The Inferior Plan

In addition, more than twelve hundred Han civilians were rescued—all able-bodied men and women abducted by the Xianbei into their tribes. With proper rest and rigorous training, they could bolster the ranks of the Rising Han Army and would surely fight fiercely, for each nursed a deep hatred toward the barbarian invaders.

The greatest spoils of this battle, however, were the thousands of robust, well-fed warhorses. Wang Bo could hardly contain his joy, so much so that he entirely forgot his earlier intention to reprimand Chen Dao for the blow he had suffered. He immediately summoned Liao Hua, Ping Han, and others. After allocating two horses each to commanders at the rank of army marshal and above, all remaining horses were given to the cavalry, with the aim to expand the cavalry camp as soon as possible. He also began considering how to establish a horse-breeding farm of his own.

There were plenty of bows, arrows, and sabers collected, but most were either cast-offs from Han forces or crudely made by the barbarians, suitable only for the hunting teams.

After arranging post-battle affairs, Wang Bo locked himself in his quarters and instructed Chen Dao not to disturb him. For several days, he did not emerge. Each time Chen Dao brought in food, he found Wang Bo lost in contemplation, unmoving, sometimes muttering to himself.

At first, those outside found it strange, but gradually their concern grew. On the sixth day, as Yang Feng, Xu Chu, and others were about to burst in, the door suddenly opened. Wang Bo appeared before them, his eyes sunken and hair disheveled, facing the crowd gathered outside.

Before Yang Feng could ask, Wang Bo waved his hand and said, "Let me tidy myself first. Gather everyone in the meeting room and wait for me a moment."

Within a quarter hour, Wang Bo, now spirited and refreshed, entered the meeting room. He surveyed those present and spoke slowly: "Since the founding of the Rising Han Fortress, all my brothers have survived amidst constant turmoil. Yet affairs have been many and complicated, and I have never taken time to reflect deeply. I have acted as matters arose, neglecting minor details and leaving gaps in overarching plans."

"As a result, at the outset of this battle, knowing the enemy's strength, I was at a loss, weighed by countless concerns, and our brothers suffered heavy casualties. If not for the rage that drove me to fight with abandon, the Rising Han City might have been in grave danger. I have failed the trust of you, my brothers, and feel deeply ashamed, unable to face the widows of those who fell in battle." With these words, he bowed to the assembly in apology.

Many were moved to tears, kneeling before him. Yang Feng choked with emotion: "My lord, you must not bear such thoughts. We brothers rose from the wilds, and it is you who saved and protected us. Were it not for us holding you back, with your unparalleled talents, even serving as a high official would be beneath you!"

"We are but rough men, unable to share your burdens, but we can fight bravely on the battlefield, and if we die, we have no regrets!"

"You treat us as brothers; without your tireless efforts and careful management, how could the Rising Han Army have survived till now?"

"Now our army is strong and well-mounted, with a solid foundation. Since ancient times, warriors have wrapped themselves in horse-hide for burial; has anyone heard of a hundred battles without death?"

"My lord, do not blame yourself. Your life concerns the survival of all Rising Han brothers—do not neglect it! We all pledge to be your vanguard, to cut through thorns and waves, to face death without hesitation!"

They all shouted in unison: "We pledge to cut through thorns and waves for our lord, to face death without hesitation!"

Wang Bo helped them to their feet, his expression resolute: "Your deep loyalty, your willingness to follow me through life and death—I, Yuan Hao, am profoundly grateful. I swear to lead us to a place where we can live in peace, and our descendants need never worry!"

He then raised his right fist and led them in a resounding cry: "United as one! Victory to the Rising Han!"

As the cheers echoed, Chen Dao, who had just stood up, suddenly knelt again with a thud. Usually a man of few words, he now raised his voice: "Lord! I, Chen Dao of Runan, once looked down on brothers who were Yellow Turban rebels or mountain bandits. But now, seeing the Rising Han brothers fight bravely against the barbarians, witnessing your benevolence and heroic vision, I am utterly convinced and loyal! I hope you will not hold past grievances and allow me to remain at your side!"

Wang Bo laughed, stepped forward, and helped Chen Dao up: "Uncle Zhi, you need not declare your loyalty—I have always seen you as a brother, else I would not have kept you by my side. From now on, open your heart and grow closer to your brothers." Then his expression darkened: "As for your attack on me earlier, I have yet to settle accounts with you!"

Everyone burst out laughing, and Chen Dao scratched his head, stammering: "I only feared for your safety, so I took such measures..."

