My older brother is Gao Huan.

Chapter 104 At Least He's Now an Official
A generous reward from the imperial court?

This time, there was no one as good as the Duke of Chenliu to speak on his behalf in the court.

What other generous reward could there be?
Two years ago, all six garrisons marched out to fight the Rouran in the north, and the rewards for that victory have still not been distributed.

Who among the people of the Six Garrisons could have imagined that the court's single word of "re-discussion" would truly be the last thing they heard?

Moreover.

Gao Yu later learned some inside information from his correspondence with Yang Kan, Jia Sixie, Cui Xian, and others.

Back in Luoyang, he repelled the rioting central army, protected Zheng Dache, and preserved the face of the imperial family, which was originally a great achievement. However, he only received some material rewards in the end, mainly because Empress Dowager Hu personally determined the nature of his actions.

People in the six towns are not allowed to change their household registration; no one can make that exception.

With Empress Dowager Hu's decree, the lives of the people in the Six Garrisons were predictable, and no matter how great their achievements, they could not escape this cage.

"Maybe they'll give us some money or goods again? That's good... If I can also get some fake identities or something while I'm at it."

Gao Yu knew that the armored cavalry was very powerful, just as everyone else knew that he was very powerful.

But just how fierce is it?

There wasn't a specific concept in my mind.

This was the first time he had led a fully armored cavalry charge, and he had achieved such an effect. Wearing three layers of heavy armor was tiring, but he felt like he was piloting a Gundam, wrapped in a metal shell. Ordinary swords, spears, and arrows couldn't even break through his defenses. It was as if he had a cheat code.

if……

Was he leading not fifty or sixty, but five or six hundred armored cavalry this time?

I can't even imagine it.

However, Gao Yu thought about it again.

After two years of hard work, he still couldn't recruit enough people for the 100 armored cavalry positions. Moreover, maintaining these 50 or 60 armored cavalrymen had almost bankrupted him.

Even with more aliases, he still couldn't find so many people, so many brave warriors to join him; he couldn't afford to support them all.

After seeing off Daxi Wu and Shedi Gan.

Gao Yu immediately went to Wei Jing's residence to pay his respects and report his safety to Gao Loujin. He also brought back the bronze horse and bronze bird from the Rouran royal court for Gao Loujin and Wei Jing's son, Wei Jie, to play with.

Non-vegetation, ruthless Practice makes perfect?
Before Gao Huan had seduced Lou Zhaojun, the family was struggling financially. It was also the time when Gao Yu was growing up, so many of his rations were squeezed out of Gao Loujin and the others to make sure he was well-fed.

Gao Yu will never forget this kindness of being raised.

Gao Loujin, perhaps because she was already a mother, was becoming more and more like an old woman, nagging, "Erlang should also find a good woman to marry. Why don't we ask Zhaojun to help us find one?"

"A woman's view!"

Fortunately, Wei Jing spoke up to help him out of the predicament, saying, "With Erlang's bravery, he is destined for greatness. He is already the bravest in the six towns and famous throughout the grasslands. How could an ordinary woman be worthy of Erlang? If you want to marry him, you must marry a woman from a prominent family who can use her family's wealth to help Erlang!"

Gao Yu could only force a smile and hand Wei Jie over to the maid beside him.

"After I returned, I went to pay my respects to my brother and sister-in-law before I did."

Gao Loujin then reminded her, "By the way, your sister-in-law is pregnant again recently."

Gao Yu was stunned for a moment.

King Gao is quite powerful, and his sister-in-law is willing to have the baby, but they don't know if it will be a boy or a girl.
But it’s understandable.

Many children bring many blessings.

We cannot judge ancient people by the same standards that modern people use to describe their unmarried and childless lifestyles.

Gao Yu soon arrived at Gao Huan's residence.

"Greetings, Your Highness."

Gao Huan nodded, then glanced at Gao Yu again and said with emotion, "Now, everyone in the Six Towns and the northern grasslands knows Erlang's name."

"A mere empty title can't buy you money or supplies, nor can it buy you bravery."

"This empty fame is something many people crave but cannot obtain."

"In times of chaos, this empty reputation could be used to attract talent, but right now... even Huai Shuo can't get out."

Gao Yu actually knew the truth all along.

Is a hollow reputation useful?
it works.

In ancient times, reputation was of great use.

But it didn't help much with his current situation.

If he could, he would rather exchange this empty reputation for a slightly more prosperous base, which would be the foundation for his ambition to dominate the country, rather than having a mere empty reputation in this godforsaken and impoverished place of Huai Shuo.

"You can see clearly."

Gao Huan was very satisfied.

His own younger brother was not blinded by fame, nor was he arrogant or domineering.

"Has my brother forgotten what we once said?"

"A wise man keeps his talents hidden until the time is right."

Gao Huan sighed with a wry smile, "The reasoning is simple, and we have seen the chaos in Luoyang, but... when will our 'timing' arrive?"

