I am a soldier in the border army

Chapter 324: The Emperor's disciple? Orphan of the Imperial Guards! One general's success is the result of thousands of sacrifices!

War kills people.

No matter how beautifully a battle is fought or how glorious the results are, it cannot conceal its bloody and cruel nature.

In that moment between life and death, for an individual, sometimes strength is not the real determining factor in whether you can survive.

It's luck.

With luck, the blade in your hand will land on the enemy's neck first.

The enemy dies, and you live.

If you are unlucky.

Perhaps a wisp of energy that should have fallen into the air just happened to pass through the gap in the armor and pierce your vitals.

And you... died on the battlefield.

There is no such thing as a man covered in wounds and shouting to fight again.

There is no chance to do it again.

To die is to die.

When the blood spurts out and consciousness disappears, all the manly ambitions and long-cherished wishes on the battlefield will no longer exist.

Some are left with only a wife who is left alone in her empty room, elderly mothers and children who have lost their beloved sons and fathers.

……

"Seventy-three riders..."

Han Shao frowned slightly.

This number of people may not seem like a large number, but for the thousand cavalrymen in the rear camp, it means a casualty rate of nearly 10%.

Han Shao has always been very particular about human life, so it would be a lie to say he didn't feel sorry for her.

In addition to the imprint of the 'people-oriented' ideology from his previous life, the most important thing is that these people are all his core personnel, and he has put a lot of effort and resources into each of them.

Now, when he suddenly heard this number, Han Shao couldn't help but feel a little gloomy.

Naturally, Han Shao's subtle emotional changes could not be hidden from Li Jing, his confidant.

"It is my incompetence that has disappointed the Marquis..."

Hearing Li Jing's ashamed tone, Han Shao waved his hand to interrupt him.

"No, you did a good job."

To fight a large force with a small number of people is like dancing with swords.

What's more, the barbarians today are no longer comparable to those of last year.

Don't just wait and see.

If Li Jing hadn't been constantly attacking in the dark in the previous battle, it would be hard to say how many casualties there would have been.

It was impossible for Feng Can to fight so recklessly.

In addition, Han Shao actually thought about it. If the roles of Feng Can and Li Jing were switched in the previous battle, Li Jing would be the main one and Feng Can would be the auxiliary one.

But Han Shao quickly denied this hypothesis.

With Li Jing's cautious style and steady fighting method, the casualties can certainly be controlled within an acceptable range.

But it is absolutely impossible to achieve the current effect. One battle made tens of thousands of barbarian cavalry rein in their horses outside the city, and hundreds of thousands of troops were completely silent!
So this is the case where there are gains and losses.

Overall, the loss of these seventy-three riders was worth it.

Seeing that Li Jing wanted to say something else, Han Shao waved his hand to interrupt him again.

"Gather the remains of the soldiers and bury them with honor."

Han Shao witnessed the entire battle just now.

Naturally, we know that they did not leave the dead soldiers outside the city, but brought them back into the city.

This is a habit that people like Li Jing have developed following Han Shao.

In the past, they traveled thousands of miles to carry back their fallen comrades from the grassland. Now that Champion City is so close, it is impossible for them to abandon them.

Upon hearing this, Li Jing stopped talking and could only bow and nod.

"Here."

Han Shao nodded, then said to Zhou Xuan.

"Tell the Military Commissioner to pay attention to recording military merits and providing compensation for the fallen soldiers."

"Don't let it be short of anything."

Han Shao seldom used such a serious tone when speaking to scholars like Zhou Xuan.

Zhou Xuan even sensed a hint of undisguised murderous intent from these words, so he quickly nodded in response.

"Here."

"I will personally watch this matter and make sure nothing goes wrong."

He said that he was happy about it, but in fact he felt bitter in his heart.

He was not worried that his colleagues in the military department would do something about this.

After all, among the clerks who are willing to come from afar to seek refuge in Guanjun City, almost none of them come here for money and wealth.

