Chapter 109: The Storms of Jiangnan

As Zhao Yu headed toward Huining, the battle in Hangzhou reached its most critical moment.

After Fang La’s rebellion began, its early development unfolded just as he had anticipated. Rallying under Zhao Yu’s banner, the forces rapidly expanded, surpassing one hundred thousand troops in a very short time.

The populace across the southern provinces eagerly followed the winds of change. Officials either fled or were captured and tortured to death by the people. For a moment, the rebels’ momentum was unstoppable.

As the ranks swelled, so did the territories they controlled, but problems began to surface. The generals grew arrogant, soldiers became undisciplined, and local governance collapsed.

Yet Fang La and his faction, intoxicated by victory, remained oblivious to the looming crisis.

After their attempt to recruit Song Jiang failed, the two armies clashed in a naval battle, resulting in a crushing defeat for the Ming Sect. Meanwhile, Tong Guan’s imperial forces advanced to the outskirts of Hangzhou.

Having consolidated Song Jiang’s troops, Tong Guan launched a full-scale assault on Hangzhou. Despite repelling several attacks, the Ming Sect’s forces were beginning to falter.

Fang La was called a cunning hero for good reason—he never put all his eggs in one basket. His specialty was knowing when to seize fortune and avoid disaster—in essence, he was skilled at retreating.

As dusk fell, Fang La, Wang Yin, and others stood atop the city walls, gazing at the endless imperial encampment outside. Each felt the weight of the moment.

Unlike in history, this Fang La was not impatient to ascend the throne; he still styled himself as the Sect Leader and Holy Duke.

“It seems the Song forces won’t attack again tonight. Holy Duke, I’m afraid our brothers won’t hold out much longer,” Wang Yin said.

“And what plan do you have?” Fang La asked, indifferent.

Wang Yin glanced around, seeing only Deng Yuanjue and Pang Wanchun nearby, then whispered, “He who hesitates invites chaos. While we still have strength, we must break through the Song encirclement quickly. Shibao and the others still hold many elite troops in Muzhou. We should tighten our fists and wait for the right moment.”

Fang La shook his head slowly. “Muzhou is a death trap. Returning there means certain death.”

“Then what do you propose, Holy Duke?”

“Into Shu!”

Wang Yin pondered briefly, then his eyes brightened. “When do you intend to depart, Holy Duke?”

“As soon as possible! Find a double to stay on the city wall in my place.”

Turning to Deng Yuanjue and Pang Wanchun, Fang La continued, “Brothers, please help confuse the Song army and find an opportunity to escape. We will regroup in Muzhou.”

Deng Yuanjue replied without hesitation, “Rest assured, Holy Duke. This is our duty.”

Both men were among Fang La’s Eight Great Vajras, the core of his loyalists.

Fang La felt a surge of gratitude and patted Deng Yuanjue’s shoulder. “Thank you, brothers. When the honored sovereign arrives, we shall share the realm as sworn brothers.”

Deng Yuanjue bowed deeply, saying he dared not accept the praise, but no one could see the fierce spark flashing in his eyes.

Fang La planned to slip away in the late night, when fatigue would be greatest.

But just after the third watch, the city erupted with deafening shouts and battle cries. Before Fang La could send someone to investigate, a bloodied guard stumbled in, panting.

“Holy Duke! A grave emergency! Lü Shinan has colluded with the Song army, secretly opened the gates, and the Song forces have already surged inside!”

Hearing this, Fang La nearly collapsed with fury. Lü Shinan was one of his Eight Vajras, always loyal—how could he betray them at such a critical moment?

At that moment, Wang Yin and the others rushed in.

“Holy Duke, we must flee! As long as the green mountains remain, there will be firewood to burn.”

No persuasion was needed; Fang La had long planned to flee. But before doing so, he swore a bitter oath to settle accounts.

“Lü Shinan, if I do not kill you, I swear I will be no man!”

Shouts of war quickly spread throughout the city. Those Ming Sect soldiers who could not escape tore off their uniforms to hide among the civilians, while others seized the chaos to loot and pillage.

Without the need for Song attacks, the leaderless Ming Sect followers fell into disorder. Fires blazed across the city, cries and wails echoed endlessly.

In a corner of the city, Deng Yuanjue, now dressed in Song army attire, had not fled with Fang La.

His burly frame looked incongruous in the imperial uniform, but Deng Yuanjue paid no mind. Carrying a small bundle, he scanned his surroundings and prepared to climb onto a rooftop, when he saw a figure approaching swiftly.

“Master, where are you headed? Why not bring your brother along?”

It was Pang Wanchun, also disguised in Song army clothes. Seeing this, Deng Yuanjue realized his comrade had no intention of continuing to serve Fang La.

Smiling slightly, he said, “It seems we’re thinking alike. This place is no longer safe. Let’s get out of the city.”

The city was in chaos, and no one noticed their movements. Even if they had been spotted, no one could have stopped them.

“Master, why are you heading north? Shouldn’t we go south?”

“Heh! If you know it’s the wrong way, why follow me?”

Teased by Deng Yuanjue, Pang Wanchun was silent for a moment, then said, “I owe someone my life. I must repay that debt.”

Hearing this, Deng Yuanjue’s smile deepened. “Looks like we’re on the same wavelength again.”

Without words, they exchanged a knowing look, then quickly vanished into the vast night.

News of Hangzhou’s fall soon reached Bianliang. Emperor Huizong was delighted and issued an edict praising Tong Guan while demanding the swift elimination of Fang La.

With many worries now lifted, he looked forward to a peaceful night’s rest.

His mood was not merely due to Fang La’s impending defeat. Zhao Kai had informed him that the Jurchens were amenable to an alliance to destroy the Liao, provided Zhao Yu was sent back. Although the Jurchens had yet to reply, the emperor believed there would be no problem.

In his excitement, Emperor Huizong suddenly thought to share the good news with Li Shishi, hoping to discern whether she had any secret ties to that traitorous son.

This was classic projection: even if he did not care, Zhao Yu was disturbed. Zhao Yu regarded Li Shishi as a cherished confidante, nothing more. A man may be lustful, but not indiscriminately so.

However, the emperor’s good mood did not last long.

After escaping Hangzhou, Fang La regrouped in Hongzhou, rapidly assembling tens of thousands again.

Just as Tong Guan thought Fang La was preparing a desperate counterattack, Fang La abandoned most of his forces, taking only twenty thousand elite troops to Jiangling Prefecture and decisively defeating the defenders.

Only then did Tong Guan realize Fang La intended to enter Shu, but by then it was too late.

After plundering Jiangling, Fang La launched a surprise attack on Shanzhou. Securing Nanwuguan, he stormed into Shu.

Tong Guan’s imperial army could only trail behind, eating dust, never catching sight of Fang La’s forces.

Since the founding of the Northern Song dynasty, Shu had been the most unstable region. The court had repeatedly suppressed it with brutal force. Only in recent years had the people begun to live in relative peace.

It was clear that if Fang La gained a foothold in Shu, leveraging its natural geographical advantages, he would become a grave threat to the empire.