Chapter 8, All spies are dispatched

The two guards took their leave, while Zeng Shuiyuan stood with his hands clasped behind his back at the door, watching the two depart, murmuring to himself: "Oh, King Xi, please do not force my brothers to take action."

Originally, the Taiping Army required all its members to surrender all their possessions to the treasury, as a demonstration of their wholehearted commitment to the embrace of the Heavenly Kingdom. At the same time, they were to cut their queues, change their clothing, and receive baptism to profess their faith. However, after reorganizing these individuals, night had already fallen, and they were to set off early the next day. Xiao Yungui suggested postponing these trivial matters until the fighting had subsided. Nevertheless, Li Kaifang insisted that the military officers explain Hong Xiuquan's work "The Original Way to Awaken the World" to the members of the Heaven and Earth Society according to the established rules.

Li Kaifang said in a low voice: "It is indeed strange that the Western King is actually speaking in the tone of the Eastern King, and just now he let that chef go. Could it be the doing of some petty Western King?"

Li Kaifang said in a low voice: "Don't you find it strange that Xi Wang was able to say such words just now?"

Lin Fengxiang shook his head and said, "What is so strange about it? Doesn't the Eastern King often say this to us as well?"

Lin Fengxiang snorted and said: "You are just like this, always pondering over these matters all day long. I have told you before, focus on your own tasks and meddle less in other people's affairs!"

The three of them stood in front of Xiao Yungui and bowed together. Xiao Yungui waved his hand and pointed to a stone bench beside him, saying, "Let us sit down and talk"

Tong Qiangsheng felt a surge of joy in his heart and hurriedly clasped his fists in gratitude. Twenty taels of silver was already a considerable amount. It is important to note that for an ordinary family of five, one tael of silver is sufficient for three to four months. Furthermore, during this period, the annual salary of a sixth-rank official was only a few dozen taels of silver.

Following Xiao Yungui's direct orders, Tong Qiangsheng was tasked with leading a brigade, while his trusted subordinates Li Zuoche and Tang Erniu took charge of the other two brigades. Due to the division of over 1,300 personnel, each brigade was insufficiently staffed. Xiao Yungui then commanded Li Zuoche and Tang Erniu to draw 200 men from their own elite troops to supplement the brigades, under the pretext of allowing seasoned veterans to train and drill within the army, helping the members of the Tiandihui quickly familiarize themselves with the regulations of the Taiping Army. In reality, this was a means to insert his own personnel into the ranks, ensuring future control over this force. Xiao Yungui again ordered Li Zuoche and Tang Erniu to draw 200 men from their elite troops to supplement the brigades, under the pretext of allowing seasoned veterans to train and drill within the army, helping the members of the Tiandihui quickly familiarize themselves with the regulations of the Taiping Army. In reality, this was a means to insert his own personnel into the ranks, ensuring future control over this force

Lin Fengxiang frowned upon hearing this and said, "That is indeed the case, but there must be a reason for the actions of the Western King."

At this moment, Xiao Yungui instructed Lin Fengxiang and Li Kaifang to be responsible for the reception of these members of the Tiandihui, organizing the more than 1,300 individuals according to the military system of the Taiping Army, initially forming them into three brigades

Li Kaifang felt a cold sweat trickling down his forehead. For the first time, he found the Western King before him even more terrifying than the Eastern King. Observing his calm demeanor, Li Kaifang gritted his teeth and said: "The Western King’s intention to promote the Eastern King’s words was originally not a major issue, but now it seems somewhat untimely"

Xiao Yungui responded with a sound of agreement, saying: "Your braids have not been removed, which is just right for you to disguise yourselves as nearby refugees to blend in. If you cannot get in, then it is of no consequence, but the realities outside the city must be thoroughly investigated. It is best to allocate personnel to ensure that all routes in and out of Changsha City are clearly understood. Tomorrow, the main army will head straight towards Youxian and Liling. After you have gathered the information, send someone directly to Liling to relay the news."

