[{"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-224":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},1205513,1561,"Chapter 224: Should We Grab a Handful?","a-little-soldier-of-the-late-ming-border-army-chapter-224",224,"\u003Cp>While everyone was still discussing, Lu Xiangsheng’s personal general Chen An came out and announced that Viceroy Lu summoned all the generals into the tent.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The men filed into the central army tent and saw that low tables had already been set up on both sides, laid with some wine and dishes. At the head of the tent, a table was likewise placed, and behind it Lu Xiangsheng sat in the center, speaking with Yang Guozhu on the left side of the tent.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Seeing the generals enter, he smiled and beckoned them to take their seats; it was clear that he was in excellent spirits.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hu Dawei sat at a table below Yang Guozhu. It was plainly evident that with this batch of military merits, among the three garrison regional commanders, the Xuanfu Garrison now held the foremost place in Viceroy Lu’s regard. Thus Yang Guozhu’s table was also placed at the uppermost seat on the left side of the great tent.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Datong Garrison Regional Commander Wang Pu sat at the upper seat on the right side of the tent. Like the Shanxi Garrison Regional Commander Hu Dawei, he could not help but look impatiently toward that young Mobile Corps Commander Wang Dou, who sat behind Yang Guozhu. Watching him sit there steadily, his face showing not the slightest trace of pride after a great victory, Wang Pu’s estimation of him rose a few more notches.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It was not only the two regional commanders; even the assistant regional commanders and mobile corps commanders of each garrison who entered the tent all cast their gazes toward Wang Dou one after another. Watching this young general now and then answer Viceroy Lu with deference, each man’s eyes held either admiration, envy, or jealousy — their expressions were by no means uniform.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Everyone took their seats behind their respective commanders according to the tables. The Xuanfu Assistant Regional Commander Zhang Yan who had come as reinforcement, along with Mobile Corps Commanders Li Jianming and Wen Hui, saw that Wang Dou’s table was placed at the upper seat behind Regional Commander Yang Guozhu. The central army personal general Guo Yingxian sat sprawled out, utterly unconcerned, but the three men were inwardly displeased. Yet there was nothing to be done — who could blame them for not having taken over two hundred Tartar heads themselves? They could hardly fault the military governor for valuing Wang Dou so highly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Thereupon Zhang Yan took his seat below Wang Dou, Guo Yingxian sat below Zhang Yan, and Li Jianming and Wen Hui sat in the second row behind Yang Guozhu.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>By now it was already noon, and most of the men had not yet eaten. Many officers were overjoyed to see wine and meat on the tables before them. But quite a few secretly picked up the wine flasks and sniffed, only to be disappointed: there was not the slightest scent of wine inside; what was poured was actually tea.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>When they looked again at the small table before Viceroy Lu, it was likewise set with a pot of tea, and on the table there was not even any meat — only a large bowl of coarse rice and a few small dishes of vegetables. Lu Xiangsheng was observing mourning rites for his father. Apart from wearing hempen mourning clothes in daily life, he also strictly adhered to ritual propriety, drinking no wine and eating no meat.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Seeing that all the generals were seated, Lu Xiangsheng smiled and poured a cup of tea. He rose to his feet and declared in a ringing voice, “Today news of victory has spread: our Xuan Garrison officers and soldiers have taken over two hundred heads, boosting our Great Ming’s military morale and crushing the slaves’ arrogance! This Viceroy has already dispatched a victory report by swift horse to the capital; I expect that before long, His Majesty’s commendation will arrive!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He cast a smiling glance at Yang Guozhu and Wang Dou and said, “Today’s great victory was achieved because Regional Commander Yang directed operations with calm assurance and General Wang risked his life in service to the nation. The slave situation is pressing, and drinking wine would impair our duties, so let tea take the place of wine. Generals, let us raise our cups to Regional Commander Yang and General Wang in celebration!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>With a clang of iron armor, everyone rose to their feet. Raising their cups, they said in unison, “To Viceroy Lu, to Military Governor Yang, to General Wang.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The sound was like rolling thunder, and they all drained their cups in one draught.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lu Xiangsheng laughed heartily. Once everyone was seated, he declared in a ringing voice, “Today’s great victory shows the slaves’ true nature: fierce in appearance but cowardly within. So long as our officers and men all harbor a heart willing to sacrifice for the nation, we can certainly deal the slaves a heavy blow and make them dare not look down upon our Great Ming, from highest to lowest!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He looked at everyone in the tent, his expression filled with earnest expectation.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Datong Garrison Regional Commander Wang Pu was the first to rise and say in a loud voice, “We shall forever remember the Viceroy’s teachings: be loyal, brave, and fearless; slay the enemy and serve the nation.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After him, everyone expressed their resolve one after another. Lu Xiangsheng nodded repeatedly, his expression deeply gratified.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wang Pu used tea in place of wine and first toasted Yang Guozhu. Then he poured another cup of tea, looked toward Wang Dou, and said with a smile, “Only today have I learned of the tiger-like might of Xuan Garrison’s General Wang. General Wang, this military governor shall use tea in place of wine to toast you.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Everyone in the tent looked toward Wang Dou. Wang Dou rose to his feet and said in a clear voice, “I dare not; it should be this humble officer toasting Military Governor Wang instead.