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As evening fell, Lin Ning passed through Shanhaiguan and arrived outside Ningyuan City. The city gates were tightly shut, likely due to the recent tensions with Later Jin, which prompted the gates to close at night. Outside Ningyuan City, there was a grove of poplar trees, and Lin Ning decided to spend the night among them, planning to enter the city at dawn. It was early winter, and the outdoor temperatures in the north were extremely cold at night. Most of the poplar leaves had fallen, leaving only a few withered leaves sparsely hanging on the branches, swaying and shivering in the cold wind. The pale moonlight filtered through the sparse leaves and branches, illuminating the ground covered with broken branches and fallen leaves, accentuating the desolate scenery of early winter in the north. Lin Ning wrapped his clothes tightly around him and lay down on the ground beneath a poplar tree. A solitary goose let out a mournful cry as it flapped its wings and flew away into the distance. Lin Ning opened his sleepy eyes and gazed toward the direction where the goose had vanished. As he slowly closed his eyes again, a tear slipped from the corner of his eye and fell onto the dry leaves below.
In the stillness of midnight, Lin Ning was suddenly awakened by a faint rustling sound coming from deep within the forest. The footsteps were incredibly light, leading Lin Ning to deduce that it was someone with exceptional lightness of foot. Instantly alert, he leaped onto a nearby poplar tree just as a man passed beneath him. In the moonlight, the man's silhouette was tall and robust, moving with steady steps. Recognizing that familiar figure filled Lin Ning with joy, and he called out loudly, "Uncle Xiong! Uncle Xiong! It's me, Ning'er!" He jumped down from the tree. The man turned quickly; his face was resolute, and his eyes were deep and steady like the night sky—it was Xiong Yanbi. Lin Ning rushed into Xiong Yanbi's embrace, bursting into tears.
Xiong Yanbi was equally surprised to encounter Lin Ning here. Since Guangning and Yizhou had fallen, the court had swiftly imprisoned Wang Huazhen but had not yet decided on any punishment for Xiong Yanbi. However, as tensions escalated between the Eastern Lin Party and the Eunuch Faction, infighting became fierce. The Eastern Lin Party resorted to extreme measures regarding Xiong Yanbi, attempting to frame him alongside Wang Huazhen for imprisonment through twisted accusations. Meanwhile, the Eunuch Faction viewed Xiong Yanbi as part of the Eastern Lin Party. They sought to eliminate him by accusing him of embezzling Liaodong Military Funds to bribe Yang Lian. The Eunuch Faction aimed to use Xiong Yanbi's case to eradicate members of the Eastern Lin Party altogether. In truth, Xiong Yanbi did not belong to any faction; he was merely a capable patriot.
The defeat at Guangning stemmed directly from Wang Huazhen's arrogance and his misplaced trust in Mongolian allies and defectors like Li Yongfang. Even his trusted general Sun Degong had been turned against him, disrupting Ming army deployments—Wang Huazhen bore primary responsibility for this failure. Furthermore, Wang Huazhen's aggressive strategies underestimated Nurhaci's capabilities; despite repeated setbacks, he failed to learn from his mistakes—a significant issue indeed. His strategic deployments were overly scattered, making them vulnerable to surprise attacks from Later Jin's cavalry; he also placed undue trust in Liao people without proper defenses—these signs indicated that Wang Huazhen's military acumen was severely lacking.
In contrast, Xiong Yanbi recognized Later Jin's strength and advocated for a defensive strategy while actively leveraging Ming army forces against both Liao people and Koryo people to restrain Later Jin. He remained cautious regarding Liao people and vigilant about spies; he accurately predicted that Mongolian allies could not be relied upon—a testament to his foresight. His strategy of concentrating forces within fortified positions would later influence Sun Chengzong and Yuan Chonghuan's defense line at Guanjin.
Xiong Yanbi rarely made mistakes; after realizing that Mongolian allies were unreliable following Guangning's defeat, he understood that Liaoxi would soon be caught between attacks from both Later Jin and Mongolia. Given that Later Jin's strategy involved plundering populations after victories for resettlement further back, it was wise for Xiong Yanbi to escort civilians away from harm’s way—preventing them from bolstering Later Jin’s ranks.
In feudal times, conquering land was not just about seizing territory; controlling its population was equally vital. By relocating civilians away from Liaoxi before Later Jin could claim it as their own territory—effectively turning it into a no-man's land—Xiong Yanbi minimized Later Jin's gains significantly. They would either have to garrison heavy troops there or relocate populations from elsewhere at great cost—a risky endeavor if Ming forces reclaimed it later.
