Chapter 128: Martial Law in the Capital

"Thwack!"

The arrow whistled through the air, burying itself half a foot deep into the earth directly in front of A'rachi and his men. The Oirat party was so startled that they scrambled backward in a chaotic retreat, stumbling over one another for a dozen paces.

"The General is mighty! The General is mighty!"

Though the shot had missed, the sight of the Oirats fleeing sent the morale of the Datong garrison soaring. Soldiers raised their weapons and roared in unison. A moment later, Guo Deng waved his hand to silence the cheers, looked down at the Oirats beneath the city walls, and shouted, "Thanks to the grace of Heaven and the protection of our ancestors, our Great Ming now has a new Emperor. Tell Grand Preceptor Esen that the soldiers of Ming are united as one and fear no invader. Your efforts will be in vain; you would do well to retreat at once!"

"Retreat! Retreat!" The soldiers on the ramparts took up the cry without waiting for orders, the sound shaking the very rubble.

The strength of an army lies first in its morale. Since the disastrous defeat at Tumu Fortress, the Datong garrison had gradually stabilized under the reassurance of the imperial court and its commanders. Not long ago, Zhu Qiyu had issued a decree promoting Guo Deng to Commander-in-Chief, placing him in charge of Datong’s military affairs. Guo Deng, possessing true strategic talent and eager to make his mark in his first major command of a vital border town, had immediately ordered the repair of fortifications and the rigorous training of his troops. Furthermore, he petitioned the court to fill the vacancies in the ranks, disbursed the long-overdue pay, and dealt harshly with corruption. Within two months of training, the garrison’s spirit had been transformed, and they were finally capable of standing their ground against the Oirats.

Regrettably, the court’s orders were to hold Datong and Xuanfu firmly rather than engage in reckless field battles. The garrison could only watch from the walls as A'rachi and his men clamored below.

The thunderous shouts of the Ming soldiers caused Esen’s heart to sink. He knew well that the Ming army would never accept his proposal to restore Zhu Qizhen to the throne. His inquiry had been nothing more than a probe to test the resolve of the Datong garrison. Datong and Xuanfu were the tigers blocking the path of the Oirat horde. To raid the heartland of Ming, the military strength of these two towns could not be ignored. Bypassing Datong was not difficult, but if they ventured too deep into enemy territory, the armies of Datong and the capital might catch them in a pincer movement. If the campaign went poorly and their retreat was cut off, the Oirat army would be in grave danger.

Esen and the Oirat leaders concluded that if they could take Datong, the road south would be wide open. With this obstacle removed, they could move freely, raiding the Ming borders multiple times a year. Unfortunately, the high morale of the garrison and the strength of the city walls meant that capturing it would come at a terrible price—a goal contrary to the purpose of their campaign.

Realizing there was no opportunity to be seized, Esen consulted his generals and decided to split his forces. He would lead his own men as the main force to bypass Datong and attack Zijing Pass, while Toluobuhua would lead the remaining troops to pin down the Datong garrison. Meanwhile, A'rachi was ordered to lead a force to feign attacks on Juyong Pass and other key points, diverting the attention of other Ming border garrisons so they could not reinforce the capital.

After the Oirat army departed, scouts sent by Guo Deng reported the split. Studying the routes on the map, Guo Deng reached a chilling conclusion: Esen was truly bypassing Datong to strike at the capital. This news was dispatched to Beijing with all haste, and within a day, the Ming court and the people of the capital were alerted.

The capital was placed under martial law once more.

***

Upon learning of Esen’s renewed invasion, Xue Rui set aside his work on the *Elements of Geometry* and hurried to the Ministry of War. Though his role as a "counselor" was largely ceremonial, he had been personally appointed by the Minister of War, Yu Qian, who oversaw the entire military effort. As the saying went, military orders were as firm as mountains; failing to report would be seen as dereliction of duty at best, and treason at worst—a mistake that could cost him his head.

