Chapter 6: The First Signs of Prominence
The general will comply with the order! Everyone rose one after another to prepare for the offensive, while Gao Huan wore a gloomy expression, feeling helpless. At this moment, there was no other option but to force the issue. The key was that his martial skills were mediocre, and he truly feared dying on the battlefield
For the needs of the subsequent plot, it is necessary for me to reiterate the ancient manor system. The manor system began in the Spring and Autumn period, took shape during the Northern and Southern Dynasties, and ultimately flourished in the Tang Dynasty. The early manors served as a centralized location for nobles to provide serfs with a place for production labor and rest on their own feudal lands. By the Han Dynasty, with the widespread privatization of land, many local aristocrats expanded their own manors. These manors not only became self-sufficient but also included guesthouses for the owners' temporary or long-term residence. By the Three Kingdoms period, manors even possessed private soldiers, known as the household troops. This means that by the Northern and Southern Dynasties, manors not only grew larger in scale but also gradually formed military strongholds.
Fuyang Shuyuan originally had a garrison of 200 soldiers, including 20 cavalry. With the addition of 60 cavalry brought by He Ba Yue and Gao Huan, the total number of defending troops reached over 600, forming a military force of considerable scale
"Where, where, it is all the villagers' rumors. I have never committed murder; it was the robbers who were scared away themselves," Gao Huan said with a sincere expression.
Haha, Gao Xiong is indeed straightforward, I like it! He Ba Sheng clearly appreciates Gao Huan's authenticity
"Yes, military gate!" the crowd replied
The general is teaching a lesson, but even if I achieve great merit, if I die on the battlefield, I would have no fortune to enjoy it. I hope the general can report my difficulties to General Yang and retract the order. I am willing to serve as a grain officer in the rear, ensuring the supply of military provisions, which is also a contribution to the court. Gao Huan does not want to die; having inexplicably crossed over to this place, he has not yet figured out the situation. After enduring hardships until now, to go to death without any benefit is foolish! Therefore, he has no choice but to humbly plead with Yang Yu. Having inexplicably crossed over to this place, he has not yet figured out the situation. After enduring hardships until now, to go to death without any benefit is foolish! Therefore, he has no choice but to humbly plead with Yang Yu.
Alright, without further ado, let us get to the point
Duan Chang looked astonished: "The general also comes from a military background, how can you say such a thing?"
Hmph, you are truly unaware of your own limitations. If it were anyone else seeking my assistance for wealth and nobility, I would be unwilling to support them. Since you wish to form a connection with the Minister, how can you aspire to such heights without presenting some tangible achievements? Enough, I shall not say more, but let me state this: there are no idle words in the military; if you delay the timing of our deployment, it is a capital offense. Consider this carefully for yourself. " With that, he turned and left the training ground with his personal guards, leaving Gao Huan stunned and bewildered. How did he know about my secret engagement with Lou Mingchun?!
The roadside of Fuyang Road is entirely covered with half-meter-high weeds, making it indeed a good place for the Tibetans to set an ambush. However, Gao Huan has no experience in battle, leading two hundred men in a noisy and chaotic manner, like herding ducks. Fortunately, several teams consist of seasoned veterans who quickly organized the troops and set up ambushes, waiting for the enemy's leader to fall into their trap
Gao Huan looked at the departing crowd with a bewildered expression
"What insights does the old general have?" After signaling for everyone to quiet down, He Bayue quietly asked the commander Duan beside him. Commander Duan stroked his grizzled beard and said, "Fuyang Garrison is merely a small town; attempting to defend against an enemy ten times my size is tantamount to seeking one's own destruction! As the ancient saying goes: 'The value of troops lies in their quality, not in their quantity.' The attackers are merely a ragtag group of merchants and commoners, intimidating in appearance but lacking unified coordination and cooperation. They cannot achieve solidarity. We only need to set an ambush by the roadside and, while they are focused on besieging the city, find a way to eliminate their commanding general. The rest will naturally scatter and flee."
Oh, I see. The section chief, upon hearing this, felt it was inappropriate to say anything further. He clasped his fist in salute and said, "Take care, I shall go prepare now."
