Chapter 137: Officials Gather Like Clouds

Near noon, on the official road from Baoanzhou toward Shunxiang Fort, a grand procession of the Viceroy’s banners and insignia marched with imposing momentum.

Dense rows of banners reading “Bestowed the Imperial Sword,” “Imperial Commissioner Viceroy of Xuan-Da and Shanxi Military Affairs, Provisions and Pay,” “Left Vice Minister of War,” “Right Assistant Censor-in-Chief of the Censorate” cleared the way, followed by a gigantic scarlet banner embroidered with a huge character “Lu”; behind the banner rode one after another of his towering, armored personal guards.

Behind these guards, Lu Xiangsheng rode his beloved Wumingji steed, gazing intently at the scenery around Shunxiang Fort. Beside him, Ji Shiwei, the Huailong Military Defense Circuit Intendant, rode alongside with a face full of honor.

Behind the two men followed Lu Xiangsheng’s trusted personal commander Chen An, as well as Lu Xiangsheng’s younger brothers Lu Xiangguan, Lu Xiangjin, Lu Xiangtong, and others.

Behind these people came Zhang Guowei, Assistant Regional Commander of the East Route of Xuanfu Garrison, and Mao Bin, Mobile Corps Commander of the East Route, and others — since the Viceroy was going to Baoanzhou Guard to comfort and commend the troops, they insisted on escorting him no matter what. Also, Li Yian, Garrison Commander of Baoan Guard City, despite his illness, insisted on riding behind on horseback; such a rare opportunity — even if he died on horseback from illness, Lord Li Yian deemed it worthwhile.

Behind Li Yian came the Garrison Commander Xu Zucheng, along with various officials great and small from Baoan Guard City and the prefectural city. To be able to follow behind the newly appointed Viceroy, they all felt an immense honor.

Behind these people followed their numerous household retainers and guards — though of course, their retainers could not compare with the personal soldiers Lu Xiangsheng had brought. Those personal guards were mostly old troops of the “Tianxiong Army” that Lu Xiangsheng had brought out from Great Ming Prefecture, utterly loyal to Lu Xiangsheng and ferociously brave in battle; in the future they would form the backbone of the Viceroy’s personal battalion.

After entering the territory of Shunxiang Fort, Lu Xiangsheng’s expression grew rather grave. When they neared Dongjiazhuang, Lu Xiangsheng opened his mouth and asked, “Shun Fort has been damaged so severely — could it be that apart from this fort, all the remaining fortified villages and military forts have been utterly destroyed?”

Ji Shiwei said, “The Baoan Garrison Commander reported that when the slave bandits invaded Shunxiang Fort, to prevent the slave cavalry from seizing them, the Garrison Commander of Shunxiang Fort ordered a scorched-earth policy, transferring wealth and population away. After the slave bandits withdrew, in order to vent their fury, they also destroyed all the forts completely.”

Lu Xiangsheng sighed, “The bandit slaves poison the Great Ming. Homes destroyed, wives and daughters scattered — how could Shunxiang Fort be the only place?”

Behind him rose a chorus of sympathetic sighs.

Lu Xiangsheng added, “Under such hardship, that Garrison Commander of Shun Fort could still take eighty heads. I am growing curious about him.”

Behind him, a variety of meaningful glances were exchanged.

……

Wang Dou was leading his men, looking out in front of the south gate of Shunxiang Fort, when suddenly he saw dust billowing from the east as several dozen riders came rushing over. When they drew near, it turned out to be Yang Zhichang, the Garrison Commander of the Five Forts. He loudly declared, “Hearing that the Viceroy is coming to Shunxiang Fort to offer comfort and commendation, I, your humble officer, upon learning this and fearing harassment by bandits, have specially brought the most elite retainers under my command to come provide escort.”

Ignoring the contemptuous looks from the people behind Wang Dou, he came up beside Wang Dou with a face full of smiles and saluted, “Lord Wang.”

Wang Dou understood Yang Zhichang’s intentions and did not expose him; he exchanged a few pleasantries with a smile and continued looking out.

Yang Zhichang stood beside Wang Dou and muttered to himself, “The Viceroy should be arriving soon.”

His face was full of nervousness — excited yet worried, unable to sit or stand still.