When he arrived, Yu Qian had just returned from court and was convening a meeting of his officials. Many looked with curiosity at Xue Rui, who stood behind the Minister like a servant, though none dared to ask his business. Once the officials had received their orders and dispersed, Yu Qian turned to Xue Rui.

"What was meant to come has finally arrived. Do you believe the court’s current strategy is appropriate?"

"This is a matter of state, and I dare not offer an opinion," Xue Rui replied, shaking his head quickly. He had resolved to remain silent, fearing that a stray word might cloud Yu Qian’s judgment. If history were to deviate because of him, leading to a disastrous defeat for Ming, his own neck would be on the line. The best approach was to do nothing and wait for the successful defense of the capital.

"Then let me ask you this," Yu Qian said, his expression grave as he sat behind his desk. "Is the strategy to station our troops outside the Nine Gates too risky?"

Xue Rui hesitated. Earlier that day in court, Yu Qian had proposed deploying the 200,000 troops of the capital outside the Nine Gates to meet the Oirats in the field. The proposal had sparked heated debate; many officials feared that abandoning the protection of the high city walls to fight Oirat cavalry in the open was a gamble that could lead to the fall of the dynasty. Fortunately, the Emperor, Zhu Qiyu, trusted Yu Qian implicitly and approved the plan.

Xue Rui wondered if Yu Qian was now having second thoughts. Knowing the history, Xue Rui knew the strategy was sound, but he feared Yu Qian might waver. "I believe the Minister’s plan is brilliant," he stated firmly.

"Oh?" Yu Qian’s expression softened. "Tell me, why do you say that?"

Since he had spoken, Xue Rui decided not to hold back. He ticked the points off on his fingers:

"First, while we have over 200,000 troops—outnumbering the invaders—their morale is shattered from previous defeats. A desperate battle in the field will force them to fight with the courage of those with their backs to the river.

"Second, rather than passive defense, deploying outside the gates gives us the initiative. We can attack or retreat as needed, preventing the Oirats from besieging the city and exhausting us over a long campaign.

"Third—and this is likely what concerns you most—the Oirats’ primary goal is to plunder our wealth. If they enter the pass, they will inevitably ravage the capital region. If we hide behind the walls and watch them destroy the livelihoods of the people, the court and our 200,000 soldiers will become a laughingstock."

"Well said!" Yu Qian rose, moved. "I never expected such insight from you. It is far better than the cowardice of those who only care for their own safety!"

"I am ashamed," Xue Rui replied humbly. "I am merely repeating your own wisdom."

Yu Qian stroked his beard. "Since you have such insight, I have a task for you. If anyone comes to persuade me to change my mind, repeat what you just told me. Send them away. How about it?"

"This... I will try my best." Xue Rui was hesitant. Anyone coming to challenge Yu Qian would be a high-ranking official; he was merely a student from the Directorate of Astronomy and lacked the authority to convince them. Just as he wondered who might arrive uninvited, a clerk entered and bowed. "Minister, the Earl of Wuqing requests an audience."

"Shi Heng?" Xue Rui looked at Yu Qian, wondering what the man wanted at the Ministry of War.

Yu Qian’s face darkened, but after a moment, he sighed, "Show the Earl in."

A moment later, a burly man in armor strode in. Yu Qian stepped from behind his desk and bowed. "Greetings, Earl. To what do I owe this visit?"

During the Battle of Yanghe Pass, Shi Heng had served under Song Ying and Zhu Mian but had been thwarted by the supervising eunuch, Guo Jing, leading to the total destruction of their army. Shi Heng had managed to escape alone, but as a defeated general, he had been stripped of his rank and imprisoned. During his regency, Zhu Qiyu had seen potential in him and allowed him to recruit soldiers to redeem himself. Later, as the capital’s newly recruited troops lacked leadership, the disgraced Shi Heng was promoted to oversee their training. Since returning to the capital, Shi Heng had flourished, recently being created Earl of Wuqing and placed in charge of the capital’s defense. It was a meteoric rise, but one born of necessity—after Tumu, there were few experienced generals left. The *History of Ming* noted that "of the wise and brave border generals, Yang Hong is first, and Shi Heng is second."