During the reign of Emperor Xiaoming of the Northern Wei, specifically in the years of Shen Gui Zheng and Guang, the court was plagued by corruption, and the economy was in decline. Coupled with the previous Taihe reforms and the Northern Wei's preference for Han over non-Han peoples, the status of the minority tribes that had been highly respected and favored during the founding period gradually gave way to that of the Han people. Furthermore, these tribes were long stationed by the ruling authorities at the northern borders to guard against the Rouran, leading to the gradual formation of six major military strongholds. From west to east, they are Woye, Huaishuo, Wuchuan, Fuming, Rouxuan, and Huaihuang.
"Indeed, the old general speaks wisely!" He Ba Yue immediately commanded, "Convey my orders: General Duan will lead two hundred men as the left army, ambushing on the left side of Fuyang Mountain; General Gao will lead two hundred men as the right army, ambushing on the right side of Fuyang Road; I will personally lead the remaining troops as the central army to attract the main force of the enemy."
Taking advantage of his position as a gatekeeper, Gao Huan often abused his authority to provide some unscrupulous merchants with backdoor access to smuggle goods, thereby earning a little extra money. However, Gao Huan did not keep this money for himself; instead, he spent most of it treating his colleagues to drinks and meals, while the remaining small portion was sent home to buy noodles and vegetables for his mother. Of course, Gao Huan was also aware that a significant portion of this money was squandered by his irresponsible father on drinking, gambling, and other vices.
Everyone understood! the crowd replied in unison
Ladies and gentlemen, the enemy is less than ten miles away from our Fuyang garrison. Do you think we should go out of the city to engage them or defend ourselves behind closed doors? Although He Ba Yue is young, he speaks with great poise and clarity.
Upon reconsideration, if I truly let my guard down, I fear that not only would I lose the chance to see Lou Mingchun again, but I would also be wanted by the court, dragging my entire family into trouble. Everyone has worked hard to escape the status of commoners and settle in Huaishuo City.
"What is it, so urgent, military gate?" an old soldier nearby asked.
When Gao Huan arrived at the parade ground, it was already around 2 or 3 PM. The parade ground was filled with soldiers, among whom were dozens on horseback. A young officer was counting the personnel list with several military leaders.
Gao Huan smiled wryly and said, "General Duan is joking; how could I dare to have any other requests? If I can preserve my life today, I would be very satisfied."
Our classmate Gao Huan is also a modern young man with a cheerful personality and a disregard for trivialities. In his previous life, he possessed excellent eloquence for business dealings, which naturally allowed him to mingle with merchants coming from all directions.
"What? General, sending me to Fuyang for garrison duty is likely to delay military affairs!" Upon hearing this, Gao Huan became anxious. While he was adept at taking advantage of situations, facing the enemy directly on the front lines with real weapons was indeed a challenge for him at this moment
"Everyone, go down and prepare!" Yang Yu turned around and said, "Gao Junmen, please stay for a moment."
Gao Huan stepped forward and cupped his hands, saying: "I am Gao Huan, here to report for duty."
Among the merchants who sought to smuggle goods with Gao Huan, there was a salt merchant named Liu Gui, who was quite in cahoots with Gao Huan. Every time he came to Huai Shuo to sell salt, he would call him "Brother Huan" and would treat him to meals and present gifts, maintaining an exceptionally good relationship, to the point that it was just short of formally acknowledging each other as sworn brothers.
Gao Junmen, in accordance with the orders of General Yang, the county governor, you are commanded to assemble immediately at the government office's training ground without delay; otherwise, military law will be enforced. The messenger hurriedly delivered the order and, after conveying it succinctly, turned and headed towards the east gate
From this chapter onward, our protagonist Gao Huan officially begins to shine with the aura of a main character
Upon seeing Gao Huan, Yang Yu furrowed his brows and then said: "Listen carefully, everyone. The military and civilians of the towns of Huaihuang and Woye have revolted, especially the rebels from Woye, led by Po Liuhan, who have already marched their army towards us in Huaishuo. The exact number of their forces is currently unknown, but General Yang has already informed Pingcheng. We must now begin to gather our troops and prepare for defense. I have several announcements to make regarding your assembly here: First, from today onwards, no one is allowed to return home without permission and must remain on standby at the office at all times. Second, the inspections at the four main gates will be strengthened from now on to prevent spies from entering and causing chaos. Third, the military office will enter a state of emergency preparedness. Any sudden situations must be reported to me first, and do not disturb the general. Those who violate these orders will be dealt with according to military law. Is that understood?"
