The Great Rebel at the End of the Ming Dynasty

Chapter 074 Planning

Zhao Sheng was a scholar, and a student who had only completed the preliminary examinations.

Although he raised the flag of rebellion, he still retained the mindset of a scholar at heart. He had a clear understanding of the current situation and thought about it more deeply than others.

This is also why Zhao Sheng proposed using a clever strategy to capture Fugu. It's not that the current high-spirited rebel army couldn't take Fugu, but rather that a direct assault would be less effective than a clever plan. Furthermore, seeing that Gao Yingxiang was interested in his suggestion, Zhao Sheng took this opportunity to make another request in front of everyone: the captured government troops must be treated well.

"Treat them well? Isn't that just womanly kindness?" No sooner had Zhao Sheng finished speaking than Wang Er's sarcastic voice rang out.

Wang Er had been resentful because Zhao Sheng had previously helped Zhou Lun. Now, hearing Zhao Sheng say this, how could he possibly hold back?

"Chief Zhao, I know you're more educated than us roughnecks. But don't forget, they're officials, we're bandits! We're engaged in rebellion, risking our lives. On the battlefield, swords and spears have no eyes. If you show mercy today, the soldiers won't let you off!"

"What are you saying, Chief Wang?" Zhao Sheng glanced at him, then continued, bowing slightly to Gao Yingxiang in the main seat, "The battlefield is the battlefield, where it's a matter of life and death. But the battle is over now, and those government troops have surrendered and are prisoners!"

"In battle, defeat and capture are common occurrences, but the killing of prisoners is rare. Why? Because killing prisoners is considered inauspicious!" Zhao Sheng habitually dropped a pedantic remark and continued, "Throughout history, those who kill prisoners are few and far between, and those who do usually meet with bad ends. Take Bai Qi of the Warring States period, Xiang Yu at the end of the Qin Dynasty, and the Prince of Kaiping at the beginning of the Ming Dynasty… These were all heroes, yet their fates are truly lamentable. Bai Qi was given death by the King of Qin, Xiang Yu committed suicide after his defeat at the Wujiang River, and the Prince of Kaiping died suddenly in the army in his prime—why is this? Isn't it because killing too many prisoners offended the natural order?"

Upon hearing this, Wang Er's pupils contracted slightly, and his expression changed subtly.

Gao Yingxiang nodded slightly, and Li Wanqing, Zhou Lun, and the others also nodded in agreement. The three people Zhao Sheng mentioned were all famous figures, known to everyone. Everyone had heard of their achievements and their fates, just as Zhao Sheng had said.

Zhao Sheng continued, "Our army has just won a great victory at Gaohan Ridge. Next, we should seize Fugu and use it as a base to establish a firm foothold. After today's battle, the government will have no troops available in Fugu and its surrounding areas. This couldn't be better for our righteous army. Let's take this opportunity to manage our affairs well, accumulate strength, and prepare for our great cause!"

At this point, Zhao Sheng suddenly changed the subject: "If these prisoners are treated well, it will be of great benefit to the King of Chuang in pacifying the local area. You should know that most of the prisoners are military households from the local garrisons. The garrisons are located in the local area and have been stationed there for more than two hundred years. Apart from their status as military households, they are no different from the local people."

"Furthermore, the various garrisons and even local towns have been connected by blood for two hundred years; blood is thicker than water. In truth, they're all fellow Shaanxi natives. Killing them might seem swift, but it would cause considerable trouble. When we take Fugu, how will the people there view the rebel leader? How will they view our rebel army? Moreover, having lost loved ones, these people, united in their hatred of the enemy, will see our rebel army as an enemy. This would be extremely detrimental to the important matters the rebel leader intends to undertake!"

"Brother Zhao is right!" At this moment, Li Wanqing also stood up, cupped his fists to Gao Yingxiang, and said, "Killing these captured government troops is pointless; it's better to keep them alive. Moreover, they might come in handy if we use a trick to seize the government grain later. Furthermore, our various units have suffered considerable losses in this battle; if we can recruit surrendered government troops and incorporate them into our units, it wouldn't be a bad thing."

"King Chuang, killing prisoners is an ominous sign. My two brothers are right. If we can persuade these government troops to surrender, they might be able to serve us." Zhou Lun echoed this sentiment, while nodding slightly to Zhao Sheng in thanks.

He knew perfectly well that Zhao Sheng had brought up the matter in front of everyone, putting the issue of prisoners on the table for discussion, in order to find the most reasonable excuse for his previous actions.

Zhou Lun had just rescued those prisoners, but he had also offended Wang Er, and even embarrassed Wang Er because of Zhao Sheng.

Wang Er is petty and has a bloodthirsty nature. If, after the meeting on Fugu, he publicly mentions the prisoners to Gao Yingxiang, or even suggests killing them, wouldn't the conflict become public? It might even put Gao Yingxiang in a difficult position.

