Chapter 89: Acclamation

The cautionary tales of Liu Futong and Du Zundao were laid out for all to see, and even Liu Yi’s fiercest adversaries had to admit that the Red Turbans of Chuzhou could not do without Liu Yi and the naval forces of Lake Chao. As long as they remained united, Liu Yi could demand anything that was not a matter of principle. Yet if Liu Yi truly intended to lead his troops away, even the internal ranks of the Lake Chao fleet would be thrown into turmoil. Liu Yi understood perfectly that the greatest power of an atomic bomb lies not in its detonation, but in its presence on the launch pad. Thus, he made no demands, only voiced his grievances: “Everyone knows there’s a misunderstanding between myself and Commander Zhu, but I’ve always wished for sincere cooperation. It’s Commander Zhu and the Left Camp who refuse to give me the chance!”

“When Commander Guo and Commander Zhang fell at Hu Village, I made the greatest concession. My ties with the old commander were closer, yet I ceded the chief seat of the command to Zhu Yuanzhang, and of the troops left by Guo and Zhang, I took less than thirty percent; the remaining seventy percent went to Zhu Yuanzhang and the Left Camp. Was that not enough sincerity? Yet Zhu Yuanzhang remains dissatisfied and presses ever closer!”

“With the enemy at our gates, I would not abandon my post unless forced. I simply cannot endure this treatment. I can bear personal grievances, but over twenty thousand brothers of the fleet should not suffer with me, nor should Yunyu share my burden!”

“I know I bear the greatest responsibility for how things have come to this, but I am, after all, the Marshal of Lake Chao. I have some dignity; I can’t be bullied forever, can I?”

“The Southern Command of the Mongol Yuan and the Provincial Government of Zhejiang have both invited me to bring the fleet over, promising to appoint me as the Huai West Pacification Commissioner if I agree. If we were not of one family and I had only myself to consider, I’d have left long ago!”

“Moreover, I have many old friends among Xu Shouhui’s ranks. Although I had some past grievances with Old Xu, if I helped him take Anqing with tens of thousands of men, he surely would not dwell on old matters!”

Liu Yi spoke with utter frankness, but those sent to placate him grew more uneasy the longer they listened.

They knew Liu Yi was merely venting; to break away from the Red Turbans of Chuzhou would be an earth-shattering event, and Liu Yi was well established within their ranks—there was no need for a split. Yet if Liu Yi and the fleet were pushed too far, he might do anything.

Thus Tang He, who had been sent across the river on behalf of Zhu Yuanzhang, stepped forward and said, “We know Marshal Liu and the fleet have suffered many wrongs, but most are born of misunderstanding. If Marshal Liu would sit down with Commander Zhu, all could be resolved. Marshal Liu, Commander Zhu sent me across the river to ask what demands you might have?”

Liu Yi already knew Zhu Yuanzhang would not come in person; this was no surprise. The crossing seemed a deft move, but to abandon responsibility twice was already excessive. Were it not for the critical moment in the assault on Jiqing, the entire Red Turban army of Chuzhou might be cursing Liu Yi for causing needless trouble.

He would not let this rare opportunity slip: “Commander Tang, you are quite right. Many things became irreconcilable only due to misunderstanding. Now I am reflecting behind closed doors, not daring to make any excessive demands.”

Others might think Liu Yi was setting his price high, but Tang He, who understood Zhu Yuanzhang best, also grasped Liu Yi’s intentions: “Marshal Liu, speak freely. I can promise anything on behalf of our commander!”

Liu Yi replied candidly, “The commander once said whoever enters Jiqing first shall be king. Commander Tang, do you recall?”

Tang He was confident the matter could be settled: “Indeed, Zhu Yuanzhang did say that. I can promise it here and now. All present bear witness and will guarantee it—there’ll be no slip.”

But Liu Yi smiled faintly: “Commander Tang, you misunderstand. Though the commander promised kingship to the first in Jiqing, I feel unworthy. After Jiqing falls, I will wholeheartedly support the commander’s claim to kingship. Does anyone oppose Zhu Yuanzhang becoming king?”

Who would oppose Zhu Yuanzhang’s kingship? All present were clever enough to know that a careless word would earn Zhu Yuanzhang’s lifelong enmity. They immediately voiced their approval: “That’s an excellent idea. If the commander enters Jiqing and becomes king, even if we don’t gain the posts of right or left chancellor, we might at least become associate officials or judges.”

“Yes, Marshal Liu is right. Once the commander takes Jiqing and claims the throne, all problems will be resolved!”

“A fine plan. I too support the commander as king. But Marshal Liu Yi must not be wronged!”

In truth, Liu Yi’s words were all elegant rhetoric, placing Zhu Yuanzhang squarely on the spot. “Delayed kingship” was Zhu Yuanzhang’s unwavering policy. The year before Ming’s founding, he formally claimed the title King of Wu. Though Liu Yi offered his support, Zhu Yuanzhang himself would be unwilling.

Yet Tang He and the assembled commanders had not realized this. They saw Liu Yi’s offer to support Zhu Yuanzhang as king as a sign of utmost sincerity and goodwill, so Tang He promptly agreed: “Marshal Liu’s noble conduct is unforgettable. Do you have any additional conditions? Do you wish to claim kingship yourself?”

His greatest fear was that Liu Yi would support Zhu Yuanzhang but demand kingship as well, creating a dual leadership. Liu Yi, however, was unequivocal: “I have no right to be king, nor do I seek any noble rank. After Jiqing falls, I only ask to lead the fleet to secure a territory for our Song nation.”

Though Liu Yi spoke vaguely, Tang He understood he wanted a domain solely for the Lake Chao fleet. But since Liu Yi had openly pledged his support for Zhu Yuanzhang and renounced all titles, it was reasonable for the fleet to claim a territory by their own efforts: “Where does Marshal Liu wish to lead the fleet next?”

Before coming, Zhu Yuanzhang had given Tang He clear instructions on which territories were out of bounds. Yet Liu Yi’s answer caught both Zhu Yuanzhang and Tang He by surprise: “How about the route to Anqing?”