Ask the mountains and rivers

Chapter 220 Send Troops
One battalion has 100 men, so ten battalions would have 1,000 men.

Mao Hongling was meticulous and steady, making her the most suitable person to stay behind. Sun Cheng, Tao Feng, and other leaders followed the troops. Pei Xuan and Pei Feng also went along.

Such a military conference would naturally be attended by Shi Yanshi, the chief steward in charge of logistics and internal needs.

When a large army is mobilized, ensuring sufficient provisions is the top priority.

Pei Qinghe looked at Shi Yan: "I'm taking two thousand men to support the Guangning Army. We'll be leaving in three days. We need to take three months' worth of provisions with us."

Providing enough provisions for two thousand people to last three months within three days, along with other essential supplies such as medicine, was no easy task.

Shi Yan agreed without hesitation.

For the next three days, Shi Yan lived in the warehouse, and Dong Erlang also worked until his eyes were bloodshot. Everyone working in the warehouse was extremely busy.

The fire in the kitchen never went out. Bian Shulan led the kitchen staff in preparing military rations. Fighting was a life-or-death struggle, and only when they were well-fed could they have the strength. The white flour that they usually couldn't afford to eat was brought out now, stir-fried in a large iron wok, and then mixed with stir-fried and ground cured meat and vegetable leaves. Then it was packed into long, narrow grain bags.

These military rations could be eaten by simply grabbing a handful while traveling. If you had hot water to soak them, they would make a delicious and filling porridge with vegetables and meat.

Pei Qinghe, who was busy with troop training, took a break and came to the kitchen. She said to Bian Shulan, who was yawning and making military rations, "Thank you for your hard work these past few days, sister-in-law."

Bian Shulan's eyes were bloodshot from the smoke, and she was so tired she almost collapsed. She mustered her strength and said, "I'm just making some military rations. It's nothing hard. You're the one who has to risk your life."

"Qinghe, you must win this battle and wipe out all those Xiongnu barbarians!"

Pei Qinghe nodded solemnly and said in a low voice, "Zhao Hai will also come. I will do my best to ensure that he returns unharmed."

In war, not only do people die, but injuries are also common. Minor injuries are fine; they can recover and continue fighting. But those who lose an arm or a leg, or suffer life-threatening injuries, are all given care and treatment by the Pei family army.

This is also an important reason why the Pei family army is at its peak in combat strength and has never had any deserters.

The Pei family army is taking a thousand warhorses with them on this expedition. Zhao Hai will lead a group of grooms to accompany them and take care of the horses. When the battle is going well, they won't be needed. But in a critical moment, everyone will have to draw their swords and fight to the death.

Bian Shulan replied without hesitation, "Everyone in the Pei family army is capable of fighting to the death, and Zhao Hai is no exception. If he dies on the battlefield, that is his fate."

"There are no cowards or wimps in the Pei family army!"

These bold and inspiring words brought a bright smile to Pei Qinghe's face: "My sister-in-law is right. Every member of the Pei family army is a hero!"

On the night before his departure, Bian Shulan packed Zhao Hai's clothes. Pei Wan and Pei Wang, siblings, stood by.

Pei Wan is nine years old this year. She inherited Bian Shulan's delicate appearance and excels in both reading and martial arts. Pei Wang, who was four years old, showed his intelligence and talent after starting his studies.

Zhao Hai was the first son-in-law of the Pei family and had long since integrated into the Pei clan. Although it was his first time accompanying Pei Qinghe on a military expedition, he showed no fear whatsoever.

"Xiao Wan'er, Xiao Wang'er," Zhao Hai solemnly instructed, "After I leave, you must listen to your mother and study hard and practice martial arts."

Pei Wan nodded in agreement: "Father, don't worry, I will take good care of Mother and my younger brother. In a year or two, I will be able to follow Aunt Qinghe to fight in the war."

The boys and girls of the Pei family could take up swords and fight on the battlefield once they turned ten. With Pei Xuan and Pei Feng as precedents, every child hoped that time would pass quickly so they could grow up sooner.

Pei Wang loudly echoed, "In another six years, I will also be able to fight alongside Aunt Qinghe."

Zhao Hai smiled and reached out to pat his children's heads: "You're right. You will all be fierce generals in the Pei family army in the future."

On the other side, Tao Feng was also saying goodbye to Zhou Shi. Zhou Shi was six months pregnant, her belly sticking out quite high. Tao Feng touched Zhou Shi's belly and whispered, "I hope I can come back before you give birth."

Tao Feng had served in the Beiping military camp for over a decade and knew the cruelty of the battlefield all too well. On the battlefield, swords and spears had no eyes; one could be killed at any moment. Zhou Shi said, "Go fight, don't worry about me. There's plenty of food, drink, and a doctor in Peijia Village. I'm in good health; I'll definitely give birth safely and wait for you to return."

"If you die, I can raise the child on my own. So, go in peace!"

Tao Feng hummed in agreement and hugged Zhou Shi tightly in his arms.

Countless farewell scenes like this unfolded in Peijia Village that night.

Shi Yan had been busy for three days and three nights without sleep, and he stumbled to Pei Qinghe's door. He had just raised his hand but hadn't even lowered it when the door opened.

"I knew it was you from the sound of your footsteps." Pei Qinghe smiled at Shi Yan: "Come in!"

Shi Yan stepped into the room, closed the door behind him, and pulled Pei Qinghe into his arms.

"Qinghe, the Xiongnu barbarians are extremely powerful. You must not underestimate them," Shi Yan whispered in her ear, his voice somewhat hoarse.

Pei Qinghe nodded, "I know. This battle will definitely be tough. The confidence and composure I showed during the day were mostly an act."

Everyone was watching her. Only when she remained calm and composed could everyone feel at ease, and only then could the morale of the army be stabilized.

All the pressure weighed heavily on her shoulders.

Shi Yan looked up and gazed deeply at Pei Qinghe: "I also want to go to war with you."

Pei Qinghe reached out and stroked Shi Yan's face: "You stay in Pei Family Village and oversee the rear, ensuring that the Pei Family Army has sufficient military rations at any time. With you here, I can rest assured."

Shi Yan chuckled softly, "I don't know how to lead troops into battle, this is all I can do. I'm saying this just so you can coax me a little."

Pei Qinghe smiled and tilted her head back to kiss the corner of his lips. They lingered together for a long time.

Shi Yan didn't say anything like, "What should I do if you die on the battlefield?"

His life and blood had long been intertwined with hers.

If anything were to happen to her, he would go with her to the underworld.

……

This was the first real expedition for the Pei family army.

Sun Cheng led a battalion of men on horseback to clear the way, displaying the Pei banner. Pei Qinghe led a thousand cavalry in front, followed by a thousand infantry, with Tao Feng leading the rearguard.

More than a hundred horse-drawn carts carrying grain and fodder followed in a winding line.

For an army to march, a pace of forty li per day is normal. Sixty li per day is considered a forced march. Pei Qinghe ordered a march of sixty li per day, and by nightfall, they set up camp and everything proceeded smoothly.

Any other army would have plundered indiscriminately wherever they went, more terrifying than a locust plague. But the Pei family army had an excellent reputation, and the people were not afraid at all.

Some particularly bold individuals would bring fresh vegetables or homemade pastries to sell when the Pei family army stopped to rest.

Pei Qinghe ignored all of this and simply gave the order: "Those who buy things must pay with silver. Anyone who dares to rob the people will be punished according to military regulations."

(End of this chapter)