[{"data":1,"prerenderedAt":-1},["ShallowReactive",2],{"origin-a-little-soldier-of-the-late-ming-border-army":3,"chapter-a-little-soldier-of-the-late-ming-border-army-a-little-soldier-of-the-late-ming-border-army-chapter-15":6},{"origin":4,"title":5},"chinese","A Little Soldier of the Late Ming Border Army",{"chapter":7,"nextChapterSlug":19,"prevChapterSlug":20,"totalChapters":21,"novelImage":22},{"id":8,"novel_id":9,"title":10,"slug":11,"index":12,"content":13,"wordcount":14,"created_at":15,"updated_at":15,"volume":16,"translator":17,"content_hash":18},1205304,1561,"Chapter 15: Returning Home","a-little-soldier-of-the-late-ming-border-army-chapter-15",15,"\u003Cp>In the afternoon, several fast horses galloped along the road from Jingbian Dun to Xinzhuang, kicking up waves of hoofbeats.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The riders all wore the Great Ming soldiers' winter leather coats and felt caps, with bows and waist sabers at their hips and long spears tied to their saddles. Though their uniforms were worn and old, every man had a fierce, capable look. The warhorses beneath them, in particular, were all sturdy and well-fed — a rare sight around Bao'an Department. These riders were none other than Wang Dou, Han Chao, and their three companions.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Later Jin troops had already withdrawn, and many military-household commoners were busy working in the fields along the road. The closer they got to Xinzhuang, the more people there were. Watching Wang Dou and his group gallop past, many faces showed expressions of envy — tattered clothes but spirited horses, what a satisfying sight.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Even more people cast looks of reverence. Wang Dou and his men had become famous throughout Xinzhuang: nine men went out to fight and killed ten Tartars, and that Wang Dou in particular killed five Tartars all by himself — a true hero. If all the Great Ming's soldiers were like them, the realm would have been at peace long ago.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Look at the horses beneath them — seized from the Tartars. Such fine horses, they truly made people's eyes burn with envy.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wang Dou rode at the head on that date-red warhorse, and as he looked around, he carried a bold, self-assured air. All along the way, people inside the village called out greetings to them, and when Wang Dou gave them a slight nod, each person's face lit up as if they had gained great face.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Among the five, Gao Shiyin was also present. Having been promoted to Squad Leader, he likewise needed to go to Dongjiazhuang to collect his commission, so he traveled with the group. Word had it that he was now riding high — spending gleaming silver freely aside, after Wang Youjin, the Jia Chief of Julu Dun, was transferred away, Gao Shiyin was also very likely to become the new Jia Chief of Julu Dun. Promotion and wealth — therein lay the joy. In his pleasant mood, even his usual fierce glare had softened considerably.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>When the horses reached the entrance of Xinzhuang, the crowd of onlookers grew even larger, and the affectionate calls of \"Brother Wang\" rang out without end. No matter how wretched Wang Dou's reputation in Xinzhuang had been before, now he had become a legend the village took pride in. When people talked about him in other villages, everyone's face gained luster.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Especially when they saw the sturdy, well-fed horses the men rode, many onlookers clicked their tongues in admiration, repeatedly saying that the Tartars were born to the saddle and the horses they raised were simply different. They added that only a hero like Brother Wang could seize such fine warhorses.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>However, more of the women and children kept their distance, watching and discussing from afar. Wang Dou being a village man was one thing, but the men following behind him looked anything but easy to get along with — especially Gao Shiyin, tall and broad, his face full of cross-grained flesh, his eyes always shooting fierce glints, enough to stop strangers in their tracks.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wang Dou kept clasping his fists in return salute from horseback. No matter how things had been before, now he had returned home in glory, and before his fellow villagers, he had to maintain some decorum. Han Zhong, Qi Tianliang, and the others followed behind Wang Dou, also holding their heads high, looking unbearably proud and self-satisfied.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Just as they were about to enter the village, Wang Dou suddenly heard an exceedingly warm voice ring out: \"Oh, it's Squad Leader Wang back! Is military duty keeping you busy? We've seen little of Squad Leader Wang returning to the village lately. If you have time, please stop by my humble home for a chat — we fellow villagers should gather properly.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wang Dou turned his head and saw Village Head Jiang An approaching from the right side of the village wall, his face full of smiles as he cupped his hands and bowed. Wang Dou hurriedly clasped his fists in return. Jiang An was a prominent figure in Xinzhuang, and maintaining good relations with him would benefit both himself and his family. At the same time, Wang Dou thought that Jiang An truly lived up to being Village Head — his information was indeed quick; Wang Dou had just been promoted to Company Commander and hadn't even received his commission yet, but Jiang An already knew.