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The two men raised their cups from a distance and drained them in one draught.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Afterward, Shanxi Garrison Regional Commander Hu Dawei also rose. He likewise first toasted Yang Guozhu, then said to Wang Dou in a deep voice, “General Wang, this military governor also toasts you — over two hundred slave heads taken! A true man!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Looking at this veteran general, Wang Dou dared not be remiss. He rose again and from a distance drank another cup with Hu Dawei.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The two garrison regional commanders personally toasted Wang Dou, and many in the tent were both envious and jealous. No doubt after today, Wang Dou’s name would swiftly rise to prominence, at least spreading his renown throughout the three garrisons of Xuan-Da. Xuanfu Assistant Regional Commander Zhang Yan and Mobile Corps Commanders Li Jianming and Wen Hui looked at Wang Dou beside them, feeling extremely uncomfortable at heart.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lu Xiangsheng watched all this with a smile, and Yang Guozhu also nodded with a faint smile.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Then Lu Xiangsheng raised his chopsticks, and the tent fell silent. Everyone began wolfing down their food. As he ate, Lu Xiangsheng seemed to be pondering something. With Lu Xiangsheng seated at the head, the generals reined in their usual unrestrained martial manner, and each man ate with considerably more refinement. Still, with hungry bellies, every one of them swept clean the tea, rice, and meat before them.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After everyone had eaten and drunk their fill, Datong Garrison Regional Commander Wang Pu suddenly seemed to recall something and said respectfully to Lu Xiangsheng, “Viceroy, the army’s grain and fodder are running low. What do you think…?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hearing him say this, the others also looked one after another toward Lu Xiangsheng at the head of the tent. Clearly, the problem Wang Pu raised was common to all the garrisons.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lu Xiangsheng said in a deep voice, “Gentlemen, you need only devote yourselves to killing the rebels with peace of mind. As for the matter of grain and fodder, this Viceroy will naturally find ways and means.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Because each man’s defense line was close to the main Qing force, and to guard against any sudden change, after the feast everyone departed in haste.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At parting, many people warmly came up to exchange a few pleasantries with Wang Dou, expressing their admiration. Wang Pu was especially cordial, clapping Wang Dou on the shoulder several times. After exchanging a few more words with Yang Guozhu, he left the camp, hurriedly mounted his horse, and rode away.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wang Dou and Yang Guozhu left Lu Xiangsheng’s main camp. At parting, Yang Guozhu said to Wang Dou, “Viceroy Lu has already dispatched the victory report by swift horse to the capital. I expect His Majesty’s commendation will arrive before long. The army is now short of grain; if the Viceroy allocates grain and fodder, I will certainly not forget your unit.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After a moment’s thought, he added, “Should the slaves mount a large-scale assault on your position, you may send word by swift horse, and this military governor will certainly lead troops to reinforce you.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He patted Wang Dou on the shoulder and nodded at him with approval, then mounted his horse. His personal general Guo Yingxian said to Wang Dou with regret, “A pity we could not drink wine today. General Wang, another day we two brothers shall not return until we are thoroughly drunk.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He gave Wang Dou a heavy punch on the chest, then mounted his horse and galloped off with Yang Guozhu.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhang Yan, Li Jianming, and Wen Hui also said to Wang Dou, “General Wang, congratulations.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The three men cupped their fists to Wang Dou in farewell and departed, each leading his own personal guards away.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wang Dou returned to his own defense post, the village fort. The place was bustling with activity, and everyone was still animatedly discussing that morning’s battle.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Seeing Wang Dou return, they all gathered around with keen interest, asking repeatedly about the old gentleman Viceroy’s reaction after meeting him. Wang Dou recounted everything in detail. Hearing that Viceroy Lu was overjoyed beyond measure and that two garrison regional commanders had personally toasted their general, everyone looked at one another in delight. Now their Baoan Army had truly made a name for itself; wherever they went, they could hold their heads high.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After another bout of jubilation, everyone finally quieted down. Wang Dou then summoned Li Guangheng and a few others to commend them and instructed the garrison disciplinarian Chi Dacheng to carefully record their merits and spoils. Afterward, Wang Dou summoned the Night Scout Company Commander Wen Daxing for questioning, telling him to report in detail what he had heard while out scouting these past days.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Before Wang Dou, even a man as fierce and ruthless as Wen Daxing was utterly respectful. He carefully reported what he had learned on his scouting missions these past few days, saying, “This humble officer and his scouts have learned that the two Tartar armies have now converged west of the river at Tongzhou, and all the boats and vessels on the canal have been burned by them. The Tartar army’s encampments stretch for a hundred li, all the way to the Zhangjiawan area of Tongzhou.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He also said, “This humble officer interrogated several captured Tartar soldiers. The Tartar officers are now deploying their troops and seem to have intentions of moving south toward Baoding and Zhending.