Chapter 8, Enlistment
A fourteen-year-old kid, so reckless
Determined, Chen Yingliang immediately spurred his horse forward. Upon reaching the side of the unarmored knight's horse, he dismounted, pulled the knight off his steed, and then pushed him onto his own mount. The pursuing soldiers behind were furious upon witnessing this, each one shouting angrily, "Brat! You're seeking death! Stop! Stop! Don't run!"
As Chen Yingliang pondered how to flatter Pei Hongce, who was leading the army to quell the rebellion, he had unknowingly walked seven or eight li. Noticing that his mount had regained some strength, he remounted and prepared to continue his ride eastward. However, after only a short distance of trotting, he suddenly heard a commotion ahead. A knight clad in bright armor but without a helmet galloped towards him, followed by about ten armed cavalrymen, who were shouting loudly, "Chase! Chase! Capture him! Capture that official!"
Logically speaking, it would be difficult for the expensive dead horse ridden by Chen Yingliang to run fast after carrying two people. However, fortunately, the stamina of the pursuing cavalry's horses may have been significantly depleted in the previous battle. Thus, Chen Yingliang and the unarmored knight galloped for more than two miles before a single pursuer managed to catch up to Chen Yingliang's side and swung his sword at him. Chen Yingliang quickly raised his sword to parry, employing the military sword techniques retained in his memory from the deceased Chen Yingliang, clashing his sword against that of the pursuer. He exerted all his strength to deflect the pursuer's saber, prompting the pursuer to exclaim in surprise and, without hesitation, strike again with another blow. Therefore, Chen Yingliang and the unarmored knight galloped for more than two miles before a single pursuer managed to catch up to Chen Yingliang's side and swung his sword at him. Chen Yingliang quickly raised his sword to parry, employing the military sword techniques retained in his memory from the deceased Chen Yingliang, clashing his sword against that of the pursuer. He exerted all his strength to deflect the pursuer's saber, prompting the pursuer to exclaim in surprise and, without hesitation, strike again with another blow.
Well done! The unhelmeted knight, catching a glimpse from the corner of his eye, couldn't help but shout, "Little brother, if all my soldiers were like you, we wouldn't have suffered such a terrible defeat today"
It seems to be destined by fate, as the unarmored knight controlled his steed and unexpectedly brought Chen Yingliang back to the Anxi Gate, where he had previously been rejected when he sought to enlist. When they were less than a mile from the city gate, Chen Yingliang's old and worn-out horse could no longer endure the intense burden of the wild gallop. With a tragic whinny, it fell to the ground, frothing at the mouth, taking both Chen Yingliang and the unarmored knight down with it. Fortunately, the pursuers had already retreated, and the danger had passed. Thus, neither the unarmored knight nor Chen Yingliang screamed in fear; instead, they lay on the ground together, laughing heartily.
"Join the army?" Chen Yingliang's response left the Sui army general momentarily taken aback. After sizing up Chen Yingliang from a position of superiority, he then asked loudly, "How old are you this year? Are you twenty-one yet?"
Hahaha! He truly is a fearless young man! The Sui army general burst into laughter, and the soldiers beside him also laughed heartily. How could they not laugh? Just yesterday, when the Eastern Capital's garrison commander Fan Zigai decided to send troops to confront the enemy, every general and soldier in the capital was terrified of having their unit chosen. As a result, those who were not selected to go out and fight were overjoyed, while those who were chosen to battle were in tears. Now, Chen Yingliang is foolishly inquiring about where the battlefield is and how to get there. The garrison troops of the Eastern Capital, who were fortunate enough not to be sent to the battlefield, truly found it impossible not to laugh.
At nearly seventy years of age, Fan Zigai is already gray-haired, yet he still wears the heavy Mingguang armor weighing dozens of pounds. His armor is neatly arranged, and his aged body stands straight like a pine tree, exuding an imposing presence. With an air of authority, he inquires: "What is happening? Why is everyone laughing like this?"
When he was only about ten steps away from Chen Yingliang, the unarmored knight's horse suddenly let out a tragic neigh and fell to the ground with a thud. It was at this moment that Chen Yingliang noticed that the knight's horse was injured, with blood staining one of its legs a deep red. After the horse collapsed, it also pinned the unarmored knight, who had disheveled hair, beneath its body.
