Facing Zhao Wenhua’s teasing, Zhu Ping’an cupped his hands and replied, “This student pays respects to Master Zhao. Concerning the Tuolin Japanese pirate threat, I have come especially to seek your guidance.”
“Heh heh, good. Let us go to the study to talk.”
Zhao Wenhua chuckled, lifted the door curtain and alighted from the carriage. Hu Zongxian, who had been riding in the same carriage, cupped his hands in salute to Zhu Ping’an and solicitously helped Zhao Wenhua down.
“Put the things into the storeroom, keep a separate inventory.” Zhao Wenhua pointed to the four carriages behind and instructed the steward who had come to greet him at the gate.
“Rest assured, master. I understand.” The steward, well-practised, accepted the order and directed the servants to drive the four carriages into the residence.
The wheel tracks were deep, the axles creaking loudly, the horses pulling the carriages snorting incessantly from exhaustion, showing just how much was loaded in the compartments.
Jiaxing Prefect Zhao Chong had made another substantial payment.
Zhu Ping’an understood clearly in his heart.
Zhao Wenhua’s study was utterly different from Zhang Jing’s. Zhao Wenhua’s study was opulent and magnificent, with few books but many coral ornaments, antiques, calligraphy, and paintings. Everywhere exuded luxury.
After entering the study, the servants first poured a cup of tea for Zhao Wenhua, Zhu Ping’an, and Hu Zongxian, then tactfully withdrew.
“Zihou, you mentioned the Tuolin Japanese pirate threat at the door. What ideas do you have? Speak freely. There are no outsiders here.”
Zhao Wenhua took a sip of tea to dispel the alcohol, leant back comfortably in the tiger-skin armchair, and said to Zhu Ping’an.
“Master Zhao, recently the Tuolin Japanese pirates have received reinforcements, their arrogance has risen again. Over successive days, they have attacked Jiangsu Wuxian, Yangzhou Jiangdu County, Huai’an Muyang County, and Zhenjiang Wuxi, burning, killing, and plundering. The common people have suffered heavy casualties, a scene of devastation like hell on earth. This student believes we cannot allow the Tuolin Japanese pirates to commit atrocities unchecked. We should take advantage of the lingering morale from the Wangjiangjing great victory, organise troops from various quarters, and jointly assault the Tuolin Japanese pirates’ lair, striking them with thunderous force!”
“At present, with the Governor position vacant, the only one capable of rallying and organising troops from various quarters is Master Zhao alone.”
“This student is willing to lead the Zhejiang army as the vanguard!”
Zhu Ping’an rose from his seat, thumped his chest with his fist, and urged Zhao Wenhua, volunteering himself as the vanguard.
There was no choice. Zhu Ping’an was the Zhejiang Patrol Censor; without an order from a superior, he could not conduct cross-border operations.
Currently, Zhang Jing had been ousted by Zhao Wenhua, leaving the Jiangnan Governor position vacant. Only Zhao Wenhua bore the imperial mandate to supervise the military, qualifying him to organise coordinated operations among troops from various quarters.
If Zhao Wenhua took the lead and issued the order, then Zhu Ping’an could lead the Zhejiang army out of Zhejiang and cross into Nanzhili’s Songjiang Prefecture to reach Tuolin.
If they did not deliver a severe blow to curb the Tuolin Japanese pirates’ rampant arrogance, they would act without restraint, and the common people would suffer greatly.
A harsh strike against the Japanese pirates would make them less audacious, giving the common people a chance to breathe.
In truth, Zhu Ping’an did not agree with Zhang Jing’s initial approach.
At that time, Zhang Jing, due to the inadequacy of the guard battalions’ combat strength, had waited for reinforcements like the Guangxi wolf soldiers to arrive and train together to form battle readiness, always avoiding engagement…
Of course, Zhang Jing had wanted to fight a major campaign when the odds of victory were sufficient, annihilating the Tuolin Japanese pirates in one battle.
However, waiting for certainty and avoiding battle had allowed the Japanese pirates to become rampant and arrogant, causing the common people to suffer.
