[{"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-355":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},1205644,1561,"Chapter 355: A Gathering of Stars","a-little-soldier-of-the-late-ming-border-army-chapter-355",355,"\u003Cp>Not long after Chen Xinjia’s procession passed through Yanqing Subprefecture, an even more imposing column of retinue crossed Juyong Pass and headed toward Yanqing and Yongning.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Inside the carriage, Senior Grand Secretary Xue Guoguan, Minister of Rites Yang Sichang, and the others looked out the window and, without prior agreement, all revealed expressions of astonishment.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Coming from the capital, where refugees covered the land and every trade withered, the vibrant scene of the Eastern Circuit gave an impression of extreme contrast. In terms of population or commerce, this frontier region of Xuanfu’s Eastern Circuit certainly could not compare with the various districts of the capital.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yet here construction flourished, and on the faces of the ragged commoners there were smiles of hope. Where there is hope, there is vitality, and that gives a sense of life. Given time, the Eastern Circuit might truly become a prosperous and well-fed place — a rare thing among the present Nine Frontier Garrisons of the Great Ming.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Ma Guoxi is capable and astute; he can be counted as a talent worth relying on.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Inside the carriage, Xue Guoguan spoke slowly, expressing satisfaction with the civil administration of the Eastern Circuit.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A trusted private secretary beside him quickly said, “Clearing brambles, gathering rubble, laboring to build amid desolation — for the Eastern Circuit’s present prosperity, Military Defense Circuit Ma’s contributions cannot be overlooked.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xue Guoguan grunted in acknowledgment. In truth, given his official rank, he of course knew that the results of the Eastern Circuit’s civil governance were largely the doing of that Pacifying General, Wang Dou.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But on the surface, Ma Guoxi, as the Military Defense Circuit of the Eastern Circuit, naturally had ninety-nine percent of the credit for civil governance counted on his head.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ma Guoxi was a member of Xue Guoguan’s faction; his outstanding administration reflected well on Xue Guoguan as both Senior Grand Secretary and Minister of Personnel. With solid achievements in hand, when Xue Guoguan wished to promote Ma Guoxi in the future, the other officials would find it hard to spout nonsense.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After crossing Badaling and entering the Eastern Circuit, Xue Guoguan had already seen quite a few garrison farms under construction; he estimated each one would house several thousand people, equivalent to a newly risen guard battalion.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The enormous quantity of commercial goods and materials needed to build just one garrison farm could bring immense benefits to the local gentry and merchants everywhere in the Eastern Circuit. Wang Dou’s principle was: if silver could be spent, then grain should be spared as much as possible; needed grain and goods should be purchased as much as possible — after all, he had no shortage of silver in hand.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>With money to be made, those merchants were naturally willing to do the work, and an endless stream of grain and goods was transported from all over, giving countless traders a chance to strike it rich. And Wang Dou was going to build over fifty garrison farms; this enormous demand made the gentry and merchants of every city grin from ear to ear. It was said that, in order to have more garrison farms built within the territory, many local gentry argued until they were red in the face and thick in the neck.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wang Dou was also shrewd: for the time being he did not compete with the local gentry for farmland, but instead reclaimed wasteland on his own and built irrigation works, so there was no serious conflict of interest with the local gentry, and they all looked favorably on the rise of the garrison farms. After all, once the garrison farms flourished in the future, every locality would gain countless new business opportunities.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>What Xue Guoguan could not understand was that the funds and grain consumed in building the garrison farms all came out of Wang Dou’s own treasury — although Ma Guoxi also tried his utmost to raise some silver, compared to the vast garrison farm project, the silver he raised was a mere drop in the bucket.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Leaving aside for the moment the question of where Wang Dou got so much money and grain, Xue Guoguan had heard that during the campaign of the eleventh year of Chongzhen, Wang Dou had gained a great deal; just from selling over ten thousand horses, who knew how many tens of thousands of taels of silver he had obtained. What puzzled Xue Guoguan was: having obtained so much silver, was Wang Dou actually willing to take it out and spend it?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Among the military bosses of the Great Ming, there was probably not a single one like Wang Dou.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The more he pondered, the less Xue Guoguan could fathom Wang Dou’s thinking.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Be that as it may, having a man like Wang Dou drawn into his own camp was something that brought Xue Guoguan a hundred benefits and not a single harm.