The mount was still somewhat lacking. Although Chen Yingliang spent more than half of the copper coins he obtained from selling the engagement jade pendant to buy this horse, by the time he hastily rode it to the outskirts of the Eastern Capital, it was already noon on June 11. The new city of the Eastern Capital was under martial law, with the inner and outer city gates tightly closed, blocking Chen Yingliang's entry into the city to join the army.
There were more than ten pursuers behind him, and Chen Yingliang certainly would not hesitate to flee. Without a word, he mounted his steed and positioned himself behind the unarmored knight, escaping westward together while the pursuers relentlessly continued their chase.
"You insolent brat, are you mocking me?" The Sui army general roared in anger, "According to the laws of this dynasty, the militia must be at least twenty-one years old. What is a seventeen-year-old child doing here? Get lost! If you want to join my Right Martial Guard, come back when you turn twenty-one!"
Enough nonsense! Get lost! The Sui army general did not engage with Chen Yingliang, and said: "The Eastern Capital is under martial law, and no unauthorized personnel are allowed to enter or exit. If you want to join the army and receive rations, go to the old city in the west, or to Baima Sima Slope, where there is fighting. Perhaps they will accept you there"
Is there an ambush? The pursuers behind were startled, instinctively turning their heads to look at the small grove, unknowingly slowing their horses' speed, cautiously guarding against the hidden soldiers that might charge out from the woods. Chen Yingliang took the opportunity to strike the horse's hindquarters fiercely with the hilt of his knife, causing the steed to cry out in pain and gallop wildly, thus increasing the distance between him and the dozen or so pursuers.
Upon hearing the reprimand, everyone turned around and was instantly terrified, quickly silencing themselves and standing at attention to salute. It turned out that before them stood none other than Fan Zigai, the highest military and civil governor in the Eastern Capital, accompanied by a large contingent of the supervisory team.
"It was merely a small effort, I dare not express my gratitude." Chen Yingliang feigned humility and replied, "I am Chen Yingliang, from Daxing."
Hahaha! The cavalry chasing the unhelmeted rider burst into wild laughter, shouting in a frenzy, "Catch him alive! Catch him alive!"
Ah! Chen Yingliang was truly astonished this time, not by the complete defeat of Pei Hongce's army, but by the shock of encountering such good fortune, being able to save the commander of the target army by joining the military!
"So it is Brother Chen." The helmetless knight nodded and curiously asked, "Brother Chen, why did you head towards Baima Sima Slope just now? Don't you know there is fighting happening there?"
No need. Fan Zigai shook his head and said: Since he has gone to Baishima Slope, he must be seeking refuge with Pei Hongce, who is there confronting the rebel Yang Xuanting. This is a perfect opportunity for him to showcase his abilities. If this young man truly possesses talent, I will surely have the chance to see him again in the future
Are you going to Baishima Slope to enlist in the army? Are you not afraid of death? The unarmored knight's face was filled with astonishment
"I know, it is precisely because I know that I went to Baishima Slope." Chen Yingliang replied truthfully, "I was recommended by someone and originally intended to go to Liaodong to enlist in the army and serve the country. However, upon arriving at Mianchi, I heard about the rebel Yang Xuangan raising an army in rebellion. I was so enraged that I decided to join the military to participate in suppressing the rebellion. I learned that Baishima Slope was the frontline of the battle, so I planned to enlist there. Unexpectedly, I happened to encounter you, General, in your unfortunate predicament, and I was fortunate enough to lend you a hand."
Chen Yingliang was completely indifferent to the words of the unarmored knight; he simply shouted towards a small grove by the roadside, "Brothers, come out! I have lured the people here, come out to kill and seize horses! Hurry! Come out to kill and seize horses! Quickly, brothers!"
"Respected Commander, just now a young lad came to enlist, claiming he wished to serve the country and eliminate the traitor Yang Xuangan." The previous Sui army general reported truthfully: "Since he is only seventeen years old, I did not accept him, suggesting that if he wanted to serve as a local soldier or aide, he could go to the front line at Ba Sima Slope. To our surprise, that young lad really went to the front line, and my brothers found it amusing, so they all laughed."
Little brother, thank you very much today. If it weren't for you, I would have been doomed. The helmetless knight first cupped his hands in gratitude, then asked, By the way, I have yet to inquire about your esteemed surname and name
Damn it! The pursuers were startled by Chen Yingliang's rogue tactics, and with victory in sight, they were unwilling to perish together with him. They could only quickly turn sideways on their horses to evade Chen Yingliang's fatal strike. At the same time, their attempt to strike Chen Yingliang also missed. Meanwhile, the unarmored knight controlling Chen Yingliang's mount took the opportunity to kick the horse's belly, forcing Chen Yingliang's expensive and sluggish horse to accelerate, thereby re-establishing the distance from the pursuers.