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Everyone nearby heard Jiang An's words, and their expressions all froze for a moment. Then all kinds of shocked gazes turned toward Wang Dou. They had long heard that this Wang family lad was destined for rapid advancement, but they hadn't expected he really had been promoted — and by two full ranks at once.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A Company Commander was at least a Rank 7 official, the same as the County Magistrate. Though perhaps not quite as imposing in prestige, he was still an official nonetheless, and what was even rarer was that Wang Dou was still young. It seemed the Wang family was truly about to prosper. In that moment, the expressions of the surrounding crowd grew even more respectful, and the news of Wang Dou's promotion to Company Commander spread swiftly through their hushed murmurs.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Looking at Wang Dou before him, Jiang An also sighed inwardly. In the past, this Wang Dou had been nothing but a fool and a coward, looked down upon by everyone in the village. Over the years, the Wang family's fortunes had declined further and further, to the point where they even had to rent oxen from his own family to plow their fields. He had been eyeing their farmland and homestead all along.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He never expected that this big fool Wang Dou would suddenly seem to change his nature, propping up the family fortunes all at once. With military merits and spoils, he bought oxen and dug a well — and word had it he was about to renovate the house. Moreover, Wang Dou had been promoted straight to Company Commander and gained the favor of his superiors. It truly made one envious. How could a man's luck turn so fast?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Watching Wang Dou's sturdy frame riding on that swift horse, looking so proud and pleased, Jiang An felt deeply unsettled. Looking further at the men behind him, Jiang An was secretly even more alarmed. Those Ming soldiers were all tall and powerfully built, with fierce, battle-hardened bearing. They carried the strong air of men who had shed blood and seen real action. Even the retainers under the Garrison Commander he had seen back in the guard city might not necessarily match them.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jiang An had heard plenty: just these few men had killed ten real Tartars. The horses between their legs were seized from the Tartars, and they had captured a great deal of spoils. Looking across the entire Bao'an Guard Department, who else had such ability?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In truth, with just these few men, they could swagger unchecked through Xinzhuang. And all these men obeyed Wang Dou. With that power, plus his promotion to Company Commander... it seemed the Wang family had truly changed. From now on, he would have to properly cultivate ties with their family.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Thinking this, Jiang An's expression grew even warmer. The two exchanged a few pleasantries, agreed to find a time to gather, and then smilingly cupped their hands and went their separate ways.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After Wang Dou and his group left, the crowd behind them erupted into noise like a boiling pot.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Arriving at his own doorstep, Wang Dou saw some masons and tilers busy in front of his family's courtyard wall, doing the work of repairing the mud walls and roof tiles. Off to the side, some idlers squatted or stood watching and chatting.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>When they saw Wang Dou's group of five approach, each riding a tall horse, their frames towering and imposing, and each man carrying bows and long spears on their backs, the oppressive force was immense. Everyone present stood up in awe, and the several masons also stopped their work in unison, looking fearfully at Wang Dou and his men.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A fellow villager who knew Wang Dou came forward with a face full of smiles: \"So it's Brother Wang back! We were just talking about you. Tsk tsk, what a coincidence...\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He walked into the inner courtyard and called out ingratiatingly, \"Fourth Aunt, Fourth Aunt, Brother Wang is back.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wang Dou and his five men dismounted and led their horses into the courtyard. Behind them, a string of chatter followed: \"So that's Brother Wang, no wonder... tsk tsk, look at those horses, truly sturdy...\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Inside the courtyard, several women were helping with firewood. When they saw Wang Dou leading a horse in, followed by one sturdy horse after another, they all paused for a moment, then greeted Wang Dou with warm familiarity: \"Oh, Brother Wang is back, you've found time today.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>They all looked enviously at Wang Dou and his men's horses, praising them endlessly: \"Look how handsome these horses are, tsk tsk...\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>These women were all the Wang family's immediate neighbors. Wang Dou smiled and greeted them. Just then, Lady Zhong's delighted voice came from the inner room: \"Dou'er is back?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Then Lady Zhong and Xie Xiuniang emerged from the house, still holding rolling pins in their hands.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lady Zhong walked in front, her hair combed meticulously as always. One could see her complexion was very good, and she seemed to have grown much younger. Not to mention the several bolts of cloth Wang Dou had brought home, even before these outsiders, she was now dressed in clean, decent clothes.