Chapter Twenty-Three

To be honest, Lin Feng’s negotiation was not favored by the senior ministers, and before his departure, both Li Guangdi and Zhou Peigong had advised him against it to varying degrees. In traditional Chinese culture, such activities rarely relate to peace. Generally, they are either grand banquets with hidden daggers or displays of military might meant to intimidate the other side. Chinese political dealings have always worshipped cunning and lacked sincerity, so a negotiation like this, seemingly foolish, gives the first impression of harboring ill intentions. With this mindset, both sides tacitly sought to avoid direct confrontation when it came to the atmosphere of the negotiations and security at the meeting. The rebel forces were unsure of Lin Feng’s intentions, while Lin Feng’s own diplomatic staff lacked the courage to negotiate terms involving their commander’s life. To be fair, Chen Menglei had a hard time organizing the event.

Things unfolded as anticipated. In the days leading up to the talks, the rebel cavalry kept shifting toward Shanhai Pass, and scouts from the Third Army and Chen Menglei’s agents in Liaodong sent in identical reports. Militarily, it was clear both rebel factions regarded the meeting as immensely important. Ma Daganzi’s six thousand elite riders were nearly all mobilized, and the Cao family brothers had brought out nearly everything they possessed.

After observing the enemy’s formation, Lin Feng hesitated. From what he saw, the opposing army seemed poorly equipped and untrained, with few seasoned veterans and little fighting spirit. He doubted that, should battle erupt, the army would withstand even a couple of cannon shots, two volleys from muskets, and a cavalry charge before collapsing.

It seemed that this reckless negotiation might not be a bad thing after all. If his judgment was correct, this peaceful contact could become a trap for annihilation.

The Han generals nearby clearly shared the thought. Many eyed their commander with admiration—Lin Feng was indeed shrewd and cunning. If these bandits were hidden deep in Liaodong’s harsh terrain, subduing them would be troublesome, but now they could be wiped out in one blow.

“Master!” Two cavalry brigade commanders couldn’t help but interject, “We believe as well—if this hunt yields nothing, and they return to Liaodong, the next battle will be far harder!”

The officers all nodded fervently. The Han military rewarded merit above all, and these country ruffians were clearly soft targets—a rare opportunity.

“They’ll return to Liaodong?” Lin Feng repeated, suddenly startled. Realization dawned, clearing his doubts. Seeing the officers still eager for battle, he rebuked loudly, “Silence!—What do you know?!”

The officers turned to him, surprised and indignant.

Lin Feng raised his riding whip, pointing at the opposing army. “If you were their commanders, would you dare fight this battle?!” He glanced at Wang Dahai. “Dahai, I’ll test you today. If you were their general, how would you fight?”

Wang Dahai was startled, confused, then looked at the enemy formation, furrowing his brow in deep thought. After a while, he smiled wryly, “Commander, you’ve set a tough task. Our army has strong walls, artillery, seasoned generals, well-trained troops. If they confronted us head-on, even if Sun Tzu returned, they would have no chance.” He shook his head. “If I were their commander, I’d have the infantry stall us, then retreat both wings rapidly. Our cavalry is insufficient; if they wanted to withdraw…”

He paused, realization dawning, and looked at Lin Feng in confusion, “Commander, you mean—?”

“Very good, Dahai, you’ve improved!” Lin Feng smiled and patted Wang Dahai’s shoulder. “Among the brothers who followed me from Linji County, you’re steadfast and brave, Guangyuan commands calmly in crisis, but careful consideration is your strength!”

Wang Dahai thanked him humbly, then asked, “But… If that’s your meaning, why are they confronting us? They know they’ll be defeated—are they mad?”

“That’s politics! You don’t understand…” Lin Feng mused, then continued, pointing to the ‘Ma’ banner, “I suspect Ma Daganzi is behind this—he wants to carve out his own domain in Liaodong. But as a bandit, his reputation is foul, and he lacks support from the local elders led by the Cao brothers. This scene today is, on the surface, an attempt to lure us into taking advantage, but in truth, it’s a trap! If we attack, he’ll immediately retreat. His troops are elite cavalry and will suffer little. Then, he can claim that we Han are in league with the Manchu, intent on exterminating Liaodong’s people—a strategy achieving two goals. First, he uses our army to eliminate or weaken the Cao brothers. Second, he exploits my ‘betrayal’ to gain Liaodong’s support. If we act shortsightedly and draw our swords, he’ll succeed, and our future campaign in Liaodong will be beset by enemies at every turn!”

