Chapter 10, Save Again

Of course I know him! Fan Zigai's expression was somewhat angry as he coldly said: "Not only do I know him, but I also have a bit of a grudge!"

"Lord Fan, is two days enough time?" Chen Yingliang asked calmly, slowing his tone. "May I ask, Lord Fan, how many years has the Right Military Guard not been on the battlefield? I have heard that the last of the seasoned veterans have been taken by the Son of Heaven to Liaodong. A group of rookies who have never seen battle or shed blood are to face the Yang Xuangan rebel army, which has long been plotting rebellion and is well-prepared. I ask you, Lord Fan, if it were you commanding the troops, what would your chances of victory be?"

"Respected Sir, I, a humble citizen, actually intended to enlist in the army in Liaodong. However, on my way, I heard that the traitor Yang Xuangan was rebelling and plotting treason, leading his insurgents to attack the Eastern Capital. It was only then that I made the decision to come to the Eastern Capital to enlist in the army." Chen Yingliang forced a smile and briefly introduced the circumstances of his journey to the Eastern Capital to enlist, mentioning that he possessed a letter of recommendation from Fang Xuanling, which recommended him to the military supervisor Fang Yanqian.

Pei Hongce had long since knelt down, trembling as he bowed his head and said: "I, the guilty minister Pei Hongce, pay my respects to Your Highness, the King of Yue, to Lord Fan, the guardian, and to General Huangfu. I have lost the army and brought shame to the nation, a crime deserving of a thousand deaths. I implore Your Highness, the King of Yue, and Lord Fan to grant forgiveness, and I beseech General Huangfu for mercy"

What? Fan Zigai's reaction was somewhat intense as he exclaimed, "The son of Fang Yanqian recommended you to Fang Yanqian, asking him to secure a position for you to serve the country?"

May I ask, Lord Fan, how many people under heaven can achieve this upon their first battle? To reorganize an army that has completely lost morale and has thoroughly disbanded into a cohesive unit, continuing to withstand the enemy's onslaught

The situation today has reached the common people. The Prefect of Luoyang, Da Xi, who was stationed on the southern bank of the Luoshui River, feared the enemy like a tiger and, at a critical moment, led the retreat, resulting in the five thousand imperial troops on the southern bank becoming leaderless and collapsing in an instant. This severely affected the morale of Lord Pei's forces, who were engaged in battle on the northern bank, and exposed vulnerabilities on their flanks, making them susceptible to being encircled by the rebels from two sides, facing attacks from both front and rear

"Commoner Chen Yingliang pays his respects to Your Highness, the King of Yue, and to the two esteemed gentlemen." Chen Yingliang imitated the bow of Pei Hongce and said in a clear voice: "The commoner is unaware of the titles of the two esteemed gentlemen, and I hope for your gracious understanding regarding any unintentional disrespect."

"Fan Liushou, I have done my utmost!" Pei Hongce exclaimed, drenched in sweat, "I have fought five battles against the rebels, five battles! It was Daxi Shanyi who led the retreat, and it was my soldiers who were unworthy, each one fleeing faster than the last, which is why I suffered consecutive defeats!"

Thank you for your kindness, but I, a humble subject, wish to continue following Lord Pei. Chen Yingliang replied loudly, "Since Lord Fan has given Lord Pei the opportunity to achieve merit and atone for his sins, I wish to accompany Lord Pei in achieving merit and atoning for my sins, in order to express my gratitude for the offense of today’s outburst in the court"

Chen Yingliang was overjoyed and quickly bowed to Fan Zigai to express his gratitude. The frail middle-aged man smiled and said, "Fan Liushou, this young man has quite a bit of courage, I like him. Since he has come to enlist, let him not be taken by others. Arrange for him to join my Right Martial Guard."

At this point, Chen Yingliang stood up and loudly asked Fan Zigai while cupping his hands: "I would like to ask Lord Fan one last question. In the future battlefields of rebellion suppression, do you hope that all the soldiers of the Great Sui will be like Lord Pei, who, despite repeated defeats, continues to fight and would rather die than yield? Or do you hope that all the soldiers of the Great Sui will be like Da Xi Shanyi, who flee before the battle even begins, or even conspire with the rebels?"

