Victory

When the sun had just risen to its appointed hour, Wang Bo, surrounded by the Wolf Owl Guards and accompanied by waves of thunderous cheers, ascended to the highest point of the eastern grandstand. There, using a makeshift iron megaphone, he announced the latest appointments in Xinghan City:

Yang Feng would serve as the Chief Historian and Military Affairs Scribe of Xinghan City, assisting Wang Bo in managing the crucial military and administrative matters, and assuming his responsibilities in his absence.

Chen Rong was appointed as County Assistant and Logistics Officer, responsible primarily for the army’s logistical affairs.

Tian Chou would take on the role of Register Scribe, charged with transmitting and supervising the implementation of civil and military orders, as well as overseeing the city’s judicial institutions.

Zhang Ning, formerly known as the “Saint Maiden” of the Yellow Turbans, would now be honored as the “Saint Matron” of Xinghan, participating in all military and governmental deliberations.

Lastly, Wang Bo himself: within the city, he would bear the title “General of Xinghan”; to the outside world, he would retain the formal title of County Magistrate of Xinghan.

After completing these announcements, Wang Bo raised his hands to calm the crowd, and then loudly declared the commencement of the military review.

Amidst the solemn and powerful drumbeats, battalions of well-equipped, robust, and high-spirited Xinghan soldiers marched in perfect unison from the northern end of the training field. Each unit, upon reaching the central passage before the stands, would halt, turn their dark young faces slightly left, and shout in unison, “Ten thousand victories for Xinghan!” Their voices ignited the enthusiasm of the assembled soldiers and citizens, who responded with thunderous, hoarse cheers, venting their excitement without restraint.

First to march were the heavy shield battalions, half carrying and half shouldering their ironclad shields, each weighing dozens of pounds yet looking effortless in their grip. Every step sent a dull rumble through the earth, but none of the shields faltered throughout the long parade route.

Next came the various corps of Xinghan: spearmen gripping their long lances with both hands; sword-and-shield infantry with shields in the left hand and sabers in the right; troops wielding massive broadswords held diagonally before their chests; crossbowmen with their weapons leveled straight ahead; archers with taut bows drawn in a crescent, arrows nocked for a volley.

After the infantry, the newly trained and well-equipped cavalry rode in: light cavalry on sturdy steeds, armed with sabers, leather armor, and longbows; the main force of cavalry wielding an array of long weapons; and heavy cavalry in scale armor, their horses’ tack jingling as they rode in, each bearing a broadsword across the shoulders. The imposing sight of horse and rider drew wave upon wave of raucous acclaim from the stands.

Last to pass were the ballistae crews, who had performed with such might at the Yunu Pass. Their massive ballistae were now mounted on even larger carriages, drawn by three horses each, with reinforced compartments allowing for fire in all directions and additional protection for the horses. On the right battlefield, these would surely become the enemy’s nightmare.

The crowd’s reactions varied. Wang Bo, Yang Feng, Chen Dao, and the other leaders wore expressions of deep satisfaction, exchanging glances filled with pride and ambition, their admiration ultimately settling on Wang Bo at the center.

The soldiers who had not been chosen for the parade stood with chests thrust out, fists clenched, barely able to contain their confidence as they shouted as if they themselves were on the field.

Auxiliary troops looked on with envy and a hint of regret, waving and cheering until their voices were hoarse, vowing silently to one day earn a place among the main force.

The common folk and the old, women, and children could not match the volume of others, but the bright smiles across their faces spoke of their excitement and reverence.

The foreign laborers from the steppes, after months in Xinghan’s work camps, now saw the army stronger than when they had first fought it. Their faces were clouded with worry—those who cared for their tribes silently prayed that their loved ones might never clash with such a force, lest they face annihilation. Yet, the fierce martial culture of the steppe peoples led some of the more warlike among them to gaze at the troops with a newfound respect, and a few even contemplated joining their ranks.

Meanwhile, the envoys from the Southern Xiongnu and Bing Province, invited to witness the event, went from open admiration to utter shock. When the sword battalions, encased entirely in iron armor with only their eyes visible, marched past, they could not help but rise from their seats, jaws agape. At the sight of the uniform, steel-clad heavy cavalry, their astonishment turned to genuine fear.

When the ballistae corps had passed, Wang Bo once again climbed the dais amidst the roaring cheers. Smiling, he waited for the tumult to subside, then announced that, from that day forth, the Xinghan Army would be formed into three great legions, and this day would be commemorated as the founding day of the army.

