Chapter 008: Contradiction

Let us see who the true heroes are and who the cowards are! The person beside Li Xinghan also showed no weakness, raising the large stick in his hand

Deng Ming scrutinized the other person; the unnamed officer wore a military boot on his left foot, while his right foot was clad in a straw sandal. It was evident that it had been hastily made, seemingly pieced together with something like tree bark for the sole, and bound with a green plant rope around the instep and ankle.

As a person from several hundred years in the future, whenever I read this segment of history, Deng Ming naturally regarded the Ming army's direct line, the rebel camps, and the Western camps as part of the same faction, as they all fought under the banner of the Ming Dynasty and were Han people. However, this was not the case for Zhou Kaikuang, Zhao Tianba, and Li Xinghan. Their fathers and brothers had slaughtered each other for over a decade, each bearing the blood debts of the other. They had heard many tales of each other's brutal acts from their elders since childhood. The hatred between them was not only profound but also continuously accumulating, likely not much less than the deep-seated enmity they held against the Qing army. In this era, apart from Deng Ming, a solitary figure, no remaining members of the rebel camps, Western camps, or the Ming army's direct line would consider the others as 'their own people'.

In the end, Deng Ming still refused to reveal his identity. Zhou Kaihuang and Zhao Tianba exchanged a glance, both feeling a sense of regret. Deng Ming's persistent silence over these many days clearly indicated deep concerns. If they were to forcefully clarify the matter, they would likely face denial.

The expressions of these individuals also fell under Li Xinghan's gaze. He thought: "The true identity of this royal family member is likely known only to Zhou Kaikang and this Western bandit; most others seem to be unaware."

Zhou Kaihuang also returned the gesture with cupped fists: "Under the command of Duke Jingguo, the personal guard captain Zhou Kaihuang."

Zhou Kaihuang had just crossed the guard line when he saw a group of strong men rushing out from behind the rocks that blocked his view of the winding river ahead. Their clothing and armor were quite disordered; most were dressed in simple cloth garments, while one or two wore muddy armor or had half-shields draped over their shoulders. Zhou Kaihuang was momentarily taken aback and quickly scanned the people in front of him. He noticed that only one person was wearing a helmet, which was a cavalry helmet, and this individual was dressed in coarse military attire, holding two wooden sticks of different sizes in his hands. Zhou Kaihuang was momentarily taken aback and quickly scanned the people in front of him. He noticed that only one person was wearing a helmet, which was a cavalry helmet, and this individual was dressed in coarse military attire, holding two wooden sticks of different sizes in his hands.

Those Zhuge Liangs from the Yuan Zongdi faction, some speculate about the Han royal family, others about the Andong royal family, and even more guess it might be the Yongli prince, all waiting for Zhou Kaihuang to announce or for Deng Ming to admit it himself. Seeing that both Deng Ming and Zhou Kaihuang are keeping secrets, these Zhuge Liangs put on an air of inscrutability, refusing to answer the curious questions from those around them: "It would not be appropriate to say it out loud; if His Highness does not wish to speak, then to say it directly would go against His Highness's intentions." — What if they were to say the wrong thing and damage their own image as Zhuge Liangs?

In the blink of an eye, Deng Ming was astonished to see two Ming army officers engaged in a fierce scuffle. When Zhou Kaihuang finally pulled them apart, Li Xinghan's eyes and face were bruised and dark, while Zhao Tianba also bore multiple contusions.

During this time, the officer across the way was listening intently. Tan Hong's betrayal did not come as a surprise to him; as the stationed troops in Wancheng, they had long been aware of the extraordinary relationship between Tan Yi and Tan Hong, and they had always acted in unison.

The officer across was also turning back to quietly instruct a soldier behind him. Upon hearing this, he immediately turned around, his face filled with anger, and scolded: "Does your grandfather know how to escape? Mr. Deng has saved one thousand three hundred brothers who crossed the river, and not a single one is missing behind me"

Seeing Deng Ming nod, the Ming army officer slowly scanned the crowd over here and finally recognized Zhou Kaihuang and Zhao Tianba: "What are you doing here? Didn't you scurry back home with your tails between your legs?"

