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18. Vice-president Yuan impounds Heh’s possessions | Governor-general Hu withdraws to Huizhou
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18 viCe-pResident yuan impounds heh’s possessions goveRnoR-geneRal hu WithdRaWs to huiZhou With Jishi firmly in his grasp, the mounted man galloped off. When Jishi cried out for help, he answered, “Don’t worry, sir. We’re under orders from our leader to recruit men of talent and learning, and we’ve come specially to invite you to join us. Provided you’re not just posing as a licentiate, and have some genuine talent and learning to offer, you’ll enjoy a great many advantages with us.” In no time at all they had traveled over thirty miles. Along the way they ate some dry rations and after a day and a night came to a mountain peak. With its sheer walls the camp was impregnable, and it bristled with armed men. One of the mounted men entered and reported their arrival, after which two men in official garb came out and welcomed them in and invited them to sit down. “May we ask your names?” they began. “I’m Su Fang, from Guangzhou,” said Jishi, his alarm receding, “and these two are my pages. Could you tell me why you’ve invited me here? I would also like to ask you your names and what positions you hold.” “We are Wang Dahai and Chu Hu, officers on the staff of the Commander of Fengle, and it is our duty to guard the northern approach. Our leader is eager to find talented men from throughout the region. In their ignorance, our soldiers caused you needless alarm.” He called to his staff to serve wine to the newcomers to ease their apprehension. At this point Jishi realized that he had fallen into the hands of the Lufeng bandits, and he began to feel apprehensive and tried to excuse himself. “I’m just an ignoramus, I’m afraid—I certainly don’t qualify as a Mirage-FA02_13Jan2014.indd 273 15/1/14 11:30 AM 274 | Mirage man of talent. I beg you, General, to let me go home. Choose someone else instead of me. Otherwise, I fear that you’ll be blamed for recommending the wrong person.” “The students who boast about their achievements are the stupid ones,” said Wang Dahai. “You’re so modest that you must have true talent.” He issued an order: “Get a sedan chair ready. I’m taking this gentleman up there myself.” By this point Yao Huowu had already seized Jiazi. Brigade General Zhong Yu, commander of the Chaozhou garrison, led five thousand troops in an attempt to retake the town. Feng Gang was no match for him, so he locked the gates and mounted a resolute defense. Later Qin Shuming and Cao Zhiren of Army Gate Ridge, hearing of the initial achievements of Huowu and Feng Gang, brought their entire force over to their side. Dun’an selected Qin Shuming’s sister Shaoying as Huowu’s consort, while he himself led Lü Youkui, Qin Shuming and others to the aid of Jiazi, routing Zhong Yu’s forces. At the same time Mola, using light craft attacked and took Chaozhou and proclaimed himself Prince Daguang. Zhong Yu could neither advance nor retreat, and for the time being he had to go into Jiaying and mount a last-ditch defense there. Fortunately for him, Mola, having taken Chaozhou, was perfectly satisfied. He set up a number of palaces and gave himself up to drink and debauchery by day and night. He appointed his four disciples Guardians of the Faith and made his eight fierce chieftains generals, and ceased to concern himself with military matters. After forcing Zhong Yu to retreat, Dun’an told Qin Shuming and the others to guard the town while he himself returned and prepared for battle. In consulting with Huowu, he gave him this advice: “Zhong Yu has all he can do to defend himself, so there’s no need to worry about an attack from the east. But I’m afraid that the governor-general’s and commander-inchief ’s brigades will both come here. We shall have to step up our defensive measures.” It was at this point that a cavalryman came in and reported that General Wang was bringing a man of talent to see them. Huowu was delighted, and told Dun’an to go out and receive him. Before long Jishi entered the yamen, with Yeyun and Du Chong close behind. He realized he was meeting the leader and went forward and kowtowed. Huowu responded in...