"I must not hide it from the old general; I was originally only appointed as the supervisor of the southern gate of Rencheng, and I am not a descendant of a military family. Today, I was sent here due to the recommendation of the Dingjun Office, which is why..." Gao Huan had a face full of embarrassment and helplessness
Duan Chang approached and patted Gao Huan on the shoulder, saying: "General Gao, we have made an agreement to engage in battle. Once the signal is given, we will attack from both sides and leave no trace of him! Today is the day to make our names known!"
What should I do? At this point, we can only take it one step at a time and first follow the army to Fuyang to garrison before deciding on the next course of action
Gao Junmen, I have recommended you to General Yang for the position of commander of the garrison troops in Fuyang. General Yang has agreed. You should prepare to return, and shortly you will proceed to the parade ground to join General He Baisheng, the defending general of Fuyang. There must be no mistakes.
Gao Huan hurriedly ran to the training ground behind the government office, panting heavily. Dozens of people had already gathered there, and the leader was Yang Yu, the cousin of General Yang, from the Dingjun Division.
Oh, this old fellow has long harbored dissatisfaction towards me and Lou Mingchun, and now he wants to take this opportunity to get rid of me, damn it! Gao Huan secretly cursed in his heart: "How the hell would I lead troops into battle? Isn't this just sending me to my death?"
However, when Gao Huan heard He Ba Yue say that the invading enemy had more than 8,000 troops, he was completely stunned. How could they fight against such odds of ten to one? Yet, watching the younger He Ba Yue manage the defense of Fuyang with composure, Gao Huan felt a sense of shame and self-deprecation. Truly, he was a descendant of a prestigious family. It seemed that I really needed to learn from this young general about the skills of military strategy and warfare. After all, I am a modern university student, with a solid cultural foundation and talent, but I lack the appropriate training and experience.
Gao Huan, feeling dejected, casually packed some clothes at the office and asked the brothers of the gatekeeping team to send a message back to his mother and sister, merely stating that he had gone to the front to oversee the military and had been promoted, and that he would return rich. Gao Huan's mother and sister believed him, and Gao Han's wife cried, with tears and snot, asking the soldiers in the team to help take care of Gao Huan. The soldiers could only feign comfort before leaving.
I have no idea why I was summoned so urgently; there must be something to discuss. " After saying this, he turned to the brothers who were still on duty and said, "You all stay at your posts; I will be back shortly.
After Gao Huan returned from Pingcheng, he continued to serve in his original position as the gatekeeper of the South Gate in the Huaishuo Army. Although the position was not significant and could be considered a somewhat superfluous role, Gao Huan took it very seriously. He would rise early every day, ensure that the personnel were ready, and diligently fulfill his duties at his post. During his spare time, he also practiced his skills in martial arts, frequently engaging in horseback riding and archery. Initially, as a modern individual, he found it quite challenging to adapt, and he often told his subordinates: "Although the founding emperor conquered the world on horseback, the principles of governing the country should not be neglected." The others would just smile at his remarks.
He Liu Hun, I remember you once said that a true man in this world seeks only to protect his home and country, and to be recognized by the feudal lords. Why is it that now that the opportunity has come, you are instead retreating at the critical moment? Yang Yu said impatiently: "In chaotic times, seeking wealth and honor cannot be achieved merely through superficial charm. Without any military merit or qualifications, how can you stand out? Do you still fantasize about soaring to great heights and becoming a phoenix? Hmph!" This was a cold mockery.
Ah, you are He Liuhun, I know you!" He Basheng put down the booklet in his hand and raised his hand, saying: "The one who is said to have angrily slain the bandits and rescued the beauty is indeed you, I am honored!
Ladies and gentlemen, now that everyone is present, we can set off to Fuyang for our duty. He Ba Yue mounted his horse, pointed the whip forward, and shouted: "Depart!"
Several generals, upon hearing this, expressed their opinions one after another. Some advocated for going out of the city to confront the enemy, while others insisted on closing the gates and defending. Each held their ground, arguing passionately until their faces turned red. Among them, an old general named Duan Chang coughed loudly.