Xiao Yungui responded with a sound, saying: "I know this, do you think what I said is appropriate?" Li Kaifang, being much more cunning than Lin Fengxiang, left Xiao Yungui somewhat uncertain about whether he was on his side or that of Dong Wang. This is why he posed such a question. If he were on Xiao Yungui's side, he would certainly express his concerns; if he continued to flatter, then there would definitely be a problem

While Zeng Shuiyuan was inspecting the four gates of Chaling City and was speaking with the valiant general Ji Wenyuan, who was stationed at the North Gate, he suddenly saw Lin Fengxiang approaching quickly with several individuals. Upon glancing at the people behind Lin Fengxiang, he realized they were members of the Tiandihui who had come to seek refuge earlier that day. Zeng Shuiyuan could not help but furrow his brows.

Xiao Yungui stroked his chin and said, "I want you to select fifty brothers who are quick on their feet and familiar with the roads around Changsha to set out tonight. They must gather information about the situation inside and outside the city of Changsha before my army arrives. By the way, do you have any members of the Tiandihui in the city of Changsha?"

Li Kaifang nodded heavily and said, "I will definitely obey the orders of the Western King."

At the other end of the training ground, Li Kaifang also frowned as he looked at Xiao Yungui. He nudged Lin Fengxiang beside him with his elbow and whispered, "Brother Lin, don't you think His Highness the West King seems different from before?"

Xiao Yungui saw Li Kaifang and Lin Fengxiang whispering not far away, so he waved his hand to call them over. The two quickly ran over, and following Xiao Yungui, they also called Tong Qiangsheng over.

Xiao Yungui did not care whether they were staying to make a living or genuinely wanting to expel the Tartars; in any case, his objective had been achieved. These people would certainly regard him as their superior, and that was sufficient.

Li Kaifang shook his head and said: "It doesn't matter whether it is feasible or not. In the eyes of others, we are all trusted confidants of Xi Wang. When the big dragon fights above, the small fish and shrimp below will inevitably be trampled to death."

After Lin Fengxiang stepped forward to explain the reason, Zeng Shuiyuan pondered for a moment and said: "Since there is an order from the West King, I will allocate five days' worth of rations to each person, and also provide twenty taels of silver, which should be sufficient."

In the world, there are many men, all of whom are brothers; in the world, there are many women, all of whom are sisters. How can one harbor private interests across borders, and how can one entertain thoughts of devouring one another? ... ... Listening to the official reciting the "Original Path Awakening Instruction," Xiao Yungui furrowed his brow while smoking his pipe. The "Original Path Awakening Instruction" written by Hong Xiuquan is not merely filled with nonsensical words; rather, it promotes the concept of equality among all beings, which bears some resemblance to the Christian principle of encouraging goodness.

After Lin Fengxiang and Tong Qiangsheng left, Xiao Yungui was smoking a dry cigarette, his gaze fixed on the members of the Tiandihui who were still listening to the teachings. He asked, "Kaifang, what do you think of what I just said?"

Li Kaifang said softly: "This time, our decision to attack Changsha is indeed somewhat risky. The Heavenly King has allowed the Western King to take this risk, and although the Eastern King and the Western King are like brothers, there was no intervention. What is inappropriate in this? The Western King must consider this matter carefully. If this news reaches the Eastern King and angers him, then the Western King will find himself even more isolated."

Tong Qiangsheng cupped his fists and said: "I have recently joined and have yet to achieve any merit. If the Western King has any orders, please feel free to dispatch me."

Tong Qiangsheng shook his head and said: "Changsha is the capital of a province, and the government conducts strict crackdowns. We have no brothers there. If the Western King wants me to lead people to investigate the situation in Changsha, I will certainly be able to do it"

Lin Fengxiang glared at him and said in a low voice, "What is different?"

Returning to the Chaling Prefectural Office, Zeng Shuiyuan took out paper, brush, and ink, and hurriedly wrote a letter, which he then placed into an envelope and sealed the letter with wax. He handed it to two of his trusted aides and whispered, "You two will disguise yourselves as fleeing beggars and head to General Zhu Xikun at the south gate. Quickly return to Chenzhou and personally deliver this letter to His Highness, the Eastern King. Do not delay!"

