Starting with a Wei Wu soldier

As dawn broke through the fortress walls once more, the crisp air carried the lingering smells of last night's campfire and the stench of the livestock shed. Starfire Fortress awoke from its brief period of commotion and quickly returned to its usual order and bustle.

Murong Mingyue woke up very early, or rather, she had barely slept a wink all night. Her mind replayed the solemnity of yesterday's memorial service, the events of the banquet, and Chen Xing's calm yet seemingly penetrating eyes. When she uttered the words, "Mingyue, I believe you," it was certainly from the heart. But as the tribal leader, she knew that trust couldn't be based on mere emotion; it needed concrete and solid terms to maintain, especially in this chaotic world where the strong prey on the weak.

She summoned Helan Sou and two other respected elders from the tribe for a half-hour private meeting in her temporary hut. All three were deeply impressed by the atmosphere of Xinghuo Fortress, especially the profound meaning behind the "Meritorious Service Order" and "Military Regulations," which revealed a possibility quite different from the dog-eat-dog world of the grassland tribes and the rigid hierarchy of the southern fortified villages. However, the specifics of cooperation, the division of benefits, and the extent to which the tribe's independence could be preserved all required careful consideration.

"Miss, that Lord Chen is no ordinary man. Judging from his actions, he possesses both ruthless methods and a compassionate heart—at least towards his own people. His proposed two-step approach, seemingly lenient, is actually a calculated move." He Lan Sou stroked his sparse beard and said in a low voice, "The name 'guest army' is a buffer for us, and also gives him time to observe. Relying on him for provisions and weapons will inevitably lead to our being controlled in the long run."

Another elder, Amur, whose face was tattooed with an indigo tribal totem, said in a muffled voice, "That's true. But right now, we're exhausted, our supplies are running low, and we have many wounded. Besides these three hundred or so heads and a hundred or so broken horses, what leverage do we have to bargain? Although Tuoba He has been defeated, the Black Mountain Commander is still alive, and the Ulolan tribe is no pushover either. Going it alone is a dead end."

Murong Mingyue listened quietly, her fingers unconsciously stroking the hilt of the curved sword at her waist. She was well aware of their predicament. Since migrating south, their numbers had dwindled from nearly a thousand to what they were now; every decision was a matter of survival. The conditions Chen Xing offered, seemingly passive, were in fact the best option they could currently access—perhaps even the only one.

"Capital?" Murong Mingyue finally spoke, her voice low but resolute. "We have capital. First, three hundred battle-hardened cavalrymen familiar with the tactics of the northern lands. While the Xinghuo Fortress infantry are strong, they lack mobility and, more importantly, the eyes and ears familiar with the situation in the north. Second, our blood feud with the Black Mountain Commander. The enemy of our enemy can be our ally, and a mortal enemy makes us even more reliable. Third," she paused, "is the reputation and determination of me, Murong Mingyue, and all the elders and warriors. What Lord Chen seeks is not merely a few hundred warhorses and a few hundred bows. What he values ​​are 'partners' who can share the hardships and build a foundation with him. We must show him that we are worthy."

A glint of light flashed in Helan Sou's cloudy old eyes: "What does Miss mean...?"

"Show sincerity, but also demonstrate our values ​​and bottom line." Murong Mingyue stood up. "Let's go to the council hall. It's our turn to present our 'cooperation intentions'."

……

Inside the council hall, Chen Xing, Chen Wei, and Wu Xuejiu were reviewing the preliminary summary of post-war population and supplies compiled by Li Shu the previous day. Zhao Tiezhu and Zhou Dashan were assigned to supervise the labor in the prisoner-of-war camp and the allocation of newly reclaimed land.

"With the more than 300 people brought by the Murong tribe, the controllable population in and around the fort has exceeded 1,200, of which about 400 are able-bodied men." Wu Xuejiu pointed to the numbers on the bamboo slips. "The pressure on food supplies is still the greatest. Even with a rationing system and the captured cattle and sheep, it can only last for two months at most. Spring planting cannot be neglected."

Chen Xing nodded: "Zhao Tiezhu should keep a close eye on the land reclamation. Report on the 'miracle grain' crop condition daily. Also, regarding the hunting team mentioned yesterday, have Wang Jian select those familiar with the mountains and forests to form one today, so they can at least hunt some meat to replenish their oil and fat reserves."

"Yes, sir," Chen Wei replied.

"My lord, what about Miss Murong..." Wu Xuejiu hesitated, as if he wanted to say something but then stopped.

"She will come," Chen Xing said confidently, glancing towards the door. "And she will bring their terms."

No sooner had he finished speaking than a guard announced, "Lord of the fortress, General Murong and the elders of his tribe request an audience."

"please."

Murong Mingyue was still dressed in a neat red outfit, followed closely by Elders Helan Sou and Amur. The three entered, their expressions solemn.

