Chapter 7: Why Resist

Xiao Chaogui's words brought a fresh perspective to everyone. Indeed, why should we support the officials and soldiers who oppress us?

Tong Qiangsheng let out a long sigh after listening and said: "His Highness the Western King indeed sees further than we do. The Western King has the world in his heart, while we are lacking in comparison."

Xiao Yungui let out a sound of acknowledgment; this person indeed had some courage, speaking confidently and with a certain structure, appearing to be well-educated. He then asked, "I can tell from your speech that you have received an education?"

Compared to the mud-legged members of the Heaven and Earth Society, Lin Fengxiang and his men are much cleaner. The reason is simple: the Taiping Heavenly Kingdom adhered to the teachings of the God Worshipping Society, and Hong Xiuquan had a strong aversion to dirt and filth in hair and clothing. Therefore, since the start of the Jintian Uprising, the Taiping Army established strict hygiene requirements. Their "General Regulations for Marching" and "Camp Rules" explicitly mandated that Taiping soldiers were not allowed to relieve themselves indiscriminately, to pay attention to personal hygiene, and they also summoned various medical officers to accompany the troops to reduce the likelihood of non-combat casualties. Thus, since the Jintian Uprising, the Taiping Army has implemented stringent hygiene standards, as stated in their "General Regulations for Marching" and "Camp Rules," which clearly require Taiping soldiers to refrain from indiscriminate defecation, to maintain personal hygiene, and to have medical officers accompany them to minimize non-combat losses.

At that moment, as everyone began to introduce themselves in a cacophony, Xiao Yungui's face darkened. It was indeed a complete lack of discipline. Remembering Li Kaifang's words, he couldn't help but shout loudly: "One at a time! With such chaos, whose words am I supposed to listen to?!"

Upon hearing this, Xiao Chaogui did not become angry but instead laughed. He burst into hearty laughter, causing Tong Qiangsheng's expression to change. With a hint of anger, he said, "West King, if there is anything untrue in what I have said, you may certainly clarify it, but there is no need to mock me!"

Tang Qiangsheng nodded and said, "When I was young, my family had some modest means, so I attended a private school for a few years"

Xiao Chaogui snorted and pointed at the door, saying: "I have said all I need to say. Once you enter this door, you must follow me in rebellion to the end. Regardless of how the Qing officials offer high positions and rich rewards to persuade us, regardless of the provisions and supplies they send, we must unite our resolve and move forward! We absolutely cannot turn back or have any second thoughts! If anyone is unwilling, they may leave now! Those who remain must obey my orders! Of course, those who follow me will not suffer any losses; they will certainly be well-fed and well-cared for!"

Tong Qiangsheng was momentarily taken aback, then slowly stood up and said: "Why does His Highness the Western King ask such a question? If the Western King opposes the Qing, then we too shall oppose the Qing! We all come from humble beginnings, and the Manchus have forced us to the brink of survival, naturally we must resist them! Your Highness, you must have heard this poem: 'Eight hundred Miao soldiers scattered, divided into thirty-six groups; each group acts with the ferocity of a fox, every village rides horses and eats meat. Riding horses and eating meat, the money for hoes is scarce; after seven hoeing, alas, it is pitiful. The lush green forests have turned into blackened land, and the thick smoke and miasma obscure the blue sky.'"

At that moment, Xiao Yungui stopped laughing, his expression darkened, and he shouted sternly: "So you are only rebelling because you cannot survive? Then let me ask you, if one day the Qing officials offer you wealth and high positions to surrender, would you still rebel? If the Qing officials provide you with rice and supplies, would you still rebel? If your family were somewhat well-off and had some surplus grain, would you still rebel? Hmm?"

After Lin Fengxiang saw that everyone had arrived, he shouted loudly: "Heroes, this is our true Heavenly Mandate, the Savior of the Taiping Heavenly Kingdom, the Prince Christ, the Holy Command of the Divine Emperor, the Right Assistant of the Rain and Thunder, the Chief Military Strategist, His Highness the Western King. Come and pay your respects!" This tongue-twisting title even left Xiao Yungui feeling a bit dizzy. It is truly rare for Lin Fengxiang to remember it so well; one wonders what the purpose of such a long title could be.

His sudden shout startled even himself; his voice was indeed very loud, akin to a thunderclap ringing in one's ears, perfectly matching the image of the valiant Xiao Chaogui. However, this fierce shout frightened those people, causing them to shrink back, exchanging glances with one another, and no one dared to speak again. Xiao Yungui sighed, realizing that one cannot have overly high expectations of the courage of these country bumpkins.

Xiao Yungui suppressed his laughter, but he felt quite unaccustomed to a large group of people kneeling before him. He contemplated getting up to help them, but Li Kaifang beside him gently tugged at the corner of his garment. When Xiao Yungui turned to look, he saw Li Kaifang slowly shaking his head, signaling that he should not assist. Xiao Yungui was taken aback for a moment, but he ultimately restrained his steps.