My identity? Deng Mingxin said: "A few days ago, I was an art college student; now I claim to be a bookish person with amnesia"

"No matter who it is, no one is allowed to die before killing a Tatar!" As all hope seemed to have vanished, Zhou Kaihuang issued this life-for-life order and led the charge with his long gun. Although the army had undergone some organization, it was far from being as disciplined as it would be under normal circumstances; it was absolutely impossible for the entire army to turn back as if it were an extension of their own limbs. Zhou Kaihuang could not wait for the various units to catch up, so he took those around him and crossed the rear guard line to launch an attack, hoping to catch the pursuing soldiers off guard. Although the army had undergone some organization, it was far from being as disciplined as it would be under normal circumstances; it was absolutely impossible for the entire army to turn back as if it were an extension of their own limbs. Zhou Kaihuang could not wait for the various units to catch up, so he took those around him and crossed the rear guard line to launch an attack, hoping to catch the pursuing soldiers off guard.

Zhou Kaihuang drew the attention of everyone around to Deng Ming, including those from Yuan Zongdi's faction, who were also scrutinizing Deng Ming's face intently. The people behind were even standing on tiptoe and stretching their necks, desperately trying to get closer, fearing they might miss any details, as if Deng Ming's identity and background were all written on his face, and that understanding it would be as simple as taking a few more glances.

So it is you! At this moment, Deng Ming had just squeezed to the front row, and he immediately recognized that the leader opposite him was the young officer from the Tan Wen Department whom he had seen at the dock.

Including Yuan Zongdi's people, everyone exclaimed in surprise, and then began to discuss in a flurry of voices. Several officers immediately expressed that they had long noticed that Deng Ming was unusual. Given the esteemed status of Duke Yuan Zongdi, how could he possibly send his own bodyguard captain to protect a newly arrived "secretary" without reason? The officers stated that it was only due to the urgency of the war that this thought had remained hidden in their hearts and had not been voiced openly

With the assistance of these clever Zhuge Liangs, the people of Yuan Zongdi's faction soon became convinced that Deng Ming was a member of the royal family. As for which specific royal descendant he was, Zhuge Liang and the others were quite cautious and did not provide any clarification, each of them merely waiting for Zhou Kaihuang to make the announcement.

At the same time, Li Xinghan vaguely recalled that when he first met Deng Ming, he felt that this person was somewhat special. Deng Ming persistently requested Captain Shui Yingqian to ferry the old Sichuan troops across to the southern bank, which was completely unlike the actions of the Chuangying and Xiying. At that time, they were solely focused on crossing the river and did not inquire further in their haste.

The Imperial Guard?" Li Xinghan furrowed his brows and carefully scrutinized Zhao Tianba. After the Yongli Emperor fled to Yunnan, there were very few guards accompanying him. During Sun Kewang's administration, in order to ensure that the Yongli puppet could be firmly controlled, he selected a group of officials and soldiers from the Western Camp to serve in the important position of the Imperial Guard. Later, when Prince Jin Li Dingguo retook Kunming and drove out Sun Kewang, although the Imperial Guards were chosen by Yongli himself, the members of the Imperial Guard still all came from the Western Camp. Li Xinghan thought of this and then asked, "Are you from the Jin fief?"

However, Zhou Kaihuang did not make an announcement; he hoped that Deng Ming would speak out at this critical moment to persuade everyone and stabilize the morale of the troops

As soon as the words left Li Xinghan's mouth, he knew it was impossible; he had spoken out of anger. However, being insulted as a wild dog by a traitor was unacceptable, and the soldiers of Tan's unit immediately retorted with mockery.

With the hints from Zhou Kaihuang, Li Xinghan gradually understood the aspects in which Deng Ming differed from others; perhaps it was the demeanor of a member of the royal family.

