Chapter 235: Receiving Instruction
“We fought to the death, held Bohai Commandery, killed countless Xiongnu barbarians, and lost so many officers and soldiers. And all we get is this flimsy imperial decree?”
Pei Yan had been recovering from injuries for over a month and could finally get out of bed with difficulty. Supported by Pei Xuan, she walked slowly back and forth, muttering nonstop: “The Son of Heaven is too stingy! At least reward us with some real money and grain!”
Pei Qinghe said indifferently: “These words are fine in private, but don’t speak recklessly in front of others.”
It wasn’t time to tear faces yet.
Pei Yan acknowledged with an “oh,” signaling Pei Xuan to help her sit down, carefully avoiding her wound. The moment her butt touched the chair, she let out a satisfied sigh: “I’ve been lying down for over a month; finally I can sit.”
There were too many wounded soldiers in the Pei Family Army, so they had to stay in Guangning Prefecture to rest and recover. After more than a month, the lightly wounded had mostly healed, but the seriously wounded still couldn’t ride horses and travel.
However, after staying so long, it was time to go back.
Pei Qinghe asked Pei Yan: “I plan to lead the troops to set off in two days. Will you stay here to continue recovering, or come back with me?”
Pei Yan blurted out without thinking: “Of course I’m going back.”
“Good.” Pei Qinghe smiled: “The military rations we brought are almost gone; that frees up many wagons. Then the wounded soldiers can all lie on the wagons and be pulled back by horses.”
Speaking of military rations, Pei Xuan couldn’t help interjecting: “We brought three months of military rations and aided quite a bit to the Guangning Army these days. Speaking of which, we lost too much this time—sending men and grain, but seeing little real benefit.”
Pei Qinghe said solemnly: “We can’t calculate it that way. If we hadn’t sent troops to help, the Guangning Army couldn’t have stopped the Xiongnu barbarians; who knows how many common people would have suffered.”
“Liaoxi Commandery has suffered successive defeats; that horde of Xiongnu barbarians is ravaging Liaoxi Commandery. We’re too far away with insufficient troop strength to split into two routes for reinforcements. Otherwise, I would definitely send someone to support the Liaoxi Army.”
“This isn’t repaying grudge with kindness. The Pei Family Army and Liaoxi Army have new and old grudges, but in the face of justice for home and country, these grudges must be put aside.”
Pei Xuan looked ashamed and accepted the teaching obediently.
Pei Zhi and Pei Feng nearby each gained some realization.
Pei Qinghe’s eyes flickered, and she suddenly smiled: “Moreover, this expedition won us popular support and gathered the Guangning Army. That’s the real benefit.”
The group of cousin sisters and cousin brothers all grinned, glancing at Pei Zhi incidentally.
Pei Zhi’s pretty face suddenly flushed red: “What are you all looking at me for?”
Pei Yan chuckled: “If you’re not guilty, why fear our looks?”
Pei Xuan teasingly picked up: “To develop and expand the Pei Family Army, Cousin Sister Pei Zhi marries into the Guangning Army and watches General Yang Hu for her from now on.”
Pei Zhi spat at Pei Xuan but didn’t refute.
Pei Feng didn’t like hearing this, his handsome face tense: “If Yang Hu is truly surrendering sincerely, he shouldn’t have improper thoughts about Cousin Sister Pei Zhi. Pei Clan women have no precedent of marrying out. There are plenty of good men in the Pei Family Army, and many eager to marry in as son-in-laws. Cousin Sister Pei Zhi doesn’t need to force herself and suffer grievance.”
Pei Zhi: “…”
Pei Qinghe held back a laugh, speaking warmly to the overly responsible Pei Feng: “There can be exceptions to everything. After I go back, I’ll change this rule. Pei Clan women can take son-in-laws or marry out.”
“No one is forcing Pei Zhi. Everything depends on her own intention.”
Pei Feng’s long face relaxed, looking at Pei Zhi with expectant eyes: “You’ll definitely be willing to stay in the Pei Family Army and not marry out, right!”
Pei Yan and Pei Xuan stood by watching the show.
The strong and competitive Pei Zhi straightened her chest guiltily: “Of course.”
As they were joking, Yang Hu and Yang Huai brothers arrived together.
Yang Huai’s injury had improved greatly; he walked slowly. Yang Hu supported Yang Huai, his gaze drifting to Pei Zhi.
Pei Feng was displeased and glared at Yang Hu.
Pei Qinghe found it amusing inside and casually instructed: “I have business to discuss with General Yang. Pei Feng, Pei Xuan, go guard outside the door; no idlers allowed near.”
Pei Feng and Pei Xuan accepted the order and left.
Pei Qinghe told Yang Hu about her impending departure.
Yang Hu felt somewhat ashamed: “The Guangning Army took quite a bit of the military rations; they won’t last long. Otherwise, General Pei wouldn’t need to leave in such a hurry.”
His conscience only went that far. Next came: “The Guangning Army has always lacked a stable source of military rations. After General Pei goes back, could you mention it to Steward Shi and ask him to buy military rations on behalf of the Guangning Army?”
Since the Guangning Army had surrendered to the Pei Family Army, they would follow Pei Qinghe’s lead henceforth. Naturally, Pei Qinghe would help solve the military rations problem.
Pei Qinghe nodded slightly: “I’ll mention this to Shi Yan. But buying grain isn’t easy right now; the Guangning Army still needs to conscript grain locally.”
“The common people are like water—who can carry the boat can also capsize it. The Jing Dynasty Capital City fell to the Jiangnan Rebel Army. Where did the Jiangnan Rebel Army come from? At first, they were just a group of poor common people who couldn’t survive.”
“Since the Pei Family Army was formed, military discipline has been strict, forbidding anyone from bullying the common people. The common people in Yan Prefecture, upon seeing the Pei Family Army, won’t feel fear; they’ll proactively come forward to offer water and grain. Because they know the Pei Family Army will protect their lives and safety, will fight to the death for them.”
“Yang Hu, when the Guangning Army arrives somewhere, do the common people dare approach?”
Pei Qinghe asked calmly.
Yang Hu flushed red with embarrassment, speechless.
Yang Huai also felt like sitting on pins and needles.
To be fair, the Guangning Army was much better than the Fanyang Army and Liaoxi Army. They kept tight control over soldiers on normal days. But once unleashed, they weren’t much better than bandits. This was the common ailment of all current armies.
The Pei Family Army had been different from other armies from the start.
This army was imbued with Pei Qinghe’s unique temperament and charm, making people willingly submit and follow.
“All the past can be forgotten. From now on, the Guangning Army must enforce military discipline strictly.” Pei Qinghe restrained her smile, her face solemn: “The first rule is no leaving the barracks at will, no bullying the common people. Violators of military orders will be executed directly.”
Sweat beaded on Yang Hu’s forehead; he composed himself and agreed.
Pei Qinghe continued: “Pay military pay on schedule every month, issue new clothes to soldiers every season, and do your best to let them eat their fill daily. Train during the day; don’t idle at night—have all literate military generals teach the soldiers to read and write.”
“If I remember correctly, all Yang Family sons are literate!”
Yang Hu wiped his forehead with his sleeve and stood to reply: “Yes. There were thirteen Yang Family men; two died in battle, leaving eleven. There are also a few literate military generals in the barracks.”
“That’s barely enough.” Pei Qinghe said: “First teach each captain, then have the captains teach their own teams. Learn five characters a day; in a year, all common characters will be known.”
Yang Hu cupped his hands: “Your subordinate accepts the teaching.”