Gao Yu remained silent.

He did remember that the country was in chaos shortly after Gao Huan returned from Luoyang, but two years had passed since his return, and the country was still not in chaos.

"Not for long."

Gao Yu voiced his thoughts, "Although the Rouran King has reclaimed the Rouran royal court with our help, he has also suffered heavy losses. If the weather doesn't cooperate this year and heavy snow falls..."

"You mean... the Rouran might rebel?"

"possible."

Since ancient times, when nomadic herders on the grasslands could not survive, they would go south to plunder; when farmers in the Central Plains could not survive, they would rise up in rebellion, arguing that "nobles and generals are born with special privileges."

People have to keep living.

"If the Rouran truly repay kindness with enmity after the imperial court's assistance in restoring their kingdom, and the court does not react, it may incite public anger, and then..."

"It makes sense."

Gao Huan nodded. "After you came back, did you visit your elder sister and brother-in-law?"

"When have I ever forgotten?"

Gao Yu smiled and then asked, "I heard from my elder sister that my sister-in-law is pregnant again?"

"We had a medical technician come and checked, and she is indeed pregnant."

Gao Huan couldn't hide his smile; it seems that men's mindset undergoes a transformation after becoming fathers.

He then looked at Gao Yu and said the same thing as Gao Loujin, "In two more years, Erlang will be of age to come of age, right?"

The age of coming of age generally refers to twenty years old. However, the ancients used the traditional Chinese age system (虚岁), while in modern terms, it would be nineteen years old.

"If there is a suitable daughter of a powerful family, perhaps we can consider her."

"Let's talk again."

Gao Yu could only laugh it off, basically just stalling.

Lou Zhaojun was resting, so he couldn't visit her. Instead, he went to the inner courtyard to play with Gao Cheng for a while, and also brought him some bronze figurines and other things he had brought back from Rouran as toys.

Gao Yu then got up and took his leave.

He still has a lot of things to deal with right now.

In this great battle, he had Mulan register all the armored cavalry and light cavalry who had fallen under his command, so that he could personally visit them after returning to Huai Shuo to return their ashes and belongings, and also... various rewards.

He made a promise to his soldiers before charging forward.

If he succeeds in this battle, he will definitely not keep the glory to himself. He cannot share fame and such, but he can share the cattle, sheep, money and goods given by Anagui.

The powerful clans of the Northern and Southern Dynasties were not as prosperous as those of the Wei and Jin Dynasties, but they still controlled almost all of the society's resources.

If Gao Yu wants to contend for supremacy in the future, powerful clans and aristocratic families will be an obstacle he cannot bypass.

If one were to follow Liu Xiu's path and engage in united front tactics and win over allies, it would indeed be a shortcut, making the process of unifying the country much easier. However, once the country is unified, one would inevitably face obstacles at every turn.

The best approach would actually be to follow Shi Le's path with a slight modification: adopt a merit-based system for granting titles, win over common soldiers, conquer the land by force first, and then pacify the world once everything is settled.

He has plenty of ways to deal with powerful clans and aristocratic families.

We arrived at the training ground.

Gao Yu ordered Mulan to summon her troops.

Even the wounded, unless they absolutely had to stay in bed, were called over.

Gao Yu surveyed the orderly and solemn soldiers and shouted, "My lads! During the battle against the Gao Che, I said that you would charge into battle with me. If we win this battle, I will not keep this glory to myself!"

Everyone stared intently, their breathing quickening.

Peng Le and others were also at the drill ground. His deputy, Li Si, was lucky enough to be alive, but he had injured his right shoulder and left hand.

They were all seasoned veterans and couldn't help but be surprised. "Many generals promise rewards afterward to motivate their soldiers, but most of them break their word. I originally thought that the military commander was the same."

Peng Le glared at him, and Li Si muttered under his breath, "It wasn't in vain that my brothers swore to follow him to the death. This kind of person is worth dying for."

Gao Yu was just a person without any rank, not even a general with a miscellaneous title, so naturally there would be no subordinate officials like a chief clerk in the Xuanjia Army.

Fortunately, Mulan was literate and could temporarily act as a clerk.

Gao Yu had Liu Yi bring the cloth and other items to the training ground well in advance.

The rewards were necessities such as cloth and grain, and sometimes five-zhu coins. However, in today's world where trade is not very developed, especially in Huai Shuo, five-zhu coins were not as popular as actual goods.

As for the reward criteria, it is 'extra reward for festivals'.

First, it is distributed according to rank.

Second, the overall reward rules are above average.

In ancient times, it was important to ensure that soldiers were both combat-ready and loyal.

It is simple to say.

Providing adequate treatment and rations, and clearly distinguishing between rewards and punishments, will ensure that soldiers are loyal to you.

But it’s also difficult.

It's not easy to make the decision to give away the wealth you've acquired.

