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The treatment of soldiers in the Chinese Empire, especially combat soldiers, reached an unprecedented level after Yi Huawei's three reforms.

This is both a necessity for maintaining the combat effectiveness of a large standing army (over a million, excluding local government troops and militia) and an important strategy for linking military power with social mobility.

An ordinary soldier received a fixed monthly salary of one tael and five mace (equivalent to about 450 "Chinese Yuan", which had the purchasing power of one and a half taels of silver in the past). This was enough for a bachelor to live quite well near a military camp in a non-combat zone, and even have some savings to send home. For some technical soldiers, such as musketeers, artillerymen, or elite infantrymen, the salary was even higher, reaching around two taels.

Furthermore, the food standards for soldiers have improved significantly in the past five years. Now, soldiers can generally have meat in their daily meals. This might include a few slices of cured meat, some salted fish, or a soup made with lard and minced meat. On the 5th and 10th of each month, there are often "extra meals" with substantial chunks of meat. Vegetables and beans are also relatively plentiful.

Behind this lies the explosive growth in grain and meat production from imperial state-run farms and the civilized border regions, supported by an efficient logistics and transportation system. A million-strong standing army eating meat every day would have been unimaginable in any previous dynasty, but for the current Hua Empire, it was a necessary expenditure to maintain the basic morale and physical strength of the army.

Not to mention that the imperial court regularly provides soldiers with uniforms, shoes, socks, and basic bedding for all four seasons. These items are quite expensive, which saves the soldiers a lot of money.

Once deployed to a war zone or to carry out combat missions, soldiers immediately receive a "deployment allowance," the amount of which depends on the level of danger of the mission. For example, during this western expedition, ordinary soldiers received an extra one or two taels of silver per month. Food standards were also improved, with a greater supply of meat, and soldiers could eat half a pound of meat every day.

They were not afraid of death, because those who died in battle received generous funeral expenses and family pensions, as well as tax exemptions for a certain number of years and priority enrollment for their children.

According to the Imperial Order on Granting Land for Military Merit, ordinary soldiers who participate in a "great victory" and whose military merits are verified can each receive a grant of at least one hundred mu of "merit land" (the actual number of mu may vary depending on the specific battle merits, branch of service, and performance). These lands are not located in the soldier's original hometown, but are allocated in the newly developed "civilized areas" of the empire or in new overseas territories (such as the Southern Yin Continent Plan).

This is the real motivation behind countless farm boys like Zhang Shuanzhu and Wang Ergou who are willing to leave their homes, join the army, and risk their lives. It's not just about securing a better social standing, but also about building a tangible, sustainable business for their families to pass down through generations!

Regarding the management of the land, the soldiers had two options.

The first option is to manage the land personally. After retirement, one can bring their family to the land they have been granted and cultivate or manage it themselves. The imperial court will provide initial resettlement allowances, seeds, and loans for agricultural tools, among other support.

The second, and more common, option was to entrust the management to a third party: the "Military Land Management Office" under the Ministry of Revenue would manage the land. Soldiers only needed to sign an authorization document, and the office would organize government slaves, hired laborers, or recruit displaced people to cultivate the land. After deducting necessary operating costs (management fees, taxes, labor wages, etc.) and the "land tax" stipulated by the court, the remaining output would be converted into silver and deposited into the soldier's designated bank account on a monthly basis for life.

One hundred mu of medium-sized farmland (most of which in the Kaihua area is fertile newly reclaimed land), under the relatively efficient management of the monopoly company, in a normal year, after deducting all expenses, the net annual income is approximately between one hundred and twenty and one hundred and fifty taels of silver.

On average, that's ten to twelve and a half ounces per month. That's two to three times the monthly income of a skilled craftsman in an ordinary county town, and far exceeds that of an ordinary farmer! Moreover, this is continuous and stable "passive income." Soldiers can start enjoying this income while they are serving, and after retirement, they can rely on this land to live a life free from worries about food and clothing, or even a life of wealth.

Other rewards depend on specific military achievements (such as beheading, capturing generals, being the first to scale the walls, etc.), and there are additional gold and silver rewards, silk, and even promotions in rank (even the lowest-ranking "Wuqiwei" has symbolic allowances and honors).

