Chapter 597: 682 troops were sent to suppress the rebellion
Under Zhao Jiang, the generals were divided into two opinions regarding the alliance with the Yellow Turban Army.
One was to refuse.
The other was to agree, specifying a temporary alliance, and once Chen Mo was dealt with, they could completely eliminate them.
To accomplish great things, one must not be constrained by minor matters.
Overall, more people were in favor of refusal.
Several even stated that if Zhao Jiang allied with the Yellow Turban Bandits, they would immediately leave the army.
Many had joined Zhao Jiang because he initially championed punishing evil, promoting good, and driving out foreign enemies.
To expel the invading enemies from our country’s territory.
The saying goes, "The rise and fall of the nation is the responsibility of every man," so they joined King Yan’s army to contribute.
But shortly after joining, they discovered that the foreign enemies had already been expelled by Prince Zhen Nan.
The Southwest, since being driven out of Loulan, was essentially reclaimed.
During this period, it was mainly compatriots fighting amongst themselves.
What Zhao Jiang claimed as upholding justice was actually just a struggle for supremacy, merely opposing Prince Zhen Nan.
On this point, they neither agreed nor opposed.
But now, if Zhao Jiang dared to conspire with the Yellow Turban Bandits, they would no longer be on the same path, and they would not continue to abet wrongdoing.
After much deliberation, the final decision was up to Zhao Jiang.
So both sides turned their attention to Zhao Jiang.
Zhao Jiang took all this into account. Truthfully, he was more inclined to ally with the Yellow Turban Army.
Although the Yellow Turban Army was a ragtag bunch, their numbers were substantial; they were a force not to be underestimated. An alliance could significantly boost the chances of victory against Chen Mo’s troops.
After dealing with Chen Mo, it would be relatively easy to eliminate the Yellow Turban Army.
But he also understood that choosing to ally with the Yellow Turban Army would cause the troops to disintegrate.
After weighing the pros and cons, Zhao Jiang solemnly stated, "The Yellow Turban Bandits are guilty of heinous crimes like arson, murder, and robbery. As a vassal of Song, how could I associate with bandits?"
"But my lord, the Yellow Turban Army numbers in the millions. It’s a considerable force. If we can harness it, great things can be achieved," a general in favor of the alliance persuaded.
Zhao Jiang righteously declared, "We’re simply not on the same path. This decision is final, and no more of it."
At this moment, Zhao Jiang had made his plan.
Though he would not ally with the Yellow Turban Army, neither would he attack them.
When Chen Mo and the Yellow Turban Army were both weakened from fighting, he would step in and reap the benefits.
...
Bianliang.
The matter of subordinates being bribed sparked an idea for Chen Mo.
He could do the opposite.
If you can use large sums to buy off my people, then I can use large sums to buy off yours.
Chen Mo allocated some funds and tasked someone to handle it.
...
Time flew by.
September arrived.
It was the height of the summer heat.
Chen Mo received two pieces of good news.
One was from Jiangnan.
The other was from Nanyang.
The warships were completed, capable of carrying a hundred thousand soldiers.
The Red Barbarian Cannons expanded from the original seven to two hundred and thirty-two, with several shells, high-explosive bombs, and fire bottle bombs.
The subsequently produced Red Barbarian Cannons improved in both precision and power.
Chen Mo knew that the time was ripe.
...
As night fell.
Prince Zhen Nan’s Mansion was brightly lit, with Chen Mo seated at the head of the long table, looking down.
Advisors and generals of the Imperial Guard were gathered, awaiting Chen Mo’s orders.
The Princess sat to Chen Mo’s right, donned in battle armor, exuding a heroic aura.
With the generals present, Chen Mo began, "The Yellow Turban rebels openly rebel, defy the Imperial Court, slaughter innocents, break state governments, run rampant unchallenged..."
Chen Mo listed a slew of charges, then said, "Now that the National Treasury is full, to relieve the people of Jizhou from their plight, I intend for you all to lead troops to quell the Yellow Turban Bandits."
The words caused a stir among the generals below.
It was finally happening.
They had speculated for a long time that the Prince would move against the Yellow Turban Bandits in Jizhou, and after several months, the time had come. The generals felt excited, for any general would make achievements and establish a legacy their goal.
A multitude of generals immediately volunteered, eager to join the anti-rebellion campaign.
However, Chen Mo had already planned the commanding officer, and after some thought, he raised his hand, "The campaign against the Yellow Turban rebels will be commanded by the Princess as the marshal, with Huangfu Hao as deputy marshal. First-Grade Martial Artists Jiang Ruoqing and He Pingzhou, Second-Grade Martial Artists Li Weiqiu, Dai Xishan, Zhang Lie, Poison King, Bai Yongtao...
Three thousand light cavalry, one thousand heavy cavalry, and the remaining three routes totaling two hundred thousand, with fifty thousand from neighboring countries, for a total of two hundred and ninety thousand troops to enter Jizhou and suppress the bandits."
Zhao Qianyi stood up and saluted, "Understood."
The words settled.
All the generals were taken aback.
The Prince had made a firm decision, and the appointed generals were indeed elite.
Yet it wasn’t over, for Chen Mo continued, "The Princess, carrying my royal edict, will go to the Former State Governor’s Mansion in Nanyang to pull out a hundred and fifty Red Barbarian Cannons, three thousand shells, and a thousand fire bottle bombs and high-explosive bombs."
Looking at Zhao Qianyi, Chen Mo sternly stated, "During the campaign, all troops are at the Princess’s disposal. All military and civil affairs during the battle can be handled at the Princess’s discretion."
He then took out his sword, claiming it was bestowed by His Majesty, and said with a light laugh, "This is the Imperial Sword I procured from His Majesty, entrusted specifically to the Princess. Those who do not comply can be executed."
"Understood." Zhao Qianyi bowed and accepted it.
The hall was solemnly silent, and shortly all rose, responding in unison, "Understood."
Li Weiqiu, Zhang Lie, and others felt their hearts thumping.
They had witnessed the power of the Red Barbarian Cannons.
A few could breach the gates of a heavily fortified city.
Marching into Jizhou with a hundred and fifty cannons was an overwhelming force.
Their blood boiled with excitement.
Given their current might, perhaps even if the King of Heaven stood before them, they would dare to shout.
After arranging the troops, Chen Mo discussed the deployment time with the generals, who then left the hall.
Zhao Qianyi followed behind Chen Mo.
Chen Mo, hands behind his back, walked toward the backyard, saying, "Qianyi, speak your mind."
Zhao Qianyi thought for a moment, "Sending so many troops and nearly all elite generals, with less than a hundred and fifty thousand Imperial Guards in the Capital, if King Yan attacks now, how will you defend?"
After arranging the troops, Chen Mo discussed the deployment time with the generals, who then left the hall.
Zhao Qianyi followed behind Chen Mo.
Chen Mo, hands behind his back, walked toward the backyard, saying, "Qianyi, speak your mind."
Zhao Qianyi thought for a moment, "Sending so many troops and nearly all elite generals, with less than a hundred and fifty thousand Imperial Guards in the Capital, if King Yan attacks now, how will you defend?"
