Chapter 3: Entering the City
Liu Chang pondered while watching the Red Turban Army surge into the county town like a tidal wave, encountering no resistance at all. The county town was taken just like that
A county town, the garrison of a green militia, has been captured just like that. Seeing the cheers of the Red Turban Army soldiers, Liu Chang felt it was simply unbelievable
A group of farmers who were temporarily summoned captured ? It is known that, in Liu Chang's impression, regardless of the type of county town, there would always be a strong military presence. Moreover, according to the information he had just received from Jin Peiquan, Leqing County was even the garrison location of the Green Camp in Leqing.
He patted the official seal he held in his hands: "As long as this seal is in my possession, I am the dignified magistrate of Lecheng County. The incident occurred suddenly, and I was unprepared, so I can only lead you useless fellows out of the city to engage in guerrilla tactics, ready at any moment to reclaim the county seat."
Liu Chang nodded slightly, but he did not clarify his background: "I come from Tianjing, but I thought I was looking for Qu Zhenhai. As a result, there was a misunderstanding, and I nearly fell into the hands of the Qing demons. Fortunately, General Qu intervened to save me"
What place can surpass Chuzhou? He plans to first go to Qingtian County. Even if Qu Zhenhan and his group of mud-legged men have some ability, they will not be able to reach Chuzhou in a hurry. If they manage to attack Chuzhou, then Kang Zhixian can continue to advance and report on his duties.
The failure of Qu Zhenhan and Jin Peiquan also signifies the dead end for Liu Chang. This is Zhejiang, a core region under the rule of the Qing Dynasty. A time traveler with short hair like him traveling in such a hostile area is fraught with absolute risk
However, the soon-arriving news confirmed the fact that the county town had changed hands: "Old Master Qu, Old Master Qu, the county town has been captured!"
Liu Chang asked while walking, "Who is this gentleman?"
Upon hearing the name "Qing Daren," Kang Zhengji felt both flustered and pleased: "Of course, I am not afraid even if someone intervenes. I have a good relationship with Qing Lian and Qing Daotai; with him, I can secure my wealth and status. When the county town is recovered, the first credit will definitely belong to our county."
He has essentially acknowledged the marshal title of Qu Zhenhan, and Qu Zhenhan immediately felt delighted: "Is he truly a messenger from Tianjing? Good, good, good! What is the intention of the Eastern King?"
"Master, you are truly remarkable!" The attendant immediately praised, "Master, you must quickly send a letter to Lord Qing."
Liu Chang looked up and saw that the county's main gate was wide open, clearly indicating that the inside accomplices had already taken control of the gate. However, he still had a question: "What about the three cannon shots at the beginning?"
Although the Red Turban Army is composed of a group of farmers who were temporarily gathered for rebellion, their military discipline has not been considered poor up to this point. They engage in fair trade, speak in a relatively polite manner, and can generally be said to have committed no offenses against the residents of Yueqing County.
He mentioned a series of titles, but Liu Chang still did not understand what the Grand Marshal of the Water and Land Forces was
"That is the name I used in the wilderness; now, in this righteous cause, I have adopted the name Zhenhan. " Qu Zhenhan was quite straightforward: "Let us not waste time on idle talk; the right course is to take the county seat together."
I will say it again, all civil and military officials may remain in their positions, and the soldiers of the Green Camp are no exception
... ...
The public notice has been posted in various places around the county town, and the residents of Leqing City watch somewhat numbly as the Red Army enters the county town
Unfortunately, Kang Zhengji is unaware that history has already diverged into different branches in this space-time.
He lowered his voice again and said: "You useless fellows, do you not know how much money was spent to acquire this printing press for our county? If something were to happen now, wouldn't it mean a total loss?"
Liu Chang's historical achievements are quite remarkable; however, regarding this particular Red Turban Rebellion, one can only say that there is a limited understanding. The current Red Turban Army will successfully capture Leqing County, but will ultimately fail seven days after taking the city.
