[{"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-226":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},1205515,1561,"Chapter 226: Dividing the Troops Again, Winning Over","a-little-soldier-of-the-late-ming-border-army-chapter-226",226,"\u003Cp>Second, Xie Yike's words stirred a foreboding feeling in Wang Dou's heart, and sure enough, startling news soon arrived.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>An imperial edict came down from His Majesty. It did not commend the soldiers of the Xuan-Da army for their achievements, but instead harshly rebuked Lu Xiangsheng, stripping him of his title as Minister of War, demoting him to Right Vice Minister of War, recalling his imperial sword, and subjecting him to a thorough scolding.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Xuan-Da soldiers erupted in an uproar, whispering among themselves. The day before, Army Supervisor Gao Qiqian had suffered a crushing defeat at the hands of the enemy at Lugou Bridge and Wanping City; Wanping City itself was burned. Gao Qiqian in turn impeached Lu Xiangsheng for hoarding troops and avoiding battle. Because Wanping City and Lugou Bridge had been occupied, His Majesty believed Supervisor Gao's slander and issued this harsh edict.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Word also spread that Gao Qiqian and Yang Sichang had not even submitted a memorial on the great victory at Xuanzhen.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At the same time, Wang Dou also heard that Hanlin Academy Compiler Yang Tinglin had been demoted and assigned to Lu Xiangsheng's army as an advisor. It turned out that Yang Tinglin, indignant that Yang Sichang was \"jealous of merit,\" had submitted a memorial impeaching Yang Sichang, which read: \"With Nan Zhong within the court, Li Gang achieves nothing; with Qian Shan wielding power, Zong Ze dies in resentment. When a state has such ministers, it bodes ill for the frontiers.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After reading it, the Chongzhen Emperor flew into a rage: \"Li Gang achieves nothing, Zong Ze dies in resentment — am I then Emperor Gaozong of Song?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At Yang Sichang's suggestion, the Chongzhen Emperor appointed Yang Tinglin as a Secretary in the Bureau of Operations of the Ministry of War, demoted to serve as an advisor at Lu Xiangsheng's front.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Before this news could settle, another thunderbolt arrived: the newly appointed Viceroy of Xuan-Da, Chen Xinjia, had already reached the capital, and His Majesty had resolved to let him command a portion of the Xuan-Da troops. The soldiers of the three Xuan-Da garrisons would once again be divided.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This matter spread like wildfire; throughout the camps of the three Xuan-Da garrisons, officers and soldiers were all discussing it, and military morale was in turmoil.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Sure enough, early the next morning, Wang Dou and the other officers of the three Xuan-Da garrisons were summoned once more to Lu Xiangsheng's camp. There, Wang Dou saw the newly appointed Viceroy of Xuan-Da, Chen Xinjia. Compared to the indignant and desolate Lu Xiangsheng, he was brimming with high spirits.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It seemed that over the matter of dividing the troops, Chen Xinjia and Lu Xiangsheng had engaged in a fierce struggle. The final result was: Lu Xiangsheng would command the three garrison Regional Commanders, with the rest being various Mobile Corps Commanders. A portion of the Assistant Regional Commanders would fall under Chen Xinjia's command. Lu Xiangsheng's Viceroy Personal Battalion was also split in two: fewer than a thousand men — the Tianwei Army, Lu Xiangsheng's direct-line troops whom he had brought from Great Ming Prefecture to Xuan-Da — remained with Lu Xiangsheng, while the remaining two thousand-plus men of the Garrison Personal Battalion went to Chen Xinjia.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ultimately under Lu Xiangsheng's command were: several hundred men of the Viceroy Personal Battalion, led by his personal general Chen An; from Xuanfu Garrison, Regional Commander Yang Guozhu's main-force battalion of over three thousand men, and Xuanfu Assistant Regional Commander Zhang Yan's over two thousand men; from Datong Garrison, Regional Commander Wang Pu's main-force battalion of over three thousand men; from Shanxi Garrison, Regional Commander Hu Dawei's main-force battalion of over three thousand men. In total, just over twelve thousand men.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Under Chen Xinjia's command were: over two thousand men of the Garrison Personal Battalion; from Xuanfu Garrison, Mobile Corps Commanders Li Jianming and Wen Hui, and Mobile Corps Commander Wang Dou; from Datong Garrison, one Assistant Regional Commander and two Mobile Corps Commanders; from Shanxi Garrison, two Mobile Corps Commanders. In total, over fifteen thousand men.