In the tenth month of the first year of Chongde, five tribes of Jie Barbarians in the northern frontier rebelled, gathering remnants of the Tatar forces from the grasslands, their military advance directly threatening the capital region. The commander of Jiayu Pass sent an urgent report via express courier, prompting the Five Military Commissions to dispatch two armies for reinforcement. In the eleventh month of the same year, the fifth son of Emperor Renzong, the Prince of Jing from the Wan domain, staged a rebellion, personally leading 100,000 troops comprising his household guards and rebellious garrison soldiers northward to "restore order."
"One hundred thousand?!" Li Shi exclaimed in shock.
Minglan turned her head and said, "Aunt, don’t panic. They must have included everyone from cooks and laborers to distant relatives. If there were even fifty thousand, that would be impressive." Even Cao Cao’s famed million-strong army had only truly numbered two to three hundred thousand.
Changwu stood up from his seat and nodded. "She’s right. I inquired carefully—it’s actually only thirty thousand troops."
"...I recall that after Emperor Wu of the Taizong era quelled the ‘Rebellion of the Nine Princes,’ he issued strict decrees: from the rank of prince onward, no feudal lord in our dynasty may maintain more than three hundred household guards. They are granted no fiefs, no subjects, and no administrative power. Regional military commissions are required to monitor the conduct of feudal lords and regularly report to the capital. How did the Prince of Jing suddenly raise thirty thousand troops?" Minglan walked up to Changwu and questioned him.
Changwu smiled wryly and replied, "Little sister, you may not know this. Although the Prince of Jing incurred the Late Emperor’s displeasure and was sent early to his domain, the Late Emperor was ultimately benevolent. Moreover, the Prince of Jing’s mother, Consort Jia, passed away young, and the Late Emperor could not bear to see his son suffer abroad, so he tolerated many of the prince’s misconducts overseas. Over the years, I’ve often heard in the garrisons that the Prince of Jing holds immense power in western Wan. Local officials not only dare not speak out but often aid and abet him."
Minglan raised her willow-leaf eyebrows and asked further, "Then, Wu Er Gege, do you know how the Prince of Jing behaves in his domain?" Changwu was taken aback. "What... do you mean?" Minglan quickly broke down the question: "First, how does he train his soldiers?"
Changwu thought for a moment and answered, "The Prince of Jing’s mother was the legitimate daughter of the Late Emperor’s General Fengguo. After the prince established his domain and residence, the general sent many capable officials and officers to him. There are several skilled guard captains in his household. However, the prince seems to favor his brothers-in-law more, often bringing his consorts’ male relatives to the capital to demand weapons and supplies."
Minglan pressed on, "How does he treat the common people of Wan?"
Changwu shook his head. "To support so many guards and soldiers, the prince’s stipend alone is far from sufficient. Even if the Late Emperor had been more generous with additional grants, it wouldn’t have been enough. The rest had to come from the people. Also... many prominent families in Wan have sent their daughters to become consorts or concubines in the Prince of Jing’s household. Thus, the local powerful clans are tied to him."
Minglan curled her lips noncommittally and asked another question, "How would you describe the Prince of Jing’s usual conduct—generous or harsh?" Changwu was overwhelmed by the barrage of questions, feeling that though this little sister spoke gently, every sentence struck at the core.
Old Mrs. Sheng, seated at the head of the room, frowned in displeasure and lightly scolded, "Minglan! How are you speaking? One question after another—is this appropriate for a young lady?" Minglan did not retort but obediently lowered her head and stood still.The Sheng family members present were all wide-eyed with astonishment. Li Shi and Wen Shi were dumbfounded, Changsong gaped with his mouth open, while Sheng Wei listened intently before quickly waving his hand and saying, "Aunt, there's no need to scold your niece. She asked well—we're all confused here. With her and Wu'er's back-and-forth questions, I'm beginning to understand. So, you mean Prince Jing appoints only his cronies, exploits the common people, and may not even be united with his officers and soldiers? In that case, Prince Jing's rebellion might not succeed? Minglan, if you have questions, go ahead and ask." This last remark was directed at Old Mrs. Sheng.
Pinlan chimed in eagerly, "Yes, yes!"
Old Mrs. Sheng glanced around the room, noting that only Sheng Wei's immediate family was present, then nodded to Minglan. Minglan still had many questions and stepped forward without hesitation, asking Changwu, "Second Brother, when you left the capital, what was the situation with the Capital Guard Command and the Five City Military Commissions? Were the troops at full strength? Were weapons and equipment regularly maintained? Had any commanders been reassigned?"
Changwu, who knew this best, replied immediately, "Since the Emperor ascended the throne nearly a year ago, only two or three commanders have been replaced, but many deputy commanders, company commanders, and colonels have been rotated, with many promoted from humble backgrounds—I was one of them. After taking office, we received numerous directives for reorganization: no more embezzling pay, no neglecting drills, and so on."
