Chapter 51: The Cavalry Commandant Marshals the Troops

"General Ji, tell me about the current composition of your troops," Qin Cheng said, inviting Ji Zhu to sit after Zhao Lu and Ma Dashan left the command tent.

Ji Zhu understood that Qin Cheng was asking about the ranks among his men, and replied, "Among the officers, there is only one Tuen Commander, one Squad Leader, and two Decurions left. The rest are ordinary garrison soldiers. However, quite a few of these garrison soldiers have distinguished themselves in battle and were granted titles in this round of awards. Take Yue Yi, for instance—General Qin, you know him. The lad is quite promising; he slew twenty or thirty enemies and was directly awarded the title of Fifth Gentleman. But without men under their command, these titles are purely honorary for now."

"How many received titles?" Qin Cheng asked.

"My unit has twenty-three men who received titles," Ji Zhu answered, unable to conceal the pride in his expression.

"Excellent. Later, make a detailed list of everyone’s titles and bring it to me—I have use for it," said Qin Cheng. In his heart, he mused, "If they all received titles, why say only 'quite a few' did?" After a moment's thought, he continued, "That Tuen Commander in your unit, is his name Jiang He?"

"Indeed, Jiang He. Does General Qin know him?" Ji Zhu inquired.

"We've only met once," Qin Cheng smiled. This Jiang He was a relative of Dong Chu and the cavalry commander who gave special attention to Yue Yi. After Qin Cheng had thrashed Dong Chu, Jiang He sought to avenge him, but Qin Cheng had put him down with a few moves. Afterwards, Jiang He even declared he would one day reclaim his honor.

As Qin Cheng was conversing with Ji Zhu, a guard reported a visitor. Qin Cheng asked Ji Zhu to step out and had the visitor shown in.

Soon, an elderly man and a young boy entered the tent. The old man’s hair was snow-white, yet his complexion was rosy and his eyes shone with vigor. Behind him, a boy of eleven or twelve clung timidly to his sleeve, half-hiding behind the elder as he looked around the military tent.

Seeing the pair, Qin Cheng greeted them with a sincere smile. He rose from his desk, clasped his hands to the old man, and said, "What brings the esteemed physician here? Please, have a seat." Then, glancing at the boy, he teased, "Little Lou, why are you always clinging to your master’s sleeve? Are you afraid I’ll eat you?"

The old man and the boy were none other than Old Huang, the army physician who had tended Qin Cheng’s wounds after the last great battle, and his apprentice, Xiaolou.

"Afraid of you? As if I’d let you do anything to me." Xiaolou mustered his courage, let go of the physician, and raised his chin at Qin Cheng. But as he did so, he got a clear look at the general’s black armor. Having spent some time with the physician, he recognized that Qin Cheng’s armor was different from that of ordinary soldiers. His bravado faltered, and he stammered, "Brother Qin, you... you’ve become a general?"

"Why, weren’t you just saying you weren’t afraid of me? If I’m a general now, let’s see if you dare feed me medicine from a dog’s bowl again!" Qin Cheng deliberately put on a stern face to scare him.

Xiaolou’s face blanched, but seeing the amusement in Qin Cheng’s eyes, he realized he was being teased. Instantly, his face turned red, and he waved a little fist at Qin Cheng in mock defiance. "Next time I’ll use Da Huang’s food bowl! You’re always asleep anyway, you’d never notice—hmph!"

"Xiaolou, enough foolishness!" Old Huang scolded. Once Xiaolou obediently stood by his side, the old physician turned to Qin Cheng and said, "General Qin, when you recovered and left the infirmary, I instructed you to return in half a month for a follow-up. The time is past, and still you have not come. I understand your military duties are heavy, but you mustn’t neglect your health. So I took it upon myself to come check on you. The wound on your back is not something to be treated lightly."

"I truly forgot about it these past days," Qin Cheng admitted a little sheepishly, thinking that the old physician was truly dedicated—if he lived in the future, he’d surely be counted among the top ten doctors. Whether his medical skills were the best or not, his devotion alone would make him an internet sensation. Then he wondered, would the old man charge exorbitantly for this house call? But then again, it would be at public expense anyway, so he had no need to worry about the fee. He smiled and said, "Then I’ll trouble you, physician."

Clearing his throat, he shot Xiaolou a look and barked, "Xiaolou, come and help your general remove his armor!"

Xiaolou was taken aback by the general’s mock-serious shout, but quickly recovered, muttering something under his breath as he reluctantly began to unbuckle Qin Cheng’s armor under the combined pressure of Qin Cheng’s and Old Huang’s gazes.

Qin Cheng rarely indulged in such mischief, but Xiaolou’s chubby, cherubic face made it hard to resist teasing him. Perhaps this was his most unusual hobby since coming to this era.

