[{"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-77":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},1205366,1561,"Chapter 77: Volume Three: Defender of Shunxiang Fortress, Chapter Seventy-Seven: Double Happiness Arrives at the Door","a-little-soldier-of-the-late-ming-border-army-chapter-77",77,"\u003Cp>Volume Three: Defender of Shunxiang Fortress, Chapter Seventy-Seven: Double Happiness Arrives at the Door\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The third day of the twelfth month in the eighth year of Chongzhen. By the later solar calendar, it was already the tenth of January.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As the year drew to a close, no heavy snow had fallen anywhere in Baoanzhou, but light snow fell constantly. Every street and alley in the prefectural city was covered in hard ice formed from frozen slush, treacherously slippery. Merchants and residents alike were busy scattering fine sand in front of their doors to prevent falls when going out.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wang Dou wore a thick fur robe and a fur hat on his head, his whole body wrapped up tightly, yet he still felt the extreme cold. Beside him walked Han Chao and several guards. They had just found Zhang Gui's residence within the prefectural city, a large mansion located in the Cheng'en Ward in the Xun corner of the city. Beside it stood a temple called the Sanguan Temple, its incense fire flourishing.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhang Gui had been promoted to the prefectural city's Land Reclamation Officer, a position of real authority, so many people curried favor with him. This large mansion before them had been a gift from a merchant in the prefectural city. Looking at it from the outside, the compound was quite spacious.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After Wang Dou announced himself, Zhang Gui personally came out to greet him. His hearty laughter could be heard from far away. Then he strode out, accompanied by his former retainer squad leader Zhang Tanggong, who was also all smiles.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Seeing Zhang Gui, Wang Dou was momentarily stunned. Zhang Gui was wearing the embroidered bear uniform of a Principal Fifth-Rank military officer, with an exquisite qilin bronze badge at his waist — the full attire of a Battalion Commander.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wang Dou thought to himself, \"Could it be that the rewards for suppressing the bandits have come down from above?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He stepped forward and saluted: \"Wang Dou pays his respects to my lord!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhang Gui laughed heartily and stepped forward to raise Wang Dou up: \"We are brothers, why such excessive courtesy?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wang Dou still performed the salute meticulously. He smiled and said, \"I see my elder brother has been promoted. Your younger brother offers his congratulations here!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhang Gui's face was full of springtime pride. He said meaningfully, \"You haven't done badly yourself, younger brother!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Seeing that Wang Dou and his companions were all frozen blue in the face with purple lips, he said, \"Such bitter cold — come inside quickly. Today my brother and I meet, we should drink a few hearty cups.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wang Dou followed him into the mansion compound. Han Chao and the others followed behind, carrying several large gift boxes.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wang Dou saw that the mansion had multiple courtyards and wings, quite luxurious, and could not help but sigh, \"My elder brother's residence is truly splendid!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhang Gui said proudly, \"A gift from a merchant. On my official salary, how could I ever afford such a mansion?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The group entered the main hall, where a stove fire burned. A wave of warmth greeted them, and everyone breathed a sigh of relief.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wang Dou took the gift list from Han Chao's hands and presented it with both hands. Smiling, he said, \"My elder brother's promotion is a great joy. Your younger brother has not had the chance to offer congratulations until now. This small token of my regard — I earnestly hope my elder brother will not disdain it!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhang Gui took the gift list and looked it over. Seeing that the various gifts together were worth no less than fifteen taels, he laughed heartily and said, \"Younger brother, you are good in every way but one — you are simply too meticulous. Very well, since it is your sincere regard, your elder brother will not stand on ceremony!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He instructed Zhang Tanggong to put the gifts away. Wang Dou smiled and nodded at Zhang Tanggong, who went off beaming.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wang Dou and Zhang Gui exchanged another bow and took their seats as host and guest. Tea was served. Zhang Gui said, \"Tell me, younger brother, what matter brings you to the prefectural city this time? Your elder brother knows you never visit the temple without a reason!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wang Dou raised his thumb: \"My elder brother truly understands your younger brother!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hearing Wang Dou's words, Zhang Gui said thoughtfully, \"You want your elder brother to provide some grain, rice, and plow oxen. That is no great problem — it falls within my authority. I can arrange it immediately. But exempting the wasteland from grain tax for three years — that is a matter I cannot decide on my own. It must be asked of Garrison Commander Xu.