Sweep Yuan

Chapter 85 Xue Xian Competes for Credit in the Allied Forces Again

Zhangwang Village, west of Hongxian County.

Upon seeing the Hongxian troops who had come out ten miles ahead to greet him, Xue Xian jumped off his horse from afar, strode forward, put his arm around Shi Shan's shoulder, and patted him hard twice.

"I knew Brother Shi was capable; he conquered Hong County in the time it takes to eat a meal. Now, if we two brothers join forces again, we'll sweep through Huai'an Road in ten days! Hahaha!"

"It is all thanks to the commander-in-chief's might and the soldiers' bravery; how dare I, a humble general, take credit for it!"

Xue Xianming clearly intended to send troops. Shishan had been busy building city defenses, hoping to wait for the government troops to tire themselves out and then take advantage of the situation to attack and seize territory.

However, since the two have only recently reunited and neither is aware of the other's true combat capabilities, it is not advisable to discuss strategic issues at this time.

"The chief steward personally escorted the elderly and weak from our unit. The young men are getting impatient; let them reunite with their families first."

The two armies met and the hostages were handed over first, which made the scene somewhat awkward. However, since the matter was caused by him, Xue Xian was dissatisfied but could not show it. He replied sullenly.

"Of course, I brought everyone, not one missing."

Shi Shan nodded, walked past Xue Xian, and called out to Wen Sijiu and Sun Xun in the group:
"Old Wen, Old Sun, you've worked hard, get back to the team!"

Wen and Sun responded and each led their men to join the group behind Shishan. Wu Liujin and Zeng Xing immediately stepped forward to count the number of people detained and to ask them if they had been mistreated during this period.

Seeing this, Xue Xian's face became even more embarrassed, but fortunately Shi Shan didn't let him continue to be awkward.

"I hope you will know, General. Since the division of troops at Lingbi, all our gains and losses have been recorded in detail. I have already ordered people to compile them into a book. Please take a look, General."

"Sigh! We brothers are still doing this kind of thing, it's making us feel distant!"

Xue Xian spoke generously, but his hands moved quickly. He took the account book from Shi Shan, glanced at it pretending to look at it, and then tossed it to the clerk behind him.

"You know I only know how to chop people up, what words do I know? Hahaha!"

Shi Shan had a large group of people to support, so he couldn't just hand over all the money and supplies honestly. He had to keep accounts, but he also had to maintain the proper demeanor. After handing over the inventory list, he gestured for Xue Xian to mount his horse.

"This humble general has cleared out the government office and the army barracks, and prepared some wine and drinks to welcome the commander-in-chief. Commander-in-chief, shall we talk as we walk?"

"Good! Brother Shi is very efficient!"

When the army arrived at the West Gate, Fang Zhongwen and a hundred or so people lined the road to welcome them with gongs and drums, creating a lively scene.

After entering the city, the soldiers of the Jiaowei Battalion led Xue Xian's various troops to their respective camps.

The camp had already been cleaned and prepared with firewood, rice, oil, salt, and other necessities, so the Red Turban Army soldiers could simply unpack their bags and start cooking.

Shi Shan then led Xue Xian to the sealed treasury and government offices, where Fang Zhongwen reported in person and formally transferred military, political and financial power. The whole process was impeccable.

Xue Xian, eager to save face, immediately patted his chest and declared, "I have already reported the merit of capturing Hong County, and I estimate that the reward will arrive in the next few days. Hong County was captured by you; I am merely acting as its administrator. Your troops will continue to receive all supplies as usual."

That evening, Shi Shan arranged a welcome banquet. Only a few of his subordinates, including Wen Sijiu, Sun Xun, Chang Tietou, and Zhou Shier, attended, but they were accompanied by representatives of Hong County officials and civilians such as Fang Zhongwen, Feng Yu, and Deng Shunxing, so the atmosphere was still harmonious.

Xue Xian sat in the main seat, frequently raising his cup. As the wine flowed freely, he spoke with everyone about the latest developments of the Red Turban Army:
The allied forces of Peng and Zhao advanced westward from Suzhou, then captured Yongcheng, and are now marching towards Xiayi; the allied forces of Liu and Hu crossed the Yellow River to the north and captured Peixian and Fengxian; General Han's army marched eastward, has already captured Suining, and is about to take Suqian.