At last, a dense array of banners and insignia appeared in the distance. The imposing display made the faces of everyone at Shunxiang Fort change color. Yang Zhichang beside Wang Dou could not help but tremble all over involuntarily — this, perhaps, was the majesty and power of authority.

Wang Dou and the others hurried forward to greet them. The armored procession rolled toward them and stopped when it reached Wang Dou. Soon, the banners parted to both sides, revealing Lu Xiangsheng and the others riding sturdy horses in the middle.

Wang Dou led his people forward to kowtow and pay obeisance, respectfully welcoming Lu Xiangsheng’s party.

As Wang Dou kowtowed, he sensed many pairs of eyes fixed upon him. After a long moment, someone said, “You are Wang Dou? Rise.”

The voice was rather magnetic, with a very masculine quality.

Wang Dou gave thanks and stood up, stealing a glance at Lu Xiangsheng. He was very young, not yet forty, and indeed, as historical records described, fair-skinned and slender.

It was said that Lu Xiangsheng possessed immense strength and superhuman martial skill, using a great blade weighing nearly a hundred jin in training. What was even rarer was that, though a scholar by background, he excelled at managing armies and drilling troops, sharing weal and woe with his soldiers and charging into battle alongside them — he could be considered an anomaly among the commanders of the late Ming. Moreover, Lu Xiangsheng not only excelled at military command but was also skilled at farming; in his two years as Viceroy of Xuan-Da, he had stockpiled two hundred thousand dan of grain. A man accomplished in both pen and sword — it was a pity he was a tragic hero.

Just as Wang Dou was stealing a glance at Lu Xiangsheng, Lu Xiangsheng happened to look his way. Seeing Wang Dou sneaking a look at him, Lu Xiangsheng could not help but smile slightly.

He nodded approvingly and praised, “What a fine fellow! No wonder you could repel the bandit slaves and take eighty heads!”

He suddenly asked, “Wang Dou, you have fought the slave bandits — what is your impression of them?”

Wang Dou pondered for a long moment, then said, “The slaves excel in archery and horsemanship, and their armor and weapons are very sharp, yet they have not shed the nature of bandits. If our officers and men possess a resolve to die, it is not necessarily impossible to defeat them!”

Lu Xiangsheng nodded slowly. He had heard many people assess the Qing people — some were utterly terrified, elevating their battle prowess to the skies; others were contemptuous and dismissive, disparaging them to the dirt. An objective assessment like Wang Dou’s was quite rare. He praised, “Neither arrogant nor rash, facing squarely the strengths of both foe and self. Very good.”

As soon as these words were spoken, Wang Dou again felt numerous gazes fixed upon him. Many people were sighing inwardly — anyone could hear the appreciation in Lu Xiangsheng’s words toward Wang Dou. With such words from Lu Xiangsheng, Wang Dou’s future official career would surely be smooth. At the same time, they wondered: this Wang Dou looked like nothing more than a rough, boorish military man — how could he speak words of such caliber?

Only Yang Zhichang, seeing Lu Xiangsheng focus solely on Wang Dou, was rather disappointed.

After Lu Xiangsheng finished speaking, he slowly pressed his bridle and rode forward at a walk, deep in thought. Ji Shiwei, the Huailong Military Defense Circuit Intendant beside him, hurried to keep up, and as he passed by Wang Dou, he nodded at him approvingly. Next, Lu Xiangsheng’s personal commander Chen An, his younger brothers Lu Xiangguan, Lu Xiangjin, Lu Xiangtong, and the others also sized Wang Dou up a few times with curious eyes and nodded at him.

Coming up next was Zhang Guowei, Assistant Regional Commander of the East Route of Xuanfu Garrison, who nodded to Wang Dou and said, “Wang Dou, is it? You are very good.”

Mao Bin, Mobile Corps Commander of the East Route, also gave Wang Dou a friendly nod.

Li Yian, Garrison Commander of Baoan Guard, rode up. Gasping for breath, he insisted on staying on horseback. When he passed by Wang Dou, he stopped and said, “Wang Dou, attend beside me.”

Wang Dou hurriedly held his saddle and led his horse. Li Yian said, “Wang Dou, it seems the Viceroy holds you in great appreciation. You must seize this fine opportunity well.”

Garrison Commander Xu Zucheng said, “If there is anything you do not understand, feel free to consult me and the Garrison Commander at any time. You must remember: be cautious in words and prudent in deeds.”

