Chapter 67: Methods of Training Troops

After Qin Cheng had finished his playful tussle with Xiaolou, he noticed Liu Mu had already stepped out of the command tent. Liu Mu stood to the side, arms crossed, leaning against the doorframe, gazing at Qin Cheng with an indifferent expression.

Liu Mu did not offer any formal greeting to Qin Cheng.

Behind him, the physician Old Huang also emerged from the tent. Seeing Qin Cheng playing with Xiaolou, he chuckled and offered a respectful salute. “General Qin, seeing your vigor, I trust you are unharmed. That sets my mind at ease.”

Then, turning to Xiaolou, he scolded, “Xiaolou, don’t be so unruly! Have some manners!”

Qin Cheng cupped his hands in return, laughing, “It’s nothing, really. I was only struck twice by a black bear; the wounds are healed.”

“You were struck twice by a black bear?”

Old Huang and Liu Mu both froze in shock at his words, staring at Qin Cheng in disbelief. Xiaolou cried out in alarm, immediately wanting to examine Qin Cheng’s injuries. He squirmed under her inspection, laughing as he caught her hands, “Didn’t I just say? I’m fine; the wounds are healed.”

“A black bear’s strength wounds not only the flesh, but often the internal organs. General Qin, you must not be careless. Come, let me examine you properly,” Old Huang urged anxiously.

Qin Cheng considered for a moment, then relented, “Very well, I’ll trouble you.”

They entered the tent. Old Huang instructed Xiaolou to help Qin Cheng remove his clothing. As soon as Qin Cheng’s bare torso was exposed, Liu Mu quickly averted his gaze, looking elsewhere.

Old Huang conducted a thorough examination, checking pulse and asking questions, even having Qin Cheng perform several odd little tests. After nearly half an hour of inspection, Old Huang finally let out a sigh of relief, satisfied. “General Qin’s constitution is truly extraordinary. There’s no lasting harm, and your organs are unaffected. Still, this doesn’t mean you can ignore the trauma from the bear. I’ll prescribe some restorative medicine. Have your men fetch it and take it on schedule. Your health is of utmost importance to the army—do not be negligent.”

Qin Cheng, wearied by Old Huang’s endless admonitions, hastily agreed. Only then did Old Huang cease his lecturing, gave a few more genial laughs, and went off to write the prescription. Qin Cheng glanced at Liu Mu, who, upon meeting his eyes, looked away uncertainly.

“Physician Huang, how is Liu’s injury?” Qin Cheng asked directly.

“Oh! I’ve already examined him. Thankfully, there’s no grave harm—just considerable blood loss. I’ve prescribed tonics, and with a few days’ rest, he’ll be fine,” Old Huang replied. He glanced up at Qin Cheng, smiling. “Liu Mu is a brave young man who risked his life to save you. Such a friend is a rare fortune indeed.”

“I think so as well,” Qin Cheng laughed.

Liu Mu merely snorted, declining to reply.

Without further hesitation, Qin Cheng, unbothered by the presence of Old Huang and Xiaolou, walked up to Liu Mu and gave a deep bow. “You saved my life—a debt as vast as the heavens or earth. If not for you, I would no longer be among the living. Words cannot suffice; you must accept my deepest gratitude.”

Liu Mu waited for Qin Cheng to finish, then replied calmly, “General Qin exaggerates. It was nothing more than a simple act.”

“Not at all.” Qin Cheng smiled.

Xiaolou rolled her eyes at Liu Mu, silently pouting.

With the prescription written, Old Huang instructed Qin Cheng to have a soldier fetch the medicine and then took his leave with Xiaolou. Old Huang had been attending the camp day and night, which, for a man past fifty, was truly exhausting. Now that matters were settled, he was eager to rest.

With Old Huang gone, Liu Mu had no reason to stay either. He accompanied Qin Cheng to bid Old Huang farewell, then went his own way.

“Once again, you’ve troubled yourself for me, Elder Huang. I’ll be sure to invite you for a drink when time allows,” Qin Cheng said with a parting salute.

“It’s no trouble at all—merely my duty,” Old Huang replied with a smile. “But if you enjoy wine, I’d gladly share a drink or two with a young hero such as yourself.”

Qin Cheng laughed heartily. “It’s a promise. I’ll be sure to seek you out.”

As they parted, Xiaolou was reluctant to leave. Qin Cheng comforted her, promising to bring her sweets next time he visited Old Huang for drinks. Only then did she follow Old Huang away, though who could say if she would be truly placated by a bag of sweets.

“I didn’t expect you to be so popular with children,” Liu Mu remarked after seeing them off.