Seeing Wang Dahai and the officers dumbfounded, Lin Feng chuckled, then grew stern, “War is the extension of politics; victory and defeat aren’t always decided on the battlefield. Lü Bu was invincible, but what became of him? This battle isn’t fought with swords and cannons, but for the hearts of Liaodong’s people. You are pillars of the Han; remember, the true way of kings is to triumph without bloodshed, as our ancestors learned at great cost.” His tone sharpened, pointing at the rebels, “You also made a grave error just now—seeing their ragged formation and incomplete armor, you underestimated them. The world is in chaos, heroes abound. Anyone who rises to contend for power must have survived seas of blood and treachery. How many fools do you think there are?”

The officers broke into a cold sweat, nodding and apologizing meekly.

The rebel ranks were silent for a long time, then a rough voice burst out laughing, “Nonsense, we’ve been waiting!” The cavalry wings parted, and the ‘Ma’ banner advanced. The burly leader laughed, “Lin, you’re a true man—I am Ma Daganzi,” he stepped aside, pointing at three big men behind him, “These are the Cao brothers!”

“Then why are you still yammering?!” Lin Feng shouted hoarsely, “Damn it, do you want me to carry you over in a sedan chair?!”

“Commander Lin, don’t blame us for being cautious,” Ma Daganzi laughed from afar. “Have your troops stand down first—officials aren’t known for keeping their word, so let’s set the terms upfront!”

Lin Feng turned and told his bodyguards, “Bring some tables and stools—Dog, take a few capable men to serve, the rest can go rest!”

“But Commander, these fellows…” Li Ergou started to protest, but met Lin Feng’s stern gaze and swallowed his words, then turned to direct the guards in setting up.

There were no fine furnishings among the troops, nor was it feasible to fetch them from the city. The guards worked hard, assembling two low tables and a dozen camp stools, creating a makeshift negotiation site. Lin Feng dismounted and sat down facing the rebels, calling out, “All set—don’t blame us for the lack of hospitality, there’s no wine or tea, but if you don’t mind, come over for a chat!”

Tens of thousands of soldiers glared at each other; negotiating in front of both armies was thrilling. Seeing Lin Feng’s straightforwardness, Ma Daganzi felt some admiration and came over with several bandit leaders. The Cao brothers hesitated briefly, then followed.

Up close, Ma Daganzi, despite his bandit reputation, was surprisingly handsome. Contrary to his gruff voice, his complexion was fair, brows long and elegant, features strikingly handsome, and his beard neatly shaved. If not for his imposing stature, he’d look almost like a pretty boy. In contrast, the Cao brothers appeared more like true generals—three big, dark-faced, honest-looking men, awkward and reserved before Lin Feng.

“Ma, Cao brothers, I’ve come from Beijing especially to see you, so I won’t waste time with pleasantries,” Lin Feng stood up with a smile, gesturing to the stools for them to sit. “What is your agenda?”

“Commander Lin, you’re indeed straightforward,” Ma Daganzi smiled, his tone now pleasant. “You came a long way, and I, as host, failed to welcome you properly—my apologies!”

Lin Feng grinned at the Cao brothers. After sitting, they simply greeted him with a cupped fist and said nothing, clearly deferring to Ma Daganzi.

“Ma, I dislike pretense. If I speak plainly, don’t take offense,” Lin Feng tapped the table, smiling. “This is my territory, so let me play host.”

“Oh?!” Ma Daganzi feigned surprise, “Do you mean that wherever your army marches, the land belongs to you? If that’s the case, neither of us would be hosts—the Manchu would have to entertain us instead!”

“Haha, enough! Frankly, that’s not pleasant to hear—let’s skip the nonsense,” Lin Feng laughed. “I came here in person, that’s sincerity, right? Ma, we all live by the sword; let’s not be coy, put everything on the table—my proposal is for you, the Cao brothers, and your men to join us, all together!”

“Good! That’s exactly what I want,” Ma Daganzi dropped his smile and spoke solemnly. “Commander Lin, you’ve crushed the Manchu court in a great campaign, and we’ve admired you for a long time. When I mentioned it to my men, not one objected to following you. If you supply us with grain, muskets, cannons, and other equipment, I’ll lead these brothers to guard Liaodong for the Han forever. If a single Manchu crosses Shanhai Pass, you can take my head!” His words rang out with sincerity, his eyes sharp as he looked at Lin Feng.