It would be better for Zhao Sheng to bring up the matter first, before Wang Er does, by using the suggestion of using a scheme to seize Fugu. As long as Gao Yingxiang agrees, Wang Er will have no choice but to suppress his dissatisfaction. This would not only benefit the subsequent development of the rebel army, but also subtly resolve the conflict between Zhou Lun and Wang Er.

Zhou Lun was very grateful for Zhao Sheng's good intentions and naturally wouldn't stand idly by, so he joined Li Wanqing in expressing his agreement.

At this moment, Gao Yingxiang thought for a moment.

He hadn't had time to consider the matter of the prisoners. However, Zhao Sheng's words made sense; killing prisoners was indeed an ominous sign. Moreover, he planned to establish a strong presence there after taking Fugu. If he killed all the prisoners, especially those from the garrison, it wouldn't be good for his reputation once the news got out, and it would be more likely to provoke local resistance.

"What you brothers say makes sense." Gao Yingxiang nodded, pondered for a moment, and said, "In that case, we will do our best to persuade the prisoners to surrender, as Brother Zhao suggested. It would be a good thing if they could join our righteous army. But let me make this clear: I, the King of Chuang, will not be merciful to any stubborn ones!"

"That's only natural," Zhao Sheng said with a smile. "The King of Chuang is known throughout the land for his benevolence and righteousness. If he can spare the prisoners' lives, they will surely be moved to tears of gratitude."

These words struck a chord with Gao Yingxiang. He nodded and said, "In that case, Brother Zhao will handle this matter. As for the plan regarding Fugu, that's also up to you. Liu Zhe!"

"Here!" Liu Zhe responded.

Gao Yingxiang's eyes gleamed as he asked Liu Zhe, "Did you hear what Chief Zhao said just now?"

"I understood!"

"Select a hundred elite soldiers from the army, dress them in government uniforms, and lead them personally. Together with Chief Zhao, choose a few prisoners who are truly loyal to our righteous army, and set off for Fugu tonight. When the time comes, act according to the plan. Do exactly as Chief Zhao instructs you!"

"Understood!" Liu Zhe clasped his hands in response, then clasped his hands in return to Zhao Sheng: "In that case, I'll trouble Chief Zhao."

"That's natural." Zhao Sheng nodded with a smile.

Liu Zhe was a confidant of Gao Yingxiang. Gao Yingxiang entrusted this task to him, naturally hoping he would gain merit. Although the strategy for Fugu was devised by Zhao Sheng, without capturing Fugu, today's great victory would ultimately be meaningless, and this contribution would be substantial. Given the importance Gao Yingxiang placed on Fugu, it was only natural to entrust Liu Zhe with this crucial task.

Now that the matter of Fugu, including the matter of the prisoners, had been settled, Gao Yingxiang said no more.

"There's no time to lose; let's make arrangements as soon as possible. The rest of you may continue to rest, while Liu Zhe will lead his men to depart overnight, with the majority to follow tomorrow. Meeting adjourned."

After the meeting, Wang Er stood up angrily. Facing Zhou Lun, Li Wanqing, and Zhao Sheng, he didn't even say hello, just snorted coldly and turned to leave.

Zhou Lun sneered inwardly.

It was so obvious that Wang Er held a grudge against all three of them. However, Zhou Lun wasn't afraid of him; he was just a reckless brute who couldn't accomplish anything significant.

He turned to Zhao Sheng, about to thank him, but Zhao Sheng grabbed him and started talking about the matter of settling the prisoners. Because Liu Zhe needed to set off as soon as possible to carry out the plan to deceive the city, Zhao Sheng couldn't get away at the moment and had to go with Liu Zhe to make the arrangements. Besides, the matter of the prisoners was originally caused by Zhou Lun and Wang Er, and given his relationship with Zhou Lun, Zhao Sheng simply entrusted Zhou Lun to handle this matter for him.

"Isn't this a bit inappropriate? The King of Chuang entrusted this matter to his elder brother..." Zhou Lun hesitated.

"What's wrong with that?" Zhao Sheng waved his hand dismissively. "The matter of Fugu is more important right now, and it's most appropriate for you to take charge. Besides, aren't those prisoners you rescued from Wang Er's hands right there? Starting with these people will make things much easier."

At this point, Zhao Sheng lowered his voice and said to Zhou Lun, "After persuading the prisoners to surrender, remember to leave the majority for Chuang Wang. That way, with Chuang Wang around, and given your relationship with him, Wang Er won't be able to say anything even if he's dissatisfied. As for the rest, you can handle it yourself. Alright, I'll leave this matter to you. Chief Liu and I have other things to do, so we'll take our leave first."

After saying that, Zhao Sheng smiled at Zhou Lun and turned to leave.

After Zhao Sheng walked away, Li Wanqing went to Zhou Lun's side. He didn't say anything, just patted Zhou Lun on the shoulder, gave him a "be careful" look, and then left first.