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wang Dou stood and gave a deep bow: \"I must trouble my elder brother!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhang Gui slapped his own thigh: \"Very well, your elder brother will accompany you on this trip. Let us go see how Lord Xu responds!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The residence of Garrison Commander Xu Zucheng was located in the Xun corner of the city, not far from the Baoanzhou government offices. It had originally been a Defense Commander's residence, converted to a Garrison Commander's residence after the mid-Ming period, first built during the Yongle reign.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Arriving before the Garrison Commander's residence, they saw a vast compound. The front of the compound was paved entirely with large bluestone slabs. Before the great gate with its stone drums lay several enormous horse-mounting stones, and beside them stood rows of thick stone hitching posts — an imposing and solemn grandeur.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Here, even Zhang Gui was cautious and deferential. Smiling obsequiously, he explained the situation to the gatekeeper, presented his name card, and slipped him some silver. Only then did the gatekeeper haughtily go inside to announce them.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhang Gui said to Wang Dou with a smile, \"Even a seventh-rank official at the chancellor's gate — do not underestimate this mere gatekeeper; he is not to be offended!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wang Dou said gratefully, \"It is all for your younger brother's affairs that my elder brother must go to such trouble!\" At the same time, he thought to himself that when he himself held high office in the future, he must reform this gatekeeper system, lest his subordinates' business be obstructed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhang Gui waved his hand dismissively: \"We are brothers. Saying such things makes us strangers!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The person who came out from the residence to greet them was a sturdy middle-aged military officer — none other than Yang Dongmin, the personal general beside Xu Zucheng. He cupped his fist in salute to Zhang Gui. Then, seeing Wang Dou, he laughed heartily and said, \"So it is Brother Wang! I was just speaking of you, and here you are. Truly, speak of Cao Cao and Cao Cao arrives!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wang Dou smiled and said, \"Today your younger brother comes to visit, and must trouble you, elder brother!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yang Dongmin laughed loudly: \"We are brothers — why speak of trouble?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He looked at Han Chao and the several guards beside Wang Dou, his eyes showing admiration: \"These retainers of yours, younger brother, are not bad — well-trained and sturdy!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wang Dou smiled faintly and did not correct him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The group followed Yang Dongmin into the residence, through what seemed like endless pavilions, terraces, courtyards, and pathways, until they finally arrived before the reception hall in the rear court. In the covered walkway of this reception hall stood an old locust tree with lush branches and leaves, still full of green even in the depths of winter.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Entering the reception hall, it was as warm as spring inside. Garrison Commander Xu Zucheng, dressed in casual fur robes, was reclining on a soft couch with his eyes closed in rest.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The soft couch was cushioned with brocade silk floss, and two maids were gently massaging Xu Zucheng's body. Around the reception hall stood rows of serving maids and old serving women in respectful silence. The furniture in the hall was mostly of huanghuali official's-hat chairs. The rich, noble aura of huanghuali furnishings pressed upon them.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It seemed the prefectural city was indeed different. The lives of upper-rank and lower-rank military officers were worlds apart.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Being able to enter the rear court of this Garrison Commander's residence was a sign that Wang Dou and the others had become Xu Zucheng's trusted confidants. Seeing Xu Zucheng resting with his eyes closed, both Zhang Gui and Wang Dou dared not move. This atmosphere of wealth and solemn authority also made Han Chao and the others hold their breath.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yang Dongmin signaled Wang Dou and the others to wait a moment. He approached Xu Zucheng with light steps and called softly, \"My lord, Lord Zhang and Lord Wang have arrived.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Oh?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After Yang Dongmin called softly a few times, Xu Zucheng opened his eyes. Seeing Zhang Gui and Wang Dou standing respectfully beside him with their hands at their sides, he turned and sat up, saying, \"You have come?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He patted his own head and sighed: \"The years spare no one. I did not expect to doze off like that.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhang Gui said ingratiatingly, \"How can my lord be old? You are hale and vigorous.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wang Dou estimated Xu Zucheng to be only forty-five or forty-six, but his hair had long since turned gray. After not seeing him for a while, his hair seemed even whiter. It seemed that holding high office brought tremendous pressure.