novelSusiti Chapter 61 Aftermath of the War
Chapter 61 Aftermath of the War
Haizhou finally changed hands, and Li Xuan and Li Ji, who had made great contributions, naturally received priority rewards from Commander Han Kun.
Han Kun asked Li Xuan and Li Ji what they wanted.
Li Xuan said, "Most of my subordinates are from Huai, and their hometowns are not far away. It is just around the end of the year, and the inability to return home will inevitably cause the morale of the troops to waver. Since we entered Huai to fight, our Black Spear Dragon Cavalry Army has achieved great victories, but we have also suffered heavy casualties."
Our unit is in even worse shape, with many sons of Huai people buried far from home. We earnestly beg the Commander-in-Chief to grant us a share of the salt from the Haizhou salt warehouses. After selling it, we can not only alleviate our brothers' New Year's worries, but also provide extra compensation for our fallen comrades, sending them home...”
Han Kun nodded and said, "It's good that you have this intention. You want to provide more compensation for the brothers who died in battle. I want to as well. But things can't be done this way."
We, the Black Spear Dragon Cavalry, are not what we used to be. In the past, we plundered whatever we could find. Now that our dynasty aims to unify the world, we cannot act rudely. If I distribute the salt warehouses to you, will the other commanders also come to me demanding the city's warehouses, streets, and merchants so they can plunder and loot them?
Here's what we'll do: you brothers are well-connected in Huaidong, and you used to be in the salt trade. All the salt in the Haizhou warehouse will be handed over to you for sale.
"A lower price is fine, just gather the money quickly and send it to the general account before the New Year. Only then will I, as the commander-in-chief, have the face to comfort the fallen soldiers. As for the pensions for the brave warriors of Huai, I will directly allocate a sum from the seized government property and goods, and you can have reliable people deliver them to their respective homes."
Li Xuan and Li Ji bowed and thanked Han Kun.
Ever since Li Xuan and Li Ji carried out a bloodless plundering operation in Hebei, Han Kun has relied on them more and more after each city fell. The reason is simple: Li Xuan and Li Ji are literate and arithmetic-savvy, reliable and not greedy, and have real business experience, making them far more reliable than the civil officials sent by the court.
This year's southern campaign should be coming to an end in December. The winter south of the Huai River is damp and cold to the bone. The chill is so intense that even Han Kun, a veteran who had endured hardship at Yanmen Pass, is finding it hard to bear. The cold is secondary; the dampness, wrapped in the cold wind, seeps straight into the bones, and his hands and feet are always icy and numb. The soldiers in the army have long been complaining.
On the contrary, the Huai soldiers, such as Li Xuan and Li Ji, maintained a fairly good fighting capacity. From this perspective, the Yu state's garrison in the Huai region had the advantage of favorable weather, advantageous terrain, and perhaps even more favorable human relations.
Han Kun understood Guo Rong; he was a ruler who, though impatient, was also reasonable. A battle without the advantage of favorable timing, location, and popular support was bound to fail. Besides, with Haizhou, a key town on the Huai River, in hand, the gateway to the Huai River region was already half open—it wasn't a loss by any measure.
Han Kun summoned the logistics officer and asked, "How much cargo have you collected?"
The logistics officer complained, "General, it's only just dawn. I'm leading the men in taking inventory, so I can't give you a number yet. I can only say that we have 7,000 strings of cash, 10,000 bolts of silk, and several chests of valuables like jewels and jade. I dare not say more than that; this work has only just begun."
Han Kun slapped his forehead and said, "Oh dear, I was too hasty. These two are the key figures in capturing Haizhou, and they're also locals. The New Year is almost here, and their troops suffered heavy casualties this time. I'll go with you to collect the money later, and give them whatever they need. First, distribute the military pensions to their troops and send them to the families of the wounded and injured before the New Year. As for the others, they're not from Huai'an, so we'll distribute them to the whole army later."
