Chapter 188: Wang Debang’s Threat

“Xu Yanxu, Huang Guilan, and the rest are all good-for-nothing fools. It’s still our experienced Xiang Army soldiers who can truly be relied on…”
Under several large banners, a group of bodyguards in uniform surrounded several battalion officers. These soldiers were of advanced age; many had fought alongside Zeng Guofan, Peng Zhen, and Hu Zongtang in the south and had even held the title of reserve officers. But since the suppression of the Taiping Rebellion, they had no chance to prove their worth.
They returned to their hometowns with the money they had earned through military service to live comfortably for a few years. Yet, with no other skills beyond warfare, they quickly ran out of money and found themselves in dire straits.
They constantly longed to relive the days of plunder and destruction during the suppression of the Taiping Rebellion, hoping to return to the era when they could roam the lands of Hunan and Jiangnan at will. But since the Qing government suppressed the Nian Rebellion, it had been trying to restore the Eight Banners and Green Standard Army as the core of the military force. The 600,000 ineffective soldiers of these armies consumed most of the country’s military budget each year.
Even the Huai Army, which should have been the backbone of the national military, struggled with expanding its forces during crises and cutting them down in peacetime. Soldiers like those in the Xiang Army were even more disposable, with no real status at all.
The last time they managed to make a living was during the conflict with Russia, when they were gathered along with their families to fight against the Russians. But before they even left the province, news came that an agreement had been reached with Russia, leaving them unemployed once again.
Not only these low-ranking soldiers but even Wang Debang himself, despite having fought alongside Zuo Zongtang, achieving numerous military feats, and even going to Beijing to train elite firearm units, still felt that he had wasted his time without accomplishing anything significant.
Yet now, Wang Debang and his subordinates had regained immense confidence. One battalion officer said loudly, “That wretched Huang Guilan—what use is he? When it comes to fighting, it’s still our people from Hunan who stand out. Especially you, Commander-in-Chief—being a veteran of Hunan, you’re a master strategist who has fought thousands of miles, like a god among mortals. Just hearing your name makes those Frenchmen tremble with fear…”
Seeing Wang Debang’s stern expression, he knew well that this was exactly how his superior was: “Even the Black Flag rebels would show respect at the mere mention of your name and wouldn’t dare fight against you…”
Wang Debang’s face grew even more serious. Though he was pleased inwardly, he scolded, “Nonsense! Such talk disrupts morale. Be careful, or I’ll punish you according to military law…”
But deep down, he believed in such myths. In the past, he had led several battalions of elite soldiers and fought thousands of miles. Although he felt he had failed, those foot soldiers of the Taiping Rebellion and Muslims were no match for him, which fueled his arrogance and made him look down on others.
Moreover, this expedition to Beining had been extremely smooth. Recruiting ten battalions of elite soldiers went without trouble, and upon arriving in Vietnam, they seized a favorable opportunity: “Guys, don’t be careless. I’ve already investigated. There are two small battalions of Black Flag rebels in Beining, and three or four more in Taiyuan…”
But as soon as he spoke, all the battalion and platoon officers laughed. One battalion officer said, “Commander, let me take the lead. I guarantee I’ll make those Black Flag rebels throw away their flags…”

