Chapter 92: with translation of chapter title

However, upon second thought, a Constable Captain who came from the Imperial Guard being thick-skinned and tough is only natural.

Constable Captain Pei, your recovery is going well.

Jiang Xiaomu held a cup of tea, looking at Pei Dongyong with a half-smile.

Pei Dongyong cupped his fists and said:

Thanks to Mr. Jiang's blessing, these minor skin injuries are nothing to worry about.

If that's the case, then come with me to the camp; I'll properly introduce you to everyone.

Jiang Xiaomu rose to his feet and set the tea cup on the table.

Pei Dongyong followed Jiang Xiaomu to the camp, where a group of burly men were lounging about.

One particularly stout man was hugging a roasted chicken, gnawing at it with oil dripping from his mouth.

Jiang Xiaomu recognized him at once: it was his trusted aide, Xiong Kuohai.

Snap to attention, you lot!

Jiang Xiaomu let out a fierce shout, startling everyone into a jump, and they all sprang to their feet.

This is Pei Dongyong, Constable Captain Pei, a former Imperial Guard; from now on he will be your instructor!

Jiang Xiaomu pointed at Pei Dongyong, his gaze sweeping over the crowd.

Xiong Kuohai, still chewing chicken, mumbled:

The… Imperial Guard? That's… that's the emperor's own troops!

What's the matter, Xiong Kuohai? Are you looking down on Constable Captain Pei?

Jiang Xiaomu shot him a sideways glance, his eyes flashing with warning.

Xiong Kuohai hastily shook his head and swallowed the chicken in his mouth.

No, no! I'm merely… just a little surprised.

Pei Dongyong scanned the men; although they had endured several tough battles, their discipline was lax and they lacked training.

They were considerably better than a rabble, but still far short of the Imperial Court's regular army.

But this was precisely his chance to demonstrate his ability.

Starting today, I will put you through rigorous training.

Anyone who dares to slack off or play tricks had better not blame me for being harsh!

Pei Dongyong's voice was resonant and forceful.

In the days that followed, Pei Dongyong displayed his outstanding military talent.

He devised a strict training regimen, from drill formations to weapon handling.

Although Xiong Kuohai and the others complained incessantly, under Pei Dongyong's iron-fisted command they had no choice but to grit their teeth and persevere.

Jiang Xiaomu stood aside, watching coldly; a strong army needs not only fine equipment, but also ironclad discipline and solid military capability.

Pei Dongyong's arrival undoubtedly solved a major problem for him.

Xiong Kuohai, your strength is your advantage, but you must also learn to employ technique.

Remember, swordsmanship isn't about brute force; it's about precision and speed!

Pei Dongyong said this while tapping Xiong Kuohai's body a few times with his wooden sword.

Although Xiong Kuohai felt a bit resentful, he could not deny that Pei Dongyong's swordsmanship was indeed superb.

Jiang Xiaomu watched the scene, feeling quite pleased.

Pei Dongyong not only trained effectively, but also knew how to teach according to each individual's aptitude—exactly what he needed.

He stepped up to the two of them and patted Pei Dongyong on the shoulder.

Constable Captain Pei, you've worked hard.

Mr. Jiang, you're too kind; this is simply my duty.

Pei Dongyong replied respectfully.

Tonight I will host a banquet to welcome Constable Captain Pei.

First, to thank Constable Captain Pei for his recent hard work; second, to let everyone relax a bit.

Jiang Xiaomu said with a smile.

That night the camp bustled with activity; the soldiers sat around the bonfire, eating meat heartily and drinking wine in large bowls.

Constable Captain Pei, what are your thoughts on this troubled age?

Jiang Xiaomu asked seemingly offhand.

Pei Dongyong set down his cup and pondered for a moment.

In troubled times heroes arise, but they are also easily buried.

Now the Imperial Court is corrupt, the people cannot make a living, rebellions keep breaking out everywhere; sooner or later this world will be turned upside down.

Jiang Xiaomu nodded and said:

Constable Captain Pei's words are absolutely correct.

I have recruited private troops as well, both to protect myself in this chaotic age and to accomplish something.

Mr. Jiang harbors great ambitions; I admire you. Pei Dongyong raised his cup.

May you soon achieve fame and success, Mr. Jiang!

Jiang Xiaomu and Pei Dongyong clinked cups and drained them in one gulp.

He looked at Pei Dongyong and thought to himself: This old brat is certainly no law-abiding citizen.

But it's precisely such a person who has greater utility.

After three rounds of wine, Pei Dongyong's face took on a slight flush.

He looked at Jiang Xiaomu, hesitated a moment, and said:

Mr. Jiang, I have something I don't understand; I don't know whether I should ask or not.

Constable Captain Pei, just say it's fine.

Mr. Jiang, recruiting troops and buying horses like this—what exactly is your purpose?

Pei Dongyong finally voiced the doubt in his heart.

Jiang Xiaomu gave a faint smile, shaking his wine cup as he said:

Just as Constable Captain Pei said, the Imperial Court is corrupt, uprisings are breaking out everywhere, and sooner or later the situation will change.

If one day the Imperial Court is truly overthrown and a new government established.

Or put another way, if the world falls into great chaos, with bandits and rebels rising everywhere, what should we do?

I, Jiang Mou, am raising a private force merely to have a foothold to survive in these troubled times!

Pei Dongyong narrowed his eyes, not knowing whether Jiang Xiaomu's words were true or false, but the current situation also left him with not too

many choices.

A few days later, inside the prefecture office, Prefect Character: Zhao frowned, pacing back and forth.

Outside the city, a large number of refugees have gathered, and many of them are armed—this is certainly not a good omen!

He looked at Jiang Xiaomu and County Magistrate Li Wenqing seated below, his tone grave.

Sir, these refugees are likely up to no good.

It would be better to disperse them early to avoid causing trouble.

Jiang Xiaomu said in a deep voice.

Li Wenqing, however, shook his head and retorted:

Mr. Jiang, your statement is mistaken.

Nowadays, with constant warfare, the people are displaced; these folks are merely seeking a way to survive.

If we disperse them, would we not be forcing them to become outlaws?

It would be better to take them into the city, settle them properly, manage them strictly, and then there will naturally be no problem.

Jiang Xiaomu glanced at Li Wenqing and thought to himself:

This Li Wenqing is truly a well-meaning fool, but what he says is not entirely without reason.

These refugees, if mishandled, are indeed a hidden danger.

But if used properly, they could perhaps become a force; thinking this, he no longer objected.

Sir Character: Zhao pondered for a moment, then ultimately adopted Li Wenqing's suggestion.

County Magistrate Li Wenqing, this matter is entrusted to you to handle.

You must properly settle these refugees; under no circumstances allow them to disturb the city's order.

I, the subordinate, accept the command!

Li Wenqing clasped his fists and accepted the order.

Jiang Xiaomu watched Li Wenqing's retreating back, a gleam flashing in his eyes.

He rose to bid farewell to Sir Character: Zhao and returned to his own camp.

Kuohai, have you heard about the refugees outside the city?

Jiang Xiaomu found Xiong Kuohai and asked casually:

Xiong Kuohai nodded.

I've heard a little; what orders does Lao Da have?

These people might be useful to us.

Jiang Xiaomu said with deep meaning.

Xiong Kuohai's eyes flashed with excitement.

Lao Da means...

Recruit them to join our unit.

Jiang Xiaomu spoke bluntly:

These people may be a rabble, but their strength lies in their numbers.

With just a little training, they can become a force not to be underestimated.