Chapter 14: Volume One: Beacon Tower Soldier — Chapter Fourteen: Promotion and Reward

Volume One: Beacon Tower Soldier — Chapter Fourteen: Promotion and Reward

Before the two could climb down from the tower, they saw the gate open and heard Han Zhong’s booming voice shake the air: “Brother Wang, Big Brother, Head Zhang from Dongjiazhuang is here — get down here quick!”

The drawbridge was lowered, and three men strode proudly into the fort: none other than Zhang Tanggong, head of the retainer squad under Zhang Gui of Dongjiazhuang, along with two attendants.

Zhang Tanggong walked at the front, head high, surveying everyone inside the fort with an air of superiority. Today he wore a full leather jacket and a fox-fur hat, giving him a rather tough, capable look. His two attendants led horses behind him, also dressed in leather jackets and leather trousers with fur hats, their expressions brimming with a sense of privilege.

Zhong Dayong was the first to go forward and exchange pleasantries with Zhang Tanggong. Zhang Tanggong’s manner was haughty; he merely traded perfunctory laughs with Zhong Dayong. Although he was only a squad leader, he was the trusted confidant of Company Commander Zhang Gui, and on ordinary days he lacked no flatterers, so even before an equal like Zhong Dayong he carried himself just as loftily.

Still, he smiled and said something to Zhong Dayong. Zhong Dayong’s face lit up with astonished delight, and for a moment he seemed speechless. His wife, Madam Wang, also exclaimed joyfully at his side: “Father, is it true — have you really been promoted?”

Zhong Dayong came to his senses and laughed loudly: “If Brother Zhang has said it, how could it be false?”

Just then Wang Dou and Han Chao walked over. Catching sight of Wang Dou, Zhang Tanggong ignored Zhong Dayong and strode up to him with a smile: “Brother Wang, your elder brother here brings you congratulations. The military merit rewards from above have come down. You have been honorably promoted to Platoon Leader, appointed to the post of Squad Commander of Jingbian Fort — a substantive promotion of two full ranks. Truly a cause for joy and celebration.”

His expression was warm and cordial, utterly different from the one he had shown Zhong Dayong. Wang Dou listened, stunned for a moment, then wild joy surged in his heart — he had finally risen in rank!

At this, everyone in the fort crowded around, and only under Zhang Tanggong’s explanation did each person understand.

During this Later Jin incursion, under the Chongzhen Emperor’s stern pressure, the former Viceroy of Xuan-Da, the three garrison Provincial Governors, and the Regional Commanders were all ultimately convicted and banished to frontier exile; the three garrison supervising eunuchs were likewise all reduced to menial army laborers. In addition, a great many others lost their official caps. However, because of the timely military merit reported by Baoanzhou Guard this time, the cap of Ji Shiwei, the Military Defense Circuit Intendant of Huailong, was preserved. He therefore felt great goodwill toward Baoan Garrison Commander Li Yi’an, and he vigorously fought for the merit rewards of the local Baoan officers and soldiers.

The newly appointed Viceroy and Provincial Governors also needed this merit. Through maneuvering on all sides, the Xuanfu Regional Inspector’s verification and reporting of merit this time was unprecedentedly swift. After he rapidly checked the roster and submitted it to the Ministry of War, the Ministry’s review was equally fast, and the promotion and reward results soon came down — the whole process took only a month, a rare instance of high efficiency in the Great Ming court.

Zhang Tanggong of course could not possibly understand the high-level maneuvering, but as Zhang Gui’s trusted man, he knew a great deal about the internal details within the Baoanzhou Guard.

Word had already spread: the number of people promoted and rewarded throughout the Baoan region this time was large.

Garrison Commander Li Yi’an, for governing the troops effectively, was commended by imperial decree from the Emperor and promoted one rank, appointed as Assistant Regional Military Commissioner of the Wanguan Regional Military Commission, while still serving as Garrison Commander of Baoan Guard City.

Xu Zucheng, Garrison Commander of Shunxiang Fort, was promoted from his original Battalion Commander rank to Assistant Guard Commander of Baoan Guard, transferred to the post of Drill Officer of Baoanzhou City.

The former Vice Battalion Commander of Shunxiang Fort, Xu Zhongjun, was promoted to full Battalion Commander, appointed as Garrison Commander of Shunxiang Fort.

The former Company Commander of Dongjiazhuang, Zhang Gui, was honorably promoted from full Company Commander to Vice Battalion Commander, while still serving as Company Commander of Dongjiazhuang.

The various chiefs above, having gained rank and fortune, naturally did not forget the bitter battle toil of those original soldiers. At Jingbian Fort and Julu Fort, because of this military merit, Squad Commander Zhong Dayong was honorably promoted to Probationary Company Commander, transferred to the post of Deputy Officer of Huiyao Fort. Wang Youjin was promoted to Acting Honorary Platoon Leader, likewise transferred to Huiyao Fort to serve as Squad Commander.