“It’s all right,” Qin Cheng replied with a grin. “Honestly, you’re more likable than I am; Xiaolou should be closer to you.”

Liu Mu rolled his eyes and let the conversation drop. Qin Cheng thought of inviting Liu Mu for a drink another day, but remembered he’d yet to fulfill his last invitation and felt it best not to mention it again. Seeing Qin Cheng had nothing more to say, Liu Mu took his leave. As they parted, their eyes met for a moment, a tacit understanding passing between them.

When Qin Cheng returned to his tent, he sent for Qin Qingzhi. During the previous operation, Qin Qingzhi had only been knocked unconscious and suffered no real harm. Since returning, Qin Cheng had seen him on the drill grounds. He was pleased with how Qin Qingzhi had led the disciplinary squad responsibly in his absence.

When Qin Qingzhi arrived, Ran Min had also just been delivered back to the tent by Li Hu.

“Sir!” Qin Qingzhi entered and saluted.

“No need for formalities, Qingzhi. Come, sit,” Qin Cheng smiled from behind his desk. “Tell me, what’s been happening in the camp while I was away?”

Qin Qingzhi straightened and began, “While you were gone, General Li was in charge. The new cavalry recruits began their training as you had arranged. Everything has proceeded smoothly these past days. The men often asked me and Li Hu about your whereabouts. After you left, seeing Liu Mu injured, we sent men to escort him back to camp. Li Hu and I then led a squad into the forest to search for you, but you moved too swiftly and we didn’t know the terrain. We searched half a day to no avail, and spent two more days searching the camp. Eventually, General Li recalled us to our duties, sending others to look for you. Even today, some brothers are still out searching.”

Qin Cheng nodded. “You’ve done well. The new cavalry recruits are now well into training, so the disciplinary squad’s mission is nearly complete. Tomorrow, your fifty men will join General Ji Zhu’s unit for further training.”

“Is this your way of sending me away, sir?” Qin Qingzhi asked in alarm.

“Not at all,” said Qin Cheng, smiling. “Your squad is mixed—some cavalry, some infantry. But you know, the cavalry will be the main force in the future. Since you’re to be my personal guard, you must first be qualified cavalrymen—no, excellent cavalrymen.”

“I understand,” Qin Qingzhi replied, enlightened. “I won’t let you down.”

Qin Cheng nodded. “As my disciplinary squad and future guard, you mustn’t embarrass me during training. Understood?”

“Understood!”

“Ran Min will join your unit as a regular soldier for now,” Qin Cheng added, looking at Ran Min. “Are you willing?”

“I obey your command!” Ran Min replied, saluting.

“Good. You’re dismissed.”

After they left, Li Guang soon arrived with his son Li Gan. The three exchanged greetings and sat. Li Guang spoke directly, “I’ve come on a personal matter to discuss with you.”

“Please, sir, go on.”

Li Guang nodded to his son. Li Gan stepped forward and knelt. “Private Li Gan requests to serve under General Qin, subject to your command!”

Qin Cheng understood but feigned confusion. “Sir, what do you mean? You are the overall commander. You need only assign tasks and inform me; there’s no need for such formality.”

Li Guang waved a hand. “Qin, as we’ve agreed, you command all the cavalry. I won’t interfere in cavalry matters. I’m sending my wayward son to your unit. Assign him as you see fit—don’t consider my position or let it affect your judgment.”

Qin Cheng nodded as if just understanding. “In that case, I will see to it.”

After a moment’s thought, he said, “Li Gan was previously granted the rank of Gentleman. Let him temporarily serve as squad leader. At the end of spring, when the cavalry recruits are mobilized, we can promote him further as appropriate.”

“Excellent,” Li Guang replied, stroking his beard. He glanced at his son and barked, “Ingrate, accept your post!”

Li Gan cursed Qin Cheng inwardly for giving him such a minor position, but at his father’s rebuke, he could only bow. “I accept, thank you, General Qin.”

“Rise, please,” Qin Cheng said. While Li Gan cursed him, Qin Cheng secretly resented Li Guang as well. Li Gan had little ability but plenty of arrogance—a troublemaker under his command would be a nuisance. Still, Qin Cheng had already resolved: if Li Gan behaved, all was well; if not, he’d deal with him harshly. After one lesson, the boy would not cause a second.

Once Li Guang departed, the tent grew quiet again, allowing Qin Cheng to focus on the state of the cavalry recruits.

