Eternal Immortal Dynasty: Starting as a Petty Official

Chapter 179 The Military System is Initially Established, Bandits Launch a Night Attack (Seeking Monthly Tickets)

The next morning, when Zhao Xian woke up, the aroma of rice porridge already filled the air above the camp.

"Marshal!"

As Zhao Xian approached, the soldiers sitting around the campfire all stood up and saluted.

"After breakfast this morning, we'll be training here!"

"You twenty men, organize yourselves into two squads and four groups!"

"Four squad leaders will be chosen from among you, and I will arrange the two platoon leaders later!"

"I will obey your command, General!"

Everyone bowed and greeted him.

After finishing our meal, the morning sun rose in the east.

The soldiers lined up for drills, making quite a commotion, which naturally attracted the attention of Zhu Shen, the village head of Xixiang.

After sending someone to inquire, he learned that Zhao Xian was there to reorganize his troops, so he was relieved and stopped asking questions.

At noon, the horses' hooves thundered, and dust billowed everywhere.

Zhao Bing and Zhao Cheng rode their horses to the village. Their armored cavalry were arrayed in formation, advancing and retreating in perfect order, which greatly impressed Wu Niu'er and other county soldiers who were training.

The county soldiers' military equipment had been neglected for a long time, and they had never seen such well-organized armored knights before!

"Continue training; do not slack off!"

Zhao Xian shouted sharply, stopping the county sergeant from his distraction, and then walked to the side!

"Are these the Daoist soldiers under the command of the military commander? They seem even more elite than the Daoist soldiers in the prefecture!"

A gasp of surprise rang out from the ranks, and the other soldiers nodded in agreement.

"Greetings, Lord Zhao!"

Upon seeing Zhao Xian arrive, Zhao Cheng and the others dismounted and bowed in greeting!

"I have been ordered by the County Magistrate to recruit Daoist followers to go to Ronghuai County to quell bandits, and I will temporarily assume the position of Military Commander!"

"We pay our respects to the Military Commander!"

Upon hearing this, everyone bowed respectfully once again.

"This time, we have recruited over 150 people, who will be divided into two hamlets and four teams!"

"Two squads of spearmen, one squad of swordsmen and shieldmen, and one squad of archers!"

"Set up another cavalry unit!"

"I have ordered Zhao Duan to return to Wohu Township to recruit Daoist followers!"

"The appointment of military officers at all levels will be determined after the recruitment of Daoist civilians is completed!"

"Everyone go home to rest today, and we'll regroup and set off in four days!"

Upon hearing this, everyone bowed down in unison.

"Fourth brother, Zhong brother!"

Zhao Xian then called out to Zhao Cheng and Zhao Ji.

"What's going on, Kuro?"

The two immediately stopped and turned around, their faces beaming with smiles.

"My nephew was born, and I, as his uncle, haven't even given him a gift yet!"

"After spending a day in the county town, I had Zhao Hong buy a few pieces of warm jade as a gift for my nephews!"

Zhao Xian took out three pieces of warm jade from his sleeve and handed them to the two men respectively.

Zhao Chengyu had one son, while Zhao Ji had both a son and a daughter, which was a perfect match!

"Haha! Jiulang, you're so thoughtful!"

"I thank Jiulang on behalf of these lads!"

The two accepted it without hesitation.

After a few words of conversation, Zhao Cheng and Zhao Ji led their horses to say goodbye and headed home along the country lanes.

At the same time, news that Zhao Xian was going to recruit more Daoist followers spread throughout the entire Wohu Township.

After learning that Zhao Xian was going to Ronghuai County to suppress bandits, many brave and valiant villagers prepared their own weapons and went to the western countryside to enlist.

The Xu family of Wohu Township, within their deep, secluded courtyard.

Xu Dekun and Xu Dejing, who happened to be home on holiday, were quite surprised when they learned of this news.

"Zhao Jun's journey to Ronghuai to quell the bandits must have been recommended by Ronghuai County Magistrate Chen and authorized by the County Magistrate," Xu Dekun said in a deep voice after a moment of contemplation.