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xue Guoguan also astutely noticed that after entering the Eastern Circuit, many factories and mines were also under construction. Quarries and timber mills aside, factories and mines for coal mining, coking, ore extraction, and iron smelting were springing up like bamboo shoots after rain. In itself this was nothing remarkable — mining had always flourished everywhere in the Great Ming, though the imperial court could never collect taxes from those mine owners.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yet Wang Dou dared to defy universal condemnation and began collecting taxes from the merchants and mine owners throughout the Eastern Circuit. All along the way, it seemed the local gentry and merchants had no complaints about this — could it be that Wang Dou had killed off all who objected?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After Wang Dou suppressed the merchants’ and scholars’ market and school strikes in the Eastern Circuit, just as many had expected, he went on to levy commercial taxes without the slightest restraint. This made many censors believe they had seized Wang Dou’s “tail,” and they vigorously submitted memorials to attack him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But the Grand Secretariat remained silent, and His Majesty paid no heed to these memorials; coupled with the fact that the Eastern Circuit remained completely calm, those censors found it all very dull.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Their target and firepower were then aimed at Xue Guoguan, and this time Xue Guoguan’s trip to the Eastern Circuit was also partly to take shelter from the storm.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In the seventh month, Xue Guoguan had proposed a “compulsory contribution” policy to the Chongzhen Emperor. Desperate to relieve the urgent fiscal crisis, the Chongzhen Emperor had no alternative and accepted Xue Guoguan’s plan, starting by making an example of Li Guorui, Marquis of Wuqing, demanding that he donate four hundred thousand taels of silver.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>These imperial relatives were all iron roosters; using their privileges to get rich was fine, but asking them to contribute money to share the nation’s burdens was something they would rather die than do. Li Guorui dared not defy the imperial edict, so he deliberately feigned poverty, tore down his own houses, and laid out his household sundries for sale on the main street, stirring up a citywide scandal.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This was practically a loss of face for the imperial house. The Chongzhen Emperor was greatly enraged and ordered Li Guorui stripped of his title and stipend; Li Guorui, in terror and panic, died of fright.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This was like a clap of thunder; public opinion boiled over, and Xue Guoguan became the target of universal condemnation, leaving him utterly exhausted.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Looking at the Eastern Circuit and reflecting on his own predicament, Xue Guoguan could not help sighing with emotion. Why was it that when Wang Dou levied commercial taxes, everything was peaceful and uneventful, yet when he merely asked wealthy households to contribute, it was like poking a hornet’s nest, plunging him into a situation of betrayal and isolation?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Right now the entire Great Ming was training troops — this was a matter of the highest urgency. The “compulsory contribution” affair had left Xue Guoguan scorched and battered; amid the boiling public outcry, he did not know whether His Majesty would continue to support him. If the troop-training matter could be brought to a satisfactory conclusion, at least he would still have a footing to stand on in the Grand Secretariat.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Following behind Xue Guoguan was Yang Sichang’s carriage. Even though Yang Sichang was deeply favored by the Chongzhen Emperor and his power overshadowed the realm, in matters of ritual protocol his carriage could not be placed ahead of that of the Senior Grand Secretary, Xue Guoguan.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Not to mention that after Xue Guoguan assumed the post of Senior Grand Secretary, he had become increasingly aggressive, and Yang Sichang had consistently chosen to yield. However… Xue Guoguan had offended the multitude and did not have many days left to strut about. At this thought, Yang Sichang sneered inwardly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After entering the Eastern Circuit, his gaze had naturally been fixed on the scenery outside the carriage. What Yang Sichang appreciated even more was the peace and tranquility of the Eastern Circuit. The refugees that filled the land everywhere in the Great Ming, the bandits who howled and rampaged everywhere — here they had vanished without a trace. This made Yang Sichang regard the strength of Wang Dou’s army a notch higher.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In Yang Sichang’s mind, if he had a strong army like Wang Dou’s in hand, he would have a crucial support for exterminating the roving bandits.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The purpose of his trip was, first, to study the factors behind Wang Dou’s strong army, and second, to draw him in and sound him out.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Emperor’s intention was growing ever clearer: there was a plan to appoint him Regional Commander to exterminate Zhang Xianzhong and the other bands. Before that happened, Yang Sichang hoped to obtain Wang Dou’s assurance that he would take the field in the future.