Chapter 4 Review

Liu Chang continued to introduce his background: "Although I have come from Tianjing, I am merely a闲人 in the Tianwang Mansion, unrelated to His Highness the East King."

Liu Changqing understood that the Green Camp soldiers' alignment with the Red Turban Army was undoubtedly due to the circumstances, rather than their original intention. The Green Camp soldiers had already become ineffective during the Qianlong era, and after the First Opium War, they were even more easily defeated. The tide of the Taiping Rebellion led to their total collapse. However, the Qing court continued to attempt to patch up the already collapsed Green Camp system for several decades afterward, even consuming nearly half of the military resources of the late Qing dynasty in the process

He is well aware of the true weight of these individuals. Although Qu Zhenhan styles himself as the leader of the Zhejiang Eastern Rainbow Army and holds the title of Grand Marshal of the Land and Naval Forces, before the uprising, he was merely an ordinary local tyrant in Dongxiang. Everyone knows he is just a fermented bean curd shop owner who donated to become a student of the examination system, and he had to make arrangements several days in advance to send someone to the county town for a clerk or similar position. His ability to gather three battalions of the Red Turban Army this time is largely due to the support of the Qu clan.

However, Liu Chang now replied without any reservations: "Indeed, the Heavenly King and the Eastern King have agreed that as soon as the Rainbow Army rises, the Heavenly Soldiers can be mobilized in large numbers to enter Zhejiang."

Liu Chang continued, "When my righteous army enters the city, we shall certainly act with benevolence and righteousness. However, Mr. Jin should understand why Emperor Gaozu of Han abandoned Luoyang and established the capital in Guanzhong"

At this time, the political structure of the Taiping Heavenly Kingdom was a peculiar anomaly. Although Hong Xiuquan, the Heavenly King, was theoretically the supreme leader, in practice he was completely sidelined. Yang Xiuqing, the Eastern King, almost monopolized all military and political power, completely overshadowing Hong Xiuquan. He even took advantage of the pretext of the Heavenly Brother descending to publicly chastise Hong Xiuquan, and it was only through the pleas of others that Hong Xiuquan was spared from this punishment.

The reason is simple: it lies in the loyalty of the Green Camp soldiers. The Green Camp soldiers are part of a hereditary military system, composed of indigenous people across generations, exhibiting a high degree of obedience. Throughout the Qing dynasty, they served as loyal enforcers of the Qing court in suppressing popular uprisings.

His mother-in-law, Jin Peiquan, indeed gave a push: "This gentleman is correct; those who achieve great things cannot be constrained by means, and General Qu must not make this grave mistake"

Jin Peiquan responded affirmatively, and Liu Chang's voice became loud: "General Qu, in this era of Han Gao, with winds rising and clouds surging, during times of chaos, strict measures must be employed. One cannot be soft-hearted, for it would not only harm oneself but also the clan!"

Liu Chang slightly shook her head and gestured with her hand: "Mr. Jin, your words are incorrect!"

However, now that Liu Chang has spoken, Qu Zhenhan immediately clasped his hands and said: "What is inappropriate? These are all excellent strategies established by Mr. Jin Peiquan"

In this context, Jin Peiquan naturally followed the path of the Eastern King Yang Xiucheng. The Heavenly Kingdom's uprising received responses from all directions, and there were countless small figures like him bustling about within and outside the Eastern King's residence. Yang Xiucheng did not place much hope in him either, as he was unwilling to provide any further support beyond a formal letter.

Qu Zhenhan was born in humble circumstances, yet he was somewhat literate. Liu Chang mentioned "the era of Han Gao" and "in times of chaos"; not only could he understand these phrases, but he also felt they resonated deeply with him. As for the phrase "misguided the clan," it made him feel as if this long-haired envoy from Tianjing was a confidant. He hesitated for a moment and said, "However, once I have spoken, I cannot go back on my word."

Qu Zhenhan had always been filled with curiosity about this mysterious Tianjing envoy, but after entering the city, Liu Chang, like Lin Meimei entering the Grand View Garden, refused to say another word.

Originally, after capturing Nanjing, m.hetushu.com could have utilized the wisdom established by Zhu Yuanzhang to gradually conquer the Southeast and then lead troops to the north for a campaign. However, the Heavenly Kingdom not only failed to pacify southern Jiangsu, but for a long time, it can be said that it did not infringe upon Zhejiang, the most prosperous province in the Southeast at all.

