Time returned to a few days prior.

On the afternoon of April 24th, the Seventh Army of China officially defeated Wanyan Zonghan's main force by killing Wanyan Sheyema. However, due to the complexities of the battlefield, Xiyin rallied the troops to defend the passage within Hanzhong City. The true announcement of their retreat came on the morning of the 25th.

News of the conclusion of the Hanzhong campaign subsequently spread to various locations. Dai Mengwei, Liu Guangshi, and others stationed in Xicheng County received the news that afternoon. They then began to act, connecting various points to stabilize the situation. Around this time, the various army units near Xicheng County learned, sooner or later, about the unfolding situation.

The news that Zonghan and Xiyin's combined army of 100,000 had attacked the Seventh Army of China, only to be defeated by the Seventh Army's 20,000 men, and that Zonghan had even lost another son, brought a tremendous and peculiar psychological shock to the people south of the Han River. In some ways, it was like the descent of a magical world.

The initial reaction of most power holders upon receiving the news was silent. They then ordered their subordinates to confirm the accuracy of the information.

For Dai Mengwei's originally unintegrated forces, the seeds of chaos were already brewing. However, Dai Mengwei acted swiftly, especially with the endorsement of the more prestigious Liu Guangshi. They quickly contacted the leaders of most nearby forces, stabilized the situation, and reached an initial consensus.

Although the Seventh Army of China had displayed strength on the Hanzhong battlefield, the future of the entire army was not necessarily clear. Liu Guangshi, Dai Mengwei, and others presented the subsequent plans they had previously discussed. Those who were able to control the situation were naturally hoped to join the alliance and advance or retreat together. But even if they had doubts, it was hoped that they would remember past relationships and not directly turn hostile. After all, none of the armies present here could be considered uniquely strong. Even with different intentions, it was best to leave room for future encounters.

This persuasion temporarily suppressed the potential chaos, but on two critical points, the situation became impossible to control:

The first was that the siege of Qi Xinhuan and Wang Zhainan at Chuanlin Post had become unsustainable since the 26th. Most of those participating in the siege had begun to put in minimal effort, and some had even sent envoys inside to secretly negotiate defection with Qi Xinhuan and others. The changes were so rapid that Qi Xinhuan, Wang Zhainan, and others, trapped in the mountain fortress, were initially filled with doubt and suspicion, fearing that they would fall for rumors and be deceived by Wanyan Xiyin's schemes.

The second critical point lay with the prisoners east of Xicheng County. These Han army units had originally been moved by Dai Mengwei and others' call to arms and begun to resist the Jin, but were then sold to Wanyan Xiyin. There were about 50,000 soldiers captured outside Xicheng County. Dai Mengwei had promised Xiyin to kill three out of every ten. However, due to the rapid changes in the situation and the fact that Dai Mengwei was still in the process of digesting his subordinate forces, he delayed the promised massacre. When the news from Hanzhong arrived, even those leaders who agreed with Dai and Liu's ideas began to strongly oppose the continuation of this slaughter. Of course, since Zonghan and Xiyin had been defeated, Dai Mengwei's side also went along with this delay while secretly feeling relieved.

On the 27th, Qi Xinhuan and Wang Zhainan, having confirmed the news, rested briefly and then pushed their troops towards Xicheng County. The 10,000-strong force arrived in the countryside outside the county town that night, blocked from the city by a large gathering of people.

On the night of the 27th and the early morning of the 28th, large numbers of people entered and exited the Chinese army camp, either openly or secretly.

Those who came openly were respected elders and local gentry from the surrounding gatherings. They came for Dai Mengwei, believing that although there were differences in their ideologies, Dai Mengwei had kept a million people alive in this area. These elders either threatened their lives or spoke of righteousness to dissuade Qi and Wang from attacking Xicheng County.

