Volume Three: Heroes Fall Silent as Heaven and Earth Grow Old 5. Pan Liu II

Guan Duo’s speculation about Deng She’s current situation was entirely accurate. Pressured from without and troubled within, Deng She urgently needed time to consolidate his position. He had entered Liaoyang alone, confident that Guan Duo would not kill him—a fact grounded in reality—but internally, he was also compelled to act. This internal urge was a powerful driving force.

There was also an external factor: the peril of losing a neighbor. Liaodong was like the sky, while the Liao Dynasty was the earth, with his dual cities situated in the middle. The Liao Dynasty admitted its own weakness, opting for peace and caution to maintain a temporary safety. Liaodong, however, was different. Liaoyang’s fate was not just tied to the Red Turbans of Liaodong but also intertwined with the destiny of the twin cities.

Within a few months, the outcome in Liaoyang would be clear and final; once the dust settled, there would be no room for maneuver. At such a critical juncture, how could he abstain from involvement? As Hong Jixun had said, “Where there is room, there is uncertainty; where there is participation, there is opportunity.”

Where would the uncertainty come from? Where would the opportunity arise? First, from strength; second, from strategy. His stance was clear: outwardly, he leaned on Guan Duo, who was the strongest and highest-ranking; privately, Pan and Liu would certainly try to court him. His principle was not to initiate nor reject overtures, but to regard himself as a rare and valuable commodity. After all, he controlled hundreds of miles of territory in Goryeo and commanded tens of thousands of troops.

Thus, gaining a breathing space came first; consolidating his position within the army and finding allies came second. He even harbored the extravagant hope of resolving some internal difficulties through this. It was not impossible—each of the “Eight Immortals Crossing the Sea” could show their own talents, depending on their methods.

The main streets of Liaoyang were paved with stone slabs, and the clatter of hooves echoed crisply. Riding on horseback, Deng She recalled the earlier council meeting.

With the whereabouts of the Young Ming King unknown, Guan Duo was relieved of the pressing burden of rescuing Bianliang. Two hundred thousand troops gathered in Liaoyang, consuming supplies while idle. Having delayed until now, it was time to act. Delay further, and with the coming cold, the war would become difficult to wage. Judging from the tone, the attack on Liaonan was the most likely. Although this matched his own assessment, the uncertainties warranted caution.

Fang Buzhen’s sedan chair ambled leisurely ahead. Deng She patiently rode alongside, pondering how to draft a letter to Hong Jixun. Guan Duo had provided him with a thousand sets of armor, which could conveniently be sent back with the letter.

After circling half the city, they returned to the street where he resided. In the morning, pressed for time, he had not examined it carefully. Now he saw the whole street was short, with about ten households. In front of each mansion stood soldiers with broad chests and protruding bellies on guard. Judging by the plaques above the gates, the residents were military officers commanding over ten thousand troops.

Guan Duo had assigned him a residence at the rear. Many of the guards stealthily observed him, whispering among themselves. At eighteen or nineteen years old, as a steward, he was rare not just in Liaodong but throughout the Song army. Bi Qianniu was displeased, feeling they were mocking him. He narrowed his eyes sharply, glaring fiercely at them. Deng She paid no mind, smiling and nodding to each.

At the gate of the mansion, he looked up to see that Guan Duo had moved quickly—the plaque above the door had been replaced with a new one. Hanging high, four gilded characters read: “Residence of Steward Deng.” A nearby guard hurried over, handling the horses and opening the door. “General, just this morning as you left, a woman came seeking an audience.”

“A woman?” Deng She dismounted and casually tossed his riding crop to the guard. “Where is she?”

“She’s waiting inside. I asked her to leave first, but she refused, saying she was sent by Commander Guan and is waiting for your instructions.”

Having sent a maid last night and now a woman today, would a troupe come the day after tomorrow? Deng She, who often employed such tactics to win over Qing Qianxing, was unbothered, nodding in acknowledgment. The guard asked, “Will the general see her?”

Though sent by Guan Duo, like a gift or merchandise, once delivered, it was enough to accept it. Whether to see her immediately was not urgent. Deng She had other matters to attend to and showed no interest. “Tell her to wait and arrange a place for her to stay first.”

Fang Buzhen’s sedan had already entered the gate. He peeked out and saluted, “I shall take my leave first.” Deng She returned the greeting hastily, “Lord Fang, please go ahead. Noon approaches; we shall dine together shortly.” Fang Buzhen agreed, lowered the curtains, and left. He lived on the west side of the mansion; Deng She on the east, separate residences.

The gate grew quieter. Deng She instructed Bi Qianniu, “Go out of the city and summon Yang Wanhu at once.” Bi Qianniu nodded and, with two guards, rode out.