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hearing Zhang Gui's words, Xu Zucheng laughed heartily and said, \"Zhang Gui, you certainly know how to speak.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His voice was resonant. As he looked about, he regained his usual authority, like a sleeping lion awakening.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wang Dou strode forward and kowtowed and bowed to Xu Zucheng. Xu Zucheng inclined his body slightly. Seeing Wang Dou's vigorous and spirited bearing, his square, fleshy face broke into a smile, and he said warmly, \"Wang Dou, rise.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wang Dou rose as instructed. Xu Zucheng studied Wang Dou carefully. He saw that although Wang Dou was travel-worn, his eyes were sharp, and with his powerful build and youth, he was at the peak of his vigor — exactly the kind of young military officer he needed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Sitting upright on his chair, he said with authority, \"Tell me, Wang Dou, what matter brings you to this residence today?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhang Gui quickly stepped forward and explained the matter. He smiled and said, \"Brother Wang is entirely public-spirited, but the difficulties are indeed great. So he had no choice but to come to the prefectural city to seek help.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xu Zucheng had come from Shunxiang Fortress, so he naturally knew the local conditions. He sighed and said, \"Wang Dou, that you have such dedication — it truly is hard on you.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He said thoughtfully, \"Exempting the wasteland from grain tax for three years is acceptable. However, can you guarantee that the original grain quota from the military farmlands of Shun Fortress will be fulfilled in full?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wang Dou's face showed difficulty. He lowered his head for a long moment, then gritted his teeth and said, \"This subordinate will certainly fulfill it and not fail my lord's high expectations!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xu Zucheng laughed heartily and said repeatedly, \"Good, good!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He had heard from his subordinates that after Wang Dou took over Shunxiang Fortress, he had handled a series of matters with impressive results. This Wang Dou was indeed a diligent worker. If he reclaimed wasteland on a large scale, after three years when these lands matured, the grain tax collected would be a major political achievement for himself.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Defense Commander of the guard city, Lord Li Yian, was already fifty-five this year. He could not serve many more years. After his honorable retirement, who would succeed to the Defense Commander position? The competition would certainly be fierce. If by then he had Wang Dou's achievements as support, his chances would be greatly strengthened.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Collecting garrison grain now would be killing the hen for its eggs. Xu Zucheng is not a short-sighted man; he is in no hurry.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Moreover…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xu Zucheng smiled at Wang Dou and said, \"Wang Dou, in the ninth month, our Baoan garrison soldiers suppressed bandits and drove out brigands. You, Wang Dou, raided a bandit camp, killed over two hundred bandits, captured over five hundred, and seized countless spoils — this is recorded as the highest merit! In addition to your merit last year in exterminating the Siliangqing bandits, with multiple merits combined, and as certified by Ji Shiwei, the Military Defense Circuit Intendant of Huailai, the Ministry of War's commendation has arrived. This official must congratulate you, my lord Wang — you have been promoted to the rank of Battalion Commander!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wang Dou was stunned for a moment, then overjoyed. He had never imagined leaping from Platoon Leader to Battalion Commander, skipping several ranks in between — this was truly unexpected.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It turned out that after the military merits were reported, the list of meritorious names reached the hands of Ji Shiwei of the Huailong Military Defense Circuit. Ji Shiwei had always held a deep impression of Wang Dou. The previous year, it was precisely because of the merits of Wang Dou and others that he had escaped the Chongzhen Emperor's censure and punishment. He had not expected that this year, this Wang Dou would again achieve great merit. It seemed he was a talent worth cultivating, and in his heart, Ji Shiwei conceived the idea of promoting Wang Dou. After highlighting Wang Dou prominently in the list, he joyfully had his most beloved youngest daughter, Ji Junjiao, play the flute and zither for his amusement.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>With the unintentional assistance of various parties, Wang Dou obtained this present outcome.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Of course, the rewards were not Wang Dou's alone. As the garrison commander of Baoan Prefecture City, Xu Zucheng also had merit. After the Ministry of War's commendation came down, he was promoted to Vice Guard Commander of Baoan Guard, while still serving as garrison commander of Baoan Prefecture City. Because of this promotion, Xu Zucheng began to entertain the idea of competing for the Garrison Commander position in the future.