Naturally, they would not engage in such corrupt and shameful things when it comes to rewarding soldiers for their merits and providing pensions to those killed in battle.

What really made him miserable was...

There's no money in the treasury!
From the time he took charge of the post of secretary, many of the mansion's secrets were no longer hidden from him.

The same is true for finance.

Judging from the account books, this Champion City...or the private treasury of the Marquis' Mansion did have quite a bit of savings.

But this cannot stop their marquis from spending money frivolously!

With such a waste of money, even if there were once mountains of gold and silver in the treasury, it is now so empty that only horses can be used to run.

So where does the money for merit and pensions come from?

Fortunately, at this time, Han Shao seemed to see Zhou Xuan's guilt and panic, and adapted to transmit the message.

"Don't worry, you don't have to worry about your wealth."

Not to mention that if we lose this battle, we will all die together.

These things in this world cannot be brought with you when you are born and cannot be taken with you when you die.

But since we have weapons in our hands, are we afraid that we won’t be able to get wealth?

You see, this is the fundamental difference in thinking between scholars and military men.

Seeing that Zhou Xuan was unable to comprehend the key to this for a while, Han Shao was too lazy to point it out to him.

Instead, he stopped transmitting his voice and continued speaking.

"Also... I cannot sit idly by and watch the orphans of all the fallen soldiers."

"After this battle, I will build a Mohist Academy in this city. All orphans of martyrs will be able to attend without paying tuition."

"All the money and food will be provided by this Marquis's private treasury!"

Han Shao's voice seemed quiet, and it seemed that he was only speaking to Zhou Xuan.

But it was heard clearly and accurately by all the soldiers.

For a moment, the soldiers' eyes lit up.

For the vast majority of middle and lower-level soldiers, the reason they risked their lives to fight in the battlefield was not only because of the irreconcilable blood feud with the barbarians on the grasslands and the obligation to protect their hometowns, parents and children, but also mostly for the sake of military pay and money.

If one unfortunately died in battle, he would receive a fairly generous pension to provide temporary food and clothing for his family.

But in the end, this is just a one-time deal that costs your life.

When the compensation earned at the cost of their lives is exhausted, their parents, wives and children will eventually suffer.

But now... the Marquis' words broke some concerns that had been hidden in their hearts.

Although they did not know much about Mohism, they had heard of it as a prominent school of thought that once could challenge Confucianism.

If one's own children can practice the Mohist teachings, it will undoubtedly be an excellent way to break free from the shackles in this world where aristocratic families monopolize everything.

In this way, even if they died in battle now, they would have no worries.

Several Mohist sages present also showed joy on their faces.

Even though Han Shao had promised them before that he would build a Mohist Academy in Champion City, who would dare to take seriously a promise made privately by a powerful person?
But now Han Shao made the matter public in front of so many people, showing an attitude of doing what he said.

This immediately made them feel at ease.

"This champion marquis... is truly a trustworthy person!"

As for whether Mr. Han was killing two birds with one stone, they didn't care.

As long as the result is right, the process is not important.

Just when everyone was rejoicing, Han Shao suddenly added another sentence.

"Besides, as the saying goes, everyone has their own aspirations, and everyone's talents and preferences are very different."

"If there are orphans who don't like literary matters and want to inherit their father's bravery and will and join the army..."

Han Shao paused for a moment here, as if thinking.

After a moment, he sighed.

"How about this, I will train an army on my own in the name of my personal army."

"From now on, I will personally lead and teach you, and make sure you become a talented person and a great leader!"

If what I just said only made the soldiers' eyes brighten and their hearts excited.

Before Han Shao could finish his words, he heard an uncontrollable uproar.

No one is stupid.

The Mohist Academy was undoubtedly an excellent way to break free from the shackles of the aristocratic families.

But just like the elementary academies established by Confucianism in various places, if you want to truly become a talented person and how far you can go, it all depends on your talent.