"Military Master, could you allow me to come closer to speak?" Chen Yingliang pleaded, hoping to approach and present the recommendation letter from Fang Xuanling, to see if there were any discerning individuals in the Eastern Capital.
"Get lost! Otherwise, arrows will be shot!" The Sui army general, being impatient, urged, "If you want to be local soldiers assisting the troops, go to the old city of Luoyang. This is the imperial city of the Eastern Capital, and we do not recruit local soldiers. Get out immediately!"
"What is so funny about this?" Fan Zigai was enraged and said, "Look at their ambition; at just seventeen, they wish to serve the country and eliminate the traitor Yang Xuangan. Now look at yourselves; who is truly more ridiculous?"
Is General Bai Sima Ban fighting?" Chen Yingliang, filled with joy, hurriedly asked, "General, how does one get to Bai Sima Ban? I am eager to serve at the front lines!
Hearing these words, the soldiers of the Sui army collectively gasped, and some even cried out in surprise. However, Fan Zigai let out a heavy cold snort and said: "Although I have not seen that seventeen-year-old youth in person, just based on his ambition, I dare say that you have missed out on a talent! You will regret this in the future!"
Chen Yingliang turned his gaze towards the voice and saw that the person shouting at him from the city wall was a general of the Sui army, clad in bright armor. At the same time, a row of bows, drawn and ready to fire, appeared behind the arrow slits of the city wall. Chen Yingliang felt a bit anxious, and after taking a deep breath, he shouted loudly: "General, please do not misunderstand. I am a native of Daxing. I have heard that the rebel Yang Xuangan has risen in rebellion, threatening the Eastern Capital. I have come specifically to enlist in the army to serve the country, to eliminate the rebel Yang Xuangan. I implore the general to accept me!"
With a loud bang, Chen Yingliang was quite surprised to find that his ordinary good-quality tanned steel saber had effortlessly severed the spear shaft with a single strike. Upon closer inspection, he discovered that the spear shaft was rather rough, made from common mixed wood, and of very poor quality. Naturally, it could not withstand the full force of the blow that Chen Yingliang had delivered.
... ...
"Little brother, save me!" The helmetless knight also cried out, pleading with a sobbing tone: "Help me, please save me!"
Having said this, Chen Yingliang suddenly had a clever idea and hurriedly clasped his hands towards the unarmored knight, saying: "My lord, I am not acquainted with Lord Pei, and I come from humble origins. Even if I were to seek his patronage, it would likely be difficult to secure a personal audience with him. I wonder if you could kindly grant me an introduction or two?"
The Sui army general, obediently agreeing, retreated to the side. However, Fan Zigai turned his gaze towards the battlefield direction of Donghe and muttered to himself, "It should have reached the stage of fierce combat by now. Pei Hongce, Daxi Shanyi, you must not let this old man down."
It is unclear whether it was due to Chen Yingliang's successful deception or the distant sight of the city walls and towers of Dongdu, but the more than ten pursuers, upon seeing Chen Yingliang run far away, finally chose not to pursue again. Cursing loudly, they turned back towards their original path. Upon witnessing this situation, both Chen Yingliang and the unarmored knight let out a sigh of relief, yet they still did not dare to stop. They continued to urge their horses to gallop madly, desperately fleeing towards Dongdu.
Let us return to examine the situation of Chen Yingliang. After bidding farewell to the guiding general Sui Jun, Chen Yingliang initially intended to hasten directly to the battlefield. However, after running for two or three miles, his exhausted steed, which had been galloping for several consecutive days, began to falter. Its speed decreased, and it started to foam at the mouth. Chen Yingliang found himself in a predicament; to prevent this costly and troublesome horse from collapsing, he had no choice but to dismount and lead the horse on foot for a while to conserve its strength. Fortunately, Baima Sima Slope was not too far away, and he could reach it on foot before nightfall.
