Ask the mountains and rivers

Chapter 210 New Recruits (Part 3)

Two months after the new recruits entered the military camp, they finally got their first leave.

The military camp was dozens of miles away from Beiping County, and it would take a whole day to travel there and back. They could stay at home for two nights instead.

Pei Qinghe was very generous and had the kitchen prepare three days' worth of military rations.

Zhao Hehua and Wang Cuier happily tied the two long, narrow bags of military rations around their waists: "These military rations smell delicious. We should eat less on the road and take more back so that our parents, brothers, and sisters can all have a taste."

There were many new recruits going home together, and the official road was full of our own people, so there was nothing to be afraid of.

Some male soldiers even took the initiative to strike up conversations and offer their services.

If male and female soldiers in the Pei family army are mutually attracted, they can report it to the general and, with the general's approval, get married. Most of those who join the army are from poor families struggling to make a living; in other words, the male soldiers are a group of poor bachelors who can't find wives.

Now, seeing the beautiful female soldiers, he shamelessly approached them.

Two months into her time in the army, Zhao Hehua had already acquired the pride and confidence of the female soldiers and ignored them. Wang Cuier was the same. The two sisters walked briskly, and after most of the day, they arrived at the city gate.

The city gates of Beiping County are now under the control of the Pei family army. The veterans greeted the new recruits with the warmth of family, smiling as they let them into the city.

Zhao Hehua hurried home.

Her parents were both at home and were surprised to see their daughter.

The once slender Zhao Hehua quickly gained weight, her cheeks became fuller, she grew taller, and her eyes brightened. It was as if she had been reborn, becoming a completely different person.

Zhao's father's voice was much softer than usual, and Zhao's mother asked her daughter in a low voice how life was in the military camp and whether she had been bullied or anything like that.

Zhao Hehua answered loudly, "I can eat my fill three times a day. I practice martial arts during the day and study and learn to read at night. I am the fastest learner. I can often eat meat."

Zhao's father and mother were both stunned.

Serving in the army and training in martial arts is understandable, but to also learn to read and write? And being able to eat a full meal every day, with meat included?!
"Don't worry, Mom and Dad, no one in the army will dare to bully me." Zhao Hehua raised her eyebrows, her brows full of confidence: "Even if it's a sparring match, I'm not afraid of anyone."

For Zhao's parents, sending their daughter to the army was a last resort. The Zhao family was too poor; they had five children and simply couldn't support them. Rather than let them starve to death at home, they figured it was better for her to find food in the army. When they received the three taels of silver as resettlement allowance, they had already prepared themselves for the worst.

I never expected my daughter to be doing so well in the military camp.

Zhao's mother was immediately intrigued and whispered, "How about we have your fourth sister sign up to be a female soldier?"

The requirements for recruiting male soldiers were strict; at least half of those who applied each day were rejected. The requirements for female soldiers were much more lenient. Families too poor to raise their daughters would often sell them to the Pei family army.

Zhao Hehua frowned and said, "Fourth Sister is only twelve years old this year, too young. Let's wait a couple of years. Third Brother will be fifteen after the New Year. Let him sign up. He can serve in the Pei family army. He'll have food and clothing, and he can learn a lot of skills."

After discussing it, Zhao's parents agreed.

Two days later, Zhao Hehua and Wang Cuier returned to the military camp together.

The two sisters talked as they walked: "This time when we went back home, our parents were especially kind to us."

"Isn't that right? Before, beatings and scoldings were common, and they never spoke to me kindly, always complaining that I ate a single meal at home. Now that I'm back, they're very gentle with me. They even secretly told me to take my military pay home."

“I heard from the veterans that at first, the pay was given every three months, but after a year, it became a monthly pay. I had to keep half of my pay and give the other half to my parents.”

“I plan to keep most of it and only give a small portion to my parents. They dote on my eldest brother and fourth brother, and they don’t even care about me, their daughter. I have to plan for myself.”

……

“Your method still works.” Pei Yun chuckled softly, “You let the new recruits go home for two days, so everyone knows it’s a good time to join the Pei family army. Recruiting is not difficult at all now. In the past few days, female soldiers have already made up 20% of those who have signed up.”

Pei Qinghe smiled slightly: "Female soldiers are naturally not as physically strong as male soldiers. However, female soldiers are often more able to endure hardship, are more diligent in reading and writing, and are more loyal."

Only the Pei family army has female soldiers.

Within the Pei family army, women could hold their heads high and live with dignity. After experiencing such a life, no woman wanted to return to her former life.

They were utterly loyal, unwavering, and would never desert; they were devoted to her as their general. At her command, they would charge into battle without hesitation.

Those who are too weak to handle weapons can learn medical wound care, accounting, or guarding the storeroom; they can work as cooks in the kitchen or do laundry and sewing in the army. There's always a suitable position and job.

“You’ve been in Beiping County for over three months now. It’s already December, the weather is freezing, and travel is difficult.” Pei Yun asked with a smile, “Why don’t you stay and go back after the New Year?”

Pei Qinghe smiled and said, "Things have been sorted out in Beiping County. I plan to go back in a couple of days, just in time to return to Pei Family Village for the New Year."

"From now on, Beiping County will be in your hands."

Pei Yun didn't like to boast or make grand claims, so she simply nodded and said, "Don't worry, I'll be able to train an elite force in less than two years."

The Pei family army should not interfere too much in civil affairs; their primary task is to train a highly capable and victorious force. Only with a strong fist and a sharp sword can they protect the peace of the people.

Two days later, Pei Qinghe led two hundred cavalrymen on their journey.

Pei Yun, Gu Lian, Wang Erhe, and others rode their horses to see them off for ten miles, waving goodbye with reluctance.

The Pei-character flag fluttered in the wind.

Pei Yan beamed: "After being cooped up in the military camp all day, I can finally ride a horse to my heart's content."

Pei Qinghe joked with a smile, "We'll ride all the way back to Pei Family Village at top speed. It won't just be a thrilling ride, it'll make us throw up."

Everyone laughed.

They arrived with a large amount of food and weapons, and had to take care of the infantry, so their speed was slow. The return journey was different; the two hundred men were all cavalry, each with superb horsemanship, and they galloped all the way.

The horse runs for two hours and then rests for half an hour.

Pei Qinghe fed the warhorse water and fodder, while lovingly stroking its smooth back.

Pei Yan was also feeding her beloved horse, dreaming, "If the Zhan family buys back a large number of warhorses, then everyone in the Pei family army will have a horse. They'll be as swift as the wind, and who will be a match for our Pei family army!"

“The Zhan family went to the border region after the New Year, and they’ve been gone for almost a year.” Pei Qinghe sighed softly. “In the last few months, there has been no news of them at all. I wonder how many of them will be able to come back alive.”

Pei Yan was very optimistic and confident: "Maybe when we go back to Pei Family Village, Pei Yifang and Da Tou will also come back."

Pei Qinghe smiled: "I hope it's as you say."

After seven days of fast horsework, Peijia Village came into view in the distance.

Mao Hongling, Shi Yan, and others came to greet him. Pei Qinghe, though travel-worn, still radiated joy.

Before they could exchange pleasantries, the ground trembled slightly, and the clatter of hooves, accompanied by billowing dust, came from afar.

(End of this chapter)