"Compassion does not govern the military; those who achieve great things cannot be constrained by means." Liu Chang also advised, "Commander Qu, you must not deceive yourself."

Jin Peiquan felt that his originally perfect plan suddenly had countless flaws, and he stammered, "Marshal Qu and we all rose from humble beginnings, unlike the Zhou dynasty which accumulated virtue and good deeds, but is more akin to the time of Han Gao.

Jin Peiquan has already spoken: "As the saying goes, kindness does not command troops"

Just halfway through, Jin Peiquan suddenly felt drenched in sweat and could not continue. Liu Chang asked him, "Although General Qu has raised an army, is today's situation one of the prosperous era of Chengkang, with over ten generations of accumulated virtue? Or is it akin to the time of Emperor Gao of Han, when the world collectively pursued its prey?"

Jin Peiquan had a solid foundation in classical studies. He immediately recited the words of Lou Jing, advising Emperor Gao of Han: "Your Majesty's approach to seizing the world differs from that of the Zhou. The Zhou began with the posthumous title of the Duke of Tai, accumulating virtue and good deeds over more than ten generations, until the time of King Tai, King Ji, King Wen, and King Wu, when the feudal lords submitted, leading to the overthrow of the Yin dynasty and the establishment of the Son of Heaven. When King Cheng ascended the throne, the Duke of Zhou served as his regent, and thus he established the capital at Luoyi... Now, Your Majesty has risen from Feng and Pei, rolled up the territories of Shu and Han, pacified the Three Qins, and engaged in battle with Xiang Yu between Xingyang and Chenggao, fighting seventy major battles and forty minor ones; causing the people of the world to suffer greatly, with fathers and sons lying dead in the fields, the number beyond counting, the sounds of weeping unceasing, and the injured yet to rise; yet you wish to compare your achievements to those of Kings Cheng and Kang. I humbly believe this is not comparable..."

Liu Chang was not very familiar with the official system of the Celestial Empire, so he made a joke and prepared to pass it off: "My official position is quite low, I am merely a minor inspector."

Brother Liu is indeed young and accomplished! Qu Zhenhan praised.

Speaking of which, the strategic layout of the Taiping Heavenly Kingdom after establishing its capital in Nanjing can be described as whimsical. Initially, they sent a lone army for a northern expedition, followed by a hasty western campaign that ended abruptly, completely lacking strategic foresight. As a result, they were unable to defend Zhenjiang, and even the nearby Purple Mountain outside Nanjing was in the hands of the Qing army, with the Jiangnan garrison stationed more than ten miles outside the capital Tianjing.

Once there is a change, these Green Camp soldiers will undoubtedly become the most formidable enemies of the Red Turban Army. Historically, it was these retained Green Camp officers and soldiers who committed heinous acts. When the residents of the county town rose up to attack the Red Turban Army, these Green Camp officers and soldiers responded en masse, joining the ranks of the slaughter, resulting in the deaths of over a thousand Red Turban soldiers in a pool of blood

He has already figured out that this uprising led by Qu Zhenhan involves the people of Dongxiang, among whom there are many members of the Qu clan. Although Qu Zhenhan is a minor local tyrant, he is well-regarded and has provided substantial support to his clan, which is why he can rally so many people to his cause

Qu Zhenhan still hesitated: "But within this, I also have my insiders; they are reliable."

The entire economic lifeline of the Qing Dynasty relied heavily on southern Jiangsu and northern Zhejiang, with northern Zhejiang being particularly significant. However, the Green Standard Army of Zhejiang was notoriously weak and poorly equipped for battle

Jin Peiquan had already entertained many thoughts in his mind; he felt that this time the Red Turban Army's uprising had gained a few more chances of success: "Is it true that the heavenly troops are planning a large-scale entry into Zhejiang?"

This group of small tycoons possesses neither the ability to accumulate virtue nor the capacity to control those long-serving officials and minor functionaries. Everyone knows that in the end, you are merely a small owner of a fermented bean curd shop

Liu Chang nodded and asked again: "Why did the Han Dynasty not use the He-Tu and Luo-Shu to establish the capital in Luoyang?"

