READ NOVEL ONLINE chapter 7
Chapter 7
＜ Spring in Luoyang (1) ＞
About four years ago, the Yellow Turban Rebellion ended with the death of Zhang Jue.
No longer would the Yellow Turbans appear in this country-
‘That’s nonsense.’
Though their leader was dead, the peasants who once raised their sickles in rebellion had not forgotten the taste of blood.
‘They scattered and began to act in small, secretive groups.’
They banded together to kill local officials, plunder their granaries, and discovered the pleasure of taking what belonged to others.
Their behavior was akin to that of the Xiongnu.
‘Wherever people live, it’s all the same.’
The bandits did not cease.
At least in Bingzhou, where our army’s influence reached, the bandits did not dare to come.
Partly because of my presence, but also because, after the Yellow Turban Rebellion, refugees flocked to Bingzhou.
They formed villages, cultivated the land, and with the help of soldiers, built mountain fortresses to protect themselves from bandits.
– We will protect ourselves!
The refugees who settled in the areas of Yunzhong, Anmen, and Shangshan began to increase in number.
According to Housheng, the young men there were eager to join the ‘Lu Bu Army.’
The Lu Bu Army.
It would be more accurate to call it the Bingzhou Army, but the people of Bingzhou had already started calling it the Lu Bu Army.
It seemed like a ridiculous story.
But as time passed, I couldn’t actively deny it.
‘Although Zheng Yuan has helped a lot, isn’t he now draining the resources of the barracks?’
Every time I encountered Zheng Yuan’s sarcasm, I thought, ‘I should really do something about it.’
‘He even prevents us from going to suppress the bandits.’
In the past four years.
Except for the regular patrols every three months, the number of expeditions to repel bandit attacks had significantly decreased.
Because the number of bandits had decreased?
No.
Their actions had become more cunning and sinister.
‘Have all the fools like Zhang Wugao who dared to challenge us died?’
The bandits still alive in Bingzhou knew how monstrous the Lu Bu Army was.
So they focused their plundering on the outskirts of Bingzhou, where we couldn’t reach.
The name of the leader is Jang Yeon.
After Jang Woo-gak died, he gathered the remaining bandits and called themselves the ‘real Heuksan bandits,’ becoming the leader who united the bandits.
In Jinyang Fortress, a wanted order was issued, but his martial prowess was unexpectedly outstanding.
He was good at escaping, and his nickname was ‘Black Swallow’ because he was swift. Whenever he heard rumors of my appearance, he would flee in haste.
Four years.
No, it’s almost five years now.
We are thoroughly monitoring the places we roam, but the Heuksan bandits still haven’t disappeared.
It felt quite different from the time when bandits, who wouldn’t decrease no matter how many were killed, sprang up like bamboo shoots.
As if someone was continuously creating Heuksan bandits, their scale is growing day by day.
I couldn’t shake off the thought.
The more I thought about it, the more it seemed inevitable.
Someone.
Isn’t someone nurturing the Heuksan bandits?
It sounds crazy, but.
* * *
[Byungju Jinyang Fortress Military Camp.]
“Damn it, does this even make sense?!”
Song Heon raged.
“It’s an imperial decree. Calm down.”
“Captain. This is really, utterly nonsensical.”
Wi Sook pounded his chest and pointed at the order in front of us.
“The order has been issued, so we must follow it.”
“Can you believe that General Ha Jin issued such an order?”
“I can’t believe it, but at least the envoy from the court wouldn’t forge an imperial decree, would he?”
“But…!!”
“It’s nonsensical, but it’s an imperial command, so we have no choice.”
Imperial command.
At the word ‘imperial command,’ which was not just an order, the two men clamped their mouths shut, but their dissatisfaction did not subside.
“The order given to the governor of Byungju is also an order given to us. Soldiers follow the orders of their superiors.”
“I understand. But···.”
Even Huseong lets out a deep sigh.
“How hard have we worked to eradicate the bandits until now, and yet we can’t even be commended for it…!”
“It’s not just about the rewards. If they find out that this order has been issued…!”
“The Heuksan bandits will become even more rampant.”
All three of them are expressing their anger towards me, but they also know.
“Are you alright, Captain?”
“I’m fine.”
Their outburst of anger is on my behalf.
“Damn it, what is this? How can they tell us not to eradicate the bandits who have settled in places like Chaeju and Sanchae?”
“Do you know what they’re saying these days? That b*stard Jebi is going around calling himself the True Heuksan Bandit (眞黑山賊) or something.”
“They might as well go around calling themselves Super Heuksan Bandits or Extreme Heuksan Bandits. Damn it, aren’t there any other mountains besides Heuksan? These bandit b*stards… ha.”