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The troop numbers under both Lu Xiangsheng and Chen Xinjia were somewhat inflated; it was estimated that Lu Xiangsheng had around ten thousand men, and Chen Xinjia around fourteen thousand.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After yet another division of troops, Lu Xiangsheng's grand ambitions had suffered a heavy blow. Wang Dou saw him sitting there somewhat dazedly, his expression helpless, merely staring blankly as if lost in thought.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The officers filed out of the tent. They all looked at each other in dismay. Datong Garrison Regional Commander Wang Pu stalked off cursing. Xuanfu Garrison Regional Commander Yang Guozhu strode toward his horse, glanced at Wang Dou not far away, and beckoned him over, wanting to say something. But it turned into a long sigh: \"Wang Dou, slay the rebels well.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His eyes were somewhat fixed as he said, \"You achieved such great merit, yet receive no commendation. It is unjust.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He suddenly leaped onto his horse. As if to vent the frustration in his heart, he lashed his steed heavily with the whip; the fine horse let out a long neigh and bolted out like a gale, kicking up a cloud of dust. His personal guard commander Guo Yingxian was also crestfallen, lacking the energy to speak to Wang Dou; he simply spurred his horse and chased straight after Yang Guozhu.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As Wang Dou watched the officers disappear one by one and was about to mount his horse with Xie Yike, he suddenly saw Lu Xiangsheng's personal general Chen An hurrying over. Chen An called out to him: \"General Wang, Viceroy Lu summons you for a word.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wang Dou followed Chen An to the edge of a small lake not far from Lu Xiangsheng's central command tent. The lake's surface shimmered; from time to time, a cold gust carrying a few snowflakes would strike the water, adding to the chill in the air.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wang Dou saw Lu Xiangsheng in hempen mourning attire, standing by the lake as if softly chanting a poem, his tone desolate. Snowflakes drifted onto him, yet he did not move. In that moment, his silhouette appeared exceptionally lonely.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Chen An's eyes reddened; he simply gestured for Wang Dou to approach.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wang Dou stepped forward and saluted. Lu Xiangsheng's body stirred slightly, but he did not turn around. He continued to gaze quietly at the lake's surface.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After a long while, he said somberly: \"At the start of the month, when I arrived in the capital and commanded tens of thousands of the King's Army, I was truly full of spirit, wanting only to fight the caitiff rebels to the death and show them they dare not look down on our Great Ming.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I never imagined the situation would take such a sharp turn for the worse. His Majesty said we must not fight recklessly, that we should prioritize caution. The court officials also constrained me at every turn; I wished to fight but could not. Now Eunuch Gao claims I hoard troops and avoid battle, and His Majesty also blames me for cowardice, issuing harsh edicts of rebuke. To fight or not to fight — what am I to do?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lu Xiangsheng laughed bitterly, a deep, gloomy laugh that seemed full of pent-up indignation. In the cold wind, his body still trembled slightly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wang Dou stepped forward and said in a low voice, \"Viceroy...\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He wanted to say something, but did not know what would be appropriate.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lu Xiangsheng slowly turned around. His gaze seemed to look at Wang Dou, yet seemed not to.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He sighed softly: \"Now His Majesty has divided my troops again. The soldiers under my command number only ten thousand. To achieve anything will be even harder.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He suddenly laughed aloud: \"So be it. As a subject of the Great Ming, the worst that can happen is to die on the battlefield, repaying the nation with my death.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His laughter was hearty, but the grief and indignation in his tone could not be concealed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lu Xiangsheng was baring his heart to Wang Dou, which showed the place Wang Dou held in his regard. Wang Dou felt a pang in his heart, followed by a surge of warmth. He said loudly, \"Viceroy, you must not harbor such thoughts of death and annihilation. Our Great Ming cannot do without you.