Chapter 556: Troop Types

"That Liu was never a good man to begin with. What were you thinking, leaving Tan Ye behind just because he had five hundred taels of silver? Now look how it's turned out."

Tan Laizi stood before a dilapidated shack. Sun Hong'er crouched on the ground, head buried, saying nothing. She looked dark and gaunt, her old Waist Loom Cloth clothes patched in many places yet still riddled with holes, the exposed skin beneath ignored entirely. Her hair was matted and stiff, as tangled and wild as a bird's nest.

Tan Laizi studied her carefully for a long moment. He had actually spent very little time with Sun Hong'er, and her features had grown somewhat blurry in his memory. Only when he saw the scar on her face did he confirm it was truly her. Beside her was a grimy child, hiding behind Sun Hong'er, watching Tan Laizi with frightened eyes.

Seeing that Sun Hong'er would not speak, Tan Laizi felt an even greater thrill of control. He thought for a moment, then continued, "You thought his five hundred taels of silver was something grand. Lord Pang originally meant to reward that silver to me, Tan Ye. I saw his family was ruined and pitied him, so I generously let him have it. A mere five hundred taels — if Tan Ye wanted to earn it, I could stretch out my hand and take it. Did you see the newspaper back then? Tan Ye's Banknote was no fake. Not only did I earn silver, I killed Tartars too. Go ask anywhere in Jizhou — Tan Ye raided the Tartar Camp alone at night. I lost count of how many Tartars I cut down with my own hands, and in the end, I set a fire that burned a thousand of them to death. That's no lie. Tang Ershuan, the man who captured Sweeping King alive, vouched for me. Lord Pang himself had to call me a true hero, and that's why he appointed Tan Ye to manage this Fortified Stronghold. It all has a reason. Now look at that Liu. You think after he got those five hundred taels that day, he could ever earn another five hundred? He doesn't have that kind of skill. Instead, he went and did something that dragged you down with him. Whatever it was, it was some shameful, dirty business, and he certainly didn't look after you and the child. A man with no skill and no conscience — do you regret it now?"

After a long silence, Sun Hong'er lifted her head. She first glanced at Yuan Pozi in the distance, then turned to Tan Laizi and spoke quietly, "He was always a man with no conscience, and his mouth was full of lies. That day, I waited a long time for you at the inn, but you never came back. He arrived first with two soldiers, saying you were with the Anqing Battalion and had taken a boat to Nanjing to fight the Roving Bandits. Before leaving, he said, you told him the place and asked him to bring me to Nanjing to find you."

Tan Laizi, who had been brimming with smug satisfaction, was stunned speechless for a moment. Sun Hong'er turned and embraced the child. After a while, she spoke again, "I didn't know anyone else. Afraid you had truly left and I'd have nowhere to go, I had no choice but to believe him. Only when we reached Nanjing did I learn it was a lie. He had wicked designs on me. I had already promised to marry you in Hezhou, so I would rather die than yield to him. He refused to give me food. I thought only of coming back to find you, but a woman alone, with no travel money, and no idea where to look for you — I held out for a month. When I couldn't endure any longer, I had no choice but to give in to him. By then, I already knew he had no conscience."

Tan Laizi stared at the top of Sun Hong'er's head. After a long moment, he said, "You really tried to find me?"

Sun Hong'er nodded. Tan Laizi hesitated, then asked, "Then when did you arrive in Anqing? Why didn't you come looking for me, Tan Ye?"

Sun Hong'er lowered her head and said softly, "Anqing is so big — how would I know where you were? Besides, by the time I reached Anqing, I already had the child with me. Seeking you out would have been awkward for both of us, so I let it go. Saying I regret it now is useless. This is my fate. I was born to bitterness, and I've dragged my family down into misery with me. In Hezhou, I thought I would die. Who knew you would rescue me? I thought my fate had finally changed, that I could live a steady life with you. My heart was truly full of joy. I never imagined that after all the twists and turns, it would end like this. My fate is still bitter."

After she finished, Sun Hong'er wiped away tears without stopping. Tan Laizi stood in place, fidgeting awkwardly, unsure what to do with his hands and feet. Finally, he crouched down carefully. "You were really deceived by that dog Liu?"

Sun Hong'er turned her head away, refusing to look at him. "Whether you believe it or not doesn't matter. I don't want to entangle with you anymore, lest my bitter fate drag you down too."

Tan Laizi rubbed his hands together. "That Liu is truly hateful."