It must be said that the quality of Wang Debang’s ten battalions of infantry was far superior to that of the Guangxi army that lost Beining. Not only were most of the officers and soldiers experienced soldiers from the Hunan army, but they were also equipped entirely with modern rifles and cannons, making them highly formidable—which in turn made them arrogant.
“In all our past battles, a single battalion was enough to defeat thousands of enemy troops. Now, with five thousand strong soldiers under our command, even the Black Flag rebels, let alone the French, would have no choice but to surrender…”
“That’s right. How could just two small battalions, with a few hundred new recruits, possibly resist us?”
To Wang Debang’s ears, these exaggerated words were nothing but pleasing. His concern, however, was directed elsewhere: “Have there been any replies from the Black Flag rebels?”
“No, but those timid guys have sent representatives, saying that since the front lines in Beining are intertwined and we’re all Chinese, they ask us not to misunderstand each other.”
Wang Debang sneered, “Misunderstand?”
Meanwhile, his subordinates were all itching to seize an opportunity to profit. There definitely wouldn’t be any misunderstandings!
……
“I am Jian Ming, an officer under the Black Flag army in Beining. By order of Lord Tang Jingsong, I come before you all, including Governor Wang…”
Wang Debang now held the title of governor of Guangxi, and he was also eligible to be called “commander” or “marshal.” So he merely grunted, ignoring the representatives sent by the Black Flag army again.
One of his advisors spoke on his behalf: “You Black Flag army has occupied Beining illegally. Our commander, by order of the emperor, has been sent to reclaim Beining and drive out the French. Please withdraw from Beining immediately!”
The Black Flag representatives refused to yield: “We’ve been in Beining for months, fighting the French dozens of times before managing to secure this territory. To expect us to just leave so easily is absurd.”
What they said was true. After the defeat of the troops in Beining, the Black Flag army had deployed thousands of soldiers, with hundreds killed or wounded, before finally achieving a balance of power with the French. Yet Wang Debang now demanded they give way, even asking them to hand over their territory.
But as soon as he finished speaking, Wang Debang roared in anger, “Dareful rebels! Don’t you know the power of heaven?”
He slammed his fist on the desk, nearly splitting it in half. The soldiers around him were filled with murderous intent, ready to kill the Black Flag representatives. Then Wang Debang continued loudly, “Beining was originally part of the Qing Empire’s territory. Although our troops were defeated and forced to withdraw, the people here still cherish China and long for our troops to reclaim it…”
“And you Black Flag army entered Beining without permission or orders. I haven’t even settled accounts with you for this treasonous act, yet you already dare to confront our imperial army head-on!”
Furious, he declared, “I give you twelve hours to clear the roads. Otherwise, my troops will devour this land…”
A group of experienced Hunan army generals joined Wang Debang’s voice in shouting, “Kill them!”
The Black Flag representatives glanced at the arrogant Wang Debang and thought only one thing: “They’re seeking their own destruction…”
……
“The commander’s orders have arrived. We can give way, but Beining is territory we’ve fought hard to gain—we won’t give it up!”

Liu Yu’s orders relieved the Black Flag Army officers stationed in Beining, though some shouted, “If the Qing army attacks us, what should we do?”
“Reasonable, advantageous, and measured…” The military envoy from Hanoi said solemnly, “The commander is currently preparing to completely eliminate the defenders in Hanoi, so we have to endure the hardship for our comrades in Beining and Taiyuan!”
“I should make three concessions,” were the commander’s exact words. “To yield is the first concession…”
The envoy spoke to Jian Ming again, “Officer Jian, go prepare ten fat pigs and two goats as gifts for Wang Debang. We can’t fight them yet…”
With the start of the siege of Hanoi, the Black Flag Army had moved most of its main forces to the battlefield there. Even in Baosheng and Shanxi, there were few defenders left. As for the Black Flag Army centered around Taiyuan, it had also deployed almost all its forces to Hanoi. Now, Taiyuan only had four weak new battalions, while Beining had only two small battalions.
Their opponents, however, were not just Wang Debang’s ten infantry battalions. The French also had 2,000 troops in Beining. More importantly, this time the Qing army had indeed sent a large force.
All around Wang Debang were newly arrived battalions. Though not particularly strong, they were at least better than Xu Yanxu’s Vietnamese-backed troops. In total, there were probably around twenty battalions, with no less than 10,000 troops.
Behind them, Pan Dingxin was continuously leading more troops to the area, and he also took in the retreating Vietnamese-backed troops. This gave them a numerical advantage over the Black Flag Army in that sector.
Now was definitely not the time to clash with the Qing army!
“That’s why we can make three concessions!” Liu Yu looked at the smoke in the distance and said to Tang Jingsong, “Beining and Taiyuan rely even more on Brother Jingsong!”
Tang Jingsong took a sip of green tea and gazed at the battlefield, only to realize how close it was. Liu Yu’s command post was almost within rifle range. If a well-aimed shell hit it, it might send the entire Black Flag Army command post to heaven.
He felt a bit fearful. Although he liked to compare himself to Ban Dingyuan, that didn’t mean he was a brave warrior. Often, scholars like him were full of talk but weak in action, lacking perseverance.
Tang Jingsong was no exception. But when he heard about Beining and Taiyuan, his mind became active. “This is easy! This is easy! Though I am just a sixth-rank official, serving the country doesn’t care about rank. Wang Debang has messed this up!”
His current status and strength came from the Black Flag Army. Even the elite troops he had taken over from the Qing army had now become part of the Black Flag Army’s core forces. If Beining and Taiyuan fell, his status would drop significantly. Therefore, he had to side with the Black Flag Army.
“In my opinion, Wang Debang dared to attack Beining because of Pan Dingxin’s support. But the Hunan Army and the Huai Army are completely incompatible. There’s plenty we can do here…”