"To serve the country and be loyal to the emperor, what is there to fear?" Chen Yingliang replied shamelessly
After a hearty laugh, the Sui army general, with a mind to enjoy the spectacle, actually pointed out the road to the battlefield at Baishima Slope for Chen Yingliang. He kindly informed Chen Yingliang that the main commander leading the troops to quell the rebellion was Pei Hongce from Zanzhi, Henan. Chen Yingliang was overjoyed and repeatedly expressed his gratitude, immediately mounting his horse and hurrying towards the eastern battlefield. As they watched Chen Yingliang leave in high spirits, the Sui army generals and soldiers on the city wall were all doubled over with laughter. However, their joy turned to sorrow; just as they were laughing heartily, a stern voice came from behind, "What are you laughing at? You are on guard at a crucial point of the city wall, why are you losing your composure?"
"Then who do you plan to seek refuge with?" the helmetless knight asked
"What happened?" Chen Yingliang was taken aback, instinctively tightening the reins of his mount, and quickly drew his sword.
"Lord Liushou, should I send someone to bring him back?" the previous Sui army general said timidly, "He has just left; it is still possible to catch up with him now"
"There is no need for introductions, I am Pei Hongce." The knight without a helmet replied with a bitter smile, "Unfortunately, you have arrived a step too late; my eight thousand troops have already been completely annihilated, leaving me as the sole remaining commander."
Stop! Another pursuer is closing in, thrusting a spear towards Chen Yingliang's back. With no way to evade, Chen Yingliang can only turn around and swing his knife fiercely at the spear, shouting, "Die!"
After feeling immensely relieved and laughing enough, Chen Yingliang withdrew his leg from the horse, supported himself with his hands on the ground, and once again helped the heavily armored, helmetless knight to his feet. It was at this moment that Chen Yingliang realized this helmetless knight was a middle-aged man in his forties, whose face was marked not only by sweat and dirt but also by blood. His bright armor was also stained with blood, as if he had just come from a fierce battle. Furthermore, Chen Yingliang noticed with great care that this helmetless knight only had a sword sheath on him, while the sword itself was nowhere to be found.
Damn it! I'm done for! In this chaotic world, Chen Yingliang did not wish to kill, but he also did not want to be killed. Seeing that the pursuers aimed two consecutive strikes at his life, and with the ones behind getting closer, Chen Yingliang decided to go all out. He neither dodged nor evaded, but let out a loud roar and swung his knife directly at the head of the pursuer, employing a desperate tactic of mutual destruction.
After the shock, Chen Yingliang hurriedly knelt before Pei Hongce, bowing respectfully and saying: "I am Chen Yingliang, and I have the honor of meeting the esteemed Lord Pei. I possess no exceptional skills, but I have a sincere desire to serve the court. I am willing to dedicate myself to you, and I boldly implore you to take me in. I am prepared to face any danger, even to the point of sacrificing my life and body, without hesitation"
What to do? In a situation where he was completely unaware, in a flash, Chen Yingliang made a decision that would determine the direction of his life: "Better to provide timely assistance in the snow than to add embellishments to success! Saving lives! It is far more rewarding than helping the victors reap their gains!"
I am seventeen years old this year. Chen Yingliang answered truthfully, but he was also somewhat puzzled, thinking to himself, why are you asking me about my age?
Is there such a regulation for soldiers in the Sui Dynasty? This time, it was Chen Yingliang's turn to be dumbfounded, as he truly did not know that the army of the Sui Dynasty had such a regulation
"Henan Zanzhi, Master Pei Hongce." Chen Yingliang continued to respond truthfully, "I heard that he is the commander of the pacification army dispatched by the court, and I wanted to go and join him, to serve under his command and participate in the pacification campaign."
After much difficulty arriving here, Chen Yingliang was certainly unwilling to give up. After a brief contemplation, he circled around the eastern capital for a short distance and arrived at the outside of Anxi Gate in the northeast corner. From the buildings outside the city, he deduced that Anxi Gate should be a city gate accessible to the common people. He then dismounted and walked, leading his horse slowly towards the city gate. However, just as he approached the moat and had not yet stepped onto the stone bridge over the moat, a loud voice came from above the city gate, "Halt! Are you blind? Don't you see the city gate is already closed? What do you want to do on the bridge?"
The generals and soldiers of the Sui army present were left speechless, yet Fan Zigai shouted again: "Moreover, do not think that just because he is only seventeen years old, he is destined to achieve nothing great! Let me tell you, in Qijun, there is a young general named Luo Shixin, who is only fourteen years old! Do you know how many enemies this fourteen-year-old general has killed on the battlefield of Weishui? If I tell you, it would scare you to death! After the battle of Weishui, he single-handedly beheaded three rebel leaders and killed twenty-five rebel soldiers!"