He looked around. This place was in the middle of Pozidun. A wooden Palisade had been erected, inside which were over a dozen shacks and twenty or thirty people — all women implicated because of crimes committed by family members. Not important enough to warrant tighter security, they were detained here in the Women's Camp.

The shacks they lived in were even more rundown than ordinary shacks. This Pozidun had been relocated several times. The Household Office found it troublesome and held them in low regard, giving less and less Rations and Pay, and assigning only the harshest labor. Life for these detained people grew even harder.

"From now on, Tan Ye is the one in charge of this stronghold. Sun, my wife, you needn't worry anymore."

Sun Hong'er buried her face in the child's hair and said through sobs, "I've already wronged you enough. I don't want to bring you more trouble."

"No trouble, no trouble." Tan Laizi reached out a hand, wanting to squeeze Sun Hong'er's hand, but hesitated and started to pull it back.

Suddenly, a woman's voice nearby said, "Tan, don't you believe her. This Sun Pozi always tells lies."

Tan Laizi turned his head and saw another woman standing nearby, also in tattered clothes, but taller and sturdier in build. She looked vaguely familiar, but he couldn't recall who she was.

Yuan Pozi, who was behind him, saw this and strode over quickly, pointing at the woman as she walked. "He Sanniang, what are you doing! This is the newly arrived Master Tan. You are not to strike him!"

Tan Laizi suddenly remembered. The evening they took Erlang Town, Yuan Pozi had seized this He Sanniang to do the Cooking. The woman had refused, and Yuan Pozi had burned her face with fire. She had said this He Sanniang was a gang leader's woman, though the gang leader had already been beaten to death.

He hastily stepped back and cried out to Yuan Pozi in alarm, "This woman was among those who chased me into the river at Erlang Town."

He Sanniang gave a cold laugh. "I was chasing Yuan Pozi. You never bullied me — why would I chase and beat you? You jumped into that river all on your own. It had nothing to do with me."

Yuan Pozi arrived at that moment. She pulled out a Short Stick and struck at the woman's head, hitting and Scolding at the same time. "I'll teach you to chase and beat me! I'll teach you to chase and beat me!"

He Sanniang immediately curled into a ball on the ground, trembling nonstop under the blows of the stick, but she did not make a sound.

Tan Laizi saw He Sanniang covering her head, blood seeping through the gaps between her Fingers. He coughed and called for Yuan Pozi to stop. "Don't injure her so badly it delays the work."

Only then did Yuan Pozi stop. She gave He Sanniang a hard kick. "What are you lying there for? Go dry the Forage!"

He Sanniang shuddered, then slowly climbed to her feet. Two streaks of blood ran down her cheeks. She stood for a moment, her gaze unfocused, then looked at Tan Laizi and said, "Laizi, this Sun woman has a bad heart. You..."

Yuan Pozi struck her again and again, and He Sanniang could not finish. Swaying unsteadily, she walked out beyond the Palisade.

"Yuan Pozi, you told me you had her tamed and obedient."

Yuan Pozi smiled apologetically. "This He Sanniang is just dishonest. She hasn't caused trouble in ages. I don't know why she's gone crazy today."

Tan Laizi finally steadied his nerves. He turned back and saw Sun Hong'er also looking at him. She said softly, "He Sanniang usually bullies us, mother and child, relying on her strength. She seizes more than half of the rations they give us. She says my conscience is bad, but it's her own conscience that's rotten."

Tan Laizi turned to Yuan Pozi with an indignant expression. "Is this how it usually is?"

Yuan Pozi glanced at Sun Hong'er, hesitated, and said, "Perhaps it is so."

"Move that He woman out. She's not a criminal's Family Dependent — why is she detained here?" Tan Laizi clasped his hands behind his back again. "These women are all from criminal families. Detained they may be, but they aren't all detestable. Some of the steady, reliable ones should still be properly looked after."

Yuan Pozi glanced at Sun Hong'er, then carefully tugged Tan Laizi's sleeve and led him a few steps away. She lowered her voice and said to him, "This old body understands. But when this Sun the Lady was sent here, the escorts only said the man of her house had committed a crime that angered Lord Pang. In all the days she's been here, everyone says... she doesn't seem like a steady person. There are many women in this stronghold. How about this old body sends you two others instead..."

