Volume 1, Chapter 66: Countermeasures

Zhang Yongnian, a thousand-household official of the Brocade Guard, rode at breakneck speed to Jinan Prefecture in Shandong, where the government office was already brightly lit.

"My lord, we've found it!" a secret agent handed over a document. "There are twenty-three local militias around Jinan Prefecture, with a total force of nearly ten thousand men!"

Zhang Yongnian unfolded the document, his expression changing drastically: "These militias are actually equipped with firelocks?"

Meanwhile, in Yingtian Prefecture of the Southern Zhili, the lights in the gubernatorial office remained burning through the night.

"Report! A suspicious caravan has been spotted transporting a large batch of supplies toward the Prince of Fu's estate!" a scout hurried inside.

Governor Yang Jiaxuan slammed his desk and rose: "Intercept them!"

Moments later, several carriages were escorted into the courtyard. When the curtains were pulled back, the crates were filled with gunpowder and iron shot.

"Where are these being transported to?" Yang Jiaxuan demanded sternly.

The driver knelt and begged for mercy: "This humble one was only hired to transport goods and knows no details..."

As he spoke, another commotion arose outside. An official strode in: "My lord! Local militias everywhere are showing signs of unrest!"

Yang Jiaxuan narrowed his eyes: "Speak!"

"The militias in Yangzhou, Zhenjiang, Changzhou, and other places have suddenly increased their military drills and are secretly purchasing weaponry!"

Meanwhile, in Hangzhou, Zhejiang, Military Commissioner Zhao Guangyuan was interrogating a captured militia leader.

"Speak! What is the real intention of these militias of yours?" Zhao Guangyuan shouted, slamming the desk.

The man suddenly burst out laughing: "It's too late! How could the heroes of the realm ever be controlled by dogs like you?"

Before his voice faded, an urgent report came from outside: "My lord! The militias in Wenzhou, Taizhou, and Ningbo have revolted simultaneously! They have already seized key positions in the cities!"

Zhao Guangyuan turned livid: "Order the local garrisons to suppress them immediately!"

However, more news followed in rapid succession.

In Taiyuan, Shanxi, militia leaders took advantage of the night to raid the prison, releasing dozens of prominent members of the Donglin Party.

In Kaifeng, Henan, local militias clashed fiercely with the garrison, illuminating the sky with the glare of fire.

In Guangzhou, Guangdong, a militia leader openly proclaimed: "The realm has suffered under hardship for too long!"

As reports from all over converged on the capital, a startling picture gradually emerged.

These militias were not only well-equipped but also tightly organized, clearly having planned for a long time.

What was even more shocking was that they seemed to be waiting for a specific signal.

In Nanchang, Jiangxi, a Brocade Guard secret agent infiltrated a militia camp and discovered a secret document.

The document read: "The time has come, await the command."

The signature at the bottom of the document was unmistakably the character for "Fu."

In Xi'an, Shaanxi, after militia leader Wang Deren was captured, he confessed to further details.

It turned out that these militias had begun covertly organizing as early as three years ago.

They purchased weaponry through trade routes and used their status as gentry as a cover to expand secretly in various regions.

Each militia had a dedicated liaison responsible for passing on secret orders.

And most of these liaisons were members of the Donglin Party.

In Fuzhou, Fujian, a militia leader burned his account books just before being captured, but still left behind a few traces.

On the fragmented pages of the ledger, one could faintly make out: "Five thousand liang of silver, three hundred firelocks, one thousand catties of gunpowder."

In Chengdu, Sichuan, militia leader Zhang Shizhong was captured, but during the interrogation, he suddenly let out a long howl to the heavens:

"Your Highness the Prince of Fu, this general has failed your heavy trust!"

Before his voice fell, he bit into the poison hidden within his teeth.

Local officials began investigating the backgrounds of the militia members and uncovered even more astonishing inside information.

Among these militia members, quite a few were descendants of loyalists from the previous dynasty.

They had endured in silence for generations, waiting for the right moment, and had finally gathered under the planning of the Donglin Party.

In Wuchang, Huguang, a militia stronghold was raided, and a large quantity of documents was seized.

The documents detailed the deployment of militias across various regions, along with an operational plan.

The plan showed that they were prepared to revolt simultaneously, first seizing key routes in various places to cut off communication between the capital and the outer provinces.

Then they would advance toward the capital in waves, combining internal and external forces to succeed in one stroke.

