Ask the mountains and rivers

Chapter 235 Learning from Others
"We fought to the death to defend Bohai Commandery, killing countless Xiongnu barbarians and suffering so many casualties. And this is all we get in return for such a flimsy imperial edict?"

After recuperating for over a month, Pei Yan was finally able to get up and walk slowly, supported by Pei Xuan. He kept muttering, "The Emperor is too stingy! He should at least give some real money and grain!"

Pei Qinghe said calmly, "These are things to be said in private; you shouldn't talk nonsense in front of others."

It's not time to completely break ties yet.

Pei Yan said "Oh," and gestured for Pei Xuan to help her sit down. Carefully avoiding her injury, she let out a satisfied sigh the moment her bottom landed on the chair: "I've been lying down for more than a month, and I can finally sit up."

The Pei family army had too many wounded soldiers and had to stay in Guangning County to recuperate. After more than a month, most of the lightly wounded had recovered, but those with serious injuries were still unable to ride horses.

However, having stayed this long, it's time to go back.

Pei Qinghe asked Pei Yan, "I plan to lead the troops out in two days. Will you stay here to recover from your injuries, or will you come back with me?"

Without hesitation, Pei Yan blurted out, "Of course we have to go back."

“Alright.” Pei Qinghe smiled. “The military rations we brought are almost gone, so we have plenty of empty carts. We can put the wounded soldiers on the carts and let the horses pull them back.”

Speaking of military rations, Pei Xuan couldn't help but interject: "We brought three months' worth of military rations, and we've given a lot to the Guangning army these days. Come to think of it, we've suffered a huge loss this time. We sent men and supplies, but we haven't seen much real benefit."

Pei Qinghe said solemnly, "We can't calculate it that way. If we don't send troops to help, the Guangning Army won't be able to stop the Xiongnu barbarians, and countless people will suffer."

"The Liaoxi Commandery has suffered a series of defeats, and those Xiongnu barbarians are rampaging through the region. We are far away and lack sufficient troops to send reinforcements in two separate routes. Otherwise, I would definitely have sent men to support the Liaoxi army."

"This is not repaying evil with kindness. Our Pei family army and the Liaoxi army have both new and old grudges, but in the face of national interests, these grudges must be put aside."

Pei Xuan looked ashamed and obediently accepted the instruction.

Pei Zhi and Pei Feng, who were standing to the side, also gained their own insights.

Pei Qinghe's eyes flickered, and she suddenly laughed: "Furthermore, this time when we sent troops, we won the hearts of the people and also won over the Guangning Army. This is the real benefit."

All the cousins ​​grinned and glanced at Pei Zhi.

Pei Zhi's pretty face suddenly flushed red: "Why are you all looking at me?"

Pei Yan chuckled: "If you're not guilty, why are you afraid we'll see?"

Pei Xuan mischievously chimed in, "In order to develop and strengthen the Pei family army, my cousin Pei Zhi married into the Guangning army and will keep an eye on General Yang Hu for her."

Pei Zhi spat at Pei Xuan, but did not refute.

Pei Feng didn't like hearing this, his handsome face tense: "If Yang Hu truly wanted to surrender, he shouldn't have had any improper thoughts about my cousin Pei Zhi. There's no precedent for women from our Pei family marrying out. There are plenty of good men in the Pei family army, and many are eager to become Pei family sons-in-law. My cousin Pei Zhi doesn't need to force herself or feel wronged."

Pei Zhi: "..."

Pei Qinghe suppressed a laugh and said gently to the extremely responsible Pei Feng, "There can always be exceptions. I will change this rule when I get back. Pei family women can either marry into the family or take in a son-in-law."

"No one forced Pei Zhi. Everything was based on her own wishes."

Pei Feng's long, handsome face relaxed, and he looked at Pei Zhi with expectant eyes: "You definitely want to stay in the Pei family army and don't want to marry outside, right!"

Pei Yan and Pei Xuan watched the show with their hands in their sleeves.

Pei Zhi, who was competitive and loved to show off, straightened her chest guiltily and said, "Of course." Just then, the brothers Yang Hu and Yang Huai arrived together.

Yang Huai's injuries had greatly improved, and he walked slowly and leisurely. Yang Hu supported Yang Huai, his gaze drifting to Pei Zhi.

Pei Feng was not happy and glared at Yang Hu.

Pei Qinghe found it amusing and casually instructed, "I have something to discuss with General Yang. Pei Feng and Pei Xuan, go and guard the door. Don't allow any unauthorized people to approach."

Pei Feng and Pei Xuan accepted the order and left.

Pei Qinghe told Yang Hu that she was about to leave.

Yang Hu felt somewhat ashamed: "A lot of the military rations were taken by the Guangning Army, and they won't last long. Otherwise, General Pei wouldn't have been in such a hurry to leave."

That's all the conscience I have. Next: "The Guangning Army has always lacked a stable source of military rations. General Pei, after you return, please speak with Chief Steward Shi and ask him to purchase rations for the Guangning Army."

The Guangning army surrendered to the Pei family army and would henceforth follow Pei Qinghe's lead. Pei Qinghe would naturally help solve the problem of military provisions.

Pei Qinghe nodded slightly: "I will discuss this matter with Shi Yan. However, purchasing grain is not an easy task at the moment, and the Guangning Army will still need to requisition grain locally."

"The people are like water; they can carry a boat, but they can also capsize it. The capital city of Jingchao fell into the hands of the Jiangnan rebels. Where did the Jiangnan rebels come from? In the beginning, they were nothing more than a group of poor people who could not survive."

"Since its establishment, the Pei family army has maintained strict discipline, forbidding anyone from bullying the people. The people of Yan County are not afraid when they see the Pei family army; instead, they will come forward to offer them water and food. This is because they know that the Pei family army will protect their lives and safety and will fight to the death for them."

"Yang Hu, wherever the Guangning Army goes, do the common people dare to approach?"

Pei Qinghe asked calmly.

Yang Hu was so embarrassed that his face turned completely red, and he was speechless.

Yang Huai was also on tenterhooks.

To be fair, the Guangning Army was far superior to the Fanyang and Liaoxi Armies. They maintained strict discipline over their soldiers in peacetime. However, once unleashed, they were hardly better than bandits. This was a common problem for all armies at the time.

The Pei family army was different from other armies from the very beginning.

This army, imbued with Pei Qinghe's unique temperament and charm, inspires people to willingly submit and follow.

"Let bygones be bygones. From now on, the Guangning Army must strictly enforce military discipline." Pei Qinghe's smile faded, his expression becoming solemn: "The first rule is that no one may leave the military camp at will, and no one may bully the people. Anyone who disobeys military orders will be executed on the spot."

Yang Hu's forehead was sweating, and he composed himself.

Pei Qinghe continued, "We will pay the soldiers their wages regularly every month, provide them with new clothes every quarter, and do our best to ensure they are well-fed. During the day, we will conduct drills, and at night, we will not let them be idle. We will have all the educated military officers teach the soldiers to read and write."

"If I remember correctly, all the members of the Yang family are literate!"

Yang Hu wiped his forehead with his sleeve, stood up and replied, "Yes. There are thirteen men in the Yang family. Two died in this battle, leaving eleven. There are also several officers in the camp who can read."

“That’s barely enough,” Pei Qinghe said. “Teach each team leader first, and then let the team leaders teach their own team members. If they learn five characters a day, they’ll know all the commonly used characters in a year.”

Yang Hu cupped his hands in greeting: "This humble general has learned much."

(End of this chapter)