Thus Liaoxi became a buffer zone beneficial for Great Ming’s defense against Later Jin’s advances. Should Great Ming reclaim Liaoxi or launch counterattacks in the future, they would face much less resistance.
Lin Ning listened intently as Xiong Yanbi recounted his experiences over recent years; his heart ached with sorrow. Unable to contain himself, he exclaimed, "I never imagined Emperor Tianqi could be so foolishly blind—upside-down justice persecuting loyal subjects! Uncle Xiong, I truly feel for you."
Xiong Yanbi sighed deeply: "This is my fate; I have lived my life with integrity and honor while vowing to protect Great Ming’s territorial integrity. As for right or wrong—let future generations judge."
Lin Ning replied indignantly: "But how can such an accomplished person be wrongfully accused? Fate has been terribly unfair to you."
Xiong Yanbi smiled: "Those who aspire to great things must endure countless storms along their path. A well-rounded character embodies both virtue and vice; a rich life is often filled with both praise and blame. Ning'er, just look at those great figures throughout history—who among them isn't both compassionate like a bodhisattva yet ruthless like a demon? They possess both Buddha-like mercy and wolf-like ferocity; they must show kindness towards their loved ones while being ruthless towards their enemies."
Lin Ning admired Xiong Yanbi’s wisdom deeply. Ever since Hu Xueyan left for Japan, his life had hit rock bottom—his body and mind suffered immense trauma. During his darkest moments, he encountered three remarkable individuals who healed his wounds and inspired him: an old man who ferried him across a river on a bamboo raft; Abbot Zenzi from Shaolin Temple; and Xiong Yanbi himself—a man skilled in both literature and martial arts.
Gratefully gazing at Xiong Yanbi, Lin Ning said: "Uncle Xiong, your words are like enlightenment for me—I will benefit from them all my life! Uncle, my father told me you are sworn brothers with my biological father Yu Jiangong—is that true?"
Xiong Yanbi looked surprised: "Ning'er, has Master Lin told you about your background?"
Lin Ning nodded before sharing his experiences over recent years with Xiong Yanbi. Having met Hu Xueyan previously at Jinling Enzhe Gang left an impression on Xiong Yanbi; upon hearing about her journey to Japan along with Lin Ning’s unfulfilled love story with her made him feel quite melancholic.
Xiong Yanbi asked: "Child, what are your plans now?"
Lin Ning replied: "Uncle Xiong, I came to these borderlands seeking revenge for my parents—can you tell me what happened when they encountered danger?"
Upon hearing this request from Lin Ning about events that transpired eighteen years ago at Guangning near Lushan Mountain—it felt as fresh as yesterday in Xiong Yanbi’s mind. He detailed that fateful night’s harrowing battle.
As Lin Ning listened intently about how his parents met their tragic end—tears streamed down his face; he had never imagined becoming an orphan just one day after birth. Such a sorrowful background only fueled his vow to exact vengeance on Chen Tao—the traitor who betrayed his parents.
After a moment of silence, Lin Ning said: "Now that Later Jin has occupied Guangning where my parents’ graves lie—I must find an opportunity to relocate them back to Jinling."
Xiong Yanbi responded: "Ning'er speaks wisely; just yesterday I received news that Nurhaci is recruiting soldiers to expand his army—I suspect Later Jin may attack Ningyuan City this winter! The court is currently hunting me down—I cannot enter Ningyuan City during daylight hours—so I plan to go there tonight under cover of darkness to inform Yuan Chonghuan so he can prepare defenses."
Lin Ning interjected: "Uncle Xiong! I will accompany you into Ningyuan City—I also wish to meet General Yuan."
Xiong Yanbi agreed: "That sounds excellent! Currently there are only over twenty thousand troops stationed in Ningyuan City—they are in need of capable individuals like you who can assist Yuan Chonghuan."
Lin Ning left his sweat blood horse hidden in the grove as he followed Xiong Yanbi out of it; they concealed themselves behind a small mound east of Ningyuan City while observing conditions near the city wall until a patrol passed by before using their lightness of foot skills to leap up onto the wall five or six zhang high.
At around midnight most guards atop were weary—some even dozing off—yet both men moved swiftly without drawing attention even from those few who remained alert as they entered inside quietly where Xiong Yanbi led Lin Ning straight into Yuan Chonghuan’s command center.
Upon seeing Xiong Yanbi enter—the usually stoic Yuan Chonghuan beamed with delight while observing Lin Ning’s unimposing stature but keen gaze reflected intelligence beyond appearances.