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Similarly, Zhang Gui also basked in reflected glory and formally became a full Battalion Commander. Although he and Wang Dou were both Battalion Commanders, he was the grain administration officer of the prefecture city, so his authority and status were naturally far greater than Wang Dou's. There was a whole list of people promoted and rewarded; Wang Dou could not ask about them all at once.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Originally, according to the Great Ming's guard battalion system, after being promoted to full Battalion Commander, Wang Dou would have to report to the capital for evaluation. However, in the chaos of the late Ming, guard battalion officers were worthless, so the Ministry of War directly issued the official documents and certificates of appointment, which were then conveyed by Wang Dou's direct superior.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhang Gui congratulated Wang Dou. Wang Dou's face was full of smiles. Han Chao and the others beside him were also beside themselves with joy — when the lord was promoted, they would rise with the tide as well. Presumably, they too would have a share in this commendation.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xu Zucheng smiled and said, \"Originally, when the Ministry of War's documents arrived, I was going to send someone to notify you. But since you happen to be here, I will inform you now. When you go down, let Yang Dongmin and Zhang Gui accompany you and have them formally announce your promotion. That way, being promoted in public will be more glorious, and it will also let others see that you are one of my men, Xu Zucheng!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wang Dou hurriedly expressed his thanks.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xu Zucheng then asked, seemingly casually, \"Over at Shunxiang Fort, there is a Company Commander named Wen Fangliang. He is the nephew of the former prefecture city grain administration officer Wen Shiyan. Wen Shiyan has no heir and has always doted on him most. Has this Wen Fangliang given you any trouble?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In Wang Dou's mind appeared the figure of a young officer in his twenties, strikingly handsome and very popular with women, but always grinning cheekily, the very image of a profligate son.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wang Dou had also heard that previously, there was a grain administration officer in the prefecture city named Wen Shiyan who did not get along with Xu Zucheng. The two were always at odds. Moreover, the Garrison Commander, Lord Li Yi'an, greatly appreciated this Wen Shiyan. It was also rumored that Wen Shiyan had dealings with Ji Shiwei, the Military Defense Circuit Intendant of Huailong. Therefore, Xu Zucheng had always been wary of and detested Wen Shiyan.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It seemed that previously, Du Zhen of Shunxiang Fort had begun to feign compliance with Xu Zhongjun precisely because he had latched onto Wen Shiyan.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hearing Xu Zucheng speak thus, Wang Dou hurriedly said, \"There has been no trouble. When I return, I will immediately investigate this Wen Fangliang's background.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xu Zucheng snorted. \"If anyone in Shun Fort dares to oppose you, feel free to come and tell me.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wang Dou thanked him again.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>On the fifth day of the twelfth month of the eighth year of the Chongzhen reign, after staying two days in the prefecture city, Wang Dou returned to Shunxiang Fort.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Traveling with him were Yang Dongmin and Zhang Gui, as well as a group of miscellaneous conscript laborers from Baoan Prefecture City. They were escorting a batch of draft oxen, rice, wheat, and other goods, simply traveling together.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wang Dou's harvest from this trip was abundant. In total, he had obtained from the prefecture city fifty draft oxen, sixty sets of plow harnesses, over two hundred hoes, and in addition, more than three hundred dan of grain and rice.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Word spread that Wang Dou was returning with a full load, and especially that the Ministry of War's commendation had arrived. Everyone in Shunxiang Fort was elated and came to the south gate of Shunxiang Fort to welcome him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Unlike in front of Wang Dou, before the people of Shunxiang Fort, Zhang Gui and Yang Dongmin were extremely haughty. Zhang Gui in particular — in the past, when he came to Shunxiang Fort, he had to bow and scrape to everyone with a smiling face. Now that he had been promoted to grain administration officer of the prefecture city, who would not have to be polite when meeting him?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>For a moment, he felt quite the glorious sensation of returning home in brocade robes.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The military officers and civil clerks within the fort, seeing the mighty procession of grain and rice carts and the bleating, sturdy draft oxen, all admired Wang Dou's skill. Just one trip to the prefecture city, and he had secured so many supplies. With these draft oxen and farming tools, next year's land reclamation within the fort would have an even greater chance of success. Those three hundred-plus dan of grain and rice also set everyone's minds at ease — this New Year festival would be easy to get through.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lin Daofu, who oversaw the fort's agricultural colonies, was grinning from ear to ear. He personally gave orders to store these draft oxen and farming tools in the warehouse.