He was not aware that the failure of Qu Zhenhan's rebel army was nothing short of a joke, triggered by a mere five hundred wen. Ultimately, this five hundred wen cost over one thousand seven hundred rebels their lives, as they were slaughtered for this insignificant sum.
He only saw the numbness of the residents within Yueqing City, yet he was unaware of the terrifying power that such numbness could unleash if it were to erupt
Qu Zhenhan was straightforward and immediately revealed the truth: "What big cannons? There is no need for big cannons; we have our insiders in the city!"
He already knows where he has arrived; this is Yueqing City in Wenzhou during December of the fourth year of the Xianfeng era, and he is participating in this fleeting Red Turban Army uprising.
However, in history, these apathetic residents of Yueqing were the most formidable enemies of the Red Turban Army. Neither Qu Zhenhan nor Jin Peiquan recognized this fact, and neither did Liu Chang, the time traveler.
Chuzhou later became Lishui City. Kang Dingji repeatedly emphasized the responsibility of guarding the territory, yet he felt that Xixiang was not safe enough. The Red Turban Army, which occupied the county seat, could launch an attack on Xixiang at any moment. He was determined to find the safest place and decided to flee directly from Wenzhou to Lishui.
It is merely a firecracker signaling the order; we shall seize the county town in one vigorous effort
Hmm!
Qu Zhenhan immediately introduced Liu Chang with enthusiasm: "This is my Kongming, Liu Bowen, Mr. Jin Peiquan"
Liu Chang did not answer his question, but instead asked Qu Zhenhan, "Is the large number Zhenhai?"
What is there to fear! This person is Kang Zhengji from the Red Turban Army, who has just been in office for a little over two months as the magistrate of Yueqing.
Thus, Liu Chang finally spoke up: "General Qu, why do you insist on retaining all civil and military officials within the city, including the Green Camp soldiers?"
This kind of nouveau riche has always been the target of the local magistrate, Deputy General Yao, and Chief Zhao of the county. No matter how hard he tries, he cannot change his family's declining circumstances. In this predicament, he joins forces with other local tyrants who also lack political recognition, attempting to change his fate through the establishment of militia groups
It is a pity that that scoundrel Kang Zhengji has left Wancheng, truly detestable
No, let us go to Chuzhou! As a seasoned official, Kang Zhengji knows that Xixiang is also unsafe, and his own safety must come first: "We will go to Chuzhou to borrow troops to recover Lecheng. Qingshidaotai is an old friend of mine, and he will definitely understand my difficulties!"
The historical facts are quite similar to his imagination. This Kang Zhengji, the magistrate of Kang County, who accompanied the soldiers all the way into Qingtian County, was surprisingly listed by his old acquaintance Qing Lian as the foremost contributor to the recovery of Yueqing after the defeat of the Red Turban military.
This man is quite worldly, directly proclaiming his title: "I am General Qu Zhenhan, the Grand Marshal of Land and Naval Forces of the World. May I ask, is this brother a messenger from Tianjing City?"
"How exhilarating! Vice General Yao has no idea how many lives he has drained from our Dongxiang people!"
The entire city of Leqing did not appear flustered by the arrival of the Red Turbans. Qu Zhenhan clasped his hands and greeted the neighbors on the street: "Ladies and gentlemen, today I, on behalf of the Eastern King, lead the uprising troops to reclaim Lecheng. After entering the city, I assure you there will be no offenses. All fellow villagers may continue to live and work as usual, and all civil and military officials may remain in their positions as before"
He glanced at Liu Chang, noting that the attire of the person before him was quite peculiar. It bore some resemblance to the foreigners he had seen in Shanghai, yet was also markedly different. However, this individual indeed had long hair, making him a veritable long-haired man. Thus, he suppressed his doubts and asked again, "Are you the messenger sent by His Highness the Eastern King?"
... ...