As for those who came secretly, they were forces from the surrounding areas who were attempting to defect or trying to gauge the situation before defecting. It was difficult to survive in chaotic times. After the Jurchens ravaged the area across the Han River, the number of "armies" in this land had actually increased significantly. Firstly, various forces began to seize conscripts indiscriminately, and secondly, with the country broken and families destroyed, it was better to be a soldier and bully others than to be bullied without being a soldier. Xiyin handed over tens of thousands of troops to Dai Mengwei. The soldiers were already exhausted, but the generals had, in the process of large fish eating small fish, more or less developed the habits of bandits or opportunists. They had their own demands, hoping to be "recruited." Qi Xinhuan naturally could not give any response to such ideas.

On the 28th, Dai Mengwei went out of the city to meet Qi Xinhuan and Wang Zhainan, with a vast crowd of people behind him. He spoke passionately before the two armies, denouncing the theory that the Chinese army would inevitably bring disaster to the world. He knew that Xicheng County could not resist the power of the Chinese army, but even so, he would never give up resistance, and he declared that people of conscience would never give up resistance, letting the Chinese army "slaughter as they pleased."

Several generals stood with Dai Mengwei, while the vast crowd of people outside Xicheng County also shouted together at the instigation of the Dai family, telling the Chinese army to just "kill them."

At this time, several Han army units of varying sizes took an unconditional stance of defection and allegiance to the Chinese army, but most forces remained on the sidelines. Wang Zhainan had a fiery temper and tried to lead troops directly into Xicheng County to kill the Dai Mengwei family, but Qi Xinhuan could not make such a decision and could only send the information to the forward command headquarters in Hanzhong.

Also on the evening of the 28th, the Jurchen Western Route Army fleet, retreating east along the Han River towards Xiangfan, passed Xicheng County.

From the mighty southward advance of an invincible army of over 200,000 to the hurried eastward retreat of a mere tens of thousands, at this moment, the Jurchen retreat fleet and the 3,000 Chinese soldiers on this side were almost face to face across the river, but the Jurchen troops no longer had the desire to attack.

Few people knew that on the evening of this day, Wanyan Xiyin, having understood the situation in Xicheng County, had secretly approached the south bank of the Han River with a small fleet and quietly met Dai Mengwei outside Xicheng County.

Xiyin and Dai Mengwei had last met only a dozen days prior. At that time, Xiyin was surprised by Dai Mengwei's viciousness, but he probably neither agreed with nor understood what Dai was doing. But now, the same interests and the changed situation forced them to meet again.

This time the meeting was in a small grove by the river. The dim sunset fell through the gaps in the trees. Xiyin got off the boat and did not walk far. Dai Mengwei, who had confronted Qi Xinhuan and others in the morning and spoken with passion, cupped his hands, still looking sorrowful and old. After exchanging greetings, he frankly told Xiyin that the previous promise of killing three out of every ten prisoners could not be carried out now.

Xiyin waved his hand, not minding. He had asked Dai Mengwei to kill people only to determine his position, to have him submit a certificate of loyalty. Now that Dai Mengwei's opposition to the Chinese army was confirmed, the certificate of loyalty was no longer important. Moreover, from a macro perspective, with the strongest armed forces of the Jin Kingdom defeated by the Chinese army, the Han Chinese armies to the south of the Han River were now a mere formality in front of the Chinese army. On the other hand, Dai Mengwei's force, though seemingly not strong, could raise the banner of righteousness and cause trouble for the Chinese army as someone who was not afraid of death.

"Since Duke Dai holds the name of righteousness, it is best to avoid unnecessary killings, which is what I want to suggest to Duke Dai today. Duke Dai can return the 50,000 people of Xicheng County to the Chinese army afterward, and my side will understand. Duke Dai, just go ahead and do what you need to do."

Dai Mengwei cupped his hands: "Thank you for the Valley God's understanding."

Xiyin walked slowly: "Duke Dai is a smart man. The result of the Battle of Hanzhong is already determined, and the Western Route Army will return north. I came here today at risk. I believe Duke Dai knows what I came for. Today's confrontation showed me Duke Dai's determination to resist the Black Banner Army, but... I don't know how much Duke Dai can do if the Black Banner Army disregards everything and insists on leveling Xicheng."