What? Everyone was taken aback, and Pei Hongce was so shocked that he even forgot to cry out. He never expected that the distant nephew he had just acknowledged, a nephew who had taken countless twists and turns to reach this point, would dare to say such things in this environment and under such circumstances

The mouth of the frail middle-aged man gaped in a circular shape, and Pei Hongce's eyes were nearly popping out of their sockets. King Yang Tong of Yue and the other guards in the hall did not fare much better in their expressions, for since Emperor Yang of Sui had left Fan Zigai to guard the Eastern Capital, no one had dared to speak to Fan Zigai in such a manner! It was practically tantamount to pointing at Fan Zigai's nose and hurling insults at him!

And wait! Just as Pei Hongce was about to be carried out of the grand hall, a thunderous voice suddenly rang out. Everyone was astonished and turned to look in the direction of the sound, only to find that the one who had spoken to stop them was none other than the seventeen-year-old boy, Chen Yingliang, who had just received a promise of a position from Fan Zigai and was dressed in plain clothes

"Master Fan, do you know Master Fang?" Chen Yingliang sensed something amiss in Fan Zigai's words and began to feel anxious.

The frail middle-aged man laughed, coughing as he did so, appearing quite happy. Chen Yingliang quietly breathed a sigh of relief, having also discerned Fan Zigai's weakness—his fondness for reputation! Especially his fondness for a good reputation!

"Then do as you please," the frail middle-aged man chuckled and said, "Don't regret it, my position is higher than his."

Under the watchful eyes of the crowd, Fan Zigai remained silent, his snow-white eyebrows unmoving. After a long while, when Pei Hongce, being carried by the guards, was already sweating profusely from anxiety, Fan Zigai finally gave a slight nod and weakly said: "Let him go"

"Do not thank me, thank the lad beside you," Fan Zigai coldly snorted. "If it weren't for him, you would be doomed today! But remember, there will be no next time"

The commoner dares to ask Lord Fan another question. Chen Yingliang, undaunted, inquired: "May I ask, Lord Fan, how many days did the 13,000 troops prepare before their expedition? How much food and military supplies were arranged? Additionally, which seasoned veterans and experienced generals were appointed to assist Lord Pei, who has never been on the battlefield, in confronting the rebel Yang Xuangan?"

In recent years, the court officials have been evaluated, and a man with the surname Fang has consistently occupied the top position, while I have always ranked second. Do you think I have no grudge against him?" Fan Zigai replied fiercely, "He has taken advantage of his family's wealth, while I have suffered because I own some land and properties. Therefore, those evaluators always rank him first and me second! Otherwise, in terms of integrity and honesty, am I inferior to him?"

"No!" The palace guard responded, coming forward to carry Pei Hongce out. Pei Hongce, terrified and desperate, struggled with all his might, breaking down in tears and crying out frantically: "Spare me, Governor Fan! Spare me, Your Highness the King of Yue! Spare me, General Huangfu! I am guilty, but my crime does not warrant death! I beg you to show mercy and spare my life!"

"Respected Lord Fan, I, a humble citizen, have two purposes in joining the army. First, I wish to serve the country and be loyal to His Majesty the Emperor. Second, my family has fallen into decline, and I can no longer sustain my livelihood; I seek to enlist in the army for sustenance and to secure a future." Chen Yingliang continued to respond truthfully, introducing his background and explaining that he is the only grandson of Chen Wandi, the former Duke of Xuchang from the Zhou Dynasty. His family has fallen into such decline that he is now the last remaining member. He was born in Daxing and also came from Daxing to the Eastern Capital to enlist in the army.

"This... this was prepared in less than two days," Fan Zigai replied somewhat hesitantly, and quickly added, "However, as for the military weapons, ever since I received the urgent report from Lord Tang, the Inspector of Huaizhou, I immediately ensured their distribution. The provisions are more than sufficient; as long as he is capable, I can guarantee that he will not lack supplies for a year!"

Chen Yingliang nodded in acknowledgment and proactively produced the letter of recommendation from Fang Xuanling. Guards had already come forward to pass the letter to Fan Zigai. Upon receiving the unsealed letter, Fan Zigai opened it and, after reading it carefully, unexpectedly burst into loud laughter along with the others. "Fang Xiaozhong, oh Fang Xiaozhong, I never expected you would come to this day. The person your precious son recommended to you has actually come to serve under me! Today, I can be considered to have avenged a long-standing grievance!"

