Chapter 4, Entering the Role

Men aspire to achieve great accomplishments and be granted titles, while women naturally desire their husbands to achieve success and be appointed to official positions by the court. The court would also bestow titles upon the legitimate wife, elevating her status significantly. In name, she holds a position equal to that of her husband and may even have the privilege to enter the court and meet the empress, a distinction not attainable by ordinary women

Currently, the father and son are separated by vast distances; the father is in the capital, while the third brother, Xiao Ruzhi, is in Nanjing. Only the eldest brother, Xiao Rulan, and the second brother, Xiao Ruhui, are stationed in the border areas of Shaanxi, yet they are also separated and rarely meet throughout the year. The inability of family members to reunite is indeed a regrettable matter. How wonderful it would be if one could encounter relatives during the course of military campaigns and battles

War is not only a disaster, but also an opportunity for some individuals, a fact that cannot be denied under any circumstances

Having memorized the names of the three thousand generals and six captains, Xiao Ruxun set out to inspect the entire city while looking at the roster. The cavalry slowly advanced around the not-so-large Pinglu City. Upon seeing General Xiao, who had just achieved a great victory yet was rumored to be in a life-and-death situation, riding on horseback and inspecting the city, the citizens and the troops maintaining order felt a sense of reassurance.

Afterward, Yang Colorfulclouds had the maid bring some light porridge and side dishes to serve Xiao Ruxun. When Xiao Ruxun asked her why she wasn't eating, she teased Xiao Ruxun by saying she was a feast for the eyes, which made Xiao Ruxun's face flush with embarrassment, feeling quite humiliated. She secretly thought that if it weren't for her physical discomfort, she would definitely teach this little girl a lesson in all eighteen ways of being a person.

During this period, when the Ming Dynasty still maintained its status as the Celestial Empire, if it could simultaneously eliminate two threats, Japan and the Jurchens, it would surely gain some leverage for the future. In order to achieve these two long-term goals, Xiao Ruxun regarded the ongoing campaign in Ningxia as an important opportunity.

Unlike other regions, the major military towns along the nine borders during the Ming Dynasty were not considered part of the political administrative divisions. Instead, they were defended by military garrisons. In fact, the vast interior was governed by civil officials, while the nine border towns were maintained under a military system. The responsibilities for civil and military administration were primarily held by hereditary military officers, with a small number of promoted officers. Only the powers of finance and personnel were firmly controlled by the court. At the local level, the regional commanders, deputy commanders, and various ranks of guards each had their own specific authorities. The responsibilities for civil and military administration were primarily held by hereditary military officers, with a small number of promoted officers. Only the powers of finance and personnel were firmly controlled by the court. At the local level, the regional commanders, deputy commanders, and various ranks of guards each had their own specific authorities

Originally, Xiao Ruxun enjoyed writing poetry and associating with literati. Perhaps she was too severely suppressed by the civil officials, seeking to break through in another realm to obtain better treatment. However, her skills were insufficient, resulting in a failure that left her in a dismal state.

It is akin to obtaining the appointment edict within Pinglu City, where the court allocates grain, funds, and resources. Once that is secured, all subsequent matters—civil administration, military affairs, and finance—are solely at the discretion of Xiao Ruxun. The lives and deaths of tens of thousands of the city's populace hinge on a single thought from Xiao Ruxun. Even the position of General, a first-rank military office and the highest military official commanding an army in the Nine Borders, is predominantly held by hereditary officers. It is evident that a first-rank general in their twenties or thirties in the Nine Borders is truly of little significance. The lives and deaths of tens of thousands of the city's populace hinge on a single thought from Xiao Ruxun. Even the position of General, a first-rank military office and the highest military official commanding an army in the Nine Borders, is predominantly held by hereditary officers. It is evident that a first-rank general in their twenties or thirties in the Nine Borders is truly of little significance.

