After the major battle, in addition to personnel adjustments, the reorganization of the military forces was inevitable. With the territory doubling in size, the officers who distinguished themselves in battle needed to be rewarded and promoted. The complexity and importance of these matters were no less than political affairs. Fortunately, the General’s office had established procedures early on, preventing too much chaos in the reorganization of the military.
The fundamental tone of this military reform was to extend the military structure originally used only for the Liang family to the military forces of the provinces and counties. The staff headquarters became a crucial element in this process.
The original Liang family’s three-army staff camp was expanded into a department, with talents selected and deployed by the General’s office across various armies. The Staff Department was mainly responsible for conveying documents, collecting intelligence, providing relevant information and suggestions for operations, and writing post-battle summaries. Its primary task was to assist in operations, and its battle plans were only for reference; it had no authority to override commands or punish generals.
In simple terms, the Staff Department resembled contemporary military strategists or private aides, while also incorporating some supervisory functions. However, unlike future military monitors, all staff members were responsible for military operations, belonging to the military officer system. They were not allowed to interfere with the various orders of military commanders. Similarly, the appointments within the Staff Department came from the General’s office, and leaders of troops could request transfers but were not permitted to kill staff officers for any reason. If such incidents occurred, it indicated suspicion that the unit had deviated from control.
Initially, when the Liang family set up the staff camp for the three armies, many thought it was merely a measure to assign staff to common foot soldiers. However, as this measure was extended, its true purpose became evident. It can be said that it relatively and gradually tightened control over the various armies, effectively curbing the privatization of the military. In this chaotic era where many generals sought to establish their own power bases, perhaps only a straightforward military system like that of Bing County could promote such measures.
However, the benefits were also quite evident. Many military commanders came from humble backgrounds and couldn’t afford reliable personal staff; they relied on experience and intuition in battles. The Staff Department could assist them with most of the operational preparations, reducing the possibility of mistakes. For those born into noble families and who already had personal staff, it served as an additional protective measure. Personal staff were not allowed to interfere with the operations of the Staff Department but could propose various operational suggestions within the reference scope.
As a result, military commanders found the preparations for battles much easier, even for skilled generals who would not make significant mistakes due to rashness. Just this aspect alone potentially increased the chances of success.
Naturally, Zhang Bin, as the Consultation Staff and concurrently the Chief of Staff, logically took up these responsibilities.
Next was the allocation of the military forces. The former units of the Liang family had completely transformed into three powerful armies: the Valiant, Thunderbolt, and Tiger Wolf. Based on these units, stationed troops served as the backbone, forming the private military force of Liang Feng. The remaining stationed troops were divided and assigned to newly promoted commanders like Li Jun and Tian Yun. State troops were primarily composed of military households, commanded by officers appointed by the Jin Dynasty, including Linghu Sheng.
The reorganization aimed to differentiate between reserves and active-duty forces, to some extent implementing a policy of elite troops, reducing idleness, and increasing farming. In the event of war, a sizable army could be quickly raised on-site, alleviating the pressure on food supplies. Training and military laws were also deeply integrated into each army during the reorganization to ensure that the overall combat capabilities of the troops were roughly equivalent. In case of mobilization for war, they could swiftly form an organized force.
The participants in the You County War were generously rewarded with promotions. The victory celebration was held in Jinyang, conducted with great fanfare, changing the perspective of many common people towards military service. Subsequently, there were orders for reassignments. Among them, the most significant reshuffling involved the Third Battalion. After all, they were all trusted confidantes, highly reliable in both ability and loyalty, providing a sense of reassurance even from a distance. The other generals heading to different counties in Bing County also started their arrangements, preparing for the journey.
As the separation approached, a farewell banquet was inevitable. Even Yiyan, who was still recovering from illness, was summoned.
“Back in the days, running around and vomiting everywhere, who could have imagined the present?” Zhang He raised his cup with a smile. “Thanks to the general’s encouragement, in this room, who hasn’t been through it?”
Now holding the title of miscellaneous general, commanding the elite First Army, Zhang He, known for his habitual smiling face, also gained a bit of dignity. However, among the various generals, he remained the gentlest one, having spent the past two years reading some books, almost smelling like ink.
Wang Long laughed heartily at the words, “That’s you; I never vomited!”
While everyone experienced the battles, vomiting was a different story. Wang Long was one of the few Jie people on the team at that time, and with considerable backbone, he was not willing to lose face. Even when the food was right in his mouth, he could swallow it back!
“Call you fat, and you start wheezing. Back then, you were the one who suffered the most!” Sun Jiao chuckled from the side. “Right after getting married, wanting to sneak back, who ended up with a nearly battered backside?”
“Hey! Overall, you’re much better than sweeping the latrines1communal toilet in the camp or barracks all day, right?” Wang Long ruthlessly exposed the other’s old secret. In those days, Sun Jiao couldn’t sit still, always wanting to compete with Yiyan in archery. When he lost, he had to sweep the latrines, making his squad almost smell unbearable.
A group of people all came from the same military camp, and there were countless embarrassing stories. Now, talking about it, the atmosphere was lively.