This was also why many ordinary folk cursed Zhang Jing.
“Heh heh, Zihou, your intentions are commendable.” Zhao Wenhua smiled and praised Zhu Ping’an once, then said no more.
This was equivalent to a polite rejection.
You are a good person, but we are not suited.
“Master Zhao, at present, only you…” Zhu Ping’an tried to press further.
Zhao Wenhua waved his hand and looked at Zhu Ping’an, asking, “Zihou, let me ask you, for this battle, do you have absolute certainty of victory?”
Absolute certainty of victory?!
This was war, not child’s play. The outcome of war was constrained by various factors; where in this world was there an absolutely certain victory? The Tuolin Japanese pirates were no pushovers, especially now with 7,000 true Japanese reinforcements.
Zhu Ping’an shook his head and replied honestly, “This student has no absolute certainty of victory.”
“Exactly, Zihou, you said it yourself, you have no absolute certainty.” Zhao Wenhua waved his hand. “Without absolute certainty, for now, do not fight.”
“Ah?”
Hearing Zhao Wenhua’s words, Zhu Ping’an could not help but be stunned.
“No, Master Zhao, where in this world is there an absolutely certain battle?” Zhu Ping’an said with a wry smile. “There are only battles that must be fought.”
“Zihou, calm down a little. I understand you, but not recently. Recently is the critical time for appointing the Governor. If this battle is won, of course, it would be a joyous outcome for all; you would earn merit, and I could use this victory to assume the Governor position. But if it is lost? If this battle is lost at this critical time for appointing the Governor, it would be a negation. With this one defeat, I would no longer harbour hopes for the Governor position. The present is a key moment; without complete certainty, better to remain still than to act.”
Zhao Wenhua took a sip of tea, narrowed his eyes at Zhu Ping’an, and said slowly.
Hearing this, Zhu Ping’an felt utterly speechless inside.
Zhao Wenhua did not want to bear responsibility, or rather, he only wanted the fruits of victory, not the bitter draught of defeat.
If victorious, it would be a plus, surely allowing him to assume the Governor position; but if defeated, it would be a minus, unfavourable to his bid for the Governor role.
For this battle, without absolute certainty, Zhao Wenhua did not want to take the risk or shoulder the responsibility.
Truly an exquisite egoist.
Caring only for his own interests, completely unconcerned with the life and death of the common people struggling under the iron hooves of the Japanese pirates.
“Master Zhao, you impeached Zhang Jing for avoiding battle and not mobilising. How is today any different?” Zhu Ping’an could not conceal his inner indignation.
“I am different from him. If I assume the Governor position, even if you, Zihou, do not volunteer, I would order you to deploy troops. But now, I am not yet the Governor; now is the critical period, not suitable for taking risks. Zihou, endure for a few days.”
Zhao Wenhua walked slowly to Zhu Ping’an’s side, reached out and gently patted Zhu Ping’an’s shoulder, soothing him.
“Master Zhao, I do not know how certain you are of assuming the Governor position this time. If without complete certainty, then now is precisely an opportunity. This time, Master Zhao, if you rally and organise troops from various quarters to besiege the Tuolin Japanese pirates, as long as there are gains, it would be a stepping stone for Master Zhao to ascend to the Governor position.”
Zhu Ping’an strove his utmost to persuade.
“And if defeated? Many people now are racking their brains to find fault with me. If defeated, even if unfavourable circumstances, it would become a handle for others to attack me; this would be cutting off the path to the Governor position, unwise.”
Zhao Wenhua remained unmoved, prioritising stability and unwilling to take risks.
“Master Zhao…”
No matter how Zhu Ping’an urged, Zhao Wenhua just waved his hand in refusal, unwilling to step forward and take the lead.
Very well.
Zhu Ping’an sighed. In truth, this was within Zhu Ping’an’s expectations. Before coming, Zhu Ping’an had prepared himself psychologically for Zhao Wenhua’s refusal, and indeed he was refused. Though disappointed, Zhu Ping’an also had mental preparation.
Plan A unfeasible, no matter. There was still Plan B.
