Chapter Four: The Cavalry Standard

Five men and four horses sped along the courier road that Dong Chu had taken, heading swiftly toward Qiansang City. Qiansang was the prefectural city of Shanggu Commandery, where the main forces of the commandery’s army were stationed.

After resting for a quarter of an hour, Dong Chu had mostly recovered, though his dislocated jaw was not something that would heal so quickly. At this moment, Dong Chu was already pondering how he would explain his jaw when he returned to camp, should anyone ask. Tell the truth? He had no intention of doing so.

As the five garrison soldiers hurried on their way, silence fell upon them without anyone meaning for it to. For Dong Chu’s companions, the changes in Qin Cheng were naturally a point of curiosity, but aside from exchanging glances and giving ambiguous nods or shakes of their heads, none of them uttered a word. The terrifying strength Qin Cheng had displayed earlier had left a deep shadow in their minds; now, when they looked at him striding ahead, their eyes held not just confusion but also a hint of deep apprehension.

In his previous life, after Qin Cheng had “made his name and fortune,” he owned a stud farm and was no stranger to horsemanship; in fact, he rode quite well. Now, riding at the head of the group, he showed not the slightest discomfort.

Qin Cheng could easily imagine the expressions of the men behind him, so he paid them little mind. The shift between past and present lives weighed heavily, and he rode in silence.

Though Qin Cheng found his transmigration beyond belief and impossible to comprehend, it didn’t prevent him from accepting this reality—if only temporarily. Adapting to changing circumstances and responding quickly had always been almost instinctual for him.

After all, when faced with an unchangeable reality, the most rational response is to adapt and live well, even if some wounds are unavoidable.

Besides, Qin Cheng had already died in his previous life. He was, in truth, quite willing to accept this extension of his existence.

What’s more, his identity in this life was uncannily aligned with the dream he’d harbored as a student. Back then, he had dreamed of becoming a soldier, though fate had pushed him onto the path of organized crime.

Now, the only thing he could not let go of was his mother in that other world.

After a long period of pain, he began to digest the memories flooding his mind about this life.

Qin Cheng was a hereditary soldier, not a regular border conscript but a semi-professional, the product of the imperial court’s policy of relocating families to guard the frontiers. He had journeyed home this time after receiving news that his elder sister—the only family he had left in this world—was gravely ill. Fortunately, by the time he arrived, her condition had already improved.

“Cheng, what are you thinking about? Still worried about military punishment when we get back? Don’t worry, we’ll all vouch for you,” Wu Daliang urged his horse alongside Qin Cheng’s, riding abreast. Of the group, Wu Daliang had the closest relationship with him. The veteran often looked after the “frail” Qin Cheng, so he was the only one bold enough to approach him now.

Qin Cheng responded with a noncommittal smile, glancing at Wu Daliang without any trace of sharpness in his gaze. Wu Daliang’s bold intervention earlier had won him much favor, and combined with the memories in his mind, Qin Cheng was glad to be cordial with this kind-hearted veteran.

“I’m not too worried about that. What’s done is done, and there’s no escaping it,” Qin Cheng replied with quiet confidence. “But I do have a question for you.”

“What is it? No need to stand on ceremony with me!” Wu Daliang replied heartily. Their pace wasn’t too fast, allowing them to converse easily.

“Based on your experience, do you know how an infantryman can become a cavalryman?” Qin Cheng asked, nodding.

“Cavalry?” Wu Daliang was surprised by the question. After a moment’s thought, he spoke slowly, “When you join the army, your branch is decided from the start. Whatever you are, that’s what you remain for life, unless something very unusual happens. Why do you ask? Do you want to become cavalry?”

Holding the reins steady atop his spirited mount, Qin Cheng’s eyes flickered for a moment at Wu Daliang’s words but quickly returned to normal. He returned the question, “Never thought about joining the cavalry yourself, old Wu?”

Of course, Qin Cheng couldn’t explain that, in the future, cavalry would be the main force in defeating the Xiongnu, and that an infantryman in this era had no prospects. For someone with his education, this was a matter of common sense.

Wu Daliang chuckled dryly, “Wanting to join the cavalry is one thing; you need the skill for it! Without solid archery and a strong body, how could you possibly be cavalry?”

There was no doubt—cavalry was a prestigious branch.

“That much I know,” Qin Cheng said naturally, though in truth, he was only recalling what Wu Daliang’s words had just triggered in his memory. After that, he fell into thought. No matter where he was, Qin Cheng could not allow himself to live an ordinary life.

“But, it’s not entirely impossible,” Wu Daliang added, noticing Qin Cheng drop his head and unable to bear his disappointment.

“Oh?”

“So long as General Li personally approves, not only could you become cavalry, you could even lead a cavalry squad. The grand autumn review is coming up soon; as long as your archery is good and you’re physically strong, you might win General Li’s favor!” Wu Daliang said, laughing at his own words. After all, calling Qin Cheng’s archery “mediocre” would be an insult to the word.

Though Wu Daliang spoke with little thought, Qin Cheng listened with intent. He hadn’t studied archery much in his previous life, but the possibility of winning General Li’s approval stirred him. It was late autumn, and the Xiongnu could invade at any time. If he seized the opportunity and distinguished himself, his chance to become cavalry was real. That would mean he’d truly established himself in this new world—and with that, perhaps, he could pursue the fame and generalship he had long dreamed of.

At this thought, clarity dawned in Qin Cheng’s heart, and a faint, bright smile appeared on his face.

…

Li Guang, prefect of Shanggu Commandery and garrison commander, held supreme military and civil authority here. Under his leadership, the local troops—numbering over ten thousand—might not be best equipped, but were undeniably strong and disciplined. Qin Cheng realized this deeply after half a day’s journey, upon reaching the Qiansang military camp.

The camp’s structures were not magnificent but were certainly sturdy, a typical military complex of the era. The soldiers at the gate and on the watchtowers stood tall and alert, their eyes sharp, clad in black armor, gripping long sabers or halberds—all exuding an atmosphere of grim resolve and burning bloodlust. The roars of thousands of soldiers training within echoed to the heavens, brimming with vigor.

At the checkpoint, Qin Cheng and his companions dismounted, leading their horses through the main gate. The moment he entered, the forceful atmosphere of the army struck him, sharpening his senses. As he saw the sweat-soaked or proud soldiers, he couldn’t help but praise them in his heart: these were truly the troops of a famed general—extraordinary in every way!