Pei Hongce bowed several times to Fan Zigai before turning to look at Chen Yingliang. Although he did not verbally express his gratitude, the tears of appreciation in his eyes conveyed everything without words

What does this mean? Fan Zi was somewhat confused

Péi Hóngcè, a prominent minister of the Eastern Capital, and Fán Zǐgài could execute someone on a whim. Yáng Tǒng, the grandson of Emperor Sui Yáng, and the frail middle-aged man, likely the leader of the Right Wuwei, Huángfǔ Wúyì, wouldn't even dare to utter a word. Yet, Chén Yìngliáng still had the audacity to speak to Fán Zǐgài in such a manner—Captain Chén was certainly not mad

Pei Hongce and Chen Yingliang agreed together, performed their bows, and took their leave. However, just as Chen Yingliang was stepping out of the palace door, Fan Zigai suddenly spoke again: "Young Chen, your verbal skills are quite good. You have changed 'frequent defeats' into 'frequent battles,' and the meaning is completely different. Do not think of me as an old fool; I still understand this level of verbal skill."

Then you may follow Pei Hongce to redeem your sins through merit. Fan Zigai waved his hand and said: You may go down to rest; tomorrow we will hold a court meeting to discuss military affairs, do not be late.

Chen Yingliang is truly not to be feared; the substantial credit for rescuing Pei Hongce stands here. The complete annihilation of Pei Hongce's forces has nothing to do with Chen Yingliang. Regardless of his humble origins or grassroots status, what reason does Chen Yingliang have to be afraid?

In the blink of an eye, having weighed the pros and cons, Chen Yingliang steeled himself and said loudly, "Lord Fan, I, a humble commoner, dare to ask you a question: Do you know how many troops the rebel Yang Xuangan currently has? How many cavalry are there among the troops? How many infantry? How many elite soldiers? How many auxiliary troops? How much logistical support and provisions?"

Lord Fan, you are mistaken!" Chen Yingliang also raised his voice and said loudly: "Lord Pei did not suffer five defeats in five battles, but rather five battles with five defeats! Not only is there no fault, but there are also great merits!

Pei Hongce continued to cry out for mercy, struggling to get up. Unfortunately, Fan Zigai's authority in the Eastern Capital was too high, and the guards in the palace did not dare to disobey his orders. They simply lifted Pei Hongce up and forcibly carried him out. Pei Hongce cried out even louder, but no one paid him any attention.

"We will discuss this matter later," Fan Zigai said, waving his hand. He then turned to Pei Hongce, fixing him with a stern gaze. It was not until Pei Hongce trembled and broke into a sweat under his piercing stare that Fan Zigai coldly remarked, "I never expected you would have the audacity to return."

"Do not be so polite; arrange a villa for me to stay in, provide a BMW for my transportation, and serve me twenty or so dishes at every meal. In the evening, arrange for two beautiful maidservants to attend to me while I sleep. That would be just about acceptable. After all, you are a high-ranking corrupt official and have plenty of money." This is the inner thought of Captain Chen.

"You, a mere commoner, roar in the court; you should have died long ago." Fan Zigai sneered coldly and waved his hand, saying, "However, considering that you have made some valid points, I will give you an opportunity to earn merit and atone for your sins. Follow Pei Hongce and work diligently; I hope your true abilities will surpass your skills in rhetoric."

As expected, after Fan Zigai pretended to be fierce, he quickly revealed a smile and said to Chen Yingliang: "Indeed, Fang Xiaozhong's son has some discernment. Just based on your courage to venture alone to Liaodong to enlist and your bravery in rescuing Pei Hongce from the pursuing rebels, you deserve the commendation in the recommendation letter he wrote for you! Since you are willing to come to the Eastern Capital to enlist, very well, this recommendation letter from Fang Xiaozhong's son is equally valid in front of me. Please leave it here: https://mhetushu.com.com, and I will arrange a position for you shortly."

