Chapter Sixty-Five: The Ring-Pommel Saber

Qincheng brought Ran Min along, and after breakfast, they set out for the county city. Now without horses, the two relied entirely on foot, walking half a day before reaching the military camp. The sentries recognized the returning Cavalry Captain and hurried to report inside, while Qincheng and Ran Min strolled into the camp at a measured pace.

After a few steps, they saw Li Guang emerge, surrounded by Ji Zhu and others. Upon seeing Qincheng return safely, Li Guang burst out laughing with delight. “Qin Lang, you’ve finally come back! Where have you been these past days? You’ve had us all worried sick! Are you alright?”

Qincheng saluted and replied with a smile, “That day, I went after those two fugitives and accidentally ventured deep into the mountains. Though I did kill them, I lost my way. While wrestling a black bear, I was wounded, so I stayed in the mountains to recover. Once I healed, I finally made my way out and was fortunate to be rescued by the three Ran brothers, which is why I could return safely. I must have caused everyone much concern.”

“As long as you’re safe. While you were away, I had to personally oversee the camp. Fortunately, you had already arranged most of the cavalry recruits’ training, so it wasn’t too strenuous for us. Now that you’re back, we can finally breathe easy!” Li Guang clapped Qincheng’s shoulder, then, noticing Ran Min behind him, asked, “Is this the man who saved you?”

“Greetings, General Li!” Ran Min cupped his fists in salute.

“This is Ran Min, the youngest of the three Ran brothers. His courage is extraordinary, and his archery exceptional, so I brought him back to serve in the army,” Qincheng explained.

“If you value him, he must indeed be capable.” Li Guang looked Ran Min up and down with approval. “The Han needs talents like you, Ran Lang, to defend our homeland and destroy the Xiongnu. Since you’ve joined the camp, you must work diligently under General Qin’s guidance. He is one of our finest generals—young men should learn from the worthy! Li Hu, take him to be registered.”

“Yes, sir!” Li Hu stepped forward.

“I’ll remember the general’s teachings!” Ran Min replied fervently, bowing again.

“Go with Li Hu for now. I’ll assign your duties later,” Qincheng told him.

“I await your orders in all things.”

“Come, Qin Lang, tell me how you survived these past days,” Li Guang said, leading Qincheng into the command tent. “Oh, and there are some matters I wanted to discuss with you.”

Inside the command tent, the officers took their seats. After brief pleasantries, Li Guang turned to serious business. “A few days ago, His Majesty sent the first batch of cavalry equipment—one thousand fine warhorses and various arms. Of particular note are five hundred long sabers called ‘ring-hilted swords.’ They are unlike ordinary blades, both in appearance and sharpness. When struck against a regular saber with force, the latter snaps instantly. I’ve never heard of such weaponry before. Since you returned today, you must see for yourself!”

Qincheng’s eyes lit up—finally, something worthwhile had arrived. He rose. “Where are these ring-hilted swords? I’d very much like to see them.”

“Li Gan, fetch one here,” Li Guang ordered.

“General, if the swords are so remarkable, one isn’t enough to judge. Why don’t we all go to the armory and inspect the new equipment together?” Qincheng suggested.

“Very well, let’s go.”

At the armory, the ring-hilted swords were displayed in the most prominent spot—five hundred identical blades, neatly arranged, creating an impressive sight. Qincheng walked among them, running his hand reverently over each hilt as if caressing a beloved woman, his eyes burning with fervor. Of everyone there, only Qincheng could envision how these swords would transform the Han cavalry’s combat prowess.

The Xiongnu were skilled horsemen, but their sabers were mere wrought iron, far inferior in hardness to the ring-hilted swords. In any clash, the latter would easily snap the former. In this era, the ring-hilted sword was truly a legendary weapon, able to slice through iron as if it were mud. Of course, as to why, in the later years of Emperor Wu’s reign, the Han cavalry—despite being equipped with such “advanced” weapons as the ring-hilted sword and blood-sweating horses—still frequently lost to the Xiongnu, the reason must be sought in the commanders of the time. Historically, during the early reign of Emperor Wu, generals like Wei Qing and Huo Qubing defeated the Xiongnu and drove them west, but never fully exterminated them. Especially in the later years, the Han army often suffered more defeats than victories, and the threat to the borders remained unresolved. By the emperor’s twilight years, both sides had to resume the marriage alliance policy. Whatever reasons history offers in defense of Emperor Wu, to a ruler who devoted his life to combating the Xiongnu, it was a bitter irony. Even after his reign, the Han Dynasty frequently clashed with the Xiongnu.