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Among the welcoming party, Wang Dou deliberately glanced at that Wen Fangliang. This young and handsome officer was still grinning cheekily, just standing in the crowd watching those draft oxen, rice, and wheat, a look of astonishment on his face. Seeing Wang Dou look his way, he flashed a wide grin at Wang Dou, with the air of a sunny youth.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After Wang Dou and the others ushered Zhang Gui and Yang Dongmin into the fort, the two men were somewhat astonished by the sight inside Shunxiang Fort.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhang Gui sighed, \"Brother, you are truly a man of great talent. In just a short time, Shun Fort has completely changed. Tsk, tsk…\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He clicked his tongue in wonder, and Yang Dongmin nodded repeatedly in agreement.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wang Dou smiled slightly. \"You two elder brothers flatter me.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The military officers entered the Battalion Commander's official hall, a grand gathering, and took their seats as host and guests.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yang Dongmin stepped forward proudly and announced to everyone Wang Dou's promotion and appointment: Wang Dou, formerly Platoon Leader of Dongjiazhuang in Shunxiang Fort, for his merit in suppressing bandits, is hereby promoted and substantively appointed as full Battalion Commander of the Left Battalion of Baoan Guard, with an official rank of Principal Fifth Grade, still serving in the post of Garrison Commander of Shunxiang Fort.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He paused, then took out another document and said, \"The Bureau of Military Appointments of the Ministry of War, having examined Wang Dou, full Battalion Commander of the Left Battalion of Baoan Guard, finds him loyal and diligent, worthy of great responsibility, and specially confers upon him the honorary title of Valiant Cavalry Commandant. This officer must exert himself wholeheartedly and not fail this trust and high expectation!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A hubbub broke out among the officers in the hall, and Wang Dou himself was stunned for a moment.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In the Great Ming, whether civil officials or military officers, upon entering officialdom, all could receive a \"prestige title\" according to their rank. The name of the prestige title was linked to the rank. Civil officials had forty-two prestige title grades, with the triennial performance evaluation serving as the standard for promotion or demotion. Military officers had thirty prestige title grades, and the salary corresponding to each grade was different.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After Wang Dou was promoted to full Battalion Commander, he was initially conferred the prestige title of General of Martial Virtue, with a monthly salary of sixteen dan of rice. At the same time, his current wife also received the title of Lady of Reverence. After a few years, he would be promoted to the prestige title of General of Martial Integrity, with a corresponding increase in his rice salary.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Only civil and military officials with outstanding achievements could simultaneously receive an honorary title. Principal Fifth Grade civil officials were honored with the title of Rectifying Servant, while Principal Fifth Grade military officers were honored with the title of Valiant Cavalry Commandant! With this honorary title, not to mention that his monthly rice salary would immediately increase by several dan, even future promotions would be powerfully bolstered by this consideration.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Every official had a prestige title, but this honorary title was not something every civil official or military officer could obtain.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wang Dou did not know why he had received the honorary title of Valiant Cavalry Commandant. This was too unexpected — how could it not make him stunned for a moment?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The officers of Shunxiang Fort below, seeing Zhang Gui and Yang Dongmin from the prefecture city personally come to announce Wang Dou's promotion, were already filled with envy. This proved Wang Dou's standing in the mind of Garrison Commander Lord Xu. And seeing Wang Dou receive the honorary title of Valiant Cavalry Commandant, their feelings grew even more mixed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lin Daofu's expression was also dejected. He had worked diligently and conscientiously, yet could not obtain promotion. Why was everyone's official fortune so different? Fortunately, the new Garrison Commander Lord Wang still seemed to value him. Lin Daofu had already made up his mind: from now on, he would cling tightly to Wang Dou's sturdy thigh.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Only Han Chao, Han Zhong, and a few others in the hall were extremely excited, feeling happy and proud for Wang Dou.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yang Dongmin also looked at Wang Dou with a sigh. This kid's luck was too good. A military honor was extremely difficult to obtain, yet this kid had gotten it. Could it be that this kid had some connections within the Ministry of War? Thinking of this, Yang Dongmin felt even more inclined to befriend Wang Dou.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He smiled slightly. \"Battalion Commander Wang, accept the appointment!