Chapter 812
Military Expansion
"The King of Han decrees: Xu Da is appointed as the commander-in-chief of the Destroyer Army, Chen Quan and Chen Tun as deputy commanders, and Sun Yong as chief clerk. Ten thousand soldiers each from the Azure Dragon, Vermilion Bird, White Tiger, Beggar, and Buddha Soldiers are to be drawn from the army. In addition, thirty thousand soldiers from Hubei, Jiangnan, Fujian and other places are to be recruited to form a new army of eighty thousand, with the army name: Destroyer Army!"
"The King of Han decrees: Deng Yu is hereby appointed as the deputy commander of the White Tiger Army to assist Chen Xiaohu."
"Fu Youde is appointed as the deputy commander of the Qihuo Army to assist Zhang Dingbian."
"Let Tang Shengzong, Fei Ju, Lu Zhongheng, Hua Yun and others infiltrate the Azure Dragon, Vermilion Bird, White Tiger, Beggar, Buddha Army, Destroyer, and Six Armies and serve as commanders."
"Order the original 160,000 troops of the King of Wu to be reorganized and dispersed into various armies."
Chen Jie's order was sent out like a piece of paper. First, it was to allow Xu Da to form another army, the Po Lu Army. However, instead of using the original Wu Wang Hun Army, Xu Da was appointed as its commander. Instead, two of Chen Jie's close relatives, Chen Quan and Chen Tun, were transferred from the Baihu Army to serve as Xu Da's deputies.
The two generals, Zhu and Gou, are relatives of Chen Jie. They were sent here for two reasons: first, to remind Xu Da that this army now belongs to the Chen family; and second, to represent Chen Jie's trust in Xu Da.
In addition, Chen Jie sent his adopted son Sun Yong to study in Xu Da's army. Sun Yong had originally studied in Zhang Dingbian's army, but this time he was transferred to Xu Da's army to learn military strategy from Xu Da and combine the strengths of both schools. Perhaps he will become a famous general in the future.
Xu Da's Po Lu Army was a mixed force, with 50,000 of them being veterans from Huangzhou Prefecture, plus 30,000 new recruits. Both their loyalty and combat effectiveness were guaranteed, and Xu Da was the commander-in-chief.
Although Xu Da narrowly lost to Zhang Dingbian in the battle on Poyang Lake, Chen Jie did not think that Xu Da's military ability was weaker than Zhang Dingbian's. The two were evenly matched and it was difficult to distinguish who was better.
Therefore, Chen Jie also gave Xu Da a separate opportunity to lead troops.
As for Deng Yu and Fu Youde, they were both historically enfeoffed as dukes and commanded armies, and their military capabilities were beyond doubt. Therefore, Chen Jie assigned them to be deputy generals of Chen Xiaohu's White Tiger Army and Zhang Dingbian's Beggar Army.
There's a reason behind this arrangement. Chen Xiaohu and Deng Yu are both straightforward and strong-willed people, and they've known each other for a long time. They've fought big battles in Luoyang and Poyang Lake, so they can be considered enemies.
However, when assigning personnel, Chen Xiaohu directly asked Chen Jie for Deng Yu.
Chen Jie was initially worried about Chen Xiaohu's retaliation, but Chen Xiaohu said, "What I value is Deng Yu's military ability; he's a capable fighter."
Chen Jie breathed a sigh of relief upon seeing this; he had thought Chen Xiaohu was preparing to retaliate against Deng Yu.
As for why Fu Youde was appointed as Zhang Dingbian's deputy general, it's quite simple. Fu Youde is very arrogant. If a commander can't control him, he won't sincerely submit. For example, if Jin Yanzi were to be Jin Yanzi's deputy general, given his personality, he definitely wouldn't be convinced. Jin Yanzi, whether in terms of gender or ability, probably couldn't control this proud guy.
Besides Jin Yanzi, there are Shi Gengming, Ding Pulang, and Ou Puxiang, who also have the same problem. These three have too little prestige and are difficult to convince the public. For example, Ding Pulang and Ou Puxiang served in the same court as Fu Youde, but their seniority was lower than Fu Youde's, so it was even more unsuitable to put Fu Youde in their place.
Besides them, the only one left is Zhang Dingbian. Zhang Dingbian would have no problem suppressing Fu Youde. Zhang Dingbian's strength is obvious to all. Fu Youde is arrogant, but he has no right to be arrogant in front of Zhang Dingbian.
In terms of martial prowess, Zhang Dingbian is close to reaching the Fusion God Realm. In terms of battle record, the defense of Huangzhou Prefecture, the ambush in Hongdu, and the Battle of Poyang Lake—each battle earned him a renowned reputation. In particular, the final Battle of Poyang Lake saw him directly defeat Xu Da, making him the number one general in the land. With such a status, who would dare to question it?
Therefore, there was only one outcome for Fu Youde when he met Zhang Dingbian: he would behave himself and not dare to utter a single word.
As the saying goes, "Money can suppress a slave, and skill can overpower a passerby." You don't know how formidable Zhang Dingbian is until you lead an army, but once you become a general, you'll know that Zhang Dingbian's military capabilities are truly beyond the reach of an ant trying to shake a tree.
