Chapter 76

Chen Qing invited Han Shizhong to sit down in the large tent. Han Shizhong said to Chen Qing, "The commander of Zizhou, Li Zhong, and Sang Zhong have rebelled, plundering the supplies and money being transported to Hanzhong. The situation is quite urgent. Zhang Xuanfu returned to Bashu overnight last night and left you a letter."

After saying this, Han Shizhong took out Zhang Jun's letter and handed it to Chen Qing.

Chen Qing opened the letter and read it. Zhang Jun only instructed him to prepare fully for the military training competition and said that if he encountered any difficulties, he could seek help from Han Shizhong. Zhang Jun also left him 3,000 guan as additional military funds.

At the end of the letter, Zhang Jun mentioned that if Chen Qing did not want to return this army to the Xiang Army, he could hand it over to Han Shizhong.

In fact, this was also Chen Qing's idea. He wanted to hand the army over to Huyan Tong, but handing it over to Han Shizhong was also fine.

"Commander Han, tell me about this military training competition. I'm still not quite clear on what exactly it entails."

Han Shizhong smiled slightly and said, "This military training competition is actually a competition for new soldiers and new commanders, proposed by the Emperor at the beginning of the year. The purpose is to select the Imperial Guard and young commanders. Currently, apart from the Western Army and the Lingnan Army, all other armies are sending people to participate. However, a few days ago, Zhang Xuanfu proposed to the Military Council that you represent the Western Army in the competition, and the Military Council agreed. Your army will also represent the Western Army. The安抚使 (Anfushi) should have told you about this, right?"

"He did tell me."

"This competition originally had 20 teams participating, but later added 15 teams from your military training, making a total of 35 teams. The competition is scheduled to take place 20 days from now at the newly completed military training ground in Lin'an. I'm not sure about the rewards yet, but this competition represents the honor of each army, and everyone will do their best. I hope you take it seriously, as you are representing the Western Army."

Chen Qing nodded and asked, "Can General Huyan Tong continue to be with us?"

"This is also what I wanted to discuss with you. I will also send 1,500 men to participate, with Gao Cheng as the main commander. Huyan Tong was originally the deputy commander, but since Zhang Xuanfu agreed to hand your army over to me, as compensation, Huyan Tong will continue to be your deputy commander."

"Commander Han, do you plan to hand this army over to Huyan Tong?"

Han Shizhong smiled and nodded, "That's my intention."

"Will Yue Fei be coming?"

"Of course, he is now the Deputy Commander of the Divine Valor Right Army. I heard he will send the generals Zhang Xian and Wang Gui with 2,000 new soldiers to participate. Not only Yue Fei, but also Zhang Jun and Liu Guangshi, among others, will send their trusted generals to participate. This is an opportunity for new talents to emerge.

As for what the competition entails, to be honest, I don't know either. However, it will likely be similar to the usual training exercises. I've seen your usual training, and your army is good, but it's not enough. It still needs more refinement, especially in practical combat training, which may be the most important part of the competition."

...

Han Shizhong took his leave, and Chen Qing led the officers to see him off. After Han Shizhong had gone far, Huyan Tong let out a loud "Oh!" and jumped up in joy.

Chen Qing understood his thoughts and gave him a playful punch, "Don't think too much about it now. As long as I'm here, you'll be my deputy commander. After your military training is over, this army will be yours to command!"

Huyan Tong scratched his head, a bit embarrassed, "Since we're participating in the military training competition, shouldn't we discuss how we should train?"

Chen Qing nodded, "Gather all the officers of the rank of Doutu and above in the council hall for a meeting!"

Soon, over a dozen Doutu and officers gathered. Chen Qing said to them, "I've already mentioned to everyone that we will participate in the new soldier training competition, but I underestimated its importance. This is actually an inspection by the Emperor of the new soldiers and a competition between the armies. All the armies are preparing with all their might, but we have been a bit complacent.

Tell the soldiers that this is a competition that can change their fate. No one wants to return to the Xiang Army for a meager salary. To earn a higher salary, they need to perform at a high level. From now on, we will train with all our might."

