Taking Advantage of Others in Hard Times

At first, the enemy commander sneered at the three for their wild arrogance in charging the formation. Even if they managed to break through, there were still over fifty cavalry waiting here—did they fancy themselves reborn conquerors or legendary champions of old? But when he witnessed Xu Chu’s ferocity, he was startled despite himself.

“Is this even a man? He’s nothing less than a beast in human form!” he cried in alarm, hastily barking orders: “Men! Kill him! Whoever brings down that brute will be rewarded with ten gold coins!” Emboldened by the promise, the retainers surged at Xu Chu, archers nocking arrows, and a few, desperate for the reward, even flung themselves at Xu Chu’s legs, clinging on for dear life. The sudden onslaught threw Xu Chu into momentary confusion, halting his furious charge.

Seeing this, the enemy commander burst out laughing. “That brute is spent! He’s finished! Cut him down, men, and I’ll make sure you are commended before the master—wealth and glory await!” He was still spitting words when Niu Da raised his bow and took aim at him. By the time realization dawned, it was too late. The first arrow, meant for the throat, was deflected as the commander turned his head, striking his cheek instead. The next two arrows found their mark in his chest. Blood foamed from his mouth as he tumbled from his horse, words drowning in a crimson spray.

At the same moment, Xu Chu roared, “Die!” He whirled his great saber in mighty arcs, overwhelming all before him—man or weapon, all were cleaved or flung aside. Chaos reigned. Then, with a sweep of his legs, he sent the retainers clutching at him flying into the enemy ranks, knocking down many more.

“My heavens!” The surrounding retainers staggered back in terror. Xu Chu bared his teeth in a grin; those at the front collapsed onto their backsides, while the quickest among them scrambled away, crawling between the legs of others in their frenzy to escape.

“Hahaha!” Xu Chu’s laughter rang out, heedless of the arrows bristling from his arm.

Li Damu shouted, “The enemy commander is dead! Brothers, attack!”

Just then, a bellow came from the rear—Yang Feng’s voice: “The enemy stronghold has fallen!” This only deepened the retainers’ dread, paralyzing them with fear. As they hesitated, a new force swept in from a slanting rear—dozens of cavalry, the returning patrol leading supply troops, charging toward the gate with shouts.

No longer able to withstand it, someone shouted, “Run! There are too many bandits—stay and you’ll die!” In an instant, the retainers scattered like a receding tide.

The enemy cavalry managed to cut down a few fleeing heads, but seeing the panic could not be stemmed, and with Wang Bo’s troops advancing steadily with disciplined shouts, their own courage failed. They turned their weapons on their own, trampling over comrades in their flight.

The rout was absolute. The battle ended swiftly. Only at the main residence did a final pocket of resistance remain, but a volley of arrows from the archers broke them; they surrendered at once.

Guided by locals, they unlocked the storehouses. Carts large and small were packed with grain, boxes of gold, silver, and jewelry thoroughly looted, along with cloth, leather armor, and other supplies. More than a hundred carts were filled to the brim—even the ornate carriages of the Wang family were dismantled and loaded high. The “Xinghan Camp” brothers were overjoyed.

Wang Bo approached the Wang family captives, kneeling in a row, and declared, “We men of Xinghan Camp kill only those deserving death. The Wang family has oppressed the countryside, ruled by force, and is steeped in wickedness. Today, I act as Heaven’s instrument!” At his order, over thirty direct perpetrators identified by witnesses were beheaded, their heads hung above the manor gate. The women and children were left unharmed, and the order was given to return to camp.

As all was being readied for departure, a crowd surged forth from behind—clad in rough cloth, gaunt, mostly the old, weak, women, and children. They all knelt before Wang Bo. The leading elder, voice choked with emotion, said, “We bow in thanks to the noble lord, Heaven’s emissary, for ridding us of these villains! I, with my fellow villagers, kneel in gratitude.” With that, they knocked their heads to the ground in earnest.

Wang Bo gently pushed aside Xu Chu’s restraining hand and went to help the elder up, smiling kindly. “Elder, there's no need. Such villains deserve death at the hands of any righteous man! Why such formality? Please, rise.”

The old man slowly stood. “We fled the chaos of war and passed this way, never expecting the Wang family’s thugs to drive us into the stronghold, enslaving us and starving us daily. They even seized our wives and daughters. I would have drunk their blood and eaten their flesh! But Heaven sent you to save us—justice at last!”

Wang Bo sighed deeply, taking in the anxious, bewildered faces before him, pity stirring in his heart. He asked, “Elder, do you have anywhere to go?”

“Our homes are in ruins—we have nowhere but to wander. Only these women and children remain, left to hardship.”

