Chapter 561: Advance

Under the night sky, a rising clamor stirred in two brightly lit encampments. Dengzhou and Later Jin soldiers alike were hurriedly eating their morning meal. In the Dengzhou garrison, mealtimes were fixed — when the gong sounded, anyone who hadn't eaten would simply go hungry.

No one around him spoke. Everyone was opening their mouths wide and devouring steamed cakes. Tang Wei had long grown accustomed to this dining atmosphere. He raised his head and looked at his squadmates gathered in a circle: the stocky Su Cutui, refugee-born Jiang Laowu, the stout Aoshan Guard fellow villager Peng Yunfei, the shifty-eyed Huang Shan, the methodical Yuan Guzi who ate with rigid precision, Wang Zhanqing who was forever shouting about becoming a cavalryman, and his own best friend Xie Fei.

Many of them were on a battlefield for the first time. Su Cutui, Wang Zhanqing, and Jiang Laowu all wore utterly unconcerned expressions, wolfing down their food without a care. Peng Yunfei seemed lost in thought, pausing after every couple of bites. Huang Shan kept nodding his head, as if psyching himself up. Yuan Guzi's eyes were bloodshot — he probably hadn't slept well. Tang Wei always felt that Yuan Guzi carried too much hatred in his heart, perhaps connected to his background as an orphan. Other squads of young soldiers also had boys who'd grown up in Dengzhou's orphan fort-villages, likely similar to Yuan Guzi. The Second Guards Battalion was mainly composed of young soldiers, and Tang Wei's squad had been temporarily grabbed to fill out the roster and mixed in, so someone like Tang Wei, who wasn't fanatical, was actually in the minority.

The men finished their meal in silence. Not long after, the battalion's assembly call sounded. Soldiers rose one after another and formed up by squad. Once the squad formation was complete, Yuan Guzi walked over and, in accordance with Dengzhou's combat regulations, inspected each soldier's equipment and rations one by one. After each inspection, he slapped the man on the chest. When he reached Tang Wei, Tang Wei immediately held his firelock out before his chest. Yuan Guzi first took the firelock and tested the trigger, the flint clamp, and the hammer spring tension. Then he pulled the trigger several times; through the flash pan, one could see sparks flying from the hammer striking the steel frizzen. Satisfied, Yuan Guzi returned the firelock to Tang Wei, then drew the bayonet and dagger from Tang Wei's waist. After inspecting them, he slid them back into place. He also checked Tang Wei's cartridge box, spare powder bag, belt buckle, leg wraps, spare flint, quantity of rations, and the water level in his canteen.

Once everything was in order, Yuan Guzi slapped Tang Wei on the chest and said, "Pangzi, earn a First-Class Medal and marry that little sister of yours."

"Yes, sir!" Tang Wei shouted.

Low laughter rippled through the squadmates around him. The story of Tang Wei joining the army for a woman had long been spread far and wide by Xie Fei's big mouth. Tang Wei had tried to explain it a few times at first, but later he simply accepted it.

After finishing his inspection, Yuan Guzi returned to the head of the squad and put his helmet on his head. Unlike the soldiers' helmets, the squad leader's helmet bore a small triangular red flag, serving to distinguish him from the soldiers and help them identify him in the chaos of battle. When the squad leader donned his helmet at the head of the squad, it signaled that the entire squad was combat-ready and awaiting assembly with the banner company.

Dengzhou's flintlock units were organized with three files per squad and three squads per banner company. There were no drums or bugles between the banner company and the squad. The banner company commander jogged over, made a quick visual inspection, and directly ordered assembly, then led the company to the position of the company commander's tent. The sky was still dark. Under the glow of lantern light, Tang Wei's First Company of the Second Regiment formed a circle. The company commander, vice company commander, and banner company commanders stood along the outer ring inspecting, while in the center stood the company training officer.

This company training officer, like all the other training officers, possessed a booming voice. His style was nothing like Zhao Xuan's; he was more like Battalion Commander Zhong Laosi. It was said he had once been a broker, and he often let slip some coarse language. How he had ultimately become a training officer was a mystery, but Tang Wei rather liked the man.

"Same as before every battle, our Dengzhou garrison holds a briefing, and after the briefing comes the mobilization. Usually it's me doing the talking, but today I'm speaking on behalf of Lord Chen to all of you. Why is that..." The training officer shook a sheet of paper in his hand. "I have here a letter from Lord Chen to all soldiers. I'll read it aloud for everyone first."

