Luoyang City, Market Square.
"Now for international news," Gao Yiye announced as her image appeared on the screen. Smiling at the viewers watching the television, she continued, "In December of the ninth year of Chongzhen's reign, across the Pacific Ocean, a National Guard was established. This militia force was formed by Western colonists to protect the settlements they founded in North America."
This small piece of news failed to capture much attention.
After all, the other side of the Pacific was unimaginably far away.
Li Daoxuan knew that few people would care, but he still included it in the Gao Family Village broadcast.
Because this so called National Guard, which would later evolve into the Beautiful Army, was quite similar in nature to the Militia Li Daoxuan had established.
Gao Family Village was just beginning. America was also just beginning.
Who would lead the future?
Li Daoxuan sighed softly. "I hope that in this plane of existence, my little people can surpass America. A few hundred years from now, perhaps we can be the ones launching a trade war and suppressing their technology."
Gao Yiye continued.
"Next is our second international news item. Also in December of the ninth year of Chongzhen's reign, Huang Taiji personally led one hundred thousand troops to conquer Joseon. After crossing the river, the Qing army leveraged its superiority in open field warfare, bypassed fortified cities, and pressed south relentlessly, reaching the royal capital in just twelve days."
This news stirred far greater reaction.
The citizens of Luoyang erupted in alarm.
Those with political insight turned grim.
Henan Governor Fan Shangzheng sighed heavily. "Joseon has always been a vassal of our Great Ming. Now that a vassal has fallen and we cannot send aid, what face does our Celestial Empire have left?"
Gao Jie added, "Without Joseon restraining their flank, the Manchus can attack us even more recklessly."
Cao Wenzhao frowned. "Where is Ajige? Why is he not leading the army this time? Did he offend Huang Taiji?"
Cao Bianjiao sighed. "Uncle, is that what matters right now? Should we not worry about whether Joseon can withstand this assault?"
Cao Wenzhao nodded slowly. "You are right."
On the screen, Gao Yiye sighed lightly.
"Dao Xuan Tianzun has revealed a celestial secret to me. Joseon will not withstand this offensive. On January 30th, Joseon will surrender to the Qing army and declare allegiance. It will sever its ties to Great Ming and become a vassal of the Manchus. In future campaigns, Joseon will provide grain, silver, and troops to fight against our dynasty."
The crowd exploded in uproar.
No one doubted the celestial secrets revealed by Dao Xuan Tianzun.
Dao Xuan Tianzun could not be wrong.
Would Joseon truly fall? Would they even send troops against Ming?
Fan Shangzheng stood abruptly. "What are we to do?"
Gao Jie exclaimed, "We already struggle against the Manchus. If Joseon joins them, will our situation not grow even worse?"
Cao Wenzhao muttered grimly, "This is terrible. Pi Island is in peril."
Cao Bianjiao nodded. "Yes. Once Joseon surrenders, Pi Island will certainly come under attack."
Before their words settled, a Puppet Dao Xuan Tianzun emerged from the crowd and stood before them, smiling.
"General Cao, you truly are experienced in Liaodong affairs. The moment you heard of Joseon's surrender, you understood that Pi Island would be endangered."
Cao Wenzhao bowed slightly. "Dao Xuan Tianzun, you see past and future. What will happen to Pi Island?"
Li Daoxuan answered calmly. "Within two months, Pi Island will fall to the Qing."
Shock spread across their faces.
Pi Island was the administrative seat of the Dongjiang Command.
Founded by General Mao Wenlong, the Dongjiang Command was a crucial element of Ming's Liaodong defense. In theory, it governed the fallen lands east of the Liao River. In practice, it controlled Bohai islands, Lushun Fort, Kuandian Fort, and strongholds inside Joseon such as Tieshan and Changcheng.
If Pi Island fell, the Dongjiang Command would effectively cease to exist.
The Manchus would remove the final thorn in their side and freely concentrate their strength against Ming.
Cao Wenzhao spoke urgently. "Dao Xuan Tianzun, Pi Island must not be lost."
Cao Bianjiao added, "What method can preserve it?"
Li Daoxuan replied, "Saving Pi Island is not difficult. The question is what happens after it is saved. Can it operate as we intend?"
The two men fell silent.
Pi Island had long been an awkward entity. Though nominally under Ming authority, since Mao Wenlong's time it had often acted independently, ignoring court commands and pursuing its own interests.
Later, Mao Wenlong was executed by Yuan Chonghuan. Historians endlessly debated that decision. Some claimed Mao deserved death. Others argued Yuan was a traitor.
There was no clear verdict.
Yet Pi Island continued its internal strife and irregular conduct.
Nominally Ming.
Practically independent.
Li Daoxuan continued, "I can save Pi Island. I have the ability. But I will not see it continue disobeying orders, hoarding troops for private power, fragmenting authority, and indulging in selfish ambitions."
Cao Wenzhao slowly understood. "Dao Xuan Tianzun, do you mean we need a general experienced in Liaodong warfare to garrison Pi Island and secure it properly?"
"Precisely."
Li Daoxuan looked at him with a faint smile.
Cao Wenzhao hesitated. "Dao Xuan Tianzun… is there something on my face?"
Cao Bianjiao nearly choked. "Uncle! Dao Xuan Tianzun means you are the most suitable general to guard Pi Island!"
"Me?" Cao Wenzhao blinked.
In his youth, he had served in Liaodong under Xiong Tingbi and Sun Chengzong, earning merit in battle and rising through the ranks. He understood the terrain and the enemy.
At last, realization dawned.
Dao Xuan Tianzun intended to transfer him to Pi Island.
He hesitated. "This subordinate cannot arrange such a matter alone. The Ministry of War must approve it. His Majesty must issue the decree."
Li Daoxuan smiled calmly.
"As long as you are willing to go, this matter will not be difficult."