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xie Xiuniang's small frame was also dressed in clean, tidy clothes. Her complexion was much rosier, no longer as pale as before. Although she and Lady Zhong were still as frugal as ever, for the past month Wang Dou had insisted they not skimp on food. After a month of such nourishment, Xie Xiuniang's complexion had clearly improved greatly; she no longer looked as if a gust of wind would knock her over.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wang Dou walked forward and called, \"Mother. Xiuniang.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lady Zhong smiled and said, \"Just today Xiuniang and I were saying you might come back, and I didn't expect you really did. Is military duty at the dun busy?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Seeing Wang Dou, Xie Xiuniang was also full of joy and softly called, \"Brother.\" Then she obediently stood behind Lady Zhong, though her eyes remained fixed on Wang Dou.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wang Dou replied, \"It's all right, not too busy.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At this, Han Chao and the others also came forward to pay their respects to Lady Zhong. Lady Zhong cheerfully invited them to sit, and together with the women helping with firewood, the crowd packed the courtyard full.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Han Zhong shouted, \"What I love most is the white-flour noodles the Old Madam makes!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This fellow, after visiting Wang Dou's home a few times, had become fixated on the white-flour noodles Wang Dou's mother made.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lady Zhong was also very fond of this rough, bold young man. She laughed and said, \"Today is indeed a coincidence — the house is being renovated, and all the neighbors have come to help. In a while, I'll let Brother Han eat his fill.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Then she happily scolded Wang Dou: \"I told you, saving that silver for your wedding and celebrations, but you insisted on using it to renovate the house. Isn't that just wasting silver?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xie Xiuniang beside her immediately blushed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wang Dou smiled slightly and said, \"Mother, don't worry about silver. Your son will find a way.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He thought for a moment and added, \"Oh, tomorrow I still need to go to Dongjiazhuang to collect my Company Commander commission. At that time, the Company Commander will host a banquet for us in the village. Xiuniang will come along too.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Company Commander commission?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lady Zhong, in a voice loud enough for the neighbors next door to hear, exclaimed, \"My son has been promoted to Company Commander?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Every gaze in the courtyard focused on Wang Dou. Wang Dou nodded affirmatively.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A collective gasp rose in the courtyard. Lady Zhong's eyes reddened, and she suddenly rushed into the inner room. Everyone hurriedly followed and saw Lady Zhong kneeling before her husband's spirit tablet, weeping uncontrollably. She cried out to the tablet, \"His father, do you see? Our son has finally made something of himself.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Her tears fell like rain, as if she wanted to pour out all the bitterness and hardship of these years.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wang Dou leaned against the doorframe and watched quietly, seeing his ordinarily stubborn mother weep aloud, a hundred mixed feelings churning in his heart. Xie Xiuniang supported Lady Zhong at her side, her eyes glistening as she glanced back at him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Several women also offered consolation at her side. One woman said, \"Fourth Aunt, Brother Wang being promoted to Company Commander is a happy event. You should be joyful.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Under everyone's consolation, Lady Zhong finally stopped her tears. She wiped her eyes and said, \"Yes, yes, I won't cry, I won't cry. I'm happy, just happy.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Supported by the others, she stood up, lightly patted her own head, and said with a chuckle, \"Look at me, just talking and forgetting the work. See this memory — I really am getting old.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Everyone laughed. Lady Zhong instructed Wang Dou to properly entertain the guests, then cheerfully went into the kitchen. At this moment, her face was full of radiant spirit, as if all the bitterness and gloom of these years had vanished. Xie Xiuniang also cast a joyful glance at Wang Dou and followed closely behind Lady Zhong.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>By now, the way everyone in the courtyard looked at Wang Dou had changed. Every face was full of envy, awe, and ingratiating expressions. The way everyone addressed Wang Dou had changed as well — no one dared call him \"Brother Wang\" anymore; instead, everyone respectfully called him \"Company Commander Wang!\"\u003C\u002Fp>",2364,"2026-06-03T14:05:19.908Z",1,"Novelzhen Translator","15817a9984bfc5eda7566a9e121db0883252b1288e180867f817fd6fe443266b","a-little-soldier-of-the-late-ming-border-army-chapter-16","a-little-soldier-of-the-late-ming-border-army-chapter-14",896,"https:\u002F\u002Fnovelzhen.com\u002Fimages\u002Fcovers\u002Fa-little-soldier-of-the-late-ming-border-army-cover.jpg"]