[{"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-276":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},1205565,1561,"Chapter 276: Like Slaughtering a Dog!","a-little-soldier-of-the-late-ming-border-army-chapter-276",276,"\u003Cp>\"The Guanning Army was ambushed and the entire force scattered?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>On the evening of the fourteenth, the entire Xuan-Da Army reached the banks of the Luhu River. Unexpectedly, the journey had been peaceful and uneventful. The Qing troops did not pursue, only sending a few scout riders from a distance to keep watch. Once the whole army arrived here, they were safe. Having survived the calamity, the men broke into joyful chatter and laughter.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>While setting up camp that evening, Wang Dou, Yang Guozhu, Hu Dawei, and the others heard this news.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The news was brought by the Night Scouts in Wang Dou's army. Wen Daxing respectfully reported to the three men: \"Exactly so, my lords and General. The Night Scout brothers scouted this information. The slave chieftains Dorgon, Yoto, and the others mobilized all their troops and marched toward Jize. The Army Supervisor Gao originally intended to flee west, but for some unknown reason, he headed east instead. Twenty li from Jize, they were ambushed by the slave troops, and the entire army was routed. Army Supervisor Gao's whereabouts are unknown.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yang Guozhu and Hu Dawei sighed: \"A calamity indeed.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Guo Yingxian, Yang Guozhu's trusted general of the central army, shouted: \"Look at them, daring not to come to the rescue—now they've gotten their retribution, haven't they?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yang Guozhu rebuked him: \"General Guo, when friendly forces suffer losses, how can you take such malicious pleasure in their misfortune? Although I, your military commander, am furious that the Guanning Army did not come to our aid, the decay of national affairs to this extent is nothing to rejoice over.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Guo Yingxian muttered a few words, rubbed his head, and fell silent.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wang Dou sat quietly without speaking, merely snorting through his nose.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In history, Gao Qiqian had hoarded his troops and refused to help. Upon hearing that Lu Xiangsheng had been defeated and killed, he fled in panic with tens of thousands of Guanning troops without firing a single arrow. Just like this time, they intended to flee west but went east instead, and as a result were ambushed and routed. Gao Qiqian escaped alone. History repeated itself—Gao Qiqian was just as stupid as ever.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The two old generals sighed deeply. Hu Dawei said: \"A calamity for our friendly forces, but lamentably, our Xuan-Da Army can barely protect itself and can do nothing more.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wang Dou said: \"What Commander Hu says is quite right. National affairs have decayed to this point—it is beyond our power to reverse. We shall follow the original plan, rest and reorganize at Zanhuang, and then see how the situation develops.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>On the plains east of Jize, dust and smoke rolled everywhere. Countless Guanning cavalry fled in all directions, desperate and heedless of their path. They lashed their horses furiously, thinking only of escaping faster. Behind them, Qing cavalry in armor of various colors pursued the routed enemy, further fueling the panic of those Guanning troops.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Our army has won a great victory! We never imagined the Ming's Guanning Army would be so utterly worthless!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Across the plain stretched a sea of Qing army banners. Beneath several woven-gold dragon standards, Dorgon, Yoto, and the others laughed as they looked at one another.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Without the slightest effort, they had easily routed the Guanning Army and seized all their provisions and baggage. Although the Guanning Army was mostly cavalry and casualties were not heavy, this great victory once again raised Qing army morale—which had been low since the Battle of Julu—to its peak. They had regained their utter contempt for the Ming army.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Moreover, the pursuing Bordered White Banner commander Dodo brought back a piece of news that greatly shook Yoto, Dorgon, and the others.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Lu Xiangsheng is dead?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Dodo shouted: \"Exactly so, you two Grand Generals. While pursuing the remnants of the Guanning forces, this prince captured a personal guard Company Commander under Ming Regional Commander Tang Tong. He confessed that it was precisely after Gao Qiqian learned of Lu Xiangsheng's death that he fled in terror with his army, only to fall unexpectedly into our Great Qing troops' ambush.