"Master Chen, everyone, I apologize for disturbing you." Murong Mingyue clasped her hands in greeting.

"Miss Murong, Elder Helan, Elder Amur, please have a seat." Chen Xing gestured for seats, and Li Shu had already prepared hot soup.

After a few pleasantries, Murong Mingyue cut to the chase: "Fortress Master Chen, yesterday Fortress Master Meng frankly explained the framework of our cooperation. Mingyue and the elders discussed it all night and found it very convincing. However, since it is a cooperation, there needs to be a concrete agreement to avoid future conflicts. I have drafted a few points for your consideration, Fortress Master and everyone."

"Please speak, young lady." Chen Xing sat up straight, adopting a listening posture. Chen Wei and Wu Xuejiu also looked on intently.

Murong Mingyue took out a rough scroll of parchment from her bosom—clearly a record she had kept overnight after discussing matters with the elders. She unfolded the parchment, her voice clear and steady:

"Firstly, regarding the title and location. Our unit is willing to follow the Fortress Lord's previous proposal and temporarily reside near Xinghuo Fortress under the name of 'guest army.' We request the Fortress Lord to designate a suitable area for our unit to set up camp, settle the elderly and weak, and build stables and warehouses. Our unit retains its independent banner, internal governance rights, and the right to daily exercises."

"Secondly, regarding provisions and equipment. Our tribe currently has a population of 327, of whom 183 are capable of fighting (including those recovering from minor injuries), and 94 warhorses. Please provide a fixed monthly ration of basic rations, salt, and necessary medicines based on this number. Our tribe can graze some of the fodder for the warhorses ourselves; please supplement any shortfall and provide additional feed as needed. As for equipment, please assist in repairing damaged armor and provide a certain number of arrows monthly. In return, any surplus livestock, hides, and medicinal herbs captured by our tribe, besides our own use, will be given priority to your fortress."

"Thirdly, regarding military operations. In the event of an invasion by a foreign enemy or a proactive attack, both sides must jointly discuss strategies. My unit is willing to be under the unified command of the fortress lord, but I request that the fortress lord allow my cavalry to form independent units, directly commanded by Mingyue, to cooperate with your fortress's infantry in battle. After the battle, the spoils will be distributed according to the pre-agreed proportions, and it is suggested that they be divided according to the number of troops deployed and the size of the battle achievements."

"Fourth, regarding the movement and control of personnel. Personnel from our unit entering the fort must abide by your fort's military regulations and daily laws. Similarly, personnel from your fort entering our camp must respect our customs. Both sides may exchange personnel for learning and skills exchange. In case of disputes, the leaders and elders of both sides shall jointly adjudicate."

"Fifth," Murong Mingyue paused slightly, raising her eyes to look directly at Chen Xing, "this cooperation agreement is tentatively set for a one-year term. Within one year, both parties must abide by the agreement and shall not break it without cause. After one year, depending on changes in the situation and the wishes of both parties, we can discuss whether to renew the agreement or explore further integration."

After speaking, she gently pushed the parchment towards Chen Xing: "These are my humble opinions; please take a look, Lord. Any additions or subtractions are open for discussion."

A moment of silence fell over the hall. Wu Xuejiu and Chen Wei exchanged a glance. Murong Mingyue's proposals were clear and logical, upholding both their own basic independence and interests while fully considering the practical needs of cooperation and Xinghuo Fortress's dominant position. It was a pragmatic and measured suggestion. The fifth point, in particular, setting a one-year timeframe, allowed both sides time to observe and adjust, while also preserving flexibility for the future, demonstrating the shrewdness of the planner.

Chen Xing did not immediately look at the parchment, but looked at Murong Mingyue and smiled slightly: "Miss, your considerations are thorough, your terms are fair, and you are full of sincerity."

He then picked up the parchment, examined it carefully, and then passed it on to Wu Xuejiu and Chen Wei for review.

"What you suggested is generally feasible," Chen Xing said slowly. "Regarding the first point, the camp can be located on a sunny, sheltered slope three miles west of the fort, near a water source, which would also facilitate communication with the fort. Zhou Dashan can assist with the specific construction details later."

"Secondly, the supply of provisions can be determined according to the number of people mentioned by the young lady. However, provisions are currently scarce and may not be sufficient. Initially, only 70% may be supplied, and the remainder will be replenished after spring planting and the autumn harvest. The same applies to fodder. The fort's working group will fully cooperate in the repair of equipment and the supply of arrows. As for the distribution of spoils, as the young lady mentioned, priority will be given to supplying our fort. Our fort will also exchange them for salt, iron, cloth, and other commodities, ensuring that your tribe is not disadvantaged."