After a moment of contemplation, the officer suddenly remembered the etiquette and cupped his fist towards Zhou Kaihuang, saying: "Under the command of Marquis Fu, I am Li Xinghan, the thousand-man commander of the left camp"

Li Xinghan leaped towards Zhao Tianba, reaching out to grab the latter's collar: "You cowardly traitor, why did you not protect the emperor in Yunnan"

Fortunately, both armies were in this state; not only did they avoid bloodshed, but they were also fortunate enough not to cause much commotion, and even did not alert Tan Hong's troops

Li Xinghan and his subordinates were still waiting for an answer, and Deng Ming could not let them wait indefinitely, so he could only speak ambiguously: "I truly have difficulties that are hard to express, so please do not be anxious. Once we return to Fengjie, I will naturally clarify everything to everyone"

Deng Ming hurriedly took a few steps to support Li Xinghan, for he could not bear to watch others kneel before him

Everything before Deng Ming seemed unbelievable—right under the enemy's nose, his own people were about to start a violent conflict!

Meeting the gaze of the other party, Zhao Tianba thought for a moment and then candidly stated: "Jinyiwei Qianhu, Zhao Tianba"

Zhao Tianba raised both hands, grasping the opponent's wrist while exerting force, intending to pry open the opponent's hand. However, Li Xinghan's strength was greater than Zhao Tianba had anticipated; with a sudden pull, he managed to resist. Anger surged within Zhao Tianba, and he prepared to unleash his combat skills to teach the opponent a lesson. At that moment, Li Xinghan also sensed that Zhao Tianba's martial arts were formidable, so he released Zhao Tianba's collar and began to engage in a fight.

Seeing everyone around him staring intently at Deng Ming, Zhou Kaihuang revealed a hint of pride. He slightly stepped aside and, after waiting a moment longer to heighten the anticipation of the crowd, he said emphatically: "This is a member of the royal family! It is His Highness!"

Licking the bloodstains at the corner of his mouth, he saw Deng Ming walking over, seemingly wanting to say something. Zhao Tianba, in a bad mood, preemptively said: "Rest assured, sir, at this critical moment, I will not stoop to the level of this brainless fool."

In any case, the movements of over a thousand people cannot be concealed. A surprise attack on Tan Hong in the front is already impossible. The only option is to deal with the pursuing soldiers behind while Tan Hong has not yet noticed, which would also serve to take down some enemies as a buffer. At this moment, the minds of these Ming soldiers are set on the idea of killing one to break even and killing two to profit. Launching a surprise attack on the pursuing soldiers behind presents a slightly better opportunity than a direct assault on Tan Hong's camp.

Wow!

Seeing Li Xinghan kneel down, the soldiers of Tan Wen's department behind him also knelt in unison, collectively exclaiming: "Your Highness"

Laozi has never understood what it means to "escape"! If the boat is uncomfortable, one simply wants to go ashore and take a walk! Zhou Kaihuang stood tall and proud, slowly sheathing his waist knife, with a look of disdain on his face: "As for you soldiers of the Tan family, I remember there were several thousand who crossed the river, yet now only these few remain?" He then turned back and instructed a subordinate to report the situation to the main force.

"Even if they are numerous, we must first defeat them." Zhao Tianba, alone and without subordinates to lead, realized that at this critical moment of life and death, he could not waste his martial skills. He drew his waist knife and prepared to charge in and fight with all his might.

Zhao Tianba and Zhou Kaihuang's little actions did not escape Li Xinghan's keen observation. He said to himself: "These two fellows probably know the identity of His Highness"

Two groups of people, totaling nearly one hundred, stood silently in confrontation. After a moment, two or three men suddenly emerged from behind the rocks, one of whom was holding a bamboo pole tied with several strips of red cloth. At this time, the leader in the center on the opposite side also noticed the half red belt on the bamboo pole held by Zhou Kaihuang—this red cloth had been borrowed from a soldier, with half used as a military flag and the other half still on the soldier's waist. Both sides let out a long sigh simultaneously and slowly lowered their weapons.