The order we received was simple.
– Do not take the initiative to eradicate the Heuksan bandits.
Prohibition of bandit eradication.
In other words, it means not to do it at all.
It’s an issue that doesn’t make sense logically.
It’s like telling the police not to catch thieves, or telling prosecutors not to indict gangsters.
Why is the court telling us not to eradicate the bandits?
During the Yellow Turban Rebellion, they were so eager to eradicate them, but why not the Heuksan bandits?
Are they trying to let them become a rogue group that resists the government, like the ‘Seventy-two Strongholds of Heukrim (黑林七十二砦)’?
The answer is simple.
Such an unreasonable situation occurs because someone stands to gain financially or politically.
“General, could it be that someone has taken money from the Heuksan bandits?”
“That sounds plausible.”
If we think about it simply, it must be that they took bribes.
“Has the blood-stained money of the bandits flowed into the empty pockets of the court eunuchs?”
The Heuksan bandits are both bandits and a violent organization.
If we consider the Heuksan bandits as a kind of gang, it means they have secured their territory by bribing a political bigwig in the central government.
The Heuksan bandits operate in the northern part of Sayeju, which includes Byeongju, Giju, and the capital Luoyang.
They are bandits who operate around the Yellow River area.
“Do you think they bribed the high officials in the court?”
“The funds the Black Mountain Bandits earned through looting are being offered to those high-ranking officials. Even to the eunuch who holds enough power to issue imperial decrees.”
“How… bitter.”
As a soldier, I shouldn’t be thinking like this.
“I’ve heard that the court of this country is rotten to the core, but I didn’t expect it to be this corrupt.”
Sometimes, such thoughts cross my mind.
‘Should I overthrow it?’
Even if I don’t know much about ancient China, I know that a country doesn’t last forever.
Even with my limited historical knowledge, I know this one thing for sure.
‘It will fall eventually.’
It wasn’t the Han Dynasty that helped Joseon during the Imjin War, but the Ming Dynasty.
It’s a doomed country.
It wouldn’t be surprising if it fell now, and someone might be dreaming of a revolution.
I’m not saying I want to be king, but maybe I could put someone on the throne.
Even if that path turns the Yellow River red with blood, if necessary-
“…….”
I steady my breathing.
I calm my anger and regain my peace of mind.
A golden tower built on blood is nothing but a house of cards.
“Do you think Governor Jeong also took money?”
“We can’t be sure of that yet, can we?”
“Who knows. Even if he didn’t take money directly from the Black Mountain Bandits, he might have taken money from a court official who did.”
While I was lost in thought, the three captains began to suspect even Governor Jeong.
“Governor Jeong took money from the eunuchs? Captain, we have a justification. Let’s go confront the governor right away.”
“Let’s do that.”
I stood up.
“What?”
“Wait a moment, General. What did you just say?”
The three of them blocked my way in confusion.
“We need to get a definite answer from Governor Jeong. Did he neglect the Black Mountain Bandits because of an imperial decree, or is he colluding with them?”
“Ah, no! Please calm down!”
The ones who were just angry a moment ago are now trying to stop me as I decide to move.
“General, it’s just a guess! It could just be that Jeong Won is an old man consumed by greed, envying and jealous of the young general!”
“That’s right! The reason we’ve left him alone until now is because Jeong Won is sincere about Byeongju!”
“That’s why I’m saying this.”
To him, what kind of place is this Byeongju land?
“If we can just find evidence that he’s colluding with the Heuksanjeok-“
“I have returned, General.”
A man with a lion-like helmet and a thick beard entered.
A man who is not inferior to Song Heon, Wi Sok, and Hu Seong, or even more, a man with a robust physique like a general.
But a young man who has just passed the age of twenty.
“Zhang Liao, have you come?”
“Yes. Zhang Wen Yuan has arrived.”
Zhang Liao. Courtesy name Wen Yuan.
“It must have been hard for Jeong to bring you here.”
“He must be busy entertaining the high-ranking official from the court.”
“Did you find out who it is?”
“I found out that he is a person of Grand General He Jin, but I couldn’t identify him as his face was covered.”
“A person of He Jin….”
“If there’s a characteristic.”
Zhang Liao drew his beard long to the sides with his hand.
“He was a man with a beard like this.”
“……Perhaps.”
Somehow, it feels familiar.
“Could it be that he is from Unjung County?”
* * *
[At that time, in a separate room of the Jin Yang Fortress government office.]
“Welcome, General Zhang. Oh, a high-ranking person has arrived.”
“I pay my respects to the master of Byeongju.”
Byeongju Governor Jeong Won greeted the man in a dark brown official robe.