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After a moment's deliberation, he spoke the secret words in his heart: \"This humble general is resolved to follow you, Viceroy, unto death. Perhaps before long, I can return to your command, to serve at your side as you slay rebels and serve the nation.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lu Xiangsheng was first taken aback, then his gaze sharpened. He fixed his eyes on Wang Dou: \"General Wang, what are you planning? As a subject of the Great Ming, you must obey the court's assignments. If you act recklessly, even without the imperial sword, I will still cut you down with my blade!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His expression was extremely stern. He glared at Wang Dou for a long time before softening his tone and saying gently, \"Wang Dou, even under Viceroy Chen's command, you may still slay rebels. It is not absolutely necessary to follow me.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He earnestly enjoined him: \"What matters most is to always cherish a heart of loyalty and righteousness. This time you have achieved great merit; I will risk my very life to ensure your achievements are presented before His Majesty.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After taking his leave from Lu Xiangsheng, before Wang Dou could even mount his horse, he was summoned again to the tent of the newly appointed Viceroy of Xuan-Da, Chen Xinjia.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Before Wang Dou arrived, the refined-looking Chen Xinjia was inside his tent, brimming with ambition. Moving from Provincial Governor of Xuanfu to Viceroy of Xuan-Da was a major promotion. He had obtained this position on the recommendation of the Minister of Rites and Grand Secretary Yang Sichang, who said he was knowledgeable in frontier affairs and a suitable candidate for Viceroy.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Now that Chen Xinjia had been promoted to Right Vice Minister of War and Right Deputy Censor-in-Chief, serving as Viceroy of Xuan-Da, he was naturally deeply grateful to Yang Sichang and followed his every lead. After arriving in the capital the day before, he had gone to the Yang residence that very night to pay his respects. The two had a long, secret discussion, mainly about the division of troops.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>That night in Yang Sichang's study, Yang had mysteriously produced a memorial — a handwritten copy of Lu Xiangsheng's victory report — and, pointing to one person on it, told Chen Xinjia to pay close attention and to win this person over.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After reading it, Chen Xinjia was secretly shocked. The memorial reported a victory for the Xuanfu Garrison officers and troops, and specifically requested commendation for one man: the current Mobile Corps Commander of Baoan Prefecture, Wang Dou. This time, leading troops to reinforce the capital, shortly after arriving at the eastern suburbs, he had routed a large force of invading Qing troops and taken two hundred and twenty-four caitiff heads.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Privately, both Yang Sichang and Chen Xinjia expressed admiration for Lu Xiangsheng's character. They knew, of course, that Lu Xiangsheng would not lie. The memorial stated two hundred and twenty-four heads, each personally verified by him as genuine caitiff heads. There could be no mistake.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Chen Xinjia recalled his first meeting with Wang Dou, when the latter was merely a lowly Garrison Commander. Although Wang Dou had shown skill in military farming and Chen had heard he had taken over eighty caitiff heads, he had not taken it to heart at the time, merely offering a few words of mild encouragement for Lu Xiangsheng's sake. He never expected that this Wang Dou would astonish everyone and achieve such great merit this time.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yang Sichang had said meaningfully at the time: \"Lord Chen, this Wang Dou is a talent worth molding. Such a fierce general, if he could come under your command, would surely be like adding wings to a tiger.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Precisely because of this, when Chen Xinjia arrived at Lu Xiangsheng's camp today, the two men had also contested over Wang Dou. With Yang Sichang backing him, Chen Xinjia finally got his wish and achieved his goal.