Xiong Yanbi introduced Lin Ning saying: “This is Master Lin—the son of former Jinzhou garrison commander Yu Jiangong.” Hearing this made Yuan Chonghuan excitedly exclaim: “I’ve long heard tales of General Yu’s heroic deeds—it’s unfortunate we never met—but today I finally get to see one of his descendants—it’s truly an honor!”
Lin Ning clasped his fists respectfully replying: “Anyone willing to fight valiantly for their homeland deserves admiration! It is indeed fortunate for me today—to meet General Yuan.”
Xiong Yanbi then relayed news regarding Later Jin’s impending assault on Ningyuan City which prompted Yuan Chonghuan’s response: “We’ve recently procured twelve cannons from Western merchants! Should Later Jin dare attack—we shall defend our city fiercely!”
Xiong Yanbi nodded approvingly: “That is excellent news! I have delivered what I needed—you should remain here assisting General Yuan in any way possible while I take my leave!”
Lin Ning hurriedly asked: “Uncle Xiong! Where are you going?”
Sighing heavily,Xiong Yanbi replied: “The court is hunting me down—I have nowhere else but roam freely!”
Lin Ning insisted: “Uncle Xiong! Please stay here in Ningyuan City! I’ll disguise you so no one will recognize you!”
Xiong Yanbi brightened up saying: “Right! How could I forget your skill in disguise!” Immediately Lin Ning took out some tools including resin from rubber trees before transforming Xiong Yanbi into an ordinary soldier.
The next day when gates opened—Lin Ning exited bringing sweat blood horse back into town alongside Yuan Chonghuan who guided them both through inspecting twelve cannons along with fortifications within town walls.
Seeing Yuan Chonghuan leading troops repairing defenses while clearing out spies raised morale among Ming army soldiers greatly reassuring both men.
In January of 1626 during Tianqi Year Six—Nurhaci launched an invasion with sixty thousand troops crossing Liao River arriving at Ningyuan on twenty-third day while General Gao Di commanded heavy forces stationed at Shanhaiguan refusing assistance towards defending city.
Upon learning this news,Yuan Chonghuan immediately penned blood letters pledging allegiance alongside generals Man Gui,Zuo Fu,Zhu Mei,and Zu Dashow vowing death before surrendering city!
Yuan Chonghuan fortified defenses while ordering fellow officer Cheng Weitang investigate spies ensuring supplies guarded by Jin Qizhong sending messages ahead instructing Zhao Shuijiao stationed nearby if any soldiers escape—they must all be executed!
Since Nurhaci began rising up—he’d never faced defeat winning every battle against overwhelming odds! This time armed with sixty thousand elite troops expecting capturing city would be easy—but unexpectedly faced fierce resistance led by Yuan Chonghuan!
Under training provided by Sun Chengzong & Yuan Chonghuan soldiers stationed around Shanhaiguan improved significantly while fortifications repaired & enhanced!
Yuan Chonghuan positioned twelve cannons atop walls unleashing bombardments against Later Jin cavalry forcing them back outside city limits after four days siege!
Nurhaci personally commanded troops alongside Dai Shan & Min along with Mongolia Ertai,Hong Taiji plus descendants Shuo Tuo,Dudu,Hao Ge & Princess Yue Ming County joining battle!
Later Jin soldiers used shield carts pushing closer attempting dig tunnels under walls—but Yuan Chonghuan led warriors dropping fireballs burning attackers below!
Despite efforts digging tunnels attacking city failed again as cannon fire rained down causing chaos among Eight Banners troops suffering heavy casualties!
As night fell,Later Jin retreated back into camp after suffering losses!
On fifth day,Later Jin junior generals Shuo Tuo,Dudu,Hao Ge rode horses challenging outside southern gate demanding duel!
Lin Ning requested permission from Yuan Chonghuan allowing him step forth facing challenge which after brief hesitation granted approval!
Holding Sunlight Blade riding sweat blood horse emerged outside gate surrounded by seven or eight young descendants Nurhaci trained since childhood skilled equestrians adept combatants!
Except Hao Ge who felt intimidated others showed no fear charging towards him simultaneously raising blades aiming strikes!
Lin Ning swung Sunlight Blade effortlessly causing several swords snap falling ground before executing spinning maneuver atop horse sending opponents tumbling off mounts landing hard!
Regaining balance seated firmly atop sweat blood horse watching young warriors retreating back into ranks stunned expressions etched faces!
Witnessing this display left all officers dumbfounded including Nurhaci whispering something Princess Yue Ming County ear prompting her approach confidently addressing Lin Ning saying:
“Master Lin it seems your skills have improved greatly since last we met!”
To which he replied humbly attributing progress gained through guidance received from esteemed mentors!
Princess Yue Ming County smirked suddenly shifting demeanor attacking swiftly
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