Wang Dou was promoted directly from soldier to Platoon Leader, substantively appointed as Squad Commander of Jingbian Fort. The Han Chao brothers were appointed Acting Platoon Leaders, substantively appointed as Squad Leaders. Gao Shiyin and Qi Tianliang were promoted to Squad Leaders. Each person also received varying amounts of reward silver for heads taken and spoils captured. As for the four who died in battle, Ma Ming and the others, their families each received varying amounts of condolence silver, and the memorial tablets of the three Night Scouts would also be invited into the garrison city, with annual altars set up for offerings.

As Zhang Tanggong laid it all out one by one, everyone inside the fort burst into cheers — only Yang Tong’s face was filled with bitterness.

……

Looking at Wang Dou, Zhang Tanggong’s heart was also full of emotion. This kid, so young and already promoted to Platoon Leader — back in the day, how many years had it taken him to grind from soldier up to Platoon Leader? But Wang Dou was someone Company Commander Zhang thought highly of, and as a subordinate of Commander Zhang, he naturally had to stay aligned with his superior.

Moreover…

Zhang Tanggong smiled again: “Today, besides bringing Brother Wang the happy news of your promotion, your elder brother here is also entrusted by Company Commander Zhang to specially invite Brother Wang to a banquet at Dongjiazhuang. Commander Zhang has personally prepared a feast to celebrate for Brother Wang. And what’s more, the newly appointed Defense Commander Xu arrived at the estate yesterday and also specifically asked to meet you, Brother Wang!”

At these words, everyone in the fort was startled. They had not imagined Wang Dou was so favored by his superiors — even the new Defense Commander Xu Zhongjun wanted to receive him in person. This really was… Never mind the envious looks of the others, even Zhong Dayong watched Wang Dou full of jealousy. This kid’s luck was simply too good; even Commander Xu wanted to see him personally — truly his ancestors must have burned high incense. Why did he himself not receive such treatment? And he was still the superior Squad Commander here.

Wang Dou was also overjoyed. Not only had he risen two ranks, he had also gained such favor from his superiors — it seemed his spring had truly arrived. Yet his face showed no trace of smugness; toward Zhang Tanggong he remained respectful and courteous. Zhang Tanggong observed this and nodded inwardly — this kid was a steady one after all.

After a few more words, Zhang Tanggong took his leave. He told everyone to go to Dongjiazhuang the next day to collect their commissions and waist tallies; Zhong Dayong was to go directly to Shunxiang Fort to collect his commission.

From the moment he entered Jingbian Fort, Zhang Tanggong had spoken warmly only with Wang Dou, while his manner toward Zhong Dayong remained cool. After all, from now on Wang Dou would be the master of Jingbian Fort, and he was someone Zhang Tanggong’s own superior valued. Moreover, Zhong Dayong would soon be transferred to another fort, belonging to a different chain of command. Given Zhang Tanggong’s character and way of doing things, he could hardly be bothered to pay him much attention.

As he was about to leave, Zhang Tanggong recalled something and said: “Ah, yes — I hear Brother Wang already has a wife? When you come to the banquet tomorrow, bring your honored lady along. This was specifically instructed by our mistress!”

Wang Dou respectfully agreed, and also pressed a tael of loose silver into Zhang Tanggong’s hand, saying it was a small token of regard from the brothers in the fort. The two attendants were each given a few mace of silver as well. This made all three of them very happy, and their gazes toward Wang Dou grew gentler, thinking that this Wang Dou certainly knew how to handle people.

After the three left, the fort was filled with an atmosphere of jubilation. Han Zhong shouted and hollered, beside himself with joy.

Qi Tianliang grinned from ear to ear, saying repeatedly: “Never thought old Qi here would see the day he rose to Squad Leader — truly the ancestors have shown their power.” His wife, Madam Tao, also pressed him at his side: “Father, have you really been promoted to Squad Leader — is it true?” Qi Tianliang said proudly: “How could it be false?”

A few of them beamed with delight; only Han Chao remained somewhat composed.

Amid the joy and cheer of everyone in the fort, only Yang Tong stood awkwardly to one side. His heart was bitter — these days had been hard. Not only was he ostracized within the fort, but he also had no share of the captured spoils. Watching others eat white flour and rice every day, often with meat, while he could only eat wild greens day after day — this life was truly unbearable. His wife, Madam Liu, also nagged him daily, saying he didn’t know how to get along with people, vexing him beyond endurance.

Now everyone had been promoted except him — the loss of face was simply too ugly. More importantly, from now on this fort would be Wang Dou’s domain, and he had gravely offended him. How would he get through the days ahead? Thinking of this, Yang Tong’s heart grew deeply fearful.