No matter how arrogant Fu Youde was, he still had to be polite to Zhang Dingbian.
Besides the three fierce generals Xu Da, Deng Yu, and Fu Youde, there were about ten other generals from Huaixi who were appointed by Chen Jie as commanders in their respective armies.
This official position is neither too high nor too low, which is quite suitable for them.
The military system of the Han army was as follows: ten men formed a squad, with ten men as captains; fifty men formed a banner, with a small banner officer; three small banners formed a general banner, with a general banner officer; and three general banners formed a garrison, with a garrison leader.
Further up, a thousand men form a commander, three thousand men form a garrison, six thousand men form a commander, and above that, ten thousand men form a guerrilla general (commander of ten thousand). After that come deputy generals, strategists, and legion commanders.
Of the twenty-four generals under Zhu Chongba's command in Huaixi, those who fled or died in battle were all given important positions by Chen Jie as long as they were willing to surrender.
After all, his abilities should be beyond question, as Zhu Chongba had already rigorously selected him.
As for loyalty, that's not a problem at all. You can either run away like Lan Yu and go to Japan, where Chen Jie is too busy to deal with you right now, or you can retreat to your hometown of Fengyang like Tang He and become a monk.
Since you're not leaving, it means you still cling to power. In that case, there's nothing more to say. Just obediently serve the Han.
If you're still not satisfied with being given three thousand men as your commander, then Chen Jie will really deal with you. You are all defeated generals. Giving you real power is already an act of imperial grace. How dare you rebel?
Therefore, Chen Jie's arrangement did not cause any major problems.
Xu Da arrived at his long-lost military tent, looked at his command desk, and was filled with emotion. Just as he was feeling sentimental, three people walked in.
"Xu Shuai!"
The three men clasped their hands in greeting to Xu Da. Xu Da then glanced at the three men who had entered: two generals with beards and steady eyes, and a young boy.
Xu Da said, "You must be the deputy commander and chief clerk in the army."
Upon hearing this, Chen Tun and Chen Quan clasped their hands and said, "Chen Quan, former deputy general of the White Tiger Army, and Chen Tun, former guerrilla general and vanguard officer of the White Tiger Army, greet Marshal Xu."
"Sun Yong, former sergeant of the Beggar Army, has met Commander Xu."
Xu Da said, "I know you. You are generals from the Han King's family and deputy generals of the White Tiger Army. It is an injustice for you to serve as deputy generals for a defeated general like me."
Chen Quan and Chen Tun clasped their hands and said, "Commander Xu, please don't be like that. We admire your abilities, Commander. It is our honor to serve as your deputy."
Xu Da replied, “Well, let’s not stand on ceremony. Since I am the commander-in-chief and the King of Han has named our army ‘Breaking the Enemy,’ we cannot betray that name. If I, the commander-in-chief, retreat in battle, you may execute me.”
"But if you retreat in the face of battle, I will kill you all, is that alright?"
Chen Quan and Chen Tun replied, "No problem."
As he spoke, Xu Da looked at Sun Yong and said, "I know you. You are the adopted son of the King of Han. You used to study under Zhang Dingbian. Today, you have been sent here to serve as my chief secretary. The King of Han clearly wants to cultivate you."
"Since the King of Han has this intention, I cannot refuse him. So you can stay, but if you want to learn the real stuff, be careful in everything you do. I can't possibly chew up the stuff and feed it to you."
Upon hearing Xu Da's words, Sun Yong clasped his hands in a fist and said, "Yes, Commander Xu."
Xu Da said, "We are a new army, so we need to work together more. I, Xu Da, am not a man-eating demon. Even if I were, I would have been defeated by you. Don't be afraid of me. What we need to do is cooperate sincerely to defeat the tyrannical Qian and usher in an era of lasting peace for all Han people!" "Yes, we will usher in an era of lasting peace!"
Everyone clasped their hands in a fist salute, and Xu Da said, "Let's get to work."
"promise!"
In the White Tiger Army camp, Chen Xiaohu looked at Deng Yu, whose face was full of hostility, and laughed: "Hahaha, Deng, we meet again."
Upon hearing this, Deng Yu said, "It's my bad luck to have fallen into your hands. Tell me, how are you going to deal with me?"
Upon hearing this, Chen Xiaohu tossed the knife in his hand to the guard beside him and said, "No weapons, one-on-one. If you win, I'll listen to you from now on. If you lose, you'll obediently listen to me."
"I know you understand military strategy and know how to fight. I'm not afraid to be blunt: I'm a bit lacking in military strategy, but I'm good at charging into battle and wielding a knife."
"But I still need you to come up with the best ideas for fighting. My current method results in too many casualties. I have my old brothers from Mianshui behind me. Every one of them who dies is one less to lose. I want them to die with some value. Please help me."
After hearing Chen Xiaohu's words, Deng Yu remained silent for a moment before saying, "How do you know I won't deliberately send your brother to his death!"
Chen Xiaohu said, "I'm not stupid. Besides, we'll be brothers in arms from now on. My brother is your brother, isn't he? If you really do that kind of thing, would you still have the nerve to pee standing up? Aren't you afraid of being gossiped about?"
