionally appeared in the courtyard. This left Feng Yunshan quite surprised. When they looked out the window, they saw Wei Ze simply standing there, completely relaxed, seemingly indifferent to the women who occasionally appeared in the courtyard. This left Feng Yunshan quite surprised.

After listening to Wei Ze's introduction about how they circumvented the Qing army by traversing desolate areas, Yang Xiucheng and Shi Dakai appeared somewhat disappointed. The pivot of the Qing army's siege on Yong'an is the northern and southern camps. If a large force could be dispatched along the route taken by Wei Ze to flank the Qing army, it would be possible to launch a fierce attack on the Qing army's encampment from the rear when the northern camp mobilizes, potentially breaking through the northern camp. Once the northern camp is breached, the Qing army's encirclement would completely collapse. However, Wei Ze made it clear that he avoided the sentry posts set up outside the Qing army's main camp and chose to traverse uninhabited areas. Even if a large force were dispatched along the path opened by Wei Ze to attempt a surprise attack on the Qing army's main camp, they would first need to break through the Qing army's outer sentry posts.