……

Wang Dou turned his head and congratulated Zhong Dayong: “Congratulations to Head Zhong on your promotion to Company Commander!”

Zhong Dayong looked at Wang Dou, also full of emotion. Once upon a time, this Wang Dou had been nothing but a great fool under his command, someone no one in the fort looked up to. Who would have thought that in the blink of an eye he would soar to success? He was now a completely different man, possessing this extraordinary martial prowess and the favor of his superiors — it seemed his future prospects were limitless… Hmm, times had changed; he had better build good relations with him.

Thinking this, Zhong Dayong forcibly suppressed the jealousy in his heart. His plump, oily face broke into a blooming smile, and his high, thin voice was deliberately softened: “Joy shared is joy doubled, Brother Wang. Your elder brother here owes it all to your good fortune. After all, we are brothers who came out of the same fort. Though we won’t be in the same fort from now on, we should still keep close ties!”

Wang Dou said: “Head Zhong speaks rightly!”

Both men burst into laughter.

Zhong Dayong and his wife went back into their room to whisper privately — who knew what they were discussing. Wang Dou stood before the stone tablet, gazing at everything within the fort, his heart full of emotion. From now on, he would be the master of this fort; he had finally toiled and waited for this day.

When his gaze fell on Yang Tong, he saw him offer an ingratiating smile. Wang Dou coolly turned his face away. A bootlicker like this was useless to keep in the fort; later he would find some pretext to drive him away.

Seeing Wang Dou’s expression, Yang Tong grew even more terrified in his heart. Ignoring the eyes of everyone around, he gritted his teeth and suddenly dropped to his knees, kowtowing repeatedly to Wang Dou: “Brother Wang… Head Wang, this lowly one was blinded by lard before and failed to recognize Head Wang’s goodness. I beg Head Wang, as a great man, not to hold a grudge against a petty one. From now on, this lowly one will toil like an ox or a horse, serving at your saddle and bridle.”

Having said this, he kowtowed again and again. His wife, Madam Liu, likewise knelt and pleaded with Wang Dou.

Watching this scene, everyone in the fort was shocked, and then sighed. Qi Tianliang, who on ordinary days could at least exchange a few words with Yang Tong, boldly said to Wang Dou: “Head Wang, Yang Tong has done many wrong things in the past, but he knows his mistakes now. We’re all brothers from the same fort — what do you think?”

Wang Dou pondered for a long moment. Although this Yang Tong had been disrespectful to him before, that was only in the past. Back then, who in the fort had ever shown him respect? People were all pragmatic; the way he had been before truly could only invite bullying.

But times had changed. If he could tolerate Han Zhong, Qi Tianliang, and the others who had been disrespectful to him in the past, he could likewise be magnanimous toward this Yang Tong — as long as he was respectful from now on. After all, they had all come out of the same fort, and having an extra pair of hands was good. Besides, this Yang Tong did have some skill in fawning and serving others, which could be of some use. Of course, since he had not shared life-and-death trials with him, it was impossible for him to enjoy the same treatment as Han Chao and the others.

He looked at Yang Tong for a long while, and only when Yang Tong was restless with anxiety did he say coolly: “You and your wife, rise! Let past matters rest. As long as you loyally follow me from now on, I will not treat you poorly.”

Yang Tong was overjoyed. He kowtowed repeatedly, then scrambled to his feet, his face and eyes full of tears. His wife, Madam Liu, was also utterly delighted.

Wang Dou then said to Han Chao: “Brother Han, take a dou of rice and two jin of meat to Sister-in-law Yang. These days must have been hard for them.”

Since that day, Wang Dou had handed over management of all the captured grain, chickens, sheep, and the like to Han Chao. On this point Wang Dou was very forceful — even Zhong Dayong could not interfere.

Hearing this, Yang Tong and his wife were even more overwhelmed with tearful gratitude.

Han Chao acknowledged the order, and Madam Liu joyfully followed him to get the rice.

After saying this, Wang Dou felt a slight urge to sit. In a flash, Yang Tong darted over and brought a chair — the only chair in the fort, which had previously been reserved for Zhong Dayong’s exclusive use. Wang Dou sat down, while Yang Tong stood to one side with lowered head and submissive eyes, constantly watching Wang Dou’s expression.

Wang Dou nodded inwardly. This felt rather good. Keeping this Yang Tong as a servant would do nicely.

Although Zhong Dayong was inside his own room, in such a small space every sound was heard clearly. He could not help feeling deeply sour. Seeing that he was about to leave, everyone in the fort had changed — even Yang Tong, who had once been the most respectful toward him, had thrown himself into another’s embrace. It seemed he would be going to his new post all alone.

And then to think that he was to go directly to Shunxiang Fort to collect his commission, while Wang Dou was to be personally feted by Zhang Gui — the difference in treatment was truly vast. Thinking of this, his heart grew even more bitter, and finally he let out a long sigh.

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