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At this point, he glanced at Wang Dou with admiration. The general was uncanny — how did he know the Tartar soldiers would move south toward Baoding and Zhending? If that were truly the case, when their own army went there to fight, the terrain maps of each area had already been drawn, and large quantities of grain and fodder had been stockpiled in Baoding Prefecture and other places. The soldiers would have ample food and clothing, and they would not have to worry about grain and fodder supply the way they did now in the capital region.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Han Zhong also grinned broadly and said, “The general’s divine calculations are truly those of a prophet, a man of godlike foresight.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It was rare for him to utter such bookish phrases, and with him starting it, a chorus of praise followed from the others.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wang Dou laughed and said, “Alright, alright, no more bootlicking.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He said to Wen Daxing, “Company Commander Wen, continue.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wen Daxing continued his report and provided a very important piece of intelligence: “Much of the grain, rice, camels, horses, and fodder that the Tartars have plundered is stockpiled in places like Zhangjiawan and Gaolizhuang.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He regretfully licked his lips: “A pity — those places are barely a dozen li from the Tartar main camp. Otherwise, if we could raid them, our several thousand troops would have no worries at all about grain, rice, and fodder.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wang Dou’s heart stirred. “Have you scouted the detailed enemy situation in that area?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wen Daxing said, “This humble officer led the night scout brothers and did capture a few Tartar prisoners near Zhangjiawan — they are Tartar garrison troops from that area. But we returned in haste and did not have time to interrogate them.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wang Dou said in a deep voice, “Interrogate them now. Use any torture necessary; you must obtain the disposition of the slave forces in Zhangjiawan and the other places.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A bloodthirsty gleam flashed in Wen Daxing’s eyes, and he eagerly took the order and left.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Afterward, everyone sat inside the house to discuss. Han Zhong said, “General, this humble officer believes we could launch a surprise raid, seize a few thousand dan of grain and fodder, and then leave. Right now our army has only ten days’ worth of grain left. If we do not send troops to plunder, I fear we cannot hold out much longer.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wen Fangliang expressed concern: “That place is too close to the Tartar main camp. The Tartars have many cavalry; tens of thousands of Tartar soldiers could arrive in the blink of an eye. With our mere few thousand men…”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At this point, he shook his head, clearly thinking very poorly of this operation.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhong Diaoyang said in a deep voice, “Perhaps we could inform Viceroy Lu, Military Governor Yang, and the others. If the great army of the three Xuan-Da garrisons acted together, our chances of victory would be considerable.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Han Zhong had also thought of this point and voiced his agreement repeatedly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wen Fangliang said, “I fear that among the officers and men of the three garrisons, none would dare to go.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Everyone fell silent. If they had not divided their forces at Changping, fifty thousand troops might still have had a fighting chance — but now… And even so, attacking solely to seize grain would probably be denounced as absurd by many officers, making it hard to win anyone's support.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>They discussed for a while but found no good solution. Wang Dou also pondered in silence, uncertain. This plan was far too risky — there was the danger of failing to seize the grain and instead being encircled by tens of thousands of Qing soldiers. He could not afford to throw away his mere few thousand troops entirely.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>With no clever plan for the moment, he went to the neighboring room to watch Wen Daxing interrogate several Qing prisoners. Waves of piercing, wretched screams came from within. Wen Daxing was barking fierce questions at the Qing prisoners in Manchu. The prisoners were covered in wounds, yet only glared at Wen Daxing with furious eyes, roaring unceasingly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wen Daxing grinned savagely. \"Won't talk? Watch what your grandpa can do!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He secured the Qing soldier whose hair had grown out the most, then took a rusty file. Grabbing the man's queue — the money-rat-tail braid — he slashed a cut across his forehead, then worked the file under the scalp. With his left hand he pulled hard. The Qing soldier was in unbearable agony, his whole body convulsing, his eyes bulging, as if at that moment he truly regretted ever coming into this world.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Slowly more of his scalp peeled open, revealing the bloody, stark-white skull beneath. Suddenly Wen Daxing let out a great shout and ripped the entire scalp off the Qing soldier's head. The scalp was a blur of mangled flesh and blood. The Qing soldier screamed as if heaven and earth were splitting, then passed out from the pain.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wen Daxing admired the scalp in his hand with keen interest for a moment, then turned beaming to the three remaining Qing soldiers. \"Are you going to talk?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Though he was smiling, his expression was utterly ferocious.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The three prisoners had long since abandoned any role as tough men. Every face was drained of color; one had even wet his pants in terror. They could only nod desperately.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wen Daxing praised them. \"Now that's more like it.\"\u003C\u002Fp>",2806,"2026-06-03T14:05:36.780Z",1,"Novelzhen Translator","b4e9cb76a4568f600da133af7811ab6fbe74a811bdce8ccbf86a36bafa5334eb","a-little-soldier-of-the-late-ming-border-army-chapter-225","a-little-soldier-of-the-late-ming-border-army-chapter-223",896,"https:\u002F\u002Fnovelzhen.com\u002Fimages\u002Fcovers\u002Fa-little-soldier-of-the-late-ming-border-army-cover.jpg"]