Xiao Yungui lightly hummed in response, secretly thinking that Li Kaifang was indeed much more meticulous than Lin Fengxiang. Wasn't it just about putting on a show of authority to gain people's trust? I can play an even more extreme game! After everyone had bowed and paid their respects, he finally spoke: "Heroes, please rise."

After Xiao Yungui spoke with righteous indignation, everyone fell silent. Xiao Yungui's face did not flush at all; in fact, he had never truly considered the idea of expelling the Tartars, nor did he hold any disdain for the Han attire. Although the nation had been established for several decades, how many people actually wore Han clothing? He originally could not have come up with such words, but these were phrases that the Eastern King Yang Xiuqing and Xiao Chaogui had said before, as well as many brothers and sisters of the Taiping Heavenly Kingdom. In any case, he was just trying to deceive these people now, and Xiao Yungui used these words without any embarrassment. He originally could not have come up with such words, but these were phrases that the Eastern King Yang Xiuqing and Xiao Chaogui had said before, as well as many brothers and sisters of the Taiping Heavenly Kingdom. In any case, he was just trying to deceive these people now, and Xiao Yungui used these words without any embarrassment.

Among the next dozen or so individuals, there were no more capable ones. Although Xiao Yungui felt disappointed, he did not lose heart too much. He did not intend to send these people to the front lines to fight; rather, they could serve to fill the ranks, bolster morale, and assist in rallying support. However, it was essential to ensure that they were completely convinced of his leadership first.

As for whether the reasons for rebellion can be realized, that is another matter. By that time, it is possible that Xiao Yungui has already figured out how to travel back, returning to the modern era to continue living a carefree life

The next person seemed somewhat hesitant, taking a long time to clarify his own matters. Xiao Yungui secretly shook his head, but still referred to him as a brother and invited him to sit down, as this person had at least over fifty subordinates. That individual then moved over to sit next to Tong Qiangsheng, also imitating him by sitting cross-legged on the ground

Xiao Yungui responded with a sound of acknowledgment and then asked, "Why do you want to oppose the Qing dynasty?"

At this moment, Xiao Yungui assumed a serious demeanor, his eyes wide as he scanned the room full of people, and he loudly questioned: "Why do you brave men wish to join me in Taiping?"

This young man, only about twenty-seven or twenty-eight years old, indeed possesses some courage and has received an education. Although the members of the Heaven and Earth Society have their own factions, it is evident from the earlier conversation that everyone looks up to him as their leader. It is precisely because he is literate and has broader knowledge that he stands out like a crane among a flock of chickens among a group of illiterate peasants. Xiao Yungui secretly thought to first persuade this young man to buy his life, and the others would naturally follow.

In the gatehouse of the training ground in Chaling City, a dozen men entered in single file. They were dressed in various styles, many of them disheveled and wearing tattered clothes. The gatehouse was already cramped, and as these men came in, a strong, pungent odor followed them, nearly causing Xiao Yungui to faint.

Xiao Yungui felt a surge of joy in his heart; this person was quite adaptable and indeed a valuable talent. However, he maintained a calm demeanor and turned to point at the next individual, saying: "It's your turn!"

Xiao Yungui's stern reprimand caused a change in the expressions of Tong Qiangsheng and others, and many lowered their heads, falling silent. To be honest, if one could survive, who would willingly engage in the treasonous act of rebellion that leads to execution? Who would choose a life of bloodshed when there is a peaceful meal to be had? With this question, even these honest and simple peasant men could not help but lower their heads.

Li Kaifang leaned close to his ear and whispered: "If His Highness Xi Wang wishes to subdue these people, he must first establish authority, making it clear who is superior and who is inferior from the very beginning. One must not show too much goodwill, otherwise it will be impossible to win their allegiance"

Damn it, how long has it been since these people bathed? Although Lin Fengxiang and Li Kaifang also have some odor on them, it is not this overwhelming. Xiao Yungui, the wealthy young man, suppressed the nausea in his heart and realized that these people are all impoverished individuals, struggling daily for their livelihood. How could they have the means to bathe? It is said that in this era, many poor people only bathe three times in their lives: once at birth, once at marriage, and once after death

In the midst of disappointment, one person among the crowd stepped forward and clasped his fists, saying: "I am Tong Qiangsheng, a native of Taiping Prefecture in Anhui. In my early years, my hometown suffered a disaster, and I fled to Hunan. I am grateful to the brothers of the Tiandihui for their regard, as they have supported me in becoming the leader of the hall. This time, upon hearing that the Western King’s troops are coming, I have brought along eighty-three brothers to seek refuge!"