The one who reacted most intensely was, of course, Fan Zigai himself. Upon hearing Chen Yingliang's nonsense, the snow-white hair on Fan Zigai's head seemed to stand on end, and his white beard trembled continuously. He pointed at Chen Yingliang and roared, "You audacious rodent! How dare you insult me like this! How have I ever turned merit into fault? And how have I ever been unclear in rewards and punishments? If you utter even a single word of the zodiac today, do not blame me for punishing you for the grave offense of humiliating a court official!"

"Lord Fan, please hold on, the commoner has something to say!" Chen Yingliang stepped forward two paces, knelt down on both knees before Fan Zigai, and said loudly: "Lord Fan, the commoner believes that Lord Pei has not only committed no wrongdoing, but has also rendered service to the court. At the very least, his merits and faults balance each other out, and his crime does not warrant death! I implore you, Lord Fan, to spare his life!"

Captain Chen's calculations are quite astute. From the fact that Pei Hongce dares not bribe Fan Zigai, and from Fan Zigai's intention to compete with Fang Xuanling's father for the title of the most incorruptible official in the world, Captain Chen has already discerned that Fan Zigai is a principled and upright old-fashioned man. Such a person, though quick-tempered and unyielding, if he can find Chen Yingliang's arguments reasonable and believe that Pei Hongce does not deserve the death penalty, then Chen Yingliang will certainly be able to save Pei Hongce. Even if he cannot save him, the likelihood of Chen Yingliang losing his own head is also quite low.

Chen Yingliang, are you out of your mind? The frail middle-aged man was so shocked that he even forgot to cough, exclaiming: "Don't forget who you are, and where this place is. Do you have a say in this?"

"A learned and talented person must have heard the saying, 'A defeat in battle is like a mountain collapsing,'" Chen Yingliang said loudly. "Since ancient times, the most terrifying thing on the battlefield has not been the enemy, but rather our own defeated soldiers! For when the front line falters, it not only shakes the morale of the troops, but the disbanded army will also disrupt the orderly rear guard, like a flood breaching a dam, becoming uncontrollable and turning into the enemy's vanguard! Throughout history, soldiers who have been trampled to death by their own defeated comrades are certainly not fewer than those killed by the enemy!"

In such circumstances, it was practically impossible for Lord Pei's 8,000 troops to achieve victory. However, Lord Pei, undeterred by the defeat of the front lines, resolutely led his army to confront the enemy. Despite the defeats, he remained persistent, once again organizing the already defeated troops to face the enemy, fighting repeatedly despite setbacks! Fighting repeatedly despite setbacks! Five defeats and five battles! Five defeats and five battles!

Fan Zigai's expression finally softened, but then it immediately contorted into a grimace as he angrily declared: "Even so, he has lost five battles in five attempts, completely wasting the thirteen thousand troops that the court painstakingly assembled and equipped. That is a capital offense!"

Respectfully, Master Fan, I, a humble citizen, once went to a city gate in the Eastern Capital to request to enlist in the army. However, as I had just arrived in the Eastern Capital, I did not know the name of that city gate.

The commoner may not have read extensively, yet he understands the principle of knowing oneself and knowing the enemy, which leads to victory in a hundred battles. Chen Yingliang said loudly, "To be unaware yet know oneself results in a fifty-fifty chance of victory and defeat! In the case of Lord Pei's defeat while being completely ignorant of the enemy's situation, may I ask if the blame for this oversight regarding the enemy's military intelligence can be entirely placed upon him?"

Fan Zigai was left speechless, while the frail middle-aged man nodded and said with a cough: "What you say has some merit. As for the charge of not knowing the enemy situation, it cannot be entirely attributed to Lord Pei, at the very least, not all of it can be placed on him"

Chen Yingliang agreed, and after bowing, he left the palace with Pei Hongce. Once they descended from the main hall, Pei Hongce grabbed Chen Yingliang's wrist and, lowering his voice in excitement, said: "Noble nephew, I won't say anything else. From today onward, you are my own nephew. As long as you ask me for help with your studies, I will ensure that I have enough food to share with you, so you will not go hungry"

This is not over yet! Chen Yingliang continued his impassioned speech: "After five defeats and five battles, with the entire army already annihilated, Lord Pei still did not escape alone like Da Xi Shan Yi, prioritizing his own safety over the affairs of the state. He rushed back to the Eastern Capital under the pursuit of the bandits to report military intelligence to you, Lord, and to bow in apology! Meanwhile, Da Xi Shan Yi has been missing ever since, and it is ninety-nine percent likely that he has surrendered to the bandits, becoming an accomplice of the rebel Yang Xuangan! In comparison, who is superior and who is inferior?"