The logistics officer's eyes darted around, and he plastered on an extremely obsequious smile: "This subordinate understands. I will certainly ensure that the pensions for our Huai brothers are distributed properly and in full, so that the elders and folks of Huai know the benevolence of our Great Zhou Dynasty. We will not let the Huai people down. Commanders, please follow me."
Logistics officers have always been extremely intelligent. Li Xuan and Li Ji have made outstanding contributions in the past two months, and it seems that they will be greatly promoted when they return to Bianliang. Although they are from the south, their future is bright and they cannot be offended.
After Li Xuan and Li Ji left, Han Kun went to the clerk's room and asked, "How is it? Have you finished writing the documents for the court?"
The clerk said, "General, the report to the court informing us that our army has captured Haizhou has been drafted. The official document reporting our victory is still awaiting the complete statistical results."
Han Kun decisively said, "No need to wait for the report of our victory. First, report the news of our army's position in Haizhou. We have been out of contact with the imperial court for a month. After Haizhou is captured, the situation in Huaidong will change drastically, and the imperial court needs to know. We also need support. The credit will come eventually, but securing Haizhou and getting reinforcements is the most urgent task."
The clerk repeatedly agreed, and Han Kun ordered him to bring the draft report of the victory and read it aloud. After listening to it once and finding no problems, Han Kun stamped it with his seal and ordered ten cavalrymen to immediately cross the Huai River and go to a nearby county town on the north bank of the Yangtze River to find a post station to deliver the report.
Since Haizhou was a border city, its opposite bank was naturally the Zhou Kingdom's mainland. Crossing the Huai River and going to the northern county town was the fastest and shortest post road.
Bearing Han Kun's earnest expectations, the ten riders, each with three command flags on their backs, were transported across the river by the navy. They sped away without pausing after landing.
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Li Xuan and Li Ji bid farewell to Commander Han Kun, then followed the logistics officer to the warehouse to collect several cartloads of money before swaggering away from the warehouse.
On the way, Li Ji said with a laugh, "Brother, did you see how ugly the warehouse manager's face was? He was the one who made things difficult for our old armor back then. Now, with just one word from the commander, he not only greets you with a smile, but he wouldn't dare to say a word if you asked him for a soldier's worth of pension money."
Li Xuan nodded and said, "It's all thanks to the hard work of us brothers that we have such a reputation. We also owe it to the commander-in-chief's open-mindedness, for not suppressing or discriminating against us southerners. We've made a great contribution this time, and once we return to Bianjing, we'll be able to secure our positions as military commanders. Military commanders are no small rank; the next level up, the commander of the garrison, is a general in the army. I wonder when I'll ever reach that position."
Li Ji said optimistically, "We've just crossed the Huai River. Once we reach the Yangtze River and return to Guangling, we should be the commanders of the Xiangdu. If we cross the river and conquer Jinling, we might even be appointed as military commanders." As he spoke, the radiance on Li Ji's face suddenly dimmed. His gaze swept over the empty and desolate streets along the Huai River. He thought of the love he had once shared in Jinling, and how their reunion would be on the battlefield, with him seizing her homeland. The cruelty of fate left him speechless for a moment.
Li Xuan knew why Li Ji was suddenly unhappy. He shook his head and didn't say anything. The two brothers led the money-carrying convoy silently down the street.
Having just experienced the devastation of war, the people kept their doors locked and dared not go out. Fortunately, Han Kun strictly enforced military discipline, and all the troops remained in their camps, with only law enforcement teams patrolling the streets. Thus, Haizhou City did not descend into chaos.
Li Xuan witnessed all of this, his heart filled with mixed emotions. This was the first time he had observed Haizhou from the perspective of a victor, and he couldn't help but sigh, "Once those laborers from Haizhou city return, the people of Haizhou will have confidence in the Great Zhou, and they will have confidence in our Black Spear Dragon Cavalry Army."
Li Ji recovered from his daze and agreed, saying, "Haizhou is the first major city and fortress our army has captured since crossing the Yangtze River. It is of great significance and can serve as a model to demonstrate the benevolence of our dynasty. His Majesty will surely pay close attention to it. Commander Du has done a wise thing."
