Chapter Seventeen: Zhuang Zhuang Proclaims Military Might in Xuan Prefecture

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After finishing his official business, Governor Lu Xiangsheng rode back to his residence from Anding Gate, it was nearly the third watch of the night. His servant, Gu Xian, informed him that many friends in the capital had come to visit both that afternoon and evening, inquiring about the defensive strategies against the eastern invaders. Some visitors lingered until nearly the third watch before gradually departing.

The next morning, after breakfast, Lu Xiangsheng dressed neatly and went to the palace to take his leave from His Majesty the Emperor. He waited briefly in the court chamber before a young eunuch appeared and led him inside, arriving before the resplendent Left Shun Gate. As was customary for ministers taking leave, Emperor Chongzhen did not come out personally. Instead, several eunuchs stood in two rows before the hall. Lu Xiangsheng knelt respectfully at the white jade dragon-carved steps, facing the solemn yet empty throne, and kowtowed three times, loudly proclaiming, “Your servant Lu Xiangsheng bids farewell to His Majesty, wishing the Emperor ten thousand years, ten thousand years, and ten thousand times ten thousand years of life!”

Though a routine court ceremony, when Governor Lu uttered these words at this moment, his heart was filled with pain and passion, his voice trembling slightly, nearly bringing tears to his eyes. Deep within, he harbored a foreboding—that after this farewell, he might never see the Emperor again.

At that moment, a young eunuch approached the steps and delivered an imperial edict, granting him a Shangfang sword. Lu took it with both hands, knelt once more to express gratitude, and tears suddenly welled up uncontrollably.

After the farewell, Lu Xiangsheng exited through Left Shun Gate and went to the cabinet office to bid farewell to Grand Secretary Yang Sichang. Due to court regulations barring non-cabinet members from entering the cabinet office, Yang did not invite Lu inside but escorted him directly out through Noon Gate. As they prepared to part, Yang seemed eager to speak privately but after moving his lips several times, he said nothing.

They gazed silently at each other for a long while. Finally, Yang whispered, “Master Jiu, you ought to understand the Emperor’s intent now. The nation’s peril lies not outside but within. If we cannot secure internal peace, how can we marshal the court’s full strength against foreign foes? The armies of Shanxi and Xuanda are our finest. With internal rebels still unpacified, Master Jiu, you must preserve this portion of our strength for the Emperor.”

Lu Xiangsheng pondered silently for a long moment, then cupped his hands in salute to Yang Sichang and turned away.

As he exited through Chengtian Gate, a military dispatch from Changping arrived, reporting that though the majority of the Tatars had moved toward the East Bian Gate and Guangqu Gate near the capital, some cavalry had begun scouting and raiding between Anding Gate and Changping.

He immediately decided to return to the Changping army. Before setting out, he instructed a servant, “Go tell Master Yang Tinglin that due to urgent military matters in Changping, I cannot visit him now. Please ask him to come to Changping within the next day or two to meet.”

Without even returning to his residence in the capital, he mounted his warhorse outside the Right Gate of Chang’an and galloped swiftly toward Changping.

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On the morning of the fourth day of the tenth lunar month, the 11th year of the Chongzhen reign, at the hour of si (around 9–11 am), within the camp of Cavalry Commander Zhang Cheng, subordinate to the Deputy General of Xuanzhen stationed east of Changping.

Zhang sat upright behind the main desk at the center front of the tent and addressed those present in a deep voice: “Except for the right outpost, the second and third companies of the other outposts will follow me toward the horse stable near the eastern suburb, scouting in the Shunyi direction. Chen Zheng will lead the forward outpost’s second and remaining first companies toward Lvgezhuang, Zhang Guangda will lead the left outpost’s second and remaining first companies toward Tangshan, Wu Zhizhong will lead the right outpost’s second and remaining first companies toward Guanniufang, and Hu Dake will lead the rear outpost’s second company toward Niufangquan.”

Standing up as he spoke, Zhang watched several outpost commanders rise as well before continuing: “Each unit will send one squad ahead as scouts, with the main force following within five hundred paces. If encountering Tatar cavalry, engage only to delay and escape, then relay information promptly, aiming to encircle and annihilate them. If the enemy cavalry is large, do not engage recklessly; retreat immediately to the stable to regroup with me.”

The four outpost commanders responded in unison: “Orders acknowledged!”

Zhang added, “Maintain formation rhythm and avoid advancing too far ahead. Stay in close communication. If signs of enemy cavalry appear, report to me immediately. If none are found, all units must regroup at the stable before nightfall.”

The commanders again responded: “Yes!”

Finally, Zhang said, “Remember, if victorious, we shall raise cups in celebration; if defeated, we must fight to the death to save one another. Now, return and prepare. After lunch, we depart in order.”

The commanders responded once more: “Understood!”

Around noon, about forty miles east of Changping lies Guanniufang. Because of its flat terrain and abundant pastures, cattle are raised here all year to supply the palace and government, hence the name “Official Cattle Farm.”

Five miles further east stands an unnamed small hill about a hundred meters high, gently sloping, without large trees but covered with dense weeds and shrubs. About a mile south flows the Elm River eastward.

At this moment, over five hundred hardy cavalry stand around the hillside. On the hilltop, a dozen armored horsemen gaze eastward. They are Zhang Cheng and his men, recently departed from the Xuanzhen camp in Changping’s eastern suburbs.

Wu Zhizhong, mounted beside Zhang, said, “Commander, Zhang Guangda’s scouts report they will arrive soon. Should we wait a bit longer?”

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Zhang Cheng, hand resting on his waist sword, replied gravely, “No need. The Tatars number only about a hundred, roughly half are elite cavalry; the rest are auxiliary troops or commoners with limited combat ability.”

After glancing at Wu, Zhang continued, “Old Wu, we’ve entered the metropolitan area to kill Tatar soldiers. Encountering this small band of enemy cavalry is a good chance for our men to test their skills and boost Xuanzhen’s military prestige. That way, when the great battle comes, our troops won’t be cowed or afraid.”

“Understood. But the enemy cavalry is fierce; I fear for your safety, Commander...” Wu said with concern.

“No worries. We attack with careful planning and surprise. If we can’t win, we’ll retreat directly to Xuanzhen. No point courting death needlessly.” Zhang said confidently.

“Old Wu, take the right outpost along the Elm River to the south side of the stable. Guard the pontoon bridge and prevent the enemy cavalry from crossing back. Watch closely for any large reinforcements south of the river. If so, report to me immediately.”

Wu nodded enthusiastically, “Yes!”

Zhang continued, “Chen Zheng, your forward outpost is on my left flank. Hu Dake’s rear outpost is on the right. I’ll lead the center. Our target is the enemy cavalry camp at the stable.”

“Yes... yes,” Chen and Hu replied together.

“Chen Zhong, send two riders to find Zhang Guangda’s left outpost. Tell him not to join us at Guanniufang but to approach the stable directly from Tangshan, attacking from the north side. All units, prepare immediately. Our target is the stable.”

“Understood!” Chen Zhong shouted.

Zhang Cheng commanded over two hundred cavalry, having just arrived here, when he received reports from forward scouts. About twenty miles east near the stable, over a hundred Tatars had gathered, with more than three hundred warhorses and mules, a dozen or more carts, and nearly a thousand plundered civilians.

Zhang immediately stationed his troops beneath the small hill and sent swift riders to summon the other four units to converge. Wu Zhizhong, being closest, arrived first; Zhang Guangda was en route and would soon arrive; Chen Zheng and Hu Dake had just reached the rendezvous point.

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