socalfunplaces Page 26
Page 26
On October 24, Wang Shouren ordered Wu Wending, the prefect of Ji'an, to lead a force to meet the rebels head-on, with She Enji as the commander-in-chief, and Xing Xun, the prefect of Ganzhou, to flank the rebels and attack from behind. Xu Lian, the prefect of Yuanzhou, and Dai Deru, the prefect of Linjiang, were on the left and right wings, respectively.
At Huangjia Ferry, Wu Wending, the prefect of Ji'an, adopted a tactic of luring the enemy deep into his territory and attacking from both the north and south. This lured Zhu Chenhao, who was eager for battle, into battle. With his troops exhausted and his generals weak, the rebel army suffered a defeat in its first battle, with tens of thousands killed or drowned.
On the 25th, Zhu Chenhao's main force was defeated again under the attack from three sides, and he had no choice but to retreat to the woodcutter's house and form a square formation with his boats.
On the morning of the 26th, Wang Shouren adopted Yue Yuchen's strategy of "burning the Red Cliffs".
Fishing boats were requisitioned, loaded with firewood and kerosene, and, taking advantage of the wind, set fire to Zhu Chenhao's iron-chained boat formation. Zhu Chenhao suffered a major defeat, with over 3 rebel soldiers perishing in the fire or drowning.
The main force of the rebel army was annihilated, and the remaining troops surrendered. Zhu Chenhao, his heir, the left and right prime ministers Li Shishi and Liu Yangzheng, the pseudo Minister of War Wang Lun, and others were captured.
On the 27th, Wang Shouren ordered all the troops that came to his aid to return to their posts and post notices to reassure the people.
On the 28th, Wang Shouren submitted a memorial to the emperor regarding the suppression of the rebellion, and all the meritorious officials were listed among them.
On the same day, Yue Buqun led the Huashan Sect disciples back to Huashan. On the way, Yue Yuchen received a system narration...
You prepared provisions for Wang Shouren's army in advance, ensuring that the army's logistics were uninterrupted.
[You devised the plan to "borrow the east wind," which led to the Battle of Red Cliffs and successfully shattered the last glimmer of hope for Prince Ning.]
Wang Shouren attributed all your achievements to the Huashan Sect. Your plan succeeded, and the imperial decree has arrived.
………………
Spring of the fifteenth year of Zhengde.
The spring chill lingered, and the snow and ice on Mount Hua had not yet melted, with a biting wind blowing.
On that day, all the disciples of the Huashan Sect were in high spirits, and all the disciples had put on brand new Taoist robes.
Yue Buqun and his wife, along with Yue Yuchen, sat quietly inside the Sword Qi Hall.
Outside the door, Linghu Chong was issuing orders...
"Has the dirt road been cleared yet?"
"Go and check the offering table, the altar, and the candles again after receiving the imperial decree."
"Order your disciples to increase patrols and ensure the safety of all roads leading up the mountain."
"Hey you, is the kitchen ready? Tell the head chefs to get everything ready, we absolutely can't afford any mistakes."
"Go check the incense and candles in the ancestral hall again."
Inside the hall, Yue Buqun's expression remained calm, but his trembling hands could not conceal his excited heart.
A moment later, Linghu Chong walked into the hall with a big smile on his face, cupped his hands and said, "Master, everything is prepared and there will be no mistakes."
Yue Buqun nodded, gesturing for him to sit down.
Linghu Chong looked up at the sky, then turned to his head and said, "Master, Mistress, it's still chilly in spring, and the mountain path is difficult to walk. Why don't we go down the mountain sooner so we can welcome the Imperial Envoy?"
Yue Buqun stood up and said, "That is indeed the way to go. In that case, let's go down the mountain now."
Seeing the excited crowd, Yue Yuchen didn't want to spoil the fun and followed them down the mountain.
………………
It was past noon, and although it was freezing cold, it couldn't dampen the enthusiasm of the Huashan disciples. A group of them stood at the foot of the mountain, their faces beaming with excitement.