It can be said that the promotion system in the Chinese Empire's army has been as fair as possible, disregarding background and focusing only on military achievements, seniority, and ability (including martial prowess).

The ranks were clearly defined: squad leader, platoon leader, company commander, sentry officer, battalion commander, captain, garrison commander, lieutenant commander, lieutenant general, deputy general, and general. Each promotion required specific military merit points or special combat achievements.

Military merit points can be earned not only for killing enemies, capturing weapons, and completing missions, but also for outstanding performance in regular training assessments, inventing and improving tactical equipment, and making progress in cultural studies.

Aside from promotions, the most important use of points is to redeem military rewards. This is also the greatest motivation for countless soldiers from ordinary backgrounds who yearn to become stronger.

The Ministry of War's armory and the accompanying military training schools offer a range of martial arts techniques, from basic ones like "Long Fist," "Five Animal Frolics," and "Basic Internal Breathing Method," to intermediate techniques such as "Raging Bull Strength," "Hun Yuan Stance," and "Breaking Army Saber Technique." Occasionally, there are even opportunities to exchange for fragments of higher-level techniques or cultivation insights. However, these are expensive; a set of intermediate internal martial arts techniques might require an ordinary soldier to accumulate several years' worth of battle merits, plus a considerable amount of silver.

The "Qi-Boosting Pill" and "Blood-Strengthening Powder" that aid cultivation, the "Wound Medicine" and "Detoxifying Powder" that heal injuries, and even the "Marrow Cleansing Pill" (which is said to slightly improve aptitude) (at an exorbitant price) can all be redeemed with points and money.

Therefore, many soldiers often invested their monthly pay and wartime allowances, and even a portion of the future profits from their farmland, into purchasing elixirs and accumulating points to exchange for cultivation techniques. Increased strength meant a higher survival rate on the battlefield, more opportunities to achieve greater military merit, and faster promotion, creating a virtuous cycle. As a result, the army was filled with a martial and competitive atmosphere.

"Brother Zhu, we've struck it rich this time!"

Unable to contain his excitement, Wang Ergou whispered, "Once the reward money and merit points come in, plus these extra earnings, how do you plan to spend them?"

Zhang Shuanzhu thought for a moment and said, "I'll definitely save up my merits first and see if I can exchange them for a better internal energy cultivation method. The 'Long Fist' method I'm practicing now is too basic, and my progress is slow. The Hundred Generals practice 'Tiger Subduing Strength,' which I've heard is much stronger than mine. As for the reward money... besides sending some home, I want to buy a few bottles of 'Neiyuan Pills.' I've heard that stuff is especially good for building a solid foundation."

"The Qi-Nourishing Pill?"

Wang Ergou clicked his tongue in amazement: "That's not cheap, one bottle costs five or six taels of silver!"

"I have to buy it even if it's expensive."

Zhang Shuanzhu's eyes were firm: "You saw it in this battle. If you're not skilled enough, you're the one who dies. My father always said that strength is a servant, but skill is your own. We soldiers risk our lives, we don't know what tomorrow will bring. The better you are, the greater your chances of survival and the more opportunities you have to make great contributions. With contributions come more rewards, higher ranks, better training methods... It's a vicious cycle, and you have to climb up the ranks."

Upon hearing this, Wang Ergou stopped joking and nodded seriously: "Brother Zhuzi, you're right. I also want to change my martial arts technique. My father used to be a镖师 (bodyguard/escort), and he left behind half a book called 'Tangzi Hand Technique.' I've practiced it for a few years, and I can run faster, but I don't have much offensive power. I need to get a decent one."

He paused, then his eyes lit up again: "By the way, Brother Zhu, do you think that besides the silver and merit awards, we'll also get a share of land for this battle?"

"It should be possible to divide it."

Zhang Shuanzhu licked his lips, his eyes filled with anticipation: "This is a great victory in our first battle of the Western Expedition. Maybe... we can get a hundred acres of high-quality land! When that time comes, if I can retire and still get a military post like a junior officer or a senior officer, and continue to live off the government's salary, then the land rent will be pure profit!"