Xiao Ruxun would no longer engage in those foolish actions. It is important to understand that the increased difficulty of the imperial examination in the Ming Dynasty has led to the literati, who emerged from this system, developing an inflated sense of superiority. Their disdain and even contempt for the military class is almost innate. Gaining the recognition of the literati as a member of the military is nearly impossible, unless one becomes a figure like Li Chengliang. The Li Chengliang family has defended Liaodong for decades, coming very close to becoming the second Mu family to dominate the region.

After patrolling the entire city, Xiao Ruxun rode her horse to the granary in the east of the city

In the afternoon, Xiao Ruxun had Yang Colorfulclouds assist her in putting on her regular attire, donning a headscarf, adjusting her clothing and crown, and putting on lightweight leather armor. With the support of her personal guards, she managed to mount her horse and set off to inspect the city.

Xiao Ruxun ordered the chief of the guards, Wang Er, to bring the roster of all the officers in the army

The young couple, immersed in each other's affection for a while, prioritized the greater good. Yang Colorfulclouds invited a doctor to re-examine Xiao Ruxun. The doctor was astonished by Xiao Ruxun's excellent physical condition, noting the rapid cessation of bleeding and the swift healing of wounds. If this trend continues, she could return to normal activities in ten to fifteen days. However, if she wishes to return to the battlefield, she would need more than a month of rest. During this period, she must avoid arrogance, impatience, and anger.

It should be noted that the Ming Dynasty was somewhat better than the Song Dynasty; during the Song, military generals were truly treated like pigs and dogs. In the Ming Dynasty, at least some military generals were regarded as human beings. The military salaries, equipment, and provisions for the border troops could not be arbitrarily reduced; otherwise, they would really abandon their posts and refuse to work.

However, this is also related to the harsh living conditions of the children of military families in the border regions, who have to practice martial arts from a young age to prepare for battle. After all, since the founding of the Ming Dynasty, there has not been a single year without warfare in the nine border areas. Compared to the already corroded and disorganized imperial troops, the border military forces possess stronger combat effectiveness and organization. However, the most formidable combat power is often found among the private soldiers of military families, such as the renowned Guanning Iron Cavalry, while the regular army is relatively weak.

Xiao Ruxun currently holds the formal position of Deputy General of Ningxia and concurrently serves as the garrison commander of Pinglu City. This means he is the Deputy General of one of the routes in the Ningxia garrison, responsible not only for the defense of this route but also for the security of Pinglu City, effectively stationed there to oversee the safety of the entire route. The position of Deputy General is classified as a third-rank military post. At the age of twenty-two, Xiao Ruxun's appointment to this third-rank military position is quite remarkable; historically, it is likely that only the hereditary system of military officers in the Ming Dynasty could produce such an anomaly.

At present, Xiao Ruxun's foremost task is to defend Pinglu City, striving to make a name for herself in the Ningxia campaign, and then find a way to participate in the Korean campaign

It may sound harsh, but this is the reality

Hereditary military officers like Xiao Ruxun are merely seen as mere soldiers in the eyes of the court. If they cannot establish their prestige and achievements to prove their capability in leading troops, they will remain just a soldier for their entire lives, with no hope of entering the sight of the highest ruling group. Even if one is truly talented and capable, like Qi Jiguang, in the eyes of the civil officials, they are merely a fierce dog that can bite, a pawn in the political struggles of the civil officials, and must still obey the commands of the hunters. There is no hope of entering the sight of the highest ruling group.

The four sons of the Xiao family in Yan'an all possess names and courtesy names that are quite elegant, even somewhat feminine, indicating that their father had a considerable cultural literacy and was attentive in educating his children. This aligns with historical accounts of Xiao Ruxun, who, despite being born into a military family, was able to write poetry, showcasing his cultural refinement and proving he was not an illiterate commoner. Consequently, many literati, whether intentionally or unintentionally, enjoyed associating with him. Over time, this led to excessive social obligations, resulting in a financial strain that Xiao Ruxun found difficult to refuse. Those with insight could not help but sigh at this situation, which is famously encapsulated in the idiom '趋之若鹜' (to flock to something eagerly). Unfortunately, in this idiom, the portrayal of Xiao Ruxun is not particularly positive.