He had solid muscles that couldn’t be hidden even by his official robes.
“I have something to discuss with Officer Jang from the court, so all of you, leave us.”
When Jang Yang gestured to his subordinates and household members standing on either side, they quickly left the room, leaving it empty.
Click.
Jeong Won picked up a bottle of liquor.
“It’s been a while, Jang Chisuk.”
“You can call me Jang Yang as you used to.”
The man, Jang Yang, politely received the cup with both hands.
“How are things at the court?”
“The situation is not looking good. Hajin is trying to kill Geon-seok, and the Ten Attendants are also planning to use the Eight Guards of Seowon to eliminate Hajin if necessary.”
“The Eight Guards of Seowon….”
“Does Yeobongseon still not know? That he was recommended to the Eight Guards of Seowon.”
“He doesn’t need to know.”
Jeong Won filled his own cup with liquor, sneering.
“Sending an illiterate who can barely write his name to the central government is a humiliation for Jeong Geon-yang, who brought him into the army.”
“…Training him with a sword.”
“Failed. I hate to admit it, but he’s not a sword I can handle.”
Jeong Won shook his head.
“But in these chaotic times, even bamboo, no matter how strong, will soon burn and break.”
“What about sending him to Byeongju?”
“…….”
Jeong Won glared at Jang Yang with wrinkled eyes, but Jang Yang stepped forward and whispered softly.
“Sir. Thanks to you sending me to Geon-seok, I was able to establish quite a position at the court.”
“A person who has risen to the rank of Sama is being humble.”
“If you hadn’t supported me, how could I have come this far? It’s all thanks to your grace.”
Jang Yang bowed his head slightly while sitting.
“Hmm.”
“I may not be able to repay your kindness with my own strength, but I can provide a connection. I am in a position to do so.”
Jang Yang took out two silk envelopes from his bosom.
“One is a letter from General Hajin, whom I serve.”
“Is it appropriate for someone in the position of a Sima to privately serve the Grand General?”
“The court is already split in half and fighting, so what does it matter? Haha. The letter contains various stories. Official ones.”
“Then this one…?”
“Likewise, it’s a letter from Grand General He Jin.”
Jang Yang carefully handed over the envelope sewn with thread.
“It’s a secret letter.”
“…….”
“Read it here, and you must give me your reply to the letter. And the letter must be burned.”
“I will do so.”
Jung Won tore open the envelope without hesitation and checked the contents inside.
“…….”
His fingertips trembled as he held the letter.
Jang Yang quietly lifted his glass, maintaining silence until Jung Won finished reading and organizing his thoughts.
“Is this really true?”
“He Jin is the Emperor’s maternal uncle. Status doesn’t matter. His younger sister is the Empress Dowager.”
“…….”
“And he needs warlords. Externally, there are those in the Eight Guards of the Western Garden, led by the eunuch Jian Shuo, who are connected to He Jin. The prestigious families of the Three Dukes, like the Yuan family, are also involved.”
“The Yuan family….”
Jung Won frowned.
“Is this what he has in mind?”
“General.”
“I know. Externally, the conciliatory policy towards the eunuchs has instead caused the Black Mountain bandits to overflow. Even if….”
“Even if large-scale rebellions occur near the capital Luoyang and in various places.”
“…The warlords benefited from the Yellow Turban Rebellion. Do you want to recreate that? With our own hands?”
Our.
“General…!”
“It’s a good idea. But there’s one problem.”
“What do you mean by problem…?”
“If we are to proceed with this plan, we need to move the soldiers, but unfortunately, all the soldiers in this Jin Yang city are tightly controlled by some madman.”
“…….”
Jang Yang briefly mouthed the words “Yeobongseon.”
“I know. This happened because of my lack of ability. But how could I have known it would turn out like this?”
“In that case, how about entrusting it?”
“Entrusting?”
“It doesn’t necessarily have to be the general’s soldiers, does it?”
“…….”
“If you permit, I will-“
Both of them stopped speaking simultaneously.
Bang!
The door to the private room burst open, and a man appeared, accompanied by several officers and attendants.
“General! You can’t do this!”
Step, step.
Despite several strong men clinging to his trousers, they couldn’t stop the man dressed in official robes.
“Ah, it’s not General Yeo.”
Jeongwon greeted the man, Yeopo.
* * *
A familiar face.
“Isn’t it Jang Asuk?”
“Now it’s Chisuk. It’s been a while, Bongseon.”
Jang Yang.
Not quite a hometown friend, but from a similar neighborhood.
“I heard you were recommended to the court and took office. Was it Mumengjongsa?”
“Yeobongseon.”
Jeongwon glared at me.
“Show respect to Jang Sama. Sama, I apologize. General Yeo is not familiar with the court ranks….”