A murmur of surprised wonder rippled through the company. In the eyes of ordinary soldiers, Lord Chen was a figure akin to a god of war, yet also carried a sense of a father figure. For him to write a letter to all the soldiers now — they wondered what it could mean.

"'A Letter to All Participating Soldiers of the Dengzhou Garrison...'" The training officer paid no heed to the stirring below and read directly. "'Soldiers of the Dengzhou Garrison, we all come from different places — Denglei, Shandong, Liaodong, as well as Henan, Northern Zhili, Shanxi, and so on. Many among you already have families and children in Denglei, and many still have aging parents to support. Everyone has their own good life to live. Why then must we still come to this bitter, cold Liaodong to fight a death-struggle against the Jianzhou Bandits?'"

The slightly restless soldiers all fell silent, listening intently as the training officer read Chen Xin's letter. Tang Wei also raised his head. He saw the training officer's face flushing, as if somewhat stirred. From the positions of other companies, similarly resonant voices rang out — every unit in the Dengzhou garrison was reading this letter aloud.

The training officer waved his hand and roared: "'Because beyond the fence of our homeland, there has always been a ravenous wolf coveting our property and our children! Over ten years ago, on the very land beneath your feet right now, the Han people of the Southern Four Garrisons lay dead in heaps across the wilderness, slaughtered to the last by the Later Jin troops led by the Jianzhou Chieftain Nurhaci. Since then, this land has lain desolate for many years. Nurhaci called these compatriots of ours Han dogs, believing they had no right to eat grain. Ever since the Jianzhou tribe brought chaos to Liaodong, the land has been steeped in blood and stench. Over three million Liaodong people have been killed. Han clothing and customs survive no more. Many sons of Liaodong within the Dengzhou garrison have personally lived through all of this.'"

Silence reigned all around. These few lines from Chen Xin seemed to connect them to the land beneath their feet.

"'In earlier years, some in Northern Zhili said the Jianzhou Bandits' ravages were confined to Liaodong and of no concern to them. In the second year of Chongzhen, the Jianzhou Bandits invaded Northern Zhili, and everywhere they passed, fertile fields and bustling streets turned into realms of ghosts. Then people in Shanxi and Xuan-Da said Northern Zhili was also of no concern to them. In the sixth year of Chongzhen, the Jianzhou Bandits invaded Xuan-Da. In Datong and Xuanfu, countless thousands were driven from their homes, becoming bondservants and slaves of the Jianzhou Bandits. Under the iron hooves of the Jianzhou Bandits, how many families were shattered, how many wives and children scattered.'"

Tang Wei turned his head to look around. His squadmates were all listening with rapt attention. Yuan Guzi's eyes were bloodshot.

The training officer raised his voice and boomed: "'The prosperity Denglei enjoys today is the fruit of the struggles waged by countless Dengzhou soldiers since the first year of Chongzhen. And the sole reason we stand here today is to kill that ravenous wolf beyond the fence — to prevent the horrors of Liaodong from happening again in Denglei, from happening in your hometowns, from happening anywhere at all. Therefore, today's battle has no negotiated peace, only two paths: life or death. Anyone who shrinks back will face the harshest punishment under military law. I, your officer, also swear this oath here: I will not retreat a single step.'"

"'What we fight for today is not only the victory and honor of the Dengzhou garrison. It is also for your families and your descendants — to drive away the jackals before our doorstep. To let our parents enjoy their twilight years in peace on their own land, to let our children and grandchildren enjoy forever times of happiness and freedom on this land. All of this depends upon your battle today, upon you seizing it for them with the weapons in your hands.'"

In Tang Wei's mind, the image of his aging father's receding back and his elderly mother at the village entrance suddenly surfaced. Unconsciously, he clenched his fist slightly.

"'For twenty years, the Jianzhou Bandits have plagued Liaodong, outraging both gods and men. This battle draws the gaze of all under heaven. In this glorious battle that shall decide the fate of Huaxia, I, your officer, am deeply honored to fight shoulder to shoulder with you. Many years hence, this will still be the most glorious moment of my life. May all soldiers of Dengzhou encourage one another. Chen Xin, Regional Commander of the Dengzhou Garrison.'"

After the training officer finished reading, silence hung over the company. Suddenly, Yuan Guzi shot to his feet and roared at the top of his lungs: "Defend Denglei! Recover Liaodong!"

"Recover Liaodong!" The silent soldiers rose one after another. Tang Wei also stood and shouted along with Yuan Guzi. In the other Dengzhou encampments, all manner of fanatical slogans rang out in response. The entire military camp seethed with fervor.