Li Xuan said with a laugh, "Otherwise, why is he the Commander-in-Chief? Learn from him. If we ever have such a high position of power in the future, Commander Han's prudence and shrewdness will be our talisman."
As the two brothers were talking, several officials emerged from the opposite street corner. They swaggered out, and Li Xuan and Li Ji immediately dismounted and approached: "Your humble servants, Li Xuan and Li Ji, pay our respects to Commander Chen Xiang."
Commander Chen was the Commander of the Right Wing, and Li Ji's superior (Li Xuan was in the Left Wing).
He glanced at the convoy behind them and asked with a smile, "What's loaded on the carts? Is this a reward from the Commander-in-Chief for you brothers? Our Black Spear Dragon Cavalry fought incredibly well on this southern expedition, achieving great feats. You brothers made the greatest contribution, and it's very wise of the Commander-in-Chief to send you over for a separate reward."
Hearing the commander's sarcastic tone, Li Ji sensed something was wrong and immediately clasped his hands in greeting, saying, "Commander, you flatter me. This is the compensation for the wounded and injured soldiers under our command. The commander-in-chief specifically instructed that this is because my troops are all from Huai. Our dynasty has entered Huai territory, and it is only right that we establish both benevolence and authority."
"Breaking through enemy lines and conquering cities is awe-inspiring. Providing relief and compensation to the wounded and those who have come to our court is a great act of kindness. Today is the first day of the twelfth lunar month, and the Commander-in-Chief has ordered us to collect the compensation money for the wounded and injured soldiers and find a way to deliver it to the families along the Huai River. This is both an act of kindness to the people of Huai and a consideration for their hometown. I am deeply grateful for the Commander-in-Chief's great kindness."
So it was a pension. No wonder there seemed to be fewer cars in the convoy. Commander Chen was also a veteran (senior in rank). No matter how dissatisfied he was that Li Xuan and Li Ji had bypassed them and received the reward from the Commander of Han Capital first, he wouldn't lose his composure because of the pension.
In the hearts of soldiers, the pension holds a unique and paramount position, far surpassing everything else. A legion that can provide pensions, even if it cannot provide military merit rewards, will have far greater internal cohesion than a legion that only provides rewards and not pensions.
If anyone dares to cause trouble regarding the pension, it would be tantamount to cutting into the hearts of the entire Imperial Guard. Who would still consider him a normal person after that? The Commander-in-Chief is indeed shrewd and meticulous in his actions. It seems we can't make trouble with the Li brothers anymore; we'll have to find another way to get the money from Commander-in-Chief Han.
Therefore, Commander Chen immediately changed his attitude: "Of course, of course. None of us are locals, so the pensions, whether paid early or late, cannot be delivered to the homes of the soldiers in the north in time. You have worked hard, so you must make sure that the money is delivered to every household in full. We cannot let people bleed and then have their families suffer another blow. If there is a shortage of money, or if any family is in trouble, please come to me. We, the Black Spear Dragon Cavalry, are of one mind and will never sit idly by."
"Such a rapid change of heart, this is the officialdom!" Li Xuan thought to himself, but said aloud with gratitude, "The Commander's teachings are heartwarming. I will certainly follow the Commander's example and would never dare to falsify the brothers' pensions. I will ensure that the money is distributed cleanly and delivered to every household."
Li Ji was equally impressed by Commander Chen's skill in official conduct and performance. As a member of the Right Wing, his attitude was naturally even more respectful: "I have long heard that Commander Chen loves his soldiers like his own children, and today I have finally learned a little bit of that. I will certainly follow Commander Chen's teachings and will never dare to take this matter lightly. I will also make sure that the families of the wounded and injured soldiers know about Commander Chen's righteousness."
Commander Chen was, after all, a military general. Although he had honed some skills in officialdom over the years, he was surrounded by rough and boisterous warriors. Therefore, he possessed some political acumen, but not much.