In Huizhou, Anhui, militia leader Li Chengwu made a wild declaration before his capture:

"The general trend is set! Even if you have discovered it, you can change nothing!"

In Jining, Shandong, a militia member muttered to himself before dying:

"Your Highness the Prince of Fu, March 15th, at the hour of Zi..."

Local officials began tallying the strength of the militias. Based solely on what had already been uncovered, there were:

Over ten thousand firelocks, hundreds of thousands of catties of gunpowder, countless swords, and abundant food supplies.

What was even more alarming was that these militias were still continuously increasing in number.

In Lanzhou, Gansu, a Brocade Guard discovered that the local militia was actually in communication with merchants from the Western Regions.

These merchants specialized in transporting weaponry for them in astonishing quantities.

In Kunming, Yunnan, a militia leader set fire to the camp before being captured, but some Western firearms were still discovered.

The source of these firearms was none other than Frankish merchants.

In Guiyang, Guizhou, a large amount of silver was found in the cellar of a militia stronghold.

Upon investigation, this silver actually came from the secret emissaries of Later Jin.

Dispatches from local officials flew toward the capital like snowflakes, each revealing earth-shattering news.

These militias were not merely an armed force, but a vast net spread across the entire realm.

And the center of this net pointed directly to the Prince of Fu's estate in Nanjing.

Suddenly, an urgent military report arrived from Wuchang, Huguang:

"Militias launched a surprise attack on the armory, seizing a large quantity of firearms! They have now occupied the city gates and are calling for allegiance to the Prince of Fu!"

Immediately afterward, an alarm also sounded from Nanchang, Jiangxi:

"Militias have joined forces with local braves and now control the key thoroughfares within the city!"

For a time, urgent dispatches flew toward the capital like snowflakes.

Meanwhile, inside the city of Nanjing, an old man was writing something in a secret chamber within the Prince of Fu's estate.

When he finished, he carefully sealed the letter and handed it to a domestic servant:

"Deliver this immediately to all militia strongholds and tell them... the time has come!"

Inside Nanjing, the Prince of Fu's estate was brightly lit. In the study, Prince Zhu Changxun was leafing through a secret report.

"Time and tide wait for no man." He tossed the report into the candlelight, turned toward the doorway, and said, "Summon Yang Huan."

A moment later, a middle-aged scholar dressed in blue robes strode in: "Your Highness."

"The capital has already begun making arrests," Zhu Changxun said in a deep voice. "The plan originally set for March 15th is moved up to tonight."

Yang Huan's expression shifted slightly: "But the militias in various places..."

"There's no time to wait for them!" Zhu Changxun interrupted. "Send out the signal right now."

Yang Huan hesitated: "Your Highness, to act in such haste..."

Zhu Changxun sneered: "Do you think I still have a choice?"

Meanwhile, inside the Yingtian Prefecture office, Governor Yang Jiaxuan was interrogating a merchant.

"Speak! Where is this batch of gunpowder actually being transported to?" Yang Jiaxuan demanded harshly.

The merchant was covered in sweat: "My lord, please examine the truth, this humble one is truly only..."

Suddenly, a commotion erupted outside. A bailiff rushed in: "My lord! The Prince of Fu's estate... the Prince of Fu's estate is setting off fireworks!"

Yang Jiaxuan leaped to his feet: "What?"

In the skies over Nanjing, a massive firework blossomed in the night. Following closely, fireworks began to rise from various parts of the city as well.

Inside the Prince of Fu's estate, Zhu Changxun changed into a bright yellow dragon robe: "Pass down the order, act according to the plan."

Across the city, militias that had long been lying in wait sprang into action. Armories, granaries, and key city gates were swiftly secured.

Outside the Yingtian Prefecture office, a large body of troops suddenly rushed forth. Before Yang Jiaxuan could react, the office was surrounded tightly.

"Lord Yang, offense taken," a general said, cupping his fists before gesturing for his men to apprehend Yang Jiaxuan.

Sounds of drums and gongs echoed through the city. On the streets, militia members in tight garments, holding torches, shouted: "Support the Prince of Fu, purge the emperor's entourage!"

Outside Nanjing, cavalrymen who had been standing by began galloping in all directions to spread the news of the uprising.

In the main hall of the Prince of Fu's estate, Zhu Changxun sat high upon the seat of honor. Civil and military officials filed in, kneeling and shouting in unison: "Long live Your Majesty!"