However, the other option Han Shao provided to the so-called orphans of martyrs was not an "excellent way out".

That is clearly a road that leads straight to the sky!

Not to mention how Li Jing and others are now in high positions, just the current situation of the 300 veteran soldiers is enough to give you an idea!
What's more, Han Shao also emphasized "personally lead and personally teach"!
In an instant, an inappropriate word suddenly appeared in many people's minds.

The emperor's disciple! Whether he is the emperor or not is actually not important!

The important thing is that in this way, wouldn't these so-called "orphans" be able to regard themselves as disciples of the princes in the future?

Realizing this, some soldiers were so excited that they even ignored military regulations and hierarchy and could not help but ask out loud.

"Is what you said... true?"

Seeing that someone dared to question the Marquis' words, Li Jing and others frowned and were about to scold him.

But Han Shao waved his hand to stop him.

Then he looked at the soldier with a smile and asked back.

"a man of his words."

"Have you ever seen me break my promise to anyone?"

The answer is obvious.

Never!

Whether it is establishing trust with the people at the city gate, or the various deeds that are still circulating in the army today.

This champion marquis has never broken any of the promises he made.

Even those noble families, although they had always regarded him as a butcher and secretly despised his background, no one had ever doubted his integrity.

This was also the reason why the Chen family of Zhuo County had the confidence to kill the Zheng family of Yuyang after getting Han Shao's guarantee.

So when the soldier heard Han Shao's words, a look of shame appeared on his face.

But this trace of shame was quickly replaced by emotions such as excitement, ecstasy, and excitement.

With a thud, the soldier knelt on one knee.

"I am willing to die for you, my Lord!"

He has children.

Parents who love their children will plan for them in the long run!
If he could exchange his life for a successful future for his children, then the word death would no longer be scary to him.

Even at certain critical moments, he was only afraid that he would not die!
And there are many people who think like him.

Soon, countless soldiers who heard what Han Shao had just said all knelt on one knee and shouted.

"I am willing to die for you, my Lord!"

The sound of mountains and seas shook the world.

Such a huge commotion naturally could not be hidden from those in the city who were interested.

Among them, the Chen family of Zhuo County, who had been forced into a corner, was naturally one of them.

The ancestor of the Chen family, who was looking towards the top of the city, suddenly sighed.

"Our Lord...he is buying his life!"

Chen Shu, who was serving beside him, listened to what the ancestor said and after a moment's reflection, he understood what the ancestor said.

Buying lives, not only buying the lives of these soldiers.

Even the lives of their children were bought.

All he paid for was a big pie that could only be fulfilled in the future.

"The Marquis's methods are so brilliant that even among all the great men of the time, I'm afraid even a fraction of him can compare to him!"

Until now, Chen Shu still can't forget the scene of him kneeling in the study of the marquis's mansion.

Even if he just looked down, he would feel uneasy and uneasy...

Trembling with fear, as if living next to a tiger or wolf!
"clever?"

The Chen family ancestor sneered, "Just clever?"

He could control the Chen family of Zhuo County with just a flick of his applause.

He uprooted the Zheng family of Yuyang overnight, and remained calm afterwards. How can the word "smart" describe him?

His wisdom is as deep as the sea and unfathomable!
Once upon a time, the ancestor of the Chen family also looked down on this young descendant of humble origin.

But after he fell and got slapped in the face, he was left with only deep admiration and awe for the champion.

But it's okay.

Fortunately, he was shameless enough to send the legitimate daughter of his family into the backyard of the marquis's mansion.

In this way, not only can I completely calm my mind.

From a long-term perspective, the Chen family of Zhuo County could even take this opportunity to follow this champion marquis and jump out of the shallows and quagmire of Youzhou in one fell swoop.

By then, others will be so envious of the Chen family of Zhuo County that they will not have time to laugh at them.