After being flattered by Li Xuan and Li Ji, he immediately beamed, "Oh dear, oh dear, what are you saying? This is what I should do. Hahaha, the soldiers fought so bravely; if I couldn't even handle their affairs properly afterward, how could I have the face to remain in the army? I, Old Chen, have always valued loyalty. As the saying goes, we share blessings and hardships together. I don't understand all those grand principles; I just like this saying—it's straightforward and comforting."
Li Xuan couldn't continue filming, since this wasn't his direct superior. What if he filmed Commander Chen too well and it got back to his own Commander Hu? That roughneck might even get jealous.
Li Ji seized the opportunity to step in, saying loudly, "Commander-in-Chief, you've spoken to my heart. In this world, one must uphold integrity and loyalty. Today, I finally understand why the morale of the brothers under your command is so high. With your leadership, our Right Wing will surely achieve new feats."
Commander Chen laughed heartily: "No, no, what right wing, what left wing, they're all Black Spear Dragon Cavalry. They're all soldiers of our Han Du Yu Hou. I'm just following orders, don't try to pin all the good things on old Chen. Fine, I can't listen to your boasting anymore, or I won't even know which leg to step on. You all hurry back to camp and get things done as soon as possible. Money distribution has always been a sensitive matter, so handle it carefully and don't cause any trouble."
Li Xuan and Li Ji quickly saluted in agreement.
Commander Chen watched with a smile as Li Xuan and Li Ji's convoy departed. An officer beside him said, "Commander, the matter has been clarified; it was all a misunderstanding. Let's return to camp. Those rascals in the camp are the most unruly. After achieving merit, Commander Han forbade any looting. I'm worried about instability in the army."
Commander Chen snorted coldly and said, "General Han has his reasons for forbidding looting. He's a figure highly regarded by the officials. Don't worry, I bet General Han already has a way to get money for the brothers. Put away your petty thoughts. If you're in our Black Spear Dragon Soaring Army, you have to abide by our rules. Didn't everyone make a lot of money in Hebei last time? How come you're already suspicious again after less than three months? You're spineless."
The officer was severely reprimanded by the commander-in-chief, and innocently said, "I'm just a rough man, not like those two who have studied. It's normal that I don't understand the principles. Many brothers in the army are also uneasy. I was just talking; I would never dare to disobey the military orders set by the commander-in-chief and the military supervisor."
Commander Chen thought for a moment, then led several officers and his personal guards toward the temporary office of Commander Han Kun. One officer whispered, "Commander, now that things are cleared up, why are we still going to see Commander Han? If we anger him, we'll get a beating, which would be a huge loss."
Commander Chen gave him a disdainful look: "Fool, the Commander-in-Chief has his own plans. We also need to have our own attitude. Whether we have money or not is one thing, but when the brothers in the army are uneasy, we have to do something to let them know. We can never let the emotions in the army run wild. There's a lot to learn about leading troops in battle, you'd better learn slowly."
When news of Commander Chen's disturbance at the temporary camp of the Han Capital Garrison reached the army, Li Xuan was waiting for Li Jin and Li Chang to devise a transportation plan.
This transport mission was of great importance and high risk, essentially involving moving a large sum of money to the surrounding villages and towns through various means, right under the noses of the Yu state government and its garrisons. Li Jin and Li Chang had no choice but to list out all the connections they could utilize and carefully analyze and prioritize them.
After hearing the news, Li Xuan shook his head and said, "This Commander Chen, you wouldn't guess he usually looks like a rough man, but he's got a real knack for winning people over. Getting a beating from the soldiers is enough to calm them down; only these veterans are willing to go to such lengths. Our Old Hu must be getting restless."
"Commander Hu has already rushed off to find Commander Han."
Li Xuan laughed heartily and said, "Oh my, what a strange sight in the army, rushing to lead the fight."
As they were talking, two other commanders under Li Xuan arrived. Li Xuan was now a military commander with three subordinate commanders. One was his original force, composed of people from Huai. The other two were composed of people from Guanzhong and Zhongzhou, respectively. In this major battle in the south, all three commanders suffered heavy losses and were severely wounded.