After a pause, Chen Qing continued, "Considering our weak points, I have decided to divide the 1,800 soldiers into four battalions. One will be the archery battalion, specializing in archery, led by Liu Qiong. Two will be the combat battalions, specializing in weapon combat, led by Huyan Tong and Zheng Ping. The last one will be the intelligence and logistics battalion, responsible for gathering information on the opponents and providing logistical support, led by Zhao Xiaoyi. From now on, all soldiers will be mobilized to intensify their basic training, such as running and horse stance, followed by specialized training!"

...

The training ground was bustling with high morale. Some soldiers were practicing archery, some were practicing spear techniques, and others were practicing sword and shield.

At this moment, Zhao Xiaoyi, looking troubled, walked over. He was the commander of the scout battalion, with 50 elite scouts under him. Reconnaissance was not a problem, but Chen Qing had also assigned him to manage logistics, and he didn't know how to handle it.

"General, I've never done logistics before. I don't know where to start."

Zhao Xiaoyi had been with Chen Qing the longest. He had been by Chen Qing's side from the beginning and was one of his most trusted confidants. Zhao Xiaoyi wasn't good at fighting or leading troops, but he was quick-witted and meticulous, which were his greatest strengths. Therefore, Chen Qing had developed him in the direction of scouting and now planned to have him manage logistics.

Chen Qing smiled, "Logistics isn't that difficult. It's about ensuring the soldiers eat well, rest well, train well, receive good medical care, and have good management of money and supplies. If you do these five things well, you'll be a qualified logistics officer.

However, logistics can also be challenging. For example, to ensure good training, you need to provide various weapons and supplies. If the soldiers are practicing archery, you need to arrange targets. If they are practicing night combat, you need to prepare enough torches. For good rest, after a day of hard training, you need to boil hot water for the soldiers to soak their feet and even find people to wash their clothes. These are all tasks for logistics."

Zhao Xiaoyi squatted on the ground, looking distressed, "I don't know where to start."

Chen Qing comforted him, "You don't have to do everything yourself. We have 1,780 soldiers, 1,500 of whom are regular troops, 50 are scouts, and the remaining 230 are logistics personnel. Among them, 10 can read and write, and I will promote them to section officers. They will be your assistants. You need to assign tasks to each person.

Also, money is key. The Anfushi left us 3,000 guan for additional military funds. This money will be used to buy food, hire people to wash clothes, and hire a physician as a temporary military doctor. With money, everything will be easier. Do you understand?"

Zhao Xiaoyi, with a pained expression, said, "General, can you write down what you said? Then I'll know what to do."

"Sure! I'll write it down for you. For now, take a dozen men and go to the Baofeng money shop in the city to collect 3,000 guan. I estimate that 3,000 guan won't be enough, so when the rewards from the court come in, I'll give you another 2,000 guan."

Watching Zhao Xiaoyi leave with a heavy heart, Chen Qing knew that Zhao Xiaoyi was originally a young soldier who had joined the army not long ago, only 19 years old. Suddenly being made a logistics officer, he was bound to struggle to adapt, but everything has a process, and this was a good opportunity to train him.

...

The military camp had several temporary large tents, including Chen Qing's main tent. Compared to the barracks, he preferred living in a tent, which was spacious and comfortable.

Since yesterday, he had officially been promoted to commander, but he didn't feel like a commander at all. It seemed that nothing had changed, except perhaps his salary, which was 12 guan per month before and was now expected to increase to around 20 guan.

Of course, his military rank had also changed, from Zhongwei Lang to Zheng Shilang, still a 7th rank, but the highest level of the 7th rank.

In the main tent, Chen Qing sat cross-legged on a soft cushion, carefully polishing his halberd, which was about 1.8 meters long and glowed with a faint blue light. It was not only of superior quality and extremely sharp but also had a strong aesthetic appeal, almost like a work of art. The iron halberd he used in Muzhou was far inferior to this one.

This was the first time Chen Qing had seen beauty in a long weapon. He didn't know which master had crafted it, but it had become his cherished possession.

At this moment, a commotion came from outside, mixed with the angry shouts of soldiers. Chen Qing was startled and picked up his halberd to go outside.

Just as he reached the tent entrance, a soldier ran up, knelt on one knee, and reported, "General, a group of soldiers is trying to forcibly occupy our camp. General Zheng has stopped them, and they are arguing fiercely."

Chen Qing was surprised. Could such a thing happen in the capital, where the Emperor resides?

He untied his horse, mounted it, and galloped to the camp gate.