Sheng Wei relaxed slightly and glanced at Li Shi with some relief.
Minglan pressed further, "What about the rebellion in the northern frontier? How many troops did the capital dispatch?" Changwu estimated, "By the time we reached Lu territory, I heard that the Five Military Commissions had deployed about two-thirds of their forces."
Minglan pondered for a moment before asking one final question, "And what about Central Yu and Western Su...?"
Changwu understood her meaning and sighed deeply. "Over the past decade or so, Prince Jing returned to the capital several times each year, and along the way... alas, the garrisons and imperial clans in those areas are all on good terms with him."
Minglan couldn't help but smile faintly. "And Second Brother Wu still insists on rushing back to serve in the capital?"
Changwu slammed the table beside him in frustration. "What else can I do?"
Civil officials rely on eloquence and desk work to build seniority, but for military officers like him, the best path to promotion is through battle. The previous 'Shenchen Rebellion' had allowed many low-ranking officers from non-aristocratic backgrounds, like Changwu, to advance.
Seeing Changwu's look of regret, Minglan silently completed his thought: This Prince Jing is too despicable—if he's going to rebel, he should have given some warning! If I'd known there was a chance to distinguish myself, I wouldn't have returned. But now...
Li Shi hurried over to pat Changwu's shoulder, advising him with motherly concern, "Wu'er, there will be plenty of opportunities for promotion through battle. Right now, it's chaos out there—you mustn't go! Your wife is pregnant, and nothing can happen to you."
Though Sheng Wei also hoped for his son's advancement, he cherished his son's safety and added, "Your mother is right. What matters most is your life. Besides... no one knows..." Pinlan cut in bluntly, "No one knows which side will win!"
Sheng Wei slammed the table and roared, "Shut up, you foolish girl! How dare you spout such nonsense! You shouldn't even be here!"
Pinlan shrank back and fell silent.Changwu, filled with grievances, muttered vaguely: "Father and Mother, you don't understand. For us military officers, wealth and honor come through danger—how can soldiers risk their lives without facing peril? Though suppressing the rebellion is dangerous, compared to the bitter cold of the northern frontiers and Xiliang, this current situation is already the most favorable."
Sheng Wei couldn't help but hesitate. In peaceful times, those who rise in the military are mostly scions of noble families. For a family like the Sheng with little military foundation, this was indeed a great opportunity. Moreover, military officers differ from civil officials—civil officials can still serve diligently even in their seventies and eighties, bent with age and dim-sighted, but military officers rely on their physical prowess. If one hasn't managed to become a commander by sixty, then...
Ever since learning of Prince Jing's rebellion a few days ago, Changwu immediately went to Jinling to gather information. Upon hearing that the central plains were already in turmoil, Changwu grew impatient to return to the capital and contribute. Sheng Wei and Li Shi were terrified out of their wits, while Changsong and Wen Shi joined in dissuading him, even bringing Old Mrs. Sheng to reinforce their efforts. Of course, Pinlan, Minglan, and young Changdong also seized the chance to sneak in amid the chaos.
The atmosphere in Sheng Wei's household was relatively warm and harmonious, with fewer strict rules than official families. Children spoke their minds freely before their parents. Without Rulan dragging things down, without Molan's sarcastic remarks, and without Madam Wang's suspicions, Minglan felt more comfortable speaking openly before Sheng Wei and his wife.
Li Shi was still earnestly trying to dissuade Changwu from going. Harassed by his mother, Changwu said helplessly: "Mother, you don't understand! The capital is prosperous, and those who hold positions in the Garrison troops of the metropolitan area are all scions of powerful families. I only managed to secure my post through Uncle's connections. Later, during the 'Shenchen Rebellion,' I was fortunate to earn some minor merit, which allowed me to be promoted to company commander. In local garrison commands, I could even serve as an assistant commander. Mother, do you realize that if I were to honestly endure hardships at the frontier, it would take at least eight to ten years to achieve the same?!"
Li Shi stammered, looking helplessly at the family members present, before finally raising her voice to Sheng Wei: "His father, why don't you say something!"
It wasn't that Sheng Wei didn't want to speak, but rather he didn't know what to say. His gaze swept over each family member's face—Li Shi, Changsong, Wen Shi, Pinlan... Their expressions ranged from perplexed to troubled. Sheng Wei's eyes then shifted to Old Madam seated at the head, with Minglan and little Changdong beside her.
Sheng Wei cupped his hands respectfully toward Old Mrs. Sheng and said: "Aunt, you have broad experience and have eaten more salt than we have eaten rice. I beg for your guidance." Old Mrs. Sheng glanced at Changwu, also feeling hesitant, and waved her hand slowly: "How would a woman like me know about military and state affairs? If your brother and Brother Bai were here, they might be able to offer some proper advice."