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"No wonder the Xuan-Da Army withdrew—so Lu Xiangsheng is dead.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Dorgon looked thoughtful.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Dodo shouted: \"What a pity! If we had sent all our pursuers this morning, we could certainly have wiped out Wang Dou's forces in one stroke. Now it's too late.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yoto's expression soured somewhat. This morning the Dorgon brothers had strongly advocated pursuit, but he had overruled them. Now Wang Dou's remnant forces had fled far away—even if they wanted to pursue, they could no longer catch up.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Dorgon glanced at Yoto: \"Let it be. What's past need not be mentioned again.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He swept his gaze over the various banner commanders present. They all averted their eyes, their expressions betraying considerable fear. Dorgon was inwardly satisfied. With Lu Xiangsheng dead, his own prestige among the banner commanders had imperceptibly risen considerably. He had once again seized the dominant authority over the entire army.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Dorgon said to Yoto: \"Grand General Yangwu, Lu Xiangsheng is dead, Wang Dou has suffered grievous losses, and the Guanning Army is routed. The Ming have no troops left that dare to fight. Taking advantage of this high morale, we must properly discuss the matter of dividing our forces for plunder.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yoto regained his composure and said: \"Indeed. The region south of the Ming capital is broken and desolate. We must carefully consider where to go next for plunder.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>That evening, the Xuan-Da Army set up camp beside the Lushui River, digging deep trenches, felling trees, and constructing a sturdy fortified encampment. As the sky darkened, scattered Guanning routed soldiers gradually arrived before the camp, pleading for shelter. From Jize to Julu was fifty li, and from Julu to the Lushui River another sixty li. These Guanning fugitives had lost all their baggage. After fleeing desperately over such a long distance, both men and horses were exhausted and famished—especially in this bitter winter weather, which was exceptionally hard to endure.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Xuan-Da Army had long harbored a bone-deep hatred for Gao Qiqian and the various Guanning forces, and paid them no heed whatsoever. When those Guanning fugitives tried to enter the camp, they were met with a merciless volley of arquebus fire that sent them fleeing in terror. In the end, it was Yang Guozhu who took pity on them and ordered some grain and rice thrown out of the camp. But as for allowing these men to enter the camp, that was absolutely forbidden.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>These Guanning fugitives felt both shame and fury. They departed cursing loudly, and in the darkness of night, no one knew where they fled.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As was the established practice, Wang Dou's camp within the encampment was positioned at the front. The Shunxiang Army's fighting strength had long been acknowledged by the entire army. With them holding the front, Yang Guozhu, Hu Dawei, and the others could rest easy—not to mention that Wang Dou had also received over a thousand fresh troops under Xu Yue'e.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wang Dou likewise ordered his men to guard the camp strictly: anyone daring to charge the encampment was to be shot dead without exception. Those Guanning fugitives caused a disturbance for half the night before gradually quieting down. Just before dawn, Wang Dou received an urgent report from Night Scout Company Commander Wen Daxing that banished all sleepiness.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"You're saying you've learned of Gao Qiqian's whereabouts?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wang Dou cast a cold glance at Wen Daxing.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Under Wang Dou's gaze, sharp as a hawk's, Wen Daxing knelt prostrate on the ground, not daring to breathe heavily.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He said respectfully: \"Exactly so. The army's Night Scout brothers—Long Er, Yang Hu, Zhao Qiang, and a few others—discovered Gao Qiqian and his party in the Hanjiazhai area north of the Lushui River. He has only a few personal attendant eunuchs by his side, and no one else.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wang Dou said: \"Very good!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He paced inside the tent with his hands behind his back, then looked at Wen Daxing with a faint smile: \"Company Commander Wen, I want you to accompany me on an errand. Do you dare or not?