Chen Shu, who had no idea that his ancestor was so optimistic about Han Shao, said hesitantly.

"Do you think that this battle... can the Champion Marquis win?"

Hundreds of thousands of troops were at the gates of the city.

If he, a mere Yuanshen Zhenren, said that he was not panicked or afraid, he would definitely be lying.

If the ancestor had not lingered here, he would have run back to the clan’s land in Zhuo County long ago.

How come it has been delayed until now and I can’t leave even if I want to?
Looking at the frightened look on his younger generation's face, the Chen family patriarch cursed him in his heart as "waste".

But after thinking about it, he decided not to curse out loud.

Who made this fellow's legitimate daughter marry Lu Yan, the commander of the marquis's personal army?
Don't look at the monk's face, look at the Buddha's face. You still have to take some considerations into consideration.

"Don't worry, the Marquis can't lose."

Just that day, the terrifying existence at the top of the Nine Realms came to Youzhou in a hurry and left in a hurry.

The ancestor of the Chen family firmly believed that this champion marquis, who seemed to have no background in the eyes of others, was definitely not as simple as he seemed.

As for how it was not simple, he could only guess.

The water in this world is too deep.

To him, a seventh-level True Immortal who had just stepped into the upper three realms, many things were just like flowers in the fog.

But after all, it was close, and even in the fog, I could vaguely see some fuzzy outlines.

that's enough.

At the very least, it can prevent you from making stupid mistakes when facing certain key choices.

However, the Chen family's ancestor did not fully explain these words to Chen Shu.

When there are many people, there will be many different opinions.

When something becomes known to everyone, how can it still be valuable?

After his thoughts suddenly changed, the Chen family ancestor did not give Chen Shu a chance to speak again and gave the order directly.

"Go ahead and pass the message along."

"In this battle, we, the noble families, have people who can contribute our strength and manpower."

"Anyone who dares to hide something is our enemy!"

Once the Zheng family of Yuyang fell, the Chen family of Zhuojun would become the absolute leader among the noble families in Youbei.

And since these words came from the ancestor of the Chen family, their weight is self-evident.

But Chen Shu was a little hesitant.

"Wouldn't it be too much to do this..."

If they did not personally take action, the Wuhuan tribe might still spare them after taking the city for the sake of their status as a noble family.

But if they act like this, and the champion still loses in the end, then what will happen to them...

But he didn't expect that before he could finish his words, the Chen family's ancestor had already slapped him on the head with a look of disappointment.

"Idiot! Do you think our Zhuo County Chen family has any way out?"

Chen Shu's mind was confused for a moment, then he came to his senses.

Oh, I was really frightened by the hundreds of thousands of troops outside the city!
Ever since they wiped out the Yuyang Zheng family, didn't the Zhuojun Chen family have no way out?
So he quickly responded.

"only!"

"Don't worry, Grandmaster. I will do as you wish."

But he didn't expect that the ancestor would not let him go.

"After you finish your work, you can go to the city head to help."

"By the way, please tell the Marquis of Guanjun that I, your old self, am always ready to obey your orders!"

Stud is a kind of wisdom.

The bigger you bet, the more you win!
When you have a big hand in your hand, you even need the courage to gamble your life!
And now is the time to gamble your life.

……

Han Shao, who was unaware that a gambler was ready to bet his entire fortune, spoke warmly to the soldiers after he had finished painting the big picture.

no way.

The effect is so good.

He was really afraid that some people would get so emotionally excited that they would seek death during a battle.

That would be too much.

Zhou Xuan, who was standing by, hurriedly picked up a pen and wrote down the few things Han Shao had assigned to him in the notebook he carried with him.

Later, a formal document will be sent to various government offices.

This is his duty as a secretary.

Just as he was about to put away his pen, Zhou Xuan suddenly asked.

"Does the Marquis' personal army have a name?"

Han Shao uttered two words without even thinking.

"Yu Lin..."

……

(End of this chapter)