Chapter 5, Winning Hearts and Minds
As for Lü Bu, who had also contributed significantly in the battle, he vanished immediately after the fight, already taking his beloved steed, Red Hare, to find a veterinarian to treat the wound inflicted by the unfortunate encounter with the big-eared thief. Kang Peng was also pleased to pretend to forget this capricious individual, saving a valuable sum for future development plans
As expected by Kang Peng, Dong Zhuo's army selected the strong soldiers from among the captives and detained them separately, while the old and weak captives were being forced to dig pits. If Kang Peng was not mistaken, those pits were meant to be dug for themselves.
"No need for formalities." Kang Peng pointed at the prisoners who were digging holes and asked, "What does this mean?"
The middle-aged general was taken aback for a moment, and after a long pause, he replied: "In response to the Chancellor, these captives are all elderly and weak, of little use, according to the old rules..."
The Prime Minister does not shy away from toil and hardship, willingly risking his esteemed person to venture into the land of arrows and stones, achieving a great victory over the rebels; he is truly a model for all ministers.
"The world is fortunate to have a Chancellor..."
"Enough said," Kang Peng interrupted the speaker, knowing full well that the situation below was "according to the old rules, all buried alive." "Have them stop, gather all the captives, I need to address them."
A total of over 5,000 prisoners were captured in this battle. Kang Peng was concerned that there might be instances of killing prisoners, which would render his efforts futile. Although he feared revealing his true identity as a false leader, he still mustered the courage to visit the prisoner camp.
Kang Peng pondered for a moment, then loudly commanded, "All officials, listen up! Disabled soldiers are to be granted severance pay to return home, and the local government will allocate an additional five acres of land. Those who violate this order will face execution of their entire family!" In order to redeem his tarnished reputation, Kang Peng had no choice but to use force to ensure the benefits for the injured soldiers and to salvage a bit of good name for himself
Zhang Liao thanked the Chancellor. Zhang Liao was overjoyed, as the position of General of the Town Army was far superior to the position of Deputy General that Kang Peng had initially promised. He truly had encountered a talent scout. ... Unfortunately, the reputation of this talent scout. ... Sigh, it is better not to mention it.
Amidst the soldiers' unified cheers, Kang Peng walked into the medical tent with great pride. Inside the tent, there were about a dozen physicians, yet there were hundreds of wounded soldiers, with a large number waiting in line outside. Upon seeing Kang Peng enter, the physicians set aside their work and bowed, saying, "I pay my respects to the Chancellor." The compassion of a healer is akin to that of a parent; the benevolence of these ancient military doctors far surpasses that of some modern-day medical professionals. They had just heard Kang Peng's commands, which were deeply appreciated by the people, and they willingly came to bow to him.
Li Ru苦笑着悄悄对康鹏说道: "Chancellor, but some of the wounded soldiers, even if treated, will be disabled and unable to fight again. What should we do?"
Kang Peng, well aware of the situation with Boss Dong, would not pay any attention to these sycophants. The most pressing matter for Kang Peng is to win over the loyal Zhang Liao, and then to find a way to restore Boss Dong's already tarnished reputation, as this is Kang Peng's only chance to survive in these chaotic times
Indeed. All the officials turned pale and shivered. Boss Dong stated that killing is certainly not a joke; when he says he will kill your entire family, he will not only kill your second aunt but will also spare your eldest aunt.
Kang Peng's fierce appearance frightened Li Ru, who replied tremblingly, "Your Excellency, this is your command..."
To facilitate the rescue of the wounded soldiers, the military medical tent was set up outside Hulaoguan. Kang Peng heard the sounds of commotion and crying from a distance, and he frowned, initially thinking it was the anguished cries of the wounded unable to bear their pain. However, as he approached, he realized something was amiss. A group of civilians, likely conscripted laborers from the nearby area, were digging a large pit. Surrounding the pit lay a multitude of wounded soldiers, whom Kang Peng perceived to be the cannon fodder, elderly soldiers, and young recruits. The cries he heard were indeed coming from them.
Zhang Liao stepped forward and performed an ancient military salute, cupping his fists and saying: "This humble one is here."
"I pay my respects to the Chancellor." The middle-aged general in charge of the prisoner camp spotted Kang Peng's large figure from a distance and hurried over to pay his respects
"What does it mean to dig this pit?" Kang Peng asked the officer.
Kang Peng shooed away the sycophants around him like swatting flies and walked up to Zhang Liao, "Zhang Wenyuan, I have a message for you."
Zhang Wenyuan has made significant contributions in battle, enhancing the prestige of our army. Therefore, I hereby appoint you as the General of the Town Army and reward you with one hundred taels of gold. If possible, Kang Peng actually wanted to transfer Zhang Liao to his side to serve as the captain of his personal guard, to protect his own life. Unfortunately, Kang Peng knew that Zhang Liao would definitely be unwilling, so he had to wait to find someone else later—if he could recruit Zhao Yun, then he would not fear even if Lü Bu rebelled.
"Let us go and see the condition of the wounded and the prisoners," Kang Peng recalled the method used by the GCD and Chiang Kai-shek to win the hearts of the people during their struggle for power, which was to treat prisoners well and value soldiers. Kang Peng was unaware that his actions only reinforced his subordinates' belief that he was speaking nonsense due to his high fever today
Li Ru's lips moved slightly, and he timidly glanced at Kang Peng but did not speak. Kang Peng sighed inwardly, realizing that it was likely another of Boss Dong's doing. "Go and invite all the doctors available nearby, but do not use coercive means. Invite them properly and pay the consultation fees in full."