Crossing the courtyard to the main hall, Deng She took advantage of the meal not yet served to finish the letter to Hong Jixun. To ensure secrecy, they had agreed on a code with hidden meanings, usable in emergencies.

The code was simple: first, identify possible scenarios and prepare corresponding plans, numbered in order. Then select a poem with no repeated characters as a “key,” such as “Plowing at noon, sweat drips into the soil beneath the grain. Who knows that each grain on the plate comes from hard work?” When the first plan was needed, a character like “plow” would be inserted and stamped with Deng She’s seal. Upon receiving the letter, Hong Jixun would find the marked character, check the plan number, and understand the current situation in Liaoyang to implement the appropriate response.

This method of coded communication had been widely used in the military since the Song dynasty. Even if intercepted or read by others, it was utterly incomprehensible—simple, practical, and secure. Its only drawback was that the content was limited to prearranged frameworks.

If an unforeseen situation arose, they would resort to a second, more complex cipher, designed based on Deng She’s observations and devised by Hong Jixun at his suggestion. This cipher involved numbering the initials, finals, and tones of Mandarin syllables in sequence.

For example, “turn right”: the initial of “turn” might be numbered fifteen, the final three, and the tone (falling) four, so the code for “turn” would be “15, 3, 4.” The initial of “right” might be thirteen, the final thirty-six, tone four, making the code for “right” “13, 36, 4.” Thus, “turn right” is encoded as “15, 3, 4; 13, 36, 4.”

This numbering system for initials and finals was not fixed and could be changed arbitrarily. Not only was it secure and without limitation—able to express any content—but it could be used over any distance: by letter, or in close combat or night fighting by clapping hands as signals, even in front of the enemy. The only downside was its complexity and difficulty.

The first set of numbered initials, finals, and tones was memorized with great effort by Deng She, who grew up in the north and spoke Mandarin well, yet still took three to four days to barely commit it to memory.

If even he struggled, what chance did the common soldiers have? Most soldiers were illiterate, hardly knowing what initials or finals were—black eyes, blank minds. Moreover, soldiers came from all corners, making the uniformity of Mandarin pronunciation a problem. A flexible and secure code could safeguard military secrets greatly, so giving up was not an option. The solution? Organize secret training for officers above the hundred-man rank and compile books like “Eight Tones and Their Meanings” to promote the system. Before Deng She’s arrival, Chen Hu, Wen Huaguo, and Hong Jixun had already begun implementation. But to see results and large-scale application would take at least one or two months.

Writing the letter to Hong Jixun was laborious, especially with unforeseen events: the fall of Bianliang and the unknown fate of the Young Ming King. Counting initials, finals, and tones on his fingers, Deng She tried to keep the text concise to avoid a page full of numbers. Even at mealtime, he had not finished.

Not wanting to keep Fang Buzhen waiting, he invited him into the side room to dine. When not irritated, Fang Buzhen was quite easy to get along with, chatting and laughing. After the meal, he took his customary afternoon nap and politely withdrew.

Deng She returned to finish the letter. When Yang Wanhu arrived, a guard reported that a summons had arrived—an invitation for Deng She to attend an evening banquet, signed warmly by Pan Mei.

Deng She knew Pan Mei was the adopted son of Pan Cheng. Among the three Pingzhang officials, Guan and Liu had no brothers, but Pan Cheng had three brothers: the eldest, Pan Cheng himself, stationed in Guangning; the second, Pan Xin, the Guangning Wing Marshal; and the third, Pan Ren, the Luyang Wing Marshal nearby. Pan Mei, who remained in the city, was reportedly a steward under the Liaoyang Wing Marshal’s office.

Pan Mei hosting the banquet was fitting: similar rank, close in age, and as a junior member, unlikely to provoke Guan Duo’s displeasure. Even if Guan Duo resented it, the socializing among young men was beyond his objection, preserving Deng She’s dignity. It was a clever move. Deng She examined the invitation, surprised by its prompt arrival, and gained a better grasp of the subtle relationships among Liaoyang’s three great powers.

He had no intention of attending. Having just arrived two days prior, stability was paramount.

He wrote a tactful refusal: “General, your kindness is much appreciated, but alas, I am still recovering from last night’s intoxication. I have come thousands of miles under imperial orders and will not return to Liao until the barbarians are expelled. I have long admired the general’s bravery. When time allows, I shall ask you; if you do not invite me, I will invite you.” He sealed the letter and sent it with a selection of specialty products from the twin cities.

On the surface, the letter was unproblematic; upon closer reading, the phrase “come thousands of miles under imperial orders” was particularly meaningful. Whether Pan Mei understood mattered less than whether Pan Cheng did.