Lin Fengxiang angrily said: "What nonsense are you talking about? How is Xi Wang being stingy? Today, Xi Wang acted very well, and it should be like this in the future; that is our Xi Wang."

Xiao Yungui feigned a snort but remained silent, while Li Kaifang's expression changed slightly, unable to discern what Xiao Yungui was thinking. He clasped his fists and said, "The Eastern King has also spoken to us in this manner before."

Xiao Yungui lightly responded, "Why is it untimely?"

... ...

Xiao Yungui was quite dissatisfied, but he still agreed. He originally did not want these people to be influenced by such strange doctrines, ultimately becoming perverse. However, under Li Kaifang's persuasion, he reluctantly agreed to let the military officer recite it once before allowing the troops to rest. He was still the Western King of the Taiping Heavenly Kingdom, and these doctrines had to be upheld. The matter of letting everyone take a bath was abandoned due to the late hour.

Tong Qiangsheng bowed deeply with clasped fists and said: "The brothers of the Western King and the Heavenly Kingdom have great aspirations, and I am willing to follow and support you." The other leaders of the assembly also clamored in agreement, expressing their willingness to follow.

The military organization of the Taiping Army was established in accordance with the Zhou Li, with five individuals forming a group, led by a group leader; five groups constituted a battalion, overseen by a battalion commander; four battalions made up a company, led by a company commander, at which point the company began to have subordinate officials, with each company comprising one hundred and four individuals; five companies formed a regiment, with a regimental commander, totaling five hundred and twenty-five individuals per regiment; five regiments constituted a division, led by a division commander, with each division accounting for two thousand six hundred and thirty individuals; five divisions formed an army, with the entire army totaling fifteen thousand one hundred and fifty-six individuals.

After the three settled down, Xiao Yungui took a deep puff of his dry tobacco, realizing that smoking it was quite enjoyable. He cleared his throat and said: "Brother Tong, you are locals from Hunan, and there is something I would like you to take some people to handle."

After receiving the funds, Lin Fengxiang sent Tong Qiangsheng and others out of the city, instructing them to hide the money well and to avoid revealing their whereabouts. He emphasized that if they learned any news, they should relay it back as soon as possible. After accepting the order, Tong Qiangsheng thought to himself that since the Western King and General Lin trusted him so much, he must repay this trust with his life. He then set out of the city with his trusted subordinates.

Li Kaifang sighed and said: "If Xi Wang were to focus solely on leading troops in battle, that would be fine. However, if he truly becomes clever, it would likely be quite inappropriate"

Watching this group of local Tiandihui members from Hunan disappear into the dark night outside the city, Zeng Shuiyuan, standing beside Lin Fengxiang, frowned and said: "Does Xi Wang trust these people so much that he is not afraid they will take the money and never return?"

Indeed, the leaders of the Heaven and Earth Society had little reaction to Xiao Yungui's impassioned speech; however, they did take to heart the final statement about being able to eat and drink well, and thus they all erupted in applause, as ultimately it was merely about filling their stomachs and surviving

Li Kaifang was taken aback for a moment, then said solemnly: "Every word spoken by Xi Wang is reasonable, and I have immense admiration for him"

Zeng Shuiyuan smiled slightly and said: "No need to say more, we have to set off early tomorrow, so let's rest soon. I have delayed here for a day, and we need to cover more distance tomorrow. We must pass through Youxian and Liling before reaching Changsha. " After saying this, he turned around and left with several of his guards.

Xiao Yungui let out a sigh of relief and patted Li Kaifang on the shoulder, saying: "You and I are old brothers, so it is fine for us to speak like this; just consider it a conversation. Since you can share your true feelings with me, I will not hold anything back. This time attacking Changsha was indeed a matter of life and death. We will not discuss the conspiracies behind it for now, but at this moment, we are in the same boat. I need you, my old brothers who follow me, to absolutely trust me; only then can we survive in this situation of four battles."

Tong Qiangsheng cupped his fists in salute and accepted the order. Xiao Yungui instructed Lin Fengxiang to take Tong Qiangsheng to Zeng Shuiyuan to collect some money and provisions, and they set off immediately