Wang Ergou also got excited: "Yes, yes, yes! If I get a plot of land, I'll let my brother manage it; he's more resourceful than me. I'll continue working in the army; maybe I can even climb the ranks! We've seen the power of firearms this time; maybe next time we fight, we can get even easier credit!"

The two became more and more excited as they talked, as if they could already see the vast fields under their names, the satisfied smiles on their family members' faces, and the prospect of changing their fate step by step through military merits and land ownership.

The fatigue seemed to have dissipated considerably, and my steps became lighter.

Back at the temporary camp, dusk was approaching. The aroma of food filled the air. Zhang Shuanzhu and Wang Ergou first handed in the curved sword, registered their merits, and then returned to their own campfire.

The brothers from Tong Huo also returned one after another, each with the joy of their harvest on their faces. They showed off their spoils to each other or displayed them discreetly, discussed the thrill of the day, guessed how much silver and land they would get, and talked about which cultivation method to change to and what pills to buy.

The air was thick with the stench of sweat, blood, and a faint, almost imperceptible scent of money and hope.

Zhang Shuanzhu got a meal and squatted by the tent, munching on a hard flatbread with meat broth. The afterglow of the setting sun cast a long shadow of him. He gazed at the land to the west, which had just been soaked in blood but now seemed to hold infinite possibilities, and touched the hard silver coins and pills in his pocket.

War is cruel, and firearms are terrifying. But this path is the only ladder to heaven for a poor boy like him to change his family's social standing. He wants to survive, to achieve more merits, to obtain better martial arts techniques, and to be allocated more land.

Then, like the Hundred-Man General, like General Xue, or even like those legendary high-ranking figures, one can possess power and control one's own destiny.

………………

Late autumn, the main hall of Xuanwei's headquarters.

With Ziad assassinated, the Arabs were leaderless, and the attack on their camp had resulted in heavy losses. The army besieging Merv collapsed overnight. Led by a few lieutenants, the remnants fled westward in panic, abandoning large amounts of supplies and wounded soldiers. The siege crisis, which had lasted for many days, was abruptly resolved in such a dramatic manner.

Within the city of Merv, there was naturally a mixture of elation at surviving a catastrophe and boundless awe for the heavenly soldiers of the Hua Empire. The Sassanid prince, Peroz, however, had a more complex state of mind. He had been forcibly pulled back from the brink of national annihilation, given a chance to breathe and even the possibility of "restoring his kingdom," but he was now fully aware of the price that might come at.

The main hall of Xuanwei's residence had been specially decorated today. Although it was not even a fraction as grand as the imperial palace in Luoyang, it was still solemn and dignified.

The main seat was empty, and a large rosewood chair with a brocade cushion was placed slightly below it.

Yi Junze sat upright, still dressed in his usual moon-white robes, but today he wore a black cloak embroidered with gold dragon patterns. His long hair was tied up with a jade crown, and his handsome face was calm with deep eyes. Bai Qing'er stood quietly in the shadows behind him.

Xue Rengui, fully armored, stood solemnly inside the hall, his hand on his sword. On either side of the hall stood several high-ranking officials from the Xuanwei Envoy's Office and military generals, all holding their breath.

Shortly after, a report came from outside the hall: "King Sassanid, His Majesty Peroz has arrived—"

Led by two Xuanwu Guards, the group entered the main hall.

Peroz, who was in the lead, had obviously dressed up carefully, wearing a Persian brocade robe in royal style and a gold-ringed crown, in an attempt to maintain the dignity of the heir to the empire.

However, the days of fleeing and his current predicament of being a dependent and facing an uncertain future were already deeply etched on his face. His complexion was still somewhat pale, his eyes were sunken, and even as he tried to straighten his back, the lingering fear and ingratiation in his eyes were still clearly visible.

Compared to the prince who had previously tried to maintain a degree of reserve and room for negotiation in front of the Chinese Empire, Peroz's demeanor had now undergone a complete transformation.

Behind him followed several Persian nobles and old ministers who also looked haggard but tried their best to maintain a respectable appearance.

When Peroz's gaze fell upon the excessively young yet undeniably imposing Crown Prince of the Hua Empire seated in the main seat, his heart involuntarily tightened.

The battle of the previous day demonstrated the terrifying power and ruthless will of this Crown Prince and the empire behind him. The fact that I am still standing here, still retaining the title of "King," is entirely due to the whim of the other party.