“General, General, you don’t even know about the celebration this time. The Lord personally awarded me the medal!” Liu Gong, who had recently joined the Tiger and Wolf Battalion, was somewhat unable to fit into the conversation. Having unintentionally consumed too much, he kept pestering Yiyan, “The stage was so big, and I walked up there alone! Oh, this fear was worse than the day we stormed the gates of Ji City! General, how can the Lord be so good-looking…”
This remark accidentally hit a sore spot, and Yiyan raised an eyebrow. He picked up a jujube and accurately threw it into the other’s mouth, saying, “Drink your wine.”
Choked and unable to speak, Liu Gong didn’t argue. He awkwardly nibbled on the jujube. Wang Long, on the side, complained somewhat unwillingly, “The battalion commander sent me back to Bing County! I can’t even get involved in such a big battle! Ah, Battalion Commander, when will your leg get better? Our Tiger and Wolf Battalion really need you!”
Whenever this person complained, he liked to call Yiyan the battalion commander.
Sun Jiao chuckled from the side, “You, don’t think about slacking off! This time, with the establishment of the cavalry, a bunch of greenhorn riders, do we need the general to worry about them?”
“That’s still cavalry! Better than infantry!” Wang Long shouted stubbornly, neck stiff.
“Do you want to train with us? See if your bunch of rookies on horseback can escape a volley of ten thousand arrows!” Sun Jiao also got involved.
Zhang He, who was toasting, couldn’t catch up with the situation and hurriedly intervened.
The group of people was in a chaotic uproar, neglecting even the nearby musicians and dancers, focusing only on laughter and noise.
Yiyan leaned back at the table, raised his cup, and listened. A faint smile appeared on his face. Initially, he had more than just these few captains and squad leaders under him. However, not many had survived, let alone smoothly ascended to the rank of general. After experiencing life and death, he cherished the camaraderie in the military even more. Amidst this boisterous banter, he found a sense of familiarity.
“By the way, Ah He, when is your wife going to have a baby?” Wang Long pinched him for a moment, suddenly remembering the main topic. He quickly asked Zhang He, “If she delays giving birth, you might not see the child for several years!”
Zhang He’s face lit up with joy, “In these few days! I’ve already had Doctor Jiang check on her…”
“Having a baby, and you’re consulting Doctor Jiang?” Sun Jiao intentionally widened his eyes. “Impressive, marrying into a scholarly family!”
Not intimidated by the teasing, Zhang He replied, “Isn’t it good that I can afford to have him? Envious?”
Wang Long chuckled, “Be careful not to end up with a concubine. Women from scholarly families are known to be jealous!”
Liu Gong, this time, caught onto the topic they were discussing and suddenly spoke, “General, why haven’t you taken a wife yet?”
As soon as this drunkard spoke, there was silence at the table. Those who came from the Liang family were mostly married early, and children were already running around. Someone like Yiyan, who was still unmarried, was indeed an exception. However, it was also accepted as it is, without much delay. They were all in their early twenties, holding high positions; it was impossible for no one to be interested. Those wanting to propose, probably, could encircle the residence of the provincial governor. Yet, not even a whisper had been heard. How could these guys not be curious?
But they all had experience, and bringing up this matter abruptly could easily lead to a round of disapproving glances. Advising was futile; occasionally dropping hints was enough, and nobody dared to seriously discuss it. Unexpectedly, Liu Gong, this guy, blurted it out!
Zhang He was about to divert the conversation with a comment, but Yiyan spoke up, “No hurry.”
The words were calm, devoid of the usual icy glare. The others were simultaneously stunned. Did the general just change his stance?
Liu Gong, still somewhat groggy, mumbled, “Why not in a hurry? General, you must have a son! If you don’t hurry to get married, at least have a legitimate heir. Look at those without an heir in the squad; they can only adopt. Ah, how miserable… If there’s a son, at least he could enter the Chongwen Pavilion…”
Such inauspicious words! Wang Long sitting beside him couldn’t help but kick him. Who talks like that?
Zhang He cleared his throat, “The general must have set his sights on someone better. Maybe he’ll get married in a while!”
It was a diplomatic response, but strangely, the stern-faced star at the main seat nodded slightly and made a soft sound of agreement.
That sound, innocuous as it was, piqued everyone’s curiosity. Was there really such a person? Could it be a noblewoman from some prominent family? Had the general already established a connection?
Wang Long, having spent the longest time with Yiyan, was already perturbed. He had sensed a reduction in the chilling aura from the main seat, akin to sheathing a hidden sword, devoid of that cold and oppressive killing intent. He initially thought the general’s heart had changed after a life-or-death situation, but the real reason was here! Could he have secretly gotten involved already? He kept it well hidden!
Even though their curiosity was about to explode, no one dared to ask directly. Sun Jiao laughed heartily, “Drink, drink! Celebrations are ongoing; let’s have a few more cups!”
“Unfortunately, everyone is heading out for assignments; otherwise, you could come to my place for a drink,” Zhang He also raised his cup. “At this moment of parting, we might not reunite for some time. Come on, let’s drink until we’re drunk!”
This remark was also to ease the atmosphere. For those who lived on the edge of the blade, who knew if there would be a day of reunion.
The crowd cheered loudly, raising their cups. Yiyan also lifted his cup, but in reality, he didn’t drink much. Drinking was not conducive to recovering from injuries; he needed to heal as quickly as possible. This time, it wasn’t for others.
His fingers lightly stroked the cup on his lap, and he held the half-filled cup, leisurely continuing to listen to the idle chatter of the others.
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