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Once the troop division was settled, Chen Xinjia could not wait to summon Wang Dou to see him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Before Wang Dou arrived, he was pacing in his tent, calculating how, when Wang Dou came, he would display both grace and authority to make Wang Dou follow him wholeheartedly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In truth, during his previous tenure in Xuanfu Garrison, he had heard that Lu Xiangsheng thought highly of Wang Dou and that their relationship was quite close. But so what? When a high-ranking Viceroy shows appreciation for a subordinate, anyone would be overwhelmed with gratitude. Now that Lu Xiangsheng had fallen from power and he himself had become Viceroy of Xuan-Da, whose coattails would Wang Dou cling to if not his?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He need only offer a few words of gentle comfort and promise to report his military merits, and Wang Dou would surely be moved to tears of gratitude. Later, when Wang Dou fought a few more battles under his command and earned more merit during this Qing incursion, with Yang Sichang's support at court above and military achievements below, perhaps he himself might one day ascend to the Grand Secretariat. It was not impossible.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Thinking of this, Chen Xinjia stroked his beard and smiled repeatedly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Soon, footsteps sounded, and a guard reported that Xuanfu Garrison Mobile Corps Commander Wang Dou was waiting outside the tent.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Chen Xinjia said with authority, \"Let General Wang enter.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Moments later, Wang Dou, in a red-tasseled phoenix-wing helmet, silver-white iron armor, and a large crimson cape trailing behind him, strode in. He bowed deeply and loudly declared: \"Your humble general, Mobile Corps Commander Wang Dou of Baoan Prefecture, Xuanfu Garrison, pays respects to Viceroy Lord Chen.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Chen Xinjia's thick Sichuan accent rang out as he said warmly, \"General Wang, please rise.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>With a clank of iron armor, Wang Dou stood up.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Looking at this tall, stalwart young Mobile Corps Commander, Chen Xinjia nodded inwardly. He said gently, \"General Wang, sit.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wang Dou voiced his thanks loudly and sat down steadily on a chair below.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He looked at Chen Xinjia, silently guessing the purpose behind summoning him. In his memory, when Chen Xinjia had been Provincial Governor of Xuanfu, he had never treated him this courteously. No doubt he had learned through some channel of Wang Dou’s achievement in taking over two hundred heads and now wanted to win him over. That was how things worked in the Great Ming army — only with real strength and ability did one earn a second look. The fact that no other officers were present in the tent only confirmed Wang Dou’s private speculation.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Chen Xinjia wore the bright red official robe of a Vice Minister of War of the upper third rank. Although he was observing mourning for his father, he did not wear hempen mourning garments like Lu Xiangsheng. He looked at Wang Dou and smiled faintly. “The moment this Viceroy arrived at the army, I heard the news that General Wang had taken over two hundred heads. Such a great victory — when His Majesty hears of it, he will surely be delighted.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He cupped his hands. “This Viceroy will certainly report the victory to His Majesty and inform General Wang of this happy tidings, so that all officers and men throughout the capital region will hold General Wang up as a model and example.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wang Dou rose to his feet and said respectfully, “Many thanks for the Viceroy’s generous regard. This humble officer is overwhelmed with gratitude.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Chen Xinjia said, “General Wang, sit, sit, sit.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After Wang Dou sat down, he smiled faintly. “This is all that General Wang deserves. Taking over two hundred heads has greatly boosted our Great Ming army’s morale and fighting spirit. After this battle, in light of your military merits, this Viceroy intends to recommend you for promotion to Assistant Regional Commander, with actual command over one circuit in Xuanzhen!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Appointments to Regional Commander and Vice Regional Commander in the Great Ming required court recommendation, and Wang Dou’s seniority was after all too shallow for him to rise to such a post easily. But with Chen Xinjia’s standing as Viceroy of Xuanda and Yang Sichang’s backing at court, recommending Wang Dou as an Assistant Regional Commander over one circuit was an effortless matter.