"The third point is military coordination, which is the key to cooperation. It is reasonable for the cavalry to form independent units and be commanded by the girl. The specific details of the combat coordination can be practiced by Chen Wei and the girl in the future. The distribution ratio of spoils can be calculated according to the principle of 'three parts for troops and seven parts for battle merits,' and the specific details can be formulated by Li Shu."

"Article Four: Personnel constraints and dispute resolution shall be handled as you suggested, young lady. The idea of ​​exchanging personnel for learning and exchange is excellent. Our fortress is in dire need of skilled riders and archers, as well as those knowledgeable in animal husbandry. Your tribe can also send people to learn farming and craftsmanship."

At this point, Chen Xing paused, his expression slightly solemn: "I have no objection to the above points. There is only one point that I must make clear to you, Miss, which is also the bottom line that Xinghuo Fortress cannot compromise on."

Murong Mingyue's heart tightened: "Please speak, Lord of the Fortress."

"That is the ironclad rule of the Military Regulations," Chen Xing said, enunciating each word clearly. "Within the territory of Xinghuo Fortress—including your camp, the battlefields where both sides operate jointly, and even areas that may be jointly controlled in the future—the rules of 'no looting of civilians, no rape, no mistreatment of prisoners, and no killing of surrendered soldiers' must be strictly enforced. This is not only for your troops; any violation by our fortress's soldiers and civilians will be severely punished. Battlefield spoils must be handed over for distribution according to orders; private possession and looting are strictly prohibited. This is fundamental to maintaining military discipline and winning over the hearts of the people, and there is absolutely no room for leniency. If you and your warriors can agree to and abide by this rule, then all other matters can be discussed. If not…"

He didn't finish his sentence, but the determination in his eyes said it all.

Helan Sou and Elder Amur's expressions changed slightly. In the wars between the steppe tribes, plundering was commonplace, and an important means of boosting morale and replenishing losses. This new rule, for them, was a significant shock.

Murong Mingyue remained silent for a moment. She had carefully read the military regulations yesterday and knew the weight of this clause. It was tantamount to tying the hands and feet of soldiers who were most likely to obtain "benefits." But she also knew that an army sustained by plunder would ultimately be unable to achieve great things and would never truly win the hearts of the people. Chen Xing's decision to make this the bottom line precisely demonstrated his vision and determination.

She raised her eyes to meet Chen Xing's gaze and slowly said, "Does the Fortress Master know that this rule may be difficult for our soldiers to adapt to at first, and may easily lead to complaints?"

"I understand." Chen Xing nodded. "Indeed, destruction precedes construction. My soldiers in the fort were the same at first. But once the rules are established and rewards and punishments are clear, and merit is used instead of plunder, over time, the habit will naturally form. At that time, the military discipline will be strict, the people will support us, and the benefits gained will far outweigh the short-term gains from plunder. I am willing to share the initial pain of this reform with you, young lady."

Murong Mingyue took a deep breath and looked at the two elders. Helan Sou frowned, while Amur seemed lost in thought. Finally, Helan Sou nodded slightly, and Amur whispered, "Miss, what Lord Chen said... might make sense. Wasn't our southward migration due to rampant looting in our old territory, making survival impossible?"

With her mind made up, Murong Mingyue turned to Chen Xing and solemnly said, "Very well! My Murong tribe shall also abide by this rule! Any member of my tribe who violates it shall be dealt with by the fortress lord according to the military regulations! Mingyue shall also strictly discipline them and show no leniency!"

"Excellent!" Chen Xing clapped his hands, a genuine smile spreading across his face. "With your words, Miss Murong, the foundation for our cooperation is laid! Li Shu, immediately record all the points we discussed today in detail on bamboo slips, and create a formal agreement. Two copies, one for me and one for Miss Murong to affix our seals!"

"Mr. Wu, I trouble you to work with Elder Helan and Elder Amur to carefully consider the wording, ensuring it is rigorous and unambiguous."

"Chen Wei, later you and Miss Murong will go together to survey the western slope campsite and plan its construction."

As the instructions were issued, the atmosphere in the hall instantly shifted from the somber tone of negotiations to the vibrant spirit of cooperation.

As Murong Mingyue watched Chen Xing methodically arrange everything, the weight that had been hanging over her heart for so long finally lifted. This wasn't dependence, nor was it simple containment; it was an equal cooperation based on complementary strengths and shared ideals. Although the future remained difficult, at least she and her followers saw a clear path forward.

Chen Xing's heart was equally unsettled. Taking down this elite cavalry force of the Murong tribe was not merely an enhancement of military strength, but also a significant signal and example. He wanted everyone to see that the gates of Xinghuo Fortress were open to all those willing to abide by the rules and fight side-by-side, regardless of whether they were Han or non-Han.

In these chaotic times, the hearts and minds of people are often sharper than swords. This covenant, soon to be printed, may well be the first magnet to unite people's hearts.