Chapter 1193: The Fengtian Changyi Battalion
Meanwhile...
In southeastern Henan, a place just beyond Li Daoxuan's current field of view.
Here, nearing Lu'an, the region was less affected by the drought, and greenery was visible everywhere.
The common folk here had been spared from natural disasters but were often tormented by bandits and government troops—a truly pitiable group.
Chuang Wang, accompanied by Li Yan, Li Guo, Liu Zongmin, and their last remaining hundred-plus loyal followers, hid outside a small village.
If he had seen such a small village before, Chuang Wang would surely have led his forces to plunder it.
But ever since suffering a crushing defeat in the Shu Mountains and influenced by Li Yan's counsel, Li Zicheng had decided to change his ways.
He intended to abandon his past of burning, killing, and pillaging and become a good man.
Chuang Wang licked his parched lips: "Master Li, you told me not to burn, kill, or plunder, but to practice benevolence and righteousness. But all hundred-plus of us are starving. What should we do now?"
Chuang Wang: "So, we can only dig for wild vegetables?"
"Dig!" Li Yan said. "I will join you."
The group was just preparing to start digging for wild vegetables...
Suddenly, human voices echoed from afar. A detachment of government troops, numbering about three hundred, approached from the distance.
Although they bore the banner of government forces, this unit was clearly disreputable. Their leader had the bearing of a thief, and his soldiers, with their sinister appearances, looked even more like bandits than actual bandits.
Li Guo glanced over and whispered, "It's one of Zuo Liangyu's irregular units."
Chuang Wang nodded: "I can see that. These are men Zuo Liangyu secretly took in. They were a minor chieftain from the Xingyang conference years ago. I've even met him before."
Liu Zongmin: "They're going to plunder this village."
Li Yan spoke up: "Good, the opportunity to practice benevolence has arrived! Brother Chuang Wang, let the righteous cause of overthrowing the Great Ming court begin here. Eliminate these corrupt government troops and protect the common folk; they will surely be grateful for your kindness. Soldiers gained this way will be far stronger than those you coerce at knifepoint."
Chuang Wang nodded, turning to the Old Eighth Squad behind him: "Brothers, it's time to get to work! This time, we are no longer thieves; we are heroes!"
The Old Eighth Squad roared, "Hoo-rah!"
Chuang Wang produced a banner and handed it to his veteran subordinate, Hao Yaoqi: "Hold this well. This is our new standard."
Hao Yaoqi unfurled the large banner and saw five bold characters emblazoned across it: "Fengtian Changyi Battalion!"
Zuo Liangyu's ragtag unit stormed into the village. Soon, men were kicking at villagers' doors, demanding they hand over all their valuables. The entire village was plunged into chaos and fear.
The villagers huddled, trembling in their homes, unsure of what to do.
Suddenly, a furious roar erupted from the woods outside the village. Hao Yaoqi, with the "Fengtian Changyi Battalion" banner strapped to his back, charged out of the treeline first.
Behind him, the two great generals, Li Guo and Liu Zongmin, slashed their way forward together. Then Chuang Wang himself led over a hundred fierce "Fengtian Changyi Battalion" soldiers, who charged out ferociously: "Corrupt imperial dogs, prepare to die!"
Zuo Liangyu's men immediately fell into disarray: "Damn it! Where did these strange troops come from?!"
"Bloody hell! These guys are ferociously vicious."
Zuo Liangyu's men hastily tried to fight back.
But these men were themselves from bandit ranks and merely served under a minor chieftain. Their combat strength and will were utterly abysmal. How could they possibly stand against the ferociously mighty Old Eighth Squad?
At the first clash, the government troops were routed and scattered.
Chuang Wang, with a swift move, blocked the path of the government unit's military commander.
The military commander stared, his eyes widening in alarm: "The Dashing General? No, no, you're Chuang Wang now! How are you here? And why have you changed your name to the Fengtian Changyi Battalion?!"
Chuang Wang scoffed: "There's a lot more you don't know. Prepare to die."
Both men drew their blades and attacked simultaneously. Clang, clang, clang. After a few exchanges, Chuang Wang's single strike severed the commander's head.
The Old Eighth Squad, though outnumbered, with just over a hundred men, shattered the force of over three hundred government troops, who fled in disarray in every direction.
They didn't pursue. Instead, they searched the bodies of the government soldiers for valuables. Before long, they indeed found some provisions and a bit of gold and silver. This, at least, would suffice for a meal.
The Fengtian Changyi Battalion began preparing their meal by the small river next to the village.
The villagers soon realized the fighting outside had ceased, and no one was plundering them anymore. They cautiously pushed open their doors and emerged, only to see the Fengtian Changyi Battalion cooking by the river.
A group of villagers cautiously approached: "Where are you brave heroes from? Thank you for helping us defeat the government troops."
Li Yan stood up: "We are Chuang Wang's army."
"Ah? The Bandit Chuang?!" The villagers were terrified and turned to flee.
Li Yan didn't pursue them, but shouted loudly after them: "Don't be afraid, everyone! Chuang Wang is not a bad man! Perhaps he made mistakes in the past, but he will not anymore."
With that, he waved his hand.
The men of the Fengtian Changyi Battalion quickly, as he had taught them beforehand, began to sing: "Chuang Wang's righteous army, neither kills nor plunders!"
"Open wide your gates for Chuang Wang, for Chuang Wang arrives, and takes no grain!"
"Rise early to greet Chuang Wang, and all shall know joy and delight."
It was very difficult for illiterate common folk to remember poetry or famous sayings, but when they were set to music and sung, they became easy to remember.
The villagers quickly learned the simple ballad. It was as easy to recall as a nursery rhyme.
The next day!
As Chuang Wang prepared to leave, a group of villagers suddenly appeared, carrying their household's gold, silver, and other valuables, and stood before Li Yan.
"Chuang Wang, please take us with you."
"We will follow you too."
"Yesterday, the government troops came and plundered our grain. Those defeated soldiers will surely lead more government troops back here. When that happens, everyone in our village will die."
"We have no choice but to go with you."
Chuang Wang was overjoyed. He turned and glanced at Li Yan.
Li Yan nodded.
Chuang Wang turned back and addressed the villagers: "Thank you all for placing your trust in me. From now on, I will protect you. Rest assured! I will never let you suffer injustice. Together, we will slay corrupt officials, together we will rebel, and together we will smash this cursed court to pieces!"
The villagers cheered, "Good!"
"Then let us go."
Chuang Wang's army had now grown to over two hundred men.
He could tell that although not many new villagers had joined this time, every single one had a resolute gaze. They were completely different from the men he had coerced through violence.
Like his Old Eighth Squad, they were filled with trust in him and would not abandon him and flee at the first opportunity.
This, truly, was an army!
He wondered if it was too late to understand this truth now.
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