Volume One: Command in Southern Rivers Chapter 21: Unexpected Forces

Early the next morning, officials from the Transport Bureau reported their findings to Wei Fufeng. Wei Fufeng listened in disbelief: the treasury of Fushun County contained one hundred thousand bushels of grain, salt worth one hundred thousand strings of coins, and copper coins and precious metals valued at fifty thousand strings. It was a tremendous harvest. After careful consideration, Wei Fufeng ordered rewards for the soldiers: one string for ordinary soldiers, three for squad leaders, and thirty for captains. The directive was given—those who wished could collect their reward directly, or have it sent to their families via the Luzhou Transport Bureau.

After the order, only a small portion of the soldiers took the copper coins; even with the reward, carrying it was a burden and could not be spent, so most preferred their families in Luzhou claim it. As part of the reward, Wei Fufeng commanded five hundred soldiers to escort the spoils, loading them onto boats and sending them downstream along the Tuo River to Luxian City.

By midday, as Wei Fufeng patiently awaited further developments, a scout brought urgent news: two thousand Dongchuan garrison troops were approaching the county seat. Wei Fufeng ordered the prepared clerks to go outside the city gate to greet them, expecting that someone would notify him ahead of the garrison's arrival, but the troops came straight to the city.

From atop the city wall, Wei Fufeng watched as the clerks respectfully conversed with an officer on horseback. The officer impatiently waved his whip and rode toward the drawbridge, followed by armored troops. Wei Fufeng felt his tension ease somewhat; he understood that the two thousand garrison troops, setting out from Gongjing County, must be exhausted and, seeing their destination, were relieved and eager only to rest within the city.

Inside the gate of Fushun County was a barbican, now densely packed with ambushed soldiers. Archers and crossbowmen waited above, aiming and ready, poised for the big catch to enter their net. A cavalry officer was first to enter the barbican, and Wei Fufeng, improvising, ordered the vanguard to pass through unhindered.

The garrison's vanguard, several hundred strong, were armored sword-and-shield soldiers. If attacked, only the vanguard would be caught, leaving the remainder outside. Wei Fufeng's inner guard swiftly relayed the orders; the cavalry officer and his detachment, after exiting the barbican, proceeded into the city's main street.

Suddenly, a gong sounded. From both sides of the street, countless militia in plain clothes and long spears burst forth like wild buffalo, charging at the three hundred armored garrison troops. The garrison troops were caught off guard; the quick-witted drew swords and raised shields, demanding answers, but were soon surrounded by the overwhelming militia.

Each garrison soldier faced five or six robust militiamen, spears pointed from all sides, commanding surrender.

"Who are you?" the cavalry officer, spears pressed against him, cried out in fear, his face contorted.

"We are from Western Sichuan. Surrender, and your life will be spared," answered the militia captain, Zhou He, loudly.

"Western Sichuan? You've dared to invade Dongchuan's territory," the cavalry officer exclaimed in surprise.

"Enough talk. Order your men to surrender at once, or there’s nothing more to say." Zhou He threatened sternly, gesturing, and the spears aimed at the officer lunged forward.

"Don’t! I surrender!" the officer responded in terror, fearing