Chapter 22: Zhao Yutu's Scheme

Facing Shi Yunhu’s questioning, Zhao Yutu dared not conceal his thoughts. "People do not fear scarcity as much as they fear inequality," he said. "Even though the grain was secured by Liu Heng and the Archer Battalion, the other battalions do not see it that way. They view it as provisions for the entire camp, not the private property of the archers. If Liu Heng were to attempt to pull his forces away and split from the rest of the camp, you wouldn't even need to intervene, Chief; the other battalions would never let them leave with that food."

Shi Yunhu rubbed his chin thoughtfully. "That makes sense. You scholars think too much, always full of twists and turns."

Ma Jiujiu, standing to the side, spoke up: "Chief, as the commander of the entire camp, you could simply order them to hand over the grain, then distribute it among the other battalions to buy their loyalty."

"It's too late," Zhao Yutu countered. "I didn't understand before why Liu Heng was so eager to take control of the Rear Battalion. Now I see: the Rear Battalion is where the distribution is managed. By controlling it, he has gained legitimate possession of that grain, and the other battalions have no grounds to protest."

Ma Jiujiu said coldly, "The Chief is the supreme commander. Do you mean to say they would dare defy his order to surrender the food?"

Shi Yunhu nodded. He agreed with Ma Jiujiu; as the leader of the entire rebel force, his word should be like an imperial decree, and no battalion should dare oppose it openly.

"Chief, you absolutely must not," Zhao Yutu urged. "The incident with Zheng Daqiu has already caused a rift between us and Liu Heng. Though they haven't used it as a pretext to confront us, they know perfectly well that you were the one who sent Zheng Daqiu. If you try to seize their grain now, you will only force them to strike first. It would bring us no benefit."

"Do you think I'm afraid of a fight?" Shi Yunhu’s anger flared up again. He commanded, "Ma Jiujiu, take your men and arrest Liu Heng, Li Shuhou, and their associates. If they resist, kill them on the spot."

Ma Jiujiu, standing below, did not move; he only kept his head bowed.

"What? You dare defy my orders too!" Seeing Ma Jiujiu’s silence, Shi Yunhu was incensed. The silence made him feel as though his authority was slipping away.

"I would not dare," Ma Jiujiu replied, bowing. "Chief, please let Master Zhao finish speaking. Since he has spoken, he must have a better plan."

Hearing this, Shi Yunhu suppressed his rage and forced himself to listen. The Rear and Archer battalions were already out of his control, and the others were restless; he knew that if he alienated Ma Jiujiu now, his strength would be even further depleted. What troubled him most was that just as he was about to fully consolidate his control over the camp, Liu Heng had emerged to support the Archer Battalion against him. It was a game of whack-a-mole.

On the surface, he had lost the Rear Battalion and gained the Left and Right battalions, yet he felt weaker than before. Even Ma Jiujiu, who had always obeyed without question, now dared to disregard his commands.

"Zhao Yutu, continue," Shi Yunhu said testily.

Zhao Yutu leaned forward slightly. "Chief, do not be impatient. I have a three-step plan to deal with Liu Heng and Li Shuhou. Once these steps are completed, you will surely unify the entire camp."

Intrigued, Shi Yunhu straightened his posture. "What are these three steps? Tell me."

"The first step," Zhao Yutu said, holding up a finger, "is to demand grain. Use your name, Chief, to demand supplies from Liu Heng for the other battalions. Use his own grain to win over the hearts of the others for yourself."

"Hmm, not bad. Continue," Shi Yunhu said, stroking his chin.

Zhao Yutu held up a second finger. "The second step is to use their own spears to attack their own shields."

"What does that mean?" Ma Jiujiu asked curiously.

"It is simple," Zhao Yutu explained. "Liu Heng drove several minor leaders out of the Rear Battalion. These men must harbor deep grudges. You can take this opportunity to recruit them, offering them empty promises to sow chaos within the Rear Battalion and incite the common rebels there. This will keep Liu Heng occupied so he has no energy to manage anything else."

Shi Yunhu remained noncommittal. "And the third step?"

"The third step is what I mentioned before: break camp and continue the march westward." Zhao Yutu raised his third finger.

"You said that once we are on the move, Liu Heng won't have the chance to train refugees and expand his strength," Shi Yunhu recalled.

"The Chief is wise," Zhao Yutu said with a bow. "We have stayed here too long. It is easy for the government to gather forces from all over to surround and annihilate us. Moving west will not only prevent Liu Heng from training his men, but it will also dispel the local authorities' desire to wipe us out, allowing us to leave their territory safely."

"Chief, Master Zhao’s plan is excellent," Ma Jiujiu added. "Once you have fully secured the loyalty of the other battalions, you can use the strength of the entire camp to deal with Liu Heng and the Archer Battalion."

"Haha!" Shi Yunhu let out a loud laugh. Once he stopped, he looked at Zhao Yutu and said, "You scholars really have a thousand tricks up your sleeves. This is a good plan. I leave it to you to carry out."

Zhao Yutu bowed. "As you command. I will go and arrange it, but for the westward move, you must issue the order yourself, Chief."

"Don't concern yourself with the march," Shi Yunhu said, his tone turning vicious. "If you mess this up again, I will personally send you down to keep Zheng Daqiu company."

Zhao Yutu trembled and quickly promised, "Rest assured, Chief, I guarantee there will be no more accidents."

"I don't need your promises; I only care about results. If you fail, I will cut off your head myself," Shi Yunhu said. "Ma Jiujiu will notify the battalions about the move. You go and handle the other two matters."

"Yes, I will attend to it immediately." Zhao Yutu bowed and exited the tent, clutching his left cheek as he headed toward the captured minor leaders from the Rear Battalion.

Only Shi Yunhu and Ma Jiujiu remained in the tent.

"How is the situation in the Left Battalion?" Shi Yunhu asked.

"The leaders there appear to obey my orders on the surface," Ma Jiujiu replied, "but they are secretly colluding. They are not truly submissive."

"Then kill them all," Shi Yunhu said with a cold glint in his eyes. "They are just minor leaders. Replace them with our own men."

"That may not be wise," Ma Jiujiu cautioned. "Unlike the two hundred refugees given to Zheng Daqiu, these men were bandits under Wu the Blind; they have a sense of loyalty to one another. Their subordinates are also bandits who trust them. If we push too hard, it may force them into open defiance, which would be detrimental to your control of the camp."

Shi Yunhu’s face darkened. "Damn them! Their own boss is dead, and yet these bottom-feeders dare to bare their teeth at me."

"Do not be angry, Chief," Ma Jiujiu said. "Once Zhao Yutu secures the grain from Liu Heng and gives me some time, I will surely win them over to your service."

Shi Yunhu’s expression softened slightly. "I trust your judgment. Do as you see fit."

"Yes. I will return to the Left Battalion now," Ma Jiujiu added. "I fear that without me there to keep watch, something might happen."

"Go," Shi Yunhu waved him off.

As he watched Ma Jiujiu leave, Shi Yunhu narrowed his eyes, a cold, sharp light flickering within them.