Everyone knelt down, and Xiao Yungui still heard someone whispering: "Brother Li, who is this chicken called the Crown Prince?" Another person whispered: "Don't ask, damn it. Just from such a long title, you know he is a high official of the Heavenly Kingdom"

After everyone stood up, Xiao Yungui held his breath and carefully scrutinized the heroes of the Tiandihui. Lin Fengxiang stepped forward and was about to introduce each person by name, but Xiao Yungui raised a hand to stop him, saying: "How about this, let each hero introduce themselves." He also wanted to take this opportunity for self-introduction to see if there were any individuals among them who could be of use.

Among these more than ten individuals, half are actually older than Xiao Yungui, and some have already turned gray. Upon hearing Lin Fengxiang's stern shout, they were left dumbfounded by the lengthy titles. Everyone felt a chill in their hearts; the person before them was indeed a true high-ranking official and prince. Consequently, they all knelt down in a dark mass.

Tong Qiangsheng, as he spoke, walked to the front of the crowd, growing angrier with each word: "As farmers, we have a saying: one hoe for the officials, two hoes for the clerks, three hoes for the soldiers, four hoes for the petty officials, five and six hoes for the heads of households, and seven hoes for our own land. After a year of hard work, seven or eight tenths of our harvest is taken away by the corrupt officials and gentry. In the past, even in good years, we barely managed to make ends meet. But in recent years, the exploitation by the officials has intensified. Who here has not sold their children? Who has not seen someone starve to death? Who has not been bullied by corrupt officials and gentry? After a year of hard work, seven or eight tenths of our harvest is taken away by the corrupt officials and gentry. In the past, even in good years, we barely managed to make ends meet. But in recent years, the exploitation by the officials has intensified. Who here has not sold their children? Who has not seen someone starve to death? Who has not been bullied by corrupt officials and gentry? Xi Wang, why do you want to rebel against the Qing?"

Xiao Yungui took a step forward, glaring at them and shouted: "Let me tell you why I oppose the Qing dynasty! This bastard court takes away our grain and money every year as taxes, yet supports a group of corrupt officials and soldiers to guard against and oppress us common people! What are they guarding against? They are guarding against our rebellion! As long as we do not rebel, they can continue to oppress us! Why should we support a group of people who oppress us every day? This bastard court takes away our grain and money every year as taxes, yet supports a group of corrupt officials and soldiers to guard against and oppress us common people! What are they guarding against? They are guarding against our rebellion! As long as we do not rebel, they can continue to oppress us! Why should we support a group of people who oppress us every day? Logically, since we support them, they should work for the welfare of the common people and benefit us! But instead, they come to oppress the common people, making it impossible for us powerless and powerless commoners to survive, which is why we kill officials and rebel!"

Xiao Yungui sighed inwardly, recognizing that the rules of the Taiping Heavenly Kingdom were indeed quite good. In this era, falling ill truly makes it difficult to receive treatment. Therefore, maintaining hygiene and reducing the likelihood of illness becomes particularly important. Once a disease spreads, it can easily render an army ineffective in battle. At that moment, he secretly resolved that if these individuals were to join the Taiping Army, the first thing he would do is to have them take a bath

Xiao Yungui nodded slightly, thinking that this person could be of use. At this moment, there was no shortage of strong men, but there was a lack of educated individuals with clear minds. He then nodded and said: "Ah, so it is Brother Tong, please take a seat"

At his question, the people sitting cross-legged on the ground began to whisper among themselves again. Tong Qiangsheng was the first to respond loudly: "Naturally, we are following the Heavenly Kingdom in opposing the Qing!" With someone taking the lead, the others then began to echo him loudly.

He does not expect these grand principles to bring about significant changes in these common folk, nor does he hope for anything that could awaken their national consciousness. However, just like Tong Qiangsheng stands out among the crowd, he must make them aware that he, the Western King, is different from them. His rebellion is driven by a more noble cause; he has the world in his heart and sees further than they do. Therefore, he can rise above them and lead them! As long as there is a distinction between the noble and the lowly, that is sufficient. He, the Western King, is different from them. His rebellion is driven by a more noble cause; he has the world in his heart and sees further than they do. Therefore, he can rise above them and lead them! As long as there is a distinction between the noble and the lowly, that is sufficient.

Xiao Yungui stepped forward and shouted sternly: "The Manchus have occupied our Han territory for nearly 200 years. Those well-fed Manchus and banner people do not work yet have food and clothing, and they are treated as superior to us Han people everywhere. What right do they have?! The Manchus have taken our land and occupied our mountains, and they even force us to shave our heads and change our clothing! What were the garments of our Han people like in the past?! Who among you still remembers?! I rebelled for the sake of peace in the world, to eliminate corrupt officials, to drive out the Tartars, and to restore the clothing and customs of the Han people!"

There were no extra seats in this room. Only the chair that Xiao Yungui was sitting on. He deliberately said this to see how Tong Qiangsheng would respond. Tong Qiangsheng was slightly taken aback, but in the blink of an eye, he seemed to have an idea. He clasped his fists in thanks and confidently turned to the side, sitting cross-legged on the ground, looking at Xiao Yungui with neither humility nor arrogance.