Chapter 247: Startled, Huo Qubing

My lord, with your civil and military strategy, I suppose you have already made a decision.

My humble view may make you laugh, my lord.

Wei Qing immediately straightened his chest and spoke in a deep voice.

Haha, Zhongqing, you needn't be modest; I know your talent and ability.

Su Ye heard this, smiled slightly, his gaze sweeping over Wei Qing, then he spoke slowly.

You're right. These aspects indeed need strengthening.

However, in my view there is still a more important problem to be solved.

He paused, then continued, "That is the training and selection of commanders."

A strong army needs not only brave soldiers, but also commanders who are both wise and brave to lead them.

Su Ye glanced at Wei Qing, speaking with deep meaning.

Su Ye nodded in satisfaction and said.

Only by letting talented people hold key positions can we unleash maximum combat power.

Excellent! Zhongqing, that you understand this shows you already have the potential to become an outstanding commander.

Moreover, this new army has just begun training; the highest rank within it is merely a Colonel commanding the various small units.

Wei Qing blinked slightly, seemingly not expecting the governor to ask him so directly.

A flash of appreciation crossed Su Ye's eyes; he smiled and nodded.

But as long as Qing is here, this new army will surely become an iron-blooded force that makes enemies tremble at the mere mention!

Su Ye looked at Wei Qing, his heart full of anticipation.

Wei Qing straightened his back and spoke with a resonant voice.

Zhongqing, your courage is commendable. However, training troops is not an overnight task; you need time, resources, and patience.

Although I lack talent, I am willing to stake my life to train for my lord a first-rate army of this age!

Wei Qing's heart stirred upon hearing this, and he said.

Su Ye patted Wei Qing's shoulder, a smile appearing on his face.

My lord, rest assured; Qing understands the weight of his responsibility.

He took a deep breath and answered in a loud voice.

Wei Qing collected himself, his gaze gradually becoming firm and profound, as if a fire burned within.

My lord, your insight is clear; the training and selection of commanders is indeed very important.

He knew that the young commander before him possessed outstanding talent and firm conviction; with sufficient support and trust, he would surely achieve remarkable feats.

My lord, if Qing is entrusted with this heavy duty, he will devote himself fully and not disgrace the mission.

I entrust this new army to you; naturally I am at ease, but I also hope you understand that its responsibility and pressure are no small matter.

Then Zhongqing, do you think that if you were to command this new army, you would achieve the results you spoke of?

Not even a general exists.

The highest rank is merely a few generals from the former Cangzhou troops who have come to oversee the new army's training.

Therefore, Su Ye holds absolute authority over this new army, directly appointing Wei Qing as its commander-in-chief without much opposition.

As for the troubles within this new army,

If Wei Qing cannot even settle this, then he is unworthy of becoming one of the Two Pillars of the Great Han, let alone a Grand General of the Western Han.

Thus, Su Ye formally appointed Wei Qing as commander of the new army, promising to provide all necessary support and resources.

Wei Qing received the military order, and for a moment he felt somewhat dazed.

Thirty thousand troops, just handed over to me like this?

Will my own sister not poison the lord with witchcraft?

Wei Qing's thoughts surged wildly.

But his clenched fists showed no sign of loosening.

He understood, this is a crucial turning point in his life.

It is also an excellent opportunity for him to realize his ambitions and ideals.

At this solemn and sacred moment, suddenly a clamor came from afar.

That sound began like a whisper in the breeze, gradually becoming clearer and louder, rolling in like thunder.

Everyone turned their heads to see a soldier in Cangzhou Army uniform riding a startled war horse, repeatedly leaping in the distance.

That war horse was clearly frightened, its hooves madly pawing the ground, kicking up dust.

The soldier gripped the reins tightly, trying to control the startled war horse, but his efforts seemed to have little effect.

That war horse seemed to be chased by something terrifying, endlessly galloping and jumping, as if it would not stop until it threw off its rider.

This sudden scene broke the camp's tranquility, plunging the troops, who had just been immersed in a solemn atmosphere, into chaos.

Soldiers began to whisper and discuss among themselves.

They did not know what had befallen that soldier, nor how to respond to this sudden change.

Yet amidst this chaos, Wei Qing appeared especially calm and composed.

He furrowed his brow slightly, his eyes fixed on the soldier and horse racing wildly.

His mind quickly flashed through various possible situations and countermeasures, while also considering how to steady morale and maintain order.

Soon, Wei Qing made a decision.

Everyone stay calm! Do not panic! Squad leaders, quickly organize your units and make emergency preparations!

He raised the military tally high and shouted his command.

His voice, bolstered by his cultivated vigorous energy, rang loud and strong, piercing the clamor of chaos and reaching throughout the camp.

Hearing the order coming from beside their ears, the soldiers instinctively fell silent.

They began to rearrange themselves neatly according to their respective units, waiting for further instructions.

And those Colonels also sprang into action, quickly organizing their own units and preparing to deal with any sudden developments.

However, Wei Qing's calm expression did not last long.

As that soldier drew nearer, the clamor gradually became clearer.

With the bolstering of vigorous Qi, Wei Qing's eyes blazed like torches, and he quickly made out the soldier's face.

In an instant, his heart was overwhelmed by shock and disbelief, and a flicker of incredulity flashed in his eyes.

"Huo Qubing!"

Wei Qing blurted out, his voice filled with surprise, helplessness, shock-anger, and worry.

He never expected that his nephew, who ought to be cultivating peacefully at home, would secretly follow him into the camp.

Huo Qubing, Wei Qing's close nephew, had shown extraordinary talent and excellent aptitude in the martial way since childhood.

However, he was strong-willed and often acted in unexpected ways, causing Wei Qing both admiration and concern.

At this moment, seeing Huo Qubing appear here, Wei Qing's heart was a tangle of mixed emotions, and he did not know what to do.

Looking at a person and horse slowly approaching in the distance.

Wei Qing took a deep breath, striving to calm his inner emotions.

"Huo Qubing, why are you here?"

Wei Qing asked in a deep voice, his tone conveying an aura of authority and undeniable power.

Huo Qubing rode the startled warhorse, looking somewhat embarrassed.

"Uncle, I came to find you; I want to fight side by side with you!"

He widened his eyes at Wei Qing, the corner of his mouth curling into a stubborn smile.

Upon hearing those words, a warm current surged through Wei Qing's heart.

He knew that Huo Qubing had always regarded him as a role model, longing to gallop the battlefield and achieve merit just as he did.

But he also knew the battlefield was merciless, life and death unpredictable, and he did not wish for Huo Qubing to be drawn into this cruel war.

(End of chapter)