It is said that the battle ended yesterday morning. When she returned, Xiao Ruxun was bleeding profusely and her complexion was pale. Although she was still conscious, many people had already seen her. Yang Colorfulclouds feared that the people in the city were unsettled, so he suggested that Xiao Ruxun patrol the entire city to reassure the populace. Xiao Ruxun herself also had some plans; she intended to inspect the condition of the firearms in the city. Since preparations for the defense of the city were necessary, various supplies were also indispensable. However, before that, there was another urgent matter to attend to

In an era where the stability of cities relies on the commanding general's authority to lead the army, the safety of the general is directly related to the outcome of a battle. The importance of the general is self-evident. A general who conducts a thorough inspection of the entire city can further serve to boost morale and stabilize the hearts of the people, acting as the best calming agent for an army and city on the brink of a major conflict

It is a pity that the adults and uncles are all outside; if only one person were with Xunlang, he would not be so isolated. Xunlang, if only it were the uncles who came to assist, that would be wonderful

It is one thing for the lower-ranking soldiers to be forgotten, but it is quite unacceptable for the officers themselves to be unable to recall names or recognize them

This also indirectly confirms the reality of the Ming Dynasty at this moment, where there is a preference for civil over military, with civil governance overseeing military affairs

The court no longer values the personal abilities of military officers; it only hopes that they manage their subordinates well, form combat effectiveness, and follow the orders of civil officials to charge into battle when war arises, without needing to consider strategies or tactics. These matters are the responsibility of the civil officials leading the troops. However, unlike the Song Dynasty, one should not underestimate the military officials of the Ming Dynasty. It is truly not easy to become a military official in the Ming Dynasty. By the later period of the Ming court, military officials were regarded and trained as regular military officers. How could so many valiant generals be commanded by a scholar? These matters are the responsibility of the civil officials leading the troops. However, unlike the Song Dynasty, one should not underestimate the military officials of the Ming Dynasty. It is truly not easy to become a military official in the Ming Dynasty. By the later period of the Ming court, military officials were regarded and trained as regular military officers. How could so many valiant generals be commanded by a scholar? This scholar must indeed possess real capability.

However, Xiao Ruxun now feels a bit anxious, fearing that after meeting her relatives, she may not be recognized and might reveal some flaws

A deputy general typically commands around 3,000 soldiers. Including auxiliary troops and some requisitioned laborers, when a deputy general leads an army into battle, the total force may amount to 4,000 to 5,000 personnel. Within the structure of 3,000 soldiers, there are three thousand commanders, six captains, and thirty hundred commanders, not to mention the countless standard bearers and junior officers. In practice, the focus should be on the three thousand commanders and six captains; effectively managing these individuals will ensure that the entire army remains firmly under control.

Xiao Ruxun was well aware that during the Ningxia campaign, in April of the 20th year of the Wanli era, Toyotomi Hideyoshi, the Taiko of Japan, dispatched 140,000 elite troops from the recently concluded Warring States period to invade Korea, intending to annex Korea and then conquer the Ming Dynasty. The ambition of this Taiko was indeed quite grand, so grand that it made Xiao Ruxun want to laugh, yet it also sent a chill down her spine

However, to relieve her husband of stress to this extent, Yang Colorfulclouds truly embodies the qualities of a virtuous and talented woman

Yang Colorfulclouds' words reminded Xiao Ruxun of her own background as a descendant of a military family. Her grandfather, Xiao Han, had served as the deputy general of Liangzhou, while her father, Xiao Wenkui, was a deputy general in the capital garrison and a military advisor. Her three elder brothers, Xiao Rulan, Xiao Ruhui, and Xiao Ruzhi, were all scions of military families, known for their bravery and prowess. Although the four sons came from a hereditary line, they were all formidable military leaders. In the context of the overall decline and awkward position of the military families in the Ming Dynasty, they were indeed a remarkably distinguished family.

Xiao Ruxun, who has long been in a position of dominance, instantly stepped into her role