Pan Mei’s invitation was just the beginning. The whole afternoon, Deng She’s residence was bustling. Many sent invitations, some came to pay visits in person. Among them were Guan Duo’s loyalists, neighbors, outsiders like former bandits, Deng San’s old colleagues, Deng She’s old friends, and even claimed fellow townsfolk. From marshals to hundred-men commanders to thousand-men commanders, they arrived in a steady stream.

All invitations were politely declined with returned gifts; visitors were personally greeted regardless of rank. Deng She clearly understood the varied identities and motives of his guests but had not anticipated such volume. He guessed the influx was due to Guan Duo’s banquet on the day of his arrival, causing many to misunderstand him as a newly risen magnate seeking favor.

Such sycophants were of little use; polite civility sufficed. His focus lay on external factions within the army, Deng San’s colleagues, and his old friends. It was inconvenient for him to seek them out; since they came to him, he would not let them slip away.

The most discussed topics, besides recollections, were the current situation and tales of Goryeo customs. Fang Buzhen arrived with tea, sitting at the edge, occasionally chiming in. The atmosphere was harmonious, filled with laughter. As guests departed, Deng She presented gifts of varying value according to relationship.

He brought many Goryeo women. Besides those given to Guan Duo, he kept about ten, selecting those closest to guests to distribute. Goryeo women were renowned across the land, and those Deng She brought were all of the finest quality—daughters of officials and noble families. Even among the wealthy in peaceful times, such women were rare, naturally causing delight and smiles. A few, like Wen Huaguo, who had unique tastes, received special companions accordingly.

When Yang Wanhu arrived, Deng She excused himself briefly to give him the letter. He instructed Yang to find the logistics officer sent by Guan Duo to transfer the armor and military supplies and to select a capable centurion to escort them.

“Will the army return after sending troops to Goryeo?” Yang Wanhu inquired.

“No need to return,” Deng She replied, glancing around to ensure privacy, lowering his voice. “Tell He Guangxiu there are many Goryeo people in Liaoyang. When on rest, they often wander the city.” Yang Wanhu responded, “Understood.” Seeing the comings and goings, he hesitated, then asked, “The general’s residence is busy with various people. Should I send more men to reinforce your guards?”

Deng She’s hundred personal guards were all carefully selected, including a few cunning men from Yang’s ranks for security, already sufficient. Moreover, if danger arose, even living in camp would be no safer. He smiled, “No need.”

Yang Wanhu bowed to leave, but Deng She called him back after a moment of thought. “There may be battles soon. Our troops might be sent to the front. Go to camp early and prepare.”

Outside the gate, the clamor of horses and carts heralded another group of visitors. Leading them was a thousand-man commander named Hu Zhong, who had a good relationship with Deng San. From afar, he called out, “Young Brother Deng? Where are you? Where? It’s been so long, we’ve missed you terribly.”

Deng She greeted him with a smile, tapping Yang Wanhu’s arm. “You go, and remember, be cautious. If anyone in camp seeks you out, be polite but evasive.” Yang Wanhu responded respectfully and left with guards to find Guan Duo’s logistics officer.

After seeing off the guests, as dusk deepened, the house gradually quieted. The last visitor was Mao Jujing’s captain of guards, who also invited Deng She to a banquet. Deng She could not refuse and accepted readily.

After a busy afternoon, Liaoyang was hotter than the twin cities, and he was drenched in sweat. After a brief bath and changing into fresh clothes, he recalled the woman Guan Duo had sent. Fearing Mao Jujing might ask about her and not wanting to be caught unprepared, he retreated and ordered a guard to bring her to him.

Soon footsteps and rustling approached as the guard led her in. Deng She took one look and was momentarily stunned, sensing he had seen her somewhere before. She was lavishly adorned with pearls and jade, wearing a golden-embroidered dress. Her hair was piled high at the back, with a dragon-carved jade comb inserted. Upon entering, she exuded a ripe, subtle fragrance.

Her skirt was long, trailing over a yard; the waist cinched, accentuating a slender yet full figure. She walked in with cold detachment and bowed deeply. “Your humble servant Li Aguan greets the honorable general.”

Such attire and demeanor were unlike those of a singing girl or maid but more like a noblewoman. Her fingers were slender, and as she bowed, Deng She noticed a green jade pendant peeking from her sleeve. Recognizing it, he suddenly realized the misunderstanding and hurriedly rose, returning the bow profusely. “I was unaware of your arrival; forgive my rudeness. My guard conveyed the message poorly; please do not take offense.”

