The God of War Who Protects the Nation: Starting with Saving a Mother and Daughter in Distress

Upon hearing Luo Kai's proposal to reorganize a regular cavalry force, not only was Qin An intrigued, but Zhang Xu's eyes also lit up.

That is indeed a good idea.

If such a cavalry force truly existed, there would be no need to rush into a full-scale attack, allowing most of the troops time to rest and recover.

At the same time, it does not delay the pursuit of military merits.

"Alright, let's do it this way. Gather the strength of my entire army and create this elite cavalry force to be responsible for raids and infiltrations!" Zhang Xu made a decisive decision.

Zhou Lang's face darkened, and he wanted to say something more, but Zhang Xu stopped him by waving his hand.

"Lieutenant Zhou, I know you have many concerns, but opportunities are fleeting, and we cannot hesitate! Your veteran soldiers are experienced and will be responsible for follow-up and consolidating the position. What do you say?"

Having said all that, Zhou Lang knew further argument was pointless, so he could only cup his hands and say, "This humble general obeys."

Zhang Xu nodded in satisfaction, then turned his gaze to Luo Kai: "Captain Luo, what are your specific ideas regarding the formation of the cavalry?"

Luo Kai had already made his plans and answered fluently: "Commander, in my humble opinion, the most urgent task is to integrate all the warhorses and cavalry in the army and select the elite."

"Excellent!" Zhang Xu clapped his hands and laughed. "That's a great idea! Cavalry is highly mobile, perfect for a rapid advance!"

He looked at Wu Huo, who was in charge of logistics inside the tent, and asked, "Commander Wu, how many warhorses and soldiers are there in my unit that can fight on horseback?"

Wu Huo quickly stood up, took out an account book, looked through it for a moment, and said in a deep voice: "Reporting to the commander, after the battle of Pyeongxiang City, our troops originally had more than 900 warhorses, and in this battle we captured more than 400 Baekje warhorses, for a total of more than 1,300 horses."

"But in my army, there are fewer than a thousand soldiers who are skilled in horsemanship and combat, and many of them have never fought in a direct battle and lack experience."

"Thirteen hundred warhorses, but less than a thousand cavalrymen..." Zhang Xu frowned, then relaxed.

"No problem! Eight hundred men! Let's form an eight-hundred-man cavalry unit! Select the elite from the existing cavalry, and if that's not enough, supplement with infantrymen who are skilled horsemen!"

Clearly, what Zhang Xu needed was a regular cavalry unit with two horses per person, not the rudimentary cavalry unit that Qin An had previously created.

Although we don't have enough warhorses, it doesn't matter too much.

When we conquer some small towns in Baiji, we will reap the rewards of our difficult tasks and make up for our shortcomings.

"Yes!" Wu Huo bowed and replied.

"Then the position of cavalry commander..." Zhang Xu's gaze swept across the tent, with a hint of scrutiny.

This position is crucial, requiring both bravery and skill in battle, as well as knowledge of cavalry tactics; it is not a position that can be filled by an ordinary person.

"This humble general recommends someone!" Luo Kai had been waiting for this moment. While Zhang Xu was still hesitating, he spoke directly, "Commander Qin An! He displayed bravery in the Battle of Pingxiang City and has previously led cavalry, possessing cavalry combat experience. He is more than capable of this position!"

Qin An was overjoyed.

Although he had some suspicions when he heard Luo Kai propose forming an elite cavalry force.

But when the moment actually arrived, his heart still couldn't help but race.

Before Qin An could react, Zhou Lang snorted coldly: "Isn't Commandant Luo being a bit too biased? Commander Qin is indeed brave, but cavalry warfare is all about tactical coordination, not just bravery alone."

"My commander of a thousand men, Song Gang, has been trained in riding and archery since childhood and has extensive cavalry experience. He is more suitable for this position than Commander Qin!"

Clearly, although Zhou Lang hadn't quite agreed with Luo Kai's suggestion before, he hadn't intended to let Luo Kai steal the spotlight now that the time had come.

If such a team truly exists, it is natural to want to keep it under our control.

As soon as Zhou Lang finished speaking, Song Gang immediately stood up, clasped his hands in a fist and said, "This humble general, Song Gang, is willing to give it a try!"

He was tall, with dark skin and sharp eyes; he was clearly a veteran who had seen many battles.

"Song Gang? He's nothing but a theorist, yet he dares to compare himself to Commander Qin?" Luo Kai scoffed. "In the Battle of Pingxiang City, Commander Qin led his troops to break through the city walls, earning high praise even from Marshal Yuwen. What achievements does Commander Song have to boast about?"

"You!" Zhou Lang glared at Luo Kai. "Colonel Luo, don't be so quick to judge! Song Gang has followed me for many years, fighting in countless battles, and is highly skilled in cavalry tactics. How can Qin An, a newly promoted centurion, compare to him?"

"Hmph, whether it's all talk or no action, we'll only know after we've put it to the test!" Luo Kai retorted without backing down.

The two started arguing again, neither willing to back down.

Zhang Xu frowned as he watched the two arguing, a troubled look on his face.

Qin An and Song Gang were both commanders of a thousand men, but Song Gang had more seniority.

In terms of achievements, Qin An shone brightly in the Battle of Pingxiang City and attracted even more attention.

Generally speaking, Qin An is not keen on being in the limelight, so he had kept a low profile and hadn't spoken up before this.

But now, Luo Kai is arguing with someone until he's red in the face for his own sake, and this is indeed a rare opportunity for him.

He felt he could no longer remain silent.

If one could become a cavalry commander, although one's status would not be elevated, one would still be a centurion, and even have fewer men under one's command.

But as I said before, cavalry is incomparable to infantry.

And they will have more opportunities to participate in the war.

He wouldn't miss this rare opportunity just because he wanted to keep a low profile.

With this in mind, Qin An chose to take the initiative: "Commander, two captains, there's no need to argue."

All eyes were on him.

Qin An looked around and said in a deep voice, "In military matters, strength always prevails. Since the two captains have differing opinions, how about I have a contest with Commander Song? The winner will become the cavalry commander, what do you say?"

Zhou Lang's face darkened: "Commander Qin, are you trying to intimidate us with force? Everyone knows how bravely you fought in the battle of Pingxiang City, and how outstanding your individual combat skills are. If Song Gang were to fight you one-on-one, what chance would he have?"

Qin An is no longer an unknown figure; he has already made a name for himself.

Everyone already knows that Qin An is incredibly strong, and his individual combat power ranks among the top in this 10,000-strong team.

Zhou Lang would never be foolish enough to let Song Gang and Qin An fight one-on-one.

"Captain Zhou has misunderstood," Qin An said with a slight smile. "Cavalry warfare emphasizes teamwork, not individual bravery. Fighting alone would be far too childish."

"I propose that Commander Song and I each lead four hundred cavalrymen in a duel. Whoever wins will become the cavalry commander. This would be fair and would also show who is more suitable to lead the cavalry. What do you all think?"

The tent was silent as everyone pondered Qin An's suggestion.

This method is indeed fair, as it tests both the leader's individual abilities and their tactical command and teamwork skills.

It is more persuasive than a simple recommendation or going it alone.

"Great! That's a great suggestion!" Zhang Xu, who had been struggling with the idea, suddenly brightened up.

He was a decisive man. Now that he had a solution, he didn't hesitate at all and clapped his hands and laughed.

"That's settled then! Qin An, Song Gang, you will each lead four hundred cavalrymen. Before the troops set off tomorrow, you will hold a competition in an open area outside the city!"

"Whoever wins will become the commander of this 800-man cavalry unit!"