Chapter 136: Sudden Rain (VI)

The rain poured down incessantly, both inside and outside Yunzhong City.

Mayi Commandery was historically a place of bitter cold and dryness, where rainfall was rare. It was highly unusual for such relentless, heavy rain to fall at the end of autumn.

Looking down from the city walls, the vast wilderness outside Yunzhong had turned into a swamp. Thousands of streams converged, carving deep, rain-washed gullies into the desolate plains.

With such violent storms this autumn, the weather next year would likely be even more unbearable. The already meager harvest could no longer be relied upon.

Standing on the ramparts, draped in a straw rain cape and looking every bit like an old farmer, Liu Wuzhou watched the half-abandoned fields outside the city, a bitter smile tugging at the corners of his mouth.

Heaven was unkind, and the dynasty was in its twilight. Famine, the flames of war, slaughter, and pillage would follow in quick succession. The once-mighty Sui Dynasty was on the verge of fracturing, and those from the great aristocratic families were about to unleash a sea of blood to determine the victor—even if it meant plunging this land into an even deeper darkness.

But why must it be that only those born into aristocratic families were qualified to contend? I was born a local squire, have survived a thousand deaths, yet I am still looked down upon and sidelined. Why can I not participate in this struggle? Why can I not stand above these arrogant aristocrats?

Let this storm arrive sooner, and let it be even more ferocious. Let it shatter everything of the old world, even if I am not the one left standing in the end!

Soft footsteps sounded behind him. Liu Wuzhou turned his head to see Yuan Junzhang approaching. Yuan was also wearing a straw cape, his long beard unshielded, with rainwater constantly dripping from it.

Yuan Junzhang gazed out at the city, remarking casually, "The grain stores in the city are running low."

Liu Wuzhou chuckled. "That Yunzhong trade fair was ruined by that brat Xu Le. Whether they were merchants from the south or tribes from the north, they were all scared witless by the destruction of the thousand-man Yue tribe. Once the restrictions were lifted, they scattered like rabbits... The income we counted on is gone, and it looks like our granaries won't hold out much longer... How much is left?"

Yuan Junzhang replied quietly, "Counting only military rations, it is not enough for four months."

This was a dangerous figure. Even for the four thousand soldiers of the Heng'an Eagle-Yang Prefecture, it would only last four months—not to mention the many military dependents and the tens of thousands of civilians inside and outside Yunzhong City. Even if the commoners had a little grain stored away, it would certainly not last until next spring.

Armies are gathered by grain; without food, even the finest troops would scatter.

Hearing this, Liu Wuzhou raised an eyebrow, feigning surprise. "Doesn't that force me to raise an army immediately? Should I take advantage of what little resources we have left to settle the score with Prefect Wang?"

Yuan Junzhang shook his head. "Prefect Wang is surely keeping a strict watch on us. If we march in the winter, he will simply implement a scorched-earth policy to trap us. We would only end up defeated beneath the walls of Shanyang City."

Liu Wuzhou laughed. "So that’s how easily they can deal with our Heng'an Prefecture! In that case, Prefect Wang definitely won't be shipping any autumn grain over this year."

Yuan Junzhang shook his head again. "Prefect Wang will still want to send grain, because the Duke of Tang is preparing to march west toward Chang'an. Prefect Wang has no desire to see the Duke of Tang seize that initiative. If he pushes us too hard and we revolt this year, it will tie his hands. If the Duke of Tang then sends a force to profit from the chaos, Prefect Wang will be trapped in Mayi for a year, unable to move anywhere. To stall the Duke of Tang, he must provide us with provisions."

Looking at Liu Wuzhou, who was striking a contemplative pose, Yuan Junzhang sighed helplessly. "Commander, we have discussed these matters many times. You need not put on such a show. You are no longer a mere local squire who can joke and tease at will. You are the Eagle-Yang General of the Heng'an Prefecture! You are a Jianwu Commandant of the Great Sui! You must maintain the dignity of your office!"

Liu Wuzhou burst into loud laughter. "In the eyes of the great clans, this office of mine is nothing! I should never have striven to rise, never have fought to the death in Goryeo, never have battled the Turks to defend the border at Mayi, never have tried to snatch their positions! This world has never had a place for us; it is merely a toy in the hands of those few high-born families!"

His voice was filled with boundless resentment. No longer wanting to stay on the city wall, Liu Wuzhou turned and left.

"Wang Rengong wants to provide grain, but I, Liu, do not want it! If I am not driven to the edge, how can I make my next move?"

His heavy footsteps echoed as he strode away.

Yuan Junzhang remained alone on the ramparts, lost in deep thought.

Several squads of messengers had been dispatched to circulate documents detailing Wang Rengong's collusion with the Turks, and one such missive had been delivered directly to Wang Rengong himself. Could such tactics drive the stubborn, arrogant Wang Rengong to the brink of madness?

If Wang Rengong managed to keep his composure and the stalemate continued, who knew what the situation would be by next year.

Liu Wuzhou wanted to participate in this struggle for the world as soon as possible, and he wanted to gain absolute control over Mayi Commandery!

What other means could make Wang Rengong even more unhinged?

Yuan Junzhang pondered bitterly, but could find no answer. In the end, he could only sigh in frustration.

Situated in the remote corner of Yunzhong, let alone the heart of the Central Plains, their ability to influence or manipulate events in the Shanyang seat of government was limited.

And yet, that Xu Le had suddenly appeared, shattering the conspiracy between Wang Rengong and the Turks, and even capturing Zhang Wansui.

Come to think of it, what was Xu Le doing now? Had he already taken control of the Lianghaite tribe and begun to enjoy the prestige of a tribal chieftain?

That brat... he truly is a talent...

***

Within Shenwu County, as more local rogues joined the Mayi Yue cavalry in their pillaging, the city had descended into utter chaos.

Under the torrential rain, the looting escalated, spiraling beyond control.

The combination of routed soldiers and local scoundrels proved to be a force of the most extreme destruction.

Wang Rengong had concentrated his main forces in Shanyang and deployed heavy garrisons at the mountain passes and checkpoints bordering Yunzhong. In these inland counties of Mayi, the local militias were already spread thin. As local warriors either joined the army or flocked to Shanyang or Yunzhong, the county was left devoid of fighting men. Even with the fierce local temperament of Mayi, they could not resist such a military riot.

The local officials had retreated into their government offices, guarded by servants armed with bows and blades, but they could only protect themselves—how could they dare to rein in these soldiers, now blinded by greed?

The riot began in the east of the city and quickly spread.

A large band of rogues surged onto the streets, tearing down wooden barriers, their eyes filled with brutality. Many began to shout:

"Raid the west side! Raid the west side!"

The west side of the city was where the traveling merchants resided. These merchants were mostly of the knight-errant class, led by Zhong Tiebi. They had always been a powerful faction in the city, and no one dared to target them lightly.

But now that the act had begun, and with the well-equipped Mayi Yue cavalry backing them, the greed of the rogues in Shenwu County could no longer be contained.