Dai Mengwei's hands were in his sleeves: "The Black Banner Army is powerful. From the Central Plains to the Jiangnan region, no one can defeat it. Today, I had people incite the people to shout in front of the battle, but if Ning Lihang really makes a decision to kill, they will not really stand in front. Then we are fish on the chopping board, and I have no other result but death."

"Then Duke Dai is just hoping for Ning Yi's mercy."

"The enemy is strong and we are weak, we are neighbors, and the situation in the world has come to this. How much choice do I have? But whether I live or die, the problem of the Black Banner Army cannot be solved. If he does not kill me today, I will naturally continue to be his enemy. If he kills us today, those who shouted will certainly not stand in front of me, but after the massacre, they will naturally spread the Black Banner Army's tyranny. In addition, the various families in Jiangnan will certainly not give up spreading such deeds. From Liu Guangshi to Wu Qimei, from Xiao Zheng to Qiu Wenlu, which one is a fuel-efficient lamp?"

Xiyin turned his head to look over: "But in the face of the Black Banner Army's combat power, what is the use of these shouts?"

Dai Mengwei did not hesitate: "The war between the Wu Dynasty and the Jin people is a national war. Many times, it is just a matter of life and death. But the war between the Black Banner Army and the Wu Dynasty is a battle of ideas. If Ning Yi disregards everything today and wants to sweep across the Central Plains and Jiangnan, it may not be impossible, but after the sweep, those who will be used to govern will still be the Han people, and they must all be educated Han people. These vacancies cannot be without people for a single day, and the first batch of people to go up will be able to decide what the later ones will be like. If Ning Yi does not want the people's hearts, he will certainly not be able to defeat it from the outside, but its interior will rapidly collapse and perish. If he kills the Wu Dynasty today, what he will get tomorrow will only be an empty shell that cannot issue a single order out of the capital. Then in a few years, my Wu Dynasty can come back."

Dai Mengwei's words always seemed to carry an ominous aura in his calm, but the truth in them was often difficult to refute. Xiyin frowned and murmured: "Borrowing a corpse to resurrect the soul..."

"Valley God's description is actually not wrong." Dai Mengwei cupped his hands and frankly accepted the four-word description, "It is also because of this that my chances of surviving this time may not be small, and as long as the Black Banner Army does not kill me this time, I and the people of the Wu Dynasty will have the weapon of righteousness, which is enough to confront the Black Banner Army. In the numerous verbal disputes afterward, I am not necessarily the loser."

Dai Mengwei paused: "Since Valley God came here today, he naturally understands these things, so I don't need to nag anymore."

Xiyin looked at the river water to the north: "My commander and I are returning north this time, and the Jin Kingdom will experience a major upheaval. Within ten years, my Great Jin will be unable to take care of it. I don't know if this is good news or bad news for you... The affairs of the Wu Dynasty will be decided between you in the future."

Dai Mengwei nodded: "In terms of military strength, it is difficult for anyone in the world to see a glimmer of hope in the face of the Black Banner Army, but in terms of foundation, the chaos in the world in the future is still difficult to predict."

"There is no need to hide it in front of smart people like Duke Dai. In the current situation, whoever can become a trouble for the Black Banner Army is something that my Great Jin is happy to see. When we withdrew north, I said that everything in Jiangnan could be left for Duke Dai to dispose of, but now it seems that these things are of limited help to Duke Dai. Now the Black Banner Army is strong, and the principles of physics are ahead of the world, but in terms of supplies, my Great Jin is still strong, and in terms of the study of physics, the only one in the world who is likely to keep up with the Black Banner Army is my Jin Kingdom's Great Manufacturing Institute... If Duke Dai is safe this time and wants to fight against the Black Banner Army, we have many things that can be used."

"Valley God has good plans..." Dai Mengwei was silent for a long time while the two walked slowly, "But I am fighting against the Black Banner Army in the name of righteousness, but secretly trading with Great Jin, and taking Valley God's support. Even if one day I am really able to defeat the Black Banner Army, the final lifeline will only be tied to Valley God and others of the Jin Kingdom. If this round of transactions is made, I will lose too much."