Did Zhao Dianshi not take enough of the people's hard-earned wealth in our Dongxiang?
He is very clear that as long as Lord Qinglian Qingqing does not fall from power, he will be regarded as a meritorious minister: "Of course, it is only natural for me to risk my life to borrow troops from Chuzhou, even if I face some criticism."
At this moment, a middle-aged man dressed in official robes briskly led several attendants out of the city and headed towards the countryside: "Hurry up, hurry up, Qu Zhenhan and his band of bandits are all from the Eastern Township. If we reach the Western Township, everything will be just fine."
Such a combination failing in haste is not an inconceivable matter, yet Liu Chang cannot allow the tragic history to repeat itself.
He glanced at these Red Turbans; although they were armed with knives and guns, they were essentially a group of farmers hastily assembled. Many of them didn't even have weapons, simply bringing their farming tools to the battlefield, merely donning a red headscarf. Is this what one calls the Grand Marshal of the Army and Navy?
Compared to Deputy General Yao, he is truly a good official of high integrity. The reasons for making money are varied and numerous. Having only been in office for two months, he has already remitted over a thousand taels of silver back to his hometown, which has also sparked this uprising of the Red Turban Army: "As an official, I have the responsibility to protect my territory; how can I act hastily and strike recklessly!"
In fact, he guessed correctly; Qu Zhenhan's identity before the uprising was indeed that of a small owner of a soy sauce shop. He came from a poor background and made his fortune by working as a helper selling fermented tofu. Later, he donated money to support a student in the imperial examination system, but he was never integrated into the political system.
Liu Chang immediately recognized that this was Qu Zhenhan's strategist, and he did not hold back: "I am sent by the Heavenly King to Zhejiang. It is normal for Mr. Jin not to recognize me. By the way, first bring down the cannon and blast open the walls of the He and Book City!"
However, organizing group training cannot change their political status, nor can it alter their economic predicament. Ultimately, under the influence of Jin Peiquan, he embarked on the path of opposing the Qing dynasty. Yet, even as he commanded thousands of Red Turban troops and held the titles of Commander of the Eastern Zhejiang Rainbow Army and Grand Marshal of the Land and Naval Forces, he remained merely a local petty landlord, with his insights limited to those of a soy sauce shop owner.
At this moment, Liu Chang's heart has already stirred up a thousand waves.
He cast a glance at Qu Zhenhan, and he indeed perceived a hint of a small businessman in this seemingly straightforward and open man. This grand marshal did not resemble a commanding general; rather, he appeared to be a small-time negotiator.
Deputy General Yao and several others, including Chief Zhao, have been swiftly executed by us, while the remaining green camp soldiers and foot archers have already surrendered
Just another long follower asked, "My lord, shall we first go to the western village, and then return with troops to reclaim the county town?"
The scholar beside me interjected, "I have been at the East Wangfu, yet I have never seen you before"
No wonder the ancients spoke of entering the court without bowing, of paying respects without being named, of wearing swords to the palace, drawing on the story of Xiao He from the Han dynasty, and of the title of "Grand General of the Universe, Commander of All Military Affairs." It was indeed a white-faced scholar by the side of Qu Zhenhan who, seeing Liu Chang remain silent, directly took over the conversation: "Our commander is indeed appointed by the Eastern King of the Heavenly Kingdom, and it is Qu Zhenhan, the leader of the Hong Army in Eastern Zhejiang!"
Moreover, the current Red Army seems to serve as a transitional platform, where one must seize the opportunity for oneself, as there is certainly a chance to soar to great heights
However, even so, he was aware that the prospects for the Red Army before him were not promising. This General Qu Zhenhan, despite being straightforward and generous, always carried an air of a small boss, and the strategist beside him, Jin Peiquan, was not a particularly astute advisor
"Sir, sir!" A long attendant glanced at his master and said, "Aren't you afraid that someone will take advantage of your absence?"