Not long after noon, a group of soldiers could be seen clearing the way in the distance, followed by two officers holding signs that read "Avoidance" and "Silence".
Further back, one group held knives, spears, swords, halberds, and axes; another group held flags, placards, umbrellas, fans, and banners.
Behind them were the imperial envoy's sedan chair and the sedan chair of the local prefectural official, as well as the local officials and their entourage.
Upon seeing the imperial envoy arrive, the Huashan disciples quickly formed two lines under Linghu Chong's command, with Yue Buqun and his wife at the head, followed by Yue Yuchen and Linghu Chong.
"We respectfully welcome Your Majesty the Imperial Envoy..." With these shouts, the sedan chair in front parted slightly.
A soft, feminine voice came from within: "Our master carries the imperial decree; there's no need for formalities. Let's go up the mountain immediately!"
Yue Buqun was slightly surprised, not expecting that the one who came to deliver the imperial decree would be a eunuch, but he immediately realized what was going on, made way for the imperial envoy to go first.
The Huashan Sect members lagged behind as they ascended the mountain. In the rear, Yue Yuchen said to Linghu Chong, "Give the order to add two more trays of gold ingots to the original silver notes."
Linghu Chong was taken aback, but then said nothing and gave instructions to Lao Denuo beside him. Lao Denuo nodded and, after reaching the mountain, quietly left the group.
………………
Upon arriving outside the Sword Qi Hall, a young eunuch with a fair complexion and no beard, dressed in a bright red robe, alighted from a sedan chair.
He glanced around at the surroundings: white walls and green tiles, bright and clean windows and tables, except for the yellow earth on the clean path, it was spotless.
Nodding in satisfaction, he then headed towards the Sword Qi Hall amidst the obsequious flattery of the local officials.
His movements were swift yet fluid, his footsteps light as a whisper, leaving only a shallow footprint on the yellow earth. Yue Yuchen narrowed his eyes, already recognizing that this eunuch was also practicing the "Sunflower Manual".
Although he seemed like a beginner compared to Dongfang Bubai, this eunuch clearly held a high position in the palace.
Standing in the center of the Sword Qi Hall, the eunuch raised his head, took a deep breath, and said in a loud and clear voice, "There is an imperial decree: Huashan Sect, receive the decree!"
Everyone immediately knelt down and listened attentively.
The eunuch took out an imperial edict from the sutra box and said...
"The Emperor decreed to officials, soldiers, and civilians: Mount Hua is a famous mountain under heaven, the place where the Great Emperor of the Western Peak cultivated himself, attained enlightenment, and manifested his power. In our dynasty, it has silently blessed the country and protected the people."
"I have been on the throne for a long time, and I think of Mount Hua as the place where Shaohao Baidi manifested himself, helping those in distress and responding to all things and people with great compassion and vows, and with great holiness and mercy."
"To honor the late Emperor and his consort, and to pray for the well-being of all living beings, I hereby bestow upon the title of 'Guardian Saint and Manifest Saint True Lord' upon the Great Emperor Jintian Shunsheng of Mount Hua in the Western Mountains."
"The Huashan Sect is hereby declared the orthodox lineage of the Western Mountain, to protect the people and continue the sacred way of the sages of the past. This is hereby proclaimed."
"There is an imperial decree..."
"Yue Buqun, the leader of the Huashan Sect, made great contributions in the battle against Prince Ning's rebellion. I shall reward him generously. The Western Peak is associated with vital energy and benefits people. He shall be granted the title of 'Changchun Zhenren'."
"Receive the decree, Your Excellency."
Yue Buqun's expression was excited, and his voice trembled slightly: "Your subject obeys the decree, long live the Emperor!"
After Yue Buqun received the imperial edict, the eunuch immediately headed towards the door.
