Zhu Ping’an led a thousand Zhejiang troops, escorting ten thousand bushels of grain and five hundred bushels of salt, heading straight for Jiaxing city.
The journey was uneventful. Though the grain and salt were tempting, no petty bandits dared to challenge a thousand fully armed government troops.
The Zhejiang army lacked sufficient horses, but they had plenty of mules and donkeys. Each soldier had a mount, and the grain and salt were transported by ox carts, allowing the army to march swiftly. By the third day, they had reached Jiaxing’s borders.
From the city walls, Jiaxing’s garrison spotted a force of over a thousand men approaching the southern gate, their convoy stretching like a long dragon.
Having suffered a devastating pirate raid that once captured the city, Jiaxing’s defenders were now far more vigilant. Upon sighting an unidentified army, they immediately dispersed the civilians at the gate and sealed the city entrance.
“Zhejiang Governor Zhu Ping’an, under orders from Governor-General Zhang, is escorting grain and salt. Open the gate at once!”
Liu Dadao, holding Zhu Ping’an’s token, galloped to the base of the gate and presented it to the guards above.
“General, please forgive us. Place the token in the basket so we may verify it,” the lead guard shouted from the wall, saluting with clasped fists. A basket was lowered from the ramparts.
“Cowardly as rats…” Liu Dadao muttered under his breath.
“Not at all—this is diligence, worthy of praise. Dadao, do as they say. Place the token in the basket and let them confirm our identity,” Zhu Ping’an said, waving his hand to signal compliance.
“Alright, Young Master,” Liu Dadao replied. He stepped forward, placed Zhu Ping’an’s token in the basket, and shouted up, “Look carefully! Once you’ve verified it, open the gate quickly!”
The guards hoisted the basket and examined the token for a moment. Several nodded, confirming it was indeed the Governor’s token. They were about to order the gate opened when a voice interrupted.
“Hold! The Japanese pirates are cunning and full of tricks. You lot can’t be trusted to judge. Let me inspect it. Governor-General Zhang appointed me to oversee the southern gate. The gate opens only on my command!”
A stern, righteous voice echoed from the gate tower. Jiaxing Prefect Zhao Chong emerged.
“We pay our respects to the Prefect!”
The guards hurriedly saluted.
“No need for formalities. I’ve said before, the military has no use for petty courtesies. Your duty is to guard the city diligently,” Zhao Chong said gravely. “On the matter of defense, I must remind you: be cautious, cautious, and more cautious. Learn from Jiaxing’s past fall. We were deceived by pirates who tricked my subordinates into opening the gate, leading to my error. I’ve learned from that mistake and now personally oversee the gate. Henceforth, the gate opens only on my order.”
“We obey the Prefect’s command!” the guards replied, saluting in unison.
Appointed by Governor-General Zhang as the gate’s overseer, Zhao Chong commanded the guards’ absolute loyalty.
Though Zhao had lost Jiaxing to the pirates, he had later led troops to reclaim it.
No one is perfect; to err is human. By correcting his mistake and bravely redeeming himself, Zhao had become a model of virtue in the eyes of many.
Through reclaiming Jiaxing, Zhao’s tarnished reputation had been restored, and his authority among the troops was reestablished.
“Prefect, this is the token presented from below. It belongs to Zhejiang Governor Zhu Ping’an,” a guard said, handing it to Zhao Chong.
Zhao Chong took the token and inspected it meticulously, nodding. “Well done. Your examination was thorough. This is indeed the authentic token of Governor Zhu.”
“Since the Prefect has confirmed its authenticity, shall we open the gate? They claim Governor Zhu is escorting grain and salt under the Governor-General’s orders. There are indeed hundreds of carts loaded with provisions below,” a guard asked, saluting.
“Not so fast. Though the token is genuine, we cannot entirely rule out the possibility that pirates stole it from Governor Zhu,” Zhao Chong said gravely.
“Furthermore, while we can see hundreds of carts below, we only see sacks. Can we confirm they contain grain and salt?”
“Even if they do, what if the pirates are using this as bait to trick us into opening the gate?”
“We are responsible for the Governor-General and the hundreds of thousands of civilians in the city. We cannot open the gate lightly.”
The guards hesitated. “The Prefect’s lesson is wise, but what if it truly is Governor Zhu delivering the provisions?”
“I oversee the gate, and I bear all responsibility. I act for the Governor-General and the people. I trust Governor Zhu would understand. Even if, worst case, he takes offense, the blame falls on me alone. You are merely following my orders—Governor Zhu won’t hold you accountable,” Zhao Chong said with conviction.
Hearing Zhao take full responsibility, the guards looked at him with admiration, their doubts dispelled.
With someone to shoulder the blame, they had no further concerns.
“I’ve met Governor Zhu before and know his appearance. I’ll verify if it’s truly him below and confirm the grain and salt. Only then will we open the gate,” Zhao Chong said firmly.
“How will the Prefect verify? Shall we ask Governor Zhu to approach the gate for identification?” the guards asked.
“Perish the thought! Governor Zhu is our superior—how could I ask him to condescend to the gate?” Zhao Chong shook his head vehemently.
“Then how will you verify?” the guards pressed.
“You’ll lower me in a basket. I’ll meet Governor Zhu, return his token in person, apologize, and inspect the grain and salt. Once I’m certain, I’ll signal you to open the gate. When you see my gesture, then you may act,” Zhao Chong instructed.
“As you command,” the guards replied, though one hesitated and asked quietly, “What if something’s amiss below?”
“If, unfortunately, it’s not Governor Zhu but pirates in disguise, and they take me hostage to demand the gate be opened, you *must not* comply! My life is a small price to pay for the city’s safety. It’s worth it!” Zhao Chong declared, his face resolute, as if ready to face death.
“Prefect!”
The guards were deeply moved by Zhao Chong’s resolve.