As the earth-shaking slogans resounded, Chen Xin was preparing his gear inside the central army tent. He settled the helmet steadily onto his head. Ever since Hai Gouzi had left, he had done these things himself.

Although Chen Xin had told Liu Pojun that a general who couldn't rest well on the battlefield was no good general, in truth he himself had not slept a wink all night. His mind was in a state of inexplicable excitement, and it remained so even now.

Facing the bronze mirror, the smooth surface reflected the slightly distorted face of a middle-aged man. Chen Xin gave a self-deprecating smile, then raised his hands to adjust the position of his helmet. He hung his saber on his belt. While adjusting it, his hand brushed the dagger sheath on the belt. He had not carried a dagger for a long time. At this moment, he suddenly recalled the scene outside Gu'an City during his first battle, when Hai Gouzi had fitted him with a dagger. Hai Gouzi's foolishly grinning face seemed to appear before his eyes.

Liu Pojun's voice sounded from outside the tent. "My lord, all advance teams have departed. Central command and all battalions are ready. Awaiting your instructions."

Chen Xin picked up a dagger from the table and gently slid it into the sheath on his belt. He said in a low voice, "I'll carry you one more time."

After sheathing the dagger, Chen Xin walked to the entrance and swept aside the door curtain. Liu Pojun and his adjutant appeared before him. Chen Xin said quietly, "Move out."

The sky was just beginning to brighten. Horns and drums sounded one after another. Streams of red flowed out from every encampment. Thousands upon thousands of soldiers, following their respective banners, formed dense marching columns. They would proceed directly across the open fields to the battle line. Ahead, military police from each battalion had already used branches to mark marching routes in the snow and had planted the small triangular marker flags of each battalion at intervals.

The cavalry serving as the vanguard was already two li ahead. They would reach the battlefield first to prevent Later Jin mounted scouts from harassing the advancing main army. Although the Dengzhou marching formation could quickly convert into a defensive formation — the square formations and Mandarin Duck formation units themselves employed large numbers of long weapons, and such steadfast heavy infantry could not be shaken by cavalry tactics — the light infantry with flintlocks could adopt hollow square formations at the regiment level, which could also effectively defend against cavalry charges. Flintlock soldiers possessed both mobility and offensive capability, which was one of the key reasons for the revival of infantry. However, such harassment would still affect the morale of the entire army and compromise the integrity of the formation. Therefore, when cavalry was available, cavalry screening remained necessary.

Tang Wei marched within his column. Not far beside him was the company sergeant major, Guan Dadi, who was organizing the exit from the camp gate to prevent congestion at this narrow point.

Assembly was quickly completed. The Second Guards Battalion was deployed in the second line according to the battle plan. Ahead, four battalions spread out in a single line, like a crimson sea. The dense thicket of blades obscured the sky above their heads.

Tang Wei belonged to the Second Regiment. According to the briefing issued by the company commander, they were to advance to the battlefield in a column with the company at the front. The company formed up in three ranks at the front, and the four companies behind did the same. The three squads of Tang Wei's banner company were deployed front to back according to their unit numbers. His First Squad was thus entirely in the first rank of its own platoon. Fortunately, there was still a First Platoon ahead of them, which kept Tang Wei from becoming overly nervous.

After forming up, they waited for the battalion to complete its formation, then followed the guidance of the company banner and advanced to the beat of the drum. They had practiced this several times. After the excitement of the mobilization had passed, Tang Wei still felt some nervousness. The enemy, after all, was the notoriously ferocious Jianzhou Bandit army that had rampaged across Liaodong for twenty years. His hands kept sweating.

Suddenly, a few female voices sounded nearby. Among them was the one he yearned for most in his dreams. Tang Wei hastily turned his head to look and saw Guan Xiaomei walking along the column with two other women. As she walked, she offered encouragement to the soldiers beside her. Some soldiers were even declaring their resolve to her, showing off their bravery.

Tang Wei had never imagined he would see Guan Xiaomei before the battle. This mobilization method was something Chen Xin had thought up on the spur of the moment, so he had kept a few propaganda teams behind, having the women in them boost the soldiers' morale before they went into battle. It would further stir these soldiers' sense of masculine honor and also ease their tension.

That figure soon drew near. Tang Wei was still in a daze. Beside him, Xie Fei nudged Tang Wei with his elbow. "Dead fatso, didn't you have something to say to Guan Xiaomei? If you don't say it now, in case you die, you'll never get to say it."