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wang Dou answered loudly and received, one by one, the official robes, seals, waist tags, and certificates of appointment handed over by Yang Dongmin. Then he excused himself, went inside to change into his official attire, and came back out. When he emerged, he was already wearing the Battalion Commander's official robe embroidered with the bear — the insignia of a Principal Fifth Grade military officer — with the exquisite qilin bronze badge of the Valiant Cavalry Commandant at his waist and official boots on his feet. His bearing was entirely different.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Now, as a full Battalion Commander of a guard battalion and concurrently the Garrison Commander of Shunxiang Fort, Wang Dou was already qualified to be included in the roster submitted by the Ministry of War for imperial review. He just did not know what two lines of appraisal would be written about him on that roster.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After Wang Dou came out, everyone in Shunxiang Fort paid their respects to him anew. Now, with Wang Dou serving as Garrison Commander of Shunxiang Fort in the capacity of Battalion Commander, it was fully justified, and no one dared to object anymore.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Next, it was Wang Dou's turn, on behalf of Yang Dongmin, to announce to everyone in Shunxiang Fort the matters of promotion and reward from this superior's notification.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Han Chao and Han Zhong had originally been acting Platoon Leaders. For their merit this time, both were substantively appointed as Company Commanders.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhong Diaoyang, acting Platoon Leader.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Gao Shiyin was originally a Squad Leader. For his merit this time, he was promoted to Probationary Company Commander.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yang Tong, acting Platoon Leader.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>These were all Wang Dou's former direct subordinates. Apart from the Han brothers, the rest still had to be notified to come to Shunxiang Fort to receive their certificates of appointment. Especially Gao Shiyin and Yang Tong — originally, when Wang Dou appointed them as Company Commander and Deputy Company Commander of Dongjiazhuang, it was inevitable that many people were unconvinced, and there was much private discussion. Now, the two were also fully justified.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Han Chao and Han Zhong very joyfully received their official robes and certificates of appointment, thinking to themselves that following the lord meant boundless prospects. Some officers of Shunxiang Fort who had previously participated in the bandit suppression also received rewards. However, most were just a few words of verbal commendation, or a few had their rice salaries slightly increased, with no substantial benefits.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lin Daofu was one such case. The notification document praised him to the skies, yet not a single grain of rice was added to his salary, leaving his face full of bitterness.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Only Wen Fangliang, the former Company Commander of Shunxiang Fort and a Company Commander of Shunxiang Fort, was promoted at a young age to acting Vice Battalion Commander. Sure enough, he had someone above him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After the promotions and rewards, some rejoiced while others fretted.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wang Dou hosted a banquet for Yang Dongmin, Zhang Gui, and their party who had come to Shunxiang Fort. At the feast, people kept coming to toast the two of them, especially the several company officers of the old Shunxiang Fort army, who took turns in waves. Zhang Gui, his face glowing red, refused no one, while only Yang Dongmin maintained a proud expression and, for most toasts, merely sipped before setting his cup down.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>However, when Wang Dou toasted him, Yang Dongmin drained several cups in succession, making those below watch with envious eyes.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>……\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The next day, after Yang Dongmin, Zhang Gui, and their party had returned, the news of Wang Dou’s promotion to full Battalion Commander spread swiftly. The military households in Shunxiang Fort and Jingbian Fort all rejoiced. When Gao Shiyin and Yang Tong learned of their own promotions and rewards, they flew over from the Dong Family Village to collect their appointment documents.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>When Zhong Diaoyang arrived from Jingbian Fort, he brought happy tidings: Xie Yike was pregnant, and now the military households in Jingbian Fort were all celebrating.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wang Dou was overjoyed as well — this time, two blessings had truly come to his door at once.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He recalled how little time he and his wife had spent together, having parted just seven days after their wedding. Now that he had gained a firm foothold in Shunxiang Fort and his wife was pregnant, it was time to bring Xie Yike and his mother to live in Shunxiang Fort, so he could look after them more conveniently.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>。\u003C\u002Fp>",4725,"2026-06-03T14:05:19.908Z",1,"Novelzhen Translator","797a16ea2bc08427a78ff841826a9c7ec68a7720f62033f3b3f3b3baeadeed0a","a-little-soldier-of-the-late-ming-border-army-chapter-78","a-little-soldier-of-the-late-ming-border-army-chapter-76",896,"https:\u002F\u002Fnovelzhen.com\u002Fimages\u002Fcovers\u002Fa-little-soldier-of-the-late-ming-border-army-cover.jpg"]