Upon hearing this, Deng Yu took a deep breath and said, "Alright, where is the military camp, and what aspects will I be responsible for?"
Seeing this, Chen Xiaohu looked at Deng Yu and said, "Shall we stop fighting?"
Deng Yu said with a dark face, "I, a Furnace Realm cultivator, am going to fight you, a second-stage Furnace God, one-on-one. Whoever wins gets to decide? You might as well just tell me to listen to you."
"hey-hey!"
Chen Xiaohu said, "You're too tactless. Here's what we'll do: after you've finished reading through all the money, grain, and documents in the room, I'll treat you to a drink, hehe..."
Chen Xiaohu went up and put his arm around Deng Yu's shoulder, laughing as if the fights they had fought before never happened.
Sometimes, male friendship is that simple. In the past, they fought to the death because of their different positions, but now they fight side by side, and that's what brothers are.
After a meal of drinks, Deng Yu and Chen Xiaohu resolved the misunderstandings between them.
Chen Xiaohu then put his arm around Deng Yu and said, "Old Deng, back then, in that battle of Luoyang, you fought really well. I almost couldn't stop your army."
Upon hearing this, Deng Yu said to Chen Xiaohu, "Isn't it because you defeated him? Chen Xiaohu, you really don't care about your life when you fight. I'm telling you, a general from the imperial clan, do you really need to fight so recklessly?"
"Even if you sit in the back, you are destined to be a high-ranking official, so why bother?"
Hearing this, Chen Xiaohu took a bite of meat and chuckled, "Old Deng, just because we're a clan general, we have to set an example. If I back down from my own brother's cause, how can anyone else be willing to risk their lives for him?"
"Yes Yes!"
Deng Yu said, "Yes, that's true, it's the truth. Take a sip, take a sip."
At this moment, Chen Xiaohu put his arm around Deng Yu and said, "I'm a simple-minded person, so I won't say much. From now on, you, Deng Yu, are my brother. I'm entrusting the White Tiger Army to you. Please help me."
Deng Yu then took a sip of wine and said, "Hehe, talking about helping is a bit of a stretch. I'm just a defeated general, what face do I have to talk about helping? I'm grateful that the King of Han has not abandoned us and has given us a chance to make a contribution."
"I am deeply grateful for Brother Hu's kindness and for not holding a grudge. From now on, I will just have to see how I perform. If I ever do anything to offend Brother Hu or the Prince of Han, I, Deng Yu, will never forgive myself."
Upon hearing this, Chen Xiaohu said, "Let's drink, let's drink! Someone, bring us the best wine you've hidden. I want to have a good drink with your Vice Commander Deng."
Upon hearing this, Deng Yu looked at Chen Xiaohu and said, "You've been hiding some good wine."
Chen Xiaohu chuckled and said, "Of course, who would give you good wine right away? They'd have to see what kind of person you are. If you're hiding something from us, wouldn't it be a waste of our good wine?"
……
A smile can erase all enmity when we meet again.
At this moment, Zhang Dingbian was in the Qihuo Army camp. Fu Youde entered the camp and saw Zhang Dingbian sitting at the commander's desk, reviewing documents.
Fu Youde clasped his hands in greeting: "Marshal Zhang!"
Zhang Dingbian looked up at Fu Youde, a smile appearing on his face, and said, "Hehe, General Fu."
"So, what do you think of my Beggars' Army tent? Does it meet General Fu's standards?"
Upon hearing this, Fu Youde said, "General, you are very strict in disciplining your troops. I admire you."
Upon hearing this, Zhang Dingbian said, "I know that the general is quite knowledgeable in military strategy. If you see anything that is not appropriate, please feel free to speak up."
Fu Youde clasped his hands and said, "General Zhang, please don't tease me. I know my own limitations. How could I dare to show off my limited skills in front of you?"
Zhang Dingbian said, "Hahaha, General Fu, if that's how you put it, then I'll be frank with you. People outside say that you're hard to get along with, but this military camp isn't a place for you to throw a tantrum. If you have any thoughts, you can tell me in private. But in front of the army, my words are military orders, and military orders are as solid as a mountain. If you don't obey military orders, then don't blame me for being ruthless."
Fu Youde was about to say something after hearing this when Zhang Dingbian said, "General, you are also a veteran in the army. This matter is not up for discussion."
Fu Youde thought for a moment and said, “Marshal Zhang, I, Fu Youde, am not an unreasonable person. Since the commander-in-chief has already said this much, I, Fu Youde, will not say anything more. In the army, the commander-in-chief is the king, but in private, if I have something I don’t like, I will say it. I ask the commander-in-chief for permission.”
Zhang Dingbian smiled and said, "If General Fu has anything he doesn't like, he can tell me. I will solve it for you if I can, and if I can't solve it, I will think of a way for you."
Upon hearing this, Fu Youde immediately stood up, clasped his hands in greeting, and knelt on one knee, saying, "Fu Youde greets the Commander-in-Chief!"
"Ah, please rise, please rise!" (End of Chapter)