"Rise, gentlemen," Zhu Changxun surveyed the crowd. "Matters have reached this point; success or failure hangs on this single move."

Yang Huan stepped forward: "Your Majesty, we have already sent men to notify the militias in various regions, and we believe responses will come soon."

Before his voice died away, another victory report arrived from outside. The militias in Yangzhou, Zhenjiang, Changzhou, and other places had already responded, taking control of local key points.

Zhu Changxun nodded: "Pass down the order, exempt all responding regions from this year's taxes."

At that moment, a general hurried in: "Your Majesty, a Brocade Guard secret agent has been discovered!"

"Were they caught?" Zhu Changxun asked.

"They jumped into the river and drowned themselves," the general replied.

Zhu Changxun sneered: "No matter, the message has been sent out anyway."

Yang Huan said with concern: "Your Majesty, what about the capital..."

"The capital has its own countermeasures," Zhu Changxun stood up. "Order the militias everywhere to advance on the capital immediately!"

Inside Nanjing, horns sounded one after another. The city gates flew open, and the assembled army began marching outward.

Zhu Changxun walked up to the city ramparts, gazing at the departing troops: "Twenty years, I have finally waited for this day."

Yang Huan said at his side: "Your Majesty, should we send someone to contact Later Jin first?"

"No need," Zhu Changxun shook his head. "I want the people of the world to know this is a matter for us Han Chinese ourselves."

Below the city walls, the army continued to pour out endlessly. The glow of torches connected into a continuous stream, resembling a flowing river of fire.

Suddenly, a scout galloped up: "Report! The militias in Zhejiang and Jiangxi have already responded!"

A sharp light flashed in Zhu Changxun's eyes: "Good! Order the entire army to march north day and night!"

Yang Huan spoke again: "Your Majesty, should we first deal with those officials who oppose us?"

"Detain them for now," Zhu Changxun said. "Once the great cause is settled, we will deal with them."

Inside the city, squads of militia members were searching house-to-house for suspicious persons.

Some were dragged out, shouting: "The Prince of Fu is rebelling! This is rebellion!"

Nearby militia members immediately struck them down with their scabbarded swords: "Shut your mouth! His Majesty is doing this for the common people of the world!"

Watching all this, Zhu Changxun suddenly asked: "Minister Yang, do you think what I am doing is right or wrong?"

Yang Huan remained silent for a moment: "Your Majesty, history is written by the victors; it has always been so."

"Well said," Zhu Changxun laughed heartily. "Pass down the order, on the day the capital is taken, a million taels of silver as reward!"

The horns within the city blew louder. The morale of the militias soared, their shouts shaking the heavens.

At that moment, another scout galloped up: "Report! The militias in Shandong and Henan have already responded!"

Zhu Changxun nodded: "Just as expected. Order them to raise troops immediately and head straight for the capital!"

Yang Huan spoke again: "Your Majesty, should we send men to contact the regional princes?"

"No need," Zhu Changxun sneered. "They are merely weathercocks, turning whichever way the wind blows."

Below the city walls, the army's formation already stretched for miles. The glow of the torches turned half the sky red.

Watching this, Zhu Changxun suddenly said: "Twenty years ago, I was already thinking that this realm would change hands sooner or later."

Yang Huan was puzzled: "Why does Your Majesty say that?"

Zhu Changxun did not answer, merely gazing toward the north, a complex expression flashing in his eyes.

At that moment, another general hurried in: "Your Majesty, someone was found distributing revolutionary manifestos in the city!"

"Were they caught?" Zhu Changxun asked.

"They escaped," the general lowered his head, "but we managed to seize several copies of the manifesto."

Zhu Changxun took the manifesto, looked it over, and suddenly smiled: "Let them distribute it; the general trend is already set anyway."

Yang Huan said anxiously: "But Your Majesty..."

"It matters not," Zhu Changxun tossed the manifesto into the brazier. "Victors and vanquished, who wins and who loses will soon be revealed."

The horns within the city continued to blare. Zhu Changxun stood on the ramparts, looking toward the north, and muttered to himself:

"Emperor Chongzhen, could you ever have imagined this day would come?"

Yang Huan listened quietly at his side without speaking.

Suddenly, the sound of hooves echoed from afar. A scout galloped up: "Report! The militias in Anhui and Huguang have already responded!"

Zhu Changxun laughed loudly: "Good! Order the entire army to set out at once!"

Below the city walls, the army began to move. Countless torches linked together, spreading toward the north.