After this merriment, Wang Bo shared the conclusions he had reached during his days of reflection, consulting the group. Upon hearing his ideas, all exclaimed that their lord was truly a genius descended to earth!

One idea was to establish an Animal Husbandry Department—essentially, to create the Rising Han Army's own breeding grounds, selecting and training those familiar with animal habits to raise horses, cattle, sheep, and more.

Horse breeding would provide reliable sources for cavalry mounts, freeing the Rising Han Army from reliance on captured barbarians or purchased horses from merchants. Such a strategic resource must be in their own hands.

Page (1/3)

Cattle breeding would help feed the population of Rising Han City; relying solely on merchant purchases was slow and restrictive. Next year, they must cultivate farmland by the two rivers flowing through the area, and oxen would be perfect for plowing, saving labor and greatly improving productivity.

Donkeys and mules were also essential, mainly for the logistics team. Since the Rising Han Army must survive in this chaotic world, war is inevitable. To win, they need not only front-line soldiers fighting bravely but also a stable and efficient supply chain. The use of draft animals is its guarantee.

Sheep breeding would provide ample meat for the army, reducing the need for hunting squads to venture into the mountains daily and thus freeing up many reserve troops.

Wang Bo even commissioned the Wang family merchant caravan to source pigs and chickens from within Yanmen Pass and Taiyuan Commandery, or, failing that, to catch wild ones in the mountains and attempt to domesticate them—uncertain if it would work.

The second idea was to create the Rising Han City's own merchant caravan. They would carry Rising Han wine, new-style furniture, and other local products to exchange for needed goods, mainly traveling to Youzhou, Jizhou, and other Han-populated regions.

The most important plan was to establish an Armory. Yang Feng and others strongly supported this.

The recent battle with the Xianbei succeeded not only due to their advantageous terrain but also because their bows had greater range than most barbarian archers. In short, they could hit the enemy while remaining out of reach—such is the power of superior equipment.

Given the current shortage of arms and armor, after a few more intense battles, they risk having men but no weapons. Equipment wears out; relying solely on captured gear is unsustainable. Thus, manufacturing their own arms was essential.

Wang Bo also noticed that the cavalry lacked proper horse tack. Aside from skilled generals, most soldiers could only wield their weapons with one hand while gripping the horse with their legs. Even seasoned riders had to crouch on the horse's back and grasp its mane at full speed. The feats seen in dramas—dodging arrows by slipping to the horse's side or underneath—were nowhere to be found.

If they could develop proper saddles and stirrups, training cavalry would no longer be a pipe dream. Fitting horses with horseshoes would greatly increase rider stability, freeing both hands for combat, while also allowing horses to travel longer and farther without hoof damage—combat effectiveness would soar.

Wang Bo had long wanted to equip their horses thus, but lacked the mounts. Moreover, such innovations are double-edged swords; if the barbarians learned these techniques before the Rising Han Army became powerful, field battles would become disastrous.

According to Wang Bo's vision, the Armory would not only forge current arms and armor but also develop stronger weapons—such as replicating powerful repeating crossbows for infantry, ballistae for city defense, and trebuchets for siege warfare.

After hearing Wang Bo's plans, everyone was stunned, secretly muttering: "Our lord is not human! How does he come up with this? Compared to him, our minds are just rocks!" The ingenuity of the new weapons especially won their admiration.

Excited, the group now had even greater hopes for the Rising Han Army's bright future. Now, even if told to leave, they'd cling and cry to stay.

After everyone dispersed in high spirits, Wang Bo kept Yang Feng, Liao Hua, Chen Rong, Xu Chu, and a few others behind, his expression serious: "I wish to emulate the Han Emperor Ming, and the method of Governor Ji Rong of Liaodong—exchanging money and grain for barbarian heads. Now, Rising Han City will trade wine for the heads of Xianbei Budugen tribesmen with the Xiongnu. This will stir up conflict between the Xiongnu and Xianbei, and allow our army to recapture Yunzhong, seize the fertile lands by the river, and drive Budugen's tribe beyond the Yin Mountains. What do you think?"

"Ah..." Yang Feng and the others drew sharp breaths: "Our lord is ruthless! Buying Xianbei heads with wine? Is he addicted to making skull mounds? Even the usually eager Xu Chu twitched his mouth in silence."

After a moment's pause, Tian Chou spoke softly: "My lord, this method seems too cruel—might it violate natural law?"

Chen Rong added: "It may harm your reputation. If the Rising Han Army becomes known for brutality and bloodlust, it would be most improper."

Wang Bo nodded thoughtfully.

Yang Feng continued: "Moreover, this would make us mortal enemies of the Xianbei. If their whole tribe panics and attacks, our current strength cannot withstand millions of Xianbei invading the northern frontier."