Tang Wei stood stunned for a moment, then came to his senses and shouted toward Guan Xiaomei, "Guan Xiaomei!"

Guan Xiaomei turned her head to look. Seeing Tang Wei, she hurried over. "Pangzi, be careful when you go into battle."

Tang Wei said loudly, "I really did join the army for you. All I want in this life is to marry you."

A wave of laughter erupted around them. Guan Xiaomei's face reddened, and she stopped in her tracks. Tang Wei continued loudly, "I'm afraid if I get killed, I won't have the chance to say it. I'm not afraid to die today, but I'm a bit stupid — I might not be able to earn a First-Class Medal. But if you're willing to marry me, I'll only marry you my whole life. I'll help you support your mother. I can do business and make money, and I can farm too. Whatever you do, I'll do. I'll stay by your side my whole life. So many people have heard — I'm not just talking nonsense."

The soldiers all around turned to look at Guan Xiaomei. Guan Dadi happened to be nearby as well and also stopped to watch. Guan Xiaomei stood rooted to the spot, speechless. Tang Wei looked at her with some urgency.

A marching horn sounded. The battalion banner of the Second Guards Battalion tilted forward. The three regimental banners responded immediately, and the signal cascaded down level by level to the company. The company banner soon tilted forward. After two notes of the copper whistle, the drums beat out a rapid tattoo. The orders of the company commander and banner company commander came through. Liu Liu came over and barked at Tang Wei, "The march horn has sounded! Do not turn your head!"

Guan Xiaomei still had no reaction. Unwillingly, Tang Wei turned his head back. At that moment, the drumbeat changed. The Dengzhou Garrison Infantry March, adapted from the Grenadier's March, struck up. The entire company stepped forward to the beat of the drums, the thunder of their synchronized footsteps booming.

Tang Wei bit his lip. Beside him, Xie Fei sighed in a low voice.

Guan Xiaomei watched the red column depart. Suddenly, she broke into a run. She chased after the column but was blocked by two military police soldiers, who ordered all non-combat personnel to return to camp. Guan Xiaomei shouted toward Tang Wei's receding back, "Tang Pangzi, forget your medal! This old lady agrees to marry you!"

Tang Wei's mouth instantly fell open. Just as he was about to turn his head, Liu Liu was right beside him and barked, "No turning back during battlefield advance."

Guan Xiaomei's voice shouted from behind, "Tang Pangzi, fight well, and come back alive!"

Two teardrops rolled down Tang Wei's face. Beside him, Xie Fei said in a low voice, "Pangzi, do your best!"

The men of the First Squad, all staring straight ahead, murmured in low voices, "Pangzi, do your best!"

By now they had marched some distance away. Liu Liu said, "Damn lucky dog. Pangzi, do your best."

Tang Wei nodded. Smiling, he wiped the tears from his face. Once they were dry, he puffed out his chest. His entire body seemed to brim with inexhaustible energy. The column advanced at a rapid pace. The battlefield drew nearer and nearer.

On the open fields outside Yulinpu, the dense mass of the Later Jin grand army was approaching from the north. Cavalry skirmishes between the two sides had already begun on a small scale. From within and around several small villages came the continuous crack of firelock shots and the explosions of thunder crash bombs.

A series of whistling sounds came from the right front. Tang Wei turned his eyes to look. Trails of fire arrows rose from the summit of Xu Shan, streaking toward the north.

The company training officer at the front was directing the march. He set the tempo to the drumbeat and copper whistle rhythm and started a verse. Tang Wei joined the entire company in singing the Infantry March in unison. The crimson tide rolled inexorably toward the north.

"Since ancient times, men have contested this frontier..."

Not by metal and leather alone does one prove strength.

I borrow Heaven's punishment — the fury of thunder and fire,

Whales race, banners surge, fierce rain runs wild.

A hundred thousand tiger guards, united in valor,

Where the whistling arrow points, none dare stand before it.

Clouds are shattered, seas uprooted, mountains split asunder,

Earth plunges, heaven crumbles, the sun's light is veiled.

Loyal banners as if summoning, the imperial message carries far,

A thousand cups of Tatar blood offered in reverence to Yanhuang.

When shall we clear the thorns and reclaim our ancient lands,

To rein our horses at Huanglong and drink the celebratory brew."

Note: The lyrics for the Infantry March were provided by Deputy Moderator Brother Xiyang. (To be continued. If you enjoy this work, welcome to cast your recommendation votes and monthly votes at Qidian — your support is my greatest motivation. Mobile users please go to m. to read.)

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