Xiaolou was a clever little rascal—his eyes often flashed with a knowing light. He probably realized he could no longer use the dog’s bowl to give Qin Cheng his medicine, so he sought a new way to take his revenge. With the mindset of a petty man who never lets a grudge lie overnight, he took the opportunity, while helping Qin Cheng undress, to twist and pinch the general’s skin as much as he could. He had hoped to pinch off a chunk of flesh, but, finding nothing but taut skin, he settled for twisting the skin itself—unbeknownst to him, this was even more effective than meat, and Qin Cheng was forced to grimace in pain.

After examining the wound, Old Huang said with satisfaction, "General Qin, Heaven favors the virtuous. There’s no trace of injury left."

"It’s all due to your miraculous hands," Qin Cheng said, snatching his armor from Xiaolou and donning it himself with a laugh.

"Since your wound is healed, I’ll take my leave," Old Huang said, standing and bowing to Qin Cheng.

"The food here in camp is rather plain, I fear you wouldn’t enjoy it. Next time I’m in the city, let me treat you to a proper banquet," Qin Cheng replied, finishing dressing and not forgetting to pinch Xiaolou’s cheek. "You, a strapping young lad, why do you have such fair, delicate cheeks? You look just like a girl—it’s most vexing!"

"Bah!" Xiaolou retorted angrily. Were it not for the need to keep his identity secret, he would have thrown back his head and declared, "I am in fact a proper girl!"

Qin Cheng walked the physician and Xiaolou out of the camp. He reached to ruffle Xiaolou’s head, but Xiaolou slapped his hand away, grumbling, "If I stop growing because of this, will you take responsibility?"

Qin Cheng found the child most amusing and laughed. "If you were a girl, I certainly would."

Xiaolou shot him a fierce glare and muttered, just loud enough for himself to hear, "And you call yourself a general—what poor judgment."

As they were about to leave, Xiaolou glanced back at Qin Cheng, a trace of reluctance in his eyes. "Don’t forget what you promised me before—I’m waiting!"

Qin Cheng was momentarily perplexed, but by the time he remembered, Xiaolou and Old Huang were already far away. Watching their backs, Qin Cheng smiled and murmured, "Children of this era truly are endearing."

Back in his tent, Qin Cheng opened the "Chronicles" on his desk and began to study. Whenever he had a spare moment these days, he would read military treatises and ponder how to build a powerful cavalry force. After all, if he followed conventional training, it would be hard to forge an invincible cavalry. Yet, aside from following standard procedures, he could think of no better alternative—he certainly couldn’t produce cannons in this era, which didn’t even have gunpowder, nor did he have the skills to make it.

After a morning of diligent study and reflection, a guard announced another visitor—this time, men from within the camp: Dong Chu and Wu Daliang, both from the old Eighteenth Decurion.

Seeing Qin Cheng, the two bowed formally and said, "Subordinates pay respects to the Cavalry Commandant."

Qin Cheng helped them up, already suspecting their purpose. Smiling, he said, "No need to stand on ceremony. Didn’t we agree to call each other brothers from now on? Have you both forgotten?"

Dong Chu and Wu Daliang became uneasy. Now that Qin Cheng held such lofty rank, calling him brother felt inappropriate. Seeing their discomfort, Qin Cheng did not press the matter—this was not the modern world; the sense of hierarchy was too strong. So he asked, "After the titles were awarded, I never got a chance to ask—what ranks did you receive?"

Dong Chu and Wu Daliang exchanged glances before Dong Chu replied, "Reporting to the Commandant, I was granted the title of Gentleman, and Wu Daliang was awarded the title of Zanniao."

"Not bad," Qin Cheng nodded. "With your new titles, you’ll surely be promoted to official posts when new recruits are brought in. Daliang, you’ll be at least a Squad Leader."

Wu Daliang blushed and smiled shyly, wringing his hands in front of his belly or placing them at his sides in turn.

"It’s all thanks to your guidance, General," Dong Chu said. "All the brothers of the Eighteenth Decurion know you’re our greatest support, our pillar."

Qin Cheng smiled and waved his hand. "Let’s not talk of pillars and support. As I’ve said before, let’s all help each other."

"Yes, we all remember your words well," Dong Chu replied. After a pause, he glanced at Qin Cheng, hesitated, took a deep breath, and said, "Daliang and I actually came to ask a favor."

"Speak freely," Qin Cheng said, looking from Dong Chu to Wu Daliang.

"We heard the army is expanding the cavalry, drawing men from the chariot and infantry units," Dong Chu began, watching Qin Cheng carefully. "Everyone wants to join the cavalry, but we don’t know if we’ll be chosen, so Daliang and I came to ask if you could..."

At this point, Dong Chu fell silent, visibly nervous and embarrassed.

The old Eighteenth Decurion had two others besides Dong Chu and Wu Daliang.