The new cavalry was divided into three squadrons. Ji Zhu commanded the vanguard, with subordinate leaders Jiang He, Yue Yi, Dong Chu, and others. Of note, Jiang He was Dong Chu’s cousin—the same man who’d tried to cause trouble for Qin Cheng and ended up soundly beaten. Thanks to his achievements in the last battle, Yue Yi had been made deputy to Jiang He. Dong Chu, Wu Daliang, and others also served under Ji Zhu’s command. Though Qin Cheng now enjoyed considerable prestige, his foundation was still fragile. He had few close confidants, and Ji Zhu, Yue Yi, Dong Chu and their peers were his first circle of trusted aides. In time, this vanguard would become his most loyal force within the entire Shanggu army. When new recruits were called in the spring, Ji Zhu’s squadron would be expanded into a full cavalry unit.

As for the rearguard and left flank, formerly led by Ma Dashan and Zhao Lu, things were more complicated. Zhao Lu was now imprisoned, awaiting execution, and Qin Cheng had no intention of promoting former captains to fill these positions. He was fond of raising men up, not demoting them. For the new positions, he would select candidates himself.

His plan was to concentrate strength in Ji Zhu’s vanguard, making them the strongest fighting force among the new cavalry. This would facilitate the elite cavalry raids into the desert and attacks on the Xiongnu tribes, as discussed with Li Guang. The other squadrons would not be neglected, but resources would be allocated accordingly.

Following his strategy, Ji Zhu’s vanguard would be composed of light cavalry—perfect for swift, long-range strikes, employing speed and surprise. The heavy cavalry would serve as the main assault force in direct engagements.

Once his plans were set, Qin Cheng was informed by Qin Qingzhi that the disciplinary squad had been integrated into Ji Zhu’s vanguard. Qin Qingzhi and several skilled cavalrymen from his unit would henceforth rotate as Qin Cheng’s direct attendants.

Pleased with Qin Qingzhi’s understanding, Qin Cheng said, “Good. I was just about to check on Zhao Lu. Come with me.”

That morning, Qin Cheng had allowed the Xiongnu princess Kong Xiaonü to escape—an ambiguous decision. Now, it was necessary to see Zhao Lu.

As a major criminal, Zhao Lu had long since been transferred to the county jail by Li Guang. Qin Cheng and Qin Qingzhi rode there, arriving by dusk.

The prison was dark and dank, torches on the walls flickering, the air thick with mold.

In his previous life, Qin Cheng had been a kingpin of the underworld and loathed prison above all else. Ironically, he’d never been inside one. Now, in this life, his first visit was as an official, a bitter twist only he could truly appreciate.

Zhao Lu was confined to the death row cell. He was clean, showing no signs of torture. There was no need: Qin Cheng had caught him red-handed. The others captured with Zhao Lu were held separately.

When Zhao Lu saw Qin Cheng at his cell door, he glanced at him and looked away. Qin Cheng ordered the door opened, had Qin Qingzhi wait outside, and entered alone.

“Zhao Lu, we meet again. How are the accommodations?” Qin Cheng sat down, calm and unhurried.

Zhao Lu didn’t look at him. “I’m no longer a captain—now just a prisoner. Say what you have to say and get out. Don’t annoy me.”

Qin Cheng grinned, unruffled. “You’ve been here ten days, haven’t you? Has anyone spoken to you? Don’t you want to know what’s happening outside?”

Zhao Lu’s brow twitched. He shot Qin Cheng a cold look but didn’t answer the question, instead growling, “Qin Cheng, you’re so close—aren’t you afraid I’ll kill you?”

“Kill me?” Qin Cheng laughed aloud as if hearing a great joke.

“Is it that funny?” Zhao Lu’s tone was still icy, tinged with anger.

“If you could kill me, you wouldn’t be here,” Qin Cheng replied. “You’re nothing but a defeated pawn, discarded after use. If I were you, I’d have died of shame for betraying my country—how can you sit here as if nothing happened?”

“You—”

“What? Listen, Yizhi Xie is your family’s mortal enemy. Why serve him? Are you born a lackey, or is it just in your bones? You ignore a blood feud for the sake of the Xiongnu? Don’t feed me that nonsense about being unwelcome in Han lands; it’s all lies. In the face of profit, race means nothing. What did Yizhi Xie promise you? Do you really think you’d get it?”

“Qin Cheng!” Zhao Lu roared, about to rise, but Qin Cheng shoved him back against the wall, pinning him by the jaw.

“Zhao Lu!” Qin Cheng shouted. “You’re not a fool, but you betrayed your benefactors and called an enemy your master. Why? Just for some Xiongnu princess?”

He released Zhao Lu, straightened his own clothes as Zhao Lu stared in shock, and said coldly, “Let me be blunt: I spent ten days in a cave with your Xiongnu princess, and I—”