Sheng Wei couldn't help but glance at Minglan, then looked back at Changwu. Understanding his father's meaning—that what the father found inconvenient to say should naturally be said by the son—Changwu said: "Ming sister, what do you think?""
Minglan had been standing with her head bowed beside Old Mrs. Sheng. Hearing this, she replied very modestly: "Such important matters should be decided by Uncle and the brothers. With Grandmother, Uncle, and Aunt present, how could a young woman like me know anything about them?"Sheng Wei said gently, "Niece, do speak up. You sisters studied together with Brother Bai when you were young, and Zhuang Xiansheng's learning was so profound. Please share your thoughts."
Having been in business for over twenty years, Sheng Wei was quite adept in the ways of officialdom and commerce, and he could discuss the factions within the court and the connections among noble families to some extent. However, when it came to matters of military and state affairs, he was truly at a loss. Had it not been for Minglan's series of sharp and precise questions earlier, he might not have grasped the severity of the external situation.
This couldn't be blamed on him. In this era, there were no mandatory middle or high school history courses, nor were there widespread online posts popularizing historical and military knowledge. In an age of limited information, how could a merchant and a few women from the inner quarters possibly know such things?
Seeing Old Mrs. Sheng nod slightly at her, Minglan hesitantly took a few steps forward, thought for a moment, and then said, "I understand what Wu Er Gege means—he fears missing this opportunity to serve the country. But, Second Brother, consider this: the journey to the capital will inevitably pass through Anhui, Jiangsu, Henan, Shandong, and Shanxi. These regions are likely already engulfed in military chaos. Bandits and mountain rebels won't sit idle; they might seize the chance to profit. Second Brother currently has no troops with him, at best bringing along some household servants or local militiamen, but that may not be enough."
Li Shi nodded repeatedly upon hearing this and exclaimed, "Minglan speaks well! Wu Ge'er, this is exactly what I fear!"
Changwu tentatively asked, "What if I disguise myself as a commoner and travel lightly along small paths with the common folk? Wouldn't I likely avoid disaster?"
Minglan nodded and said, "That is possible." Li Shi's face turned pale, while Changwu showed a hint of delight. However, Minglan's next words were, "But how can Second Brother be certain that his service will be successful?"
Changwu was puzzled.
Minglan moved a few steps closer to the large brass heating stove in the center to warm herself and said with a slight smile, "Earlier, the northern frontier was in turmoil, and then Prince Jing raised the banner of rebellion. It's unclear whether Prince Jing seized the opportunity or acted on the spur of the moment. But now, the rebel army is focused solely on advancing northward, relying on speed. If they can pass through Anhui, Jiangsu, Henan, Shandong, and Shanxi without hindrance and take advantage of the capital's emptiness to capture the imperial city and overthrow the regime, the matter would be more than halfway accomplished."
The emperor had long been displeased with his arrogant fifth brother, having stripped Prince Jing of several privileges: he could no longer operate coal mines, mint coins, and his annual stipend was reduced, along with the downsizing of his household troops. Prince Jing had long harbored rebellious intentions.
To delve into darker, more conspiratorial, and even more far-fetched theories, it's possible that the northern frontier turmoil was a bait set by the emperor himself. However, Minglan felt she might have read too many absurd military-historical novels, as few emperors in this world would be foolish enough to use military rebellion as a plot in their schemes.
Li Shi's lips turned pale with fear as she asked, "Then... can Prince Jing succeed?"
Minglan tilted her head, recalling, "When Zhuang Xiansheng taught us history, he once said that since ancient times, princes or regional warlords who rebelled always used the pretext of 'cleansing the court of evil influences.' But this Prince Jing is different—he directly targets the emperor. However, the current emperor was clearly designated as the crown prince by the Late Emperor and ascended the throne after solemn ceremonies at the ancestral temple. For this reason alone, Prince Jing's cause lacks legitimacy."Generally, peasant uprisings directly attack the emperor as the villain, such as Comrade Zhang Jiao's famous slogan "The Azure Sky is dead, the Yellow Sky shall rise." If it's a rebellion by subordinates, even someone as formidable as An Lushan, who interrupted the foundation of the prosperous Tang Dynasty, dared not say it was all Li Longji's fault. He could only claim the Yang family was terribly corrupt—how expensive lychees were, yet they indulged endlessly. "Toiling masses, let us join forces to strike down the treacherous ministers!" Thus, the An-Shi Rebellion ensued.
"Plus, what Wu Er Gege just mentioned clearly shows that Prince Jing also has many weaknesses," Minglan added. "Moreover, His Majesty has effectively strengthened the military defenses around the capital, and the city walls are high and thick—it might not be easily captured. If we can hold out for some time, reinforcements from the four regions will arrive, and Prince Jing will have little chance of success."