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The accumulated ills of the Great Ming’s armies — no one knew them better than Yang Sichang. They could be summed up in one phrase: “accumulated arrogance and sloth, devoid of fighting spirit.” Men like He Renlong and Zuo Liangyu were not only domineering, their troops also had little combat power. With Wang Dou taking the field it would be different; even the slave chieftain Hong Tai had to avoid him — mere roving bandits counted for nothing.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Chongzhen Emperor also very much approved of Yang Sichang’s intention to deploy Wang Dou for battle. Wang Dou’s military strength was growing ever stronger, and he was close to the capital region; sending him out more often to suppress bandits and serve the state was a good thing.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In truth, given Yang Sichang’s authority and position, a single dispatch from the Ministry of War would have sufficed. But Yang Sichang believed that by coming to Yongning in person, Wang Dou would be all the more grateful and devoted; leading a delegation to observe this time was also a fine opportunity.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It was just that Wang Dou was a mere local Sub-General for Area Defense, yet officials and generals from various regions, along with Grand Secretariat ministers from the court, were converging here — it seemed somewhat bizarre.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>With these thoughts weighing on his mind, Yang Sichang’s carriage and horses wound their way forward.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Following behind him were the Viceroy of Ji-Liao, Hong Chengchou, and the various generals of Liaodong; Sun Chuanting was also in this procession…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Ha ha, Brother Wang, we meet again! This time we brothers must drink three hundred cups and not return until we’re drunk.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The blazing sun was like fire. Although the crossroads on this official road were lined with mat-sheds for receiving officials, everyone there to greet them was still sunburned red in the face and drooping in spirit.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Inside and outside the mat-sheds, the civil officials of the Eastern Circuit, headed by Military Defense Circuit Ma Guoxi, and the military officers, headed by Wang Dou, had gathered — civil and military officials great and small from Huailai City, Yanqing Subprefecture, Yongning City, and elsewhere, along with gentry and village elders, assembled here to welcome the party of the Viceroy of Xuan-Da, Chen Xinjia.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As for Zhong Diaoyang, Xu Zucheng, and the others from Baoan Subprefecture and its guard, because of the long distance and the sudden arrival of Chen Xinjia’s party, they had not come to Yongning City.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Only when dust filled the sky and the carriages, horses, and retinue of Chen Xinjia’s party appeared on the loess road did the officials perk up, and the trumpeters and drummers from the mat-sheds hurried out and struck up their music.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Amid the joyous drum and pipe music, Chen Xinjia, Ji Shiwei, and the others stepped smiling out of their carriages and received the formal greetings of Ma Guoxi, Wang Dou, and the rest.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Chen Xinjia’s words were cordial, his bearing was proper; he personally helped Ma Guoxi and Wang Dou to their feet, expressed warm congratulations on the achievements of the Eastern Circuit’s officials, and singled out Military Defense Circuit Ma Guoxi and Sub-General for Area Defense Wang Dou for emphatic praise.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Of course, the other officials, under the leadership of these two, had also rendered meritorious service — and even where there was no merit, there was toil — which left the whole group of Eastern Circuit officials beaming with delight.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Afterward, the words and bearing of Ji Shiwei, Provincial Governor of Xuanfu, were equally proper. Wang Dou, of course, could not compare with Ma Guoxi, whose official deportment could be described as utterly flawless. Even if Chen Xinjia had no fondness for this official of the Xue faction, he could not deny that Ma Guoxi was very adept at dealing with people — and even more adept at being an official.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After their lengthy and insubstantial pleasantries were finished, Wang Dou’s old acquaintance, Guo Yingxian, personal general of Yang Guozhu’s central army, twisted his square frame and was the first to squeeze forward. Shaking his huge head, he clapped Wang Dou on the shoulder and roared with laughter.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In the sweltering heat, the armor on his body was drenched in sweat, and a powerful stench of sweat assailed the nostrils.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wang Dou did not mind and gladly accepted Guo Yingxian’s embrace. He shared a comrade-in-arms bond with Guo Yingxian, having fought side by side in the bloody battle at Julu; he was full of goodwill toward this straightforward officer and inwardly regarded him as an elder brother. The two had not seen each other for a long time, and meeting again filled Wang Dou with joy.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As it happened, Guo Yingxian had now been promoted to Vice Regional Commander, so his official rank and military post were both higher than Wang Dou’s, but he did not stand on such mundane ceremony — so what did Wang Dou have to care about?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Fine, three hundred cups it is! As the host, with my old brother coming all the way to Yongning, I’ll risk my life to keep a gentleman company!