The next ceremony was the presentation of the new legion banners, and the public display of the new forces.

During his convalescence, Wang Bo and his advisors had deliberated endlessly, and now the reforms were set. The old battalion system was abolished, and all troops were divided into three legions: one a pure cavalry force with high mobility; another a mixed force focused on offensive operations; and the last an infantry legion dedicated to defense.

The names of the legions followed the current custom of venerating fierce beasts, though selecting their commanders had been no easy task. In Wang Bo’s view, none among the officers yet possessed the qualities to lead independently, so he would fill the roles temporarily, with permanent appointments to follow as talent emerged.

The “Azure Wolf Legion” was the light cavalry, five thousand strong, most being skilled mounted archers equipped with a thousand lancers for close combat. Their tactics were focused on skirmishing, flanking, and disrupting enemy supply lines. The lively Niu Feihu would act as provisional commander, supported by the Wolf Owl Guard’s Second Squad.

The “Red Tiger Legion” formed the main force, over twenty thousand strong with three thousand cavalry including several hundred heavy cavalry; the rest were mixed infantry, organized into hundred-man units each combining heavy shield, sword-and-shield, broadsword, spear, and missile troops. Capable of both attack and defense, these units could form flexible battle arrays. Wang Bo himself commanded, with Liao Hua, Xu Chu, Chen Dao, and the Wolf Owl Guard’s First Squad as deputies.

For defense, the “Black Tortoise Legion” numbered over five thousand, plus several thousand reserve archers and crossbowmen. This legion’s main task was to defend key passes and strategic locations in concert with county forces. No chief commander was appointed; instead, Zhou Xiu, Wang Qi, Liu Yu, and others each led their sections, assisted by the Wolf Owl Guard’s Third Squad.

Niu Feihu, Chen Dao, and Zhou Xiu each received the new legion banners from Wang Bo’s hands, then turned to their troops, waving the flags high. With each wave, their soldiers roared, “Ten thousand victories for Xinghan!” Soon the entire field echoed with the chant, its fervor shaking the land.

When the review ended, the Southern Xiongnu envoys and the merchant representatives departed, each with their own thoughts. Wang Bo detained only the Bing Province envoy, to whom he entrusted a letter for Inspector Ding Yuan. In it, Wang Bo declared that in twenty days, the Xinghan Army would march on Yunzhong to decisively eliminate the Xianbei under Budugen and reclaim lost Han territory, requesting Ding Yuan’s support. The clever Niu Er was dispatched as Xinghan’s envoy to explain the details in person.

After Niu Er and the Bing envoy departed, Wang Bo ordered the Yunu Pass sealed and instructed Yang Feng, Tian Chou, and others to organize auxiliary forces and supplies for transport to Wujin County. Each legion was to intensify joint combat drills, leaving no room for slack.

Several days later, Niu Er returned, dusty and travel-worn, bearing news of Bing Province’s support: Ding Yuan had assembled thousands of bushels of grain, provided additional arms and wagons, and was sending three thousand infantry to assist—but no commander. They would arrive at the Yunu Pass in about ten days. As for the request to send a general, Ding Yuan’s reply was simply that he would consider it further.

Wang Bo smiled knowingly; he understood that Ding Yuan was reluctant to part with the formidable Zhang Liao, having barely managed to recall him last time. To send someone else was to risk not getting them back at all. Still, the supplies and troops were a worthy gesture of loyalty—no need to demand more.

He then issued his orders: the Black Tortoise Legion would guard the home front, while the Azure Wolf and Red Tiger legions would be given three days of rest before assembling to march on Yunzhong five days hence.

In the council chamber of the Xinghan General’s Residence, the military and civil leaders assembled, all sitting upright with solemn faces. Even the usually boisterous Ping Han and Huang Long were the picture of seriousness, though their wandering eyes betrayed their excitement and eagerness for battle.

They faced a detailed map of Xinghan, Yunzhong, and the ancient county of Wuyuan, every hill and stream clearly marked. Niu Feihu, brimming with pride, pointed with a stick as he explained the current situation of the Xianbei in Yunzhong.