Changwu's face lit up with joy, and he urgently exclaimed, "My sister is right! That's exactly why I need to hurry back!"
Minglan lightly poured cold water on his enthusiasm: "But victory isn't guaranteed. Back then, the Ninth Prince's army had several times the supplies, manpower, and resources compared to Emperor Wu, yet who would have thought that in just a year, Emperor Wu would crush him completely?"
Pinlan anxiously retorted, "What do you actually mean? You keep going back and forth with nonsense!"
Sheng Wei glared at his daughter and also looked puzzledly at Minglan, who wore a bitter smile and spread her small hands helplessly. "I don't know either! Who can say for sure about such matters?" It's like rolling dice—you never know the outcome until the cup is lifted.
Changwu fell silent, his face dark. Minglan stood properly before Sheng Wei and carefully suggested, "What I mean, niece, is that the situation in the capital is too unpredictable. It's uncertain whether we can even reach the capital, and even if we do, the circumstances there are unclear. But Wu Er Gege can't just sit idle either. How about... going to Jinling? Offer your services at the Jinling Commandery Office."
Changwu said strangely, "Sister, you must be mistaken. Prince Jing's army has headed north—there's no conflict in the south."
Minglan shook her head. "There may be no war, but there are refugees, bandits, and even opportunistic rogue soldiers."
Changwu took a light breath and pondered. Minglan spoke word by word: "Zhuang Xiansheng said, wherever there is military chaos, there will be refugees. Jinling is prosperous and wealthy, close to Anhui. Didn't Wu Er Gege also report that the military preparedness there is lax, with many vacancies among officers and soldiers? No matter what, protecting homes, defending the city, and bringing peace to the people is never wrong."
Li Shi finally brightened up, a flush returning to her cheeks. "Yes, yes! Jinling is only an hour's carriage ride from here. If the family stays together, we can support each other!" Youyang is south of Jinling, making it somewhat safer.
Sheng Wei also found it feasible and turned to Changwu. "You know many people at the Jinling Commandery Office. Take your Zhongwei Guard credentials and documents, and I'll write a letter to Liu Jingli at the Regional Command Office." With Sheng Hong, that uncle who specializes in impeachment, in the mix, the Jinling Regional Command Office likely wouldn't dare withhold credit due to Changwu.
At these words, the Sheng family collectively sighed in relief, each turning to persuade Changwu to go to Jinling. Overwhelmed by the persuasion, Changwu asked Minglan hesitantly, "Will there really be refugees?"" A few days ago, when he visited, Jinling seemed perfectly harmonious.
Minglan counted the days on her fingers. "Well... let's wait and see."Changwu glared at his little cousin. Minglan looked back with an innocent expression—being a military strategist was indeed a good profession. One only needed to offer advice; whether to adopt it was someone else's decision. If things went well, the strategist would share the credit. If not, it was the leader's fault for lacking judgment—why trust others so easily? If a strategist tells you to jump off a building, would you do it?
After everyone had dispersed, Old Mrs. Sheng pulled Minglan close and asked softly, "Was everything you said earlier your own idea?"
Minglan nodded, repeatedly reviewing her earlier words. She felt they shouldn't have exceeded the era's social norms—those points could have been made by Sheng Hong, Changbai, or any insightful civil official.
Old Mrs. Sheng's expression was complex. Her eyes swept over Minglan twice before she asked quietly, "Will there really be refugees in Jinling? How certain are you?"
Minglan leaned in to whisper: "Not certain at all."
The old madam was stunned.
Minglan rested her head on the old madam's shoulder and murmured into her ear: "Actually, I agree with Da Bomu—life is more important than promotion. But Wu Er Gege would never give up, so I thought I'd give him something to do."
After a long pause, the old madam said in astonishment, "So you were just talking nonsense?"
"Not at all!" Minglan lowered her voice emphatically. "The first half was completely true! Only the last few sentences were watered down. After all, Jinling is the secondary capital with high, thick walls—refugees couldn't possibly enter so easily."
The old madam pursed her lips and snorted, "You're quite clever, little girl." Then she sighed toward the sky and worried, "I wonder how your father and Brother Bai are doing? They must stay safe."
Minglan thought for a moment before saying seriously, "Granddaughter just realized something—actually, the rebels are closer to us now than to Father. If Prince Jing encounters obstacles on his northern campaign, his scattered troops might turn back to attack weaker targets like Jinling—either to plunder for military supplies or to capture the city as a base. So for now... we should worry about ourselves first. We can worry about Father after Prince Jing wins a few battles."
Minglan paused, then kindly added half a sentence: "This part isn't watered down."
The old madam's sigh caught in her throat. She stared at Minglan for a long while, her heart surging with emotion, and suddenly felt certain she would live a very long life.
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