Xiyin smiled: "Duke Dai is indeed discerning... But it doesn't matter. Some transactions will leave loose ends, and some transactions can be avoided. Since I am here today, Duke Dai can say what he wants and how he wants it, and we can discuss whether it can be done..."

Dai Mengwei then nodded: "Since Valley God is so generous, then... I want to talk to Valley God about Bianliang first..."

A moment later, hearty laughter was heard from the riverbank in the sunset, this laughter was heroic, approving, mocking, complex... The two then talked about many things on the riverbank.

At this moment, no one knew about Dai Mengwei's talks and transactions with Wanyan Xiyin, but a few days later, Liu Guangshi in the alliance made the sigh that "this old man is really something."

Dai Mengwei completed his talks with Xiyin on the night of the 28th. On the 29th, Ning Yi arrived in Hanzhong. On the night of the 29th, Ning Yi and Qin Shaoqian discussed many things before Qin Shaoqian took out the situation in Xicheng County and asked for instructions. This was originally an important matter that needed to be discussed first, but there were too many things at the moment, so it was slightly delayed.

"...To talk about getting something for nothing, I really admire this Dai guy, and he is also passionate, at least he seems not afraid of death... I am very curious what this old thing will look like when a knife is put to his neck."

The two talked in the canteen all night, and when they came out, they walked in the starry military camp. When it came to Dai Mengwei, Qin Shaoqian couldn't help but sigh and admire him.

Ning Yi looked at Qi Xinhuan's request for instructions.

"For the armies that want to surrender, it is not okay to kill, set fire, and accept surrender. We can accept the defection of those who surrender unconditionally. As long as they surrender, we have the final say on whether to reorganize, reorganize, or disband them. But considering that these soldiers are mostly conscripts who have been conscripted, and they are already tired of war, we can guarantee that those who have not committed major evils or murders can go back to farm the land. We can also use this policy to persuade and recruit various parties... Of course, those who are capable and willing to accept transformation can stay, but they must accept transformation. There is no need to be too clear about this transformation. There is no need to talk too much with those who want to bargain."

Qin Shaoqian nodded: "This is okay. Actually, there are hundreds of thousands or even millions of troops, but to put it bluntly, they are just conscripts, and they are also the problem caused by the Jurchens' wanton rampage. With the news of the Battle of Hanzhong spreading, I think most of these 'armies' will disintegrate within a month. It is very necessary for us to come up with a statement... But what about Old Dai? It's a bit embarrassing for him to get his way."

"Sometimes, I think we still have to admit the existence of idealists."

"Hmm?"

"Let's just think that Old Dai is really driven by a sense of mission, a fearless and death-defying Confucian model. I don't think there is anything wrong with that." Ning Yi smiled, "Before, we were either in the Northwest or in the Southwest. The Wu Dynasty hasn't taken us seriously yet. Many people haven't woken up. After this incident, those who should have reacted have reacted. We will face many such enemies in the future, and we need to accumulate experience slowly. And today Old Dai said that he is a living Buddha who wants to save millions of people, and millions of people are also willing to let him save them. This is a good thing, I think we should support it."

Qin Shaoqian glanced at Ning Yi and laughed: "It's still the same thing I said before, we don't have enough manpower, you don't want this place..."

"That's one reason." Ning Yi smiled: "Another reason is that when a person on the other side, whether he hasn't been educated well, or has been deceived, or for any other reason, doesn't agree with you, you have to hold him in your hands, you can't serve him well. Today we say we want to make everyone in the world live a good life, so we kill Dai Mengwei and snatch the territory, even if they really live a little better, they won't thank you."

Qin Shaoqian nodded: "When Old Dai screws up, we'll take action again. In terms of time, and the talent reserve you mentioned, it should be enough."

"It's not enough just to screw up, I think this is still a very good educational opportunity." Ning Yi smiled and patted Qin Shaoqian on the shoulder, "Today, they are being incited by Dai Mengwei and standing in front of us. The rest are just watching, and anyone can solve the problem. Okay, let Old Dai solve the problem of these millions of people, but in the future, if he doesn't solve it well, we can't say that we will solve it, but we have to guide their own people to the streets, and we have to let them say their wishes. When enough people make voices that are the opposite of today, we will enter the arena and solve the problem, so that it will have the value of solving the problem."

