Chapter 103: For the Iron Cavalry

One day, as evening fell, Qin Cheng escorted Bai Xinxin and Rong’er back to Linxiang Pavilion, then returned with the others to Qin Yue’s courtyard.

For Qin Cheng now, in terms of military achievements, holding the position of governor over a commandery was no longer out of reach. However, in terms of seniority, he still fell short. Thus, whether he would be appointed governor of Shanggu Commandery after reporting his great victory over the Xiongnu to the court depended on the emperor’s decree. Should Qin Cheng secure the governorship, Bai Xinxin would naturally no longer need to stay at Linxiang Pavilion. If not, Qin Cheng was determined to find another way to bring her out.

Originally, Nangong Shang intended to return home, but Qin Cheng asked him to stay a little longer. “I have matters to discuss with you tonight; stay another day for now.”

Seeing Qin Cheng’s serious expression, Nangong Shang knew it must be important and readily agreed.

As for Le Yi, he had nowhere else to go. Being close with both Qin Cheng and Qin Yue, he followed Qin Cheng along.

Now that both Le Yi and Qin Cheng held certain positions within the military, purchasing a residence in the commandery seat was no trouble. They had discussed setting up a place to settle in the city before returning to the camp.

Back at the courtyard, after dinner, Qin Cheng and Qin Yue offered incense to their deceased parents. Afterwards, they sat with Nangong Shang and Le Yi in the pavilion of the backyard. They laid out a few simple dishes and several jars of fine wine, and under the moonlight, they talked.

Qin Yue understood that Qin Cheng and the others had matters to discuss. Though she was close to them, and Confucian rituals were not yet fully established, the ancient Zhou rites still forbade her from joining the men. The topic ahead was unsuitable for her, so Qin Cheng did not ask her to stay.

“You’ve been dealing with the Xiongnu for nearly half a year now. Tell me honestly, how profitable is it?” Qin Cheng asked Nangong Shang.

“In these past six months, I’ve made three trips to the vast desert, trading mostly common goods. As for profit…” Nangong Shang bit off a piece of lamb, then raised a hand to gesture, “Tenfold.”

“Tenfold?” Le Yi’s eyes widened in disbelief. “Isn’t that a bit exaggerated?”

Nangong Shang shook his head and explained patiently, “Goods from the southern lands fetch three to five times the price in the north. If it weren’t so, why would anyone risk traveling thousands of miles? Similarly, Han goods are scarce in the desert regions. Over the years, the Xiongnu have grown accustomed to many Han items. Without them, their daily lives cannot function normally. So Han goods in the desert are snapped up quickly. Now that war has broken out and border markets are closed, the Xiongnu’s needs are unmet. Our goods, once inside Xiongnu territory, are highly sought after and sold out swiftly. Doubling the price is nothing surprising.”

Qin Cheng nodded, understanding well. He was aware of the merchant’s profit margins from the future world. Tenfold profit was not unreasonable; in fact, he found it natural. “This is just the beginning. As the war with the Xiongnu drags on, their inability to plunder sufficient wealth will only increase their demand for goods. Your profits will grow accordingly. War truly is the most lucrative time for merchants.”

“Indeed,” Nangong Shang agreed. “Not only that, since fewer merchants dare to trade with the Xiongnu now, their needs go unmet. When we arrive in the desert, we’re often received by tribal leaders, sometimes even given gifts of pelts and fine horses, simply to ensure we return next time.”

Qin Cheng pondered, then said, “The Xiongnu depend heavily on merchants like you.”

“Though it may sound unpleasant, it’s the truth,” Nangong Shang replied, taking a sip of wine.

“If your profits are so great, surely you’re already wealthy beyond measure? If you could donate some to the army—especially the scarce light and heavy cavalry equipment—it would help ease the shortage,” Le Yi spoke plainly.

Le Yi understood well the army’s shortage of cavalry gear and how crucial proper equipment was once light and heavy cavalry came into prominence.

Nangong Shang merely raised his cup in response, remaining silent for a moment.

“Le Yi,” Qin Cheng said, noticing his eagerness, “What we need isn’t just a hundred or two hundred sets of cavalry gear. If our vision were so limited, Nangong Shang could donate his entire fortune now. But don’t you think a few hundred sets are too few?”

“You mean…” Le Yi considered, then his eyes sparkled with realization, as if grasping something. “You’re planning to equip the entire cavalry? That would be… incredible!”