"Hmm!" Wang Bo considered, then spoke slowly: "This method is indeed too cruel—only to be used in times of deepest pain. I was too eager for revenge after the last battle, driven by grief for our heavy losses."

"Yet the barbarian chieftains are always a threat to Han. Subduing them is difficult. Let us wait until the Rising Han Army grows strong; should the barbarians persist, we may revisit this plan."

Page (2/3)

Everyone nodded, and Wang Bo added: "These words are from my mouth to your ears—do not let them spread! Remember!"

Within less than a month, news of the Rising Han Army's bloody battle and resounding victory at the ancient city of Shanwu, slaughtering thousands of barbarian horsemen and erecting a skull mound beneath Yunu Pass, spread throughout the northern frontier of Han.

Unlike the furious Budugen, who raged upon hearing the news, Han people in Youzhou, Bingzhou, Jizhou, from high officials to common folk, were overjoyed.

Especially those who had suffered from barbarian raids and bore deep hatred toward the horsemen—upon hearing, they gathered friends, flocked to recruitment stations established by the Rising Han Army, or joined merchant caravans headed to Rising Han City. A wave of volunteers surged forth, eager to join the army, fight on the battlefield, and avenge themselves upon the barbarians.

Good news followed one after another, stirring the Rising Han officers and soldiers to rejoice. Wang Bo himself was all smiles, repeatedly sighing that the battle was well worth it.

First, countless men from Yan and Zhao responded to the army's call to slay the barbarians, arriving at Rising Han City to enlist. All were young, strong, and fit; many were skilled in martial arts and archery.

In response, Wang Bo ordered the formal establishment of the "Barbarian-Slaying Camp," specifically to accommodate the new volunteers, with Yang Feng appointed as commander, responsible for organization and training.

They began by testing martial skills, selecting squad and company leaders. Every ten days was a selection day for the army; those who performed well joined the reserve ranks, the outstanding could directly enter the main force.

Soon, the vast training grounds echoed with shouts and neighs, bustling with activity. Liao Hua, finding the space too cramped, led the cavalry to another site for training.

Wang Bo personally attended several selections, but found no legendary generals among the recruits. Though slightly disappointed, he did discover some promising talents—historically obscure or overlooked second- and third-tier warriors like Jiang Qi, Xia Zhao, Lü Kuang, and Lü Xiang, whom he personally inducted into the main force.

The next good news arrived: Du Yuan, who guarded the old Yellow Turban camp in Jizhou, was now personally leading three thousand trained Yellow Turban soldiers to Rising Han City.

Hearing that the Yellow Turbans were headed to Rising Han City to slay barbarians, Han soldiers in Zhao and Changshan, who had long hated the Black Mountain Army, did not hinder them. Some county officials and merchants, admiring the Rising Han Army's resistance, even sent money and provisions.

What caught Wang Bo's attention was that the letter mentioned Gongsun Zan, now a middle-ranking general, had given Du Yuan a hundred top-quality iron scale armors and two hundred Han-style sabers to deliver to Wang Bo, as a gesture of respect for their victories against the horsemen.

Thus, Du Yuan's force did not need to detour around cities, and marched swiftly. When Wang Bo received this news, they had already reached Zhongshan, and barring accidents, would arrive south of Pingcheng, a region frequented by barbarians, within a month.

Wang Bo was so delighted he did not sleep all night. He quickly shared this news with Yang Feng and the others, who were equally thrilled.

Ping Han clamored for fine wine to celebrate, earning a glare from Wang Bo before he turned to pester Yang Feng. Pei Yuanshao, Xu Chu, and others joined in, so Wang Bo finally ordered ten jin of Rising Han wine to be distributed among them, appeasing Ping Han's plaintive gaze.

Envoys from various counties within Bingzhou also arrived in succession. Besides offering greetings and admiration, some brought obsolete arms and armor, others supplied money and provisions, and a few even sent dozens of beautiful singers and dancers, giving everyone lewd looks as they eyed Wang Bo.

Wang Bo accepted all gifts and brought out his prized Rising Han wine. Each envoy received ten jin of Rising Han spirits and twenty jin of the lesser brew as a return gift, and Wang Bo expressed his wish to recruit skilled craftsmen from each county.

But the last batch of envoys brought Wang Bo the greatest delight.

These final visitors were none other than Ding Yuan, the current governor of Bingzhou. He sent not only ten thousand measures of grain and several hundred sets of arms and armor, but also a thousand-man detachment under the pretext of "assisting in slaying barbarians."

Page (3/3)