Yue Yuchen gently tugged at Yue Buqun's sleeve. Yue Buqun was taken aback, then took two steps to catch up and cupped his hands in greeting, saying, "Your Excellency has come a long way and must be tired. Please rest for a while before you go."
The eunuch scoffed, "I am under imperial orders and cannot linger."
"Please wait a moment, Grand Eunuch," Yue Buqun said, cupping his hands in greeting. "Grand Eunuch, you have worked tirelessly for the affairs of Mount Hua. I have nothing of value to offer, but I have prepared a small token of my respect. Please accept it with a smile."
Yue Buqun waved his hand, and Lao Denuo led his men to bring over three trays from the side.
The eunuch lifted the cloth with his finger and glanced at it. He saw a stack of silver notes and estimated the amount at a glance. Then he lifted a corner of the cloth behind him, and a golden glint flashed in his eyes.
He nodded in satisfaction, and a young eunuch immediately stepped forward to take the tray.
“I am indeed under imperial orders and cannot stay any longer, but I have something else to say,” the eunuch said with a smile.
Yue Buqun bowed and said, "Please speak, Grand Eunuch."
The eunuch smiled and said...
"By imperial decree, the temple of the Great Emperor of the Western Peak should be repaired. This should be funded and labored by the local government. Master Yue can estimate the value of all the laborers and materials needed."
“The barren mountains and wilderness below the mountain can also be included in the Emperor’s sacrificial fields to provide food and lodging for believers and to maintain the temples.”
Yue Buqun was taken aback, but then he understood what the eunuch meant. He was being ordered to embezzle money and, incidentally, change the land that was supposed to be taxed into sacrificial land to avoid taxes and rent.
Yue Buqun immediately nodded to thank him for the advice. The eunuch nodded in satisfaction and leaned closer to whisper, "The Eastern Leader asked me to tell you that she has repaid her debt."
Having said that, he left without lingering, surrounded by a group of officials.
Chapter 51 Rescue the Emperor 1
Inside the Huashan Ancestral Hall.
They were led by Yue Buqun and his wife.
After that, Feng Qingyang, Feng Buping, Cheng Buyou, and Cong Buqi were appointed to their respective positions.
Then there are the direct disciples of the Huashan Sect in this generation, led by Yue Yuchen and Linghu Chong.
Led by Yue Buqun, the imperial edict was placed on the altar in the Ancestral Hall, and everyone offered incense to the patriarchs of Mount Hua.
Looking at the scroll, still golden and radiant under the candlelight, with its dragon patterns faintly visible, Yue Buqun was excited, his eyes reddening slightly.
Feng Qingyang looked at the memorial tablet at the head of the table, his feelings were complicated and hard to describe. Yue Buqun, whom he had not thought highly of, had led Huashan to become a force that could rival Wudang and Shaolin.
From then on, the atmosphere of imperial approval was established, and worship of ancestral masters could be openly conducted by believers, rather than simply accepting offerings from disciples.
Looking at Yue Buqun's back, Feng Qingyang inserted the incense stick in his hand into the alchemy furnace, patted his shoulder, and left this moment to him.
As everyone left, Yue Yuchen closed the door to the Ancestral Hall. Behind the door, Yue Buqun could no longer contain his emotions and began to weep softly.
Linghu Chong waved his hand to shoo away the other fellow disciples, leaving this moment for Yue Buqun to speak.
“Let’s go too. Master and Mistress need some peace and quiet.” Yue Yuchen patted his shoulder and left first.
“Master’s long-cherished wish has been fulfilled, which is truly something to be happy about. The entire Huashan Sect should celebrate,” Linghu Chong said, walking beside him.
"Then you make the arrangements. As the acting sect leader, just do what you're supposed to do!"
………………
Following the imperial decree bestowing honors upon the Huashan Sect, local officials began organizing laborers to repair the Xiyue Emperor Temple and maintain the palaces, temples, and pavilions on Mount Hua. The news spread quickly.