Now that Li Xuan has returned with a large sum of money, the three commanders are eagerly awaiting his arrival. The Huai people, being Li Xuan's loyal followers, are naturally full of confidence. The other two commanders, however, cannot sit still and have rushed to Li Xuan's tent to demand an explanation.
Li Xuan summoned them into the tent, and after they explained their purpose, he couldn't help but laugh, "Commander Chen went to the Commander of the Capital Garrison to collect a beating for his men's reward. I just received news that our Commander Hu also went to the Commander of the Capital Garrison to get beaten. Are you two going to follow suit? How many beatings are you planning to collect? Just tell me, I won't haggle."
Things are different now. At least within the Second Army, Li Xuan's power and authority are firmly established. He has led the Second Army to several hard-fought battles. Both officers and soldiers have come to accept this military commander, who hails from the south.
So the two commanders dared not argue, only saying, "No, no. The army commander can order as many troops as he wants. Just give us a definite answer. Our brothers are fearless when they charge into battle with the army commander. We can't treat them differently after the battle, can we?"
Li Xuan understood their meaning and pointed to the chair beside him, saying, "Sit down. I have already made arrangements for this matter, and you don't need to be flogged. You all saw me bring back several cartloads of money, and you must be anxious, like cats scratching at your feet. I want to tell you, no."
This money is not a reward, but a pension for all the soldiers who died in battle and the wounded in our army. The money for meritorious service awards is not enough for the time being by the Commander-in-Chief, and we will have to raise funds in a while. Originally, the Commander-in-Chief's idea was that since the people of Huai had finally fought their way back to their hometown and the New Year was approaching, he should first distribute the pensions to the people of Huai as a gesture of goodwill.
I argued relentlessly with the logistics officer, banging on the table and resorting to all sorts of unreasonable tactics—almost outright robbery—to finally get the compensation for the two of you who commanded the wounded and killed. Go and explain this clearly to the men below. The rewards for merit in our Black Spear Dragon Cavalry Army will be centrally arranged by the Commander-in-Chief. This time, only the brothers who died or were wounded will receive compensation; the rest should not even think about it.”
Since Commander Li Jun had taken everyone's feelings into account and made a fair distribution decision, the two subordinates breathed a sigh of relief and naturally dared not say anything more, happily returning to report the news.
That afternoon, Li Xuan and Li Ji escorted Li Chang, Li Jin, and a dozen or so retainers out of the city with their money and goods to travel south by boat back to Guangling.
On the way back to the city, I suddenly saw several men pounding on the door of the pharmacy, pleading, "Doctor, doctor, please open the door! Help! Please come and save us!"
However, the doctor was afraid of the soldiers in the city and never came to the shop to do business. No matter how many men knocked on the door, there was no response.
Li Xuan rode forward and shouted in the Guangling dialect, "What's going on? Why are you causing trouble?"
A man looked up in surprise at the Northern Army officer; it was Zheng Hui. He was from Danyang and had long been transporting goods between Jingkou and Jiangbei. The Guangling dialect and the Jingkou dialect were essentially the same, so he could naturally understand them.
So there were Southerners in the Northern Army!
Zheng Hui hurriedly ran to Li Xuan's horse and kowtowed, saying, "General, have mercy! We are merchants from the south, taking advantage of the chaos of war to do some business. But we were forced to the city walls by the Haizhou army to serve as soldiers. Last night, it was freezing cold, and we were all chilled to the bone while on duty. Several of my brothers caught colds and are now delirious with fever. If we hadn't been forced into this situation, we wouldn't have dared to offend your army. Please, General, help us for the sake of our fellow countrymen."
Li Xuan and Li Ji exchanged a surprised glance. Li Ji nodded and whispered, "Brother Chang and Brother Jin have returned to their hometown, and they're short-handed for selling salt. These people are braved the chaos of war to do business; they must be very capable."
Li Xuan understood immediately and said to Zheng Hui, "Get up. Since we are from the same hometown, it would be impolite not to take care of you. My army has doctors and medicines; I will summon them to treat your illnesses."