Ever since arriving in this era, Qincheng had thought about permanently eliminating the Xiongnu threat to the Central Plains. The only solution was to utterly destroy or assimilate them; all other policies were mere illusions. Even centuries later, Emperor Taizong of Tang’s appeasement of the northern nomads was simply nurturing a future peril. When the Central Plains weakened, the nomads would always invade again. Possessing such foreknowledge, Qincheng was keenly aware of this truth. He had never entertained the idea of appeasing such inherently predatory peoples—assimilation or annihilation were the only ways to safeguard Chinese civilization.

Now, as Qincheng gazed at the five hundred ring-hilted swords, he could already envision the Han cavalry galloping across the desert, himself leading them to glorious victory over the Xiongnu. Five hundred swords might not seem much, but wielded properly, they would become a razor-sharp vanguard, multiplying the army’s might ten- or a hundredfold. And in time, more “advanced” arms would arrive for the Han.

Qincheng abruptly drew a ring-hilted sword. Cold light flashed; the blade radiated killing intent. Even one who had seen many Tang and Swiss blades in later ages could not help but praise it: “What a magnificent sword!”

Li Guang, seeing Qincheng’s enthusiasm, ordered a regular saber brought forth and, standing three paces away, raised it. “Come, let’s test the sharpness of this blade!”

Qincheng nodded. The ring-hilted sword met Li Guang’s saber in a fierce collision. There was a crisp sound—the saber broke in two!

Li Guang laughed heartily. “Well, Qin Lang, do you believe me now? This ring-hilted sword is truly formidable. Once our cavalry is equipped with these, what have we to fear from the Xiongnu?”

“You are absolutely right, General. This is a rare weapon indeed. It seems His Majesty is fully committed to developing our cavalry in Shanggu. We must not disappoint his expectations!” Qincheng sheathed the blade.

After leaving the armory, Li Guang discussed further matters regarding the equipment sent by Liu Che, then turned to the issue of cavalry recruit training. “The fifteen hundred new cavalrymen have begun their basic drills. Since their skills vary, we need to divide them into groups for separate training, so that the best can be made battle-ready as soon as possible—time is of the essence. Last time, the Xiongnu’s Left Wise King suffered a heavy blow; I fear he may seek revenge. I’ve dealt with him for years—he’s not one to accept defeat meekly. Even if Yizhixie restrains him, it’ll only prevent a full-scale invasion. Honestly, our border garrisons united need not fear their main cavalry force; it’s their small raiding parties—swift to strike, swift to vanish—that are most troublesome. Against those, all we can do is strengthen our defenses and evacuate the people to the forts. The Han army really has no better answer!”

“I also intended to divide the recruits for targeted training. I’ll begin at once to achieve results swiftly,” Qincheng replied seriously. “As for countering Xiongnu raids, I have two suggestions.”

“Oh? What are they?”

“The first is a permanent solution: dispatch a large army into Xiongnu territory, inflict a devastating blow, and make them fear to graze their horses south of the border. This, however, must wait until our cavalry is truly elite. The second, which can be implemented sooner, is to send small, elite cavalry units to harass their tribes—fight fire with fire, wear them down with constant raids so they’re too busy to invade us. This is a strategy Shanggu can use right away.”

Li Guang pondered, then nodded. “Both are fine plans. The second, though, might provoke them into launching a major invasion. With our current strength, we may not be able to resist—it could bring trouble.”

“No,” Qincheng answered with conviction. “The Xiongnu will not launch a full invasion lightly. Should they do so, it would mean a great war and massive plunder, which requires long preparation. When such a time comes, they will move south regardless of our provocations.”

Li Guang thought for a moment and agreed. “Qin Lang is right, that is exactly so. In that case, let us use the second method for now—train a force of elite cavalry capable of long-range raids. These five hundred ring-hilted swords will be put to good use!”

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Today’s chapter is still three thousand words. I’ll definitely make up for the word count I owe in the coming days, but I’m really too busy right now. I hope everyone will understand.