"...So, next, issue a denunciation to refute Old Dai's statement. We have to make it clear that we accept everyone's choice today, but one day in the future, if Old Dai's warlords and privileged classes mess up the people's livelihood in this place, it's none of our business--the hook can be left behind now." Ning Yi said.

"In terms of practice, Qi Xinhuan and Wang Zhainan can divide the work and cooperate, playing the white face and the red face respectively. The people captured by Old Dai must be released, and some of the ringleaders must be taken over. In addition, you have occupied such a large area, and you can't block our trade routes in the future. A trade agreement must be negotiated. Old Dai and the senior officials of the Wu Dynasty are used to taking their time. I think they very much hope for a few years of peace, and they will agree and make concessions in terms of the detailed rules of trade and the protection of merchants."

Qin Shaoqian nodded: "Once you start doing business, it's hard not to be skinned by you..."

"Don't say that, the Chinese army has always done business fairly, and everyone makes money together..."

The stars were weaving in the sky at the end of April. The two smiled as they walked, and after a while, Ning Yi's face became serious: "Actually, internal and external pressures and changes have already come. The future will become more complicated. We have only won the first battle. It is really hard to say what the future will be like..."

"Looking north today, the Jin Kingdom is divided into two dynasties, and they are likely to fight each other next. This is where the two forces are. A few days ago, Zhu Ji sent intelligence that the Mongols who were originally in Western Xia went north from Jin, passed Yanmen Pass, and went straight to Yunzhong. This is the third force..."

Qin Shaoqian frowned: "Those people you sent to Western Xia to investigate..."

Ning Yi nodded: "They are warlike, and they seem to be very organized at the moment, and their potential should not be underestimated. But it doesn't matter, there are enough people on this stage, and it doesn't matter if there is one more... Prince Jin and Miss Lou can be the fourth force. Next, Old Dai, Liu Guangshi, and Wu Qimei took advantage of the disintegration of the Wu Dynasty, although it was a bit inexplicable, but here is... five, six, seven..."

"If we add ourselves and Jun Wu, that's nine forces. In addition, there are various rebel armies everywhere, scattered and fragmented. In the Jiangnan area, He Wen is carrying our banner and has a certain influence at the moment. I saw a message that came from the end of March that he wants to create a 'Fairness Party'. The basic idea is to fight the landlords and distribute the land... He listened to me say these things when he was in the Southwest. Once he comes up with a method, he will have a great momentum..."

Qin Shaoqian said: "Is it somewhat similar to Old Niu Tou?"

"Old Niu Tou has similar ideas, but I restrict him to the plains of the Northwest, and there is not much territory that can be expanded. After the landlords inside are defeated and the land is divided, there is not much way to expand outward. I hope to use this method to force them to think about internal circulation and balance. But He Wen is in Jiangnan. Fighting the landlords and distributing the land can drive a group of people to sweep the world, and they will keep repeating this process. If they don't know how to stop, it will become a problem in the future."

"In this way, adding Old Niu Tou, there are already eleven forces..." Qin Shaoqian laughed, "It's really a big mess, this is the Five Dynasties and Ten Kingdoms."

"It's not just that." Ning Yi took out a piece of intelligence from his sleeve, "Take a look."

"What's going on..." Qin Shaoqian glanced at it, "Those people who were recruited in Xuzhou..."

"I said before that our internal structure is still very fragile. Once the ideological problem is relaxed, there will be a big problem. When Liu Chengzong and others went north, these tens of thousands of people could not be taken, so they could only be placed north of the Yangtze River for rest and training. A working group left behind as the leader. For the past year or so, the fighting on all sides has been very difficult, and no one can be sent over. They even opened up some situations. I didn't expect..."

...

There was no moon in the sky, and the map of stars was as vast as the sea. The two moved forward slowly, and Ning Yi let out a low sigh.

"...Things like this will happen..."

ps: Happy Mid-Autumn Festival, everyone!