"Prince Jin also serves the court, and the people of the Jin fief also serve the court," Zhao Tianba replied indifferently

This time, Zhou Kaihuang and his men were also included in the accusations. The members of Yuan Zongdi's faction were all enraged upon hearing this: "You corrupt officials and soldiers are the ones who have lost all moral integrity. Which pack of wild dogs betrayed the court under the walls of Chongqing?"

Deng Ming's face and hands bore no scars, nor did he have any disabilities; perhaps due to his noble status, he had never been on the battlefield. Deng Ming had an upright posture, a fair complexion, and a smooth forehead without wrinkles, clearly indicating that he had not engaged in hard labor nor faced heavy life pressures. No wonder Zhou Kaihuang held such respect for Deng Ming, and it is also understandable that Zhao Tianba accompanied Deng Ming—he was a very important member of the royal family, worthy of having the Imperial Guards by his side for protection.

At this moment, Deng Ming had also recovered from his initial shock. He speculated about Zhou Kaihuang's intentions and felt that he needed to view this person, who had always appeared somewhat impatient, in a new light: "I didn't expect Zhou Kaihuang to possess such quick wit. Indeed, we cannot engage in infighting at this moment. This Li Xinghan claims to have over a thousand people behind him, and with our forces, we would have more than two thousand. If we work together, we might just break through Tan Hong's blockade. This group has deep-seated prejudices against the troops from the camp and the western camp; clearly, only by bringing out the royal family can we suppress them. In just these few seconds, Zhou has thought this through so thoroughly and immediately put it into action. Truly a remarkable individual."

Deng Ming stared blankly at the arm pointing at him, thinking that perhaps Zhou Kaihuang had pointed at the wrong person. Zhou Kaihuang quickly turned his head to glance back, confirming that he was indeed pointing at Deng Ming, then turned back and cleared his throat to emphasize his tone: "Do you know his identity?"

You bunch of cowards! You probably have never seen a true hero!" The people behind Zhou Kaihuang, realizing they could not gain the upper hand, raised the wooden sticks in their hands again

"Why have you people from Jin Fan come to Yunnan?" Li Xinghan recalled the question he had just heard. The troops from Sichuan had always speculated about the intentions of the Western Camp with the utmost malice. Looking at the remnants of the rebel, Zhou Kaihuang, a terrifying thought suddenly arose in Li Xinghan's mind, and he asked tremulously, "Are you treacherous rebels, devoid of conscience, going to abandon the Son of Heaven and betray the court once again?"

After believing he had understood Zhou Kaihuang's intentions and plans, Deng Ming began to feel fortunate that he had been momentarily stunned by Zhou Kaihuang's remarks, rather than immediately jumping up to categorically deny them; otherwise, the situation would be irreparable now: "Why didn't Zhou Kaihuang simply reveal which princely family I belong to? I have no knowledge of the Ming royal family at all. If I were to randomly mention one, I might get the age wrong, or someone might have seen them, or I might inadvertently reveal something in a few words, which would immediately expose me as an imposter"

Li Xinghan's name is derived from Cao Cao's poem "Viewing the Vast Sea." The elder who named him based it on the lines "The movements of the sun and moon seem to emerge from it; the brilliance of the Milky Way appears to come from within it." When Li Xinghan was six years old, the Qing army entered the pass. After growing up, he became a member of the Tanwen anti-Qing forces and felt that his name was quite fitting, as it also had the connotation of "Reviving the Han."

"Do you not choose the right time to kill or chop?" Unexpectedly, it was Zhou Kaihuang who jumped out. He first stopped his eager subordinates, then stepped forward to face Li Xinghan and his group. Zhou Kaihuang raised his arm and forcefully pointed behind him, accurately indicating Deng Ming without turning around: "If he is harmed by the bandit Tan, you will be utterly responsible!"

Although Zhou Kaihuang was capable of leading thousands of troops in a march, combat was an entirely different matter. Just now, he had planned a full-scale assault to crush the enemy forces behind him, but only a few dozen soldiers followed. The two sides had been in a standoff for so long that when Zhou Kaihuang sent someone to lift the alert, a large number of his troops had not yet been mobilized. The opposing Tan Wenyu's unit was no stronger than Deng Ming's group; that officer had successfully reorganized the routed soldiers just like Zhou Kaihuang and had also dispatched scouts in an orderly manner. Upon learning that there were suspicious unidentified soldiers ahead, he resolved to launch a surprise attack, but only a few dozen soldiers were at his side.