Wang Dou said, “My lords, rest assured, your subordinate understands.”

Wang Dou walked alongside the two men as they talked. Yang Zhichang and the rest of the people from Shunxiang Fort could only follow at the very rear of the procession.

……

By now they were nearing the city gate. On the northwest side of Shunxiang Fort, large numbers of military households from Shunxiang Fort were busily working without pause, building their new homes. The scene was bustling with fiery energy, full of vitality and vigor. Seeing the imposing banners and insignia procession over here, they were both curious and awed, their gazes turning this way one after another.

Lu Xiangsheng was also watching the construction site over there. He looked very carefully. Suddenly he called out, “Wang Dou.”

Li Yian hurriedly said to Wang Dou, “The Viceroy summons you. Go quickly.”

Wang Dou begged pardon and hurried forward. Watching Wang Dou’s back, Li Yian nodded slowly. It seemed the Viceroy was quite appreciative of Wang Dou; he himself needed to win Wang Dou over even more.

After Wang Dou came up, Lu Xiangsheng asked again, “You said the slave bandits’ armor and weapons are very sharp — how then did you hold the fort and repel the caitiffs?”

Wang Dou said, “By relying on the daily drilling of the troops, the officers’ and men’s resolve to die, and our Central Kingdom’s deadly firearms.”

Lu Xiangsheng gave an “Oh,” pondered for a long moment, and said, “Wang Dou, assemble the troops within the fort. I wish to conduct a martial review and observe the formations.”

Wang Dou hurriedly said, “Your Excellency has come from afar and must be weary from the saddle. Please first enter the fort to rest.”

Ji Shiwei and the others also joined in urging him.

Lu Xiangsheng said, “No hurry. We shall speak after observing the drill.”

He looked at Wang Dou: “Wang Dou, would you be willing to lead my horse?”

Wang Dou hurriedly said, “It is your humble officer’s honor.”

Thereupon Wang Dou held the saddle and led the horse for Lu Xiangsheng. The party entered the parade ground outside Shunxiang Fort and arrived at the martial review hall. With Lu Xiangsheng at the head, everyone stood in two rows. Lu Xiangsheng specially had Wang Dou stand beside him.

Lu Xiangsheng said, “Wang Dou, assemble the troops.”

Wang Dou glanced at Han Chao. Han Chao understood and departed hurriedly. Very soon, those in the martial review hall heard the orderly sound of running footsteps. Lu Xiangsheng remained impassive, but the people behind him looked at each other in bewilderment — what sound was that, so uniform?

Suddenly everyone drew a sharp breath. They saw company after company of soldiers running into the parade ground in perfect order. Every one of them was fully armed, clad in iron armor, and even as they ran, their ranks did not fall into the slightest disorder — only a uniform booming sound could be heard.

These soldiers — one company of pikemen, one company of arquebusiers — entered company by company. Han Chao led the troops, running at the very front. When they reached the front of the martial review hall, Han Chao gave a command, and all the soldiers stood stock-still. Even at this moment, their ranks remained utterly undisturbed; from whichever direction one looked, they formed a straight line, requiring no last-minute dressing of the ranks whatsoever.

A buzz of discussion rose on the platform. Zhang Guowei, Assistant Regional Commander of the East Route of Xuanfu Garrison, and Mao Bin, Mobile Corps Commander of the East Route, both revealed expressions of disbelief. Ji Shiwei, the Huailong Military Defense Circuit Intendant, tugged at his beard in astonishment. Only now did Garrison Commander Li Yian and Garrison Commander Xu Zucheng understand how Wang Dou had been able to take so many heads.

Lu Xiangsheng’s eyes lit up, and his trusted general Chen An quietly remarked beside him, “Fine soldiers!”

Everyone on the platform clicked their tongues in wonder. Setting aside the fact that every one of Wang Dou’s two hundred-plus soldiers wore iron armor — which people merely attributed to Wang Dou’s knack for raising funds, nothing remarkable — what truly drew praise was that these two hundred-plus men were all uniformly young and able-bodied, every one of them standing ramrod straight, eyes fixed forward, their bearing composed. They were unmistakably battle-hardened veterans, elite warriors.

In particular, the heroic spirit they exuded dazzled the eye, making one feel a surge of strength, a vigor of youth. No one had imagined that a mere Shunxiang Fort could field so many ironclad elite soldiers!