"It is precisely because of the county magistrate's clear decree that the news has already spread throughout the village!"

Xu Dejing looked excited, his hand gripping the hilt of his knife tightly. He paced back and forth in the hall, unable to hide his excitement.

Seeing Xu Dejing's attitude, Xu Dekun naturally understood Xu Dejing's intentions.

Ultimately, it was Zhao Xiancai who recommended Xu Dejing to enter the officialdom.

"If you wish to go with me, then go ahead."

"7

"I will speak to your father on your behalf."

Suddenly, Xu Dekun looked at Xu Dejing and said with a smile.

"This~"

Upon hearing Xu Dekun's words, Xu Dejing showed a hint of hesitation.

"What's wrong? Don't you want to go?"

Xu Dekun immediately asked a question with considerable surprise.

"If I leave without saying goodbye, won't Father be angry?"

Xu Dejing shook his head and asked in a low voice.

"I will speak up for you!"

Xu Dekun chuckled lightly and comforted him gently, thinking that his brother was afraid of battle!

"Then I'll have to trouble you, brother!"

Xu Dejing took a deep breath, bowed to Xu Dekun, and then walked out of the hall.

Before long, the sound of horses' hooves rang out, and then gradually faded into the distance.

"Big Brother!"

A servant rushed into the hall, cupped his hands in greeting, and announced, "Third Prince has taken three horses from the stable, accompanied by two attendants, and galloped off eastward!"

"It's alright, you can go now!"

Xu Dekun waved his hand and said calmly.

"Father, are you really going to let Sanlang go to Ronghuai County with Zhao Xian? Ronghuai County is no longer a good place!"

"If he wants to go, then let him go!"

Suddenly, a slightly aged voice came from the hall.

At the same time, the number of pedestrians increased sharply, and the roadside was full of strong men carrying knives and spears, with a fierce and powerful aura.

For a moment, it made ordinary pedestrians passing by feel a little scared!

Everyone scattered!

The next day, the open space next to the Xixiang village house was already crowded with Taoists who had come to apply for the position.

With Zhao Cheng and others maintaining order, nothing went wrong.

The selection process continues to prioritize the strong, capable, and skilled individuals, with those chosen receiving a resettlement allowance to reassure the public.

After a busy day, everyone finally selected more than two hundred strong and healthy Taoist practitioners!

Those Taoists who did not manage to enlist received fifty coins each as a token of sympathy!

This single transaction of talismans cost nearly 20,000 talismans.

On the other side, Zhao Hong and Huang Zhong escorted a large number of weapons and hurriedly returned to Xixiang.

"Brother, according to the regulations you listed, the funds for procuring weapons are simply insufficient." Zhao Hong pulled Zhao Xian aside, looking helpless. "I had no choice but to take matters into my own hands and purchase a batch of old, obsolete weapons from the county soldiers to make up the difference for now."

"Putting out old weapons?"

Zhao Xian frowned slightly, took a few steps forward, tore off the tarpaulin, and looked at the weapons laid out on the ground.

He casually picked up a hard bow made of mulberry wood, weighed it repeatedly, and then examined several iron swords with ring pommels. Although the blades were somewhat rusty, they were still considered well-made.

"Well, it's a hasty decision, so let's just make do for now," Zhao Xian sighed helplessly.

After all the unsuccessful candidates had left, Zhao Xian and others began to reorganize the villages and establish their own units.

The arrangement was not finalized until dusk.

There were a total of two garrisons and four squads of infantry, one squad of cavalry, and one squad of auxiliary troops, totaling about three hundred men.

There were only about thirty cavalrymen among them.

Originally there were two cavalrymen, but later Xu Dejing brought a group of wealthy young men from Wohu Township to join him on horseback, adding more than ten more men, and thus he was listed as the sole cavalry unit.

On the makeshift high platform, Zhao Xian stood solemnly, looking down at his troops below.

"Liu Ping, Liu Sheng, and all other soldiers' names, hometowns, and ages can be recorded in the roster?"