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Good! A brother of mine, Old Guo, is a true straight-shooter!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Just as Guo Yingxian contentedly released Wang Dou’s shoulder, another huge head squeezed out from that side — it was Hu Zichen, personal general of Hu Dawei. The two pointed at each other and exclaimed for a moment, then clapped each other’s shoulders and laughed heartily. Another comrade-in-arms; there were so many familiar faces today.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Guo Yingxian and Hu Zichen clamored noisily, tugging at Wang Dou’s shoulders from left and right, pulling him off to see Yang Guozhu and Hu Dawei.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Brother Wang, do you still remember your big brother? Ha ha ha ha ha ha ha…\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>With the laughter, a handsome officer strode into view. He wore a suit of gold-lacquered mountain-pattern armor, covered by a shoulder-baring brocade robe, and over that a bright scarlet cloak. The fine plumes on his iron helmet bobbed with each laugh.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This attire could be called dashing and elegant, though a little dust on the scarlet cloak marred its perfection.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At a glance at that magnificent armor, Wang Dou knew that the Regional Commander of Datong Garrison, Wang Pu, had arrived. He smiled and said, \"Lord Wang, your grand arrival catches me unprepared to welcome you from afar — forgive me, forgive me.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The moment Wang Pu came close, a pleasant scent of perfume wafted over. Could it be that he had picked up the capital dandies' habit of powdering and painting his face? Before Wang Dou could collect his thoughts, Wang Pu was already laughing heartily as he came up. He threw an arm warmly around Wang Dou's shoulder and looked him up and down. \"Tsk, tsk — a few months apart, and my brother grows ever more radiant.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He laughed and said, \"Brother, your name is famous now. Even in Datong, your old brother hears it like thunder rolling in his ears… So, I hear you've begun drilling troops? Your old brother has come especially to seek instruction — you mustn't keep your secrets to yourself.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wang Dou smiled faintly. \"I dare not presume to offer instruction. It should be I, your humble officer, who seeks guidance from Lord Wang.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wang Pu pointed at Wang Dou and said, \"See? Always the one with the silver tongue.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He straightened his face and turned to the crowd of Datong Garrison officers behind him. \"Why haven't you come forward to pay respects to my good brother, General of State-Pacifying Might, General Wang Dou?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The large group of Datong Garrison officers behind him surged forward and, laughing and joking, saluted Wang Dou. Among them were some who had once fought alongside Wang Dou under Wang Pu's command; meeting again, their expressions were all warm and familiar.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Afterward, Wang Dou went to greet Yang Guozhu and Hu Dawei. Both old generals personally helped Wang Dou to his feet, exchanged a few pleasantries, their expressions kindly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Seeing their superior's wide circle of acquaintances, with the Regional Commanders of all three garrisons holding him in high regard — especially the Regional Commander of Datong Garrison, Wang Pu, who addressed their general as brother — every officer under Wang Dou's command felt their faces glow with pride. Yongning City Garrison Commander Wang Yide and Huailai Garrison Commander Huang Changyi, while burning with envy, also felt that throwing in their lot with Wang Dou had indeed been a wise choice.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A look of approval and gratification flickered in Ji Shiwei's eyes — this son-in-law of his… Chen Xinjia cast a surprised glance at Wang Dou. Among the civil officials, only Wu Zhi, the Department Magistrate of Yanqing, still wore an expressionless face.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhang Guowei, Vice Regional Commander of Xuanfu Garrison, took all of this in, and the sight only stoked the fire in his heart. Not to mention that he and Yang Guozhu were rivals, Hu Dawei treated him with cold indifference, and because of trade matters, he had deliberately cultivated ties with Wang Pu, the Regional Commander of Datong Garrison — after all, the Wang family was a renowned local magnate clan.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yet Wang Pu paid him scant attention, his manner arrogant, while toward that whelp Wang Dou he was so warm and affectionate. How could this not infuriate Zhang Guowei?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Still, that Wang Dou had won the favor of so many people was beyond his expectations. Zhang Guowei's first impression was that this young, domineering officer was not someone easy to deal with. Though his family estate had been destroyed — a blood feud that could not share the same sky — and Zhang Guowei could never swallow this grievance, on careful reflection, he would have to plan long-term and not act rashly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Behind Zhang Guowei, Li Jianming, Wen Hui, Zhang Xinjing, and the others also gave barely audible snorts. The scene before them only deepened the jealousy and hatred in their hearts.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Truly a young talent. With you, General, guarding the Eastern Route, I can set my mind at ease.