"Of course," Qin Cheng said with interest, giving a noncommittal answer. "It’s not easy for any of you to have survived. The new cavalry camp needs experienced chariot and infantry veterans. I know your capabilities—so long as you pass the tests, I’ll see to it that you’re included."

"But if you can’t even pass the basic tests, don’t ask me for help. In fact, best not to claim you’re from the Eighteenth Decurion at all—I’d be ashamed."

Qin Cheng was being candid: if they couldn’t pass the tests, he had no use for them; but if they did, he would certainly cultivate loyal followers. Whether he could promote them to high office was another matter, but he wouldn’t hesitate to keep them at the core of his force.

Dong Chu, being sharper, understood at once. He stood and bowed, "None of the brothers from the Eighteenth Decurion are cowards, General. Rest assured, we won’t bring you shame!"

"Good." Qin Cheng smiled meaningfully. He wasn’t worried Dong Chu would speak out of turn, and Wu Daliang was even less of a concern. In Qin Cheng’s view, Wu Daliang had probably just come along at Dong Chu’s urging—he would never have come to ask a favor on his own.

Yet this time, Qin Cheng was mistaken.

After hearing Qin Cheng’s words, Wu Daliang’s face did not brighten; instead, it darkened further, making Qin Cheng wonder. "Daliang, stay. I have something to say to you," Qin Cheng said.

Dong Chu, though puzzled, saluted and withdrew from the tent.

"Speak your mind. There’s no need to hide anything from me," Qin Cheng said to Wu Daliang.

Wu Daliang looked at Qin Cheng, hesitated, lowered his head, and seemed even more uncomfortable.

Sensing his inner turmoil, Qin Cheng said gravely, "Don’t worry, Daliang. I’ll make sure you get into the new cavalry camp."

Wu Daliang suddenly looked up, but his eyes quickly dimmed again. He dropped to his knees. "General, I’ve shamed you!"

Qin Cheng helped him up and patted his shoulder. "You looked after ‘me’ before. Now that you’re in trouble, I won’t leave you to fend for yourself. Some things you needn’t say—I understand. Even if you can’t speak of certain matters, I won’t pry. After all this time together, I know what kind of man you are."

"General!" Wu Daliang, now in his forties, was choked with emotion. "I’m useless, always causing you trouble."

"Nonsense. With your years of service, you have experience far beyond Dong Chu and the others. War isn’t fought by the sword alone—sometimes it takes a sharp mind," Qin Cheng said. "I kept you not just out of old friendship but because of your insight. Remember what you said at Hulu Du last time? That alone proved your value."

He was referring to when Wu Daliang had pointed out that resting the troops at Hulu Du was safer than halting in the woods—a detail Qin Cheng remembered well. Wu Daliang was clearly worried he’d fail the cavalry test and wanted help but was too proud to ask directly. Qin Cheng knew Wu Daliang wouldn’t have come to him if he didn’t have a compelling reason.

Wu Daliang wanted to say more, but Qin Cheng waved him off. "Enough. No need to feel guilty—just prove yourself in future. If there’s nothing else, you may go."

"Thank you, General!" Wu Daliang composed himself, bowed again, and left.

The next day, the selection of new cavalry instructors was finalized. When Qin Cheng inspected the five hundred drillmasters on the drill field, Li Guang appeared at just the right moment, making clear his support for Qin Cheng to the entire army.

These five hundred cavalry instructors would not only train the new cavalry but also assess chariot and infantry soldiers. Qin Cheng delivered a brief speech—more focused on responsibility and discipline than on rousing rhetoric. He could make exceptions for Wu Daliang, but that did not mean the instructors could do the same for him. If there were problems in selection or training, they’d arise more likely from the recruits than the instructors, but who knew what trouble these temporary drillmasters might cause? Qin Cheng was certain issues would crop up, so he made the rules crystal clear in front of everyone. That way, if he ever had to punish someone, no one could accuse him of being unfair.

Qin Cheng maintained his principle: without iron discipline, there could be no effective army. Discipline could not rely on self-restraint—such hope was futile. Give an inch, and they’d take a mile. Restraint was essential; punishment necessary; and, of course, rewards were another form of restraint.

After the speech, Qin Cheng organized these makeshift drillmasters into units according to military protocol. Those with higher rank or titles now held higher command. Notably, all eighteen cavalrymen from Ji Zhu’s company were made officers under Qin Cheng, swelling his core force from eighteen to nearly a hundred overnight. It wasn’t that Qin Cheng didn’t want Ji Zhu to have more control, but these things had to be absorbed gradually—one couldn’t expect to swallow a fat man in one bite. This cadre, along with future recruits, would form the absolute loyal core of Qin Cheng’s new cavalry. In time, should any other promising talents emerge, Qin Cheng would not hesitate to draw them in. As for Zhao Lu and Ma Dashan, they were already cavalry captains, so—