Following the palace guards escorting Pei Hongce, Chen Yingliang was led into a grand and magnificent palace through the Chongguang Gate. Along the way, although Chen Yingliang was dressed in plain clothes, his demeanor and conduct were completely unflustered, as calm and composed as if he were walking through the marketplace. This demeanor secretly impressed the palace guards monitoring him.

The common people only seek to serve the country and do not dare to covet the heights of official positions. Chen Yingliang spoke these words beautifully, but inwardly he scoffed: "Do you think I am a fool? I have saved Pei Hongce twice, and he is a notorious corrupt official. Following him not only allows me to gain a reputation for loyalty, but also to enjoy fine food, drink, and beautiful women. What can you guarantee me in following you?"

Chen Yingliang was taken aback, and the frail middle-aged man sitting opposite Fan Zigai was also stunned, quickly asking: "Fan Liushou, when did you have a feud with Fang Xiaozhong? I have never heard of this before"

The guards stepped aside as instructed, and Chen Yingliang calmly walked into the grand hall. Upon looking up, he noticed that aside from the guards on either side, there were only three people in the spacious hall. A boy of about eight or nine years old sat prominently in the center, undoubtedly the grandson of Emperor Yang of Sui, Prince Yang Dong. To Yang Dong's left stood a tall, white-haired elder, with a long beard reaching his chest and an imposing demeanor. To his right sat a frail middle-aged man, who appeared unwell, having coughed several times upon entering the hall, clearly indicating his poor health.

Your Highness, please spare my life! Lord Fan, please spare my life! Spare my life!" Pei Hongce desperately kowtowed, his voice choked with tears as he cried out: "I have done my utmost, I have done my utmost. The bandits are too fierce, the bandits are too fierce. I truly cannot withstand them!"

After a pause, Chen Yingliang sincerely said: "Indeed, if it were a military genius like Han Xin, the Marquis of Huaiyin, these issues would not be problems. Leading an army that is inadequately prepared and lacking in practical experience, he could still achieve victory in every battle. However, Lord Fan, can you really execute Lord Pei just because he does not possess the talents of Han Xin?"

What the gentleman said is indeed correct; the commoner is of lowly status and should not interfere in state affairs. However, Chen Yingliang, having made up his mind, spoke loudly with a serious expression: "But the rise and fall of the world is the responsibility of every man! Currently, the rebel Yang Xuangan has raised an army to plot treason, and his forces are already at the gates of the Eastern Capital. The Eastern Capital of the Sui Dynasty is in a critical moment of survival. As a leader of the Eastern Capital, Lord Fan has misjudged merit as fault, has unclear rewards and punishments, and has unjustly executed loyal ministers, greatly losing the people's trust! As a commoner and a subject of the Sui Dynasty, I am in this land; if I do not speak out to advise, then I would be failing the Emperor above and betraying my fellow citizens below!" The rebel Yang Xuangan has raised an army to plot treason, and his forces are already at the gates of the Eastern Capital. The Eastern Capital of the Sui Dynasty is in a critical moment of survival. As a leader of the Eastern Capital, Lord Fan has misjudged merit as fault, has unclear rewards and punishments, and has unjustly executed loyal ministers, greatly losing the people's trust! As a commoner and a subject of the Sui Dynasty, I am in this land; if I do not speak out to advise, then I would be failing the Emperor above and betraying my fellow citizens below!

The nine-year-old King of Yue, Yang Tong, remained silent, while the sickly middle-aged man coughed without speaking, ignoring Pei Hongce's cries for mercy. However, Fan Zigai shouted again: "Isn't the crime deserving of death? How can you still have the face to say such a thing! A few soldiers have also escaped from the East Gate, all saying that the army you commanded collapsed at the first contact, unable to withstand even a single charge from the rebels! Such incompetence and uselessness, such a loss of troops and disgrace to the nation, if you should not die, then who should? Push him out and execute him!"