“If you have no better refuge, why not come to Xinghan Camp for now? Settle in for the time being, and we can plan for the future. Otherwise, in this bitter cold…”

The old man pondered, then glanced back at his people. “We are willing! Thank you, benefactor, for taking us in!” The crowd behind him echoed, kneeling, “We are willing! Great lord, please shelter us!”

“Excellent!” Wang Bo ordered his brothers to share rations with the villagers, who again knelt in tearful gratitude.

At this, more from among the retainers and townsfolk, who had been watching in bewilderment, stepped forward—two or three hundred in all—kneeling and crying out, “Have mercy, my lord! Take us in!” A burly man crawled forward on his knees, saying, “We too have long suffered under the Wang family, angry but afraid to speak. Please take us in! I have kin among the soldiers outside—I can persuade them to join you!”

“So do I! I as well!” The kneeling crowd erupted in calls.

“Very well! Zhou Xiu, Niu Feihu—take a squad of cavalry and gather any retainers inside or outside the stronghold willing to join. Let them come of their own will—no threats or beatings!”

“Yes, sir!” the two replied in unison, leading the volunteers out beyond the walls.

Wang Bo and his men gathered the spoils and, with all who wished to follow, began the triumphant return to Xinghan Camp.

Zhou Xiu and his companion returned with a dozen cavalry and two or three hundred former Wang retainers now eager to join. Once they regrouped, scouts were sent to keep watch over Zhongqiu County, and the march home began.

As they passed the small woods where they had come earlier, a sharp whistle echoed out. From the trees burst a burly man, swinging a yellow cloak and roaring with a voice like thunder, “Hey! This tree was planted by me, this road opened by me—if you wish to pass, pay the toll!”

Wang Bo, caught mid-breath, choked on his own saliva and nearly fell from his horse. Was this, at last, the legendary bandit?

Before he could react, Yang Feng slapped his horse’s neck and shouted, “You rascal! Is that Brother Huanglong ahead? It’s me, Yang Feng!”

The giant paused, stared, then flung down his weapon and came running, wild-eyed and grinning. “You rascal! At last, I’ve found a brother!” he bellowed, nearly foaming at the mouth.

As Wang Bo approached, the two men fell into a rough embrace, all affection and hearty laughter. Yang Feng introduced the newcomer: “This is my Yellow Turban brother, Huanglong!” Then, to Huanglong, “This is my lord, Wang Bo.”

Huanglong glared. “When did you get a lord? What about the ‘Great Teacher’?” Yang Feng drew him aside and explained quietly. Huanglong frowned, nodded, then slapped his thigh. “I almost forgot!” He curled thumb and forefinger, blew a piercing whistle, and out of the woods came five or six dozen more ragged warriors, fierce and wild, weapons of every shape in hand, yet showing no hostility.

Seeing Yang Feng and Huanglong so absorbed in conversation, Wang Bo let Wu Huan and Li Damu lead the main group forward while he and Du Yuan, with the cavalry, waited nearby.

At last, the two finished, and Yang Feng, a little sheepish, apologized, “Forgive me, my lord. My brother…”

Wang Bo cut him off with a smile. “No harm done—it’s only natural!” He turned to Huanglong, “Brother, what brings you here?”

Huanglong scratched his head, smiling sheepishly. “I've been down on my luck, planning to raid for supplies. When I saw you taking Wang’s stronghold with ease and gathering such bounty, I thought to share a little for myself—so I waited here. Heh, heh…”

Laughter erupted among the group. Wang Bo said, “We’re all brothers here—there’s no need for ceremony! Come, join us; take your pick of the spoils.”

Huanglong flushed but didn’t refuse, letting Yang Feng lead him on. On the way, Wang Bo asked, “Where are you staying now?”

Huanglong sighed. “No fixed place—living as I can.” Yang Feng interjected, “Since you lack a home, why not join us at Xinghan Camp and strive for greatness with my lord?”

Huanglong shook his head. “Our paths differ. The rotten dynasty brings misery to all; what’s the point in propping it up? I won’t go—unless you raise the Yellow Turban banner! Banditry is no shame, but ‘Revive Han’? Never! Forgive me, brother.”

Yang Feng and Wang Bo laughed. Yang Feng said, “You don’t understand—there’s more to this than you think. Come up the mountain, and I’ll explain.” Seeing Huanglong’s reluctance, he pretended anger: “Do you think I mean you harm?” Huanglong, seeing no way out, agreed to visit the camp.

Returning to the stronghold, the women, children, and elders left behind rejoiced to see cart after cart of grain and companies of warriors returning in triumph. They ran to tell the news, “The great commander returns victorious! The lord is back!”