It was clear the court had no choice but to rely on him. As it would turn out, Shi Heng indeed lived up to the assessment, playing a crucial role in the defense of Beijing.

"Minister, you are too kind. I have come today to discuss a serious matter," Shi Heng said, bowing in return. He glanced at Xue Rui, assuming him to be a servant, and paid him no further mind.

Yu Qian invited him to sit and served tea. After Shi Heng took a sip, Yu Qian asked, "Are you here to persuade me to change my plans?"

"I am ashamed to say that I am," Shi Heng replied, his tone unexpectedly humble. He knew Yu Qian was a favorite of the Emperor and his direct superior in the defense of the capital, and he had a favor to ask.

Yu Qian sighed. "It is not that I do not understand your concerns, Earl, but deploying outside the Nine Gates is a necessity. I ask for your understanding."

Shi Heng grew urgent. "Minister, the capital’s garrison is mostly new recruits, and our equipment was lost at Tumu. Our combat strength is less than half of what it was. I have seen the ferocity of the Oirats firsthand. If we fight in the open and the line breaks, I am prepared to die, but what will become of the city if the army is gone? Have you considered this?"

He was clearly dead set against the plan.

"Before you arrived, I was discussing this with this young man," Yu Qian said, gesturing to Xue Rui. "If you have a moment, perhaps you would like to hear his analysis?"

Shi Heng looked surprised. "Is this young man your personal servant?"

Xue Rui stepped forward and bowed. "I am Xue Rui, an astronomy student at the Directorate of Astronomy. I am here to submit my application for a vacancy."

"Then tell me," Shi Heng challenged, "what are the pros and cons of deploying outside the Nine Gates?"

Shi Heng assumed the boy was a protégé being groomed for a career. Xue Rui, however, did not falter and repeated his earlier arguments clearly and concisely.

Shi Heng listened, his face growing heavy. He could find no flaw in the logic. He realized that if he remained behind the walls while the Oirats ravaged the countryside, the court would inevitably order him out to fight. It was better to take the initiative now, and if he could win a victory, it would be all the better for his reputation.

"Very well," Shi Heng said after a long silence. "I will follow your plan."

They then turned to the deployment of forces. The court had recently dispatched 2,000 soldiers to Gubeikou and 5,000 to Zijing Pass. Reports indicated that Esen had bypassed Datong and was heading straight for the capital; the first battle would almost certainly take place at Zijing Pass.

Yu Qian studied the map. "Earl, Zijing Pass had 7,000 troops, and we have sent 5,000 more. But Guo Deng’s report says Esen has over 30,000 men. Is 12,000 enough? Should we send more?"

"No," Shi Heng shook his head. "Zijing Pass is a chokepoint where one man can hold off ten thousand. 10,000 is enough; the pass cannot hold more. Sending more would only cause chaos. Furthermore, the Oirats have another force heading for Juyong Pass, which is closer to the capital. That may be their true target, and we should bolster the defense there instead."

Xue Rui, listening to the side, was stunned. He knew that the Oirats had succeeded in their campaign precisely by breaking through Zijing Pass. Now that Yu Qian suggested reinforcing it, Shi Heng was opposing it and wasting precious manpower elsewhere. Xue Rui grew anxious.

Seeing Shi Heng and Yu Qian discussing how many more troops to send to Juyong Pass, Xue Rui could no longer remain silent. "Earl, the force heading for Juyong Pass is over 50,000 strong, but they are not the Oirat elite. Their commander, A'rachi, lacks Esen’s tactical genius; taking the pass will be nearly impossible for them. However, it is Esen himself leading the attack on Zijing Pass. As everyone knows, his troops are the most fearsome. If he is determined to take it, 10,000 men will not be enough. Please, send more reinforcements to hold Esen outside the pass. That is the superior strategy."

Shi Heng narrowed his eyes at Xue Rui and asked coldly, "Are you questioning my judgment?"