Zhu Ping’an led the Zhejiang troops into the city, promptly escorting the ten thousand bushels of grain and five hundred bushels of salt to the designated location: an open-air granary. Rectangular in shape, it stretched over a hundred meters long and thirty meters wide. Instead of solid walls, it was enclosed only by simple wooden fences. Inside, numerous large, circular storage pits, known as *cangjiao* (granary cellars), were neatly arranged.
These *cangjiao* were a hallmark of ancient Chinese granaries, featuring a raised canopy above and a dug-out cellar below, built on elevated terrain to prevent moisture and flooding. Zhu Ping’an roughly counted over a hundred such cellars in the granary.
Beyond the fences, a small team of constables patrolled and guarded the site, but their numbers were fewer than the cellars themselves.
The granary was situated in a city plaza, surrounded by bustling crowds. Many passersby paused to gawk at the stockpiles.
Observing the granary’s layout, Zhu Ping’an grew even more certain that Governor-General Zhang Jing was baiting the Japanese pirates. This granary was one of the lures.
With people coming and going, news of the granary had likely spread long ago. The pirates had probably scouted it multiple times. With such lax defenses, a single pirate squad could seize this barely guarded granary if the city were breached.
“This humble official, Liu Chuan, Head Clerk of the Jiaxing Prefecture’s Revenue Department, pays respects to Governor Zhu. Entrusted by Governor-General Zhang, I oversee this granary,” said an official, hurrying out to greet Zhu Ping’an after receiving word of his arrival.
“No need for formalities,” Zhu Ping’an said, dismounting and returning a salute. “I’ve come under orders to deliver ten thousand bushels of grain and five hundred bushels of salt. Have your men verify and accept the shipment quickly so I may report back to the Governor-General.”
“As you command,” Liu Chuan replied, directing his constables to inspect and measure the grain and salt.
Zhu Ping’an ordered the Zhejiang troops to assist. With only a few dozen constables, unloading alone would take half a day.
Liu Chuan expressed his gratitude repeatedly.
With the Zhejiang troops’ help, the weighing proceeded swiftly, cart after cart processed methodically.
As the weighing continued, Liu Chuan had workers light fires to bake the cellar walls, ensuring they were thoroughly dry. Once the fires were extinguished, layers of wooden planks were laid down, followed by mats and a thick layer of chaff to prepare the cellars for storing grain.
“Reporting to Governor Zhu: the verification is complete. The shipment totals ten thousand and eighty bushels of grain and five hundred and thirteen bushels of salt,” Liu Chuan announced after the weighing, stepping forward to report.
“Well done. The provisions are now in your hands. Issue the receipt so I may report to the Governor-General,” Zhu Ping’an said, nodding.
“As you command.” Liu Chuan prepared the receipt, noting, “Received from the Zhejiang army: ten thousand and eighty bushels of grain, five hundred and thirteen bushels of salt,” affixed his seal, and respectfully handed it to Zhu Ping’an.
“Dadao, Dachui, come with me to the Governor-General’s Office. Liu Mu, take the rest to the temporary barracks to settle in,” Zhu Ping’an instructed, leading Liu Dadao and Liu Dachui to meet Zhang Jing while assigning Liu Mu to arrange the troops’ accommodations.
Leaving the granary for the Governor-General’s Office, Zhu Ping’an hadn’t gone far when he spotted an armory.
This was a temporary weapons depot, its storehouses newly built and, like the granary, enclosed only by fences. As Zhu Ping’an’s group passed, they saw carts delivering loads of broadswords, spears, and armor to the camp.
Dozens of constables were unloading the carts, carrying bundles of weapons into the storehouses.
Another barely defended depot, brimming with weapons and armor—clearly another piece of bait.
With granaries full of grain and salt, armories stocked with weapons and armor, and a prosperous city to plunder, how could the pirates resist such temptation?
“This humble official, Zhu Ping’an, pays respects to Governor-General Zhang,” Zhu Ping’an said upon entering the Governor-General’s Office, guided by a constable to Zhang Jing’s study.
“Zihou, please, take a seat!” Zhang Jing greeted warmly.
“Thank you, Governor-General. I’ve delivered ten thousand bushels of grain and five hundred bushels of salt, and the handover is complete,” Zhu Ping’an said, sitting down and presenting the receipt to confirm the delivery.
“No need, Zihou. I trust your work completely,” Zhang Jing said, waving off the receipt, expressing absolute confidence in Zhu Ping’an.
“Come, you’ve traveled far. Have some tea to soothe your throat,” Zhang Jing said, personally pouring a cup for Zhu Ping’an.
“Thank you, Governor-General,” Zhu Ping’an said, accepting the tea with gratitude.
“Zihou, what observations have you made today?” Zhang Jing asked, sipping his tea slowly.
“I sense a great battle approaching,” Zhu Ping’an replied candidly.
“Oh? How so?” Zhang Jing asked with a smile.
“I entered the city through the southern gate, where Jiaxing Prefect Zhao Chong oversees the defenses. I previously reported Zhao Chong’s suspected collusion with the pirates to you, Governor-General. You’ve likely confirmed his betrayal. Yet, you appointed him to guard the southern gate. The only reason I can fathom is to lure the pirates into attacking Jiaxing,” Zhu Ping’an said measuredly.
“Is that all?” Zhang Jing asked, neither confirming nor denying.
“There’s more. The granary where I delivered the provisions is easy to attack and hard to defend, filled with grain and salt. Nearby, the armory is similarly vulnerable, stuffed with weapons and armor. Such temptations—how could the pirates resist attacking the city?” Zhu Ping’an continued.
“Haha, keen observation, as expected of Zihou,” Zhang Jing said, nodding approvingly. His gaze shifted toward Tuolin as he spoke slowly, “You’re correct, Zihou. The time is ripe. I’ve resolved to strike the Tuolin pirates, eliminating this scourge for the Emperor and the people in one fell swoop!”
“Excellent!” Zhu Ping’an couldn’t help but exclaim, thrilled to hear Zhang Jing confirm the campaign against the Tuolin pirates. He saluted and volunteered, “Ping’an is ready to serve you with utmost devotion, Governor-General.”
“Good. This battle cannot succeed without you and the Zhejiang army,” Zhang Jing said, smiling warmly and nodding.
“Please issue your orders, Governor-General. Ping’an and the Zhejiang army will brave any peril without hesitation,” Zhu Ping’an declared without hesitation.
This was a battle destined for the history books, and Zhu Ping’an had no intention of missing it.
Hearing Zhang Jing say the Zhejiang army was indispensable filled Zhu Ping’an with excitement. Zhang Jing’s words confirmed that the Zhejiang army would play a critical role in the Battle of Wangjiangjing.
Perfect!
Joining this campaign, leveraging his foresight, and flapping the wings of a butterfly to achieve a victory even greater than the one recorded in history—this was Zhu Ping’an’s ambition.
“With your words, Zihou, I’m at ease,” Zhang Jing said, nodding with satisfaction.