For a time, apart from the major powers, the heroes of the martial arts world were in an uproar. No one expected that someone would suddenly stop playing with them and instead transform into a dragon.
Some people wanted to go up Mount Hua to find out what was going on, but unfortunately, Mount Hua was now under the control of the government. Although the disciples of Mount Hua at the foot of the mountain were not arrogant, they made it very clear that "the temples and monasteries are under repair and we are not receiving visitors at the moment."
Watching the laborers and government officials gradually making their way up the mountain, these roughnecks who had spent their lives in the martial world couldn't help but sigh that things were truly different now.
Time flies, and more than half a year has passed. As the laborers gradually leave, Linghu Chong is also freed from these busy affairs.
The disciples of the Huashan Sect officially took over the Xiyue Temple on Mount Hua, becoming the orthodox Taoist sect in the world. They accepted offerings and visits from high-ranking officials, nobles, and ordinary tourists.
For a time, people flocked to the mountain...
………………
September 14th, Zhengde 15th year, Qingjiangpu.
On the Qingjiang River, a small fishing boat drifts on the water, and a figure wearing a straw raincoat and a bamboo hat sits on the boat, fishing attentively.
With its verdant hills and clear waters, swaying reeds, and the occasional waterbird startling the river, the scene evokes the imagery of "Jiang Taigong fishing, waiting for those who are willing to take the bait."
………………
"A distinguished person has fallen into the water! Help!"
A cry of alarm suddenly came from afar, and in the distance, a massive warship could be vaguely seen lying across the water. Figures on its surface were running about in a panic.
The figure on the fishing boat flicked his fishing rod, creating a ripple in the water. The small boat beneath him seemed to be propelled by a tremendous force, shooting like an arrow off the water towards the distant giant ship.
As the small boat approached, a figure could be seen struggling and thrashing in the water beneath the giant ship. Someone had already jumped off the ship and was swimming towards the person who had fallen into the water.
The fisherman on the fishing boat raised his hand and waved it, sending his fishing rod flying out and reaching a distance of seven or eight zhang in the blink of an eye.
Before the fishing rod could fall, the fisherman stepped on it, and his whole body was lifted into the air. When he landed, his soles touched the fishing rod seven or eight feet away, and he was lifted into the air again.
With two leaps and bounds, he arrived beside the person who had fallen into the water, grabbing and pulling the person under his arm with his right hand.
The fisherman waved his left hand, unleashing a powerful, yin-like palm strike that struck the water's surface, negating the sinking force and propelling him more than ten feet upwards.
Amidst the gasps of the crowd on the giant ship, the figure paused in mid-air. Before landing, he made a series of feints with his feet, stepping on his right foot with his left. With each feint, his figure rose ten feet.
After seven or eight steps, the figure had already crossed the giant ship, which was seven or eight zhang tall, and landed on the deck.
Amidst the gasps of alarm, two figures dressed in bright red robes rushed out and helped the person who had fallen into the water: "Quickly, call the imperial physician! The nobleman has fainted."
At this moment, a figure flashed to the rear of the giant ship's deck, carrying a burly man in his hand.
The man was stunned when he saw the fisherman. He then threw the burly man in his hand onto the deck, and with a swift movement and a flick of his sleeve, he shook the two shouting men away.
The man cursed "Useless," then, carrying the person who had fallen into the water, flashed to the cabin entrance and disappeared behind the curtain in another flash.
"Shut up, all of you! Let the imperial physician in!" The voice from the cabin drowned out all other noises and echoed throughout the ship.
The people beneath them exchanged glances, all awkwardly falling silent. The two who rushed out to help the others flashed a hint of hatred in their eyes, but quickly composed themselves and rushed toward the cabin door with sorrowful expressions.
But a strong gust of wind knocked them back at the door, forcing them to retreat.
"Stay put, or I'll kill you all right now," a cold voice reprimanded from inside the cabin.
Seeing that the two leaders had been reprimanded and dared not utter a word, the ship immediately fell silent.