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wang Dou watched him brimming with confidence, his speech full of self-assurance. He knew perfectly well the likelihood of what Chen Xinjia said. According to history, at least for these next few years, Chen Xinjia’s official career would continue to prosper. Recommending Wang Dou as an Assistant Regional Commander over one circuit was indeed no difficult matter for him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Chen Xinjia had already dangled the bait. For these next few years, he would be Viceroy of Xuanda, and at court Yang Sichang would hold power — so what should Wang Dou do?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wang Dou bowed in thanks once more. “The Viceroy’s generous regard — this humble officer is truly grateful.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Seeing his respectful manner, Chen Xinjia was also satisfied. He said gently, “General Wang, Grand Coordinator Liu has already volunteered to oversee the campaign. His Excellency Liu’s intention is that our contingent should remain by his side. Perhaps in a few days we shall have to choose another camp and leave this place.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>That he would even disclose such confidential matters to Wang Dou showed how completely he trusted him. Wang Dou listened with an expression of utmost deference.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After exchanging a few words with Wang Dou, Chen Xinjia suddenly glanced at him again. “I hear that General Wang’s camp is short of provisions? Ah, when officers and men fight the bandits so valiantly and render service to the state, how could this Viceroy bear to let them suffer hunger and cold? General, set your mind at ease. This Viceroy is already doing his utmost to raise provisions. In a few days at most, I can supply General Wang’s command with sufficient grain and fodder.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wang Dou returned to the village fort and related the news that the Xuanda forces were to be divided once more. Instantly the room erupted as if a pot had boiled over.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhao Yi said, “Dividing the forces again? Do they even want to fight this war?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wen Fangliang furrowed his brow. Zhong Diaoyang said in a deep voice, “Dividing the troops weakens them. If this continues…”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He shook his head and sighed heavily.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Han Zhong sprang up in a rage. “The traitor Yang Sichang is deceiving His Majesty! And that eunuch slave Gao Qiqian — I’ll go cut him down!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wang Dou barked sternly, “Company Commander Han, watch your tongue!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Han Zhong’s words were no small matter. If they spread and were heard by someone with ill intent, even Wang Dou could not protect Han Zhong. And Wang Dou himself might well suffer for it.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As soon as Han Zhong had leapt up, he wilted. To him, who Yang Sichang and Gao Qiqian were meant nothing at all. In all the Great Ming, the only man he feared was Wang Dou.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He sat back down in his seat, not daring to raise his voice again, though he kept muttering something under his breath.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The room fell into silence. After a long while, Zhong Diaoyang said, “General, when Viceroy Chen received you, did he mention the matter of provisions? The grain and fodder we have stockpiled in camp now will only last a few more days.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wang Dou held a cup of hot tea and said flatly, “His words carried a distinctly warm tone, but he will not supply provisions for at least a few more days.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhong Diaoyang sighed heavily. “I only fear there will be further complications ahead. If it comes to that…”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He did not finish, but the worry in his voice was plain for anyone to hear.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wang Dou stared for a long time at the steam rising from his teacup. Then he abruptly set the cup down beside the table, rose to his feet, and said in a deep voice, “We won’t beg others. We’ll go out and pull a job ourselves — get enough grain and fodder for our camp’s needs first, and then we’ll talk!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>※\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Old White Ox:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Drank too much last night, my head is a bit heavy. One more chapter tonight.\u003C\u002Fp>",3418,"2026-06-03T14:05:36.780Z",1,"Novelzhen Translator","1964bfcdcc3c8623d96170b8a23810ac2f0787a78aec5bfa05f245669d1194e5","a-little-soldier-of-the-late-ming-border-army-chapter-227","a-little-soldier-of-the-late-ming-border-army-chapter-225",896,"https:\u002F\u002Fnovelzhen.com\u002Fimages\u002Fcovers\u002Fa-little-soldier-of-the-late-ming-border-army-cover.jpg"]