Li Aguan had been there nearly a day. Deng She had regarded her as a common concubine and neglected proper attention, even forgetting to feed her at noon. She was starving, her chest pressed tight against her back. Had Guan Duo not strictly ordered it, she would have left long ago. Hearing Deng She’s explanation only fueled her anger, clenching her fists in frustration, biting down hard on her silver teeth.

She replied icily, “General’s affairs are many; it matters not if your humble servant waits a while.”

Having just warned Yang Wanhu to be cautious, Deng She found himself in trouble. Seeing her hostile demeanor, he lamented silently, newly arrived in Liaoyang, hoping not to make an enemy. Since she had the status to attend last night’s banquet, her rank must be high. While seeking to remedy the situation, he stepped down and invited her to sit. “How could I have any matters compared to your grace visiting? Truly, I was unaware... No, no, all my fault. Please, sit, sit.”

Li Aguan said, “Your humble servant bears guilt and dares not sit.” She hesitated, glancing toward the hall. Reading her expression, Deng She dismissed the guards, “Lady, you have come—what is your purpose?”

Biting her lip, she bowed again. “At last night’s banquet, your humble servant was discourteous. I come today only to seek the general’s forgiveness.” Guan Duo’s exact words had instructed her to prostrate and beg pardon. Considering Deng She’s position as steward and Guan Bei Wang’s status, far above her husband’s, it would be proper for a woman to kneel. Yet she was nearly thirty, her eldest daughter thirteen, while Deng She was much younger. She simply could not kneel.

Feigning surprise, Deng She asked, “At last night’s banquet? What discourtesy did you commit?”

Li Aguan’s face flushed; she hesitated to speak. Deng She laughed heartily, easing her mind: “Lord Pingzhang truly respects you. Given your status, I am fortunate to be favored by you. If any discourtesy occurred, it only means you regard me as one of your own—I could not ask for more.”

Near those who associate with virtue, one is virtuous; near those who associate with vice, one is vicious. With subordinates like Yao Haogu and He Guangxiu skilled in flattery, Deng She’s ability to speak kindly had improved greatly. Li Aguan was unmoved, dryly saying, “Your servant was discourteous; I ask the general to forgive me,” insisting he say the word “forgive.”

Feeling bored, Deng She replied, “I was truly drunk last night and remember little. Rest assured, even if there was discourtesy, it was trivial and not worth mentioning.”

Li Aguan said, “General’s magnanimity is great. With your forgiveness, your servant feels relieved.” She clapped her hands, and two attendants entered carrying two bundles of silk and a box. “I have prepared these small gifts; please accept them.”

She was like an iceberg, but as she turned to leave, a fleeting glance revealed burning hatred. Deng She had no choice but to accept the gifts, signaling the guards to help store them and going out to prepare a return gift.

Li Aguan gave no chance to respond, placing the gifts carefully and bidding farewell with many bows. Deng She could not stop her and escorted her to the gate, courteously asking, “May I ask where your residence is? I have some Goryeo specialties and jewelry from Goryeo’s western capital nobility, quite fine. I shall send them to you later.”

Li Aguan replied, “No need to trouble the general. It grows late; please return.”

Her sedan was parked inside the courtyard. As she was carried up, she did not look back once at Deng She.

The curtains were lowered. Hunger made her stomach emit soft sounds at an inopportune moment—whether Deng She outside heard or not, she was unsure. Both ashamed and angry at the slight and neglect, she thought of Deng She’s failure to show her respect or even feed her properly, and that his guards had led her into the bedroom. Who was truly rude? She barely tolerated it. Realizing Deng She must have misunderstood, her anger overwhelmed her. She could not care about much else; her eyes reddened, and tears fell uncontrollably.

Her sobbing echoed outside the sedan. Deng She knew this enemy was made for life but was helpless. The guard who had caused the trouble was timid and silent. Deng She would not blame him; his report was not wrong—he only wished he had thought differently.

Night deepened. The sedan slowly disappeared into the darkness.

The repentant guard mustered courage. “General, I misdelivered the message; I accept punishment.” Deng She, sensing his unease, scolded with a smile, “Damn you... follow her, but do not let her notice. Find out where she lives. Early tomorrow, deliver a return gift.” He added, “Investigate her relationship with Commander Guan and who her husband is, what position he holds.”

Having taken remedial measures, success or failure would depend on fate. Deng She could take it or leave it, no longer dwelling on it. Calling Bi Qianniu, he mounted and rode off to the banquet.

—

1. The code could be used over long distances by letter, or in close combat and night fighting by clapping hands, even in front of the enemy.

This code was invented by Qi Jiguang: “write for long distances, clap for close.” Perhaps due to its complexity, it was not widely adopted later. Yet this communication method represents the earliest known cipher technique in recorded history, with principles consistent with modern telecommunication ciphers.