Chapter Fifty-Four: Seeking Not Total Victory, But Simply to Remain Unbeaten

For the first time, Liu Yi revealed his true thoughts, but Sun Yue-rong failed to grasp his real intentions. “Husband, I know you have grand ambitions, but aren’t your plans a bit too far-reaching? Setting aside Marshal Zhu Yuanzhang’s formidable reputation, even Marshal Guo and Marshal Zhang’s forces are beyond our capacity to contend with!”

Within the Marshal’s Residence in Chuzhou, Liu Yi’s navy on Lake Chao was a rising power. After marrying Sun Yue-rong, his strength had increased significantly, with total forces numbering around fifteen or sixteen thousand. Moreover, Sun Yue-rong brought not only a few thousand armored troops, but also a culture of long-term, prudent management of territory.

Whether it was Chang Shan, Ma Shixiong, or other Green Army commanders, their rebellion against the Red Turban Army was motivated by the desire to protect their personal property, clans, and hometowns. Thus, they possessed both the conservatism of peasants and small landlords, and a strong urge to manage their domains well.

With the addition of these Green Army officers, and Sun Yue-rong’s strategic counsel as a female secretary and staff officer, Liu Yi’s navy had finally transformed from a band of Red Turban outlaws into a true local power. Sun Yue-rong believed this was Liu Yi’s greatest asset in daring to covet the Guo family’s legacy.

Yet she felt Liu Yi and his navy were not ready to contend for the Guo family’s heritage. Zhu Yuanzhang commanded thirty thousand armored troops, the largest force in the army. Zhang Tianyou’s division had expanded to fifteen thousand after crossing the river, and even Guo Tianxu’s weakest division now boasted twelve or thirteen thousand men. Liu Yi simply could not swallow them; the best outcome would be mutual destruction.

Moreover, the Guo family’s legacy was never for Liu Yi, the son-in-law, to covet. Though Guo Tianxu, the Marshal, was gentle, he was not to be underestimated. Liu Yi’s plan was neither wise nor merciful, and she did not agree at all.

Liu Yi knew Sun Yue-rong had missed the deeper meaning of his words. He gazed at the surging river to the east and said, “I have no intention of fighting. Right now, all I want is to protect ourselves. But sometimes the situation develops beyond your control. I’ve been in Jiangbei for so long that the three Marshals must feel a hundred kinds of displeasure. Our urgent priority is self-preservation.”

At the mention of self-preservation, Sun Yue-rong understood. Though Ma Shixiong had always treated her as his own daughter, she had witnessed several bloody internal conflicts among the Green Army. Sometimes, even close friends with shared ideals ended up drawing swords against each other. If it weren’t for the threat of the Yuan army, the Marshal’s Residence in Chuzhou would have erupted in infighting long ago.

She knew it was the Guo family’s legacy, and she knew Liu Yi cared about Guo Yunyu, but she was even more aware of the hardships behind her husband’s apparent glory. “If the river can understand you, then Sister Yunyu surely can too!”

Looking at the waves in the distance, Liu Yi’s spirit revived. “Yue-rong is right. At least the river understands me! Up ahead is Taiping City!”

Though half of Liu Yi’s navy was stationed in Jiangbei, the waterside camps and docks along Taiping City were under his control, making this crossing feel like returning home.

The first to greet him were Lady Golden Flower, Zhao Pusheng, and Li Pusheng, followed by a crowd of navy officers. Zhao Pusheng was the first to speak, “Greetings, General! Now that you’ve crossed the river, Jiqing Road will soon be ours!”

Liu Yi shook his head. “It’s not so easy. Jiqing Road is a renowned city. I estimate it’ll take several more months to capture it. This time, I crossed the river partly out of concern for you all, and partly because of Marshal Guo and Deputy Marshal Zhang. Besides, Lady Ma came to invite me personally, heavily pregnant—how could I refuse?”

At the mention of Lady Ma’s personal visit, everyone burst out laughing. Lady Golden Flower immediately recounted an incident. “I heard Marshal Zhu once declared that crossing the river would be the greatest mistake of your life. Yet, less than a month later, he sent his wife to apologize and beg forgiveness!”

Zhao Pusheng laughed uproariously. “Indeed, now we can hold our heads high. I hear you brought five thousand men across the river?”

Liu Yi replied, “This is my father-in-law, Marshal Ma Shixiong. From now on, we’re all family!”

Ma Shixiong grew proud. “Yes, yes, we’re all family now, and we’ll look out for each other! I’m no expert in naval warfare, but leave the land battles to me!”

Zhao Pusheng had long heard of Ma Shixiong’s reputation. “Since Old Marshal Ma is one of us now, capturing Jiqing City is even more assured. Everyone’s waiting for your plan, General!”

Though Zhao Pusheng spoke vaguely, everyone knew he meant the issue of dividing the spoils after Jiqing City fell. Liu Yi laughed, “It’s too early to discuss such matters. I don’t seek total victory this time—only to avoid defeat.”

Though his words were cautious, all the navy officers agreed. Lady Golden Flower praised him, “Well said, General. We don’t seek total victory, only to avoid defeat. Our first priority is to ensure our own safety.”

Currently, the Jiangdong Circuit was packed with tens of thousands of troops on both sides, with more being deployed. The ten thousand men Liu Yi committed were merely a major force in an intense battlefield; a single misstep could spell disaster.

“Yes, yes, we don’t seek total victory, only to avoid defeat!”

“The problem with Marshal Zhu’s men was they attacked too hastily and suffered defeat at Jiqing City!”

“We must fight steadily; never rush into battle!”

On this point, Zhao Pusheng and Ma Shixiong fully agreed, and Lady Golden Flower quickly announced, “Everyone, prepare the welcome banquet for the General—not only fine food and drink, but also a special surprise!”

After hours on the boat and so much talk, Liu Yi was hungry. “Let’s eat first. By the way, where are the Marshal and Deputy Marshals Zhang and Zhu?”