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wen Daxing panted like an ox, vaguely sensing what Wang Dou wanted him to do. He knew a golden opportunity lay before him and did not hesitate in the slightest. He kowtowed repeatedly: \"This humble one's life has long belonged to the General. I am willing to die for the General—through fire and water, I will not refuse!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wang Dou personally helped Wen Daxing to his feet and said with a smile: \"Excellent. After this matter is settled, you shall be the Night Scout Battalion Commander in my Shunxiang Army, commanding over a thousand elite Night Scouts!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wen Daxing was overjoyed beyond measure and said repeatedly: \"Many thanks for the General's cultivation! I will serve the General with all my heart and strength, and repay the General's great kindness and virtue.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Several dozen riders burst out of the Shunxiang Army camp—all the most elite Night Scouts in Wang Dou's army. After leaving camp, they headed straight for the Hanjiazhai area. As the sky began to lighten, the party arrived in front of a dilapidated temple. A few Night Scouts were peering about anxiously in front of the ruined temple—it was Long Er and his companions.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Seeing Wang Dou and the others ride up, they hurried forward to meet them. Wang Dou dismounted and said in a deep voice: \"Is he inside?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Long Er said respectfully: \"In answer to the General, Eunuch Gao and his party are inside.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wang Dou nodded and strode forward. Wen Daxing shouted to his men: \"Secure all four sides of the temple.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He led a few men and followed Wang Dou inside. Entering the ruined temple, they saw Gao Qiqian pacing back and forth like an ant on a hot pan. His expression was utterly haggard, long stripped of his former elegance. The gold-inlaid three-peaked hat on his head was long gone, and the brocade robes on his body were covered in mud and stained all over.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hearing footsteps, he turned to look. Seeing it was Wang Dou entering, he was overjoyed and hurriedly came forward: \"General Wang has finally come to our rescue! Thank Heaven and Earth, thank Heaven and Earth!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wang Dou smiled faintly. Gao Qiqian, heedless that Wang Dou had not saluted him, said rapidly: \"Is there anything to eat? Anything to drink? I'm starving to death.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wang Dou gestured behind him. Wen Daxing ordered his Night Scout subordinates to bring out drinking water and dry rations and hand them to Gao Qiqian and his party.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Gao Qiqian and the several eunuchs wolfed the food down. They had had nothing to eat or drink since the previous afternoon. They had also been fleeing for an entire afternoon and evening, and in this bitter cold, every one of them was ravenously hungry. The dry rations Long Er and his men carried had been nowhere near enough for them.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Only after Gao Qiqian had devoured food for a good while did he calm down slightly. Beaming with delight, he said loudly to Wang Dou: \"General Wang's grace in rescuing us—I will certainly report it to the imperial court and secure a grand commendation for the General.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wang Dou merely gazed quietly out the window, paying no heed to Gao Qiqian's words. After a long silence, he slowly spoke: \"Gao Qiqian, I have a question for you.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Gao Qiqian was furious. Wang Dou dared to address him directly by name, showing him such disrespect. The several eunuchs beside him also shrilly rebuked Wang Dou. Then Gao Qiqian glanced around and calmed himself somewhat. Times were different now—he would settle accounts later. When that time came, he would certainly teach Wang Dou a lesson.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He restrained his subordinate eunuchs' rebukes, swallowed his anger, and said: \"If the General has something to ask, then ask.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wang Dou still gazed out the window and said calmly: \"Your great army was merely a few dozen li away. Our Xuan-Da Army fought a bloody battle against the slaves—why did you not come to our aid?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Gao Qiqian said awkwardly: \"The slave rebels were powerful. I also had to act with caution. I never imagined matters would develop this way, and that Viceroy Lu would give his life for the nation. I too am filled with remorse.