Chapter 24: Acting Garrison Commander, In Command of Five Thousand Troops!

"Zhu Ying, are you certain you wish to take on this assignment?"

Chen Heng looked at Zhu Ying, his eyes filled with a warning. As a Commander of the Regional Military Commission, he had to prioritize the overall strategic situation. However, Zhu Ying had once saved his life, and given how perilous this mission was and how unpredictable the consequences might be, he truly did not want Zhu Ying to accept it.

"This subordinate is certain," Zhu Ying replied loudly.

"Commander Zhu," Bu Wan asked, looking at him, "how many troops do you require?"

"This mission does not depend on the number of soldiers, but on the strength of the troops and the quality of their mounts. My own command consists of nearly seven hundred men. If you grant me a total of four thousand cavalrymen and sufficient dry rations, I am confident I can stall the Tatars," Zhu Ying stated immediately.

Four thousand cavalry. With his own strength and the attribute bonuses granted by his official authority and seal, Zhu Ying felt very confident.

"General Chen," Bu Wan asked, turning to Chen Heng, "how many cavalrymen does our army currently have?"

"Reporting to you, sir," Chen Heng replied, "nearly ten thousand."

"Zhu Ying, since you have such courage," Bu Wan said, "I shall record this great merit for you in advance. I hereby promote you to Acting Garrison Commander. I grant you five thousand cavalry and assign four battalion commanders to assist you. By virtue of your authority as Garrison Commander, I bestow upon you absolute command over these five thousand cavalrymen; all battalion commanders must obey your orders. Those who violate your commands shall be dealt with according to military law."

Bu Wan immediately drafted a military order and stamped it with his official seal.

Garrison Commander! A rank above a battalion commander, commanding five thousand troops and positioned just below the Regional Military Commissioners. Although it was only an acting role, this was the greatest support Bu Wan could provide. As a civil official, he agreed with Zhu Ying’s reasoning. His army of twenty thousand had already penetrated one hundred miles into the Northern Frontier; to advance further would indeed be to enter a place of great danger. Not only were supply lines a concern, but they were also highly vulnerable to being surrounded.

Zhu Ying’s strategy could both stall the Tatars and draw out the Northern Yuan—killing two birds with one stone. Since Zhu Ying was willing to risk his life for the mission, Bu Wan felt he should support him for the sake of the greater good.

Upon hearing Bu Wan’s words, the many generals in the tent felt a pang of regret. Despite the danger, this was a promotion. Although it was only an acting rank, if one could successfully stall the Tatars and return to the Ming alive, the "acting" title would be dropped, and the rank would become permanent.

"This subordinate thanks the Commander and will not let you down," Zhu Ying bowed immediately, feeling a surge of excitement. He had accepted the mission for two reasons: first, it was indeed a great achievement; second, it would allow him to continue slaughtering enemies in the Northern Frontier. Compared to the grand battles of sieging cities and chasing deer in the Northern Yuan, as a commander of cavalry, he had far more opportunities here.

Seizing this chance meant killing enemies to harvest attributes!

Perhaps Zhu Ying would have the opportunity to push all his attributes past one thousand. Once he reached that level, he would truly have a firm footing in the army and in this era. Naturally, the power he would gain would be just as significant.

"General Liu," Bu Wan said to Liu Zhen, "order the logistics unit to immediately prepare dry rations for five thousand men for at least half a month. It must be ready today."

"This subordinate obeys," Liu Zhen replied readily.

Just then, a messenger rushed into the tent, shouting, "Report! Urgent intelligence from the garrison camp of the Regional Military Commission at Daning Prefecture! There are signs of troop movements in the Liaodong region occupied by the Northern Yuan’s Naghachu; they appear to be preparing to attack Daning. Please, Commander, make the decision."

As these words fell, the generals in the tent were stunned. Many of them cast their gazes toward Zhu Ying. Just moments ago, Zhu Ying had predicted that if the Northern Yuan mobilized, they would not directly reinforce the Tatars but would instead attack Daning. It had happened exactly as he had foreseen.

*It seems Zhu Ying is not only brave but also possesses the talent of a general,* Bu Wan thought to himself. *I should focus on cultivating him. If a talented general emerges under my watch and earns merit defending the Daning border, the Emperor will surely be pleased.*

At this moment, he could not help but view Zhu Ying with even greater respect.

"Sir," Liu Zhen respectfully suggested, "now that the Northern Yuan intends to invade Daning, the prefecture cannot be left without leadership. I believe you should return to Daning to oversee the defense; that way, the remaining soldiers will have a backbone."

"I second that motion," Chen Heng said immediately.

"Very well," Bu Wan nodded. Having marched in the Northern Frontier for days, he had to admit he could no longer keep pace with these military officers. "In that case, the surprise attack on Liaodong will rely on you two generals. You may discuss the specifics and decide accordingly."

"We obey," Chen Heng and Liu Zhen replied.

After the meeting in the tent concluded and the orders were issued, the army’s cavalry was quickly reorganized, forming the five-thousand-strong garrison cavalry battalion for Zhu Ying. The logistics unit worked at full capacity to produce dry rations.

Chen Heng stood before Zhu Ying, a look of helplessness on his face. "You brat, I don't even know what to say to you. Are you throwing your life away?"

Chen Heng sighed.

"What do you mean, General?" Zhu Ying smiled and clasped his hands.

"Don't play dumb with me," Chen Heng said. "Five thousand cavalrymen in the vast Northern Frontier are like a drop of water in the ocean; they won't even stir a ripple. The Jianzhou Tatars may be weak, but they are a nation of warriors, and they have horse ranches—their cavalry is substantial. Their military strength is at least seventy or eighty thousand. If the Northern Yuan reinforces them and closes the net, you will truly be in grave danger."

"General," Zhu Ying said with a smile, showing no signs of fear, "even if I hadn't taken this assignment, another general would have. Besides, I’ll be promoted after this mission; that’s a good thing."

Seeing this, Chen Heng was completely exasperated. "You brat... sigh, I don't know what to tell you. Fine. If you have any other requests or anything you need me to do, just say it."

Zhu Ying smiled. "I would trouble you to prepare more arrows, General—at least two quivers per horseman."

"Done," Chen Heng nodded without hesitation.

"Apart from that, the logistics unit is already preparing the rations and water. I have no other requests," Zhu Ying said.

"Are you sure?" Chen Heng stared at him.

"Truly, that is all," Zhu Ying shook his head immediately.

"Where is your home? Who is left in your family? Do you not need me to send word to anyone?" Chen Heng asked, looking helpless.

"General," Zhu Ying said, his expression one of mock misery, "why do you speak as if I’m never coming back?"

He was asking for his last will and testament!

Chen Heng looked deadly serious. "You have accepted the military order; I cannot change that. I can only do what else I can."

Seeing Chen Heng’s genuine concern, Zhu Ying grew serious as well. "I used to have a grandmother, but now I am alone. Though, if you count him, there is an old steward who has looked after me since I was a child."