Ask the mountains and rivers

Chapter 451 Inspection (Part 3)

The Beiping army was truly outstanding!
After reading the battle report, Pei Qinghe's brows relaxed, and she smiled at Pei Yan, saying, "Meng Liu truly deserves to be called the number one general in the North! With him guarding Beiping County, I can inspect the North with peace of mind."

Pei Yan had never been convinced by Meng Liulang, and muttered, "If it were me, I could defeat the Xiongnu barbarians just as well."

The title of the strongest warrior in the North used to belong to Pei Qinghe. Now that Pei Qinghe sits on the dragon throne, he commands a multitude of fierce generals. These generals are all proud and arrogant, none of them willing to be subordinate to anyone. The title of the strongest warrior in the North has fallen to Meng Liulang, a fact that Pei Yan is outwardly resentful but inwardly unwilling to accept.

Yang Huai, standing to the side, sided with Pei Yan without hesitation: "If we were to rank military generals, Commander Pei would be number one."

Pei Yan beamed with delight and slapped Yang Huai on the shoulder: "You have good taste!"

Without even asking, a solid slap must have hurt. Yang Huai didn't cry out in pain; instead, he grinned.

Pei Qinghe was so overwhelmed by the display of power that he quickly looked away and ordered his guards to continue riding forward.

Two days later, they arrived ten miles outside the Pingyang military camp. General Song, who had already received the news, led dozens of his generals to meet them.

Pei Qinghe did not dismount, but said with a smile, "In the army, there's no need to follow so many complicated rules; just be casual."

The Emperor first beheaded the magistrate of Jiang County and displayed his head, then personally led three thousand elite troops to inspect the area. His intentions were clear. How could General Song dare to be negligent? If he caused trouble again like before the New Year and was made an example of, what would become of his reputation?

General Song led his officers in a respectful salute, then personally rode ahead to lead the way.

Pei Qinghe saw this and slightly raised the corners of her mouth.

Since General Song was so sensible, she naturally had to give him face. Turning to Song Dalang, she instructed, "The task of leading the way is now yours."

Song Dalang responded swiftly, spurred his horse forward, and rode past the familiar group of generals, rushing directly to General Song's side.

General Song glanced at his son, whom he hadn't seen for more than half a year, slowed down his horse, and waited for Pei Qinghe to ride over before following him at a leisurely pace.

"General Song, how many soldiers does the Pingyang army have now?" Pei Qinghe asked casually with a smile.

General Song replied with a smile, "The Pingyang Army originally had more than 7,000 soldiers, but thanks to the Emperor's grace, a quota of 10,000 was granted. In the past few months, I have been recruiting new soldiers, and the quota has just been filled."

He then took the opportunity to flatter the emperor: "This humble general has been training according to the Pei family army's training manual for some time, and it has indeed yielded results."

It's just too cumbersome, too tiring, and too exhausting for the main general.

He had to lead by example in everything, accompanying soldiers in drills, teaching them to read, and living and eating with them. He also had to set a good example by strictly enforcing military discipline and regulations.

After several months, the soldiers still hadn't become elite troops, and General Song himself had lost a lot of weight.

Pei Qinghe chuckled and teased, "General Song, you're praising me, but are you secretly cursing me for being too strict? Even as the commander-in-chief, I have no freedom and have to train hard with the soldiers?"

General Song refused to admit it: "Only in this way can we train a fearless and powerful elite army. Only such elite troops dare to fight the Xiongnu barbarians and win battles. I never imagined that I would have such elite troops under my command! I am overjoyed and have no reason to complain."

Pei Qinghe smiled slightly and said no more.

General Song was meticulous. A few days ago, upon learning that the Emperor was leading troops to Pingyang Army, he immediately cleared out a section of tents. According to military regulations, ten men shared a tent, totaling three hundred tents. He even specially prepared a new central tent for Pei Qinghe. He should have given up his own tent. After all, men and women should be distinguished; how could he allow Emperor Zhaoyuan to stay in a tent he had previously occupied?
General Song's actions were so thorough and meticulous that even Pei Yan, who was looking for faults, had to admit after looking around: "General Song is indeed thoughtful; everything in the military tent is brand new."

Pei Qinghe smiled and said, "Among the military generals in the north, General Song is the oldest and most senior, and he has long since shown goodwill to the Pei family army. He has also formed a marriage alliance with our Pei family. The Pingyang army also contributed troops and strength in both of our major battles. Therefore, on this inspection tour, I first went to the Fanyang army, and then came to the Pingyang army."

This is an expression of imperial favor, and also a source of glory and dignity for the entire Pingyang army.

Pei Qinghe whispered again, "This inspection is meant to intimidate and win over the troops, not to deliberately provoke or find fault. Be more discreet in your words and actions, so as not to give General Song any misunderstandings."

Pei Yan puffed out her chest and agreed without saying a word: "I am now the commander of the Emperor's personal guards, and I have long since become more prudent in my speech and actions. I won't cause any trouble."

Commander Pei, who spoke with absolute certainty, went to the training ground early the next morning, took the initiative to challenge several prominent military officers in the Pingyang Army, and beat them all up.

The military officers were all covered in dust and dirt.

General Song, feeling they had made a fool of themselves, had to say a few words in their defense: "Commander Pei truly deserves to be called the number one warrior in the North! His skills are truly remarkable!"

Commander Pei grinned, revealing his white teeth: "Not bad! Someone like me could only last a hundred or so moves against the Emperor."

General Song's smile was somewhat awkward.

Pei Qinghe personally came to General Song's rescue: "Leading troops into battle relies on strict military discipline and the will to fight bravely; the personal skills of a military general are secondary."

General Song smiled and sighed, "This humble general is ashamed. I have been too lenient with them in the past. When generals are brave and lead from the front, the army's combat power will naturally be stronger! From now on, this humble general will keep an eye on them and make sure they train diligently."

Pei Qinghe smiled and said, "Practice more, and you will definitely make great progress."

Pei Qinghe led his personal guards to continue patrolling the military camp. General Song summoned several trusted generals and gave them a thorough dressing-down.

There was another stubborn one who covered his swollen forehead and said angrily, "The Emperor sent Pei Yan to humiliate us as soon as he arrived. This is a disgrace to the General."

General Song was furious: "Then why didn't you defeat Commander Pei and save face for me? When you were getting beaten to a pulp, why weren't you being defiant? Commander Pei wasn't humiliating you; he simply didn't expect you to be so easily defeated!"

The stubborn general was spat on in the face and dared not utter another word.

General Song continued angrily, "You've all seen the Pei family army's training manuals. When the soldiers drill, all the officers train together. That's how skills are honed! How can you train elite troops when you're so lax in your daily lives?"

"Starting tomorrow, you will all train with the soldiers. Stop pretending, you all need to really train! If you continue to embarrass yourselves like this, you'll be kicked out of the barracks!"

The military officers nodded and nodded in agreement.

Song Dalang brought over a cup of warm water: "Father, don't be angry. Drink some water and calm down."

General Song downed the water in his cup in one gulp and slammed it on the table: "These bastards! They never take training seriously, mostly just going through the motions. Today they've completely disgraced me!"

(End of this chapter)