The soldiers assembled in the training ground, weapons raised high, chanting, “Victory to Xinghan! Victory to the Yellow Turbans!” The cheers echoed without end.

After a while, Wang Bo raised his hands for silence, and the crowd instantly quieted. He stepped forward and called, “Brothers, you have all endured much today. This great victory is thanks to your courage and sacrifice! Now, let us bow our heads in silent tribute for a quarter hour to those who fell.” He placed his right fist to his chest and bowed his head in mourning. All followed his example—solemnity and sadness filled every heart.

After fifteen minutes, Wang Bo called, “The ceremony is over!” The soldiers looked up, some with reddened eyes, awaiting his next words. “Today’s victory has yielded enough supplies to last us months! Dinner at the hour of Shen, grand rewards at You—every man who fought today shall drink his fill!”

A great cheer went up.

Wang Bo continued, “For those who remained behind, there will be ample meat and rice! The bravest in battle will be specially rewarded and promoted! Now, rest, brothers!”

The cheers rolled on, no one truly willing to rest, and Wang Bo shook his head and walked away.

He ordered Chen Rong to tend the wounded with care, then returned to his cave, thinking: Old Chen is too busy—if he collapses, it’ll be a disaster. Tomorrow, I must select more helpers from the new arrivals! He sighed: Without capable counselors or ministers, the work is endless—even in rest, my mind cannot be still, always fearing something has been overlooked.

Suddenly, he sat up with a start, slapping his forehead. “I knew I forgot something! Why don’t I have a Xiao He?” He lamented, “That Wang family head was clearly a learned man—if I couldn’t win him over, he must at least have had maps or records. Now it’s probably too late; the county troops are likely cleaning up by now. Alas!”

For when Wang Bo entered the stronghold, he had hoped to find maps, records of local customs, and so on—to better understand the current Han territories of Ji and Bing provinces. Now, that chance was lost.

The next day, Wang Bo summoned Li Damu and Du Yuan, asking, “Have the dead been accounted for and laid to rest?” Du Yuan replied, “My lord, in yesterday’s battle, we lost three spearmen, five swordsmen, one cavalryman, thirteen from the hunting party—the most losses there. Most others suffered minor wounds; only two archers had their arms shattered and can no longer serve. All the fallen have been gathered in coffins, awaiting your orders.”

“Very well. Tell the grievously wounded brothers that Xinghan Camp will care for them for life! From now on, they will be treated as equals to our soldiers in every respect—this is our law, and let all know it!”

“My lord, your kindness is boundless! I thank you on behalf of the wounded!” Eyes red, he withdrew.

Wang Bo then summoned Niu Da and Chen Rong, instructing them to select a good site for the warriors’ burial ground. To Chen Rong, he said, “Choose as many assistants as needed from yesterday’s new arrivals. Delegate tasks—you need not do everything yourself! From today, suspend training for support staff except for morning runs. Let all efforts go to logging and digging new caves—winter is coming, and we must prepare!”

Chen Rong left, smiling.

As Wang Bo pondered, Yang Feng brought Huanglong to visit, finding Wang Bo still lying on his grass mat. Yang Feng teased, “Second brother, why are you lazing about and skipping the morning run?”

Wang Bo rolled his eyes. “Who says I didn’t run? You seem cheerful enough! Even in my dreams, I can’t stop thinking about matters. Not once have you helped pick up the slack!”

Yang Feng laughed. “I’m not idle either! Look, I’ve brought us a new champion general!”

Huanglong knelt, fist to chest. “I, Huanglong, pledge to serve the great commander as my lord! From this day forth, I am yours until death. Yesterday, I knew nothing of the camp’s greatness—please forgive my rash words!”

Wang Bo hurriedly stood and raised him up. “I like honest men! Brother Huanglong, your frankness is a virtue—yesterday’s words are forgotten. On behalf of all in Xinghan Camp, I welcome you!”

Huanglong continued, “My comrades Baiqi and Liu Shi are both skilled and brave. I shall summon them to pay their respects!”

“Excellent!” Huanglong left. Yang Feng laughed, “Second brother, among the refugees at Wang’s stronghold, I found several impoverished scholars—they should be a great help!”

“Bring them at once—I’d like to meet them!” Yang Feng smiled and left.

After meeting Zhang Baiqi and Liu Shi, Wang Bo comforted them, then instructed Yang Feng and Du Yuan to assign Huanglong’s Yellow Turban men to the battle ranks as suited to their skills. From the able retainers taken at Wang’s stronghold, a hundred were chosen for the fighting force, two hundred for support, and the weaker ones assigned to logistics. He personally appointed Huanglong as leader of the hunting party, Liu Shi as captain of the shield-men, and Zhang Baiqi as captain of the scouts.