His heart raced at the audacity and allure of such an idea.

“Why not?” Qin Cheng answered. “If I intend to build over ten thousand ironclad cavalrymen in Shanggu Commandery, how can it work without gear? What we aim to create is not an ordinary cavalry but an invincible iron cavalry! The essence of iron cavalry lies in its equipment and riders. Heavy cavalry wear armor comparable to heavy infantry, wielding Qin-style halberds and riding fine horses—all of which demand enormous expense. Recently, we nearly exhausted all funds available for military equipment in the commandery, yet barely managed to outfit a single heavy cavalry company. As for light cavalry, just the ring-headed sabers alone—powerful weapons that every rider should have—can only equip one company if reliant solely on court supply. Think of the hidden losses! How many Xiongnu would die less? How many soldiers would perish needlessly on the battlefield? Moreover, training ironclad cavalry differs from ordinary riders; the intensity is incomparable. High-intensity training requires hearty meals and care. That costs money!”

“To put it simply, iron cavalry exists because vast sums are invested. With money, there is iron cavalry; without it, there is nothing!”

Qin Cheng spoke bluntly, his tone tinged with passion. After finishing, he exhaled deeply. “Shanggu is but a frontier commandery with limited resources and scant imperial support. To forge an invincible iron cavalry, we must seek alternative funding.”

Le Yi felt enlightened by Qin Cheng’s words, understanding many key points. Yet, after realizing this, he couldn’t help but worry. “An iron cavalry of ten thousand men—how much would it cost? Nangong Shang, can you support that alone?”

Looking at Nangong Shang, Le Yi’s gaze was not one of doubt but of strong hope.

Sensing Le Yi’s look, Nangong Shang smirked knowingly. “Not even ten Nangong Shangs could manage it, despite the favorable conditions now.”

Le Yi opened his mouth, then closed it again. Seeing Nangong Shang’s cryptic smile, he knew his old friend had a plan. Having grown up together, Le Yi understood that such a smile meant confidence in some scheme. He glanced at Qin Cheng, who simply poured himself a cup of wine and raised it to his lips with a somewhat shameless grin.

“Nangong Er Lang, stop teasing—spill it!” Le Yi complained, feeling left out.

“Heh heh,” Nangong Shang chuckled meaningfully, then slowly said two words: “Merchant guild.”

“Merchant guild?” Le Yi was taken aback. Growing up trained in arms and strategy, he was unfamiliar with the term.

“In short, it’s an alliance of all merchants trading with the Xiongnu. Merchants in the guild must remit at least seventy percent of their profits to the commandery to fund the military,” Nangong Shang explained softly. “Moreover, guild merchants’ actions are coordinated and regulated.”

“Ah?” Le Yi was stunned. “Seventy percent remittance? Would those merchants even join? That seems unlikely.”

“The court has forbidden trade with the Xiongnu. Merchants who continue are driven by profit but also necessity. If better avenues existed, who would risk their lives? Seventy percent is high, but as long as profits remain, what choice do they have? Moreover, profits will only grow, so even thirty percent later remains substantial,” Nangong Shang spoke matter-of-factly.

Le Yi stroked his chin, pondering. “Still, I doubt it’ll be so simple…”

“Heh, it won’t be. For the rest, you’ll have to ask Qin Cheng about his plans,” Nangong Shang said, looking at Qin Cheng.

Qin Cheng smiled faintly. “If these merchants want to survive, if they want profit, if they want to trade with the Xiongnu without fear, they have no choice.”

“Bold!” Nangong Shang praised. “A man with military power speaks with damn authority!”

He laughed heartily.

“You intend to use the army to threaten these merchants?!” Le Yi exclaimed.

“Don’t put it so harshly. What threat? I’m offering them protection. With official backing, they can trade without fear of prosecution. Isn’t that better?” Qin Cheng said with a dark smile. “Of course, if they refuse, their past actions can cost them their lives.”

“Indeed,” Nangong Shang finished his cup.

Le Yi was momentarily speechless, then sighed. “You’re outright robbing them!”

“For the iron cavalry,” Qin Cheng raised his cup.

“For the Han,” Nangong Shang did the same.

“Going all in!” Le Yi was stunned but then drained his cup.

They all laughed heartily.

“I wonder how His Majesty would react if he knew of our madness…” Qin Cheng suddenly chuckled.

…