As for himself, he was merely a somewhat well-known scholar from the countryside, holding little weight in the county town. Regarding the few leaders who rose with him, they still had some standing in the rural areas of Yueqing, at least holding titles such as monitor or student, but once they entered the city of Yueqing, they amounted to nothing.

During the recent uprising of the Red Turbans, Jin Peiquan played a crucial intermediary role. He risked his life to travel to Nanjing several times and ultimately gained the recognition of the Eastern King Yang Xiuqing, receiving an appointment as the commander of the Hong Army in Eastern Zhejiang.

Until now, Liu Chang had not revealed his identity. He had already prepared a set of words and immediately stepped forward, cupping his hands and saying: "I am Liu Chang"

He has always regarded himself in the same light as Zhang Zifang and Zhuge Liang. This time, when the Red Turban Army entered Lecheng, the military discipline was well maintained, largely due to his contributions. As for retaining the civil and military officials as well as the Green Camp soldiers, it was indeed his initiative: "Our righteous army retains the old personnel, which greatly stabilizes the hearts of the people in the entire city, truly embodying the principles of benevolence and righteousness."

As of now, Qu Zhenhan has finally made up his mind: "Then I shall follow the two gentlemen's wishes! By the way, may I ask this young gentleman's surname and given name? Since he is a messenger from Tianjing, what position does he currently hold in the Eastern King’s residence?"

The Heavenly King has heard of the uprising of the Hong Army in Eastern Zhejiang and has specifically sent me here to participate in this grand event! Liu Chang said with great composure: As for the heavenly troops entering Zhejiang, it is precisely necessary for the Hong Army to provide support!

However, from Hong Xiuquan and Yang Xiuqing onwards, there was a complete lack of intention to capture Zhejiang. They disregarded such a beautiful and rich territory. In 1855, Fan Rujie’s troops entered Zhejiang for only six days; although it shocked the entire province, it was merely a fleeting visit. In 1858, Shi Dakai entered Zhejiang for four months, but he also had no long-term plans. It was not until 1860 that Li Xiucheng, in order to relieve the siege of Tianjing, finally launched a large-scale invasion of Zhejiang, but this was also aimed at breaking the Jiangnan encirclement. Finally, in the following year, 1861, the Taiping Heavenly Kingdom finally resolved to take the entirety of Zhejiang, but it was too late. Although they temporarily captured almost the entire province except for the two capital cities and five county cities, the drastic changes in the situation turned Zhejiang into a pawn in the strategic layout of the Taiping Heavenly Kingdom.

Qu Zhenhan was only somewhat familiar with literature, but he could still discern the sentiments of Jin Peiquan: "Mr. Jin? The strategy you have set seems to have some minor flaws"

His words were like a shot of adrenaline for Qu Zhenhan: "Very good, very good, but is Brother Liu really just a idle person in the royal palace? I don't think so"

Qu Zhenhan was unwilling to let Liu Chang criticize the Red Turban Army as soon as he got off the carriage, feeling displeased. However, since this person claimed to be a messenger from Tianjing City, he could only listen to a few of his idle remarks before leaving.

Although he is not a brilliant strategist, he is quite perceptive. The more he thinks about it now, the more he feels a sense of dread. He never expected that he had buried such a time bomb in his own backyard while feeling quite pleased with himself. If it were not for this seasoned envoy from Tianjing, he would have almost jeopardized a significant matter.

The golden-clad official beside him has already stepped forward: "This is an act of benevolence. The righteous army enters the city, causing no harm, retaining the old officials, which will also help to gain the trust of the people"

Jin Peiquan exclaimed immediately: "Yes, yes, yes! Brother Liu mentioned that he was sent by the Heavenly King to Zhedong. Has Brother Liu often heard the sacred words in front of the Heavenly King's hall? Has he ever brought a large army into Zhe?"

Jin Peiquan exclaimed, "Are you one of the thirty-six checkpoints in front of the hall?"

Although Jin Peiquan was merely at the level of a rural schoolteacher and prone to idle talk, he naturally had read the Records of the Grand Historian and the Comprehensive Mirror in Aid of Governance, as he likened himself to Zhang Zifang, Zhuge Liang, and Liu Bowen. Upon hearing this, he inquired, "Are you referring to Lou Jing's account of Emperor Gaozu? I recall that it was Zhang Zifang who ultimately persuaded Emperor Gaozu to establish his capital in Guanzhong by stating that this place was not a land suitable for military endeavors."