The military doctors were so astonished that they immediately knelt down before Kang Peng, trembling as they said, "We dare not take such honors; we will certainly do our utmost to treat the soldiers." A soldier who was close to Kang Peng was so moved that he burst into tears, exclaiming, "Prime Minister, I will not hesitate to go through fire and water for you in the future!" His cries resonated throughout the tent, infecting all the soldiers present, and the sound of weeping filled the air as they vowed their loyalty to Kang Peng. The civil and military officials following behind exchanged glances, puzzled as to when Dong Laoda had become adept at winning people's hearts.
Although a victory was achieved, in the era of cold weapons, inflicting a thousand casualties on the enemy often resulted in eight hundred losses on one's own side. The Dong Zhuo army still suffered considerable injuries, with the latest report to Kang Peng indicating that 1,200 soldiers from the Dong Zhuo army were killed and approximately 3,000 were injured. Considering the need to win the hearts of the people, Kang Peng's first visit was to the place where the wounded soldiers were being treated
Upon seeing this, Kang Peng suddenly had a bad premonition. He waved to the officer supervising the citizens digging the pit, and the officer immediately ran over, dismounted, and bowed, saying, "I pay my respects to the Chancellor and all the esteemed officials."
Kang Peng gasped in shock, is Boss Dong still human? Setting aside the killing of prisoners and civilians, he even wants to bury his own wounded soldiers alive. No wonder in the future, he will still be cursed by the common people. Kang Peng turned his head and angrily asked Li Ru, "Whose idea was this?"
"Why are there so few military doctors?" Kang Peng asked Li Ru with a frown, "Are there no more military doctors available?"
Kang Peng fiercely slapped his own head, saying, "Boss Dong, oh Boss Dong, there will come a day when you will cause my demise!" Kang Peng immediately declared, "From now on, our army's wounded soldiers, regardless of the severity of their injuries, shall be treated without exception; abandonment is not permitted, and those who violate this will be executed!"
In the past, Dong Laoda was indeed formidable. Although filled with doubts, Kang Peng's words were immediately put into action. Soon, over 5,000 captives were brought before the high platform where Kang Peng stood, with a large number of fully armed Dong Zhuo's troops nearby, vigilantly guarding against any potential rebellion from the captives
As soon as the battle concluded, a throng of sycophants surrounded Kang Peng, their praises of Boss Dong echoing through the skies. The various flattery and nauseating words were beyond what ordinary people could imagine. In short, the bluster was deafening, and the accolades flew high, causing the heavens and earth to change color, and the sun and moon to lose their light. The Three Sovereigns and Five Emperors were only slightly inferior to Boss Dong. However, the one who contributed the most in this battle, Zhang Liao, was instead neglected by the crowd, receiving not even a single word of praise.
That general Liao was merely a minor soldier, and it was only through the promotion of the Prime Minister amidst the grass and weeds that he was able to defeat the enemy and achieve victory. This merit should rightfully belong to the Prime Minister alone
Long live the Chancellor! It was unclear which soldier shouted this heartfelt cry first, but soon it was echoed by a disorganized chorus of voices, "Long live the Chancellor!" The number of soldiers joining in this chant grew, ultimately swelling to a unified roar of over ten thousand, "Long live the Chancellor! Long live the Chancellor!" These soldiers were shouting from the depths of their hearts, whether they were cannon fodder or soldiers from Xiliang. In this chaotic world, human life is as cheap as that of pigs and dogs. Do not be deceived by your current ferocity and tyranny; perhaps after a battle tomorrow, you will become a lost dog, even worse than a dog. Kang Peng alleviated their worries, and they had no choice but to feel grateful to him. Whether they were cannon fodder or Xiliang soldiers, in this chaotic world, human life is as cheap as that of pigs and dogs. Do not be deceived by your current ferocity and tyranny; perhaps after a battle tomorrow, you will become a lost dog, even worse than a dog. Dong Laoda's already negative reputation has begun to show signs of recovery.
The wounded soldiers thought they were doomed, yet unexpectedly, the ruthless Prime Minister did not allow them to be killed. Instead, he ordered the military doctors to treat their injuries. At first, nearly every wounded soldier believed they had misheard, but upon seeing the serious expression of the Prime Minister, they realized they were not dreaming. In an instant, cheers resounded through the heavens, and every wounded soldier wept bitterly, willingly bowing in gratitude to Kang Peng.
The Prime Minister commands with certainty, strategizing within the tent, achieving victory from a thousand miles away; I am deeply impressed and bow in admiration.
Yes
Kang Peng, emulating the attitude of a certain leader from the twentieth century, smiled as he helped each of the military doctors to their feet, saying, "You have worked hard. These young men rely on your miraculous skills to recover. I entrust their well-being to you..." As he spoke, Kang Peng bowed deeply to the military doctors, insisting, "You must ensure their recovery!"
In response to the Prime Minister, these wounded soldiers have sustained severe injuries, making treatment very difficult. As per customary practice, I have arranged for their burial to conserve military provisions