After ordering the entire army to be on alert, Zhou Kaihuang and the other officers hurriedly ran towards the rear guard, saying: "If the pursuing troops are not numerous, we should first defeat them and seize their weapons."

In recent years, various armies resisting the Qing have rallied under the banner of Yongli. However, the Western Camp has controlled the Yongli court in Yunnan, and neither Sun Kewang nor Li Dingguo of the Western Camp has ever provided a single grain of food or a copper coin in military pay to the former Ming troops from Sichuan, nor have they ever offered a word of praise. Similarly, the former Sichuan troops have never cooperated with the actions of the Western Camp. Liu Wenxiu of the Western Camp, whether in the counteroffensive in Hanzhong or in managing Jianchang, has received no assistance from the former Sichuan troops. Wen Anzhi has ways to enable the Sichuan troops and the remnants of the Chuang Camp to cooperate, but even the Yongli court cannot achieve the joint efforts of the Sichuan troops and the Western Camp.

"Has Xin Jin Hou betrayed us?" After the alert was lifted, that officer asked immediately.

The other party stared at Deng Ming for a moment before reacting, inserting the long sword in hand into the mud at his feet, and cupping his fists towards Deng Ming: "So it is you, sir... Mr. Deng?"

"That scoundrel Tan Hong! May he not die a good death." Zhou Kaihuang briefly summarized what he had seen and heard.

At this moment, Li Xinghan was also tending to his bleeding wounds. Seeing Zhao Tianba, this Western bandit, treating Deng Ming with such courtesy, he couldn't help but take a closer look at Deng Ming. Initially, he thought this person was likely just a secretary of Yuan Zongdi, but Zhao Tianba's actions made him somewhat suspicious, and he couldn't help but worry that this person might also be from the Western camp. Since he did not intend to owe a favor to the Chuang camp, Li Xinghan attributed the life-saving grace solely to Deng Ming. However, if the other party was indeed from the Western camp, wouldn't that mean Li Xinghan would be indebted to a Western bandit?

When the officials and soldiers of Tan Wen heard Deng Ming's ambiguous remarks, some immediately began to stir up a commotion. Clearly, their suspicions regarding Zhou Kaihuang's words had intensified. Upon seeing that another uproar was about to erupt, Zhou Kaihuang could not help but feel anxious

"Aren't you Western bandits supposed to be in Yunnan? Isn't Yunnan in the midst of fierce battles? How did you escape to our Sichuan?" After listening to Zhou Kaihuang's introduction of Tan Hong's situation, Li Xinghan understood the perilous circumstances and began to contemplate mutual assistance. However, upon hearing that Zhao Tianba was from the Western Camp, he became agitated again. If the Sichuan Ming army's direct line and the Chuang army merely had a mutual disdain for each other, then the enmity with the Western Camp was irreconcilable.

Deng Ming always felt that Zhou Kaihuang was impulsive, while Zhao Tianba was meticulous and considered matters more thoroughly. Sometimes, after Zhou Kaihuang acted impulsively, Zhao Tianba would even advise him against it. However, now Zhao Tianba silently drew his waist knife, and Li Xinghan opposite him also unsheathed his sword without a word. A violent confrontation seemed imminent.

"This humble servant pays his respects to Your Highness." Since they were neither Western bandits nor rebel thieves, Li Xinghan immediately recalled the life-saving grace of Deng Ming. Having fought bloodily for the Ming dynasty and being saved by the royal family, the royal family must feel a closer affinity towards the Sichuan army of the Ming court! Thus, everything that happened today could be explained. Li Xinghan immediately knelt on one knee in the mud: "I beg Your Highness's pardon for my armor, which prevents me from performing the full rites. May I ask who Your Highness is?"