In short, the situation is excellent. Hongxian's troops are strong and ready to make further efforts to wipe out the enemy in Huai'an Road.

Xue Xian proposed sending troops as soon as possible for the second time, and Shi Shan still did not refuse him, saying that his vanguard had already captured Qingyang Station, and that he would advance immediately after ascertaining the strength of the government troops.

After the banquet ended and everyone dispersed, Shi Shan stayed behind alone and asked bluntly, "General, you're in such a hurry to advance, has something happened?"

"Hahaha, no wonder General Zhao kept praising Brother Shi for his sharp mind; I knew I couldn't hide it from you."

Xue Xian poured him a cup of wine, and they drank while chatting about some recent events.

In September, the Yuan court ordered Yesen Temur, the Privy Councilor, and King Kuanchabuqa of Weishun to lead a large army to suppress the rebel forces in various regions.

Before the imperial court marched, it was clear that it had assessed the strength of the Red Turban armies in Ying, Qi, and Xu.

The main force of Esen Timur's troops advanced to suppress the Red Turban Army in Yingzhou, while the detachment of Kuanchebuhua's troops advanced to suppress the Red Turban Army in Qizhou. The Red Turban Army in Xuzhou was basically ignored, and only the surrounding areas were ordered to defend it strictly.

As a result, the Yingzhou Red Turban Army won a series of victories, successively capturing Runing Prefecture, Xizhou, and Guangzhou; the Qizhou Red Turban Army also advanced with unstoppable momentum, seizing Qishui and Huangzhou Road.

In contrast, Xuzhou initially seized the opportunity to attack from all sides by exploiting gaps in the government forces' defenses. However, once the government forces contracted their defensive lines, Xuzhou showed signs of exhaustion. Pei County was recaptured by the government forces before it could even be held. In the Battle of Suining, over two thousand casualties were suffered before the city was finally breached.

After learning of the uprising in Xuzhou, Liu Futong and Xu Shouhui both sent messengers.

Liu Futong was alright; he only suggested attacking the government troops from both sides. Xu Shouhui, on the other hand, established his capital and proclaimed himself emperor after defeating Kuanchebuhua, naming his country "Great Song." His envoy spoke of joining hands to resist the Yuan, but his words implied that Zhima Li should submit a memorial requesting an official title.

No sooner had the Xu and Song envoys left than someone close to Marshal Li advised him to declare himself king.

Sesame Li was quite tempted. After all, others came to him hoping for wealth and status. If he didn't make them kings and couldn't offer them great riches, they shouldn't blame him for seeking a better future.

Fortunately, there were still some clear-headed people in Xuzhou who temporarily stopped this farce of persuading the emperor to advance.

The shortcomings of the Xuzhou leadership, such as a lack of prestige and a strong sense of righteousness, began to emerge. They urgently needed a major victory to boost morale and confirm the "legitimacy" of their forces.

However, the Xue-Shi allied forces were neither the main force nor the furthest from Xuzhou, so they had no reason to worry about Marshal Li.

The two forces now total over six thousand men, more than the combined forces of Peng Dehuai and Zhao Ziyang when they first left Xuzhou, though their equipment is somewhat inferior.

With such a formidable army at their disposal, and with the precedent of easily capturing Lingbi and Hongxian, not only was Xue Xian restless, but even the generals under Shishan's command were unwilling to continue passively defending Hongxian.

Furthermore, with the addition of 3,000 troops to the city, the consumption of food and supplies has increased dramatically.

If the city is besieged by government troops for a long time, with no reinforcements from outside and no food supplies inside, it will be in great danger. If government troops learn that Xue Xian is coming to their aid and dare not come to suppress him, but instead insist on defending the city and counterattacking, they will miss the opportunity to win the battle.

Fortunately, Shishan always makes multiple preparations and has already made arrangements in advance.

The two chatted for a while, briefly exchanged intelligence on their respective armies, and agreed to discuss the matter again the next day.

As soon as Shi Shan stepped out of the courtyard, Gong Wu leaned close and whispered:
"Commander, Commander Li is back."

Shi Shan's heart skipped a beat. Returning to the city so late, could something have happened?

How many people came back?

"More than five hundred."

Seeing that Shi Shan's expression was off, Gong Wu knew that he hadn't explained himself clearly, so he quickly added:

"The cavalry won, and they also brought their spoils."

(End of this chapter)