Chapter Thirty: The Divine Martial Army

"So, you are Yang Lian, the one recommended by the Prince of Qi?" Within the ranks of the Divine Martial Army, Gao Shensi fixed his tiger-like eyes on Yang Lian, as if he meant to devour him, staring with an intensity that brooked no challenge.

Yang Lian stepped forward and bowed, replying, "I am Yang Lian." His gaze met Gao Shensi's without a hint of fear, equally unyielding.

Gao Shensi, now past sixty, was a towering figure with thick hair and a beard streaked with white; deep lines scored his face, yet his eyes remained piercing and spirited. He was the archetype of the old general, still capable of leading men into battle despite his years, and his courage was undiminished—a man still ready to serve his country.

Seeing Yang Lian meet his glare without flinching, Gao Shensi stroked his beard and said, "The Prince of Qi has told me you once saved Princess Huairou. Very good. Yet you are a man of the jianghu, unfamiliar with officialdom. You refuse the post of Captain and instead wish to start as a mere junior officer. Why is that?"

"Precisely because I do not understand the ways of officials," Yang Lian replied, "I wish to begin at the lowest rank."

Gao Shensi narrowed his eyes. "Is that truly your intention?"

"In the army, seniority is everything. Should I suddenly rise to a high position, there would surely be resentment. A Captain may command only a hundred men, but he is their backbone, a crucial link between the ranks. I am new to military life, and there is much I must learn. Thus, I would rather start as a junior officer. Should I achieve some merit, it will not be too late to become a Captain." Yang Lian spoke earnestly.

During the Five Dynasties, the military system was chaotic; a single company often numbered a hundred but could be thousands. Southern Tang, inheriting and reforming from Yang Wu, blended Tang features with some from the Northern courts. The Divine Martial Army was commanded by Gao Shensi, beneath whom were five regimental camps, each with a Chief Commander and Deputy; each camp oversaw five companies—five hundred men in all—each company consisting of a hundred. The infantry had a Captain and Deputy, the cavalry had a Commander and Deputy Commander. Each Captain or Commander had five junior officers under him, each responsible for twenty men.

Though the difference between Captain and junior officer seemed slight, their status differed greatly—the Captain was already considered an officer. The Prince of Qi, Li Jingsui, was perplexed by Yang Lian's refusal, but could not force him, and so let Yang Lian have his way.

Yang Lian’s words pleased Gao Shensi, who nodded repeatedly. He himself had begun as the lowest soldier under Yang Xingmi, rising through the ranks by his valor until he earned the trust of the founder and became Commander of the Divine Martial Army.

After scrutinizing Yang Lian, finding something unique about him, Gao Shensi rose and said, "Come with me."

The Divine Martial Army was stationed within the imperial city, tasked with guarding the palace, the city, and Jinling itself. Though nominally the most elite of the imperial guards, due to the Southern Tang’s organization, their combat skills lagged behind the frontier troops, and even their equipment was somewhat inferior. Yang Lian surmised this might stem from Li Bian’s own history—having seized the Yang Wu kingdom with this very army, he may have grown wary of the guard commanders.

Gao Shensi walked in silence, and Yang Lian kept his own counsel. As they neared the barracks, the sounds of drilling echoed from afar.

Upon entering, Yang Lian saw rows of soldiers mustered in formation. An armored officer was calling the roll: "Lin Renzhao!"

"Present!" A young man of about twenty-five stepped forward.

Yang Lian’s heart skipped—was this Lin Renzhao? The very man who, in years to come, would be wrongfully executed by Li Yu?

The officer called again, "Chen Tie!"

No answer. He frowned, called once more, but still there was silence.

"General Zhou, where is Chen Tie?" Gao Shensi inquired.

The officer turned, saw Gao Shensi, and hastened over. "Zhou Hongzuo reporting to the Commander."

Gao Shensi waved him off. "No need for formalities, Commander Zhou." He glanced at the ranks. "This man’s name is Yang Lian, recommended by the Prince of Qi. Since Chen Tie is absent, let Yang Lian take his place."

Zhou Hongzuo was momentarily taken aback—not at Chen Tie’s replacement, but at the name Yang Lian. He murmured, almost to himself, "Yang Lian?" and then looked up sharply at the newcomer.

Yang Lian, in turn, studied Zhou Hongzuo. Zhou was the second son of Zhou Ben; unlike his father and brother, loyal to Yang Wu, it was Zhou Hongzuo who had personally slain Prince Yang Meng of Linchuan—Yang Lian’s own uncle. Yang Lian felt nothing but aversion for this man, but now, under another’s roof, he bowed and smiled, "Yang Lian, at your service, Commander Zhou," his speech tinged faintly with the accent of the northwest.

Zhou Hongzuo collected himself and shook his head. "Forgive my lapse." He appraised Yang Lian, reassured. The former crown prince had been elegant, learned, and handsome—nothing like the scarred man before him. Besides, the Prince of Qi would surely know whom he was recommending; it was impossible this was the old crown prince. Zhou Hongzuo’s suspicions melted away.

Gao Shensi leaned in and said quietly, "Commander Zhou, Chen Tie is an old soldier from Min. Keep a close watch on him."