Without further hesitation, Peroz strode into the hall, bowed deeply towards Yi Junze at almost a ninety-degree angle, and spoke with obvious reverence:
"King Peroz of Sassanid, along with his retinue, pays homage to His Highness the Crown Prince of the Supreme Kingdom! We kowtow in gratitude for His Highness's life-saving grace and benevolent protection! The entire Sassanid nation will forever remember the blessings of the Celestial Empire!"

The Persian nobles behind him hurriedly followed suit, bowing deeply, their heads almost touching the ground.

Yi Junze calmly gazed at Perus's trembling back with his cold, star-like eyes. The momentary silence seemed to freeze the air in the hall, making it hard for Perus and the others to breathe.

"Your Majesty, please rise. All of you, please rise."

Yi Junze finally spoke, his voice clear and melodious, yet carrying a distinct sense of distance: "The Sassanids have suffered such a great calamity, and the royal family is in dire straits. I am deeply saddened by this. Now that we are temporarily out of danger, we should think about rebuilding the nation and comforting our people."

"Yes, yes! Your Highness is absolutely right!"

Peroz straightened up, but his posture remained extremely humble, not even daring to look Yi Junze in the eye: "If it weren't for the divine army of the superior nation descending from the heavens, Mulu would have been reduced to dust, and Peroz would have been nothing but bones. The survival of the Sassanids depends entirely on the Celestial Empire. This humble king... no, this foreign subject is willing to lead the remaining Sassanid people to eternally acknowledge the Celestial Empire as the superior nation, to pay tribute every year, and to be a vassal for generations to come, with absolutely no disloyalty!"

His statement was more thorough and more subservient than when he was besieged. He understood that now was not the time for bargaining, but a critical moment that would determine whether he could obtain further support from the Chinese Empire, and even whether he could truly "restore his country."

Although Ziad was dead, the threat from the Arabs was not eradicated. The vast Persian homeland to the west was still in enemy hands, and his own strength was almost zero. He had no choice but to cling tightly to the powerful Hua Empire.

Yi Junze nodded slightly, seemingly satisfied with Peroz's attitude.

"It is good that the King has this intention. Our Chinese Dynasty is a land of propriety and has always upheld the moral order and continued the lineage. Since the Sassanids are willing to submit, they should naturally be incorporated into the tributary system of the Celestial Dynasty and receive its protection."

He gently raised his hand, and the interpreter from the Xuanwei Envoy's Office standing to the side immediately stepped forward and presented the text of the "Wasa Tributary Treaty," which had been prepared in both Chinese and Persian, to Peroz.

Peroz accepted it with both hands.

The scroll was of excellent quality, the Chinese characters were richly inked, and the Persian characters were neatly written. He took a deep breath and unfolded it to examine it closely. He already knew the general contents of the terms beforehand, but seeing the black and white text (and Persian) before his eyes still made him feel a pang of unease and bitterness.

The core of the treaty is clearly stated:

I. The Sasanian Kingdom officially became a vassal state of the Hua Empire. The king was required to accept investiture from the emperor of the Hua Empire, adopt the Hua Dynasty's calendar, and use the Hua Dynasty's reign title.

Second, the Sassanid Empire was required to pay tribute to the Chinese Empire annually. The tribute list detailed the following: 50,000 catties of gold, 3 million catties of silver (or equivalent spices), 2,000 superior Persian warhorses, and various local specialties such as carpets, gems, and spices. The tribute envoys were required to arrive in Luoyang on time each year.

Third, matters concerning Sasanian foreign wars, major alliances, and succession to the throne must be reported to and approved by the Chinese Empire in advance.

IV. The Chinese Empire enjoys the right to station troops, judicial immunity, priority in trade, and certain mineral mining rights within Sasanian territory. To assist in Sasanian defense, the Chinese Empire will station troops in Merv and other strategic locations.

Fifth, the Sassanid Empire is obligated to provide security for the westward trade routes of the Chinese Empire and to assist the Empire in intelligence gathering and military operations against the West.

six,………

This was practically a treaty that placed the Sasanian Empire under the complete control of the Chinese Empire, from politics and economics to military affairs. (End of Chapter)