PDLP Chapter 247 Li Gang's Uprising Against the Jin Dynasty in Juye County
Chapter 247 Li Gang's Uprising Against the Jin Dynasty in Juye County
As the Jin army's iron hooves finally receded from this land, not only was Li Zhen filled with indescribable joy, but Li Gang in Juye was even more overjoyed. His rebel army, those brave warriors who had persevered through the storms of war, were finally able to lay down their heavy burdens and catch their breath.
During this period, the Jin army not only engaged in fierce battles with Li Gang's army, but also deployed its elite forces to launch a brutal mopping-up operation against Li Gang's troops. Every battle was a test of the rebel army's will and courage. Now, with the Jin army's withdrawal, this pressure and crisis have also vanished.
In the vast Shandong West Road, hidden talents abound. Li Gang, a once wealthy landowner, incurs an inextricable hatred with the powerful figures of the Jin Dynasty due to an unexpected disaster. This sudden calamity forces him to abandon his comfortable life and resolutely step forward, leading the people of his village to raise the banner of resistance against the Jin army's invasion with unwavering fervor.
This land has never lacked courageous and valiant Han men. In just three months since Li Gang raised his voice, nearly 30,000 brave men have gathered under his command, far exceeding his initial expectations, which has stirred up indescribable pride and joy in his heart.
This force is not only the accumulation of numbers, but also a torrent formed by countless hearts yearning for freedom and vowing to defend their country to the death, foreshadowing the beginning of a magnificent history of resistance.
The flames of rebellion first blazed in Juye County, and the rebel army swept through the city swiftly. Then, like autumn leaves swept away by the wind, they eradicated the Jurchen forces in the surrounding villages and towns, leaving them completely wiped out.
Standing at the forefront of victory, gazing at the newly adorned Han banners, Li Gang felt a surge of pride. He secretly wondered if this unstoppable, invincible momentum foreshadowed his own rise to prominence, much like Li Zhen, the hero of Tangyin, who would build a powerful and renowned enterprise.
The rebel leader looked at Li Gang, his eyes gleaming with expectation and determination, and asked softly, "General, the Jurchens' iron hooves have long since departed. In this chaotic world, what should we do next?"
Upon hearing this, Li Gang frowned, his gaze deep, as if piercing through the fog before him and looking directly into the distant future.
After a moment, he slowly opened his lips, his voice steady and powerful: "Although the main force of the Jin army has withdrawn, there are still heavy troops guarding Jizhou and Yuncheng, which should not be underestimated. Our righteous army has suffered heavy casualties in the bloody battle and urgently needs a chance to catch its breath. Therefore, I intend to temporarily stay in Juye to recuperate and build up our strength."
He paused, a glint of light flashing in his eyes, and continued, "I have already sent a secret envoy south to contact the Southern Song court, hoping to obtain some assistance. Once the Southern Song's aid arrives, we will be like tigers with wings, no longer fighting alone, nor needing to drift aimlessly like duckweed, going with the flow."
After speaking, Li Gang's gaze became firm and far-reaching, as if he had already foreseen future victory and glory.
Li Gang was born into a prestigious family with a long and intertwined lineage, like the roots of an ancient tree. His grandfather was once the powerful prefect of Jizhou Prefecture, wielding immense authority and renowned throughout the region. However, times changed, and by Li Gang's generation, the Jurchen cavalry swept south like a raging storm, turning this once prosperous land of Shandong into a scorched wasteland.
Juye County, a small town steeped in history, has undergone numerous vicissitudes and changed hands frequently. The Song and Jin armies repeatedly clashed and fought relentlessly here, seemingly determined to tear this land apart. In this endless war, the people of Juye suffered the most. They not only had to endure the pain of war but also face soldiers even more ruthless than bandits.
In that chaotic era, the weapons wielded by both the Song and Jin armies seemed to have lost their original sense of justice and honor, becoming as ruthless as the machetes in the hands of bandits. At times, these so-called "official soldiers" were even less ethical than the bandits. While the bandits at least adhered to the rules of the underworld and had their own code of conduct, these "official soldiers," relying on official authority and protection, wantonly trampled on the lives of ordinary people and committed countless atrocities.
In this chaotic world, the people of Juye could only struggle helplessly, praying for the mercy and protection of the heavens.
To protect his family's business, Li Gang resolutely and secretly assembled an armed force of dozens, even hundreds, of loyal guards at his manor on the outskirts of Juye County. Day after day, they honed their martial arts skills, preparing for the unknown storms ahead.
Soon, an official from the Jin Dynasty, tasked with collecting taxes, arrived in this peaceful land. Initially, Li Gang treated him with courtesy, greeting the uninvited guest with a beaming smile. However, the official's intentions were clearly not pure; his gaze was fixed on Li Gang's wealthy and substantial fortune, like a hungry wolf eyeing its prized prey—how could he easily let go?
As the situation developed, the conflict between the two sides gradually intensified, and the air was thick with the smell of gunpowder. Finally, in a heated argument, the string of reason snapped in Li Gang's heart, and anger erupted like a volcano. He could no longer tolerate this unreasonable harassment and greedy plunder, so, driven by rage, he drew his sword and cut off the official's lifeline, eliminating along with his accomplices who had aided and abetted the evildoer.
At that moment, the sky above the manor seemed to be stained crimson with blood, yet Li Gang's heart was filled with resolute determination and tragic grandeur. He knew that once this step was taken, there would be no turning back. So, he resolutely led everyone in the manor, raised the golden flag of resistance, and officially embarked on the journey of rebellion.
Riding on his horse, Li Gang re-entered Juye County. He saw several wealthy families standing at the city gate to greet him, but before they could speak, Li Gang shouted, "Tie them all up!"
These wealthy families, who thought they were warmly welcoming Li Gang back to Juye County, were terrified when they were immediately tied up with ropes upon meeting him.
"Chief Li, Master Li, our two families have been friends for generations! How could you treat me like this?"
"General, we've been wronged! We've always supported you."
Li Gang's lips curled into a cold smile, his voice as chilling as a gust of wind cutting through the forest: "Injustice? Hmph, which of you present can truly be called innocent? When the Jin army first arrived in Juye, some of you couldn't wait to secretly collude with that foreign tribe under the cover of night. I've heard that these past few days, your families have been sparing no effort in supplying the Jin with provisions. Recalling the past, when I called for the raising of military funds, why didn't you all contribute so generously? In that case, you might as well share the 'hardship' with those Jin traitors."
Having said that, he waved his arm as if scattering dust, ordering all the heads of these wealthy families to be taken away. As for their future fate—whether they lived or died—to him, it was nothing but fleeting clouds, utterly insignificant.