Chapter Thirty-Nine: The Brothers of Eighteen

After a brief silence, the assembled generals began to raise a series of questions. Many pertained to the finer details of life within the military camp—matters about which Qin Cheng’s knowledge was naturally limited. Yet he understood well that the development of cavalry was the sole path to defeating the Xiongnu. Holding fast to this conviction, even though some of his answers were less than thorough, he gave no opening for reproach.

He was also aware that the authorities in Chang’an would by now have begun their own large-scale efforts to develop cavalry. If history followed its original course, Qin Cheng recalled that in 129 BC, Emperor Wu of Han dispatched four divisions of cavalry, numbering a total of forty thousand, against the Xiongnu. It was in that campaign that the young Wei Qing first stepped into history’s spotlight.

The generals found it strange that a mere commoner like Qin Cheng, without noble lineage, could possess such deep and detailed insights—insights that even the scions of great houses could not match. But with the facts laid before them, and urgent matters of weighing the pros and cons of cavalry development on their minds, no one raised the issue aloud. They could only surmise that though Qin Cheng was poor in circumstance, his ambitions were high. His performance in the recent battle spoke of diligent study in the art of war. At this, the generals could not help but glance at Li Gan, thinking to themselves that as the son of the general, he ought to be a tiger cub born of a military family—so why did he have nothing to say on such a crucial matter?

Li Gan, for his part, already felt aggrieved that a country boy like Qin Cheng should possess such insight. Now, sensing the sidelong glances of the generals, he could well guess what they were thinking. He was itching to curse: “Damn it, what are you looking at? I’m even more baffled than you are!”

“Reforming the military is a tangled matter, involving countless complexities. It is fraught with difficulty, and the slightest misstep could spell disaster. Horses, equipment, personnel, training—each is a vast undertaking. Such matters cannot be resolved by the efforts of one border commandery alone. If you are unafraid of hardship and are willing to see it through, then I will immediately report to His Majesty and request his sacred judgment…” Li Guang, who had remained silent until now, spoke at an opportune moment, seeing the generals deep in thought.

Hearing Li Guang’s words, Qin Cheng’s mind sharpened. So, old Li Guang wasn’t above playing a bit of strategy himself. By highlighting the most challenging aspects of military reform, he effectively blocked anyone from using these difficulties as a pretext for opposition. Outwardly, he urged caution; in truth, he was goading them on. Clearly, he too recognized the importance of developing cavalry and was eager to proceed.

With this thought, the corners of Qin Cheng’s mouth curled up in a faint smile.

“We await the general’s orders,” the generals replied, every one of them clearly convinced, bowing their fists in salute.

“In that case, I will immediately submit a memorial to His Majesty,” Li Guang declared. At last, the debate had yielded results—truly, the discussion between the generals and Qin Cheng had borne fruit. Li Guang himself felt a weight lifted from his heart. After a lifetime of warfare, always beset by endless obstacles, he now felt as though a new path had opened before him. He was moved.

“Qin, your merits in this past battle are great, and now you have offered such valuable insight. You are truly a youth to be reckoned with. Tonight, when you return to camp, we shall all drink heartily in your honor! If our Han army had a few more like you, the destruction of the Xiongnu would be within reach!”

“Well said, General! If my own son had half your talent, I could enjoy my old age in peace!”

“Haha! If I had a daughter, I would certainly marry her to you, Qin!”

Laughter rang out among the generals.

After the merriment, Li Guang instructed everyone to return to their duties—for though the great battle was over, the affairs of the camp were still legion. Before they dispersed, he told them to gather again that evening to celebrate with Qin. All agreed readily.

When the others had left, Li Guang kept Qin Cheng behind. Their bond had deepened during the last battle, and now, their conversation was light and informal.

Li Guang’s appreciation of Qin Cheng was beyond doubt. Having witnessed his talent, Li Guang wished to promote him. As for Qin Cheng, he needed Li Guang’s patronage to secure his footing in the army and to plan for his future. Thus, it was a mutually beneficial friendship, and their conversation was lively and congenial, neither noticing the passage of time.

Their pleasure, however, was a torment for Li Gan, who stood nearby. Though Li Guang had placed him in the army for training, granting him the nominal rank of young general, he had yet to distinguish himself in battle, and his only position was that of personal guard. As such, he could not excuse himself with the pretense of urgent affairs and had to remain standing by. Already resentful of Qin Cheng, he now had to endure his own father’s warmth toward the other man, and could only grit his teeth. Even the several trips he made to relieve himself did nothing to improve his mood—in fact, his face grew darker with each return. Li Guang seemed intent on making him stand there, giving him no chance to speak, nor any leave to depart.

“Did you visit home during your convalescence?” Li Guang asked.

“I was wounded, and though I am much recovered, I feared my sister would worry if I returned. She has cared for me since I was young, and it would not be easy to convince her otherwise. So, I decided against going home,” Qin Cheng replied, fabricating excuses. It was not that he did not wish to go home, but that he could not. Concealing his time-traveling identity from others was manageable; deceiving the sister who had raised “Qin Cheng” for over a decade was another matter entirely. So, for now, he would simply avoid the issue.

“You must have read many books on military strategy since you were young?” Li Guang continued after some idle chatter. “Li Gan too has read a few, but he is not as flexible in their use as you. Since you have little to do these days, you might discuss the art of war with him—it will be good for both of you. He does not enjoy talking with an old man like me, but young men find it easier among themselves… In the future, it will fall to you two to support the army of Qiansang City…”

“I have not read all that many…” Qin Cheng began, but realizing this sounded too modest to be believed, quickly added, “If Young General is willing, I would be glad to learn from him.”