He served as a minor official in the capital for over a decade. Though he didn’t achieve much fame, he understood human relations and worldly affairs extremely well. Although Li Hongzhang kept saying “my teacher” over and over, the situation between Hunan and Huai was one of utter conflict—purely a life-or-death struggle. When Liu Yu sought his advice, he immediately thought of ways to turn the situation to his advantage: “I’ve heard of Pan Dingxin before. He’s quite strategic and talented, but not suitable for major responsibilities. Back when Li Shaoquan pacified the Taiping rebels in Shanghai, Pan was in the same camp as Liu Mingchuan. His seniority was greater than Liu’s, but his strategic skills were weaker, so he was often sidelined by Liu…” “It seems he lacks magnanimity. I think we should put in more effort here. If we launch an attack at the right time, it will yield twice the result with half the effort…” Liu Yu didn’t say much, only nodding occasionally. Finally, he said, “The enemies in Hanoi still haven’t been eliminated. Originally, I didn’t want to deploy large forces lightly, but given the current situation, we have no choice. I’m afraid Mr. will need to stay in Taiyuan…” “Please lead the Song Regiment back to Taiyuan for now. Once I’ve eliminated the French forces in the city, I’ll join forces with Mr. Tang in Taiyuan, and then we can enjoy some tea…” “Agreed!” He turned his gaze back to the battlefield filled with the sounds of fighting. The Black Flag Army continued to besiege Hanoi. In recent days, upon hearing that the Qing army was preparing to advance on Beining, the French forces in Hanoi became frenzied and launched several desperate counterattacks. But most of the Black Flag Army outside the city had already recovered and struck at the French forces just as they were struggling. As a result, the French forces were defeated in all their counterattacks, suffering heavy losses. The subsequent general assault became even more intense. The French forces weren’t weak; when they held firm to their strong positions, the Black Flag Army had to pay a bloody price for every step forward. Hundreds of meters away, Black Flag Army soldiers were engaged in fierce battles with the French forces entrenched in their positions. From time to time, one could hear the soldiers’ battle cries and the roar of cannons. Neither side retreated, only silently sacrificing themselves. The war had become so brutal that it resembled a meat grinder. The French must be insane—they clearly knew there were Black Flag Army gunboats, fortresses, and hidden artillery positions along the Red River route, yet they sent troops into Hanoi time and again, braving heavy gunfire. Every shipment to Hanoi came at a huge cost: damaged ships and over 30% casualties. Two infantry companies’ transport ships were even sunk by the Black Flag Army, with no survivors. This was sheer madness! But in the eyes of outsiders, Liu Yu seemed insane too. No Qing official could understand why, with the Qing army approaching Beining, he still refused to withdraw and instead engaged the French forces in a life-or-death struggle instead of conserving his strength. But only Liu Yu knew that Hanoi was above everything else. If he withdrew from Hanoi now, the French might retreat or return, but if he captured Hanoi, the French would remember his name for a hundred years, just as the Crusaders remembered Saladin’s name.

His army was not like those Qing troops who could only fight civil wars; they were bold enough to bully rebel groups in peacetime but turned into true cowards when faced with foreign invaders. For the Black Flag Army, on the path he had chosen, there was only one option—unconquerable victory! At the thought of this, Liu Yu felt his blood boil uncontrollably. The soldiers of the Black Flag Army in the distance were still fighting bravely, turning those French soldiers into mere memories. They were the best! Liu Yu saluted them, then said to Liu Suiyun, “We are ready to reap victory—or go to hell…”