"How is she not a steady person? When Tan Ye had nothing at all, she was willing to marry me. How is that not steady?" Tan Laizi pointed at Sun Hong'er and her child. "Look at the lives these Dun Households live. Yuan Pozi, don't spend all day just watching the few people in this stronghold. You need to earn more silver. Who has silver right now? Those soldiers and officers who came back — they just received their Kill-Enemy Reward Silver, dozens of taels per family. That matter I told you about earlier — the Food Stalls, the wine shops, the Dark Doors — get them set up quickly. Shipai Town is lacking them!"

"What kind of cursed place is this? Can't even find a single Food Stall to have a drink."

Manda'er walked briskly along the East-West Main Street of Shipai Town. Behind him were several cavalrymen from the same Team, all Border Army and Escort Masters recruited in the north. Most of those who could come to Anqing were bachelors. None of these men had settled down with families, so on leave, they could only search the town for Wine.

Last year, when the great army marched to rally to the king, many new Barracks were built in Shipai. Now, with the Martial Academy relocating here, the returning king's army bringing many Civilian Laborers, and recently quite a few New Barracks units being transferred to Shipai — supposedly to drill new battle tactics —

the town had suddenly become extraordinarily lively. Especially during leave, soldiers and officers were everywhere. The Anqing Battalion prohibited gambling but not alcohol. Drinking had become the soldiers' way to relieve stress, and Food Stalls had become extremely scarce.

Manda'er's group had already been to two establishments, both sold out of wine. They could only keep searching further ahead. Manda'er's group walked fast; only Qin Jiuze ambled slowly, falling behind at the very back.

Beside him, Yang Shizhong pointed ahead. "A wine banner, a wine banner!"

This Yang Shizhong was an Escort Master recruited at Tongcheng Post. Having traveled far and wide, he was experienced and knowledgeable. Manda'er usually listened to him. Since he said it was a wine banner, it was definitely a wine banner. Manda'er immediately took the lead, charging aggressively to the door.

The Food Stall was bustling with noise and activity. Seven or eight tables had been set up along the street, yet every seat was still taken. They were all soldiers from the Anqing Battalion. Several other groups of soldiers stood around waiting for an empty table.

Just then, a shout came from one table. "Shopkeeper, the bill!"

Before the shopkeeper could arrive, the waiting soldiers and officers nearby had already surrounded the table. The closest group was already right at the table's edge.

Manda'er, long since seized by a powerful craving for wine, could not possibly wait any longer. He hurried toward that table, sizing up the nearest group as he went. Manda'er now knew how to read the insignia on sleeves.

His first glance fell upon an insignia he had never seen before — a Fire Lance and a Waist Saber crossed. He stopped abruptly and turned his head to look at Yang Shizhong. This Yang Shizhong had worked as an escort and, compared to the other cavalrymen, was fairly eloquent. Because of this, he also served as the cavalry's Relay Horse, frequently traveling between friendly units to deliver Documents, and was familiar with all the various units.

"The newly formed Infantry Firearms Battalion. The men from that old Field Artillery Test Team."

Manda'er snorted. "What kind of men are in the Infantry Firearms Battalion, daring to compete with us cavalrymen for a spot!"

"The one at the front is Academy Director Wu's personal guard. Surname Tang. Don't provoke him."

"I don't care what director he is. He's not a director himself. I want to drink, and if he dares not let me, I'll beat him." Manda'er had just taken a step forward when a tall, broad figure suddenly flashed before him. Without a word of explanation, the man directly shoved aside the first Firearm Soldier and cursed irritably, "Not proper. I was here first. Don't you know first come, first served!"

The Firearm Soldier pointed at him. "You clearly just arrived this moment. How can you be so unreasonable?"

"I am a Banner Commander. If I say I was first, I was first. Arguing with an officer is not proper."

While the argument raged over there, Manda'er turned his head again to ask Yang Shizhong, "What insignia is this one?"

"Mountain Troops."

"In Battle, what difference does it make if you're in the mountains or outside? Isn't fighting all the same?" Manda'er spat. "Once you're out the camp gate, what damn Banner Commander? I'll beat up a Centurion all the same."

He counted the Mountain Troops — nine men. Seven cavalrymen had come. Manda'er turned and saw Qin Jiuze. "Old Qin, can we take them or not?"

Qin Jiuze glanced over casually, nodded expressionlessly, and Manda'er immediately puffed out his chest and headed for that table. But several more people squeezed out in front of him and went straight to the table. When Manda'er stopped, he saw the insignia — it was the Marine Corps he knew best, seven men as well.

Manda'er rolled up his sleeves. "I've been sick of those bastards for ages. Today I'm beating the hell out of these Marine Corps, and not even the King of Heaven himself can stop me!"