In this way, Chen Yingliang's gains were substantial. He saved Pei Hongce for the second time, and it would be strange if Pei Hongce did not feel deeply grateful to Chen Yingliang. The Pei family from Wenxi, which has already produced twenty-two chancellors and thirty-six generals, would naturally make it much easier for Chen Yingliang to seek their support and align himself with them. Even if he could not save him, it would not matter; as long as his words could slightly move the rigid and upright Fan Zigai, the likelihood of Chen Yingliang being killed would be minimal. Moreover, he would earn the reputation of being bold and straightforward in his counsel.

In the great hall, there was an eerie silence. The stern and stubborn expression on Fan Zigai's face vanished without a trace, leaving only contemplation. The frail middle-aged man nodded thoughtfully and then addressed Fan Zigai, saying: "Lord Fan, let Lord Pei have an opportunity to redeem himself through merit. In today's battle, the greatest culprit is Daxi Shanyi, and we are also implicated. Although Lord Pei suffered defeat, his performance on the battlefield can still be regarded as commendable."

But I did not kill him for this crime!" Fan Zigai raised his voice again, angrily stating: "I am killing him because of his poor command, which led to the complete annihilation of 13,000 imperial troops. This is why I must execute him to uphold military law!

I have heard of Chen Wandi's name; it seems you can be considered a descendant of a military family. Fan Zigai nodded and curiously asked, "But that doesn't make sense. If you want to enlist and earn a living, why not join the army nearby in Daxing? Why come all the way to the Eastern Capital to enlist?"

"The commoners deserve to die." Chen Yingliang quickly turned around again to bow and apologize

The guard released Pei Hongce as ordered. After narrowly escaping death, Pei Hongce first let out a long sigh of relief, then hurriedly bowed repeatedly to Fan Zigai, saying, "Thank you, Guard Fan, for your mercy in not killing me. Thank you, Sir Guard, for your mercy in not killing me."

"Are you Master Chen Yingliang?" The white-haired old man spoke, "I am Fan Zigai, the garrison commander of the Eastern Capital. I ask you, besides rescuing Pei Hongce today, have you also gone to the Anxi Gate to request to enlist and serve in the military?"

"Young Master Chen, please rise." Nine-year-old Yang Tong spoke, quite adeptly using an adult's tone: "Young Master, you have rendered great service by rescuing the court officials; you may stand and respond."

"Your Highness, King Xie Yue." Chen Yingliang performed another bow before standing up

"Chen Yingliang, from your earlier discourse, it seems you possess considerable knowledge of military affairs," the frail middle-aged man said to Chen Yingliang with a smile. "What do you think? Would you be willing to serve under my command? I am currently in need of someone like you in my ranks"

Zhang Zige was left speechless for a moment before finally responding: "I have only discovered that Yang Xuangan, the rebel, has a considerable number of followers, but I do not know the exact strength of his troops or the amount of provisions he possesses"

"It really is you," Fan Zigai said with a slight smile on his dignified face. "If you had left half a stick of incense later, I would have been able to see you sooner. I would then ask you, as a mere seventeen-year-old youth, why you would think of joining the military to serve?"

"You cannot withstand this; I will have someone else do it." Fan Zigai snorted coldly, suddenly raising his voice and shouting: "Come here, expel Pei Hongce from the imperial city and execute him publicly! His head shall be displayed at the Nine Gates of the Eastern Capital to uphold military law!"

"Silence!" Fan Zigai shouted angrily, "How dare you speak of continuous defeats with such shamelessness? Even Da Xi is willing to heed your commands. Thirteen thousand troops of the Right Martial Guard, well-equipped and ready, were completely lost in less than a day under your command! Such incompetence—what use is the court for you? I am here on the Emperor's orders to remain in the Eastern Capital and to restrain the officials here; what purpose do you serve?"

The guard directly escorted Pei Hongce into the main hall, and Chen Yingliang did not hold back, stepping in right after him. The guards at the hall's entrance intended to stop them, but a dignified voice echoed from within, "Let him in, let me see what this young hero looks like at an early age."