"Reporting to the military commander, the records have been completed and the registers are in order of rank: tun, dui, shi, wu!"

Liu Ping stepped forward quickly and answered in a deep voice.

Zhao Xian nodded slightly and looked down at the soldiers again.

There were two garrisons and four teams. Including one team each of cavalry and auxiliary troops, there were two garrison commanders, six team leaders, twenty-eight squad leaders, and more than fifty squad leaders.

Nearly a hundred officers and soldiers of all ranks!

There were only three hundred people, but they were subtly divided into several groups. One group was naturally the Zhao clan members who had followed Zhao Xian the longest, while the other group consisted of newly recruited Daoist followers, county soldiers, and wealthy young men like Xu Dejing who had come to join them.

Zhao Xian really put a lot of thought into making proper arrangements!

"The first garrison commander is Zhao Zheng, and the second garrison commander is Zhao Cheng!"

The two village chiefs were naturally appointed by Zhao Zheng and Zhao Cheng.

Last year, the two of them assisted the Chen and Liu families in relocating the people of the two clans. They acted prudently and had enough prestige to pacify the village.

Besides, this is his own blood brother!

"First garrison commanders: Zhao Ji, Xu Hua!"

"Second garrison commanders: Zhao Zong, Zhang Gong!"

They were all promoted from former platoon leaders, with extensive experience and high public support.

"The cavalry leader is Xu Dejing!"

Xu Dejing's initiative to join the team was truly unexpected by Zhao Xian. He was brave, capable, and had extraordinary courage, so he naturally deserved to be a team leader.

"Auxiliary troops leader, Zhao Ze!"

Zhao Ze and Zhao Zheng, one the head of the Wohu Township Pavilion and the other a bandit hunter, both abandoned their official posts to come and help Zhao Xian, knowing that he was short-handed!

Zhao Zheng was Zhao Xian's elder brother, and they had a close relationship. Zhao Xian was not surprised that he came to help, but Zhao Ze's arrival really surprised him.

As for managing a squad of auxiliary soldiers, it was more than enough for Zhao Ze!

The next twenty-odd squad leaders were mostly members of Zhao Xian's clan, and half of the fifty-odd squad leaders were Daoist followers who had been with Zhao Xian for a long time.

The process of making an appointment was far more difficult than a battle.

There was nothing Zhao Xian could do but this much. Even if some people felt wronged, they would have to wait until he returned alive from Ronghuai County before they could talk about it!

With the units of ten and five organized, the next step was to distribute weapons.

Those who bring their own weapons of good quality are permitted to use them; those who have no weapons or whose weapons are of poor quality will be issued public weapons.

The armor collected from the county barracks was distributed to military officers at all levels. Combined with the leather armor already in place, this barely ensured that military officers had armor and soldiers had weapons.

To distinguish ranks, Zhao Xian took dyed silk and cut it into strips:

Those with black cloth wrapped around their heads are soldiers; those with red cloth bound around their arms are squad leaders; and those with blue cloth bound around their arms are platoon leaders.

The garrison commander and team leader were fully armed and held high positions, requiring no markings and being easily identifiable.

Once the military ranks were assigned, various departments and offices were established:

Liu Ping was appointed as the military commissioner, in charge of military discipline supervision and investigation of illegal activities;

Liu Sheng and Zhao Zedian were responsible for logistics, food, and supplies.

Zhao Duan and Zhao Bing served as his deputies and also as his personal guards, protecting him on both sides.

Yang Zhi and Chen Chong were incorporated into the cavalry and accompanied the army in battle;

Song Ming and Huang Zhong have been ordered to go ahead to Ronghuai County to contact local officials and investigate the bandit situation.

Only Zhao Hong remained by Zhao Xian's side, serving as a messenger and scout, relaying military orders back and forth.

After some preparation, the team of three hundred people finally looked somewhat presentable.

With everything arranged in the camp and Zhao Zheng, Zhao Cheng, and others overseeing the overall situation, Zhao Xian then took Mu Chun and Zhao Hong back home to settle their family affairs.