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wang Dou turned around and stared at Gao Qiqian for a long time. He slowly shook his head: \"I truly do not understand how that pig brain of yours works. Our Xuan-Da Army fought the enemy in bloody battle for many days—tens of thousands of slave soldiers were utterly exhausted. You needed only to lead your tens of thousands of Guanning troops and strike the enemy like a thunderbolt, and these invading slave bandits could have been crushed in one stroke!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"You refuse even such great merit, preferring to sit and watch the situation rot to this point? You, and people like Yang Sichang — in your hearts, is factional strife truly so important that you are desperate to destroy Viceroy Lu and us, and then rejoice?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Insolence!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Gao Qiqian shrieked in fury, his voice cracking: \"Wang Dou, you dare such insolence — you lowly, base martial man, speaking thus to this Army Supervisor and Grand Secretary Yang! This Army Supervisor will certainly memorialize the imperial court to punish you severely!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He raged like thunder, his whole body trembling, and in one breath ordered his men to ready the horses. He even pointed at Wang Dou's nose: \"Fine, Wang Dou, you just wait and see — watch this servant...\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At these words, he froze in a daze, lowering his head to look at his own abdomen. There, a sharp sword had pierced through his body, its blood-dripping tip protruding from his back.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wang Dou's expression was icy cold. What had pierced Gao Qiqian through was none other than his own imperially bestowed sword.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Gao Qiqian's face was full of disbelief. He stared blankly at Wang Dou: \"This servant is the imperial court's Army Supervisor — you dare kill me?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wang Dou said coldly: \"I, Wang Dou, killing you is like killing a dog!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He twisted the sharp sword, churning it inside Gao Qiqian's belly. Gao Qiqian's eyes bulged, and blood clots continuously gushed from his mouth. He was tall and powerfully built; he struggled to claw at Wang Dou's face, but no matter how he tried, he could not reach it. After Wang Dou withdrew the sharp sword, he crashed to the ground, his eyes wide open, his face full of terror and disbelief.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Shrieks rang out. The several eunuchs beside Gao Qiqian, seeing Wang Dou suddenly kill Gao Qiqian, all screamed and fled in panic.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wen Daxing shouted: \"Kill them!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He lunged forward a step and cleaved one eunuch's head flying. The remaining Night Scouts surged forward one after another, chasing down the several eunuchs scattering in all directions and killing them one by one. Very quickly, Gao Qiqian's retinue were all dead. Looking at the corpses lying strewn across the ground, Wen Daxing and the others only then realized what they had done, and every one of their faces was ashen as death.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wang Dou's expression did not change. He took out a soft cloth, wiped the bloodstains from the sword clean, then returned the blade to its scabbard. He instructed: \"Inspect carefully — leave no survivors. Dig several large pits and bury Gao Qiqian and the others.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wen Daxing obeyed with a stammer, not daring to meet Wang Dou's eyes, and led the Night Scouts busily away. They carefully inspected the scene, eliminating any traces of human presence in the vicinity, and even stabbed each eunuch several more times in the heart to ensure they were thoroughly dead. Even the horses of Gao Qiqian and the others were all killed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After careful inspection, Wen Daxing led the men to personally dig pits and buried Gao Qiqian and the rest, men and horses together. Only after confirming that everything was watertight did Wen Daxing report back to Wang Dou.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>By now the sky had brightened. Wang Dou led the Night Scouts and departed without a sound.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>There was no stir of activity in any direction; only the cold wind howled unceasingly, as if nothing at all had happened around the ruined temple.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>。\u003C\u002Fp>",2723,"2026-06-03T14:05:36.780Z",1,"Novelzhen Translator","25a1facfdece75a1ff23ada121897dcfce97cef3268805669557c63d00f2ae92","a-little-soldier-of-the-late-ming-border-army-chapter-277","a-little-soldier-of-the-late-ming-border-army-chapter-275",896,"https:\u002F\u002Fnovelzhen.com\u002Fimages\u002Fcovers\u002Fa-little-soldier-of-the-late-ming-border-army-cover.jpg"]