“There’s no need to talk about learning or not,” Li Gan finally seized his chance to speak, his tone impatient. “I would like to see what military treatises you have studied, Qin…”

“Silence!” Li Guang snapped without turning, “This is not your place to speak!”

At this rebuke, Li Gan’s face flushed crimson and he was left speechless, venting his anger by striking the hilt of his sword.

Qin Cheng found it amusing—since when did Li Gan lose the right to interrupt when he was talking with Li Guang?

The conversation continued for quite some time. At last, Qin Cheng excused himself, saying he wished to visit Wu Daliang at the Eighteenth Squad’s barracks, and Li Guang allowed him to go.

As soon as Qin Cheng left, Li Gan let out a heavy snort. “Father, why do you value that boy so highly? What’s so special about him?”

“Be quiet!” Li Guang scolded, his gaze as if he would kick his son to death. “Remember this: Qin’s talent far surpasses yours, and his future achievements will be greater as well. If you are not convinced, reflect on your performances in the last battle and see if I’m wrong. The ancients said, ‘On seeing the virtuous, strive to emulate them.’ Restrain that temper of yours and learn well from him!”

With that, Li Guang ignored his son and went to the rear of the barracks.

“He’s just a country bumpkin who got lucky once—what’s so great about him?” Li Gan muttered, “Next time, I’ll outshine him!”

Before reaching the Eighteenth Squad’s barracks, Qin Cheng spotted Wu Daliang and Dong Chu squatting together on a small mound, deep in conversation.

“Daliang, Dong Chu!” Qin Cheng called as he approached.

“Squad leader?!”

“Military officer?!”

Both men turned and, seeing Qin Cheng, exclaimed in surprise, though each used a different title.

“Squad leader, you… you’re finally back!” Wu Daliang leapt up, rushing to Qin Cheng, his face alight with joy. “Are you fully recovered?”

“I am,” Qin Cheng replied with a hearty slap to Wu Daliang’s shoulder. “And you? Is your injury no longer an issue?”

“It was nothing—just some scrapes. A few days of rest and I’m as good as new!” Wu Daliang laughed. Suddenly, his expression turned serious as he knelt before Qin Cheng, his voice choked with emotion. “I am unworthy; I dragged you into danger to save me. I nearly put you at death’s door—I deserve punishment!”

Caught off guard by Wu Daliang’s sudden formality, Qin Cheng hastily helped him up. “We are comrades. On the battlefield, our lives are entrusted to one another. Saving you was not just my duty, but my obligation. Besides, you and Dong Chu once saved my life. I should be thanking you!”

“Don’t say that, Military Officer. Your life is far more valuable than ours,” Dong Chu said awkwardly.

“What nonsense is that? Is my life a life, and yours not? There is no distinction of worth between lives. Don’t ever entertain such thoughts again!” Qin Cheng admonished sternly.

“Yes, I won’t dare in future,” Dong Chu replied.

“Enough. There’s no need for such formality with me. Among ourselves, let’s not bother with ranks—we are brothers, not mere superior and subordinate.” Qin Cheng’s words came from the heart. The Eighteenth Squad was the root of his fortunes in this era; other things he could ignore, but not his brothers in arms. He did not wish for their relationship to be a rigid hierarchy.

“I will obey,” Dong Chu responded by habit, but catching the looks of disdain from both Qin Cheng and Wu Daliang, quickly corrected himself, scratching his head in embarrassment. “You’re right, Qin. That’s how it should be.”

“By the way, only five of our squad survived this campaign. Where are the other two now?” Qin Cheng asked.

“They’re holed up in the barracks. Would you like to see them?” Wu Daliang replied.

“Let’s go. We’re all brothers—surviving is no small feat. Let’s have a good talk today!”

Qin Cheng then went with them to the barracks. The other two soldiers looked at him with admiration, but he paid it no mind, joking and chatting with them. Whenever they addressed Qin Cheng as squad leader or officer, Dong Chu would scold them, putting on airs and insisting they call him “Brother Qin” from now on. Qin Cheng kicked Dong Chu, mockingly asking if he wanted to be called “Uncle” next.

They enjoyed a lively time together. As dusk fell, Wu Daliang wanted Qin Cheng to stay for dinner, but hesitated, thinking his current status meant he would not eat regular soldiers’ rations. Qin Cheng, sensing this, patted him on the shoulder and said he had to dine with the general that night, but would eat with them another time. Wu Daliang smiled awkwardly and let it be.

Before leaving, Qin Cheng considered telling them about the coming cavalry reforms so they could prepare, but since nothing was certain yet—not even the Emperor’s approval—he decided to keep it to himself, merely urging everyone not to neglect their training.

That evening, Li Guang and the senior officers of the camp held a banquet in Qin Cheng’s honor. He was, of course, the guest of honor and was plied with wine. But having learned his lesson from the last drinking contest with Bai Xinxin, he was careful not to overindulge.

The festivities lasted until the early morning before the generals finally dispersed.

Afterwards, Qin Cheng spent several idle days in camp until the officials from Chang’an at last arrived at Qiansang City.

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P.S. A character dossier has been posted in the “About the Story” section, covering the protagonist’s life before time travel. Please take a look!
P.S.2: The next part of the story will focus on “farming” as a main theme—but I promise it won’t be dull or monotonous!
P.S.3: Calling for red votes!!!