After returning home, Zhao Xian summoned Mu Chun alone and gave him detailed instructions.

Actually, there was nothing much to it. After Zhao Xian and the others left, Mu Chun had to go to Wohu Township to fetch Zhao Li, so that Zhao Li could take over the garrison in Xixiang in place of Zhao Xian.

After all, the families of Zhao Cheng and Zhao Ji, as well as Zhao Xian's farm and ranch, are all located in Xixiang!

As for Wohu Township, Zhao Xian was at ease with his father overseeing things.

Mu Chun, of course, had to remain in the county, running around and coordinating various matters.

The next morning, Zhao Xian got up early, had breakfast with Zhao Hong, and then left home to head straight to the camp.

The departure will be postponed for the next two days, for no other reason.

When recruiting new soldiers, it is essential to first establish military discipline and train the troops to be well-coordinated.

After two days and nights of continuous drills, the ranks of the troops gradually became more orderly and disciplined, and their retreats became more disciplined.

Time waits for no one, and we should not delay any longer.

On the fifth day, as dawn broke, Zhao Xian, with a solemn expression, ordered his soldiers to break camp and set off in a grand procession towards Ronghuai County.

The news that Rongtai County was about to send troops to suppress the bandits had already spread throughout the surrounding villages.

.

The large-scale recruitment of soldiers, the reorganization of the army, and the expedition were so significant that their origins could not be concealed.

Zhao Xian was straightforward and upright, leading an army with integrity and fearlessness of being spied on by bandits and spies.

Of the 300-person team, more than 200 were recruited from the local people. Although they had undergone two days of training, they could hardly be considered soldiers.

They are just Daoist people with some restrictions!

On the first day of the march, they only traveled twenty li before setting up camp.

They worked in small groups, and before long, wisps of smoke rose from their chimneys.

After finishing his meal, before sunset, Zhao Xian personally led Zhao Hao, Zhao Cheng, Liu Qikui, and others to inspect the various teams.

At each location, the squad leader would order the soldiers under his command to pay their respects.

Zhao Xian responded with a smile, and when he saw familiar Daoist people, he stopped to chat for a few minutes.

As night fell, Zhao Xian and Zhao Hao took turns patrolling the surrounding area and reassuring the local people.

The next day, the group had traveled twenty-five li.

On the third day, the group traveled another thirty li.

On the afternoon of the fourth day, Zhao Xiancai led his men to the area south of Nankou Township, several miles from the border of Ronghuai County, where they set up camp.

After finishing his meal, Zhao Xian rested for a while before having Zhao Hong summon the garrison commanders, squad leaders, and military officers to discuss matters.

"To be granted an audience with the military commander!"

Upon arriving, everyone bowed and then sat upright on the wooden pole.

"We'll be entering Ronghuai County tomorrow, so we need to be careful tonight!"

Looking around at everyone, Zhao Xian immediately spoke solemnly.

"Is the lord worried that the bandits might hear rumors and launch a night attack on us?"

As soon as he finished speaking, Zhao Zhengli, who was on the right, said in a deep voice.

"A march of several hundred men, with such imposing presence, cannot be concealed in the slightest!" Zhao Xian nodded slightly and continued, "If the bandits truly had spies planted in Rongtai County, the news would likely have already reached Ronghuai County from the day I recruited Daoist followers!"

"Then, according to your suggestion, General, what should be the arrangements for tonight?"

Zhao Cheng then spoke up and asked in a solemn voice.

"At the third watch of the night, when men and horses are exhausted and most relaxed!" Zhao Xian looked around at everyone, a slight smile appearing on his face. "If I were the thief, I would definitely launch a surprise attack at this hour!"

"Weapons and provisions are all inside the wagons at the rear!"

"Of the six detachments of soldiers, the rear detachment of auxiliary troops is the most vulnerable and also the most crucial!"

At this point, Zhao Xian looked at Zhao Ze, the incoming auxiliary corps leader, and Liu Hai.

"Sir, the auxiliary troops are already weakened and have been caught in a sudden night attack; they must be fleeing in panic!"