“It’s fine. I’ll explain.”
Jang Yang leisurely stood up and faced me.
“Now it’s Sama.”
“……Jang Yang Sama?”
“You seem to be thinking something strange again, but it’s quite a high rank. You’re still the same, Bongseon.”
Jang Yang let out a deep sigh and gave a hollow laugh.
“If you happen to meet another Sama next time, be careful. With your current rank, you might be considered rude.”
“…I apologize, Jang Sama.”
“It’s fine. It’s okay with me, but don’t do that to others.”
Those words.
‘He means to be respectful.’
I had fought bandits with Jang Yang ten years ago.
I stayed in Byeongju, and Jang Yang went to Luoyang with a letter of recommendation from Jeong Won.
Though he was success-oriented, he wasn’t someone who completely abandoned righteousness and benevolence.
He wasn’t.
At least until the last time we fought together on the battlefield.
“Congratulations on your success.”
“…You are really… Ha. Never mind. Yes, it’s better to face you than those wolves in the court.”
Jang Yang waved his hand dismissively.
“I am currently discussing important matters with Governor Jeong and the court. Is it urgent?”
“I heard that you brought an imperial decree to stop the suppression of the Heuksan bandits.”
“Yes.”
“Is it true?”
“…Bongseon.”
Jang Yang frowned.
“I am the imperial envoy carrying the emperor’s decree. Are you denying the emperor’s command?”
“Is it truly the emperor’s will, or the will of those around him?”
“Has this man truly gone mad!”
Jeong Won pointed his finger at me and approached.
“How dare you doubt the emperor’s command! I’ve tolerated you until now, but you’ve finally crossed the line!!”
“I only came to confirm the extent of the order to stop suppressing the bandits.”
I lightly.
“The line.”
I took a step forward.
“Where does it end?”
Flinch.
Jeongwon stops in his tracks.
“I hope you don’t cross that final line.”
A distance of about two steps between us.
“Will you cross it?”
If Jeongwon takes just one step forward, I can reach out and grab his neck.
“I just came to ask. Is it that you don’t want me to stir up the hornet’s nest like I’ve been searching for the Black Mountain Bandits’ hideout? Or…”
The distance remains, but I take one step closer.
“Are you telling me to stay still and not subdue those bandits who steal crops that took months of blood and sweat to cultivate and kidnap women and children, even though they stab us with their swords?”
Neither Jeongwon nor Jangyang are oblivious.
They are forcing me to be cautious, so they must be aware too.
“Is it forbidden to dispatch troops according to the imperial order?”
“…That’s not it.”
Jangyang lowers his voice and speaks.
“Byungju has made significant achievements by subduing the Black Mountain Bandits since ancient times. This is well known to the Emperor.”
“…….”
“But it means not to go as far as subduing those in other provinces or going too far.”
“Don’t meddle?”
“To interpret the imperial order like that….”
“Governor. The order.”
I turned my eyes to Jeongwon.
“The Byungju army follows the orders of the Byungju governor, so it would be right for the governor who received the imperial order to command the army.”
“……I command Byungju’s military commander, Bugok Sama Yeopo.”
Jeongwon grits his teeth and gives me the military order.
“The Byungju army will eradicate the Black Mountain Bandits within Byungju’s territory. Do not leave Byungju without permission.”
“I will follow the order.”
I lightly clasped my hands and bowed my head.
“Oh, by the way.”
Before turning around, I clearly said to Jeongwon.
“The mountain paths are rough these days. Many are asking for the roads to be repaired.”
“…….”
“After the rain, many earthworms come out. Even if you step on an earthworm, doesn’t it squirm? But, travelers say this.”
Lightly, with a smile, he strained his neck.
“After stepping on it, it turned out it wasn’t an earthworm but the tail of a viper.”
“…….”
“Take care, Master Jang. The mountain path is treacherous.”
With those words, I left the private room.
I felt the gaze of two people glaring at me, but I could only head towards the barracks with a bitter feeling.
“You’ve changed.”
* * *
“……Rude fellow.”
Jeong-won trembled with his hands.
“Master Jang.”
“Speak, elder.”
“Mobilize your private soldiers. I have some soldiers secretly raised outside the city, join forces with them and follow the orders.”
Jeong-won took the secret letter, then threw it into the fire to burn it.
“Did you say Maeng Jin-hang?”
“Yes.”
“Soon, it will blaze brightly.”
Flare.
“By the Black Mountain Bandits.”
The secret letter burned in the fire, turning to ashes and rising up, soaring towards the ceiling.
Beyond the place where a man stood, towards the outside, fluttering.
＜ Spring in Luoyang (1) ＞ End