After all... he really did own a cow.

Peng Le was called out.

"Zixing, you shall take good care of the brothers you brought."

Peng Le and his band of bandits who came to join them were not from respectable families like the other soldiers. They didn't even know where the fallen lived, so how could they go to visit them?
Gao Yu didn't care whether Peng Le kept it all for himself or arranged it in any other way; he would make sure that everyone received the reward that was rightfully theirs.

"Yes! I will certainly handle this matter impartially and will not fail the commander's expectations!"

Besides.

The armored cavalry received even greater rewards, with each person receiving an additional twenty head of cattle and sheep, and ten bolts of silk.

This would naturally attract the envy of others, but that was exactly the effect Gao Yu wanted.

Pure egalitarianism is undesirable; the goal is to motivate the soldiers through this kind of 'differentiated' treatment, so that everyone wants to become one of Gao Yu's armored cavalry!
King of Soldiers.

It's made by rolling!

Gao Yu wanted his soldiers to keep fighting, so that even the valiant cavalry, now clad in armor, would not dare to slacken their efforts.

Once the overall level improves, Gao Yu will only raise the standards, and those who stagnate will be kicked out.

If someone were kicked out for simply standing still, they would become a laughingstock in the entire army.

The rewards for the survivors have been distributed.

When the soldiers from other armies learned that Gao Yu was a "generous spender," they were green with envy, and they all wished they could immediately switch sides and join Gao Yu's ranks.

Who wouldn't want to work for someone who truly benefits them?
then.

Gao Yu then personally took Mulan to visit the deceased's family.

Those armored cavalrymen who died in battle were given an additional twenty head of cattle and sheep, twenty bolts of cloth, and twenty bushels of millet.

The reason Gao Yu can be so generous right now is because he doesn't have many men under his command, and Anagui is also generous, which allows him to be so extravagant.

Ordinary cavalrymen who die in battle will be rewarded with ten head of cattle or sheep and ten bolts of cloth.

Most of Gao Yu's soldiers were from good families in Huai Shuo, whose ancestors had been soldiers for generations. These people basically lived in one area within Huai Shuo town.

When other military families saw Gao Yu personally visit the families of fallen soldiers and present them with such generous gifts, they were shocked.

Everyone was incredibly envious.

The news quickly spread throughout Huai Shuo.

"Gao family's second son is so generous?"

"Who doesn't know that the Xuanjia Army enjoys the best treatment in Huai Shuo? Even the armored cavalry under the garrison commander are not as well off as them."

"What a pity! If I had been born twenty years later, I would have served Gao Lang!"

"........."

The military households of Huai Shuo were extremely eager to join Gao Yu's command!
It can be considered that Gao Yu spent a fortune to buy a horse's bones.

………………

A few days later, Yang Jun also heard the news.

"The Gao brothers are indeed heroes of our time... their ambitions are far-reaching."

"At a young age, he is neither greedy for money nor lustful, yet he knows how to win people's hearts."

"If one day..."

A series of footsteps sounded, and Yang Jun looked up to see his personal guards arriving.

"Report! An official document from the imperial court has arrived."

Yang Jun took the sealed document, opened it, and his expression became rather strange. "This is interesting..."

"Go and summon Gao Yu, the commander of the Xuanjia Army."

"Here!"

The guards found Gao Yu in the training ground, explained the situation, and then asked Gao Yu to come with them to Yang Jun's residence.

"Meet the general."

Gao Yu took the initiative to bow.

"You are Welcome."

With a broad smile, Yang Jun asked, "I've heard that Erlang has recently been lavishly rewarding his soldiers, and his reputation for generosity has spread throughout Huai Shuo."

Gao Yu was startled. Could it be that Yang Jun would hold this matter against him?
Perhaps he sensed that Gao Yu had reservations.

Yang Jun immediately smiled and waved his hand, "Second Brother, there's no need to worry. I just heard about it by chance. I have no right to interfere with your rewarding of your soldiers."

"Then... does the general have something to say to me?"

"Correct."

Yang Jun smiled mysteriously, "This is a very joyous occasion!"

"Where does joy come from?"

Gao Yu was somewhat bewildered.

Yang Jun pointed south.

Gao Yu immediately understood, "Could it be... that the imperial court has awarded me?"

"Correct!"

Yang Jun said with a smile, "See for yourself."

He handed the official document to Gao Yu.

When Gao Yu opened it, he saw the usual official statements at the beginning, and he went straight to the most crucial part.

After seeing it...

Gao Yu himself was stunned.

Yang Jun seemed to have anticipated his reaction and immediately reassured him.

"Erlang, there's no need to doubt it; this is an official document from the imperial court."

You really can't blame Gao Yu.

The main thing was that the contents of the official document were something he found hard to believe.

It can be said.

This was the most generous reward he had ever received for all his achievements, far exceeding his expectations!

(End of this chapter)