Upon hearing this, Zhao Ze remained expressionless and spoke without any attempt to conceal his thoughts.

"Zhao Ji, tonight your team will take over from the auxiliary troops and guard the rear!"

Zhao Xian didn't waste any time and immediately looked at Zhao Ji and gave his instructions.

"Your humble servant obeys!"

Zhao Ji immediately bowed and saluted!

"Dejing, your team consists of brave warriors. The night is dark and it's not advisable to engage in battle on horseback!"

"Tonight, your team must remain fully armed and ready for battle!"

Zhao Xian then looked at Guai Dejing, who was standing to the side, and said solemnly.

"I will obey your command, General!"

Guai Dejing suddenly stood up and shouted loudly.

"The rest of the teams, the veterans will be on duty tonight. If the bandits attack, do not panic!"

"Anyone who shouts or runs wildly shall be executed on the spot without fail!"

"I have failed to obey your command!"

Everyone stood up and shouted, then left to make their own arrangements.

"Ah Hong, release the Wind Falcon and have it scout the surroundings!"

Suddenly, Zhao Xian said calmly.

Upon hearing this, Zhao Hong, who was standing nearby, naturally stepped out of the military tent.

There were only seven or eight tents in the entire camp, and most of the soldiers had to huddle around the campfire for warmth.

Although it is the height of summer in July and the heat is unbearable, it gets a bit chilly after nightfall!

Night had fallen, and the countryside was quiet.

Occasionally, a few fireflies would flash, some of them fireflies dancing in mid-air.

As the candles in the largest military tent in the camp were extinguished, the soldiers in the camp gradually fell into a deep sleep.

After an unknown amount of time, without any sound, a faint rustling sound came from the mountain fortress a few dozen steps away.

Suddenly, a pair of bright eyes appeared at the edge of the forest, scrutinizing the campsite a few dozen steps away.

A moment later, a lithe figure stepped into the depths of the mountain forest under the moonlight.

Sometime during this period of time, a group of vicious bandits, dressed in rags and with disheveled hair, suddenly appeared in the mountain stronghold.

"Everyone!"

The lithe figure strode quickly to a burly man clad in iron armor and bowed respectfully.

"Ah Bing, is the camp heavily guarded?"

The armored giant immediately asked in a low voice.

"Everyone, there's no one guarding the camp; they're all fast asleep!"

The muscular man grinned and said with utter disdain.

"Keep your voice down!" The armored giant glared at the soldier in front of him, then asked, "Are you sure you're not mistaken?"

"Everyone, I watched there for a full quarter of an hour, and no one was on duty at Gendan Temple. I could even hear their snoring!"

These words immediately drew laughter from the others.

"Shut up, all of you!"

The armored man gave a low shout, and the bandits behind him stopped laughing and fell silent, which showed his power!

"The demons and bandits in Rongtai County have all been subdued by that petty thief leading his troops. If that petty thief were truly such an arrogant and incompetent fool, how could he have committed such a heinous act!"

The armored giant turned around and looked at his close associates, speaking in a cold voice.

Upon hearing this, the bandits appeared quite serious on the surface, but their eyes showed little concern.

If such a wicked thing were true, how could they not know how many guards to arrange when setting up camp?

Even bandits know to leave a few sentries hidden!

He's just another incompetent person who relies on his family's support!

"Third brother, go and find out more!"

Suddenly, the armored giant looked at a cold and fierce bandit wearing half-armor behind him and whispered a command.

The ruthless bandit nodded slightly, then quickly took a few steps and silently disappeared into the mountain fortress.

The soldier who had just come to report showed a hint of dissatisfaction in his eyes and walked into the ranks with his head down.

A moment later, the ruthless bandit returned and nodded slightly to the armored giant.

"Everyone, it's almost midnight."

Another thief glanced at the bright moon, then leaned closer and whispered.

As the saying goes, thieves are out and about in the dead of night, when people are sound asleep!

"Pass on my order: split the troops into two groups, one of which will head straight for the rebel commander's camp!"

"Another force rushed straight to the rear and set fire to the supplies!"