The area around the table was already packed, and several sides were shouting at each other. The soldiers at that table earlier hurriedly got out of the way.

Manda'er strode over. He had just grabbed a Marine Corps soldier by the shoulder when someone beside him shoved him, knocking him back two steps. He turned to curse, only to see several Artillery soldiers swaggering in, cursing and grumbling.

The earlier groups were a bit stunned. In the Anqing Battalion, battle relied most on the Artillery. Especially after the battle of Susong, the Artillery's status was like a mainstay pillar, extremely high within the army. No one usually dared to argue with the Artillery, but giving way just like that still stung a bit.

The various sides surrounded the table and refused to yield. Manda'er and Yang Shizhong hurriedly claimed one side. The Mountain Troops, Marine Corps, and Artillery also each held a side of the table. Only the Firearm Soldiers were shoved out. For a time, the sides were deadlocked, the table creaking and groaning from the crush, and the shopkeeper could not even clear the table.

The noon sun hung high. The crowd pressed together, hot and clamorous. Soon the sides began shoving each other. Manda'er no longer cared which branch anyone was from — he shoved whoever was closest. Soldiers at other tables jeered and shouted, egging everyone on to fight. The scene was utter chaos, about to erupt into a brawl.

Amid the clamor, a deep, thick voice suddenly said, "What are you blocking the way for? Move aside."

Manda'er looked up and saw, above the crowd opposite, a pair of broad shoulders carrying a huge head moving over. Without any visible effort from the huge head, the several Marine Corps soldiers around were shoved staggering left and right, automatically clearing a path.

Yang Shizhong said blankly, "Xu Lengzi…"

Manda'er had seen this Xu Lengzi as far back as Tongcheng Post. It was said he had killed seven or eight Eastern Invaders' White Armor, and there was not a man in the whole army who did not know him.

As they spoke, Xu Lengzi had already reached the table. It felt as if one man alone filled an entire side of the table. Manda'er involuntarily stepped back.

Then five or six more Heavy Infantry emerged behind him. Though not on Xu Lengzi's level, compared to ordinary soldiers they were still burly men.

Xu Lengzi's gaze was somewhat vacant. He looked around the circle, and everyone took a step back.

Xu Lengzi said dully, "Not eating, what are you all crowding around for? Give it to us."

Everyone looked at each other. Yang Shizhong leaned in. "Brother Man, do we fight or not?"

Manda'er dared not speak. He turned back to look at Qin Jiuze. Qin Jiuze looked up, saw Xu Lengzi, coughed once, and averted his gaze.

Manda'er swallowed hard and turned back. All the other sides had already backed off. Only the Mountain Troops' Banner Commander still grudgingly held onto the table with his hand, though his body was already leaning backward, ready to let go at any moment.

Xu Lengzi's gaze shifted to the Mountain Troops' Banner Commander. "You want to eat?"

"I, I — not appropriate." The Banner Commander said this while leaning his body further back, trying to put some distance between himself and Xu Lengzi, but his hand still refused to let go.

Several Heavy Infantry gathered around and directly used their bodies to crowd the Banner Commander. The Banner Commander was still stubbornly resisting. Just as the table seemed lost, a woman's voice came from outside.

"Shopkeeper, do you still have an empty table?"

The voice was soft, but in front of these food stalls it struck like a cannon. Everyone looked outside and saw Shen Dafu of the Military Medical Academy, leading several doctors, standing outside.

The several Heavy Infantry exchanged glances. After a brief hesitation, a few of them leaned in and said a few words to Xu Lengzi. Xu Lengzi looked left and right, then rose on his own and said, "Let Medical Officer Shen eat."

By now, only the Mountain Troops' Banner Commander was still holding onto the table. Everyone turned to glare at the Mountain Troops' Banner Commander. The Banner Commander's face flushed red. Seeing this, he pursed his lips and let go. "I'm yielding it to Medical Officer Shen. Anyone else, not appropriate."

The several doctors came over. The surrounding groups put on smiling faces. Once Shen Dafu took her seat, everyone instantly scattered like birds and beasts, running off to the next food stall.

Manda'er walked huffily into the middle of the street. Under the blazing sun, Shipai Town shimmered with heat. Soldiers of every kind bustled and clamored along the street. Manda'er wiped the sweat from his forehead and muttered under his breath, "What's the point of splitting soldiers into so many types just to fight a war — and they even set up an Infantry Firearms Battalion. Whose muddled nonsense has Lord Pang been listening to?"