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>When Wang Dou saluted Zhang Guowei, Zhang Guowei personally helped him up, his tone full of admiration.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"The Vice Regional Commander honors me too highly — I am overwhelmed with trepidation!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wang Dou smiled faintly and straightened his body.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ma Guoxi, the Military Defense Circuit Intendant, likewise observed the scene between Wang Dou and the various generals. Wang Dou was simultaneously esteemed by the Viceroy, the Provincial Governor, and the Regional Commanders of all three garrisons, with even a hint of currying favor. Ma Guoxi knew Wang Dou was formidable, but he had not imagined he was formidable to this degree. Having such a military man stationed on the Eastern Route — was it a blessing or a curse for himself…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At the same time, he sighed inwardly at the present chaos of ritual order and the insolence of military men. In former days, at such official receptions, aside from a few chief officials exchanging pleasantries, there would never have been such a swarm of military men, all in a disorderly hubbub introducing themselves. But… times were different now.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ma Guoxi gave a genial laugh and said, \"Lord Viceroy Chen and Provincial Governor Ji have come from afar, saddle-weary and travel-worn. Your humble servant and General of State-Pacifying Might have already prepared a modest banquet to wash the dust from your journey. Lord Viceroy Chen, Provincial Governor Ji, honored generals — please…\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The mat-shed was built large and spacious, with plenty of tea, water, tables, and chairs, and it was close to the riverbank, where cool breezes blew. But for comfort, it could not compare to the residences within the city, so Ma Guoxi invited everyone to mount their horses or sedan chairs. Yongning City was several li away; by the time they arrived, bathed, changed clothes, and rested for a few hours, it would be just right for the evening banquet.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Chen Xinjia nodded with a smile and was about to board his sedan chair when suddenly a rider galloped up and delivered a piece of news: the Senior Grand Secretary Xue Guoguan, the Minister of Rites Yang Sichang, and others, along with the Viceroy of Jiliao, Hong Chengchou, leading a group of Liaodong officers, were already not far from here.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This news immediately caused a stir. Wang Dou was also somewhat surprised. Although official dispatches had arrived in advance, Chen Xinjia and his party had already come in haste. Wang Dou had estimated that Xue Guoguan and the others would arrive in two or three days; he had not expected them so soon. By coincidence, they had arrived almost at the same time as Chen Xinjia's group.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Chen Xinjia gave a cough and unconsciously adjusted his hat and robes. After everyone quickly rearranged themselves, Chen Xinjia and Ji Shiwei stood at the front, with the rest of the party behind them.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>When the processions of Yang Sichang, Xue Guoguan, and the others arrived, the display of power was overwhelming — the pomp of a Grand Secretary of the Cabinet was indeed something else. The officers of the Eastern Route were all stirred and excited. A great host of high officials had gathered for the sole purpose of observing the General of State-Pacifying Might drill his troops — this was truly a grand honor.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wang Dou knew both Yang Sichang and Hong Chengchou, but the Senior Grand Secretary Xue Guoguan he was meeting for the first time.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He stood behind Chen Xinjia, Ji Shiwei, Yang Guozhu, and the others and looked on. After those carriages and sedan chairs arrived, first Yang Sichang and Hong Chengchou emerged. Then, assisted by attendants, a civil official with a broad face and large ears stepped down from one of the luxurious carriages.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This civil official wore a first-rank scarlet python robe and had the look of great wealth and high station. Wang Dou knew this man must be Xue Guoguan. The python robe he wore was no ordinary garment — it could only be worn by special imperial favor. Seeing that Yang Sichang also wore one showed the standing both men held in the Chongzhen Emperor's regard.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Crowding behind Xue Guoguan and the other two was a group of Liaodong officers in helmets and armor. Among them, Wang Dou spotted a host of familiar faces: Cao Bianjiao, Regional Commander of Yutian, and Wang Tingchen, Regional Commander of Qiantun Garrison, were winking and making faces at him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>There were also several officers under their command. During the Pinggu campaign, they had all fought side by side. In particular, that young officer under Cao Bianjiao, Yang Shaofan, had left a deep impression on Wang Dou. Seeing Wang Dou's gaze turn his way, he cupped his fists toward Wang Dou from afar.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Apart from these old acquaintances, two men beside Cao Bianjiao and Wang Tingchen, dressed in the manner of Regional Commanders, also caught Wang Dou's attention.\u003C\u002Fp>",4120,"2026-06-03T14:05:36.780Z",1,"Novelzhen Translator","c5fe10265329d8aeb5e5c93451f0f1559e3e06ce8ffaf4fb99b077eb0d5226b3","a-little-soldier-of-the-late-ming-border-army-chapter-356","a-little-soldier-of-the-late-ming-border-army-chapter-354",896,"https:\u002F\u002Fnovelzhen.com\u002Fimages\u002Fcovers\u002Fa-little-soldier-of-the-late-ming-border-army-cover.jpg"]