"Furthermore, whoever slays the bandit will be rewarded with one hundred low-grade spirit stones!"

After deliberating for a while, the armored burly man finally revealed a ruthless look on his face, glanced around, and whispered a shout.

"I will obey everyone's orders!"

Upon hearing this, all the bandits responded with a resounding roar of agreement.

"Walk!"

The armored giant led the way, followed closely by the bandits, as they slowly made their way towards the camp outside the mountains and forests.

Meanwhile, in the camp a few dozen steps away, the soldiers were still snoring loudly.

Inside the military tent in the center of the camp, Zhao Xian sat upright on the couch, holding the hilt of his sword, and closed his eyes as if dozing.

As for Zhao Hong, he was no longer in the camp.

Behind the camp, Zhao Ji leaned against a grain sack, his fingers lightly tapping the Huanren sword, producing a series of very regular soft sounds.

"kill!"

Suddenly, a thunderous roar exploded from the ground!

Suddenly, a figure leaped into the air, charging out of the forest like a tiger descending the mountain, heading straight for the military camp dozens of steps away!

Behind them, more and more bandits brandished their knives and spears, roaring loudly, rushing out of the mountains and forests like ghosts howling and wolves wailing, heading straight for the barracks.

In just a few dozen steps, you arrive in the blink of an eye!

The sudden and shocking event roused countless Daoist followers from their sleep, leaving them utterly terrified!

The first to be affected were Zhao Zong's group of Daoists!

Upon seeing the thieves approaching, the Taoist priest immediately took cover, his face filled with panic. He didn't even bother to gather his weapons before turning and fleeing!

Some even panicked and stepped into the campfire!

"Clang!"

With a swift motion, Zhao Zong drew his sword and lashed it out at the fleeing Daoist civilians, shouting fiercely, "Don't panic! Don't panic!"

"Form ranks! Form ranks!"

And his squad leaders and sergeants did the same, preventing the people from fleeing in panic!

The other groups of villagers, seeing that the thieves did not attack them, were terrified, but under the control of their squad leaders and sergeants, they finally gathered together.

"kill!"

Ignoring the fact that his followers had formed a battle formation, Xu Hua and Xu Fu each led a few veteran soldiers to meet the enemy!

After all, Zhao Zong's group of Daoists clearly couldn't organize a defensive formation!

If we don't go to their aid soon, that team will be completely defeated!

"shoot!"

Zhang Gong's archer squad had already formed a battle formation. Although it wasn't very well-organized, they managed to fire a sparse rain of arrows!

"Pfft! Pfft!"

In the blink of an eye, five or six thieves were hit by stray arrows and fell to the ground!

"shoot!"

Another volley of arrows was fired!

"shoot!"

A third volley of arrows rained down!

After firing three arrows in quick succession, watching the bandits running towards the fort fall one after another, Zhang Gong's soldiers finally felt the terror of the snake descending into the heart of the fort.

As expected, Zhang Gong roared, and under the command of the squad leader and sergeant, they drew their bows and shot arrows at the bandits!

At this moment, the Xu brothers, Hua and Fu, had already charged forward with their shields!

The two brothers are now a squad leader and a platoon leader, respectively. Apart from an old soldier who serves as a low-ranking military officer, most of the soldiers under their command come from Dahuting and are fellow villagers of the same place, so they are very familiar with each other.

"They are both from the same hometown and comrades-in-arms; how can we disregard the lives of the Xu brothers!"

"Kill the traitors!"

A Taoist priest from Dahuting raised his arms and shouted wildly. The Taoist priests who were in a state of panic finally came to their senses. They were in a panic and, under the command of the squad leader and sergeant, gathered together and charged forward with their guns!

"kill!"

The armored giant who charged forward raised his hand and slashed at Xu Hua opposite him!

Under the soft moonlight, the blade flashed like a sharp, white ribbon as it struck Xu Hua's neck!

In a split second, Xu Hua raised his round shield high, blocking the incoming attack!

Thump!

'

Sword and shield clashed, sparks flying!