Watching this, Yang Huan suddenly asked: "Your Majesty, what if... what if we fail?"

Zhu Changxun turned around, his gaze blazing like a torch: "How can the heroes of the realm forever dwell beneath others? Success or failure hangs on this single action, achieve glory or die trying!"

The horns within the city sounded even louder.

Yang Huan looked at Zhu Changxun's retreating back and said softly: "Indeed, achieve glory or die trying."

Luo Yangxing, Commander of the Brocade Guard, hurried into the hall: "Reporting to Your Majesty, the assassins are ready."

"Audacious!" an elderly minister knelt and wept bitterly, "Your Majesty, assassinating a royal prince is an act of supreme disrespect!"

Minister of War Chen Xinjia stepped forward and said: "If we do not eliminate the Prince of Fu now, when else? He is already a rebel!"

Outside Nanjing, a caravan was slowly making its way toward the city gate. Inside the carriage, several Brocade Guards dressed as merchants quietly gripped their weapons.

Meanwhile, the sound of drums for mobilization echoed across the capital. Imperial guard commanders issued orders one after another, beginning to deploy troops.

"Report!" a scout galloped up, "The Prince of Fu's army has passed Huai'an and is advancing toward Xuzhou!"

Vice Minister of War He Tingkui unfolded a map: "If we are to intercept the rebel army, we must set an ambush right here..."

Inside Nanjing, the area outside the Prince of Fu's estate was heavily guarded. Patrolling soldiers marched back and forth, and secret sentries kept watch at every corner.

The caravan was being inspected at the city gate. A defending general carefully examined the document, then suddenly frowned: "This handwriting..."

The Brocade Guards inside the carriage quietly touched the hilts of their blades.

At that exact moment, a rider galloped swiftly from outside the city: "Urgent military report!"

The defending general turned to receive the report, and the caravan took the opportunity to slip into the city.

In the capital, the Five Army Directorate was urgently mobilizing. Officers and men were fully prepared, the sounds of hooves and weapons rising one after another.

"Pass down the order," said General Cao Bianjiao, "the entire army will march south day and night, and must intercept the rebels before they reach Xuzhou!"

Inside Nanjing, the caravan stopped at a teahouse. Several "merchants" split up and quietly headed toward the Prince of Fu's estate.

Inside the Prince of Fu' estate, Zhu Changxun was discussing military strategy with his strategist Yang Huan.

"Your Majesty," Yang Huan said with deep worry, "the capital has already begun mobilizing troops; we must accelerate our pace."

Zhu Changxun was about to speak when a commotion suddenly erupted outside.

"Assassins!" a cry of alarm rang out, followed immediately by the sound of combat.

Several Brocade Guards had already fought their way into the inner courtyard, but were quickly intercepted by guards who had been prepared in advance.

"Protect His Majesty!" Yang Huan drew his sword, shielding Zhu Changxun.

The assassins fought as they retreated, suddenly tossing several smoke bombs. Amidst the dense smoke, a hidden arrow pierced the air.

Yang Huan deflected the hidden arrow with a stroke of his sword and shouted sternly: "Escort His Majesty to evacuate!"

Zhu Changxun was surrounded by guards and quickly retreated, but his voice remained clear: "Pass down the order, deploy the troops immediately!"

Alarm bells rang wildly across the city, and the Prince of Fu's estate was tightly surrounded.

Several assassins were captured in the chaos, while others escaped in the confusion.

In the capital, the gates of the Five Army Directorate swung open, and the imperial guards began their march south.

An old general looked at the departing troops and sighed: "Since ancient times, brothers fighting within the same household has always brought disaster!"

Outside Nanjing, scouts flew to report: "The main force of the imperial guards has mobilized, numbering about fifty thousand men!"

After hearing the military report, Zhu Changxun immediately gave the order: "Order all forces to quicken their pace!"

Yang Huan said at his side: "Your Majesty, although the assassins failed, the capital clearly can no longer sit still."

"No matter," Zhu Changxun adjusted his robes and crown. "I want to see how these fifty thousand imperial guards can possibly stop the heroes of the realm!"

At the same time, regional militias began to converge toward the capital. Dust billowed along the roads, and banners fluttered in the wind.

For a time, the entire hinterland of the Ming dynasty plunged into chaos. Local officials either looked on, chose a side, or simply fled.

In the capital, civil and military officials were urgently discussing countermeasures.