After Niu Feihu finished his thorough briefing, Wang Bo rose, sweeping his gaze over the assembled officers, his voice trembling with excitement: “This campaign shall be our army’s moment of glory! If we succeed, the Xianbei of Yunzhong will submit, and we may pacify the Southern Xiongnu without bloodshed. Xinghan’s foundations will be secure, and even if the Han court falls and the Central Plains descend into chaos, we shall face it with confidence and poise. Now, brothers, what strategies do you propose? Let us pool our wisdom—speak freely!”

Liao Hua was first to stand and bow. “My lord, when the Xianbei retreated, they turned Chengle and Dingxiang into no-man’s lands, evading our army’s might. Though it is the season for nomads to wander, they will surely guard Beiyu, Jiling, and Yunzhong in force.

“For caution’s sake, there are two methods: First, by standard practice, we should capture the nearby counties of Yuanyang, Wuquan, and Beiyu, then march south along the Huanggan River to assault Yunzhong City, and finally take down Sha Ling, Yangshou, and the neighboring counties one by one, pushing the Xianbei toward Xianyang and out of Yunzhong entirely. That is the first method.

“Second: We divide our army in two—one strikes north at Yuanyang and Beiyu, the other south at Jiling and Yangshou, then both converge to besiege Yunzhong City.”

The officers nodded as they listened, and Wang Bo pondered which strategy to use. At that moment, Chen Dao, who had sat in silence, stood and frowned slightly. “Though both methods seem prudent, they would be time-consuming. Each captured territory would require troops to garrison, spreading us thin and risking exhaustion. The Xianbei are all cavalry; Budugen can redeploy at will. If he delays us and then concentrates his forces for a decisive battle, we may suffer heavy losses even if we win.”

Wang Bo nodded thoughtfully. “Indeed, defense favors us, but offense favors their cavalry. How might we best play to our strengths…” He then looked to Chen Dao. “Have you a better plan?”

Chen Dao studied the map for a moment, then pursed his lips and spoke. “What if: We make a rapid march through Chengle, cross the Baiqu River, and drive straight west to Yunzhong City. Since the Xianbei have not anticipated our attack, Budugen will not have time to gather his forces from north and south.

“With our elite troops, we could take Yunzhong City in one blow, splitting the Xianbei in two and preventing them from uniting. Budugen’s main force would be forced to retreat, and we could then destroy them piecemeal.”

Wang Bo’s eyes lit up. He studied the map and exclaimed, “Strike straight for Yunzhong—attack the heart! A move as fierce as a tiger pouncing on its prey! It suits the Red Tiger Legion’s name perfectly—well done, Chen Dao!” The officers all nodded in agreement.

Liao Hua continued, “But if our main force advances, and the Xianbei’s Fuluohan tribe in Beiyu, unable to aid Yunzhong, instead strikes at Wujin or Yunu Pass to cut our supply lines, what then?”

Before Wang Bo could answer, Du Yuan stood up and declared, “My lord, have no fear! On behalf of the Black Tortoise Legion, I pledge that we will hold the rear. You and our brothers may fight at the front without worry—we will not give the Xianbei cavalry any opening!” Zhou Xiu, Lü Shan, Yu Du, and others rose to echo his vow, thumping their chests.

“Excellent! Then all is assured!” Wang Bo declared, and the officers laughed and clenched their fists in anticipation.

Wang Bo then gave his orders: “Niu Feihu and the Wolf Owl Guard’s Second Squad: Divide the Azure Wolf Legion into several groups. Strike at the Xianbei tribes tens of miles north and south of Yunzhong City. Destroy all you encounter; take no spoils. If you meet large enemy forces, skirmish only—do not engage in prolonged battle. Your task is to harass and confuse Budugen, forcing him into uncertainty and delaying his reinforcements. The number of enemies killed is not your concern—remember this!”

“Yes, my lord! We shall not fail you!” Niu Feihu and his men saluted solemnly. Wang Bo nodded and reminded them to consult together and not act rashly, and to wait until the Red Tiger Legion had advanced a day before setting out.

He then turned to Liao Hua. “Liao Hua, take five thousand men from the Red Tiger Legion as the vanguard. When the army moves, march swiftly to the Baiqu River. Ignore any Xianbei forces en route. Build a pontoon bridge to receive the main force!”

With his orders given, Wang Bo raised his right hand and declared, “The entire army will assemble at Wujin by mid-morning tomorrow. After half a day’s rest and resupply, we march at dawn the following day—straight for Yunzhong City!” As he spoke, he slammed his fist onto the map, marking the spot of Yunzhong City.

The campaign was set.