Zhou Hongzuo sighed. "Commander Gao, since Chen Tie entered the army, he has been unreliable, absent more often than not, and frequently drunk. I’ve reprimanded him several times, but he pays no heed."

"He’s a difficult character—just make sure he doesn’t cause any trouble," Gao Shensi said.

"Understood," Zhou Hongzuo replied.

"Very well. I have other matters to attend to, so I’ll be going. Yang Lian is in your care." With that, Gao Shensi turned and left the camp.

Yang Lian bowed again and smiled. "I am but a humble man, granted this opportunity by the Prince of Qi. Commander Zhou, you are a veteran general of the Great Tang; I hope you will look after me."

"Oh? Junior Officer Yang knows of me?" Zhou Hongzuo narrowed his eyes.

"Haha, years ago you devised the plot to kill Prince Linchuan, a deed praised by the late emperor. Even I had heard of it, though I was but a wanderer at the time," Yang Lian replied smoothly, meeting Zhou’s gaze with utter seriousness.

Zhou Hongzuo’s eyes narrowed sharply. It was by killing Yang Meng that he had risen in rank, though his father had bitterly rebuked him for it, saying it was wrong. Later, Zhou Hongzuo and others petitioned for the Prince of Qi to replace the Yang Wu dynasty; his father was furious, recalling their noble ancestry and loyalty, but the tide had turned, and Zhou Ben soon died of grief. To Zhou Hongzuo, killing Yang Meng was a means to fame and fortune, and he felt no guilt toward the fallen Yang Wu, yet his father's death still weighed on him. He hated reminders of that event, and this Yang Lian, newly arrived, had touched the sorest spot, leaving him displeased.

Yet, as Yang Lian was recommended by the Prince of Qi and personally brought by Commander Gao, it was clear he was trusted—possibly even being courted by those in power. Zhou Hongzuo could only snort coldly and say, "Junior Officer Yang is well informed."

He turned away, no longer acknowledging Yang Lian.

Yang Lian glanced at the assembled soldiers and noted one row missing its leader—doubtless the absent Chen Tie.

"Gentlemen, this is Yang Lian, brought by Commander Gao. From today, he is one of us in the Divine Martial Army. I’ve heard that Junior Officer Yang once rescued Princess Huairou single-handedly—his skills must be formidable. If any of you junior officers have the time, perhaps you can spar with him." Zhou Hongzuo, not to be outdone, quickly counterattacked.

Yang Lian paused, mildly surprised at how much Zhou Hongzuo seemed to know; with only a name, he knew of the rescue of Princess Huairou. But Yang Lian was unconcerned. He had come here with a purpose. He bowed to the assembly and said, "I am Yang Lian, honored to meet you all. I come from humble origins and have never commanded troops—please guide me in the days to come."

As he spoke, Yang Lian glanced at Lin Renzhao—the famed general of Southern Tang, though now merely a junior officer.

Lin Renzhao observed Yang Lian in return. A native of Jianyang and once a minor general in the fallen Min kingdom, he had come north with Chen Tie and others after Min’s collapse. Their king, Wang Yanzheng, was brought to Jinling and given an empty title, but in truth was under house arrest. Former Min officials, both civil and military, were scattered and many joined the imperial guards, usually as low-ranking officers like junior officers, each commanding twenty men. But Lin Renzhao, steadfast and resolute, held fast to his discipline and ambition despite his setbacks, convinced his talents would one day be recognized.

Chen Tie, however, was different. Though both were known as fierce warriors, Chen Tie was coarse and headstrong, often drinking when displeased, and today was only the latest of many absences.

After introducing himself, Yang Lian stood at the front, listening to Zhou Hongzuo's address. Though a man of war, Zhou spoke at length; it was half an hour before he finished and, glancing thoughtfully at Yang Lian, finally left.

Under Zhou’s command, the five companies were each led by Yao Feng, Lu Mengjun, Li Ping, Lin Renzhao, and Chen Tie. The first three were natives of Southern Tang; the last two, former Min generals. Such an arrangement ensured control. Now, with Chen Tie absent, Yang Lian filled his place.

After Zhou Hongzuo departed, Yao Feng, Lu Mengjun, and the others began drilling their men, accustomed to the routine and unconcerned about Chen Tie’s absence, for he was not sociable and had little rapport with the others.

Lin Renzhao, however, lingered, lost in thought, and after a moment approached Yang Lian with a serious expression. "You are Yang Lian. Do you know the former crown prince, Prince Jing of Hongnong?"

Yang Lian smiled. "Does Officer Lin think I do?"

"Perhaps. Maybe you are he," Lin Renzhao said, watching him keenly.

"Everyone I meet asks me so. In truth, I am the former crown prince. If you wish, you may report me to the Prince of Qi and have me arrested—you’ll be richly rewarded and your rise will be swift," Yang Lian replied with a wry smile.

Lin Renzhao was taken aback by this answer, hastily bowing. "I was only joking, Brother Yang. Please, don’t take offense. Such words should not be spoken of again."

Yang Lian, wishing to befriend Lin Renzhao—one of the few famous generals of Southern Tang—bowed in return. "You are right, Brother Lin. Thank you for the advice."

They both smiled, but at that moment, the gates of the drill ground were kicked open with a loud bang.